Criminology Chats

About Criminology Chats

This podcast delves into case studies, explores innovative research, and features interviews with specialists to illuminate the dynamic field of crime and justice. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply fascinated by crime narratives, there is much to discover. So, put on your headphones, relax, and join us as we navigate the complex realm of criminology. Email us with questions, comments or ideas for new episodes at criminologychatspodcast@gmail.com

Publisher

The Chicago School

Category

education · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Feb 2025

Latest episode

6 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

37 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Nov 2026

   The History of School Shootings in America (1700s–1966)

   When Americans hear the words school shooting, most of us think about relatively recent tragedies—breaking-news coverage, frightened students evacuating classrooms, and communities struggling to understand acts of unimaginable violence. But school shootings and violence on school grounds are not exclusively modern phenomena. Their history in America stretches back much further than many people realize. In this episode of Criminology Chats, JR and Miranda take listeners on a journey through American history, from the 1700s through 1966, examining several incidents of violence associated with schools long before television, social media, and around-the-clock news coverage. Together, they explore the circumstances surrounding these tragedies, the individuals responsible, the victims whose lives were forever changed, and the historical context in which these events occurred. Some of these cases involve children who never returned home, teachers murdered in front of their students, domestic violence, suicide, and acts of mass murder. Through historical research and thoughtful discussion, JR and Miranda examine a troubling reality: violence in American schools has a much longer and more complicated history than many of us recognize. ⚠️ LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED: This episode contains discussions of violence against children, homicide, suicide, domestic violence, and mass murder. Some material may be disturbing or emotionally difficult for listeners. Source(s) http://behindthetower.org/a-brief-history-of-mass-shootings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_South_Pasadena_shootings https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/03/24/first-us-school-shooting-gun-debate-217704/ Cort, Cyrus. “The Massacre of Schoolmaster Enoch Brown and Ten Scholars.” Response to the Blue Juniata and Other Poems. Cleveland: Central Publishing House, 1902 Pennsylvania Center for the Book https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/. https://www.newspapers.com/

2. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Later Adult Criminality

   In this episode of Criminology Chats JR and Miranda chat with Juliana Bastain. They will discuss Juliana’s research study about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and what role they play in adulthood criminal activity. Juliana Bastien is a graduate student at George Mason University pursuing an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology, expected in May 2027. She earned her Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology in August 2025 and she graduated from the University of Louisville in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Juliana interned with the U.S. Department of Justice and will complete her School Psychology internship with Loudoun County Public Schools. Her professional interests include the prevention of criminality through evidence-based interventions in schools, with a focus on supporting positive developmental and educational outcomes for students.

3. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Dennis Rader The BTK Serial Killer

   On this episode J.R. and Taylor talk about Dennis Rader the BTK killer. They provide a glimpse into his crimes, childhood and correspondence he sent to them this year. This episode discusses murder, violence against children, stalking, sexual sadism, and the lasting trauma experienced by survivors and victims’ families. We will avoid unnecessary graphic detail, but some facts are disturbing. Listener discretion is advised! Source(s) State of Kansas v. Dennis L. Rader, Case No. 05-CR-498, guilty-plea hearing transcript, Sedgwick County District Court, June 27, 2005. Associated Press/CBS News, “BTK Gets 10 Consecutive Life Terms,” August 18, 2005. Associated Press/CBS News, “Computer Trail Led to BTK Suspect,” March 4, 2005. ABC News, “Families of BTK Serial Killer’s Victims Remember Their Loved Ones,” January 30, 2019. Kansas Department of Corrections, adult supervised population record for Dennis L. Rader. Contemporary Wichita-area reporting and later case summaries were used to cross-check chronology, biographical details, and victim information. Editorial note: The descriptions of Rader’s inner life rely partly on statements he made after capture and should not be treated as independent psychological proof. Alleged links to additional unsolved cases are identified as allegations or active investigative theories, not established crimes.

Who has been a guest on Criminology Chats

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Detective McDonald
• Police cadets
• Jessica Reeves-Burrola
• Brandon Hall
• Dr John Doe

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

61

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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