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.
Welcome to Criminology Chats—where we bring the educational experience right to your ears.
For more information and to enroll at The Chicago School, go to www.thechicagoschool.edu
New episodes become available bi-weekly on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Don’t forget to follow us and listen to our episodes on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.
Email us with questions, comments or ideas for new episodes at criminologychatspodcast@gmail.com
Our YouTube Channel Link: YouTube
Episodes

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Retired FBI Agent Jonny Grusing talks about the Harold Henthorn Case
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
In this episode hosts JR and Ashley chat with retired FBI agent Jonny Grusing. Jonny talks about the case of Harold Henthorn. He worked the Henthorn case with many other FBI agents and a retired National Parks Special Agent Beth Scott. Jonny provides details on how he and the other agents were able to determine that Henthorn killed his second with Tori.

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Megan’s Law & The case of Jessee Timmendequas
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
In this episode of Criminology Chats, host J.R. and co-host Grace engage in a discussion with two faculty members from the Chicago School regarding Megan’s Law and the Jesse Timmendequas case.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Violent Media and Youth Aggressiveness
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Paul Boxer, from Rutgers University, Newark, NJ talks about violent media, the impact on youth aggressiveness and later violent behavior.

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Female Serial Killers
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Marissa A. Harrison from Penn State University (PSU) Harrisburg, PA who has studied female serial killers and written a book about them.

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Part 2 of the case of Army Sergeant James T. Murphy
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
This is part 2 of the tragic case of Army Sergeant James T. Murphy.
In this episode we start with Murphy arriving in West Germany and we will quote from his on emails to us about his actions leading to the death of three people.
Listeners will hear from Rich Vitaris one of Murphy's military defense attorneys at his original trial.
We will talk about Murphy’s psychological testing that was done a decade after his conviction.
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Thursday May 22, 2025
The Case of Army Sergeant James T. Murphy
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Welcome to this episode of Criminology Chats, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of crime, justice, and everything in between. Today, we're tackling a fascinating yet tragic case, one that raises difficult questions about evidence, justice, and the complexities of the human psyche.
This is part one of a two-part series about the disturbing case of Army Sergeant James T. Murphy.
Murphy was convicted by a military court-martial in December 1987 for the premeditated murder of his wife, Petra Murphy, his 5-year-old stepson, and his one-year-old biological son, all of which occurred in August 1987 in West Germany.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Police Leadership
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In this episode we will be speaking with Police Chief Randal Moody of the Harrisonville Missouri Police Department.

Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Cold Case Foundation
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
In this episode, the leadership team from the Cold Case Foundation will engage in a discussion with students at the Chicago School. They will share insights on how the foundation supports families and law enforcement in tackling unsolved murders, serial crimes, and related cases. Tune in to learn more about their vital work in bringing closure to these challenging situations.

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Mastering Madness with Tyler Allen
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Welcome to this episode of Criminology Chats. I’m your host, JR Rainbolt. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Tyler Allen, the esteemed host of the popular true crime podcast, Minds of Madness. Joining us are several students from The Chicago School, who will engage with Tyler through questions and discussions. Tyler will share insights about his podcast journey and delve into the intricate case of Jennifer Shirm, which he explored in a four-part series over two years. We will also hear from Jennifer’s son, who was only 18 months old at the time of her tragic murder, as well as Shane Waters, a private investigator involved in the case. Notably, Tyler's extensive research suggests a potential connection between Jennifer's case and the West Mesa murders in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Inmate Mental Health
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Denise C. Vargas, PsyD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, who provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by incarcerated individuals. Dr. Vargas shares her unique experiences working in jails, where she frequently engages with inmates. She examines the profound effects of trauma and addiction on these individuals, highlighting how these elements frequently contribute to their criminal actions. Join us for an enlightening conversation that uncovers the intricate relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system.






