On the Science of Second Chances | Jennifer Doleac

When criminal justice expert and Stanford-Trained economist, Jennifer Doleac thinks about reform, she’s not just hopeful, she’s optimistic that second chances are possible—for the justice-involved population and the system as a whole. In her eye opening new book: The Science of Second Chances,she reveals her powerful approach to reducing crime and incarceration. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the cutting-edge economic research and real-world experiments she’s conducted and called upon in her work.Together exploring the possibility of approaching big, complex problems as scientists in a lab do.Carefully testing different approaches and following the data to maximize impact. Jennifer’s work points to an innovative path forward that harnesses  practical, achievable solutions. As she invites us to consider the possibility that we can have both public safety and a smaller, less intrusive justice system—without waiting for big, structural reforms that might never come. And, that creating the society we ultimately want, and need, may actually come from shifting focus from the enormity of the problem to the power of small, evidence-based changes.For more on Jennifer, her new book, podcast, and other offerings please visit: https://jenniferdoleac.com/ and for her substack head to https://probablecausation.substack.com/ Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:The End of Violence | Dr. Gary SlutkinOn How to Speak Up When it Matters | Dr. Sunita SahOn Science, Hope, and Humanity | Matt KaplanUpcoming opportunities to learn with Joshua:Learn more about Joshua's new LIVE 6 week course: Unlocking Creativity. Limited spots are available. Course begins on October 11th, 2026.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Thanks for listening!Support the show