Decoding the Criminal Brain: Inside Neurocriminology w/ Dr. Jerrod Brown

Dark Matters Episode 16 Interview with Dr. Jerrod Brown

What truly drives a person to commit extreme acts of violence? In this episode of Dark Matters, Dr. Eric Hickey sits down with professor and forensic trainer Dr. Jerrod Brown to explore neurocriminology—a multidisciplinary field bridging neuroscience, psychology, and criminal justice. From prenatal development and adverse childhood experiences to head injuries, glucose metabolism, and nutrition, Dr. Brown breaks down the biological and environmental puzzle pieces behind complex human behavior. Together, they examine classic case studies like Charles Whitman to illustrate how hidden physiological factors can shape violent behavior.

Dr. Browns Bio
Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS, MS, MS, CTTS, EFC, CFNC, CZT, CART, GCPain, is a professor, trainer, researcher, consultant, and founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). He has extensive experience teaching collegiate courses and consulting with caregivers, professionals, and organizations on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and adversity, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting.
Jerrod has completed six master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in numerous areas, including pain management, applied pediatric nutrition, medical biochemistry, exercise prescription, neuroscience and the law, neuropsychology, ASD, dyslexia, other health disabilities, and TBI. Some of his professional certifications include Lifestyle Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Adult Sleep Coaching, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Executive Functions Consultant, Brain Story, Digestive Health, Autism Direct Support, and FASD Trainer.
Jerrod has conducted more than 400 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for professional and student audiences. He has published numerous articles and book chapters, contributed to multiple media outlets, and is regularly featured on national and international podcasts. He is also a 2013 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy, Minneapolis Division.