In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins is joined by Julie Sikorsky and Dr. Pamela Marshall for an in-depth discussion on one of the most influential—and often least understood—positions in the forensic laboratory: the Technical Leader. Together, they explore how the role has evolved, why it has become essential to maintaining scientific excellence, and the unique challenges technical leaders face as they balance technical oversight, quality assurance, courtroom responsibilities, and the development of future forensic scientists. The conversation also examines the transition from bench scientist to leadership, the importance of mentorship, internships, and expert witness training, and how organizations can better prepare the next generation of technical leaders.

The discussion also highlights exciting developments within the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), including plans for a new Technical Leader Academy designed to strengthen leadership competencies across the forensic science community. Throughout the episode, Collins, Sikorsky, and Marshall share practical insights drawn from decades of experience in forensic laboratories, higher education, and organizational leadership. Whether you are an aspiring technical leader, an experienced laboratory manager, or simply interested in the future of forensic science, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building technically strong, collaborative, and resilient forensic organizations.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

This special edition of Crime and the Courtroom commemorates the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing and the series of attacks that followed. Drawing on his personal experience as a young forensic scientist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and later the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), John Collins reflects on his role in one of the most significant domestic terrorism investigations in American history. He pays tribute to the victims and their families, whose lives were forever changed by these tragic events, while remembering the dedication of the investigators, first responders, and forensic professionals who worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Beyond recounting the investigation, Collins explores some lasting lessons that emerged from the case—particularly the importance of professional integrity, ethical scientific practice, and clear communication in high-profile criminal investigations. He discusses how the forensic examination of bomb components ultimately helped connect the attacks to Eric Rudolph, while emphasizing the responsibility of forensic experts to remain objective, humble, and focused on the pursuit of truth. This reflective episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on a landmark investigation and the enduring principles that continue to guide forensic science and criminal justice today.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins is joined by David Epstein and retired Dallas Assistant Chief of Police Reuben Ramirez, both with VersaTerm, for an important conversation about mental wellness in forensic science and other high-responsibility public safety professions. Together, they examine the cumulative emotional toll of careers that routinely involve trauma, tragedy, and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level. The discussion explores why traditional approaches to employee wellness often fall short and why organizational cultures must evolve from reactive, blame-oriented environments to ones built on trust, support, and early intervention.

David and Reuben also introduce MindBase, an innovative wellness platform designed to help organizations identify when personnel may be experiencing the cumulative effects of traumatic exposure and to encourage proactive, supportive check-ins before problems escalate. Drawing on Reuben's pioneering work with the Dallas Police Department, the conversation highlights practical strategies that laboratory administrators, law enforcement leaders, and other public safety executives can use to better support their teams while strengthening organizational effectiveness. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone committed to improving leadership, resilience, and the long-term well-being of those who serve in the criminal justice system.

Season: 6 Episode: 114 Duration: 54 Minutes YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

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MindBase by VersaTerm - Learn More

ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins reflects on recent presentations at the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Symposium and the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners conference before turning his attention to the central themes of his new book, "Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns." Collins examines how misunderstandings surrounding the 1993 Daubert decision shaped decades of debate within forensic science and contributed to what he describes as the "Daubert contagion"—a movement that fostered excessive doubt about the scientific foundations of many forensic disciplines.

Drawing on his experience as a forensic scientist, laboratory director, and expert witness, Collins argues that pattern comparison disciplines such as firearm identification, toolmark examination, and latent print analysis remain scientifically valid despite their perception as being highly interpretive. He challenges the notion that instrument-based disciplines are somehow free from subjectivity, emphasizing that all scientific conclusions require interpretation and professional judgment. The episode offers a thoughtful discussion of scientific validity, expert testimony, error, confidence, and the continuing role of forensic science in helping courts answer difficult questions in the pursuit of justice.

Season: 6 Episode: 113 Duration: 1:00:24 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Iris Eytan is the founder and CEO of Protect Ethical Prosecutors (PEP), a first-of-its-kind reform campaign working to end prosecutorial misconduct and bring accountability to the most powerful actors in the criminal legal system. After nearly 30 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Iris walked away from her practice to take on a system that she argues shields unethical prosecutors from consequences — even when they violate constitutional rights.

Iris is a former Deputy State Public Defender, having represented thousands of defendants and secured acquittals in high-profile murder trials. She is best known for uncovering egregious prosecutorial misconduct in the People v. Barry Morphew case, which led to the dismissal of murder charges and the disbarment of an elected district attorney.

Season: 6 Episode: 112 Duration: 47:52 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

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PEP (Protect Ethical Prosecutors)

ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins discusses the central themes of his new book, Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns, and examines the ongoing challenges facing forensic science in the courtroom. He addresses the growing tension between scientific reality and legal expectations, emphasizing that while forensic disciplines cannot offer absolute certainty, they remain grounded in decades of practical validation and real-world application. He reflects on how past mistakes—particularly in areas like bite mark evidence—have influenced public perception, and argues that the forensic community must take responsibility for communicating both its strengths and its limitations more clearly.

Throughout the episode, Collins makes the case for a more disciplined and transparent approach to forensic testimony—one that acknowledges uncertainty without surrendering confidence in well-established methods. This discussion offers an important perspective for forensic practitioners, attorneys, and anyone interested in how scientific evidence is evaluated in the pursuit of justice.

Season: 6 Episode: 111 Duration: 1:04:02 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

REFERENCED RESOURCES

Valid Comparisons (Book Page) Valid Comparisons (Press Release) Advanced Expert Witnessing

ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

John Collins delivers a direct, practical coaching session for leaders in high-responsibility professions. Drawing on years of experience coaching executives, forensic professionals, and public-sector leaders, Collins identifies three common leadership habits that undermine credibility, erode trust, and diminish team performance. Without realizing it, many capable leaders fall into patterns that create unnecessary friction and limit their effectiveness. This episode offers a valuable opportunity for managers, supervisors, and aspiring leaders to reflect on how they lead—and how to avoid behaviors that can cost them the confidence of those they serve.

Season: 6 Episode: 110 Duration: 55:10 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

REFERENCED RESOURCESAdvanced Expert Witnessing (Online) ASCLD Symposium and Workshop Registration

ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins shares the experience of writing his new book, Valid Comparisons, and some of the unexpected impressions that his research had on him. As he explains, among the most impactful revelations was the disinterest of the National Academy of Sciences committee that produced the 2009 report, "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States - A Path Forward." The impact of this report, however, was amplified by the 1993 Daubert ruling and the 2007 report by the Innocence Project summarizing the first 200 DNA exonerations. John explains how the forensic laboratory sciences were - and continue to be - adversely impacted by these developments and what has to happen for the profession to get some of its confidence back. A trend is arising that will require forensic laboratory experts and administrators to be at their very best.

Season: 6 Episode: 109 Duration: 1:08:00 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

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Subscribe to the VALID COMPARISONS VIP LIST and stay updated with excerpts and news about the release of John's newest book.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins chats with his colleagues Pam Marshall, Julie Sikorsky, and Ray Wickenheiser - all members of the ISHI Forensic Leadership Alliance - to review the 2025 International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), important trends emerging in forensic DNA, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), and the potential use of FIGG and other DNA techniques to solve the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

Pam Marshall is the Director of the Forensic Science and Law Masters program at Duquesne University; Julie Sikorsky is the Forensic Biology Manager at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory and a current member of the board of directors of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors; and Ray Wickenheiser is the retired director of the New York State Police forensic laboratory system and a longtime leading voice in the forensic DNA community

Season: 6 Episode: 108 Duration: 56:03 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification

ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Violent crime in the United States continues to decline — including measurable drops in several major categories in 2024. But what is driving the trend? In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins examines the latest national data and explores a series of under-discussed possibilities that may be shaping public safety in ways most people haven't considered.

At the same time, Collins raises an unsettling question: as one form of crime declines, is another quietly expanding? Drawing on federal data and professional insight, this episode offers a disciplined and thought-provoking look at how crime may be evolving — and what that means for the future of safety, accountability, and trust in our justice institutions.

Season: 6 Episode: 107 Duration: 32:33 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel

FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification

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Advanced Expert Witnessing Registration

ABOUT YOUR HOST

John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.

For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.