Debbie Garner, retired Special Agent in Charge at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share insights from her 30-year career. From undercover narcotics work in her early 20s to leading Georgia’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Debbie brings a unique perspective on collaboration, child protection, and investigator wellness.

She discusses the challenges of cyber tips backlogs, the importance of cross-border cooperation, and why well-being must be built into the culture of child exploitation investigations. Debbie explains how she introduced practical, budget-conscious wellness initiatives — from group discussions to peer support and mental health check-ins — and how these efforts helped transform trust, retention, and resilience within her unit.

Debbie and Paul also explore the stigma investigators often face, how leadership decisions can make or break support for officers, and what agencies can do to better safeguard the people safeguarding children.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #WellBeing #LawEnforcement #childprotection

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:49 Early Career in Law Enforcement

02:11 Specialization in Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes

03:27 Challenges and Changes in Law Enforcement

06:03 The ICAC Task Force Program

09:34 Cross-Border Investigations and Cooperation

14:46 Wellness and Resiliency in Law Enforcement

18:01 Building a Culture of Wellness

28:16 Personal Stories and Agency Support

39:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

🎥 Video/Transcript - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-the-fight-against-child-exploitation-leadership-and-wellness-lessons-from-debbie-garner/

📝 Show Notes

Innocent Justice Foundation - https://innocentjustice.org

Raven (ICAC Task Force Funding Advocacy) - https://raven.us

Hexordia - https://www.hexordia.com

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Hannah Bailey, founder of Blue Light Wellbeing, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share her powerful journey from frontline policing to becoming a psychotherapist, trauma therapist, and well-being coach. Drawing on 15 years in the police — including CID and major crime — Hannah brings unique cultural credibility to her work supporting digital forensics professionals, first responders, and other high-risk roles.

She talks openly about living with PTSD and burnout, facing two breast cancer diagnoses, and how those experiences inspired her to focus on proactive mental health support. Hannah and Paul discuss why cultural awareness in therapy matters, how approaches like psychoeducation and regular supervision can help, and why therapy isn’t just for people who are “broken.”

Hannah also explains BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), a modern trauma therapy that transformed her own recovery, and shares practical advice for those in digital forensics and other trauma-facing roles on spotting early signs of stress and building long-term resilience.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #WellBeing #PTSD

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Hannah Bailey's Background and Career

04:08 The Onset of Mental Health Challenges

06:01 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Its Impact

06:37 Returning to Policing and Further Challenges

09:44 Lack of Support

12:14 Proactive Mental Health Approaches

17:18 Hannah's Work with DFIs and Other Forces

20:22 The Importance of Early Intervention

26:28 The Value of Therapy in Organizations

27:35 The Importance of Culturally Aware Therapists

29:29 Introduction to Brain Work Recursive Therapy (BWRT)

33:52 Combining Trauma Therapy and Wellbeing Coaching

34:32 The Therapeutic Process and Its Benefits

36:21 Supervision and Support in Therapy

36:57 Proactive Approaches in Digital Forensics

39:11 Building Trust and Non-Judgmental Spaces

43:30 Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/well-being-in-digital-forensics-and-policing-insights-from-hannah-bailey/

📝 Show Notes Blue Light Wellbeing - https://www.bluelightwellbeing.uk

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Dr Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone from Adapt & Evolve join Paul to discuss their unique approach to mental health and well-being in digital forensics. Dr Billings is a biologist and former senior investigator, while Mark is a former Assistant Chief Constable. Together they've developed a model that focuses on recognising the early biological signs of stress rather than waiting for mental health problems to develop.

They discuss how stress shows up physically in the body, why many digital forensic investigators feel unheard in their organisations, and why standard well-being support often doesn't work in law enforcement. The conversation covers practical stress reduction techniques and how understanding what stress does to your body can help people spot problems early.

Mark and Zoe have worked with various organisations including the FBI, using their combined decades of police and investigative experience to provide support that actually fits the culture of law enforcement and forensic work.

#DigitalForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #Wellbeing

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Spotlight on Mental Health in Digital Forensics

00:59 Meet the Experts: Dr. Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone

01:39 The Origins of Adapt & Evolve

03:48 Biological Aspects of Stress

04:57 Implementing Preventative Measures

09:05 Leadership and Organizational Challenges

20:01 Physical Ailments from Stress

26:09 Cultural Awareness in Law Enforcement

31:45 ISO Standards and Legal Obligations

39:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes

Adapt & Evolve - https://www.adaptandevolve.co.uk/

Dr Jo Morrissey joins Paul to discuss her research into wellbeing challenges faced by forensic practitioners worldwide. As Workforce Strategy Lead at the Forensic Capability Network, Dr Morrissey is conducting a comprehensive study examining mental health impacts across all forensic disciplines - from digital forensics to crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, and fingerprint examination.

They explore the unique psychological pressures forensic practitioners face, including exposure to traumatic material, working in isolation, and the barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Dr Morrissey discusses how stigma around help-seeking behavior and fears about career prospects continue to affect practitioners, and why evidence-based national guidelines are urgently needed.

Take part in the research: Dr Morrissey is seeking responses from current and former forensic practitioners worldwide across all disciplines and sectors. The survey examines well-being challenges, available interventions, and their effectiveness. Your participation could help shape future well-being support for the forensic community. Survey closes Friday 4th July 2025.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/GXPMwnpyMi

#ForensicScience #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #DigitalForensics

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jo Morrissey

01:31 Overview of the Wellbeing Study

03:34 Challenges Faced by Forensic Practitioners

08:25 Survey Specifics and Goals

14:57 Barriers and Stigma in Wellbeing

18:49 Ethical Considerations and Future Research

20:09 Open Access to Research Report

20:38 National Guidelines for Wellbeing

22:00 Challenges in Implementing Guidelines

25:07 Importance of Survey Participation

27:02 Potential for Funding and Further Research

28:06 Exploring Differences in Wellbeing

30:51 Impact of Experience and Culture on Wellbeing

33:39 Resilience and Adverse Childhood Experiences

37:05 Closing Remarks and Future Research

Host Paul Gullon-Scott sits down with Tom Oldroyd, Director of Strategy and Sales at Semantics 21, to discuss S21’s digital forensics platform that prioritizes investigator mental health alongside cutting-edge technology. Drawing on his 17 years in policing and experience running a digital forensic unit, Tom highlights the psychological toll on investigators exposed to disturbing content daily, arguing it's one of the most challenging yet underrecognized jobs in policing.

Tom highlights Semantics 21's innovative solutions, including their Global Alliance Database with 3.1 billion hashes that can pre-label up to 70% of evidence automatically, AI-powered victim rescue tools, and their groundbreaking features to track investigator exposure levels in real-time. Tom demonstrates protective features like mandatory break reminders, privacy overlays, and decompression videos designed to help investigators manage psychological impact.

#DigitalForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #AI #Wellbeing

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Showcasing Semantics

21: Innovation in Digital Forensics

00:40 Protecting Investigator Wellbeing

01:53 Meet Tom Oldroyd

02:56 Challenges in Digital Forensics

06:02 The Growing Threat of Digital Crime

07:38 Global Collaboration and Technology

08:48 Introducing S21 LASERi-X

09:33 The Power of AI and Databases

12:23 Global Alliance Database: A Game Changer

16:52 Efficiency and Investigator Wellbeing

21:11 Advanced Features and Workflow

27:51 Tracking Exposure Levels with Semantics 21

28:20 Monitoring Well-Being

29:13 Handling Large Volumes of Data

30:24 Threshold System and Victim Rescue

32:27 Efficient Data Import and Grading

33:27 Global Alliance Database and Photo DNA

36:32 Wellbeing Features and Stress Management

44:00 Cross-Company Collaboration and Data Sharing

45:38 Pricing and Accessibility of Semantics 21

47:54 User Feedback and Customization

51:12 AI Location Prediction Technology

53:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

Show Notes

Semantics 21 - https://www.semantics21.com

Semantics 21 Articles on Forensic Focus - https://www.forensicfocus.com/author/semantics21

Jessica Hyde from Hexordia joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss her unique journey from Marine Corps avionics technician to digital forensics expert. Jessica shares how her military background provided transferable skills for forensic investigations, emphasizing the importance of documentation, troubleshooting, and diverse perspectives in finding truth in digital evidence.

The conversation explores critical topics including IoT forensics challenges, the urgent need for timely data acquisition before evidence degrades, and the role of AI in forensic analysis. Jessica also discusses her experience teaching at George Mason University since 2016, how students' questions enhance her own knowledge, and why interdisciplinary teams create better forensic outcomes.

With candid reflections on maintaining perspective while handling difficult cases and thoughts on the future challenges of policy and law keeping pace with technology, this episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and those new to digital forensics.

#DigitalForensics #MobileForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #AI

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:02 Jessica Hyde's Unique Career Path

03:06 Transition to Digital Forensics

13:17 Teaching and Learning in Digital Forensics

20:12 Hands-On Forensics and IoT Devices

24:19 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Teams

27:12 Humor and Levity in Forensics

29:38 The Role of Cyber Investigators

31:07 Bias in Cyber Investigations

32:01 Generational Perspectives in Technology

33:51 Privacy Concerns in Digital Forensics

36:53 The Importance of Timely Data Acquisition

44:28 Challenges with AI in Digital Forensics

54:42 Policy and Legal Challenges in Digital Forensics

56:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes

Hexordia - https://www.hexordia.com

George Mason University - https://dfor.gmu.edu/person/jessica-l-hyde

SWGDE - https://www.swgde.org

Heather Barnhart and Paul Lorenz join the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss key insights from Cellebrite's 2025 DFIR Industry Trends Survey. They dive into the challenges facing digital forensics today - from locked devices and encrypted applications to overwhelming case backlogs.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 2,100 professionals across 95 countries, reveals notable trends: 98% of prosecutors consider digital evidence critical to their cases, and 80% of respondents believe AI can enhance investigation effectiveness.

The discussion delves into the growing acceptance of cloud storage in forensics, the cautious adoption of AI in investigations, and the preference for in-person training despite the convenience of online options. The guests also discuss cognitive bias in investigations and the importance of maintaining forensic integrity when presenting digital evidence.

#digitalforensics #dfir

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:56 Paul Lorenz's Journey into Forensics

03:19 Challenges in Digital Forensics

04:36 Industry Trends and Survey Insights

06:37 Mental Health and Community Support

17:19 AI in Digital Investigations

22:57 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

27:37 Diverse Paths in Investigations

28:07 Challenges of Bias in Forensic Cases

30:33 The Complexity of Cloud Storage

37:45 Generational Shifts in Technology Adoption

41:30 The Importance of Training in Forensics

43:19 In-Person vs. Online Training Preferences

50:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends

Show Notes

2025 Industry Trends Survey - https://cellebrite.com/en/industry-trends-survey-2025

Cellebrite - https://cellebrite.com/en/home

Brett Shavers joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the critical "investigative mindset" needed for effective digital forensics. Drawing from his unique background in undercover law enforcement operations and his transition to digital forensics, Brett shares invaluable insights on why technical skills alone aren't enough in DFIR.

Digging into practical challenges with hosts Si and Desi, Brett tackles head-on why DFIR isn't an entry-level field, the importance of understanding human behavior behind digital evidence, and how to approach cases with both technical precision and investigative strategy. He discusses his journey authoring several influential books including "DFIR Investigative Mindset," "Placing the Suspect Behind the Keyboard," and the definitive guide to X-Ways Forensics.

Whether you're a seasoned investigator or considering a career in digital forensics, Brett offers practical wisdom on balancing technical proficiency with investigative thinking, effective communication of complex findings, and why we should remember we're not investigating computers—we're investigating people who use computers.

#digitalforensics #dfir

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:01 Brett Shavers' Background in Law Enforcement

03:33 Transition to Forensics

05:03 Challenges in DFIR

07:17 Educational Pathways and Industry Insights

12:51 X-Ways Forensics and Tool Proficiency

16:58 Investigative Mindset and New Book

27:46 The Importance of Education in Cybersecurity

28:04 Challenges in Teaching Investigative Skills

28:59 Real-World Training Scenarios

30:38 Understanding the Human Element in Cybersecurity

35:35 The Role of Communication in Cybersecurity

42:59 Technical Proficiency and Case Management

47:32 Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

53:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Show Notes

Brett's Ramblings - https://www.brettshavers.com/

DFIR Training - https://www.dfir.training/

Brett's Books - https://brettshavers.com/my-books

Brandon Epstein joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of digital forensics and the growing role of artificial intelligence in evidence analysis. Brandon shares his journey from being a major crimes detective in New Jersey to co-founding Medex Forensics (later acquired by Magnet), and discusses his current roles both at Magnet Forensics and as chair of the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE).

In this wide-ranging conversation, he explains how AI is being responsibly implemented in forensic tools like Magnet Axiom's Copilot feature and Magnet Verify, highlighting the critical distinction between using AI for investigative leads versus evidentiary conclusions. Brandon also dives into the challenges of media authentication in an era of deepfakes, the shift toward cloud-based forensic platforms, and provides a preview of his upcoming "AI Unpacked" webinar series.

#digitalforensics #dfir #ai

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:32 Life in Nashville and User Summit Highlights

02:07 The Importance of Networking at Conferences

04:32 Brandon's Journey to Magnet Forensics

10:17 AI and Digital Forensics

16:02 AI Unpacked Webinar Series

21:40 Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE)

33:16 The Collaborative Spirit in Forensics

34:45 Magnet's Expanding Product Line

36:14 The Future of Cloud in Digital Forensics

39:08 Challenges and Benefits of Cloud Adoption

45:26 The Role of AI and Cloud in Conferences

46:09 Magnet's Acquisition of DVR Examiner

 48:47 The Importance of Video Authenticity

52:29 Emerging Technologies in Forensics

58:04 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks

Show Notes

Magnet Forensics - https://www.magnetforensics.com

AI Unpacked - https://www.magnetforensics.com/ai-unpacked/?utm_source=ForensicFocus&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=UTMC-0000077

SWGDE - https://www.swgde.org

Hosts Si and Desi welcome back Robert Fried, winner of the Top Professional Investigator award. Rob discusses his new book, ‘Forensic Data Collection 2.0,’ and shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital forensics.

The conversation explores the importance of documentation in forensic investigations, balancing technical skills with human interaction, and meeting the challenges of AI and emerging technologies. Rob emphasizes building rapport with clients and stakeholders while mentoring the next generation of digital forensic examiners.

Rob shares his fascinating journey from law enforcement training to private sector work, highlighting how the human element remains essential even as technology evolves. He also discusses his collaborative work with legendary NYPD detective Ralph Friedman and his connections with tech pioneers including Frank Canova (inventor of the first smartphone) and Neil Papworth (sender of the first text message) who endorsed his book.

Whether you're a seasoned digital forensics professional or just starting in the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the documentation, methodology, and people skills that make for successful investigations in today's rapidly changing digital landscape.

#digitalforensics #dfir #investigator 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:08 Achievements and Industry Involvement

03:37 Challenges and Changes in Forensics

07:57 Writing and Teaching Forensics

16:09 Human Element in Investigations

30:30 Building Trust and Professional Relationships

34:13 The Importance of Hands-On Learning

34:58 Teaching and Learning from the Younger Generation

36:28 Scientific Methodology in Problem Solving

38:21 The Role of Documentation in Digital Forensics

43:23 Building a Collaborative Community

46:27 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Forensics

49:20 The Human Element in Forensic Investigations

55:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Show Notes

Forensics By Fried - https://forensicsbyfried.com

Forensic Data Collections 2.0 - https://forensicsbyfried.com/books

Robert Fried LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbfried

Forensic Data Collections 2.0 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13178163

Top Professional Investigator - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7259530724997742592