The Deep Dive with the Dallas County Public Defender's Office

In this powerful episode, Eric Cedillo, founder of the Law Offices of Eric Cedillo, PC, reflects on his journey growing up and the challenges he faced as a Latino in America. Through personal stories and a deep connection to his community, Eric shares how his experiences fueled his passion for encouraging Latinos to vote and become active participants in the democratic process. He highlights the achievements of other minority groups, reminding us all of the strength that comes from unity and empowerment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the importance of civic engagement and the legacy of Latino voters in shaping America's future.

The right to protest is a cornerstone of freedom, protected by both the U.S. and Texas constitutions. Last year, cities across the country witnessed powerful demonstrations on issues ranging from climate change to global conflicts.

In our season premiere, join Chief Blocker for an eye-opening Q&A with Chief Zack Masri from the Dallas County Marshal’s Office. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about peaceful protesting—from understanding your rights to navigating the risks. What happens if you're detained or arrested? We've got you covered.

In this episode, we explore the diligent work of A Change for Cam, an organization committed to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl use. Joined by Texas mom Becky White, we delve into her personal experience with her son Cameron’s struggles with mental health and substance use, culminating in his tragic death due to fentanyl poisoning.

Becky’s journey has taken her to the Nation’s Capital, The Texas State Capitol, and various communities throughout Texas, all to save lives. A Change for Cam is committed to awareness, advocacy, and intervention. Listeners will learn about the warning signs of fentanyl use, as Becky details Cameron’s story, finding support among parents, and speaking to different communities.

In this episode, we explore the transformative work of Youth180, an organization at the forefront of adolescent outpatient treatment in Dallas. Joined by CEO Keri Stitt, we dive into Youth180’s holistic and trauma-responsive approach to helping young people and their families overcome substance use challenges.

Youth180 stands out as one of the few licensed adolescent outpatient treatment centers in the area, providing a comprehensive suite of services including counseling, prevention, intervention, and education. Keri shares how the organization identifies and addresses the underlying traumas and issues that lead to substance use, ensuring a deeper, more sustainable healing process.

Listeners will learn about the vital prevention and intervention services offered by Youth180 and the critical role of family involvement in the recovery journey. Keri highlights the importance of a supportive home environment and how Youth180 works to remove barriers to care, making their services accessible to all children in need.

In this episode, we delve deeper into vital mental health discussions alongside Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Judith Hunter, from MetroCare Services, North Texas's premier provider of mental health services, catering to over 55,000 adults and children each year. At Metrocare, a commitment to a person-centered philosophy ensures that care is tailored to individual needs. Throughout our conversation, listeners will gain insights into distinguishing between the roles of psychiatrists and psychologists, managing the potential side effects of medications, and effectively navigating through mental health crises.

Join Lynn Richardson in an insightful conversation with Judge Kristin Wade as they delve into the transformative world of problem-solving courts. In this episode, Judge Wade shares the profound impact of her court on individuals battling mental health challenges. Discover the innovative incentives that empower participants and the pivotal role of community partnerships in providing tools and motivation for success in society. Tune in to explore how this unique approach fosters hope, resilience, and real-life solutions for those in need.

In this episode, we'll be laying the foundation for our highly anticipated mental health series. We'll discuss the importance of breaking down stigma, understanding the spectrum of mental health, and why it's crucial for all of us to prioritize our emotional well-being.

Chief Public Defender Lynn Richardson kicks off this series by interviewing Chief Executive Officer, Carol Lucky and Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Walter Taylor from the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority. NTBHA seeks to develop a collaborative system of care for individuals experiencing mental illness and/or substance use disorders. NTBHA mission is to create a well-managed, integrated, high-quality delivery system of behavioral health services available to eligible consumers residing in our catchment area. Listeners will learn more about behavioral health authorities, what motivates our guests to work in the field, and the importance of forming partnerships within the community.

Join division heads, Christina Dean, Rhonda Rieken, and Jordan Pollock as they give insight into our Capital, Child Protection, and Immigration Division. Listeners will learn about our guests’ impressive backgrounds and how they got their start in criminal defense. We take a deep dive into the various challenges in the justice system from the foster care system to immigration, efforts to build relationships to provide client-centered legal representation, and the importance of being the client’s biggest advocate.

On this episode of The Deep Dive, Chief Public Defender Lynn Richardson interviews Regional Team Coordinator, Lt. Melissa Franks and Regional Program Manager, Raven Thousand from the Regional Crisis Assessment Resource Engagement Team. The Regional CARE Team is a multi-disciplinary group that provides community behavioral health support to individuals and their families. Through this innovative approach, residents can learn how to access, navigate, understand, and utilize appropriate community referral sources. Listeners will learn more about the inception of the organization, what motivates our guests to work in the field, and how to best support individuals and families experiencing behavioral health needs.

In our two-part special, Chief Public Defender Lynn Richardson interviews Commissioner John Wiley Price and County Administrator Darryl Martin to learn more about the ins and outs of county government and how they both got their start in public service. We take a deep dive into the collaborative process of county government, efforts to create a positive work environment, and the intersection of county government and the justice system.