Rafe Foreman interviews Darryl Exum about a brutal, nine-month criminal trial in Riverside—a four-defendant gang double-murder case involving identical twins—that tested every trial skill in the book. Darryl recounts two trials (after a mistrial tied to a covert informant dispute), how TLC methods—rigorous voir dire, careful cross-examination, storytelling and putting jurors in the room—helped peel back unreliable police testimony and shaky forensic claims. He also talks honestly about the personal toll of long trials, the importance of “letting the village in” (trusted colleagues and community support), using AI as a drafting tool, and prioritizing health. The jury ultimately refused to convict on the principal counts, showing how relentless preparation, human connection, and ethical advocacy can prevail.

Former TLC student Kahlie Hoffman returns to share how she secured a $2.35 million verdict for an uninsured immigrant client in a three-car collision. Learn how she used TLC-inspired methods—humanizing her Spanish-speaking client, tackling attorney-referred care head-on, and even exercising peremptory strikes by gut instinct—to overcome low-damage arguments and biased venue risks. Kahlie breaks down the pivotal voir dire moments, creative demonstratives that reframed surveillance footage, and the power of genuine connection that turned twelve strangers into a unanimous jury.

Seattle lawyer, Evan Oshan, joins Rafe Foreman to explore his groundbreaking negligence suit against the City of Seattle over the CHOP Zone—where two Black youths were shot, one fatally, amid an “off-limits” protest precinct. Learn how municipal leaders’ decision to abandon public safety unleashed chaos, spoliated evidence, and left victims without help, and why Oshan refuses to let this miscarriage of justice go unchallenged. From breaking through governmental immunity to honoring his client’s plea for trial, discover what it takes to fight fearlessly for truth and accountability when civic duty fails.

What if an outside perspective could help unlock the story of your case? In this episode, trial consultant Elizabeth Larrick joins Rafe Foreman to explore how targeted focus groups, smart vocabulary lists, and role-reversal exercises help you fine-tune your themes, spot blind spots, and connect with jurors. Whether you’re prepping for depositions, voir dire, or opening statements, learn why staying curious—and leaning on you community —can transform your trial strategy and keep your edge sharp.

Join Rafe Foreman as he welcomes life care planning specialist Lindsey Ford to explore how physician-authored life care plans forecast and quantify the future medical and support needs of injured individuals. Lindsey explains the methodology behind assessing long-term care—from rehabilitative therapies and mental health support to household services and loss of earning capacity—and how these projections guide attorneys in securing fair compensation. Discover why detailed, personalized life care plans are essential tools for advocating quality of life after catastrophic injury.

Rafe Foreman sits down with master storyteller, John Charles Hardin, to reflect on decades of trial work, the enduring bond forged through shared experiences, and the transformative impact of Trial Lawyers College. They discuss how genuine storytelling—grounded in truth and empathy—shapes every aspect of jury work, from voir dire to closing arguments. John emphasizes the importance of listening, humility, and role-reversal to connect with jurors and honor their oath. Throughout, they celebrate the lifelong journey of practicing law, the thrill of fighting for justice, and the power of authentic human connection in the courtroom.

Brecken Wagner—TLC ’16 and new faculty member—joins Ray Foreman to announce the extended June 23 deadline for the flagship three-week college and discuss Oklahoma’s surprising shift back toward felony DUI statutes. As a criminal defense attorney, Brecken shares how he’s navigating legislative changes, preparing for upcoming trials, and harnessing TLC’s storytelling techniques to connect jurors with his clients’ real-life experiences. Tune in for practical insights on choosing the right narrative, “discovering the why” behind your facts, and using silence and empathy to make your story resonate.

Sean Dormer, Tim Garvey, and Amy Rogers discuss how Trial Lawyers College techniques helped them secure a $4 million verdict in a wrongful-death case where a young man died by suicide in jail after his pleas for help were ignored. They explain how psychodrama and empathy exercises guided their opening statements, jury selection, and scene-setting to connect the jury with Jackson’s story and reveal the jail staff’s negligence. By “showing them yours” and using authentic, emotion-driven advocacy, they turned a tragic loss into a powerful example of why caring truly is contagious.

Adam Oakey, owner of the Law Office of Adam Oakey in Albuquerque, NM, discusses his TLC journey—from Trial Skills Foundation to “Courage to Ask”—and why he’s applied for the flagship three-week college. He explains how psychodrama transformed his approach to client connection, personal growth, and scene-setting: techniques he’s gearing up to use in a self-defense road-rage trial where his 20-year-old client faced off against armed security guards. Join us for practical insights on translating TLC’s methods—listening exercises, role reversal, and immersive scene-setting—into courtroom strategy, and learn why caring  and authenticity can make all the difference in securing justice.

Suzie Mindlin, a 2002 TLC graduate from California, highlights the power of working on your own cases alongside peers at the three-week college and in local working groups—vibrant hubs that have flourished into engines for justice across the U.S. She welcomes lawyers new to TLC training, emphasizing how these collaborative forums foster rapid skill development and mutual support.

Suzie also dives into the art of scene setting, explaining why the protagonist must be fully “there” and how transporting jurors into that precise moment—down to every detail—creates an immersive experience that makes your story resonate and stick.