"I want widows to know that once they have loved someone so deeply and been loved, it will come again. Nobody should live without love, and they don't have to."

This podcast features California attorney Samantha Berryessa, who continues our 'Managing in Tough Times' series with a moving account of her experience navigating grief before and after the 2019 death of her husband, attorney Dax Cowart.

A wrongful death lawyer by practice, Samantha gracefully highlights the parallels between her personal experience with grief and her perception of the grief of her widowed clients. Offering a unique glimpse into the inner world of a newly widowed woman, Samantha's riveting testimony is essential listening for any trial lawyer who represents the bereaved.

"We need to communicate with our eyes more, whether it's to your spouse or the jury on voir dire or to your client."

In this week's episode of the TLC podcast, civil lawyer Chandler Loupe joins host Rafe Foreman in a contentious discussion around the unique challenges faced by trial lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing his experience as a trial attorney in one of the few regions that kept its courtroom doors open through 2020, Chandler provides a timely reminder of the value of looking into people's eyes.

"In order for me to do a trial right now, I need to prepare extra-special. It's sort of like an extended warm-up to get my head in the right spot."

This week's podcast features Jason Savela, a criminal defense lawyer with more than two decades of experience trying cases to juries in Colorado. Continuing our theme of "Managing in Tough Times," Jason shares the details of some of his most riveting cases, guiding listeners through the hardships and triumphs that he has shared with his clients.

As a TLC-trained trial lawyer, Jason stays true to the psychodramatic methods, sharing the strategies he used to discover his clients' stories and tell them authentically to the jury. Bringing the discussion back to the tough times we're collectively facing, Jason reminds listeners of the importance of using demonstrative evidence now more than ever.

"I didn't want anyone to see me as I really am. I thought they would reject me. That's why, in the beginning, I worked so hard to walk perfectly -- I didn't want anyone to see my weakness. But it was only when I was willing to let people inside and to see that is when I began to be comfortable with it as well."

Continuing our 'Managing in Tough Times' series is Bret Merkle, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, personal injury attorney whose life was turned upside down at the age of 21 after he sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. Suddenly facing a life with chronic pain and loss of bodily function, Bret slowly discovered sources of joy and fulfillment that would keep him moving forward.

While he learned to push through his hardships to accomplish an impressive legal career, Bret continued to struggle with being open about his physical struggles due to a fear of rejection. As Bret finally began to appreciate the value of living authentically and creating bonds as his true, vulnerable, and imperfect self, he built powerful relationships and unmatched success in his career as a trial lawyer. Above all, he's learned to face his fears in everything he does -- whether it involves his body or his next trial.

"We need to see the things that are happening—the changes, the protocols, the restructuring of how this is all working—as opportunities and to find ways to embrace them and make them part of how you present your case."

This timely podcast features Texas trial lawyer Susan Hutchison, who discusses how the COVID-19 era has hindered the efficacy of the jury trial and what trial lawyers can expect in order to be better advocates for their clients as courtrooms begin to open up again throughout the nation. In sharing her and her clients' stories of resilience and adaptation while navigating uncharted waters, Susan's words of wisdom offer something that can resonate with all.

"It's not just the words that I say, but do I honor the words that you say?"

This continuation of our 'Words Matter' series features Dana Cole, an associate professor of law at the University of Akron School of Law, who shares his thoughts on the power and components of an impactful story and the art of mindful listening.

This refreshing approach to why words matter explores not only on the side of the storyteller but also on the side of the listener. Drawing from both his personal insight inspired by recent events and his unique understanding of the psychodramatic methods, Dana's words embody the message of kindness, respect, and connection behind everything we do here at TLC.

"I win because I'm the person who cares the most in the courtroom, not because I know the most."

This week's podcast features Kiesha Cannon, a captivating voice for the vulnerable and the accused, who shares her insight into the simple secrets behind effective communication and connection both in and out of the courtroom. Drawing from her equally-inspiring personal and professional journeys, Kiesha provides a stark reminder of the importance of living authentically and listening with an open heart.

"The whole point of psychodrama is to tell the story, and the ways that lawyers have incorporated this method to tell their client's story with such love and interest and time and attention is one of the greatest gifts I've ever seen another human being give another human being."

This week's podcast continues our 'Words Matter' series with Jody Anderson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Psychodramatist, who shares her personal and professional insight into the impact of language on the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of a trial lawyer's clients. The daughter of beloved TLC Psychodramatist Kathie St. Clair, Jody follows in her mother's footsteps with a moving exploration of the power of authenticity and spontaneity in establishing a positive attorney-client relationship.

"They always told us in Tennessee, 'Great songs aren't written — they're re-written.' I think that saying could apply for us in our work as trial lawyers."

In this multifaceted episode of the TLC podcast, host Rafe Foreman is joined by singer/songwriter and trial attorney Sam Wooden to continue our 'Words Matter' series. Offering his perspective on the connection between art and the performance of the trial lawyer, Sam shares the story behind his love for music and its parallels with his discovery of psychodrama and his application of these methods to win justice for his clients.

Armed with his guitar and his voice, Sam supports the link between the art of creating sound and presenting a powerful argument to the jury with a real-time performance of his music. This sparks a moving dialogue between Sam and Rafe, who draw upon their own experiences to solidify the messages of connection, compassion, creativity, and spontaneity that lie behind the TLC methods and the duty of the trial lawyer.

"How do you know that words matter? You know because they make you feel something."

In this continuation of our podcast series titled Words Matter, Los Angeles Public Defender Kim Savo shares her insight into the connection between poetry and the presentation of a compelling opening statement.

A wordsmith by nature and a passionate advocate for the accused, Kim stresses the importance of emphasizing the emotion behind a story, rather than leaning on the facts, to move jurors to justice. Staying true to the TLC methods, her moving discussion with host Rafe Foreman offers a refreshing look at the artistry behind a trial lawyer's words.