Trauma, Trial, Transformation

In a brutely honest interview with Portia she describes when the FBI showed up at her door and her first thought was "they can't take my life away from me", underestimating their power. She became terrified. She realized the way she felts about herself was that she was worthless. She describes how the court procedings were traumatizing as she had lost all control of her life and how alone she felt. She realized she needed to confront what she had done, take a moral inventory, and drastically change her life. Her story is told with the passion and insight in her book Living Louder on Amazon.

In this episode, you'll meet Jeff Deskovic, a quiet kid who didn't quite fit in. At the age of 16, this put him on law enforcement's radar after a classmate was murdered. Coerced by the police who brought him in and told him they needed his help to solve the crime, this boy who dreamed of being a cop when he grew up, was eager to help.And vulerable. In a meeting that turned into an intense interrogation, he was forced into a false confession. Only then did he realize he was being arrested with no legal representation. His story of serving 16 years for a murder he did not commit, then re-entering society and achieving amazing accomplishments, is one you don't want to miss.

Family law attorney Garry Gekht discusses the emotional side of his obligation to his client and the number one unspoken law -- the best decision is the one that's in the best interest of the children. He calls children "vessels of information" and believes, while it's unfortunate, it cannot be avoided that they are part of the process. However, it's important that the child is not traumatized by the procedures. He believes it takes very strong parents to put their children's emotional well-being first. This is a big hurdle in such an emotional environment.

Join me in my conversation with Shelly Edwards Jorgensen who shares her courageous journey through her mothers death at the hands of her father. Left in the dark at the age of 15 on so many issues, she describes walking into the courtroom and being blindsided. She was expected to testify against her father who was sitting in front of her, then having no protection or support from the legal system while staying in the same home with him after her day in court. Her bravery as a teenager is moving. Her path of success moving forward is a story you will want to hear.

In part two of my conversation with Jan Canty, she talks about the hard truths she learned while trying to heal from the murder of her husband. She describes discovering a modality called the Biopsychosocial Model which teaches you to focus on the biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors in your life. Her story of transformation -- from becoming a triathlete to a psychologist -- is truly moving.

Join me in a two-part series of a very intimate conversation with Jan Canty, whose story of courage and transformation is miraculous. Jan discusses the trauma of her husband's sudden murder. The author of two books, Life Divided and What Now? Navigating the Aftermath of Homicide and Suicide, Jan's road to recovery is filled with a wealth of information for anyone who finds themself in this horrific position. She also does an amazing job of articulating the steps required to handle such a difficult situation.

Join me as I talk to Kristin Walker who tells her story of being a 12 year old on the witness stand testifying against her father who abused her without any preparation. She also talks about the time she had to testify for a friend going through an intense childhood custody case brought flashbacks to being a 12 year old and bringing up old wounds of shame and reliving trauma.

Jury Consultant Ron Beaton discusses with Juliet that helping clients pick a jury is looking for qualities of leadership vs. followers, those who speak their mind but do they have the courage or confidence to speak up. Ron also gives some advice on some techniques jurors can use prepping for the witness stand.

Disclaimer: Sensitive Subject Matter. In this sensitive conversation, Michael Todd talks with me about how violence was the only way he knew to be loved and accepted. With a 25-year prison sentence, he discusses that after being beaten and almost killed in prison, he surrendered, deciding he wanted a new life. Only after he joined a rehabilitation group in prison did things begin to change. Participants began to humanize each other and Michael’s life took a positive turn. He was released and began his transformation.

Join me as I talk to criminal defense lawyer Elizabeth Kelley, whose practice focuses on people with mental disabilities. She discusses how she firmly believes that individuals with mental disabilities should have rehabilitation instead of punishment. Parameters for people with mental illness are so restrictive that they set a very low standard for helping them get a fair trial. We also discuss the benefit of bringing in expert witnesses to explain the science behind different mental and physical challenges, thereby humanizing the defendant.