In this special episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson, CFI is joined by Nate Frazier—Founder and CEO of Red Knot Capital—and the thinking behind Red Knot’s acquisition of Wicklander-Zulawski. Through stories that span forensic interviewing, global leadership, mergers, and crisis management, Nate shares why Wicklander’s legacy, science-based methodology, and commitment to humanity made it a natural fit. This conversation isn’t just about a transaction—it’s about trust, stewardship, and what it looks like to honor a 40-year foundation while positioning a respected institution for its next chapter. If you care about communication, leadership, and doing difficult work the right way, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead.

Check out the press release here: Red Knot Capital Acquires Wicklander-Zulawski: Global Leader in Investigative Interviewing; Dave Thompson, CFI Named CEO - Wicklander-Zulawski

Learn more about WZ Training for your professional development!

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Scott Tillema — former SWAT hostage negotiator, FBI-trained crisis negotiator and practitioner with over two decades of experience — as he reveals how high-stakes communication tactics from crisis negotiation can transform leadership, decision-making, and everyday conversations. Scott breaks down his proven “Four Pillars of Negotiation” — Understanding, Timing, Delivery, and Respect — and shows how mastering these can help you build trust fast, influence others calmly, and steer tense conversations toward positive outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with business negotiations, conflict at work, or difficult personal conversations, Scott offers powerful, real-world tools to help you communicate clearly and confidently when it matters most.

Learn more about Scott here: Scott Tillema | High-Stakes Communication Keynote Speaker

Truths:

In this episode, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Michael Reddington, CFI to break down five of the biggest misconceptions about communication — in the interrogation room, the boardroom, and everywhere in between. From the myths of “control,” “rapport,” and “active listening” to the flawed belief that people owe us the truth, Dave and Mike unpack how these assumptions quietly sabotage influence. Together, they reveal the real skills that build trust, uncover information, and create better outcomes in high-stakes conversations.

Check out Part 2 of this Series on Mike's Podcast on YouTube - "I See What You're Saying"

Or visit on Spotify

We covered myths and misconceptions on this episode – listen to learn more as we debunk the following:

What if your next training didn’t just check a box - but actually changed behavior? In this episode, Dr. Carrie Graham joins us to unpack how better learning design can turn information into transformation - whether you’re leading a classroom, a corporate team, or a law enforcement agency.

Dive into the world of transformative training with Dr. Carrie Graham, where the focus shifts from the facilitator to the learner, ensuring that every educational experience is impactful and lasting.

In this episode of "Truth Be Told," host Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Dr. Carrie Graham, a learning solutions architect dedicated to crafting training programs that truly resonate. They explore the science of adult learning, the importance of prioritizing the learner, and the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in modern training environments. Dr. Graham shares her insights on creating engaging learning experiences that go beyond checking boxes, emphasizing the need for continuous reflection and adaptation in training practices. Whether you're a trainer, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for enhancing educational impact.

Check out Dr. Graham's website for her blog, consulting services and other podcast clips!

Truths:

This Truth Be Told episode is a powerful exploration of wrongful convictions, highlighting the harrowing journey of those who have been unjustly imprisoned. Through the lens of Jeff Deskovic's story, the conversation delves into the systemic failures of the justice system and the resilience required to overcome such profound adversity. Jeff shares his personal journey of falsely confessing, being wrongfully convicted and later exonerated.  He then expands on his inspirational journey into criminal justice reform.

Filmmaker Jia Rizvi captures the raw emotions and critical insights needed to spark meaningful change, making this a must-watch for anyone passionate about justice and reform.  Jia shares the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a documentary and artfully and empathetically amplifying Jeff's voice.

Learn more about Jia's work and her films here!

Support Jeff and his foundation here!

Connect with our host, Dave Thompson, CFI!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate and share!

Truths:

Wrongful Convictions: The project highlights the traumatic experience of being wrongfully convicted and the long-lasting impact it has on individuals, emphasizing the need for systemic change in the justice system.

Role of Communication: Effective communication is crucial in preventing wrongful convictions, as demonstrated by the filmmakers' efforts to give a voice to those affected and educate the public.

Importance of Advocacy: The project underscores the power of advocacy and storytelling in raising awareness and driving legislative changes to prevent future injustices.

Challenges of Reentry: Exonerees face significant challenges when reentering society, including lack of support, employment difficulties, and mental health struggles, highlighting the need for comprehensive reentry programs.

Impact of Media: Films and documentaries play a vital role in capturing public attention and fostering empathy, which can lead to increased support for reform efforts.

Personal Resilience: The resilience and determination of individuals like Jeff, who continue to fight for justice and support others despite their own traumatic experiences, is a powerful testament to human strength.

Community and Support: Building a supportive community around exonerees and those advocating for justice is essential for sustaining momentum and achieving meaningful change.

Other resources:

Home | National Registry of Exonerations

Innocence Network

Join us at next year's Elite Training Days conference!

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson engages with Carlamay Sheremata, a former school resource officer and author, to explore the intricate connections between leadership, communication, and personal experiences. They discuss the CALM method, which emphasizes Connection, Awareness, Language, and Measured Response as essential tools for effective leadership and parenting. Carla shares her insights on the importance of building trust, active listening, and the impact of home life on workplace behavior. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the need for community engagement in addressing youth issues.

Learn more about Carlamay and find her book here: Carlamay Sheremata

Subscribe to Truth Be Told and provide a rating to help others find our show!

Connect with Carlamay on LinkedIn!

Truths:

In this episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson sits down with Dr. Brandon May, a cognitive psychologist and forensic researcher, to explore the intersection of investigative interviewing, memory, and artificial intelligence. From alcohol’s surprising effects on memory recall to the risks of AI contaminating witness testimony, Dr. May brings research and real-world insights that every investigator, practitioner, and curious listener should hear. Together, they discuss the promise—and the perils—of AI in law enforcement, training, and beyond.

Whether you’re an investigator, an academic, or just fascinated by how technology is reshaping justice, this conversation sheds light on where we are, where we’re going, and what we must watch out for along the way.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram!

👉 Be sure to check the show notes for links to Dr. May’s recent paper, connect with him on LinkedIn, and explore the resources mentioned in this episode.

May, Brandon | Florida Tech

Truths:

·  Memory and Alcohol: Research shows alcohol reduces the quantity of recalled information, but not its accuracy—meaning intoxicated witnesses can still provide reliable accounts.

·  AI as a Double-Edged Sword: While AI can support investigators with tasks like summarization and hypothesis generation, overreliance risks “drifting”—where detectives begin to think like AI rather than applying critical judgment.

·  The Risk of Contamination: Just as leading questions can distort memory, AI tools may unintentionally reinforce false memories or fabricate details, creating dangerous implications for trials.

·  Training Potential: AI-powered avatars and simulations could be powerful tools for investigator training, helping practice questioning techniques and rapport-building in safe environments—though they must supplement, not replace, human-led training.

·  Guardrails Are Essential: AI should be viewed as a tool—not a replacement for human empathy, judgment, and rapport. Law enforcement agencies must critically evaluate before adopting it in sensitive investigative contexts.

·  Future Caution: Without careful implementation, we could see wrongful convictions not because of eyewitness errors, but due to “AI witness testimony.”

Dive into the gripping world of financial deception as we unravel a nationwide scam orchestrated from within the walls of Georgia's prisons. Join detectives Carlos Verdoni and Andrew Rowe as they expose the intricate web of deceit involving drones, cryptocurrency, and a network of unsuspecting victims. Discover how sharp communication and relentless investigation brought this $80 million scheme to light. The discussion highlights the importance of communication and collaboration in unraveling the scam, which involved multiple jurisdictions and millions of dollars. Don't miss this eye-opening episode of Truth Be Told!

Truths:

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Patrick Everson, one of the most trusted voices in sports betting journalism. Patrick reveals how relationship building and trust have been the foundation of his career, allowing him to cultivate reliable sources and break credible stories in a high-stakes industry. They explore how effective communication not only builds those behind-the-scenes connections but also shapes how information is shared with the public - and how that delivery has evolved in the fast-moving world of sports media. From the sportsbook to the storyline, this conversation shows why the real insider edge isn’t just about odds - it’s about trust and communication.

Follow Patrick on X

Check out more info about Vegas Insider

See what Patrick is up to on Fox Sports!

Truths:

Is AI replacing you?

Can you be more efficient without being extinct?

Join Dave Thompson, CFI and Tom Meehan, CFI as they delve into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Discover how AI is reshaping careers, the potential risks of bias and automation, and the importance of embracing technology to enhance efficiency. From AI's role in the legal system to its impact on sports and investigations, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges of AI.

Thank you to CONTROLTEK for supporting this episode!

Truths:

AI's Transformative Impact: AI is rapidly changing both professional and personal landscapes, offering tools that can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity.

Balancing Risks and Opportunities: While AI presents game-changing potential, it also brings risks such as bias and over-reliance on automation. It's crucial to navigate these challenges responsibly.

AI in the Legal System: The integration of AI in legal processes can streamline research and case analysis, but it requires careful management to avoid errors and ensure accuracy.

Embracing Technology: To remain relevant and competitive, individuals and organizations should leverage AI to improve workflows and decision-making processes.