The Trial Lawyers College Podcast

Trial Lawyers College graduate and faculty member Emily Bennight joins Amanda Harber and Andrew Delaney to discuss how authenticity and human connection have transformed her approach to representing clients with traumatic brain injuries. Through stories from her courtroom experience, Emily explores how the TLC method helps uncover the life-changing impact of injuries that jurors cannot see, giving clients a voice and allowing their experiences to resonate beyond medical records and expert testimony.

Public defender and Trial Lawyers College alum Kathleen Shell joins Amanda Harbour and Andrew Delaney to talk about the path that led her from private practice to a career defending people whose lives are often reduced to a case number or a prison ID. Kathleen shares how TLC helped her save an innocent client from a murder prosecution, why she remains deeply committed to representing incarcerated people as individuals, and how the relationships she built through the College have shaped the way she practices and serves. She also reflects on the importance of working groups, mentorship, and the kind of community where lawyers can keep learning, reconnecting, and showing up for one another long after a program ends.

Trial Lawyers College graduate Adam Malone joins Maren Chaloupka to discuss the extraordinary factual, medical, and human challenges involved in representing children and families in birth injury cases. Drawing on a lifetime shaped by his father's pioneering work and decades of his own courtroom experience, Adam explains how the TLC method helps him uncover the deeper story, prepare clients and experts, navigate complex medical evidence, and stay focused on the truth beneath the litigation.

Trial Lawyers College graduates Andrew Mishlove and Bell Island join Maren Chaloupka to explore one of the toughest challenges in trial advocacy: turning complicated forensic science into a story jurors can understand and care about. From contaminated blood samples and unreliable measurements to the rules that give scientific testing meaning, Andrew and Bell explain why simply proving the science is not enough and how the TLC method helps lawyers connect technical evidence to larger themes of trust, fairness, and integrity. Drawing on decades of courtroom experience, they share how storytelling, role reversal, and a willingness to keep learning have transformed the way they challenge government evidence and advocate for their clients.

Arizona trial lawyer Brian Snyder joins Ron Estefan to talk about what brought him to Trial Lawyers College and how programs like Courage to Ask and Trial Skills Foundation changed the way he prepares cases, connects with clients, and tells their stories in the courtroom. Brian shares how learning to become more vulnerable helped him move beyond simply presenting facts and begin communicating the emotional truth of a case through opening statement, direct examination, and voir dire. He also reflects on why even experienced trial lawyers still have more to learn and why he keeps coming back to TLC because, in his words, "the work's not done."

Trial Lawyers College graduate Mart Harris joins Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney to explore how mastering procedure can level the playing field when lawyers take on governments, corporations, and other powerful opponents. From turning guilty verdicts into a mistrial through a careful jury poll to discovering the overlooked story that changed the course of a federal gun case, Mart shares how TLC tools like role reversal, silence, and discovering the story have transformed the way he practices and teaches law. Along the way, Mart and his law clerks Robert Gratzmiller and Jaidyn Spath offer a candid look at mentorship, learning through experience, and building a trial team that speaks the same language.

Civil rights attorney Dave Rankin joins Maren Chaloupka to discuss a career spent fighting for people whose stories are too often hidden behind prison walls. Through the case of Terry Cooper, a man whose death at Clinton Correctional Facility ultimately led to a $9.25 million verdict, Dave explores the challenge of uncovering the truth, confronting institutional indifference, and helping jurors see the humanity of people society has chosen to forget. As he prepares for the upcoming Trial Lawyers College event, Dave shares what continues to drive his work and why learning to tell these complicated human stories with greater intention can be another powerful tool in the fight for justice.

Medical malpractice attorney and Trial Lawyers College graduate Geoff Pope joins Maren Chaloupka to explore how his journey from defending doctors to representing injured patients transformed his approach to trial law. Geoff shares how TLC taught him to move beyond simply mastering the medicine and instead connect with clients, trust jurors, and uncover the emotional truth at the heart of a case. Through stories from his practice, he explains why authenticity, humility, and genuine human connection can be some of a trial lawyer's most powerful tools.

Maren Chaloupka sits down with Trial Lawyers College alum Chris Madeksho to discuss his work representing people diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure that often occurred decades earlier. Chris shares how TLC methods like role reversal, scene setting, and deep listening help him uncover the story behind the exposure, connect with clients and witnesses, and present complex cases to juries in a more human and meaningful way.

Maren Chaloupka sits down with longtime Trial Lawyers College faculty member and past president John Sloan to discuss the unique challenges of representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries. John shares lessons from decades of trial experience, including the importance of before-and-after witnesses, listening, role reversal, and understanding how an injury has changed not only a client's abilities, but their entire life. They also discuss how TLC methods help lawyers connect more deeply with their clients and communicate those losses authentically to a jury. The conversation concludes with a preview of TLC's 2027 catastrophic injury seminar, which will focus on developing powerful opening statements in these difficult cases.

Monica Hartsock joins Andrew Delaney and Amanda Harbour for a candid conversation about consumer protection litigation, building a successful solo practice, and the unexpected value of finding a community of trial lawyers. From fighting financial institutions and corporate misconduct to preparing witnesses through psychodrama and storytelling, Monica shares how Trial Lawyers College reshaped not only her trial skills but also the way she collaborates with other lawyers.

In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College Podcast, Brady Skinner III sits down with legendary trial lawyer and longtime TLC faculty member Eric Davis for an honest conversation about race, justice, and the realities of practicing law in America. Together, they examine how racial bias can shape the criminal legal system, the unique experiences of Black trial lawyers, and the responsibility of advocates to confront prejudice while remaining steadfast in the defense of every client's constitutional rights. Eric shares powerful stories from his decades in the courtroom, discusses navigating difficult judges and juries, and explains how the Trial Lawyers College transformed his approach to storytelling, voir dire, cross-examination, and authentic advocacy.

In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College Podcast, Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney welcome Harris County Public Defender and 2025 TLC graduate Reshae Ridley to share her experience at the College's Three-Week program at Camp Dawson. Shay reflects on her path from military service and public service to criminal defense, why she believes psychodrama is the foundation for authentic advocacy, and how vulnerability transformed both her approach to clients and her courtroom skills. She also discusses the lifelong friendships formed through TLC, the value of continued learning, and why she believes the College is one of the best investments an attorney, or a supervisor, can make. Whether you're considering attending the Three-Week program or simply want to hear how human connection can elevate trial advocacy, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the heart of the Trial Lawyers College experience.

In this deeply reflective episode of the Trial Lawyers College Podcast, Maren Chaloupka sits down with longtime TLC graduate, trial lawyer, author, and teacher Robin Zephier. Robin shares the family stories, Indigenous traditions, and spiritual teachings that shaped his life, from the oral histories passed down by his grandmother to the legacy of his great-grandfather, Mato Niampi ("Saved by Bear"). Together, they explore how those lessons have influenced Robin's work as a trial lawyer, his commitment to serving others, and the profound impact of Trial Lawyers College on his understanding of storytelling, psychodrama, and human connection. The conversation also introduces Robin's moving new poem, Riding the Silent Pony, written for the College's Walk in Silence tradition: a meditation on self-discovery, listening, and reconnecting with the person waiting within. This episode is an invitation to slow down, honor the stories that came before us, and remember that the most important journey is often the one inward.

What does it take to stand beside a client when the stakes couldn't be higher? In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College podcast, Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney sit down with renowned Texas criminal defense attorney Patrick McLain to discuss his nationally recognized representation in the Prairie Land detention center case, the challenges of defending politically charged prosecutions, and why the search for truth must always come before the pursuit of victory. Patrick shares how psychodrama, focus groups, story discovery, and other TLC methods shaped his trial preparation, strengthened his advocacy, and helped him remain grounded even in the face of difficult verdicts. The conversation also explores the value of the TLC community, the role of the F-Warrior alumni network, and why the real measure of a trial lawyer is the willingness to keep fighting for justice, regardless of the outcome.

What happens when the fight isn't over a personal injury, but over a family's home? In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College podcast, Maren Chaloupka welcomes Louisiana attorneys Lauren Checki and Naomi Jones to discuss the deeply human stories behind property and casualty litigation. From hurricanes and flood damage to denied claims and bad-faith insurance practices, they explain how the TLC method transformed the way they investigate cases, connect with clients, and uncover the emotional impact of losing the place people call home. Through powerful examples, they reveal why these cases are about much more than roofs, walls, and repair estimates. They are about families, dignity, and restoring stability after disaster.

What does it take to advocate for victims of dog attacks, and why do these cases involve far more than bites and scars? In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College podcast, Maren Chaloupka sits down with Georgia trial lawyer and TLC faculty member David Zagoria to explore the unique challenges of dog injury litigation. Through powerful role reversals and real case stories, David shares how the TLC method helps uncover hidden truths, build trust with witnesses, and connect deeply with clients whose lives have been changed by trauma. He discusses the investigative work required to prove these cases, the emotional scars that often outlast physical wounds, and how psychodrama and authentic storytelling transformed his practice and his life. Whether you represent injury victims, criminal defendants, or anyone seeking justice, this conversation offers a compelling look at advocacy rooted in humanity, truth, and connection.

What happens when trial lawyers stop performing and start connecting? In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College podcast, Ron Estefan sits down with Natanya Brooks to discuss how the TLC method transformed not only her approach to trial work, but her life. Natanya shares how psychodrama, vulnerability, and authentic human connection helped her become more present with clients, juries, family, and herself. From processing personal loss to learning to trust her own voice in the courtroom, she reflects on the power of showing up as a genuine human being rather than performing a role. This inspiring conversation explores why connection, not perfection, is often the key to effective advocacy and meaningful relationships.

In this episode of the Trial Lawyers College podcast, Maren Chaloupka speaks with employment attorney Laura Schultes about how the TLC method transforms the way lawyers prepare and present employment discrimination and whistleblower cases. Laura shares how psychodrama, role reversal, and story work helped uncover the human experience beneath spreadsheets, evaluations, and institutional defenses in a racial discrimination case involving a public school teacher. Together, they explore why employment cases are ultimately about identity, belonging, betrayal, human dignity, and how authentic storytelling can change the outcome of a case long before trial.

Oklahoma trial lawyers Brecken Wagner and Blake Lynch join the TLC podcast to talk about their journey from traditional courtroom advocacy to authentic, human-centered trial work through Trial Lawyers College. With humor, honesty, and unforgettable stories, they reflect on psychodrama, jury selection, storytelling, and the powerful impact TLC has had on their practice, partnerships, and personal lives. From learning to connect with jurors to discovering empathy for even the hardest witnesses, this episode explores how vulnerability and authenticity can transform both lawyers and the cases they try.