The Trial Lawyers College Podcast
The Trial Lawyers College Podcast explores the courage, connection, and humanity at the heart of trial law. Through honest conversations with accomplished trial lawyers, TLC faculty, board members, and members of our community, each episode offers hard-earned insights on connecting with clients, communicating with jurors, uncovering the truth of a case, applying the TLC Method, and sustaining a meaningful life in the demanding world of trial practice.
Listen to the Latest TLC Podcast
Asbestos Exposure and Accountability with Chris Madeksho
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, August 17, 2026
Maren 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.
2026 Episodes
Representing Catastrophic Loss with John Sloan
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, August 10, 2026
Maren 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.
Solo to Shared with Monica Hartsock
Hosted by Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney, August 3, 2026
Monica Hartsock joins Andrew and Amanda 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.
Advocacy Beyond Assumption with Eric Davis
Hosted by Brady Skinner III, July 27, 2026
In this episode Brady sits down with legendary trial lawyer and longtime TLC faculty member Eric Davis for an honest conversation about race, justice, and practicing law in America. Together, they explore how racial bias shapes the criminal legal system, the experiences of Black trial lawyers, and the responsibility of advocates to confront prejudice while defending every client’s constitutional rights. Eric shares stories from decades in the courtroom, reflects on navigating difficult judges and juries, and explains how TLC transformed his approach to storytelling, voir dire, cross-examination, and authentic advocacy.
Transformed with Reshae Ridley
Hosted by Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney, July 23 2026
In this episode, Amanda and Andy welcome Harris County Public Defender and 2025 TLC graduate Reshae Ridley to reflect on her experience at the College's Three-Week program at Camp Dawson. Shay shares her path from military and public service to criminal defense, why she sees psychodrama as a foundation for authentic advocacy, and how vulnerability transformed her work with clients and in the courtroom. She also discusses the lasting friendships formed through TLC, the value of continued learning, and why she believes the College is one of the best investments an attorney—or supervisor—can make. It’s an inspiring look at the human connection at the heart of the Trial Lawyers College experience.
Riding the Slient Pony with Robin Zephier
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, July 20, 2026
In this reflective episode, Maren 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 these lessons influenced his work, his commitment to service, and his understanding of storytelling, psychodrama, and human connection. Robin also introduces his moving new poem, Riding the Silent Pony, written for the College’s Walk in Silence tradition—a meditation on listening, self-discovery, and reconnecting with the person within.
Fighting for Justice with Patrick McLain
Hosted by Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney, July 15, 2026
What does it take to stand beside a client when the stakes couldn’t be higher? Renowned Texas criminal defense attorney Patrick McLain discusses his representation in the Prairie Land detention center case, the challenges of politically charged prosecutions, and why truth must come before victory. Patrick shares how psychodrama, story discovery, and other TLC methods shaped his prep, strengthened his advocacy, and kept him grounded through difficult verdicts.
Restoring Dignity with Lauren Checki and Naomi Jones
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, June 14, 2026
What happens when the fight isn’t over a personal injury, but a family’s home? Maren welcomes Louisiana attorneys Lauren Checki and Naomi Jones to explore the human stories behind property and casualty litigation. From hurricanes and flood damage to denied claims and bad-faith insurance practices, they share how the TLC method transformed the way they investigate cases, connect with clients, and uncover the emotional toll of losing the place people call home. Through powerful examples, they show why these cases are about far more than roofs, walls, and repair estimates—they are about families, dignity, and restoring stability after disaster.
Behind the Bite with David Zagoria
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, June 8, 2026
What does it take to advocate for victims of dog attacks, and why do these cases involve far more than bites and scars? Maren sits down with Georgia trial lawyer and TLC faculty member David Zagoria to explore the challenges of dog injury litigation. Through role reversals and real case stories, David shares how the TLC method helps uncover hidden truths, build trust with witnesses, and connect with clients whose lives have been changed by trauma. He discusses the investigation required to prove these cases, the emotional scars that often outlast physical wounds, and how psychodrama and authentic storytelling transformed his practice. For anyone seeking justice on behalf of others, this conversation offers a powerful look at advocacy rooted in humanity, truth, and connection.
Authenticity with Natanya Brooks
Hosted by Ron Estefan, June 1, 2026
What happens when trial lawyers stop performing and start connecting? In this episode, Ron 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.
The Story Beneath with Laura Schultes
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, May 26, 2026
In this episode Maren 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.
Finding the Story with Brecken Wagner and Blake Lynch
Hosted by Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney, May 11, 2026
Oklahoma trial lawyers Brecken Wagner and Blake Lynch join the 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.
Fighting for the Voiceless with Hank Sherrod
Hosted by Maren Chaloupka, May 4, 2026
In this powerful episode, civil rights attorney Hank Sherrod shares his journey into civil rights litigation and the deeply human stories behind his work, including his role in the documentary The Alabama Solution. Through real-world experiences, he discusses the challenges of holding systems accountable, the importance of storytelling, and how Trial Lawyers College methods, like role reversal and discovering the story, help lawyers uncover truth and connect with juries.
Rediscovering Connection with Misty Nehring
Hosted by Ron Estefan, April 20, 2026
In this episode, Ron sits down with Misty Nehring to explore what happens when trial lawyers stop performing and start connecting. Drawing from her journey from overwhelmed public defender to empowered advocate, Misty shares how TLC reshaped her approach to clients, juries, and herself—transforming fear, disconnection, and burnout into authenticity, compassion, and confidence. This conversation goes beyond technique, diving into vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and the power of human connection in the courtroom. It's a powerful reflection on growth, courage, and what it truly means to show up as a lawyer—and as a person.
Trial by Story with Zander Carrie
Hosted by Ron Estefan, April 20, 2026
In this episode, Ron talks with defense attorney Zander Carrie about taking an apparently "unwinnable" case—meth in the defendant's system, a 10-year-old dead, and a skeptical rural courthouse—and how TLC training, brutal honesty in voir dire, and disciplined storytelling turned the case into an acquittal.
Why Dignity Matters with Jack De La Piedra and Andy Delaney
Hosted by Ron Estefan, April 6, 2026
Ron talks with Trial Lawyers College grads Andy Delaney and Jack De La Piedra about their March 2026 Florida trial: an 87-year-old nursing-home resident's preventable decline, the family's loss, and a $6M jury verdict. They break down the case-building choices that made jurors care — immersive openings, surgical cross-examination, and a short, human closing — and share practical TLC-inspired lessons for trying cases where dignity at the end of life is on the line.
Setting the Scene with Cyndy Short
Hosted by Amanda Harber and Andy Delaney, March 30, 2026
On this episode of the Trial Lawyers College podcast, Andy and Amanda sit down with sentencing advocacy expert Cyndy Short to explore mitigation as storytelling. Cyndy explains how to build persuasive sentencing narratives, shares concrete courtroom techniques (role-reversal, setting the scene, humanizing clients), and offers practical tips for advocates handling high-stakes capital and non-capital matters. A must-listen for trial lawyers who want to make sentencing advocacy more humane, strategic, and effective.
Caught In The Net with Richard Sterger and Melissa Sandoval
Hosted by Francisco (Paco) Duarte, March 9, 2026
Paco sits down with Rick Sterger and Melissa Sandoval to unpack a powerful immigration win: how a young migrant who crossed the Darien Gap was detained, and how careful advocacy, TLC methods, and strategic litigation secured his freedom. A clear, humane look at immigration practice, professional courage, and why lawyers matter.
Courage to Ask with Matthew Lathrop
Hosted by Ron Estefan, February 9, 2026
Ron sits down with Matt Lathrop to explore Trial Lawyers College's The Courage to Ask—how curiosity, vulnerability, and better questions transform trial lawyering. Hear why asking (not performing) helps lawyers connect with juries, shape verdicts, and regain confidence.
Real Over Perfect with Rafe Foreman
Hosted by Ron Estefan, February 4, 2026
Ron hosts Rafe Foreman for a candid conversation about what actually matters in the courtroom: presence, authenticity, and story. Board & faculty leaders unpack the Trial Skills Foundation week — what happens in the classroom, why it changes how lawyers try cases, and what attendees take home that actually moves juries.