Welcome to part one of a two-part series, an explosive story about realizing you are in the wrong place at the right time. My guest, Jason Van Tatenhove, talks with me about working for the Oath Keepers and the moment he realized he was "drinking the Kool Aid". Sharing how he reinvented himself after leaving the organization, he went on to teach his kids that it’s ok to "mess up, but then work on making it right." He then leads us into what it was like to testify in front of the Jan 6th Congressional Committee.

Litigator for 30+ years and now retired, John O'Malley speaks on behalf of NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness. He talks about trying to lift the stigma of discussing mental illness openly. John is proud of the programs NAMI offers, one of which is working to train law enforcement on identifying the signs of someone with mental illness. Juliet and John also discuss how gaining life experience helps one become better at witness prep and the importance of having empathy for those who need to take the stand.

Welcome to episode #2 of the Trauma, Trial and Transformation podcast during which host Juliet Huck speaks with Scarlett Lewis the mother Jesse Lewis, one of the children killed during the Sandy Hook School shooting. Scarlett was the first of a group of parents who sued conspiracy podcast theorist Alex Jones who publicly claimed that Sandy Hook was a hoax. In this episode you will hear Juliet talk to Scarlett talk about her much publicized courtroom confrontation with Jones during the trial which eventually resulted in the jury awarding mulitple families nearly a half billion dollars.

Please join me in an extremely powerful and moving conversation with the mother of Sandy Hook murdered victim Jessie Lewis. Scarlett Lewis is the Chief Movement Officer of the Jessie Lewis Choose Love Movement. In part one we discuss her book and how she gained strength over the years dealing with her grief - which then leads us into our conversation of having the courage to sue Alex Jones, conspiracy theorist.

Today’s guest, Maurice DeDeaux, discusses the steps he took on what he labeled “YouTube University” to learn the legal system so he could represent himself in fighting for custody of his daughter. He talks about learning patience and getting past the frustration that is part of the judicial system. But he would not have it any other way as he continues his quest for custody.

Join me for a short commentary on how cameras in the courtroom are a double edge sword for witnesses, especially when they’re faced with reliving trauma in their lives. In those cases, cameras are the difference between the real time testimony and the media's interpretation of court's proceedings.

Today’s guest is Mitigation Specialist Victoria Rusk. In a delicate conversation, she talks about putting her own agenda and judgement aside to help the accused. It requires that she humanizes her clients who are on trial for the death penalty, life in prison or long-term sentences. The author of The Handbook of Mitigation and founder of Mitigation University, Victoria tells an amazing story of a mother whose son was on trial for the death penalty and how testifying was such a blessing because for the first time she felt heard. It helped this woman heal some deep-rooted pain.

Join an inspirational conversation with Pastor Kyle Joachim about why putting his own agenda aside, and just being "present" in one's time of need, is so important. Juliet and Kyle talk about holding on to faith in your darkest hours when one feels overwhelmed by the legal system and why cultivating a relationship with God or one’s higher power makes it easier to ask for help when all seems lost.

In a fascinating and educational conversation, Dr. Stephanie Maj walks us through the scientific steps of how trauma physically affects the body. Not only does it impact functions like long term memory and emotional muscle memory, it also weakens the frontal lobe of the brain which compromises complex thought, therefore possibly compromising a witnesses’ memory when taking the stand. Dr. Maj also shares how trauma irritates the nervous system and how healing the nervous system helps heal the trauma.

Kicking of 2023, Juliet talks with Crisis Communications Expert Rosemary Wilson about her roll in consulting with corporations and individuals when crisis strikes, and/or reputations are on the line. She talks about how issues can be minimized when addressing a problem quickly instead of hoping it will dissolve. She has great insight on how to minimize the damaging effect on one's reputation and stop the ripple effect in its tracks.

As a wrap for 2022, Juliet takes a different approach from recent podcasts. She interviews Karen Egoff of My Soul Balance on the topic of honoring ourselves. Karen gives us some insight on the power of Reiki and walks us through a chair yoga exercise so we can take a few minutes for self care. Juliet also provides some food for thought for ending 2022.

Join the conversation between Juliet and Kristin Shelton on her experience of becoming a forensic accounting expert witness. Kristin talks about how the psychological warfare of the cross examination is an oddly fun chess game. She describes her first time testifying as an expert witness and how the Grateful Dead's music got her through the experience. That was when she realized how music is a large part of her selfcare during the stressful process.

This week, Juliet talks with Judy AmicAngleo, interior architect, commercial interior designer and colorist. She suffered a freak accident when her neighbor's unleashed dog charged her and her (leashed) dog. In the resulting fight, her finger was servered. She talks about filing a lawsuit and how she was accused of not telling the truth despite her bandaged hand. She also shares how color not only heals but can also intimidate. Her latest achievement is learning hip-hop dance with the 20-somethings and how it is helping her heal.

High-conflict divorce attorney Robyn Ginney, Esq., is a strong, experienced attorney who shields her clients from their spouses, recognizes the games being played, and protects what matters most – her client’s wellbeing. She’s a strong advocate for her clients in what she describes as "divorce terrorism". Her background in psychology, crisis counseling, and special education gives her a unique perspective and insight into her client’s fears and the games that others play to prolong or complicate a divorce. While the divorce process can be traumatic, she shares steps one can take to make the process less painful.

Shaman, Breathwork & Vibrational Healer and author of the book "Beverly Hills Concentration Camp", Randi Maggid talks with Juliet about overcoming the trauma as the child of Holocaust survivors and how her own healing journey has led to becoming a healer. Using different modalities in her practice as a Shaman led to her philosophy "when you have faith, you can heal and it's not as hard as you think".

Please join Juliet and Julia Jayne, ESQ, for a fascinating look from both sides of the aisle. Julia, who went from being a District Attorney in northern California to a criminal defense attorney, speaks on how mental health services provided by the courts can change lives.

Juliet and Sam discuss the delicate balance of prepping children and their parents who are called to testify. Sam's practice as a partner with Campbell & Williams in Las Vegas Nevada is entirely focused on litigating the firm's catastrophic personal injury cases along with complex commercial litigation matters. Sam talks about how you need to build relationships with children whose testimony is crucial to a case.

Meet Joel, a Hollywood Executive Producer with a laundry list of hits such as the Biggest Loser to now working with LeBron James as executive producer on the Emmy-nominated show "Rescue for Change". After discovering his own sobriety, Joel created Change Your Algorithm, free mental health online services based on therapists volunteering their time through classes and individual sessions. Joel's organization's mantra "no judgement, just healing".  https://changealgorithm.com

Juliet talks with Bill McCracken who was unexpectedly pulled into a corporate lawsuit, turning his life upside down. Bill gives us great advice on turning the defense into the offense and learning to heal over time.

Meet Roy, a highly decorated trial attorney and recently named 2022 Super Lawyer. Join Juliet as she and Roy discuss his witness prep process as well as tips he gives on how to navigate the legal system as a witness.