The Trial Lawyers College Podcast

Hosted by Trial Lawyers College

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Episodes

200

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The Trial Lawyers College Podcast talks to leading attorneys, TLC board members, and faculty about the ideas and the issues that are affecting trial lawyers today. The TLC podcast covers courtroom strategy, communicating with jurors, connecting with clients, methods that drive success, balancing healthy relationships with a busy practice and more.

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60 recent

August 31, 202644 min

Seeing the Humanity with Dave Rankin

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.

August 24, 202648 min

The Power of Story with Geoff Pope

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.

August 17, 202648 min

Exposure and Accountability with Chris Madeksho

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.

August 10, 202654 min

Representing Catastrophic Loss with John Sloan

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.

August 3, 202635 min

Solo to Shared with Monica Hartsock

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.

July 27, 20261 hr 1 min

Advocacy Beyond Assumption with Eric Davis

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.

July 23, 202629 min

Transformed with Reshae Ridley

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.

July 20, 202659 min

Riding the Silent Pony with Robin Zephier

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.

July 14, 202629 min

Fighting for Justice with Patrick McLain

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.

June 15, 202650 min

Restoring Dignity with Lauren Checki and Naomi Jones

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.