Ron Estefan 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.

Ron Estefan 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.

Rafe Foreman talks with TLC Board & Faculty Leader Ron Estefan about the Trial Skills Foundation (March 1–6, Moe Ranch, Hunt, TX): a six-day, multi-skill, lab-style TLC program for civil and criminal defense lawyers — openings, directs, cross, psychodrama, case consult energy, and real-world skill building.

Rafe Foreman chats with TLC faculty leaders Paula Elliott Estefan and Render C. Freeman about Do No Harm — a focused, limited-enrollment Trial Lawyers College program (Jan 19–22) at the Peery Hotel in Salt Lake City. This is a laboratory-style CLE for lawyers who want real practice on real cases: depositions, cross-examination, role-play, psychodrama, and tactical troubleshooting with faculty and peers.

Cyndy Short and Laura O’Sullivan—longtime TLC faculty and alumnae—walk through the Women Who Win program (Feb 18–22, Vanderbilt), psychodrama for openings, motherhood + practice, and how women can use authenticity and storytelling as courtroom strengths.

Former public defender turned employment litigator Babak Semnar explains how Trial Lawyers College methods—psychodrama, role reversal, and emotional connection—made him a better, more authentic trial lawyer. From sexual-harassment and age-discrimination trials to long depositions and jury work, Babak shows how “being real” wins jurors’ hearts and verdicts.

Eric Davis (Houston criminal lawyer, TLC Board member) joins Rafe to tackle a brutal—but common—trial problem: what to do when your case includes facts that will make jurors shut down. Drawing on years of bad-case experience and Trial Lawyers College methods, Eric walks through practical strategies for voir dire and trial planning when you must confront extraneous offenses, on-video conduct, DNA, or other explosive evidence.

Rafe Foreman sits down with faculty member Mike Smith to unpack why Trial Lawyers College programs — from the three-week flagship to weekend workshops — are game changers for trial lawyers. They talk psychodrama’s power to unlock the emotional core of a case, the collaborative moment that produced the “above/below the line” framework for med-mal trials, and practical voir-dire tactics borrowed from criminal practice. If you want to deepen juror connection, vet your ideas with fellow lawyers, and leave with trial tools you’ll actually use, this episode explains why you should join the next TLC program.

Francisco "Paco" Duarte joins Rafe to unpack the practical side of medical-misdiagnosis in cases — including why stroke tops the list and running through the ten most commonly incorrect diagnoses. They explain how emergency departments are organized (and why that structure — plus billing and workflow practices — often shows up as distortion in litigation), who typically gets named in these suits, and what to look for in exams, diagnostic plans, and medical records. If you try medical cases, listen for concrete takeaways on chart mining, spotting absent documentation, and using hospital workflow to frame your client’s injury.

TLC grad Robert Klingler (Class of 2015) joins Rafe Foreman to explain how psychodrama and TLC methods — role reversal, doubling, listening and courtroom reenactments — have reshaped his practice from federal employment work to public-defense and civil trials. Hear how a respectful, strategic approach unraveled a suppression hearing, how a roller-rink reenactment convinced jurors, and why the upcoming F-Warrior retreat is a can’t-miss chance to sharpen skills and reconnect with the psychodrama community. Practical, human, and full of trial stories you can use on your next case.

Rafe Foreman sits down with TLC graduate Stanley Schneider to unpack a career spent fighting for justice — from recent jury battles and wins at the Court of Criminal Appeals to life-changing Innocence Project work. Stanley explains how psychodrama and TLC methods sharpen storytelling, jury engagement, and appellate strategy, and he reflects on coerced confessions, forensic failures, and the hard work of trying “bad” cases. Tune in for practical trial lessons, courtroom lore, and why teaching the next generation of lawyers matters.

Rafe Foreman hosts trial lawyers Tim Garvey and Greg Bentley for a practical, inside look at a recent hard-fought case victory and the Trial Lawyers College methods that made the difference. They break down how TLC techniques — from voir dire and story-building to witness prep and courtroom presence — moved a jury and protected their client’s dignity. Listeners will walk away with concrete tips for sharpening trial strategy, strengthening client connections, and bringing TLC principles into their next case. Tune in for honest trial stories, lessons learned, and inspiration for doing the work that matters.

Rafe Foreman interviews Darryl Exum about a brutal, nine-month criminal trial in Riverside—a four-defendant gang double-murder case involving identical twins—that tested every trial skill in the book. Darryl recounts two trials (after a mistrial tied to a covert informant dispute), how TLC methods—rigorous voir dire, careful cross-examination, storytelling and putting jurors in the room—helped peel back unreliable police testimony and shaky forensic claims. He also talks honestly about the personal toll of long trials, the importance of “letting the village in” (trusted colleagues and community support), using AI as a drafting tool, and prioritizing health. The jury ultimately refused to convict on the principal counts, showing how relentless preparation, human connection, and ethical advocacy can prevail.

Former TLC student Kahlie Hoffman returns to share how she secured a $2.35 million verdict for an uninsured immigrant client in a three-car collision. Learn how she used TLC-inspired methods—humanizing her Spanish-speaking client, tackling attorney-referred care head-on, and even exercising peremptory strikes by gut instinct—to overcome low-damage arguments and biased venue risks. Kahlie breaks down the pivotal voir dire moments, creative demonstratives that reframed surveillance footage, and the power of genuine connection that turned twelve strangers into a unanimous jury.

Seattle lawyer, Evan Oshan, joins Rafe Foreman to explore his groundbreaking negligence suit against the City of Seattle over the CHOP Zone—where two Black youths were shot, one fatally, amid an “off-limits” protest precinct. Learn how municipal leaders’ decision to abandon public safety unleashed chaos, spoliated evidence, and left victims without help, and why Oshan refuses to let this miscarriage of justice go unchallenged. From breaking through governmental immunity to honoring his client’s plea for trial, discover what it takes to fight fearlessly for truth and accountability when civic duty fails.

What if an outside perspective could help unlock the story of your case? In this episode, trial consultant Elizabeth Larrick joins Rafe Foreman to explore how targeted focus groups, smart vocabulary lists, and role-reversal exercises help you fine-tune your themes, spot blind spots, and connect with jurors. Whether you’re prepping for depositions, voir dire, or opening statements, learn why staying curious—and leaning on you community —can transform your trial strategy and keep your edge sharp.

Join Rafe Foreman as he welcomes life care planning specialist Lindsey Ford to explore how physician-authored life care plans forecast and quantify the future medical and support needs of injured individuals. Lindsey explains the methodology behind assessing long-term care—from rehabilitative therapies and mental health support to household services and loss of earning capacity—and how these projections guide attorneys in securing fair compensation. Discover why detailed, personalized life care plans are essential tools for advocating quality of life after catastrophic injury.

Rafe Foreman sits down with master storyteller, John Charles Hardin, to reflect on decades of trial work, the enduring bond forged through shared experiences, and the transformative impact of Trial Lawyers College. They discuss how genuine storytelling—grounded in truth and empathy—shapes every aspect of jury work, from voir dire to closing arguments. John emphasizes the importance of listening, humility, and role-reversal to connect with jurors and honor their oath. Throughout, they celebrate the lifelong journey of practicing law, the thrill of fighting for justice, and the power of authentic human connection in the courtroom.

Brecken Wagner—TLC ’16 and new faculty member—joins Ray Foreman to announce the extended June 23 deadline for the flagship three-week college and discuss Oklahoma’s surprising shift back toward felony DUI statutes. As a criminal defense attorney, Brecken shares how he’s navigating legislative changes, preparing for upcoming trials, and harnessing TLC’s storytelling techniques to connect jurors with his clients’ real-life experiences. Tune in for practical insights on choosing the right narrative, “discovering the why” behind your facts, and using silence and empathy to make your story resonate.

Sean Dormer, Tim Garvey, and Amy Rogers discuss how Trial Lawyers College techniques helped them secure a $4 million verdict in a wrongful-death case where a young man died by suicide in jail after his pleas for help were ignored. They explain how psychodrama and empathy exercises guided their opening statements, jury selection, and scene-setting to connect the jury with Jackson’s story and reveal the jail staff’s negligence. By “showing them yours” and using authentic, emotion-driven advocacy, they turned a tragic loss into a powerful example of why caring truly is contagious.

Adam Oakey, owner of the Law Office of Adam Oakey in Albuquerque, NM, discusses his TLC journey—from Trial Skills Foundation to “Courage to Ask”—and why he’s applied for the flagship three-week college. He explains how psychodrama transformed his approach to client connection, personal growth, and scene-setting: techniques he’s gearing up to use in a self-defense road-rage trial where his 20-year-old client faced off against armed security guards. Join us for practical insights on translating TLC’s methods—listening exercises, role reversal, and immersive scene-setting—into courtroom strategy, and learn why caring  and authenticity can make all the difference in securing justice.

Suzie Mindlin, a 2002 TLC graduate from California, highlights the power of working on your own cases alongside peers at the three-week college and in local working groups—vibrant hubs that have flourished into engines for justice across the U.S. She welcomes lawyers new to TLC training, emphasizing how these collaborative forums foster rapid skill development and mutual support.

Suzie also dives into the art of scene setting, explaining why the protagonist must be fully “there” and how transporting jurors into that precise moment—down to every detail—creates an immersive experience that makes your story resonate and stick.

Render C. Freeman—2015 TLC graduate and faculty member since 2018—reflects on his fourth “Courage to Ask” program, where a psychodrama exercise helped participants uncover how personal biases and family history influence the dollar values they assign to cases. He explains why “emotion is the currency of the courtroom” and how psychodramatic tools heighten lawyers’ emotional competence—from depositions and mediations to cross-examination and closing arguments. Render also previews the upcoming three-week flagship course at Camp Dawson, WV (Oct 4–27; apply by May 6), where attendees immerse themselves in psychodrama, “discovering the story,” jury selection, and all core trial skills.

Colby Vokey previews the upcoming three‑week flagship program at Camp Dawson, WV (Oct. 4–27; apply by May 6), and explains why it’s a game changer for trial lawyers. Learn how the intensive psychodrama kickoff and the “discovering the story” method sharpen listening, cross‑examination, and narrative skills—transforming both your practice and your personal confidence. Join Colby for insights on why going “all in” for three weeks will reset your approach to every case.

Amanda Harber—a 2017 Trial Lawyers College graduate, F Warrior board president, and former public defender—previews the “In Defense of the Damned” seminar (June 9–13 at IU Maurer Law). She walks us through the week’s psychodrama kickoff, powerful listening exercises that deepen attorney–client trust, and a master-class on cross-examination featuring exonerees like Darryl Burton. Amanda also highlights how TLC builds fellowship among often-isolated criminal defense attorneys, and shares updates on the F Warriors board, strategic planning, and opportunities to get involved.