Deliberations: Recent Episodes
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What really happens when a jury retires to deliberate?
Find out each week on Deliberations, a modern day, improvised audio drama that allows criminal justice enthusiasts to step inside a jury room. Each season explores a different courtroom drama inspired by real life criminal trials in the news. Six improvisers serve as the jury and passionately react, negotiate, and argue opposing interpretations of the evidence.
Season Two examines the rights of accusers and defendants in cases of sexual misconduct. Tallahassee college student Keith Montgomery stands accused of rape, leading jurors to face the question: who is lying?
Season One explores the murder trial of dominatrix Samantha Hall, charged with murdering her submissive lover with a rope. Was it an erotic asphyxiation gone awry or a premeditated killing?
Former member of the Moonies cult and author of the memoir "To The Moon and Back," Lisa Kohn speaks with us about being raised inside the abusive organization.
Rachel Bernstein, therapist and creator of the show IndoctriNation, talks to us about cults, manipulators, and narcissists.
Lola is examined by state-appointed psychiatrist Robert Kirk and cult psychiatric expert Stella Laughlin. They offer contrasting opinions of Lola’s psychological state.
Cult Mediation Specialist Patrick Ryan revisits us to discuss interventions and alternative strategies for exiting cults.
Patrick Hinds of True Crime Obsessed helps me break down the fascinating saga of Jonestown.
Kyle shares his suspicions of the Temple with his wife and close friend. When they report him, Tai Biman writes to Lola personally with what she claims was a veiled directive to commIt murder.
Keith Raniere is the leader of celebrity sex cult NXIVM. In today's episode we examine his background, lies, and methods of interaction to better understanding the makeup of a cult leader.
Kyle flies to Philly, where his family and a cult mediator surprise him with an intervention and detain him for a 72 hour deprogramming. The State questions which group was actually controlling Kyle’s mind.
Lola’s motive begins to crystallize as we learn about the Temple’s belief in “the Tapestry,” the cohesive unit that would be disrupted by a member leaving.... disruption that could result in worldwide disaster. Questions of group exploitation arise as Lola recounts her connection and marriage to Kyle Addams.
Activist Janette Allen discusses her time in Scientology and her organizations FACT (Families Against Cult Teachings) and EndingAbuse.org.
From the stand, Lola describes life inside TCS. Her interview with police is played for the jury.
Sociology professor, cult author, and former cult member Dr Janja Lalich talks about her personal history in the Democratic Workers' Party, its revolution, and the charisma of cult leaders.
Leon Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance is examined as a method of indoctrination. If a person’s behavior, thought, or emotion is controlled... the others will follow, opening the door to mind control. Before leaving her first retreat, Lola Addams officially joins the Temple of Contemplative Science.
Michael Bluejay is an accomplished writer who was raised in a cult called Aesthetic Realism. In today's episode, he talks about recruitment, modern-day cultic environments, South Park, and more.
Lola attends her first group-sponsored event, a meditation retreat in Key Largo which Tai Biman hosts. Stella Laughlin explains Kurt Lewin’s three step change model, in which a person’s authentic identity can be broken down and replaced by a cult identity.
Youtube sensation Telltale Atheist shares his personal history raised as a Jehovah's Witness and breaks down the difference between religions and cults.
Lola traces her cult involvement back to her participation in a local meditation circle. Cult expert Stella Laughlin describes trance and hypnosis techniques used by cults during recruitment. For the first time, Lola learns of Temple leader Tai Biman, enjoying his powerful and seductive approach to meditation.
World renowned cult expert Patrick Ryan discusses cultic relationships and his personal history with Transcendental Meditation.
Season four launches with the murder of deprogrammed alleged cult member Kyle Addams. His wife (and murder defendant) Lola shot him in the back because church doctrine convinced her she was saving lives by preventing him from leaving their group. Now claiming to be deprogrammed in jail, an ambiguous (REAL) Florida Statute opens the door for her to walk due to justifiable homicide.
This episode is brought to you by Care/Of, my new favorite company! For 50% off your first month of personalized mail subscription vitamin packs, go to bit.ly/DeliberationsVitamins and enter code Deliberations50
Getting Off host and Criminal Defense Attorney Jessa Nicholson Goetz shares her reactions to the Stowe trial.
Esteemed psychologist Dr. Art Markman (from 2 Guys On Your Head) examines the ethical violations in Dr. Greenson's psychiatric treatment of Marilyn Monroe.
Jonathan and I finish discussing Something's Got to Give and the last few weeks of Marilyn's life.
Adelaide celebrates her birthday under sequestration, and the defense lays out its theory. Jurors discuss reasonable doubt.
Bombs Away's Jonathan Young talks to me about Marilyn Monroe's last (unfinished) picture, Something's Got To Give.
So… today was supposed to be a strict talk with Jessa about psychiatry in the courtroom, but we twisted and turned through odd psychology to family dynamics to awkward attorney moments…
… God, I've missed her.
The jury learns about the phenomenon countertransference, wherein a therapist develops feelings for his patient. Were Dr Stowe and Ava Michaels intimate?
*Note. Bill's daughter is also named Chelsea. (No relation!)
President of the ASTC (American Society of Trial Consultants) Patricia Kuehn explains why the consulting industry is imperative in maintaining a fair and just legal system.
Today we discuss Dr Ralph Greenson, the inspiration for Dr Stowe, and reasons why I find him suspicious in the death of Marilyn Monroe.
Music: Hard Boiled, Concentration, Spirit of the Girl, Truth In The Stones, Wounded, Cool Vibes, and Comfortable Mystery 2/3/4- Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
The startling therapeutic relationship between Ava and Dr Stowe is revealed, including his intentional role as her “father” and Ava’s introduction into his own family …
again... based on real events
Steve Duffy of Trial Behavior Consulting discusses mock juries, shadow juries, and the roles of leaders in jury rooms.
David Perlut is the Vice President of Vinson & Company, a jury research and trial strategy consulting firm. Today he shares his views on issues within our jury system.
Join me in breaking down the theories about Marilyn's death and the way our Jury Break with Luke Yankee impacts them.
Music: Deadly Roulette, Fast Talkin, Dances & Dames - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Jurors explore the critical three hours between discovering Ava’s body and calling authorities.
Luke Yankee, author of Just Outside the Spotlight, shares personal stories from Marilyn Monroe’s life as shared by his mother, Hollywood staple Eileen Heckart.
Two points (I never believed before) arose, including one of an event Marilyn scheduled to take place after she died (and allegedly shared by a reliable source) … they've completely shaken my understanding of her death.
Jurors dissect the timeline of Ava's last day alive.
*Note. This timeline aligns exactly with Marilyn Monroe's final day.
Music:
Come Play With Me, On The Ground, Crowd Hammer - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Robin of Alltime Conspiracies breaks down the roots of a great conspiracy theory and describes the intriguing circumstances of Marilyn Monroe's death (before explaining some of the theories it's inspired).
Check out Robin's video about MM's death at bit.ly/alltimemarilyn
Hollywood legend Ava Michaels is found naked facedown on her bed, clutching her phone. Pronounced dead of a barbiturate overdose. When her intimately-connected psychiatrist stands trial, a sequestered jury is called upon to determine whether this famously tragic ending was a suicide or murder. (Inspired by true events - the life and confounding death of Marilyn Monroe.)
Music:
Lost Time, Dreams Become Real, Lost Frontier, On the Ground - Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
In this final installment of Season 2, Jessa and Nick weigh in on plea deals, the role of emotion in deliberations, and unlikable defendants.
Keith Montgomery's fate is decided.
Today's sponsors: Daily Harvest and Simple Contacts.
Go to DAILY dash HARVEST dot com and enter promo code DELIBERATIONS to get three items FREE in your first box!
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Rebecca O'Connor of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, And Incest National Network) speaks about how how to protect yourself and what to know in advance of reporting a crime.
The defense struggles to successfully cross as Riley breaks down. The jury leans toward conviction.
Riley Paige delivers a bold testimony, thoroughly touching and discomfiting the jury. In the media we hear about Keith's prior convictions.
JV Hampton-VanSant speaks about his unique dual experience of being assaulted and then accused of assault - following one traumatic incident. He also speaks to the problems we face in understanding same sex assault and struggles with racial stereotyping.
Disturbing content from Keith's phone is revealed in trial. Rumor of a medical issue suffered by Riley Paige is circulated online, but withheld from the jury.
Professional Statement Analyst Rick Whitehead breaks down the science, offering examples, applications, and real world experience.
Detective Suarez finishes the analysis of Keith Montgomery's statement as jurors conclude its discussion. Keith is revealed to have a public defender. Is his defense overworked and under-resourced?
After going through the system for a sensitive crime, today’s speaker breaks down the strange realities of conviction and post conviction life.
Detective Suarez begins the process of breaking down Keith’s statement line by line.
Today's sponsors: Daily Harvest & Zip Recruiter
Go to DAILY-HARVEST.com and enter promo code DELIBERATIONS to get three items FREE in your first box!
To try ZipRecruiter for free go to ZIPRECRUITER.com/CHELSEA
Civil attorney Kelvin Fisher discusses opportunities and challenges for sexual assault victims in civil court.
The way Detective Suarez applied Statement Analysis is revealed. Was the investigation corrupt? Ralph the juror admits to watching a program on lie detection. Did he violate a jury instruction?
Today we catch up with Jessa about her success with Getting Off. We also talk Michael Peterson, Casey Anthony, and OJ. Because we can’t help ourselves.
An internal memo from the Sheriff's office is revealed to incentivize investigators to pursue sexual battery cases. Lead Detective Suarez announces she employed a lie detecting social science to Keith Montgomery's statement to police.
Derek Cajun, owner of Love Systems, breaks down the reality of pick up artistry. Is it a field of sexual predators or earnest clients seeking a genuine connection?
The prosecution argues Keith Montgomery’s former exploits into the school of seduction “pick up artistry” demonstrates a pattern of his to rape women by ignoring their non consent.
This episode is brought to you by Daily Harvest. Go to DAILY-HARVEST.com and enter promo code DELIBERATIONS to get three items FREE off your first box.
We’re breaking down actor/comedian Aziz Ansari’s entanglement in the most questionable accusation of sexual assault yet. Did he cross the line? And if so, was that line assault?
The results of Riley Paige’s rape kit reveal an injury. Is it the result of a violent encounter or a consensual act? When a discrepancy in Riley’s account is exposed, the trial explores how commonly inconsistent statements appear in sensitive crime reporting. Jurors must decide whether Riley's omission is an understandable mistake or a red flag.
Vanessa, a brave and judicious victim, shares her story of assault. She explains why, having been through the legal process before as a victim, she decided not to come forward and report.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the US National Assault Telephone Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or visit https://centers.rainn.org/
If you are in the UK, please call the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 0808 2000 247.
Keith and Riley each make contact with one another following the night in question. Jurors analyze these messages in hopes they reveal what truly happened.
Cohosts of the hit podcast Getting Off speak to me about how they balance victim sensitivity with defendants’ presumption of innocence, as well as offer professional insight into the concept of victim blaming.
The stage is set for the trial of Keith Montgomery as both alleged victim and defendant are introduced. Jurors consider whether Riley Paige had lingering feelings for Keith when she invites him into her home on the night in question.
This show is sponsored by Daily Harvest and Ziprecruiter.
Go to DAILY-HARVEST.com and enter promo code DELIBERATIONS to get three items FREE off your first box.
And now you can post jobs on ZipRecruiter for FREE by going to ZipRecruiter.com/Chelsea
In our final episode of Season 1, we wrap up our jury group interview and I explain what to expect for Season 2.
Jessa explains what sentencing hearings are like from a defense attorney's perspective, as well as the harsh realities of prisoners' Suicide Watch.
The gang is back! Listen to the performers discuss their real opinions, what the deliberations process was like for them, and how they felt listening to fans' response.
Have you considered how Master/Slave contracts could come into play if the submissive alleges abuse? Me too! Jessa talks about her fascinating previous cases on the subject.
Actress Mikaela Fleming, who played Samantha Hall, shares her thesis on the way BDSM helped her heal and strengthen after trauma.
In the first episode of our four part series “After The Verdict,” I speak to real life humiliatrix Ceara Lynch.
Jessa weighs in on her reaction to the Samantha Hall verdict, as well as her thoughts on the real life murder conviction of Michelle Carter.
Samantha Hall's verdict is finally delivered.
Today's sponsors are Baublebar.com and Daily-Harvest.com. Use promo code DELIBERATIONS to get three items free off your first box!
Jessa discusses the pitfalls and bias of media coverage during high profile criminal trials.
Jessa Nicholson Goetz returns to discuss uncomfortable truths about juries: composition, selections, and the confounding "Allen Charge."
ADA Laherty and Mr Cortez lay out closing arguments. Jurors go over instructions and contemplate the emotional taxation of their long-lasting deliberations, what’s waiting for them at home, and fears over public reaction to their verdict.
Sensitive Crimes Defense Attorney Jessa Nicholson Goetz speaks about her history exploring BDSM in a criminal murder trial.
Rebecca concludes her personal story about the trial week she spent in the company of a true sadist.
Kroger explains the true power dynamic between a Dominant and submissive. Public biases against alternative sexualities are exposed. Mistress Carolynne reprises her testimony. Guest starring LA Dominatrix Justine Cross.
Submissive "Rebecca" returns to share her thoughts on the latest episode of Deliberations, give greater context to the lifestyle of D/s, and take us inside a deeply personal story that's relevant to the show's moral controversy.
The jury examines the charge of manslaughter. The prosecution leans on Samantha’s suspicious choice of rope, as well as its purchase date. Troy reassures Samantha about his commitment to safety in a text exchange.
In this episode Attorney Kelvin Fisher explains the difference between civil and criminal juries, the process of jury selection, and what constitutes a need to be stricken for cause. He also postulates why a couple of strong-minded jurors in the Samantha Hall trial (Mandy and Carl) were not dismissed from jury selection.
A rope bondage expert demonstrates the knot Samantha allegedly tied. Jurors hold and experience the physical evidence: rope, knot, and footstool. Guest starring rope bondage expert Miss Cassie.
This week a real lifestyle submissive (going by the pseudonym Rebecca) explains the unique and often-misunderstood way of life chosen by her and her "Master." Rebecca also answers listener questions and weighs in on her perspective of Samantha Hall's guilt or innocence.
Jurors analyze a video of Samantha and Troy as well as a heated voicemail in which the sub reprimands his mistress. The benchmarks for a Second Degree finding are discussed, and a Domme/friend of Samantha testifies about the defendant’s treatment of her romantic partners.
Experts debate Samantha’s psychological state of mind. Jurors disagree on the credibility of one expert’s opinion over another. The press considers the repercussions of Samantha Hall’s actions on the BDSM community.
The jury covers justifiable and excusable homicide and dives into the legal criteria for First Degree. The prosecution offers evidence of Samantha’s motive to kill.
Jurors read from a dossier of Troy’s online posts, in which the depth of his submission to Samantha is unveiled. Those present in the deliberations room are disturbed by his experiences and explore whether Samantha’s control of him extended beyond recreation to brainwashing. The court learns about the history of erotic asphyxiation and the way in which it’s experienced. Troy’s ex girlfriend takes the stand.
Jurors analyze Samantha’s 911 call and the circumstances surrounding Troy’s discovery. A former service provider to Troy, professional dominatrix Mistress Carolynne reveals the particulars of her profession and history with the victim. When discussing the Dominant/submissive dynamic between Samantha and Troy, the jury explores where the line is drawn between consent and abuse. Guest starring LA Dominatrix Justine Cross.
Jurors enter deliberations in the trial of Samantha Hall, a dominatrix on trial for murdering her submissive lover, Troy, by instructing him to asphyxiate with a rope. As the press sensationalizes and speculates, Samantha’s six member jury attempts to methodically establish the case timeline. Tensions develop between jurors as judgement arises over the defendant’s alternative lifestyle