Psychology & Social Sciences Episodes

Can better communication save your relationship, strengthen your leadership, and improve your toughest conversations? In this episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with licensed therapist Kristina Virro to explore the psychology behind effective communication, healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. Whether you're navigating a marriage, leading a team, conducting investigative interviews, or simply trying to become a better communicator, this c...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, CFI interviews Barry Black, a former FBI agent with a diverse career spanning accounting, bomb disposal, and sniper roles. They discuss Barry's journey into the FBI, the importance of communication in investigations, the motivations behind financial crimes, and the challenges of interagency cooperation. Barry shares insights from his experiences during major incidents like Waco and the Oklahoma City bombing, emphasizing the need f...

In this episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson sits down with Dr. Brandon May, a cognitive psychologist and forensic researcher, to explore the intersection of investigative interviewing, memory, and artificial intelligence. From alcohol’s surprising effects on memory recall to the risks of AI contaminating witness testimony, Dr. May brings research and real-world insights that every investigator, practitioner, and curious listener should hear. Together, they discuss the promise—and the perils—...

What does science have to do with homicide interrogations? Everything. In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, Detective Shaun Sylvester, PhD discusses his unique journey from law enforcement to academia, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interviewing techniques. He shares insights on the significance of rapport and empathy in interrogations, the challenges of preparing for interviews, and the need for continuous improvement through peer review. The conversation also touches ...

Ever feel like you're running on ambition fumes? In this episode, Dave Thompson and Kasey Franco unpack the sneaky ways burnout shows up—especially for high-achievers who "power through" everything. From tech overload to boundary blunders, they explore how to spot burnout, stop it in its tracks, and actually recover. Tune in for practical tips, a few hard truths, and maybe even permission to take a damn break. Learn more about Kasey here! In this episode, Dave Thompson and Kasey Franco del...

In this conversation, Dave Thompson, CFI and Natalie Gordon, Ph.D., explore the evolving landscape of jury consulting, particularly in the area of social science and the implications on the legal system. They discuss the role of jury consultants in understanding juror psychology, the myths surrounding jury duty, and the importance of effective storytelling in court. The conversation also delves into the emotional experiences of jurors and the insights gained from post-trial interviews, highlight...

In this episode, Dave Thompson and Mark Anderson discuss the evolution of interview and interrogation techniques, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth over mere confessions. They explore the pressures faced by investigators, the impact of recording interviews, and the biases that can affect forensic evidence. Mark shares personal experiences that highlight the need for strategic empathy and the importance of continuous learning in the field. In this conversation, Mark Anderson and Dave Th...

Leading scholars in the fields of criminology and psychology have published the latest scientific review paper titled Police-Induced Confessions 2.0; Risk Factors and Recommendations. We were lucky to be joined by two of the authors on this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast. Host Dave Thompson is joined by two guests, Dr. Hayley Cleary, and Dr. Chris Meissner as they delve into the complexities of interview techniques, false confessions, and the importance of collaboration between academic...

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, a pioneer in memory research, discusses the complexities of memory accuracy, particularly in the context of eyewitness testimony and its implications for wrongful convictions. The conversation explores how various factors, including questioning techniques and social influences, can distort memories, leading to significant consequences in legal settings. Loftus shares insights from her foundational research on eyewitness memory, emphasizing the importan...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson engages in a deep conversation with James Harris, a former police officer turned senior lecturer. They explore James's transition from law enforcement to academia, the intricacies of investigative interviewing, the importance of empathy in communication, and the challenges of navigating diversity in policing. James shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the need for understanding and rapport in inte...

Part 2 of this series brings you to the trial preparation of an attempted murder case, with the defendant facing a potential life sentence. We'll hear the emotional perspective of the attorneys throughout the life of the case and explore the psychology of false confessions. This episode also highlights the work of a false confession expert as we discussed how lying about evidence and contamination during an interrogation can lead to unreliable results. Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scen...

Ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes of trial preparation for attempted murder? In this two-part Special Edition of the Truth Be Told podcast, we explore a case from 2014 out of Brooklyn, NY where heroes from FDNY rescued two young children who were trapped inside a burning apartment. As the flames subsided, the investigation ensued, and police were pointed at a primary suspect for the alleged arson. Once in custody, the police conducted an interrogation which produced a controversial co...

In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews Liz Pol, a Chicago police officer with expertise in trauma and suicide among first responders. They discuss the prevalence of suicide in the law enforcement world and the need for proactive measures to address mental health. They also explore how trauma affects individuals in various professions, such as retail and healthcare. Liz emphasizes the importance of communication and psychoeducation in creating awareness and providing resources for mental ...

In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews An Gaiser, an expert in nonverbal assessments and intelligence and security screenings. An shares her background and how her personal experiences led her to study behavior and psychopathy. She discusses her work as a probation officer and the challenges of working with individuals who have made poor decisions. An also talks about her role as a security clearance officer and the pressure of making decisions about someone's clearance. She emphasizes t...

Dr. Emily Joseph, a social science researcher and user researcher for Xbox, discusses the impact of clear and not-so-clear communication on the elicitation of information. She highlights the importance of question phrasing, construct validity, and avoiding contamination of memory and responses. Emily emphasizes the need for open-ended questions, especially in investigative settings, to avoid bias and allow for accurate recall. She also explores the challenges of predicting future behavior and th...

Does expensive wine taste better? Can you tell if somebody is lying to you? Is bitemark evidence reliable? In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews Dr. Jeff Kukucka, a psychologist specializing in using his expert, scientific approach to impacting the criminal justice system. They discuss topics such as forensic sciences, bias, and the impact of expectations on perception. They highlight the limitations and potential errors in visual forensic sciences, such as...

In this conversation, counterterrorism expert Mark Fallon discusses the evolution of interrogation techniques and the importance of building rapport in obtaining accurate and reliable information. Fallon provides insight from his experience in high-profile terrorism investigations including the USS Cole and World Trade Center bombings as well as interrogations at Guantanamo. He highlights the shift from confession-driven methodologies to relationship building techniques, emphasizing the role of ...

In this episode, host Dave Thompson interviews Gil Zamora, a police sketch artist and former law enforcement officer. Gil shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming a sketch artist and discusses the training process for forensic artists. He also introduces the concept of the Mindful Interview Method and highlights the fallibility of human memory in eyewitness interviews. In this conversation, Gil Zamora discusses his experience as a forensic artist and the unique challenges he faced in ...

In this episode, Dave Thompson interviews Bruce Pitt-Payne, a former major crime investigator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), about the evolution of interviewing techniques. They discuss the shift from confession seeking to information gathering, the benefits of recording interviews, and the challenges of implementing change in the field. They also explore the Mr. Big technique used in undercover operations and the importance of rapport and vulnerability in interviews. The convers...

In this episode, Hayley Cleary, PhD discusses the unique developmental period of adolescence and its impact on conversations and interviews with youth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between juvenile, youth, adolescent, and teenager, and the extended period of adolescence that lasts beyond the teen years. Cleary highlights the vulnerability of youth in conversations and the impact of life experiences on their decision-making. She also explores the role of empathy ...