Episodes

How can you tell if somebody is conning you? Ever meet someone who isn't exactly who they claim to be? In this episode, Johnathan Walton shares his personal experience with con artists, detailing the emotional manipulation tactics they use and the red flags to watch for. He discusses the importance of reporting these crimes, the role of investigators, and how technology plays a significant part in modern scams. Walton emphasizes the need for awareness and education to prevent others from f...

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...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, CFI interviews retired FBI agent Jerri Williams, who shares her extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly in communication and media relations. They discuss the importance of debunking myths about the FBI, the evolution of financial crimes, and the critical role of effective communication in interviews and crisis situations. Jerri also reflects on her transition to media relations and the challenges of maintaining p...

Stop scrolling. This is an emergency. Also, it's a hook. A way to grab your listeners attention to increase engagement. How can lessons from social media impact our everyday communication? In this engaging conversation, Dave Thompson is joined by Dawn Faithfull and Matthew day – communication experts who excel in social media outreach and engagement. They explore various aspects of communication and content creation, discussing the importance of authenticity, overcoming imposter syndrom...

Are you afraid to "ask the question"? How does communication help extend your network, enhance your credibility and strengthen your relationships? In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Heather DeSiena explore the significance of communication in various professional contexts. Heather emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully, the value of emotional intelligence, and the necessity of asking the right questions. They discuss how effective communication can lead to career transiti...

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 episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson interviews David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation. They discuss David's extensive career in loss prevention, the evolution of communication in the industry, and the challenges faced in franchise environments. David shares insights on the importance of building relationships, managing egos, and the transition from a practitioner to a business mindset. The convers...

In this conversation, Dave Thompson and Jia Rizvi explore the intricacies of conversation, the impact of wrongful convictions, and the journey into filmmaking. They discuss the emotional toll of storytelling, the ethics involved in documentary filmmaking, and the importance of understanding the criminal justice system. Jia shares her personal experiences and insights gained from working with wrongfully convicted individuals, emphasizing the need for genuine representation and advocacy in storyte...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson engages with Matt Halloran to explore the critical role of listening in effective communication. They discuss the undervalued skill of listening, the importance of silence, and how engaged listening can transform personal and professional relationships. Matt shares insights from his experiences, including his background in therapy and financial services, emphasizing that listening is not just about hearing words but understanding t...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson speaks with Chad Porter, who shares his inspiring journey from being a star athlete to surviving a life-altering accident. The conversation delves into the power of choice, the impact of Chad's athletic background, the day of the accident, and the aftermath that followed. Chad reflects on the importance of free will, the support of his family, and how he turned a traumatic experience into a message of hope and resilience for others...

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...

Can you imagine being accused of a crime you didn't commit? Even worse, imagine this happening while outside your home country - and in a language you don't fully understand. What would you do? In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson speaks with Amanda Knox about her life after the wrongful conviction that changed her life - and made international headlines. They discuss the challenges of reclaiming her story, the impact of social media on public perception, and th...

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...

Do you interact with people who lie to you? Do you ever have to engage in difficult conversations? How well are you able to articulate your emotions? We explored all of this and more in Season 1 of the Truth Be Told Podcast! In this recap of Season One of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, Certified Forensic Interviewer, reflects on the incredible journey of 25 episodes, highlighting key lessons learned from various guests. The conversation emphasizes the importance of effective com...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson and guest Tom Meehan, CFI delve into the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence (AI). They explore the evolution of AI, its applications in various fields, and the inherent risks and benefits associated with its use. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of AI on education, the challenges of plagiarism, the phenomenon of deep fakes, and the role of voice assistants in enhancing communication. Throughout the discu...

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson and communication expert Lisa Mitchell delve into the intricacies of effective communication, public speaking, and the impact of our demeanor and body language on these first impressions. They discuss the common fears associated with public speaking, the challenges faced by executives in conveying their messages, and the nuances of networking. Lisa shares her insights on jury selection and the role of communication in the justice s...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. Abbie discusses the importance of understanding and owning our shame to guide us towards authenticity. She emphasizes that personal growth is a continuous journey, where self-reflection plays a crucial role. The discussion with host, Dave Thompson also delves into overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of kindness and empathy in relationships, and the impact of social media on self-perception. Dr. Abbie shares her personal journey, highlighting the stru...

If you were the victim of a crime, what would you want to happen to the person responsible? How would you manage grief, anger and forgiveness? In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, a Certified Forensic Interviewer speaks with Jeanne Bishop about her personal tragedy and her journey towards forgiveness and advocacy against the death penalty. Jeanne is an author, a professor at Northwestern University School of Law and an attorney at the Cook County Public Defender's ...

In this conversation, Dave Thompson interviews Brad Beeler, a former Secret Service agent, about the importance of communication in law enforcement and everyday life. They discuss the role of communication in interviews and interrogations, the significance of nonverbal cues, and the impact of assumptions on communication. Brad shares insights from his experience as a polygraph examiner and emphasizes the importance of honesty and mental preparedness in polygraph tests. They also touch on the cha...

Can you be a more efficient and effective communicator? What is your response rate to emails? How do you approach somebody you've never met? Is elevator conversation an essential skill? Amy Reczek, founder and CEO of Sales and Presence, discusses the importance of effective communication in sales and beyond. She emphasizes the role of nonverbal behavior in building trust and rapport, and highlights the impact of small changes in verbal communication. Amy provides insights on how to personalize ...