POPULARITY
Karen Conti, partner at Conti & Dolan, LLC, joins Lisa Dent to discuss the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. She explains why House Republicans are issuing subpoenas to the Clintons and former Department of Justice officials and what could happen next.
Education lawyer Steven Glink joins Karen Conti to discuss back-to-school legal issues. Steven touches on The Homeschool Act, bullying, students’ First Amendment rights regarding social media use, private versus public school rules, and more.
Dr. Twin Green, Founder, President, and CEO of The Link & Option Center, Inc., joins Karen Conti to talk about her call for the establishment of the state’s first mobile clinic dedicated to addressing maternal and mental health. Dr. Green details two recent deaths of infants and why mothers are not seeking mental health services.
Author Andrea Pitzer joins Karen Conti to discuss whether Alligator Alcatraz is a concentration camp and why countries continue to have these holding facilities. Andrea details the conditions at Alligator Alcatraz and explains what we can do to fight for what is right. You can learn more about the history of concentration camps in Andrea’s […]
On this week's episode, I'm joined by Karen Conti, an attorney who spent seven months representing serial killer John Wayne Gacy during his final death row appeals.Karen shares what it was like to sit across from one of America's most notorious killers, his humor and coldness alike. As Gacy's only female attorney during his 14 years on death row, she also opens up about the unique challenges she faced as a woman practicing law in the 1980s and '90s.We dive into Gacy's crimes, his disturbing psychological profile, and the family dynamics that shaped him. Karen also offers her insight on some lingering questions of whether or not Gacy acted alone. So buckle up for this one, and remember if you're liking the podcast, please subsribe, comment, rate and share with others.Karen's website
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what the argument is for Ghislaine Maxwell’s appeal to the Supreme Court and the two new Illinois gun laws. She also discusses Minnesota’s law requiring warnings on social media and what it could look like.
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the DOJ’s plans to meet with Jeffrey Epstein’s girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, and how this could be beneficial to her. She also discusses what will happen for the sentencing of the Idaho murders and what we can expect in terms of sentencing.
Criminal defense lawyer Damon Cheronis joins Karen Conti to discuss John Elway being cleared in the golf cart accident that killed his agent and when an accident becomes a crime. Damon also talks about lawyers leaving the DOJ and the release of the gag order in the Idaho murder case.
Personal injury attorney Craig Squillace of Clifford Law Offices joins Karen Conti to discuss the ongoing Tesla trial in Florida for a deadly crash involving one of its self-driving cars. Craig explains who is liable in self-driving accidents and comments on whether Illinois will have any new laws regulating self-driving cars.
Erika Harold, lawyer and Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court's Commission on Professionalism, joins Karen Conti to talk about anti-bullying in the workplace and how her personal experiences have guided her to helping people. Erika defines bullying and harassment and comments on a survey that shows how many people change jobs due to bullying. Erika […]
Karen Conti, Founding Partner, Conti & Dolan Law, joins John Williams to discuss whether or not Coldplay and/or Chris Martin are liable for exposing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron allegedly cheating on his wife with the company's head of HR.
Karen Conti, Founding Partner, Conti & Dolan Law, joins John Williams to discuss whether or not Coldplay and/or Chris Martin are liable for exposing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron allegedly cheating on his wife with the company's head of HR.
Karen Conti, partner at Conti & Dolan, LLC., joins Lisa Dent to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case following the DOJ's memo stating there is no list of perpetrators and reaffirming suicide as the cause of death.
Karen Conti, partner at Conti & Dolan, LLC., joins Lisa Dent to unpack the latest developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case following the DOJ's memo stating there is no list of perpetrators and reaffirming suicide as the cause of death.
Karen Conti, Founding Partner, Conti & Dolan Law, joins John Williams to discuss whether or not Coldplay and/or Chris Martin are liable for exposing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron allegedly cheating on his wife with the company's head of HR.
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the Supreme Court’s decision to allow President Trump to continue getting rid of certain parts of the Department of Education. She also discusses the turnover rate for the U.S. Justice Department, as well as her take on the lawsuit against Tesla.
Kelly Leonard, Executive Vice President of Creative Strategy, Innovation, and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins Karen Conti to talk about The Second City’s training that is being given to the Chicago Police Department to improve their interactions with the public. Kelly emphasizes the importance […]
Elder law attorney Kathryn Casey joins Karen Conti to discuss the lawsuit brought by the executors of Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million estate. Kathryn gives her opinion on how this lawsuit will play out and explains why it's important to pick the right people to administer your estate plan.
Jennifer Freeman, attorney for sexual abuse victims, joins Karen Conti to talk about this week's DOJ announcement on Jeffrey Epstein that there is no evidence of a client list, no evidence that Epstein blackmailed individuals, and no evidence he was murdered. Jennifer also discusses the statute of limitations and how it has changed over the […]
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about why multiple medical groups brought a lawsuit against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and if those groups have the authority to change the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. She also shares details concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s case and what to know about President Trump’s bill that could eliminate […]
Lawyer and author Patrick Wohl joins Karen Conti to talk about his new book, ‘Something Big’, which focuses on the Brown's Chicken murders in Palatine in 1993. Patrick shares the victims’ stories and explains the impact this crime had on the franchise. Patrick also discusses how this crime was eventually solved and why the death […]
Criminal defense lawyer Damon Cheronis joins Karen Conti to discuss the P. Diddy verdict this past week and what happens next. Damon also talks about the Idaho murder plea deal and the death penalty no longer being considered as a method of punishment in the case.
Lisa Bilyeu is joined by two powerhouse guests: Dr. Ann Burgess, a pioneering criminal profiler who helped shape the way the FBI tracks predators, and renowned attorney Karen Conti, whose experience spans defending some of the most infamous criminal minds. Together, they unravel the verdict in the highly controversial Sean “Diddy” Combs trial, where Diddy was found not guilty on three out of five serious charges, including sex trafficking—leaving many questioning whether justice was truly served or if power protected the powerful once again. Lisa, Dr. Ann, and Karen dive deep into what happened in the courtroom, shedding light on the complicated realities of coercion, consent, and the manipulation so often at play in cases involving abusive power dynamics. They discuss how the defense's strategies, jury demographics, and society's collective misunderstandings about coercive control may have influenced the outcome, and what needs to change to better support survivors and educate the public—especially juries—about these forms of abuse. Despite the heartbreak over not-guilty verdicts, the episode also highlights the significance of the guilty charges and the bravery of women like Cassie and “Jane” who came forward, risking everything to break the silence. This conversation is a call to action: to keep learning, to keep supporting survivors, and to make sure this isn't a story that repeats itself. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Understanding Jurors' Perception Challenges 07:14 Unusual Leadership Dynamics Analyzed 13:25 Jane's Case: Legal vs. Illegal 21:22 "Yes People Enable Abusers" 33:35 "Psychology and Testimony Analysis" 44:00 "Championing Survivors' Voices" CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa BIOptimizers: Head to https://bioptimizers.com/impact and use code IMPACT for 10% off. OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co SleepMe: Visit https://sleep.me/woi to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code WOI. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to give an update on the Sean “P Diddy” Combs trial and why the jury sent a note about a fellow juror to the judge. She also talks about the Idaho murder suspect’s guilty plea and the Supreme Court’s ruling concerning LGBTQ lessons in elementary schools. NOTE: […]
Ronald Allen, a Northwestern Law School Professor, joins Karen Conti to discuss two U.S. Supreme Court decisions that were handed down this week. Ronald touches on the issue of birthright citizenship and how the 14th Amendment impacts it. Ronald also talks about a Maryland case that gives the right to parents to opt out their children […]
Colin Diamond, attorney at Mathys and Schneid Injury Law, joins Karen Conti to talk about summer legal issues. Colin details which fireworks are legal and illegal in Illinois and the consequences of bringing fireworks from other states into Illinois. Colin discusses swimming pool liability, bicycle and car accidents, nursing home liability, and dog bite liability. Colin […]
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about where in the Constitution it addresses the authority to declare war and who can declare it. She also shares details about laws for how cool landlords must keep apartments in heat waves.
Dave Zehner joins Karen Conti to discuss recent cases including the Karen Read settlement, jury issues in the Weinstein case, and why a juror was removed from the P. Diddy case.
Dr. Jillian Peterson, forensic psychologist and professor, joins Karen Conti to discuss the recent politically motivated shootings of the Minnesota law makers as well as common criminal profiles of school shooters, and if any link lies between the two.
Attorney and animal rights activist Jane McBride joins Karen Conti to speak on animal and owner rights to wrap up National Animal Rights Week. For more information on Jane and her organization, visit illinoishumane.org.
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how a judge decides if someone is entitled to a public defender and what happens if a jury can decide on some charges, but not all of them. She also shares details about the juror who was dismissed from Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, and […]
Melody Winston, President of Board of Directors at KLEO Community Family Life Center, and Carrie Boyd, CEO of Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, join Karen Conti to discuss domestic violence and a new bill regarding the parole board. Carrie details the level of knowledge necessary for judges in domestic violence courts. Melody also talks about what […]
Retired lawyer and Sports Illustrated and ESPN author Lester Munson joins Karen Conti to discuss the new law regarding the compensation of college athletes. Lester shares that most money will be given to college football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball athletes. Lester also explains the impact the settlement has on some schools over others and how […]
Former Department of Justice prosecutor Gene Rossi joins Karen Conti to talk about the legalities of the federal government using the National Guard in the California protests. Gene also details some of statutes that give the President authority to federalize the National Guard. Gene also discusses some of the court rulings that resulted from California […]
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss the state of California’s lawsuit against President Trump and why Mike Madigan was denied a new trial. She also shares details about talk of jury misconduct in Harvey Weinstein’s trial and the new ruling concerning payments to college athletes.
Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize winning author and podcaster, joins Karen Conti to talk about the value of both writing books and doing podcasts on wrongful convictions. Gilbert dives in on the Leo Schofield case that resulted in Leo serving 36 years for the 1987 murder of his wife that he did not commit. Gilbert and […]
Dan Herbert, former Chicago Police officer and now lawyer, joins Karen Conti to talk about the tragic death of Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera who was killed in the line of duty. Dan explains what a felony murder charge is and whether it applies to this case. Dan also details the specific situation when a police […]
Jolene Babyak, author and expert on Alcatraz, joins Karen Conti and Sylvia Perez to talk about the Alcatraz prison in light of President Trump announcing he would like to reopen it for use. Jolene also details the history of the prison and talks about her experience living on the island.
Chicago news reporter Sylvia Perez joins Karen Conti to talk about her four-decade career and new podcast, Supper with Sylvia. Sylvia explains the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act and how it affects online reservations. Sylvia and Karen also talk about how the state of news has changed since Sylvia began her career.
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how the court could decide Mike Madigan’s sentencing and an Illinois bill that would require gun owners to lock up their firearms when a minor is present. She also discusses Larry Hoover’s commuted sentence and why a Florida judge strikes a law banning kids […]
Dr. Lance Williams, Professor of Urban Community Studies at Northeastern Illinois University and an expert in gang violence, joins Karen Conti to discuss President Trump’s commutation of the sentence of Gangster Disciples' leader Larry Hoover. Dr. Williams talks about the role of Larry Hoover’s childhood home in his life and his involvement with local gangs. He […]
Gabriella Rago, spokesperson for the Italian American Human Relations Foundation, joins Karen Conti to discuss ‘Venetian Night’ in Chicago. Gabriella details the food, entertainment, and boat parade that will all be featured at the event. Karen also talks more about the boating competition that she will be judging. The event will take place on the […]
Julian Morgans, journalist and podcaster of Scammerland, joins Karen Conti to discuss the issue of scammer farms in southeast Asia. Julian and Karen detail the farms that have imprisoned over 400,000 people and are forcing them to work online to scam people.
Chicago trial attorney Karen Conti joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to discuss the executive order that President Donald Trump issued to prevent foreign students from attending Harvard. Karen gives an update on the Sean “P Diddy” Combs trial that has entered its third week and also details some Supreme Court cases that are […]
Military lawyer and Army veteran John Maher joins Karen Conti to share some stories and insights on the Memorial Day holiday. John details the medals that veterans can be honored with and breaks down the basis of military law. John also explains what the law says for soldiers who are in combat.
Elder law attorney Kathryn Casey joins Karen Conti to discuss the importance of estate planning with family members sooner rather than later. Kathryn explains the difference between elder law attorneys and estate planning attorneys and dives in on the role of a power of attorney.
Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to give an update on the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial and the highlights of Cassie Ventura’s testimony. She also talks about a settlement to the family of Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt and the investigation of former FBI Director James Comey.
In this gripping episode Laura and co-host Lisa Bilyeu are joined by Dr. Ann Burgess and defense attorney Karen Conti to take a powerful and in-depth look at the complex layers of coercive control, grooming tactics, the links between these patterns and trafficking, and unpack likely defense strategies in the case against Sean “Diddy” Comb to silence victims, and the trial's centerpiece - Cassie's lawsuit and the now-viral hotel video. This isn't about celebrity scandal—this is about sharing the knowledge to recognise the red flags and protect those at risk, shining a light on systemic abuse, the realities of celebrity, power, control and the urgent need for survivor-informed justice and coercive control laws. You are NOT alone—these patterns are real, and together, we can make sure NONE of us ever have to suffer in silence again. Share this with every woman in your life. Click the follow button wherever you listen to Crime Analyst Podcast, because this isn't just a trial —it's a turning point. For more expert insight, in-depth conversations, extra episodes and videos, live monthly events with Laura and to be a part a fast growing, dynamic and empowering community join the Crime Analyst Squad: www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst #Psychopaths #PowerAndControl #CoerciveControl #Stalking #Risk #DASHRiskModel #Separation #Risk #Femicide #CrimeAnalyst #TrueCrime #Podcast #SeanCombs #Diddy FOLLOW Karen Conti: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengconti/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenConti FOLLOW Dr. Ann Burgess: Bio at Boston College: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/connell-school/faculty-research/faculty-directory/ann-burgess.html FOLLOW Lisa Bilyeu: Website: https://lisabilyeu.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeir7Wbzzfg43c1eL7PSa3g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/?hl=en Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEXSuztIF2s www.dashriskchecklist.com https://www.thelaurarichards.com/my-two-cents/serial-and-high-risk-stalkers-and-domestic-abusers https://www.thelaurarichards.com/resources/coercivecontrol https://www.thelaurarichards.com/resources/books https://www.hare.org/charming.html Join Laura at CrimeCon London June 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk/ Code CRIMEANALYST10 for 10% off! REGISTER For Laura's 2025 Masterclasses – DASH, DASH Train the Trainer, Coercive Control and Stalking: https://bit.ly/LRMasterclassRegistration More Training Info: www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com YouTube, Socials and Website YouTube @crimeanalyst Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999 Threads @crimeanalyst X @thecrimeanalyst @laurarichards999 TikTok @crimeanalystpod Website www.crime-analyst.com Leave a Review https://www.crime-analyst.com/reviews/new/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On today's episode of Women of Impact, host Lisa Bilyeu dives headfirst into the explosive start of the Diddy trial—a case that's sending shockwaves through the world of celebrity, power, and abuse. Joined by criminal analyst Laura Richards and defense attorney Karen Conti, Lisa unpacks the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs: abuse, coercion, manipulation, and an alleged pattern of violence going back decades. The trial's centerpiece? Cassie's 35-page lawsuit and a damning hotel hallway video that's impossible to unsee. Is Cassie a gold digger—or a victim finally being heard? Why do so many women's voices go ignored for so long? Our experts break down how coercion and power imbalances keep women trapped, expose the tactics defense teams use to discredit survivors, and share crucial signs to help women avoid the trap in the first place. This is more than a celebrity scandal—it's a pivotal moment for all women. Tune in as we shine a light on the realities of abuse, challenge the legal and cultural systems that enable it, and share tools every woman needs to protect herself. This is just day one of our special series following the Diddy trial on Women of Impact. Join us as we turn outrage into action, and support every woman's right to be heard, believed, and empowered. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Cassie Lawsuit Highlights Power Imbalance 05:11 Music Dream Turned Nightmare 11:02 Unveiling Abuse Patterns and Impact 16:55 Claims of Video Tampering 22:05 Legal Defense Arguments Summarized 26:48 Coercive Control and Celebrity Power 36:08 Menendez Trial Jury Concerns 42:11 "Transformation from Silence to Strength" 48:06 "Supporting Young Women in Crisis" 50:33 "Maintain Financial & Personal Autonomy" 55:32 "Defense Claims Mutuality in Abuse" 01:01:27 "Empowerment Through Aging and Support" 01:05:08 "Controversy and Empowerment in Film" 01:12:22 "Legal Battle: Sean Combs Defense Tactics" 01:17:13 "Wealthy Abusers and Empowerment" FOLLOW KAREN CONTI: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karengconti/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenConti FOLLOW DR. ANN BURGESS: Bio at Boston College: https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/connell-school/faculty-research/faculty-directory/ann-burgess.html FOLLOW LAURA RICHARDS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurarichards999/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurarichards99 Website: https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code WOI at check out. BIOptimizers: Head to https://bioptimizers.com/impact and use code IMPACT for 10% off. OneSkin: Get 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa ****************************************************************** LISTEN TO WOMEN OF IMPACT AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/womenofimpact ****************************************************************** FOLLOW LISA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpact Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scientist and genealogist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick, Founder & President of Identifinders, joins Karen Conti in-studio to highlight how forensic genetic genealogy can be used to help solve cold cases, find missing people, and even identify Holocaust survivors. For more information, visit identifinders.com.