Podcasts about sandy hook elementary school

What happens when three experienced investigators from opposite sides of the world sit down to examine how police respond to an active shooter? In this special crossover between Stop the Killing and Watching Two Detectives, former FBI Special Agent Katherine Schweit joins retired New South Wales detectives Peter Hogan and Scott Rogan for an expert examination of the lessons that have reshaped mass-shooting prevention, preparation and police response. Katherine was working on national security and counterterrorism cases when the murder of 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School changed the direction of her career. Following the shooting, she was appointed to the White House team tasked with developing a coordinated national response to mass shootings and became the architect of the FBI's Active Shooter Program. In Part One, Katherine explains how the devastating events at Sandy Hook helped accelerate a fundamental change in policing: moving away from the traditional strategy of “contain, negotiate and wait” towards the immediate deployment of officers to confront and stop an active threat. Peter and Scott reveal how those lessons travelled across the world and influenced Australian policing. They discuss the introduction of New South Wales Police's Active Armed Offender training, the impact of the 2014 Lindt Café siege and the confronting reality of preparing ordinary frontline officers to run towards attackers armed with military-style weapons. Together, they explore: Why active-shooter incidents can be over within minutes The extraordinary risks faced by the first officers entering the scene Why an active shooter and a mass shooting are not always the same thing Why workplaces—not schools—account for many active-shooter attacks in the United States The challenges of negotiating with attackers driven by extremist or ideological motives Why warning signs must be recognised and reported before violence begins How information shared by one student helped prevent a planned school shooting Why measuring the attacks that never happened is so important Katherine also shares the remarkable story of the message that reminded her why Stop the Killing must continue: a school vice principal who credited the podcast with helping her team recognise the warning signs and prevent a planned attack. This conversation lays the groundwork for the next part of the series, when Katherine, Peter and Scott turn their attention to the December 14, 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack, examining the actions of the attackers, civilians and responding officers through their combined FBI and Australian policing experience. The attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration and killed 15 people.  This is not simply a conversation about what happened. It is a conversation about what has been learned, what has changed—and what still needs to change to stop the next attack. Listen now to Part One of this special multi-part crossover. Stop the Killing on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489 Watching Two Detectives on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/watching-two-detectives/id1740792484 Watching Two Detectives Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/wtd Stop the Killing Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/stopthekilling Please follow both podcasts and leave a five-star review wherever you listen. Your support helps us continue producing independent investigations, sharing the experiences of survivors and law-enforcement professionals, and creating conversations that may genuinely help save lives. Join us for Part Two, when the experts begin their examination of the Bondi Beach attack. This episode contains discussions of mass shootings, terrorism, child victims and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when three experienced investigators from opposite sides of the world sit down to examine how police respond to an active shooter? In this special crossover between Stop the Killing and Watching Two Detectives, former FBI Special Agent Katherine Schweit joins retired New South Wales detectives Peter Hogan and Scott Rogan for an expert examination of the lessons that have reshaped mass-shooting prevention, preparation and police response. Katherine was working on national security and counterterrorism cases when the murder of 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School changed the direction of her career. Following the shooting, she was appointed to the White House team tasked with developing a coordinated national response to mass shootings and became the architect of the FBI's Active Shooter Program. In Part One, Katherine explains how the devastating events at Sandy Hook helped accelerate a fundamental change in policing: moving away from the traditional strategy of “contain, negotiate and wait” towards the immediate deployment of officers to confront and stop an active threat. Peter and Scott reveal how those lessons travelled across the world and influenced Australian policing. They discuss the introduction of New South Wales Police's Active Armed Offender training, the impact of the 2014 Lindt Café siege and the confronting reality of preparing ordinary frontline officers to run towards attackers armed with military-style weapons. Together, they explore: Why active-shooter incidents can be over within minutes The extraordinary risks faced by the first officers entering the scene Why an active shooter and a mass shooting are not always the same thing Why workplaces—not schools—account for many active-shooter attacks in the United States The challenges of negotiating with attackers driven by extremist or ideological motives Why warning signs must be recognised and reported before violence begins How information shared by one student helped prevent a planned school shooting Why measuring the attacks that never happened is so important Katherine also shares the remarkable story of the message that reminded her why Stop the Killing must continue: a school vice principal who credited the podcast with helping her team recognise the warning signs and prevent a planned attack. This conversation lays the groundwork for the next part of the series, when Katherine, Peter and Scott turn their attention to the December 14, 2025 Bondi Beach terrorist attack, examining the actions of the attackers, civilians and responding officers through their combined FBI and Australian policing experience. The attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration and killed 15 people.  This is not simply a conversation about what happened. It is a conversation about what has been learned, what has changed—and what still needs to change to stop the next attack. Listen now to Part One of this special multi-part crossover. Stop the Killing on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489 Watching Two Detectives on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/watching-two-detectives/id1740792484 Watching Two Detectives Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/wtd Stop the Killing Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/stopthekilling Please follow both podcasts and leave a five-star review wherever you listen. Your support helps us continue producing independent investigations, sharing the experiences of survivors and law-enforcement professionals, and creating conversations that may genuinely help save lives. Join us for Part Two, when the experts begin their examination of the Bondi Beach attack. This episode contains discussions of mass shootings, terrorism, child victims and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE GET EARLY ACCESS AND SUPPORT THE PODCASTS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Annunciation family is condemning the gaming platform Roblox for a game modeled after the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Leah and Harry Kaiser said it's “heartbreaking and unacceptable” to see tragedies like the one that critically injured their daughter recreated on the platform. They sent a letter to Roblox calling for stronger safeguards against violent content. The company said on social media the simulation was removed in early February.The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled the city of Faribault erred when it decided a proposed data center did not require a more in-depth environmental study. The nonprofit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy appealed the decision, arguing the city did not have enough information about the project's potential air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. A new congressional report dissects internal problems that could have allowed fraud to fester in Minnesota-run programs. The 200-page report by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform retraces fraud in nutrition and Medicaid programs and what was done about it. It's shaping up to be a hot, humid and stormy few days across Minnesota, with chances for severe weather. After scattered storms through tonight, highs are expected to climb into the upper 80s to low 90s across much of the state Tuesday and Wednesday.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins reflects on recent presentations at the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Symposium and the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners conference before turning his attention to the central themes of his new book, "Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns." Collins examines how misunderstandings surrounding the 1993 Daubert decision shaped decades of debate within forensic science and contributed to what he describes as the "Daubert contagion"—a movement that fostered excessive doubt about the scientific foundations of many forensic disciplines. Drawing on his experience as a forensic scientist, laboratory director, and expert witness, Collins argues that pattern comparison disciplines such as firearm identification, toolmark examination, and latent print analysis remain scientifically valid despite their perception as being highly interpretive. He challenges the notion that instrument-based disciplines are somehow free from subjectivity, emphasizing that all scientific conclusions require interpretation and professional judgment. The episode offers a thoughtful discussion of scientific validity, expert testimony, error, confidence, and the continuing role of forensic science in helping courts answer difficult questions in the pursuit of justice. Season:   6 Episode:  113 Duration:  1:00:24 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Iris Eytan is the founder and CEO of Protect Ethical Prosecutors (PEP), a first-of-its-kind reform campaign working to end prosecutorial misconduct and bring accountability to the most powerful actors in the criminal legal system. After nearly 30 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Iris walked away from her practice to take on a system that she argues shields unethical prosecutors from consequences — even when they violate constitutional rights. Iris is a former Deputy State Public Defender, having represented thousands of defendants and secured acquittals in high-profile murder trials. She is best known for uncovering egregious prosecutorial misconduct in the People v. Barry Morphew case, which led to the dismissal of murder charges and the disbarment of an elected district attorney. Season:  6 Episode:  112 Duration:  47:52 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCES PEP (Protect Ethical Prosecutors) ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

The mainstream media failed to hold Alex Jones accountable for more than 30 years. A satire company is poised to do what journalism wouldn't.Ben Collins knows why. As a former far-right extremism reporter inside mainstream media, he watched newsrooms normalize and platform Alex Jones' conspiracy theories in the name of "both sides" journalism. Now he's chief executive officer of The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron — the company poised to turn Infowars into the joke it's always been.Infowars founder Alex Jones owes more than $1.4 billion to Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting families after years of defamation and harassment. In 2024, a bankruptcy court thwarted The Onion's winning bid to buy Infowars and share proceeds with the Sandy Hook families.Last month, The Onion reached a deal to license the Infowars website and its intellectual property for six months. Then Jones won an appeal to stop the process. But the appeal could be overturned at any moment, allowing The Onion to finally have the last laugh over Infowars.This week, Katelyn and Christine discuss the evolving situation with Collins. Why did it take a satire company to defeat Infowars? His answer is a structural indictment of journalism itself.Cancel Me, Daddy is a progressive media criticism show hosted by journalists Katelyn Burns and Christine Grimaldi. New episodes every other week.Links:- Grab a discounted bundle subcription to Katelyn's and Christine's newsletters at their TrustFnd collab!- Elizabeth Williamson for The New York Times: Here's what Jones has said about Sandy Hook.- Benjamin Mullin and Elizabeth Williamson for The New York Times: The Onion Has a New Plan to Take Over Infowars- Pablo Torre for Pablo Torre Finds Out: How The Onion Finally Shut Up Alex Jones for Good (ft. Ben Collins)- Tovia Smith for NPR: The Onion's bid to take over Infowars moves to the Texas Supreme CourtSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins discusses the central themes of his new book, Valid Comparisons: The Forensic and Judicial Examination of Stochastic Patterns, and examines the ongoing challenges facing forensic science in the courtroom. He addresses the growing tension between scientific reality and legal expectations, emphasizing that while forensic disciplines cannot offer absolute certainty, they remain grounded in decades of practical validation and real-world application. He reflects on how past mistakes—particularly in areas like bite mark evidence—have influenced public perception, and argues that the forensic community must take responsibility for communicating both its strengths and its limitations more clearly.  Throughout the episode, Collins makes the case for a more disciplined and transparent approach to forensic testimony—one that acknowledges uncertainty without surrendering confidence in well-established methods. This discussion offers an important perspective for forensic practitioners, attorneys, and anyone interested in how scientific evidence is evaluated in the pursuit of justice. Season:  6 Episode:  111 Duration:  1:04:02 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCES Valid Comparisons (Book Page) Valid Comparisons (Press Release) Advanced Expert Witnessing ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

The Cheat Sheet is The Murder Sheet's segment breaking down weekly news and updates in some of the murder cases we cover. In this episode, we'll talk about cases from Washington, D.C., Connecticut, and Florida.Tim Heidecker's statement on the purchase of InfoWars: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/tim-heidecker-releases-first-statement-181500352.htmlThe Texas Tribune's report on Alex Jones's sustained defamation of Sandy Hook victim families: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/10/12/alex-jones-sandy-hook-shooting/NPR's report on the lawsuits against Alex Jones: https://www.npr.org/2022/08/03/1115414563/alex-jones-sandy-hook-caseBritannica's entry on the murders of students and educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School: https://www.britannica.com/event/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-shootingThe Washington Post's report on ChatGPT's role in the mass shooting at Florida State University and the murders of Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba and the case against Phoenix Ikner: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/chatgpt-allegedly-advised-florida-state-shooter-when-and-where-to-strike-194338484.htmlRead about the jury that got time off in the Max Emerson murder case against Jaime Macedo at NBC: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/catholic-u-murder-trial-jury-deliberations-may/4094151/Read more about the Emerson murder case at NBC: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/defense-in-catholic-u-murder-trial-can-call-detective-pulled-from-case-judge-says/4080934/Tech Radar's article on former Federal Bureau of Investigation cyber division deputy Cynthia Kaiser's comments on ransomware attacks: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/felony-murder-law-does-not-require-that-a-defendant-pull-the-trigger-ex-fbi-chief-calls-for-ransomware-attackers-to-face-homicide-charges-if-attacks-lead-to-deathsCheck out our upcoming book events and get links to buy tickets here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/eventsPre-order our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Check out more inclusive sizing and t-shirt and merchandising options here: https://themurdersheet.dashery.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Collins delivers a direct, practical coaching session for leaders in high-responsibility professions. Drawing on years of experience coaching executives, forensic professionals, and public-sector leaders, Collins identifies three common leadership habits that undermine credibility, erode trust, and diminish team performance. Without realizing it, many capable leaders fall into patterns that create unnecessary friction and limit their effectiveness. This episode offers a valuable opportunity for managers, supervisors, and aspiring leaders to reflect on how they lead—and how to avoid behaviors that can cost them the confidence of those they serve. Season:  6 Episode:  110 Duration:  55:10 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCESAdvanced Expert Witnessing (Online) ASCLD Symposium and Workshop Registration ABOUT YOUR HOSTJohn Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins shares the experience of writing his new book, Valid Comparisons, and some of the unexpected impressions that his research had on him. As he explains, among the most impactful revelations was the disinterest of the National Academy of Sciences committee that produced the 2009 report, "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States - A Path Forward." The impact of this report, however, was amplified by the 1993 Daubert ruling and the 2007 report by the Innocence Project summarizing the first 200 DNA exonerations. John explains how the forensic laboratory sciences were - and continue to be - adversely impacted by these developments and what has to happen for the profession to get some of its confidence back.  A trend is arising that will require forensic laboratory experts and administrators to be at their very best.  Season:  6 Episode:  109 Duration:  1:08:00 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCES Subscribe to the VALID COMPARISONS VIP LIST and stay updated with excerpts and news about the release of John's newest book. ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

TEATIME WITH MISS LIZ SERVES: SCARLETT LEWIS Title: Choose Love: Turning Tragedy into a Movement of Healing Tagline: From heartbreak to hope — a message that is changing the world. March 31st | 3 PM EST Topic: Healing through tragedy, social emotional learning, compassion, and creating safer, more loving communities.Description: In this deeply meaningful Teatime, Miss Liz welcomes Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement. Scarlett's life changed forever in December 2012, when her six-year-old son, Jesse Lewis, was among those lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. In the midst of unimaginable loss, Scarlett discovered a message Jesse had written on their kitchen chalkboard: “Nurturing Healing Love.”Those words became the foundation of the Choose Love Movement — a global initiative focused on Character Social Emotional Development (CSED), teaching skills that help individuals of all ages build resilience, connection, and compassion. Through her work, Scarlett has transformed grief into purpose, helping schools, communities, and individuals create environments rooted in love, safety, and emotional awareness. This Teatime is about courage, healing, and the power of choosing love—even in the face of profound loss.“Welcome to Teatime with Miss Liz, where I don't serve a beverage — I serve real-life changemakers. Today, we hold space for a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Scarlett Lewis — a mother, a leader, and a woman who turned unimaginable loss into a global movement of love and healing.”Scarlett reminds us that even in the darkest moments, we have a choice. Choosing love is not always easy—but it is always powerful. Her story is a call to action for all of us to lead with compassion, nurture one another, and create a better world together. Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, created after the loss of her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook tragedy. She now leads a global initiative that teaches social-emotional learning, helping individuals and communities build resilience, compassion, and safer, more connected environments through the power of choosing love.Her MessageNurturing • Healing • LoveOne WordInspiringResources Movement & Programs: Choose Love MovementTwitter: https://twitter.com/ChooseLoveMFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLChooseLoveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/.../the-jesse-lewis-choose-love.../Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chooselovemovement/#TeatimeWithMissLiz#ScarlettLewis#ChooseLoveMovement#NurturingHealingLove#SocialEmotionalLearning

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins chats with his colleagues Pam Marshall, Julie Sikorsky, and Ray Wickenheiser - all members of the ISHI Forensic Leadership Alliance - to review the 2025 International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), important trends emerging in forensic DNA, Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), and the potential use of FIGG and other DNA techniques to solve the Nancy Guthrie investigation.  Pam Marshall is the Director of the Forensic Science and Law Masters program at Duquesne University; Julie Sikorsky is the Forensic Biology Manager at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory and a current member of the board of directors of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors; and Ray Wickenheiser is the retired director of the New York State Police forensic laboratory system and a longtime leading voice in the forensic DNA community Season:  6 Episode:  108 Duration:  56:03 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredibly inspiring Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement. Scarlett is the mother of Jesse, who was tragically killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. When I first heard her speak about forgiving the shooter, I was deeply moved and I knew we had to have this conversation on the podcast. This episode explores how we navigate unimaginable shock and grief, and the profound choice we all have when faced with tragedy: to live from fear and anger, or to choose love. Scarlett shares how she found her way through the darkest moment of her life and how that journey became the foundation for a global movement teaching children and communities how to respond to challenges with courage, compassion, and connection. If you've ever experienced loss, supported someone through heartbreak, or wondered how healing and forgiveness are even possible after tragedy, this conversation will touch your heart and leave you feeling deeply inspired. We talk about: Moving through shock and grief, and finding your way back to real moments of joy How the Choose Love Movement is shaping the next generation of children Forgiveness as a practice that can give you your power back (without bypassing the pain) How to create meaning after loss, and let love become something you live and pass on Where to find Scarlett: Website: chooselovemovement.org Instagram: @chooselovemovement

Violent crime in the United States continues to decline — including measurable drops in several major categories in 2024. But what is driving the trend? In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins examines the latest national data and explores a series of under-discussed possibilities that may be shaping public safety in ways most people haven't considered. At the same time, Collins raises an unsettling question: as one form of crime declines, is another quietly expanding? Drawing on federal data and professional insight, this episode offers a disciplined and thought-provoking look at how crime may be evolving — and what that means for the future of safety, accountability, and trust in our justice institutions. Season:  6 Episode:  107 Duration:  32:33 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel   FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification   REFERENCED RESOURCES Advanced Expert Witnessing Registration   ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins examines the ongoing abduction investigation of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. Rather than rehashing timelines already covered extensively in national media, John focuses on what the case reveals about high-profile investigations — the resources they mobilize, the pressure they generate, and the complex realities that shape their trajectory. The episode explores the scale of the law enforcement response, including federal involvement and advanced forensic tools, while thoughtfully addressing the broader conversation about disparities in media attention among missing-person cases. John explains why high visibility can be both an advantage and a liability, drawing lessons from past cases where intense publicity complicated investigative work. Listeners will also gain a clear, practical understanding of how forensic evidence functions in real time — including the difference between evidence that generates investigative leads and evidence ultimately presented in court. The discussion includes a straightforward explanation of CODIS, fingerprint databases, and the emerging role of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) in cases where traditional database searches fail. Season:  6 Episode:  106 Duration:  27:04 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

February is 'Choose Love Month' - so we'll connect once again with the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement - to find out how this global nonprofit seeking to make our world a better place is continuing to innovate as it honors the memory and bravery of one of Sandy Hook Elementary School's young shooting victims.

February is 'Choose Love Month' - so we'll connect once again with the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement - to find out how this global nonprofit seeking to make our world a better place is continuing to innovate as it honors the memory and bravery of one of Sandy Hook Elementary School's young shooting victims.Then, we'll be welcoming back a representative from Read To Grow. We'll hear about how this nonprofit has been championing literacy and early childhood education and development - and we'll find out more about Read to Grow's own Bookmobile and where you can go to experience all the fun and learning it has to offer.And we'll close with a representative from Access Health CT the Connecticut health insurance marketplace. If you are experiencing confusion about what's going on in the world of health insurance in 2026, or are on the fence about whether you need it or can afford it, we'll try to bring you the answers you need to ensure you'll be able take care of yourself in the event of an illness or injury.

Host John Collins sits down with award-winning investigative journalist Brian Joseph to discuss his provocative new book, Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America. The conversation explores the complex realities of sex trafficking through the lens of Brian's reporting and his in-depth investigation into the story of hip-hop music producer Molly Maul. Brian shares insights from his career as a freelance reporter and the challenges he faced bringing this book to market, including the publishing industry's reluctance to engage with difficult—but necessary—topics. Together, John and Brian examine how societal stereotypes, entertainment norms, and systemic failures often obscure the stories and struggles of trafficking victims. They highlight the danger of glamorizing "pimp culture," particularly in popular media, and call for greater public education, empathy, and accountability. The justice system's response to trafficking is inadequate and lacks institutional support for survivors, often misplacing focus on perpetrators over victims. Brian makes the case for victim-centered reform and more responsible storytelling, both in journalism and in society at large. From Las Vegas tourism to hip-hop culture to criminal prosecution, this wide-ranging conversation reveals how deep and entrenched the problem of sex trafficking remains—and what must change to confront it. Season:  6 Episode:  105 Duration:  43:46 min YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this solo episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins kicks off the podcast's sixth season with personal updates, professional milestones, and critical reflections on the state of forensic science in the justice system. Collins shares the remarkable success of his recent cochlear implant surgery, which restored significant hearing from deafness caused by a decades-old firearm accident. The procedure has enhanced his ability to engage with clients and audiences, just in time for a busy season of national speaking engagements—including the ASCLD Symposium in Grand Rapids and a keynote address at the 2026 Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) conference in Baltimore. Collins also introduces his forthcoming book, Valid Comparisons, which provides a scientific and legal defense of forensic pattern disciplines such as firearm identification, handwriting, footwear, and more. He challenges the misuse of the term "junk science," especially in light of ongoing critiques from the innocence movement and the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report. Using high-profile cases such as Ray Krone's wrongful conviction and Ted Bundy's bite mark identification, Collins explores the role of expert testimony, the evolution of forensic odontology, and the need for professional self-reflection within the forensic sciences. Throughout the episode, Collins argues for a nuanced understanding of scientific credibility in the courtroom and urges caution in how forensic evidence is judged by reform advocates and legal professionals. He calls for higher standards of integrity in both forensic practice and innocence advocacy, while affirming the essential role of forensic experts in safeguarding truth and fairness in the justice system. With new books, workshops, and public engagements on the horizon, Collins sets the stage for a powerful new season that promises to tackle the most pressing issues facing criminal justice professionals today. Season:  6 Episode:  104 Duration:  1:12 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this emotionally charged episode, Alyssa and Nadia confront the devastating reality of gun violence in America, prompted by a recent mass shooting at Brown University. What was supposed to be the season's final, positive episode became an urgent conversation about a tragedy that hits too close to home.Nadia shares her firsthand experience growing up with active shooter drills throughout elementary and high school—practicing hiding, barricading doors, and staying silent as routinely as fire drills. She recalls learning about Sandy Hook Elementary when she was in second grade, 13 years ago, marking the beginning of a childhood defined by preparation for violence. Now at Northeastern, she's met people with direct connections to that tragedy, realizing how interconnected these events truly are.The conversation explores the cruel irony of their reality: students are trained to survive mass shootings as if they're inevitable natural disasters, yet unlike earthquakes, these tragedies are preventable. Alyssa expresses heartbreak over a generation that has never known safety in schools, while Nadia describes the constant anxiety of knowing violence could happen anywhere—in classrooms, movie theaters, or public spaces.They discuss potential solutions, from stricter gun control policies to addressing the mental health crisis and community fragmentation that may contribute to such violence. Nadia references Australia's swift policy changes after a mass shooting decades ago, noting that while a recent shooting occurred there, it was the first in many years—proof that legislation can make a difference, even if it's not 100% effective.The episode concludes with expressions of grief for the Brown University community, for all 389 mass shooting victims in the year so far, and for a generation forced to live in a constant state of alertness. Both hosts commit to continuing advocacy for change, refusing to accept this violence as inevitable.TakeawaysStudents today have practiced active shooter drills as routinely as fire drills since elementary school, normalizing preparation for violenceSandy Hook Elementary (13 years ago) was a formative event for many in Nadia's generation, marking the beginning of childhood awareness about mass shootingsIn 2025, there have been 389 mass shootings—more shootings than days in the yearThe constant threat of gun violence creates a persistent state of anxiety, affecting mental health and community engagementAustralia's stricter gun control policies after a mass shooting decades ago have significantly reduced such incidents, demonstrating that legislative action can be effectiveThe tragedy affects not just direct victims but entire communities, with ripple effects reaching people who know someone connected to each eventDesensitization to mass shootings is a coping mechanism, making it easier to move on but harder to maintain the outrage needed for changeFocusing on advocacy and supporting affected communities is essential, even when systemic change feels impossibleChapters0:10–0:27 – Content Warning: Discussion of Gun Violence0:27–0:59 – Introduction: From Positive Finale to Tragedy1:09-1:42 – A Generation Defined by Fear1:42–2:45 – Nadia's Experience with Active Shooter Drills2:45–3:55 – Sandy Hook: The Beginning of Awareness3:55–6:07 – Preparation as Acceptance: The Cruel Irony6:07–7:27 – Living with Constant Threat7:27–9:19 – 389 Shootings This Year: The Frustration of Inaction9:19–10:08 – Community Fragmentation and Collective Fear10:08–11:19 – Political Division and the Impossibility of Unity11:19–12:21 – Learning from Australia's Response12:21–13:26 – Hate Crimes and Targeted Violence13:26–14:48 – Desensitization and the Friend at Brown14:48–16:15 – If Sandy Hook Wasn't Enough, What Will Be16:15–17:15 – Swimming in It: Not Knowing Any Other Reality17:15–18:09 – Hope for Future Generations18:09–19:35 – Final Thoughts: Apologies and Anger

From a mass shooting in Australia that left 15 people dead, to a shooting at Brown University that killed two students, the world has been rocked by gun violence at the end of 2025. In the U.S., 125 people die from a gun injury, and more than 200 people are shot and wounded each day, according to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety. In Connecticut, there were at least 339 incidents of gun violence this year. The outpouring of shock and grief following the shootings was expected and understandable. But what is it like for young people to live with the constant fear of guns in their environments or the threat of mass shootings? Guests: Nelba Márquez-Greene: Mother of Ana Grace, killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Community Scholar, Yale School of Public Health. Renee Beavers: Hospital violence intervention specialist (HVIP), Connecticut Children’s. Stacey Mayer: Director of Advocacy, Policy & Outreach at CT Against Gun Violence. Malini Parikh: Student, Hopkins School, New Haven. President of the CT Against Gun Violence Youth Council. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poet and essayist Carol Ann Davis (Fairfield University) joins Evan Rosa for a searching conversation on violence, childhood, and the moral discipline of attention in the aftermath of Sandy Hook. Reflecting on trauma, parenting, childhood, poetry, and faith, Davis resists tidy narratives and invites listeners to dwell with grief, healing, beauty, and pain without resolution.“I don't believe life feels like beginnings, middles, and ends.”In this episode, Davis reflects on how lived trauma narrows attention, reshapes language, and unsettles conventional storytelling. Together they discuss poetry as dwelling rather than explanation, childhood and formation amid violence, image versus narrative, moral imagination, and the challenge of staying present to suffering.Episode Highlights“Nothing has happened at Hawley School. Please hear me. I have opened every door and seen your children.”“And that was what it is not to suffer. This is the not-suffering, happy-ending story.”“I'm always narrowing focus.”“I think stories lie to us sometimes.”“I think of the shooting as a nail driven into the tree.”“I'm capable of anything. I'm afraid I'm capable of anything.”“I tried to love and out of me came poison.”About Carol Ann DavisCarol Ann Davis is a poet, essayist, and professor of English at Fairfield University. She is the author of the poetry collections Psalm and Atlas Hour, and the essay collection The Nail in the Tree: Essays on Art, Violence, and Childhood. A former longtime editor of the literary journal Crazyhorse, she directs Fairfield University's Low-Residency MFA and founded Poetry in Communities, an initiative bringing poetry to communities affected by violence. An NEA Fellow in Poetry, Davis's work has appeared in The Atlantic, The American Poetry Review, Image, Agni, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere. Learn more and follow at https://www.carolanndavis.orgHelpful Links and ResourcesThe Nail in the Tree: Essays on Art, Violence, and Childhood https://www.tupelopress.org/bookstore/p/the-nail-in-the-tree-essays-on-art-violence-and-childhoodSongbird https://www.weslpress.org/9780819502223/songbird/Psalm https://www.tupelopress.org/bookstore/p/psalmAtlas Hour https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Hour-Carol-Ann-Davis/dp/1936797003Carol Ann Davis official website https://www.carolanndavis.orgShow NotesCarol Ann Davis recounts moving to Newtown, Connecticut just months before Sandy Hook, teaching a course at Fairfield University when news of the shooting first breaksHer young children attended a local elementary schoolConfusion, delay, and the unbearable seconds of not knowing which school was attackedA colleague's embrace as the reality of the shooting becomes clearParenting under threat and the visceral fear of losing one's children“Nothing has happened at Hawley School. Please hear me. I have opened every door and seen your children.” (Hawley School's Principal sends this message to parents, including Carol Ann)Living inside the tension where nothing happened and everything changedWriters allowing mystery, unknowing, and time to remain unresolvedNaming “directly affected families” and later “families of loss”Ethical care for proximity without flattening grief into universalityThe moral value of being useful within an affected communityNarrowing attention as survival, parenting, and poetic disciplineChoosing writing, presence, and community over national policy debatesChildhood formation under the long shadow of gun violence“I think of the shooting as a nail driven into the tree. And I'm the tree.” (Carol Ann quotes her older son, then in 4th grade)Growth as accommodation rather than healing or resolutionIntegration without erasure as a model for living with traumaRefusing happy-ending narratives after mass violence“I don't believe life feels like beginnings, middles, and ends.”Poetry as dwelling inside experience rather than extracting meaningResisting stories that turn suffering into takeawaysCrucifixion imagery, nails, trees, and the violence of embodiment“I'm capable of anything. I'm afraid I'm capable of anything.”Violence as elemental, human, animal, and morally unsettlingDistinguishing intellectual mastery from dwelling in lived experienceA poem's turn toward fear: loving children and fearing harm“I tried to love and out of me came poison.”Childhood memory, danger, sweetness, and oceanic smallnessBeing comforted by smallness inside something vast and terrifyingEnding without closure, choosing remembrance over resolution#CarolAnnDavis#PoetryAndViolence#TraumaAndAttention#SandyHook#SandyHookPromise#FaithAndWriting#Poetry#ChildhoodAndMemoryProduction NotesThis podcast featured Carol Ann DavisEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge, Alexa Rollow, Zoë Halaban, Kacie Barrett & Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Journalist and author William J. Kole joins me to unpack the deep and often hidden ties between white evangelicalism, politics, fear, and America's gun culture. Drawing from his new book In Guns We Trust, Bill shares how his own ministry collided with concealed weapons, why fear has shaped so much of the church's response to gun violence, and how Christian nationalism and the idolizing of the Second Amendment have influenced our national crisis. We talk about the shift from historic Christian nonviolence to the embrace of firearms, the political power that keeps common-sense reforms stalled, and what other countries have done to reduce mass shootings. We also explore why “thoughts and prayers” aren't enough and what a truly pro-life ethic demands of us today. If you long to break cycles of violence and return to the nonviolent way of Jesus, this is an essential and challenging conversation.William J. Kole is a veteran journalist and a former foreign correspondent who has reported from North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As Vienna bureau chief for The Associated Press, he wrote extensively on the nexus of crime, the weapons trade, arms trafficking and terrorism across Eastern Europe.His evangelical credentials are as extensive as his journalistic ones: He's a former lay missionary for the Assemblies of God, a worship leader at evangelical churches in Europe and around his native New England, and served as board president of Dorcas USA, an international Christian relief and development agency.Kole was AP's New England bureau chief when a gunman armed with a military-style assault rifle massacred 20 first-graders and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Earlier in his career, he was a lead writer on the car crash that killed Britain's Princess Diana, and he also covered the arrest of former Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic, the death of Pope John Paul II, and Kosovo's independence. His many awards include one from the Society of American Business Editors & Writers for an investigation into the exploitation of undocumented immigrants by the Walmart retail chain.Kole, who speaks French, Dutch and German, studied journalism at Boston University and was a journalism fellow at Columbia University in New York and the National Press Foundation in Washington, D.C. Now an editor for Axios, he lives in Providence, R.I., and Paris.Bill's Book:In Guns We TrustBill's Recommendation:Jesus and John WayneConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowFind the Presence Over Power collection at www.shiftingculturepodcast.com/store Get Your Sidekick Support the show

Ahead of the anniversary marking the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, we spoke with Jenny Hubbard. Jenny's daughter, Catherine, was one of the first graders killed in the shooting. In her honor, Jenny founded the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation and she tells us that the impact in over a decade is overwhelming. For more information: https://www.cvhfoundation.org/ Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Hour 4 of the Friday Bob Rose Show, on the incremental, relentless push for gun control laws as the anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary nears. But how do you address the mentally corrupt young man who was enabled by a mother. Plus, the morning's biggest stories for 12-12-25

We are coming up on the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. We checked in with Nicole Hockley, who lost her son, Dylan, that horrible day. Hockley also is the co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise. She shared successes of the organization nationwide and the ongoing mission still relevant more than a decade later.

In this final episode of the 2025 season of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins takes a candid and uncompromising look at a growing challenge within the forensic science community: the accelerating push toward standardization. While standards have long played a vital role in improving consistency and strengthening laboratory management, Collins argues that the pendulum may now be swinging too far. Drawing on decades of experience as a forensic scientist, laboratory director, and professional coach, he examines how overly rigid standardization can unintentionally suppress creativity, erode professional judgment, and undermine the very expertise that forensic science depends on. Through comparisons to medicine, education, and the history of European integration, Collins explores how well-intentioned standardization efforts in many fields have produced unexpected and sometimes damaging consequences. He also confronts persistent misconceptions about wrongful convictions and challenges the narrative that forensic science is a leading cause of injustice. This episode is both a warning and a call to action: a reminder that while quality systems and accreditation are essential, the soul of forensic science lies in the experts who think, notice, decide, and deliver answers when lives are broken by crime. Whether you are a scientist, attorney, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about justice, this season finale invites you into an honest, overdue conversation about the future of a profession that touches every corner of the criminal justice system. Season:  5 Episode:  103 Duration:  50:54 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES Growth of the European Union Innocence Project Report on First 200 Exonerations The Wrongful Conviction of Forensic Science - By Collins and Jarvis ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by Robbie Parker, the father of Emilie Parker, who tragically lost her life at the age of 6 at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012. We discuss his book, A Father's Fight: Taking on Alex Jones and Reclaiming the Truth About Sandy Hook, which covers his journey in addressing the trauma of losing a child, his own childhood trauma, and his journey towards peace while taking on Alex Jones in court.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsRobbie Parker's Book Amazon.com: A Father's Fight: Taking on Alex Jones and Reclaiming the Truth About Sandy Hook: 9781635769838: Parker, Robbie: BooksRobbe Parker's WebsiteRobbie Parker | Author of A Father's FightRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Evolution of Lone Actors & Political Violence in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand w/ Dr Nathan BrooksThe Conspiratorial Right Wing's Protection of Alex Jones

This episode of Across The Margin : The Podcast features an interview with film and TV producer, writer, and director Rick Korn. Rick is the co-founder of In Plain View Entertainment which specializes in creating socially conscious documentaries. Rick has produced benefit concerts with Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Kevin Bacon, and Joan Jett (amongst others). He executive produced the documentary about Paul McCartney, My Old Friend, and in 2024, he directed and released A Father's Promise, the inspiring story of professional musician Mark Barden who lost all joy in music when his son Daniel was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Mark rewired himself and became a powerful voice and activist when he co-founded Sandy Hook Promise. Rick's latest documentary, the focus of this episode, is entitled Harry Chapin — Cat's In The Cradle: The Song That Changed Our Lives. This new documentary explores Harry Chapin's deeply affecting folk song's lasting impact on music and culture decades later. In it, reflecting on the song's universal themes of parenthood, time, and relationships, are legendary musicians Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Darryl McDaniels (Run-D.M.C.), Mandy Patinkin, Robert Lamm (Chicago), Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) and more. In this episode host Michael Shields and Rick discuss what it is about “Cat's In The Cradle” that has affected generations of people from across the world so deeply. Join in on a celebration of Harry Chapin who was more than just a singer-songwriter; he was a storyteller, activist, and humanitarian whose life and music touched the hearts of millions.The documentary will benefit WhyHunger, Long Island Cares and the Harry Chapin Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, John tells the full story about his battle with hearing loss, how it started, and what steps are now being taken to give him back his hearing. It is a story involving a serious accident in a forensic laboratory many years ago - sometime around 1995 - and one that provides some important lessons about safety, leadership, and personal accountability in the workplace.  Season:  5 Episode:  102 Duration:  47:29 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

As we near the end of our 5th season, John Collins first takes a moment to discuss his upcoming surgery and his battle with hearing loss following an accident that occurred in a laboratory where he worked while he was in his early 20s. He then discusses “command coaching,” which is an application of coaching at the initial points of promotion for sworn law enforcement commanders, and how the development of police leaders MUST prioritize high-resolution self-awareness as a key factor in future success. In order to earn the trust and respect of team members, sworn commanders must know who they are from the inside out before they will have the ability to navigate the most difficult situations and personalities they will face in their leadership careers. As John explains, the “staff and command” model of leadership education is made weak when opportunities to help police officers truly understand themselves and their natural tendencies are wasted.   Issues on Trial - Tell us what you think!   Season:  5 Episode:  101 Duration:  49:44 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel   FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification   REFERENCED RESOURCES Book: The New Superior - A Better Way to Be the One in Charge   ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Trump blurts out overtly sexist and disgusting things about Press Sec Caroline Leavitt's mouth, while preying on Italian PM Meloni fresh off his Middle East trip. JD Vance blurts out on network television that there ARE Tom Homan bribe videos that haven't been produced to the American People; Trump's pet Lindsey Halligan blurts out that she indicted NY AG Tish James because “she wanted to get it over with;” James Comey's lawyers blurt out that they will be filing a motion to declare Halligan illegally appointed and to have it assigned to a new judge; Alex Jones blurts out to the Supreme Court that he shouldn't be held liable for defaming and causing the Sandy Hook Elementary School parents emotional harm by claiming their children aren't really dead, because he has a lot of followers and subscribers; the Supreme Court holds an oral argument upon which the entirely of the foundation of our representative democracy rests, meaning whether we will ever have black and brown Congresspeople ever again. Popok is at The Intersection to make it make sense. Delete Me: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to join https://deleteme.com/LEGALAF and use promo code LEGALAF at checkout. Miracle Made: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://TryMiracle.com/LEGALAF and use the code LEGALAF to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF. Check out The Popok Firm at: https://thepopokfirm.com Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1 Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595 Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 100th episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins pauses the celebration to examine the shooting death of Charlie Kirk in Utah and what it reveals about public safety, due process, and the health of civic life. Drawing on his experience in the Atlanta Olympic bombing investigation, Collins unpacks how early speculation and “wing violence” narratives can distort reality, feed polarization, and obscure root causes. He introduces the “event horizon” metaphor—the point where isolation, echo chambers, and performative media pull vulnerable people past reason—and argues that rigorous, respectful debate is a safeguard, not a threat. The episode considers the responsibilities of leaders, influencers, and platforms, and what this moment demands from parents, educators, and citizens: stronger critical-thinking skills, healthier information habits, and steadier support for law enforcement and the rule of law. If you care about clarity and courage in a noisy age, this conversation offers both context and a path forward. Issues on Trial - Tell us what you think! Season:  5 Episode:  100 Duration:  38:08 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions — and now chasing history. In this episode, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down how GM Bill Zito has kept the core together, added smart depth pieces, and positioned Paul Maurice's team for a legitimate shot at a third straight Cup.The hosts discuss offseason moves, key re-signings, and health questions that could impact the Panthers' pursuit of a dynasty.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:34] – Florida goes for the three-peat[01:17] – Re-signing Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand & Aaron Ekblad[02:45] – Depth moves: Tarasoff in, Nate Schmidt & Vanecek out[03:32] – Why Jeff Petry may be the key under-the-radar addition[04:15] – Mackie Samoskevich brings the Cup to Sandy Hook Elementary[06:08] – Matthew Tkachuk's injury status and potential surgery[07:12] – Historical look: Can Florida join the NHL's dynasty elite?[09:00] – Neil on what it will take: "Bobrovsky and health, that's the answer."KEY TAKEAWAYS:Bill Zito nailed the offseason, keeping his top players and avoiding major lossesDepth matters: Smart additions like Jeff Petry and Tarasoff could be difference-makersMatthew Tkachuk's health will be a key storyline to watch all seasonBobrovsky's performance and age will factor heavily into a deep playoff runIf Florida can stay healthy and maintain chemistry, they have a real shot at a historic three-peatRESOURCE LINKS:

  Some people don't believe the Holocaust actually happened or that Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. And some people don't believe that 26 children and adults were massacred at Sandy Hook Elementary school in 2012. And the man best known for creating the Sandy Hook conspiracy is conflict entrepreneur and InfoWars star, Alex Jones, who called the massacre a “fake” and a “hoax.” Josh Koskoff, the lawyer for the families of the Sandy Hook victims, who obtained a $73 million settlement, also brought a successful legal action against Jones, who profited from the false narrative he created. Jones is a skilled communicator who knows how to communicate to a certain core of people who see him as the sole truth teller and everyone else as part of the deep state. Jones isn't short on charisma, and he isn't short on showmanship. The InfoWars stage is flashy and has a high tech look. If you didn't know better, you would think you were looking at a legitimate major news broadcast system. Trial testimony showed that Jones relied on a business model that was based on building a belief system with his audience so that he could sell a variety of products—male enhancements, t-shirts and more. He's a master at seducing people with his talk so that he can get them to buy his wares. Jones couldn't stop talking about Sandy Hook because of the amount of traffic it drove to his store. Not surprising, Jones monetized the trial. After every day in court, Jones would be on InfoWars, making belittling comments about the court. Of course, those comments would be used in court against Jones the following day.Jones created harm beyond his lies. It wasn't unusual for his listeners to accost the families of the victims in public and accuse them of pretending to have lost a child.

Headlines on the 2025 National Association for Pupil Transportation award winners, a new study on the financial savings of electric school buses, and the clean fuel choices districts are making. “Our work is nowhere near done.” Mother and educator Michele Gay joins us for a heartfelt conversation about her daughter with special needs, losing her in the 2014 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, subsequently co-founding Safe and Sound Schools, the continued need for classroom and bus safety advocacy, and her upcoming TSD Conference keynote. Read more about special needs. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School-Radio.

Judges hold tremendous power in the American criminal justice system, and possibly more power than we realize. In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins shares his thoughts about a trend being encountered by expert witnesses whose testimony is being limited or controlled by judges. In some cases, the identification of latent prints or firearms is being rejected, and judges are instead instructing expert witnesses on what they can or cannot say. Is this even permissible? John also discusses what he describes as “the nuclear option,” a tactic that judges could adopt, if they chose to, that could force the reorganization and restructuring of the forensic science profession in the United States. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Issues on Trial - Tell us what you think about this issue   Season:  5 Episode:  99 Duration:  1:08:40 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel   FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification   REFERENCED RESOURCES On Being a Scientist - 3rd Edition United States v. Mitchell Brandon Mayfield Case ACE-V Method ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan.   For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

On December 14, 2012, Scarlett Lewis experienced a life-altering pain when she, along with the world, discovered that her 6-year-old son Jesse, 19 of his classmates, and 6 educators had been killed in a school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school.  The morning of his murder, Jesse left three words, "Norturing Helinn Love" behind on the kitchen chalkboard, as a permanent reminder of his incredible and pure life. These three words would become the catalyst for Scarlett establishing the Choose Love Movement, a reminder that at the root of forgiveness and understanding is nurturing, healing, and love.  Jesse's life is a profound reminder of how forgiveness goes beyond letting go of pain and anger, but instead choosing to understand, in order to let go.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh Koskoff, the lawyer for the families of the Sandy Hook victims, did what most thought was impossible. He prevailed in a lawsuit against Remington Arms, the company that manufactured and marketed the AR-15 rifle that was used to murder 20 children, between six and seven years old, and six staff members at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. But obtaining justice for the families wasn't easy. In part 1 of our conversation with Josh, we talk about the lawsuit. In part 2, we talk with Josh about the lawsuit he brought against Alex Jones of Info Wars, who said the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax. The massacre occurred on December 14, 2012. Before driving to the school, Adam Lanza, the gunman, fatally shot his mother. He killed himself after killing the 26 students and staff members. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting in Connecticut history and the deadliest at an elementary school in U.S. history.In December 2014, nine families filed suit in Connecticut against Bushmaster, Remington Arms, Camfour, a distributor of firearms, and the store where Lanza's rifle was purchased. The case was brought as an exemption under the 2005 Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which generally prohibits lawsuits against gun manufacturers. The families claimed that the AR-15 was suitable only for military and police use and that Remington inappropriately marketed it to civilians. Filing the complaint in Connecticut was the beginning of a seven-year saga. Remington tried to move the case to federal court and to have the case dismissed. There was much legal maneuvering. Eventually, Remington persuaded the trial court to dismiss the case. The families appealed to the Connecticut Supreme Court. The court decided in a 4–3 vote to reverse parts of the trial court's rulings and sent the case back to the trial court for additional hearings. Remington asked the Supreme Court of the United States to review the decision, but the Supreme Court declined. In July 2021, Remington again asked the trial judge to dismiss the lawsuit. The judge denied Remington's request. The next day, Remington offered $33 million to be shared by the nine families. In early 2022, Remington agreed to settle for $73 million.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins is joined by colleagues Dr. Pamela Marshall, Julie Sikorsky, and Dr. Ray Wickenheiser to discuss their ongoing collaboration, the Forensic Leadership Alliance. The group reflects on their shared work since 2020 in providing leadership development opportunities for forensic scientists, with a focus on coaching, mentorship, and team empowerment. The conversation covers key leadership challenges facing forensic laboratories, including funding instability, cultural dynamics, and professional development. The episode also includes planning updates for their upcoming November workshop at the ISHI 2025 Symposium in Palm Beach, where they will lead sessions on managing uncertainty, fostering leadership, and mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals. Issues on Trial - Tell us what you think Season:  5 Episode:  98 Duration:  1:09:52 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES To set up a coaching session at ISHI 2025, please email John at the address provided. Please include your name, agency, and topics that our team can help you with. ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, “The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,” which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

Donald Trump's use of federal forces to crack down on residents of Washington, D.C. is not well received. Neither is the crackdown by federal immigration authorities on immigrant school children. Gavin Newsom has presented his counter to Donald Trump's gerrymandering scheme by offering to voters a new district map that would only be triggered if Texas changes their map first. Jen Psaki takes a closer look at the Christian nationalist extremists who have a concerning amount of influence on members of the Trump administration. Michael McFaul offers a preview of Trump's Friday meeting in Alaska with Vladimir Putin. And Alex Jones has lost another court case and it another stop closer to losing all of his business assets to pay for the Sandy Hook Elementary judgment against him.

How one father, determined to reclaim his daughter's memory, brought down Alex Jones.On December 14, 2012, Robbie Parker's daughter Emilie was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary, a tragedy that changed Robbie's life and our country forever. By the next day, Alex Jones was on air claiming the shooting was a hoax.So begins Parker's David and Goliath story, a tale of hope and resilience amid hatred and division. While Robbie and his family spent the next decade attempting to grieve, Jones's fans harassed them, calling them crisis actors. The hatred pushed Robbie inward, disconnecting him from the world and his family. Four years after Sandy Hook, an Infowars listener accosted Robbie three thousand miles away from Newtown, Connecticut, repeating the same lies Alex Jones had spread for years.Soon after, seventeen students were murdered at Florida's Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School. Robbie and his wife spoke with one of the victims' parents and learned they were also being bombarded with hateful messages. He realized he could no longer avoid this terrifying reality, and with the help of Sandy Hook parents, lawyers, and supporters, Robbie stood up to Alex Jones in court to heal and reclaim his daughter's memory.A Father's Fight is more than a memoir; it's a stirring portrait of an unbreakable human spirit. It's a testament to a father's love and perseverance in the face of insurmountable grief. A FATHER'S FIGHT: Taking on Alex Jones and Reclaiming the Truth about Sandy Hook-Robbie Parker

Since she started Moms Demand Action in 2012 following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Shannon Watts has drawn thousands of women from the sidelines and gotten them involved, helping them realize the power they had. Now she brings that approach to helping people more broadly stand up and achieve their potential. Whether it's launching your dream business, leaving a bad relationship, or standing up for yourself at the office, Watts has an approach to “identify, light, and feed the fire inside you.” She explores that in her new book Fired Up, and she returns to the Commonwealth Club World Affairs stage to share her inspiration with women everywhere. She says it will not only transform your life, but it can transform the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twelve years ago, Shannon Watts was folding laundry when breaking news stopped her in her tracks: a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. The next morning, she woke up with a fire inside her, and turned her grief and rage into action. That action became Moms Demand Action, now part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. In today's episode, Shannon joins Jessi Hempel to reflect on the grassroots journey that began in her kitchen and grew into a national movement. Shannon's new book, Fired Up, is a call to action for women everywhere who are ready to turn their spark into action, but aren't sure where to start. Jessi and Shannon discuss: Shannon's journey from corporate PR to grassroots activism The power of starting before you feel ready Why burnout can be a turning point How women, especially mothers, are the hidden engine of societal change Lessons from more than a decade of advocacy and organizing Join the conversation at Hello Monday Office Hours. Catch us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News Page. See you there.

Our guest today is Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America—the largest grassroots movement in the country. Back in 2012, Shannon began her career in activism when she posted a call to action on Facebook to end gun violence, in response to the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her message was met with an overwhelming response, and soon after, the mother of five and former communications executive founded Moms Demand Action. Although Shannon stepped down as the founder in 2023, she continues to work to mobilize massive change on the boards of Emerge America—an organization dedicated to recruiting and training women to run for office—and Advance Peace—a community-based organization focused on ending gun violence. And now, she's joining us right ahead of the launch of her second book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Her inspiring story includes:completing her education while battling undiagnosed ADHD.unexpectedly becoming the leader of the largest grassroots movement in the countrytaking on the gun lobby and facing frightening pushback.avoiding the trap of “founders' syndrome.”and what it means to live a life that's on fire.On Sali: Argent Copain Blazer and Maybelle Pocket TeeOn Shannon: Argent Tuxedo Blazer, Stretch Blouse, and Cropped Straight Leg Trouser Work Friends Credits:Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women's clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women's progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

Nicole Hockley, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, joins us to talk about grief, prevention, and what it really means to protect our kids. Since losing her son Dylan in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Nicole has transformed unimaginable pain into a national movement rooted in connection, compassion, and action. Drawing from her experience leading one of the most impactful violence prevention organizations in the country, Nicole shares what she's learned about trauma-informed school safety, the importance of early intervention, and how small acts of care can save lives.  Learn More About Sandy Hook Promise: https://sandyhookpromise.org Connect with Nicole Hockley: Twitter: https://x.com/nicolehockley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehockley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolehockleyshp

Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Choose Love Movement, a global nonprofit dedicated to bringing social-emotional learning into schools, homes, and communities. Her son Jesse was just six years old when he was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School during the 2012 mass shooting. In the wake of unspeakable loss, Scarlett made a conscious decision not to let anger, bitterness, or hate define her future. Instead, she built something beautiful in Jesse's name. In this conversation, Scarlett opens up about who Jesse was—a brave, confident, dirt-covered little boy who radiated life. She shares what it was like to raise him, what she remembers from the day of the shooting, and how she found the strength to keep going. She also reveals the deeply personal signs, instincts, and spiritual moments that have helped her stay connected to Jesse even after his death. Scarlett's story is one of radical love, personal courage, and post-traumatic growth. It's a story of presence, purpose, and the choices we make after everything falls apart. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to turn pain into power, this episode will stay with you. JESSE LEWIS CHOOSE LOVE MOVEMENT (website): https://chooselovemovement.org/Check out the entire website! So many FREE resources are available! Lessons from Pre-K through 12th grade! Register now to start receiving your curriculum!You can also become an ambassador! Our children are worth it! Change the world! Say his name!GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Robbie Parker lost his daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook School shooting more than a decade ago. Parker is still battling Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist who claimed the shooting was staged.

An ambitious mother settles with her two sons into the quiet, idyllic life of her dreams, but after losing her son in a massacre that shakes the nation, she dedicates her life to carrying on her son's message of love. Today's episode featured Scarlett Lewis. Scarlett founded the Choose Love Movement after her six-year-old son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012, which remains one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. Through the Choose Love Movement, Scarlett teaches everyone from young children to prison inmates how to deal with feelings of anger before they escalate into violence. The Choose Love curriculum has been accessed in over 14,500 schools across 120 countries. Scarlett is the author of two best-selling books: Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother's Journey of Hope & Forgiveness, and From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives.If you'd like to learn more about Scarlett, you can find her on Instagram @ChooseLoveMovement, on Twitter/X @ChooseLoveM, on Facebook @JLChooseLove and on her website: chooselovemovement.org, or email: info@jesselewischooselove.orgScarlett's story came to us by way of Todd Rennebohm. Scarlett was originally featured on Todd's podcast, Bunny Hugs and Mental health, which focuses on conversations with survivors, professionals and families of those who have lost someone to mental illness and addictions. So please check out Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and a special thanks to Todd for referring today's guest. Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, guns/gun violence, suicide, homicide, murder, school shooting, death, death of children, funeral, Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook denier, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter: @TIAHPodcast Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happening Wondery Plus: All episodes of the show prior to episode #130 are now part of the Wondery Plus premium service. To access the full catalog of episodes, and get all episodes ad free, sign up for Wondery Plus at wondery.com/plus Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: "Illabye" – TipperMusic Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.