Episodes

Courtroom sketch artist and art therapist Pat Lopez joins Karen Conti to talk about her career and the responsibilities of the job. Pat discusses the famous trials she has worked on, such as the Kobe Bryant rape trial, Oklahoma City bombing trial, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez murder trial, and others. Pat also comments on the importance of interpreting body language and clothing in the courtroom. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8373107/Pat_Lopez_5-10-26_2026-05-11-195507.64kmono.mp3

Jess Raines and Chris Krason from Chicago Prime Tours join Karen Conti to talk about a new crime bus tour in Chicago called ‘The Bloodlines of Chicago: The Serial Killer Tour’. The tour highlights local spots connected to serial killers John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer. Jess and Chris share their favorite stops on the tour and comment on why we don’t see as many serial killers today. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8356604/Jess_Raines_and_Chris_Krason_5-4-26_2026-05-04-172104.64kmono.mp3

Criminal defense lawyer Damon Cheronis joins Karen Conti to break down the latest stories in criminal law. Damon talks about the recent James Comey indictment regarding seashells, protected speech versus unprotected speech, and whether President Trump will have to appear as a witness if the Comey case goes to trial. Damon also comments on his firm representing the ‘Broadview Six’, the death of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew, and the SAFE-T Act. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8356412/...

Commercial business lawyer Adham Alaily joins Karen Conti to discuss people’s rights when they owe money to credit card companies and other debt collectors. Adham also talks about what happens when a lawyer sues you for a debt, what occurs when you don’t show up to court and a judgement is entered, and how to determine when it may be worth filing for bankruptcy. Adham also answers listeners’ debt questions. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8356408/Adam_Alaily_5-3-26_2026-05-04-163908.64kmono.mp...

Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, a professor in the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and an expert on domestic violence, joins Karen Conti to dive deeper into the mass shooting that occurred last weekend in Shreveport, Louisiana, in which a father killed eight of his children. Dr. Campbell discusses why men kill their children more often than women, whether personality disorders are diagnosed in many of the men involved, and the role of childhood trauma on their acts of violence. If you or som...

Melanie Greenberg, a family member of Lisa Stebic, joins Karen Conti to discuss the disappearance of the Plainfield resident, who went missing in 2007. Melanie shares details about the day Lisa went missing, Lisa’s relationship with her husband Craig, a police report that was given to the family after her disappearance, whether the Drew Peterson case took attention away from Lisa, and actions people can take to find her. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8336231/Melanie_Greenberg_4-26-26_2026-04...

Personal injury lawyer Patrick Salvi II joins Karen Conti to talk about a $241 million jury verdict in a case involving Eric Johnson, a courier who was killed by carbon dioxide exposure while transporting dry ice for a dairy company in 2016. Patrick discusses why the jury awarded such a large verdict. He also details medical malpractice issues created by telehealth appointments and answers listeners’ questions on potential malpractice. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8336228/Patrick_Salvi_II_4...

Renee Williams, lawyer and CEO of the National Center for Victims of Crime, and Jennifer McGuffin, Chief Communications Officer at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC and member of the Board of Directors for the National Center for Victims of Crime, join Karen Conti to discuss victims’ rights. Renee explains how victims’ rights in criminal cases differ from the rights in other situations and the general rights states provide for victims of crime. Jennifer talks about how her firm’s lawsuits help victims co...

Dr. Alan Childs, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Jill Egizii, President and founder of the Parental Alienation Awareness Organization USA, join Karen Conti to highlight parental alienation ahead of Nation Parental Alienation Day on April 24th. Dr. Childs explains what qualifies as parental alienation, why parents do it, its long-term effects on children, and actions people should take if they witness alienation. Jill shares her story as an alienated parent and offers advice on how to get thr...

Law professor Vikram Amar joins Karen Conti to talk about the U.S. Supreme Court’s arguments on the issue of birthright citizenship and its recent ruling on conversion therapy. Vikram discusses whether President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship will get struck down, whether the Supreme Court’s decisions have become too political, and how the court’s decision on conversion therapy protects the First Amendment. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8078143/Vikram_Amar_4-5-26_2026-04-0...

Dr. Katherine Ramsland, author and professor in forensic psychology and criminology at DeSales University, joins Karen Conti to talk about the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann, that is expected to plead guilty. Katherine discusses the suspect’s character, his targets, whether his wife knew of the murders, our inability to recognize people who may be harmful, and what causes someone to become a serial killer. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8078142/Katherine_Ramsland_4-5-26_2026...

Former prosecutor and personal injury lawyer Matthew Moyer joins Karen Conti to discuss his book, ‘American Justice: From the Frontlines of the War on Crime’, which dives in on cases he has been involved in and how the justice system operates. Matthew also talks about carjackings by kids, political corruption, how the gang world has changed in Chicago, how facial recognition is used by police and prosecutors, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8078141/Matthew_Moyer_4-5-26_2026-04-05-234...

Criminal defense lawyer Damon Cheronis joins Karen Conti to provide the latest on the murder case of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman. Damon discusses how potential immigration consequences may affect the prosecution of defendant Jose Medina, Medina’s past run-ins with the law, the SAFETY Act and its role in the case, and whether he is mentally fit to […]

Private Investigator Jordan Scherer and Bruce Maitland, founder of Private Investigations for the Missing, a non-profit he started after his daughter Brianna went missing, join Karen Conti to discuss missing persons and strategies used to help find them. Jordan talks about the difference between searching for children versus adults, a new law in Illinois detailing when police will accept missing person’s reports, and whether providing rewards are helpful. Bruce explains what the non-profit offer...

Healthcare lawyer Ann Ford joins Karen Conti to highlight the ‘She Did What?!’ Award that Karen will receive in April from the Malecki Brooks Ford Law Group, LLC. Ann also talks about her transition from nursing to law and the current state of women in law. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8065908/Ann_Ford_3-29-26_2026-03-30-150808.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Karen Conti What’s next in the Sheridan Gorman murder case .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Non-profit offers services for families ...

Joel Rubin, Executive Director of the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, joins Karen Conti to talk about social workers, the services they provide, and the education needed to get licensed. Joel and Karen also talk about the severe shortage of mental health care providers, the laws that are affecting it, and why […]

Author Bob General joins Karen Conti to talk about his new book, ‘Just… Call Me Al: A Capone Diaries Novella’, which is a fictionalized story about the life and journey of Al Capone. Bob details Capone’s youth, how he became famous, what led to his success, his mentor, how he fared while being imprisoned at Alcatraz, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8019035/Bob_General_3-8-26_2026-03-08-213935.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Karen Conti Bob General: The rise of Al Capone .cls-7{fill:#fff...

Antitrust lawyer Jon Jagher joins Karen Conti to discuss the DOJ’s lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation for antitrust violations. Jon talks about how performers and concertgoers may be affected by the suit, the evidence and witnesses the jury may consider, and what could happen to the companies if the court finds that Live Nation has monopolized the live music industry and blocked competition. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8019017/Jon_Jagher_3-8-26_2026-03-08-212617.64kmono.mp3 Rece...

Legal expert Andrew Stoltman joins Karen Conti to discuss various internet scams and how to detect them. Andrew talks about being careful when investing in cryptocurrency and other forms of investment, finding the right financial advisor, and how lottery winners can become lottery losers due to fraud.

Former Judge Lise Pearlman joins Karen Conti to discuss her book, ‘The Lindbergh Kidnapping Suspect No. 1: The Man Who Got Away’, which details the 1932 kidnapping of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s son, Charles Lindbergh Jr. Judge Pearlman talks about the life of Charles Lindbergh, the night of the kidnapping, how Bruno Richard Hauptmann was accused of the crime, the significance of a homemade ladder in the case, and what she believes actually happened. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7990124/Lis...

Donna Rotunno, criminal defense lawyer and television legal analyst, joins Karen Conti to discuss her new podcast, ‘Crime and Justice with Donna Rotunno’, which dissects trending legal cases in America. Donna shares her thoughts on the Nancy Guthrie case and the latest on the DNA testing. She also comments on the arrest of former Prince Andrew. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7990105/Donna_Rotunno_2-22-26_2026-02-23-043505.64kmono.mp3

Noted pet expert Steve Dale joins Karen Conti to talk about his new book, ‘Ask the Dog’. Steve and Karen discuss why the dog bite rate is high today, the civil liability for dog bites, and a proposed Chicago ordinance that could allow dogs inside restaurants. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7990100/Steve_Dale_2-22-26_2026-02-23-041300.64kmono.mp3

Calvin Chrustie, senior partner and critical risk consultant at The Critical Risk Team, joins Karen Conti to dive deeper into the events of the Nancy Guthrie case. Calvin talks about analyzing ransom notes, how common kidnapping is, when publicity is good versus bad in kidnapping cases, and his experience in hostage negotiating. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7978515/Calvin_Chrustie_2-15-26_2026-02-16-174415.64kmono.mp3 Search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother Recent Posts Karen Conti Analyzi...

Criminal defense lawyer Damon Cheronis joins Karen Conti to talk about the Fifth Amendment and how a jury may interpret a defendant who pleads the Fifth multiple times. Damon also discusses Ghislaine Maxwell taking the Fifth during a Congressional deposition and what would need to happen for immunity to be granted.