This Truth Be Told episode is a powerful exploration of wrongful convictions, highlighting the harrowing journey of those who have been unjustly imprisoned. Through the lens of Jeff Deskovic's story, the conversation delves into the systemic failures of the justice system and the resilience required to overcome such profound adversity. Jeff shares his personal journey of falsely confessing, being wrongfully convicted and later exonerated. He then expands on his inspirational journey into criminal justice reform.

Filmmaker Jia Rizvi captures the raw emotions and critical insights needed to spark meaningful change, making this a must-watch for anyone passionate about justice and reform. Jia shares the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a documentary and artfully and empathetically amplifying Jeff's voice.

Learn more about Jia's work and her films here!

Support Jeff and his foundation here!

Connect with our host, Dave Thompson, CFI!

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Truths:

Wrongful Convictions: The project highlights the traumatic experience of being wrongfully convicted and the long-lasting impact it has on individuals, emphasizing the need for systemic change in the justice system.

Role of Communication: Effective communication is crucial in preventing wrongful convictions, as demonstrated by the filmmakers' efforts to give a voice to those affected and educate the public.

Importance of Advocacy: The project underscores the power of advocacy and storytelling in raising awareness and driving legislative changes to prevent future injustices.

Challenges of Reentry: Exonerees face significant challenges when reentering society, including lack of support, employment difficulties, and mental health struggles, highlighting the need for comprehensive reentry programs.

Impact of Media: Films and documentaries play a vital role in capturing public attention and fostering empathy, which can lead to increased support for reform efforts.

Personal Resilience: The resilience and determination of individuals like Jeff, who continue to fight for justice and support others despite their own traumatic experiences, is a powerful testament to human strength.

Community and Support: Building a supportive community around exonerees and those advocating for justice is essential for sustaining momentum and achieving meaningful change.

Other resources:

Home | National Registry of Exonerations

Innocence Network

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In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson engages with Carlamay Sheremata, a former school resource officer and author, to explore the intricate connections between leadership, communication, and personal experiences. They discuss the CALM method, which emphasizes Connection, Awareness, Language, and Measured Response as essential tools for effective leadership and parenting. Carla shares her insights on the importance of building trust, active listening, and the impact of home life on workplace behavior. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the need for community engagement in addressing youth issues.

Learn more about Carlamay and find her book here: Carlamay Sheremata

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Connect with Carlamay on LinkedIn!

Truths:

• Connection heals what correction can't.
• We take our home issues into the workplace.
• Active listening is crucial for understanding.
• Parents need to set boundaries with technology.
• The CALM method emphasizes connection and awareness.
  • Connection
  • Awareness
  • Language
  • Measured Response
• Language can escalate or anchor conversations.
• Measured responses lead to better outcomes.
• Trust is built through genuine connection.
• Community engagement transforms punitive measures.
• Self-awareness is key for effective leadership.

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

Whether you’re an investigator, an academic, or just fascinated by how technology is reshaping justice, this conversation sheds light on where we are, where we’re going, and what we must watch out for along the way.

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👉 Be sure to check the show notes for links to Dr. May’s recent paper, connect with him on LinkedIn, and explore the resources mentioned in this episode.

May, Brandon | Florida Tech

Truths:

· Memory and Alcohol: Research shows alcohol reduces the quantity of recalled information, but not its accuracy—meaning intoxicated witnesses can still provide reliable accounts.

· AI as a Double-Edged Sword: While AI can support investigators with tasks like summarization and hypothesis generation, overreliance risks “drifting”—where detectives begin to think like AI rather than applying critical judgment.

· The Risk of Contamination: Just as leading questions can distort memory, AI tools may unintentionally reinforce false memories or fabricate details, creating dangerous implications for trials.

· Training Potential: AI-powered avatars and simulations could be powerful tools for investigator training, helping practice questioning techniques and rapport-building in safe environments—though they must supplement, not replace, human-led training.

· Guardrails Are Essential: AI should be viewed as a tool—not a replacement for human empathy, judgment, and rapport. Law enforcement agencies must critically evaluate before adopting it in sensitive investigative contexts.

· Future Caution: Without careful implementation, we could see wrongful convictions not because of eyewitness errors, but due to “AI witness testimony.”

Dive into the gripping world of financial deception as we unravel a nationwide scam orchestrated from within the walls of Georgia's prisons. Join detectives Carlos Verdoni and Andrew Rowe as they expose the intricate web of deceit involving drones, cryptocurrency, and a network of unsuspecting victims. Discover how sharp communication and relentless investigation brought this $80 million scheme to light. The discussion highlights the importance of communication and collaboration in unraveling the scam, which involved multiple jurisdictions and millions of dollars. Don't miss this eye-opening episode of Truth Be Told!

Truths:

• Effective communication is crucial in unraveling complex scams and building collaborative networks.
• Financial scams can target anyone, including well-educated professionals, highlighting the need for vigilance.
• The use of technology, like drones and cryptocurrency, is evolving in criminal activities, requiring adaptive investigative techniques.
• Building strong relationships and networks is essential for successful multi-jurisdictional investigations.
• Public awareness and education are key in preventing individuals from falling victim to scams.
• The prison system's vulnerabilities can be exploited for large-scale criminal operations.
• Persistence and collaboration among law enforcement agencies can lead to significant breakthroughs in complex cases.
• Understanding the psychology of victims and suspects is vital in conducting effective interviews and investigations.
• Legislation and security protocols need to evolve to address the challenges posed by modern scams.
• The importance of reporting scams to local authorities and utilizing available resources cannot be overstated.

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Patrick Everson, one of the most trusted voices in sports betting journalism. Patrick reveals how relationship building and trust have been the foundation of his career, allowing him to cultivate reliable sources and break credible stories in a high-stakes industry. They explore how effective communication not only builds those behind-the-scenes connections but also shapes how information is shared with the public - and how that delivery has evolved in the fast-moving world of sports media. From the sportsbook to the storyline, this conversation shows why the real insider edge isn’t just about odds - it’s about trust and communication.

Follow Patrick on X

Check out more info about Vegas Insider

See what Patrick is up to on Fox Sports!

Truths:

• Building Trust with Sources: Patrick emphasizes the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with sources over years, which is crucial for gathering reliable information.
• Transparency and Discretion: He discusses the balance between sharing information and protecting the anonymity of sources, highlighting the need for discretion in journalism.
• Adapting to Social Media: Patrick talks about the evolution of content distribution, noting the shift towards shorter, more focused videos to cater to changing audience preferences.
• Engagement through Relatability: He stresses the importance of being relatable and sharing personal interests to build a connection with the audience, beyond just professional content.
• Consumer Responsibility: Patrick points out that consumers need to be more vigilant in verifying information due to the fast-paced nature of social media and the prevalence of parody accounts.
• Evolving Content Strategies: He shares insights on adapting content strategies based on analytics and audience engagement, such as moving to live videos for better reach.
• Communication in Betting: Patrick advises on responsible betting communication, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks and managing expectations.
• Humanizing Communication: He highlights the value of being human and self-deprecating in communication to foster trust and engagement

Is AI replacing you?

Can you be more efficient without being extinct?

Join Dave Thompson, CFI and Tom Meehan, CFI as they delve into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Discover how AI is reshaping careers, the potential risks of bias and automation, and the importance of embracing technology to enhance efficiency. From AI's role in the legal system to its impact on sports and investigations, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges of AI.

Thank you to CONTROLTEK for supporting this episode!

Truths:

AI's Transformative Impact: AI is rapidly changing both professional and personal landscapes, offering tools that can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity.

Balancing Risks and Opportunities: While AI presents game-changing potential, it also brings risks such as bias and over-reliance on automation. It's crucial to navigate these challenges responsibly.

AI in the Legal System: The integration of AI in legal processes can streamline research and case analysis, but it requires careful management to avoid errors and ensure accuracy.

Embracing Technology: To remain relevant and competitive, individuals and organizations should leverage AI to improve workflows and decision-making processes.

1. Real-World Applications: AI is being utilized across various industries, from sports analytics to investigations, highlighting its versatility and potential to drive innovation

What does science have to do with homicide interrogations?

Everything.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, Detective Shaun Sylvester, PhD discusses his unique journey from law enforcement to academia, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interviewing techniques. He shares insights on the significance of rapport and empathy in interrogations, the challenges of preparing for interviews, and the need for continuous improvement through peer review. The conversation also touches on the impact of community relations in policing and the future of interrogation practices, highlighting the necessity of adapting to new research and methodologies.

Truths:

• Evidence-based interviewing techniques are crucial for effective communication.
• Building rapport and empathy is essential in interrogations.
• Understanding the needs of interviewees can lead to better outcomes.
• Preparation and planning are vital to avoid information leakage during interviews.
• Peer review can help improve investigative techniques and outcomes.
• Communication skills are often underdeveloped in law enforcement officers.
• Confirmation bias can affect investigations and should be addressed.
• Community relations play a significant role in effective policing.

How can you tell if somebody is conning you?

Ever meet someone who isn't exactly who they claim to be?

In this episode, Johnathan Walton shares his personal experience with con artists, detailing the emotional manipulation tactics they use and the red flags to watch for. He discusses the importance of reporting these crimes, the role of investigators, and how technology plays a significant part in modern scams. Walton emphasizes the need for awareness and education to prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes, while also highlighting the power of collective voice and media in seeking justice

Learn more about Johnathan, his book "Anatomy of a Con Artist" and his latest podcast series, Cocaine Air!

Truths:

• Con artists are skilled at emotional manipulation.
• Victims often feel embarrassed and reluctant to report scams.
• Red flags include TMI (too much information) and excessive kindness.
• Investigators should reassure victims about confidentiality.
• Con artists often create elaborate backstories.
• Technology can be used to fabricate evidence.
• Isolation is a common tactic used by con artists.
• The 'Beak wetting' technique builds trust through small favors.
• Background checks can help identify potential con artists.
• Victims can become advocates and help others avoid scams.