In a world driven by conflict, nearly all of our high-stakes problems—from criminal justice to corporate mergers—are resolved not by a dramatic victory, but by negotiation and compromise. David sits down with Karin Houston, an FBI Crisis and Hostage Negotiator, to explore this fundamental truth. Karin reveals the little-known skills that link the courtroom to the crisis zone. What shared techniques are used when a prosecutor is hammering out a plea deal and when a negotiator is trying to de-escalate an armed standoff? Tune in to learn how to identify common expectations, manage emotional pressure, and secure mutually acceptable terms in your own life's most challenging conversations.

Mental state and mental health are central to our legal systems, as well as our very perception of accountability. From serious “crimes of passion” to daily interactions, our mental state is used to excuse or mitigate our actions, and our attitudes towards its connection with accountability are anything but consistent. Lisa Witcher, a forensic psychologist, explains what makes us fit to stand trial and how to strike a balance between holding people accountable and understanding their circumstances.

As a criminal defense attorney, David sometimes gets confronted by people questioning the role of defending people who are (in many cases) guilty of the crimes of which they are accused. In this episode, David is joined by prominent defense attorney Dan Ross, known for his courtroom tactics and strong beliefs, to discuss what motivates them to pursue this profession, why it is important for our society, and why all of us may one day find ourselves in need of a defense attorney.