Justice Speaks Podcast

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Judge Nancy Butts reflects on nearly 30 years on the bench and her pioneering role in Pennsylvania’s treatment courts. From trauma-informed care to national justice reform, she offers powerful insights on leadership, compassion, and the future of probation and community supervision. This episode is sponsored by OpAns.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Kamesha Falana shares insights from her 30-year career and her leadership in Wake County's treatment court. Learn how trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, local partnerships, and dedicated funding have made the program a model for supporting individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring challenges.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Richard Gordon, Iowa’s Statewide Treatment Court Coordinator, shares his career journey, outlines Iowa’s treatment court models, addresses funding challenges, and highlights recent program developments like impaired driving tracks. He emphasizes the need for statewide training, regional partnerships, and rural treatment access to advance evidence-based practices.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Judge Lawton Stephens shares his three-decade journey on the bench, offering insights into Georgia’s evolving accountability courts. From launching drug courts to chairing statewide judicial conferences, Judge Stephens discusses the future of treatment courts and the vital role of compassion and structure in criminal justice reform.

This episode of Justice Speaks highlights the leadership journey of Chief Daniel Hernandez of the Orange County Probation Department. From juvenile hall to Chief Officer, he shares insights on probation innovation, early intervention, and the qualities of effective probation officers in today’s justice system.

Judge Robert Anchondo, Texas’ first DWI Treatment Court pioneer, reflects on his judicial journey, the evolution of impaired driving courts, and the importance of mentorship and systemic support. This insightful conversation explores challenges and innovations in specialty courts across Texas and beyond.

This Justice Speaks episode highlights Desiree Hermocillo’s leadership in Colorado Problem-Solving Courts. She shares how statewide coordination, funding models, and training initiatives support court innovation. From launching wellness courts to building data systems, Hermocillo outlines strategies that strengthen Colorado’s commitment to Treatment Courts.

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Abbey Geffken discusses her leadership journey in Pennsylvania’s treatment court system. She shares insights on expanding training access, engaging law enforcement, and strengthening partnerships. Her strategic approach offers a blueprint for statewide treatment court growth and innovation.

Bill Blundell, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Manager for Illinois, shares how the state is enhancing its Problem-Solving Courts through strategic planning, federal funding, and collaborative training. This insightful conversation highlights innovative approaches and future goals aimed at expanding access to justice and strengthening specialized courts across Illinois.

Sheriff Ray Washington joins Justice Speaks to explore the Move Over Law and share his own powerful story about being struck on duty and the importance of the move over law. He and host David Wallace emphasize the dangers of distracted driving, the importance of public awareness, and how Wayne County is leading efforts to keep emergency responders safe.

This episode of Justice Speaks highlights how North Dakota treatment courts thrive through cross-agency collaboration. Jess Throlson and John Gorde share how statewide training, legislative support, and strategic planning are advancing justice reform. Learn how rural challenges are being addressed and what’s next for the state’s specialty courts.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

In this episode of Justice Speaks, Kaylee Dickenson, West Virginia’s State Drug Court Coordinator, shares insights on treatment court effectiveness, innovative funding models, and overcoming rural challenges. Learn how her leadership helps reduce recidivism, support participants, and shape the future of Drug and Family Treatment Courts in the state.This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Join us on Justice Speaks as Dr. Yasuhiro Maruyama, a professor at Rissho University, shares his journey into Therapeutic Jurisprudence, inspired by U.S. Drug Courts and mentorship from JSI Co-Founder Judge Peggy Hora. Discover his insights on the global impact of problem-solving courts.

Judge Karen Friedman discusses her human-centered approach to criminal justice reform, her work with the BJA, and her commitment to rehabilitation, support, and systemic change. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Wendy Venvertloh discusses the evolving role of pretrial services, the impact of technology, and the importance of empathy in driving meaningful justice reform. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect. 

Janel McFeat discusses restorative justice, the Washington Statewide Reentry Council’s work, and the Reentry 2030 initiative to create a human-centered reentry system.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect

Chief Tamika Nelson, San Diego County Probation Department, discusses her transformative approach to probation, emphasizing collaboration, engagement, and innovation to inspire positive change in the justice system. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

David Rogers explores justice issues in tribal courts, public safety initiatives, and the transformative role of restorative justice in Native communities.  This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.