In Part 2 of this two-part series, Heather Brown is joined again by former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney Brian Gurwitz. This time after the trial has concluded.Following the release of Part 1, which was recorded more than a year before the case went to trial, Heather and Brian return to break down what actually happened in court. They examine the prosecution’s strategy, the defense’s arguments, the evidence presented to the jury, and the legal decisions that ultimately shaped the outcome.This episode focuses on how theory meets reality inside a courtroom. What held up under scrutiny, what fell apart, and why certain arguments resonate with jurors while others do not. Heather and Brian also discuss the emotional toll of the case, the responsibility carried by those tasked with enforcing the law, and the broader implications when someone sworn to uphold justice stands on the other side of it.Episode 66 offers a grounded, experienced legal perspective on the trial’s outcome not speculation, not headlines, but analysis rooted in decades of courtroom experience.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series that was recorded more than a year ago and intentionally held back until now.In this episode, Heather Brown sits down with fellow former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney Brian Gurwitz to examine the shocking case of Orange County Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who was charged with the murder of his wife, Cheryl Ferguson.At the time this conversation was recorded, the case had not yet gone to trial. Out of respect for the justice system and concern for the integrity of the jury process, Heather and Brian made the decision not to release this episode while the case was pending.Now, after the trial has concluded, Part 1 is being released as originally recorded offering listeners a candid, unfiltered look at how experienced legal minds analyzed the facts, the behavior, and the legal implications before a verdict was reached.Heather and Brian discuss Ferguson’s history in the legal community, the night of the shooting, the role of alcohol and firearms, the text messages sent afterward, and the difficult reality of holding someone accountable when they were once trusted to uphold the law.This episode captures the raw legal analysis, ethical tension, and hard questions that arise when the person accused of murder is a judge himself — and sets the stage for Part 2, where Heather and Brian return to discuss what actually happened at trial and how their early predictions held up.Follow & SubscribeListen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio. Following the show helps amplify stories that matter and ensures you never miss an episode.Support Heather’s MissionLearn more about Heather Brown and her work, including her book Defeating the Darkness, at heatherbrownlaw.comInterested in Being a Guest or Sponsor?If you have a story to share or are interested in sponsoring an episode, contact our producer Pete Campbell with Creators Dept at pete@creatorsdept.com

In Part 2 of our series with cold case investigator Bob Taft, we step into a case that stretches across decades, countries, and generations. The disappearance of a young mother whose remains were discovered in 1983, but whose identity remained unknown for nearly 40 years.This episode follows the extraordinary journey of Dawn, a daughter who grew up believing her mother abandoned her. She didn’t know the truth. She didn’t know the lies. And she didn’t know that her mother’s remains were discovered just three miles from the Marine base where her father was stationed.When forensic genealogy finally opened a door, Bob reached out and Dawn’s world changed forever.For the first time, Heather, Bob, and Dawn speak together about the truth that surfaced, the family secrets that never added up, the pain of being raised in the dark, and the moment Dawn finally learned: her mother didn’t leave her… she was taken.This is one of the most emotional conversations ever recorded on Defeating the Darkness, a story of identity restored, dignity returned, and a daughter’s relentless hope that refused to die.⸻Follow & SubscribeStay connected with Defeating the Darkness on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Your support helps us bring more truth to light.Support Heather’s MissionExplore Heather’s book Defeating the Darkness and find more resources at heatherbrownlaw.comWant to Be a Guest or Sponsor the Show?If you’re interested in sharing your story on the podcast or partnering as a sponsor, reach out to our producer:pete@creatorsdept.com

Cold case investigator Bob Taft returns for a powerful two-part series, beginning with one of the most unsettling cases of his career. The death of a ten-month-old baby girl left with an unlicensed babysitter in 1982.From the start, nothing about the babysitter’s story aligned with the physical evidence. The injuries were severe. The timelines didn’t match. Key details changed. And critical steps that should have been taken in the original investigation never happened.Heather and Bob walk through the medical findings, the investigative gaps, the inconsistencies in every version of events, and the painful reality of trying to solve a case when the truth was compromised decades earlier.It’s a heartbreaking look at how a child’s life ended, how the system failed her, and why this case still lingers today — not for lack of effort, but because the evidence never fully answered the one question that matters most.Part 2 continues with another case that tested every part of Bob’s experience and resolve.Follow & SubscribeStay connected with Defeating the Darkness on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Every follow, share, and review helps the show reach more listeners who care about justice and survivor advocacy.Support Heather’s MissionExplore Heather’s work in her book “Defeating the Darkness” and find additional resources at defeatingthedarkness.com.Want to Be a Guest or Sponsor the Show?If you’re interested in sharing your story on the podcast or sponsoring an episode, reach out to our producer: pete@creatorsdept.com

In this hilarious episode, Heather Brown sits down with her friend Salberg to uncover some of the strangest, most ridiculous laws that are still technically on the books today.

From laws about hunting and fishing to rules that will make you say, “Wait, that’s real?” This episode reminds us that sometimes the best way to shine light in the darkness is with laughter.

Heather and Salberg bring humor and heart to the table, proving that even when the world feels heavy, joy can still cut through. Because the truth is, you can’t always make sense of the law but you can always find a reason to laugh.

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Order Defeating the Darkness at heatherbrownlaw.com and help support survivor advocacy and awareness.

Sponsorships and partnerships: pete@creatorsdept.com

The Night Everything Changed: Honoring the 24 Who Never Came HomePart 2 of this special Veterans Day series brings you into the most defining night of Judge Richard M. King’s service. The coordinated attack on March 31, 1968, that claimed the lives of 24 young Americans.In this episode, Judge King walks Heather through the chaos of the ambush, the courage of the Seabees and Marines who held the line, and the moments that stayed with him for the next 50 years. But this story isn’t about him, it’s about the men whose lives were cut short, the families who never got answers, and the legacy they left behind.He shares what it was like to come home to a divided country, the impact of Agent Orange years later, and the decision that changed everything: tracking down the families of the fallen to finally tell them the truth about how their loved ones lived and died.This conversation honors their sacrifice. Their courage. Their names. Their story. And on this Day, we remember every one of them.Follow & SubscribeWatch and follow Defeating the Darkness on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Support Heather’s MissionOrder Heather Brown’s book Defeating the Darkness and learn more at heatherbrownlaw.com

In this special two-part Veterans Day episode, Heather Brown sits down with the Richard M. King. A man whose journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the California courtroom is marked by courage, loss, and a lifelong sense of duty.

Before becoming a prosecutor and judge, Richard King was just 19, a young man from the Midwest who enlisted in the Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War. In this first part, he shares his early childhood, his mother’s sacrifices, the decision that led him to enlist, and the unforgettable friendships that shaped his service.

This isn’t just one man’s story... it’s a tribute to every veteran who served, and especially those who never came home.In honor of Veterans Day, we remember the fallen, celebrate the brave, and shine a light on the unseen stories of service and sacrifice.

In this continuation of her story, Jolene returns to share what healing looks like after surviving the life. From escaping exploitation to building a new identity, she reveals how community, faith, and holistic health helped her find freedom and purpose again.Heather Brown and Jolene discuss breaking generational cycles, the importance of physical activity in trauma recovery, and the role of community in rebuilding a life. Jolene opens up about her work in survivor advocacy, her business Horizons Holistic Healing, and how she is now helping others release the physical and emotional weight of their trauma.This episode is a reminder that healing is not only possible but within reach for every survivor. It’s about reclaiming your story, restoring what was stolen, and choosing wholeness over fear.Follow and SubscribeStay connected for more stories that expose darkness and bring hope to light. Listen and subscribe to Defeating the Darkness on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Learn More About JoleneFollow Jolene and her work at Horizons Holistic Healing.Support Heather’s MissionOrder Heather Brown’s book Defeating the Darkness and learn more about her work at heatherbrownlaw.com

For sponsorship or guest inquiries, contact pete@creatorsdept.com.

At 18, Jolene met a man at Union Station who told her she was beautiful. What began as kindness turned into control and a decade of manipulation, exploitation, and pain. In this raw and courageous conversation, Heather Brown sits down with Jolene, a survivor who escaped the sex industry, rebuilt her life, and found faith, freedom, and purpose beyond the darkness.Jolene shares her journey from “the life” to a life redeemed. Raising her daughter, building survivor ministries, and helping shape national anti-trafficking initiatives through her work with Homeland Security and the Blue Campaign. Her story is one of heartbreak and healing, proof that no one is too far gone to find light again.This is part one of a two-part episode that exposes how coercion and false love can trap young women and how truth and faith can set them free.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss part two of Jolene’s story and more real survivor stories. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this chilling episode, Heather Brown sits down again with Dr. Leslie Dobson. Clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and host of Intentionally Disturbing. Here they'll unpack how online grooming can twist vulnerable minds toward the unthinkable.This isn’t about politics... it’s about the loss of life and the growing danger of digital radicalization. Together, Heather and Dr. Dobson explore the assassination of Charlie Kirk and how dark web communities prey on isolation, loneliness, and identity struggles to manipulate young people into chaos and violence.From online gaming platforms to extremist subcultures, Dr. Dobson reveals the psychological traps that lure teens into believing they belong until it’s too late. They also discuss her work on the new Oxygen/Peacock docuseries Death Row Confidential, her book The Friend Cleanse, and the critical need for parents to understand what’s really happening on their kids’ screens.This episode is a wake-up call for every parent, teacher, and advocate who believes awareness can save lives.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss upcoming episodes of Defeating the Darkness exposing evil and shining light on truth.Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Learn More About Dr. Leslie DobsonVisit drlesliedobson.com or listen to her show Intentionally Disturbing for more true forensic insights and survivor advocacy.Support Heather’s MissionGet Heather Brown’s book Defeating the Darkness and learn how faith and justice can bring healing after trauma.Visit heatherbrownlaw.comFor sponsorship opportunities, contact pete@creatorsdept.com.

Some stories are hard to hear but that’s exactly why they need to be told.In this chilling and necessary conversation, Dr. Leslie Dobson joins Heather to expose the unseen world of sexual abuse, trauma, and what really happens when the Dr. is in session. As a forensic psychologist, Dr. Dobson has worked with attackers, survivors, law enforcement, and the court system to not only help people heal but to hold predators accountable.In Part 1 of this two-part series, she shares her own experiences, the shocking truths behind many of her cases, and what we can all do to protect the vulnerable. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s Intentionally Disturbing because staying silent helps no one.⸻NEXT STEPSFollow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to hear both parts of this series and future episodes.Learn More About Dr. Leslie Dobson at www.drlesliedobson.com and follow her on Instagram @drlesliedobsonSupport Heather’s Mission: Get Defeating the Darkness and visit heatherbrownlaw.com to help expose evil and empower survivors.Support the PodcastDefeating the Darkness is more than a podcast... it’s a platform for truth, healing, and justice. If your brand or organization aligns with our mission of exposing evil and empowering survivors, we’d love to partner with you.Sponsorship Opportunities AvailableFrom episode sponsorships to featured mentions and social media integration, we offer impactful ways to reach an engaged, purpose-driven audience.📩 Email our Producer, Pete Campbell, at pete@creatorsdept.com to start the conversation.

When the bombs went off at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the world watched in horror. But behind the headlines was a team of federal agents racing against time to track down the perpetrators and former FBI agent Kristen Von KlonSmid was one of them.

In this gripping episode, Kristen joins Heather to share what it was really like to be on the ground during one of the most intense manhunts in American history. From identifying the suspects to supporting victims, and dealing with trauma herself. Kristen’s story gives us a rare look at the personal toll of public service.

She opens up about the emotional aftermath of the bombing, what it meant to serve during a national crisis, and how her work now focuses on healing those impacted by trauma, both in and out of the field.

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Former SWAT operator and FBI agent Tom Brown returns to Defeating the Darkness with more stories from the frontlines. From training with flashbangs and shotguns to the chilling reality of the “funnel of death,” Tom breaks down the tactics, dangers, and split-second decisions that define survival in high-risk situations. He also shares wild behind-the-scenes moments, including FBI training trips to Russia, the truth about tasers, and what Hollywood always gets wrong about SWAT.This episode is a masterclass in courage, precision, and survival from someone who’s lived it.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss future episodes of Defeating the Darkness. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes clips and survivor stories.📚 Support Heather’s MissionPick up Heather Brown’s book Defeating the Darkness at heatherbrownlaw.com Your support helps share stories of survival, justice, and hope.💙 Partner with UsWe’re currently seeking sponsors who align with our mission to expose darkness and empower survivors. Sponsorships include podcast mentions, social media features, and collaborative opportunities. For details, contact Heather at defeatingthedarknesspodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather Brown sits down with John Kelly, the larger-than-life founder of Kelly’s Smoke Shop in Tustin.

From opening his tobacco shop at just 17, to becoming the youngest city councilman in Tustin at 24, John’s story is packed with history, politics, colorful characters, and a lifelong passion for tobacco culture.

He shares wild tales about the rise of clove cigarettes, the social hub his shop became, run-ins with California’s tax system, and why he always told customers to “Smoke ‘Em Easy."

This episode blends true crime with business battles, cultural history, and John’s unapologetically bold take on life, law, and legacy.

What happens when your loved one is on trial but you’re the one seeking justice?In this special episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather Brown sits down with criminal defense attorney Michael Molfetta to talk about the cases you don’t see on the news. The ones where families come to him not because they believe their loved one is innocent, but because they believe they still deserve a fair trial.Michael shares what it’s like to represent not just the accused, but the heartbroken families stuck in the middle of the system. From high-profile cases to quiet courtroom moments filled with desperation, this conversation explores justice, redemption, and why the legal system is never as black and white as it seems.⸻✅ NEXT STEPSFollow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for weekly stories on justice, survival, and the unseen battles in the system.Learn More About Michael Molfetta at michaelmolfettalaw.comSupport Heather’s Mission: Get Defeating the Darkness and visit defeatingthedarkness.com to support survivor-led stories and justice reform.

After surviving a near-fatal undercover sting, former FBI agent Rob Preijers stepped out from behind the badge. In Part 2 of this powerful two-part series, Rob sits down with Heather to share the next chapter of his story: chasing mafia bosses, investigating spies, and ultimately turning his attention to the mental health crisis inside law enforcement.Rob pulls back the curtain on his time in counterintelligence, what really goes into psychological profiling, and how he became a forensic psychologist dedicated to helping others heal. From undercover IDs to court testimony to counseling trauma survivors. This is a story about what happens after the bullets stop flying… and the work of redemption begins.⸻NEXT STEPS• Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to never miss a story.• Learn More or Connect with Rob: Email Dr. Preijers at drpreijers@gmail.com for psychological evaluations, expert witness services, or trauma support.• Support Heather’s Mission: Get Defeating the Darkness and visit heatherbrownlaw.com to help amplify stories that matter.

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather sits down with former FBI agent and police officer Rob Preijers to unpack one of the most harrowing nights of his life. Rob shares the gripping, real-life story of an undercover drug sting gone sideways. An operation that ended in a deadly shootout, a paralyzed suspect, and Rob barely escaping with his life.With raw honesty and sharp detail, Rob recounts how he kept his cool under unimaginable pressure, and how years of training and divine intervention may be the only reason he lived to tell the tale. From posing as a drug buyer to taking out two armed men in seconds, this episode gives you a rare inside look at what really goes down in the world of undercover ops.This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In the next episode, we explore Rob’s path to healing, his FBI career, and his current work as a forensic psychologist.⸻Next Steps:Follow & Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube so you don’t miss Part 2 and future survivor-led stories.

Learn More About Rob Preijers:

Visit Rob’s LinkedIn or search Robert D. Preijers to learn more about his private practice in forensic psychology.Support Heather’s Mission:

Get her book Defeating the Darkness or visit heatherbrownlaw.com to help shine a light on survivor stories and justice reform.

In this episode of Defeating the Darkness, Heather sits down with Julie Green, author of A Thousand Little Memories: A Mother’s Pilgrimage to Reclaim Joy After Traumatic Loss. Julie opens up about her journey through unthinkable grief, navigating the pain of loss while finding healing, faith, and hope along the way.Her story is a tender yet courageous reminder that even in the darkest valleys, joy can be rediscovered one step at a time. For every parent, survivor, or listener walking through loss, Julie’s words offer both comfort and strength.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss future episodes—subscribe to Defeating the Darkness on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you listen.Learn More About Julie GreenDiscover Julie’s book A Thousand Little Memories and her story at juliegreenhealing.com or on AmazonSupport Heather’s MissionOrder Heather’s book Defeating the Darkness at defeatingthedarkness.com.

Visit the website for resources, speaking engagements, and ways to support survivors.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Martha, founder of A Quarter Blue, we explore the journey of reclaiming value and purpose after trauma. Martha shares the hard but hope-filled process of healing, the power of speaking your truth, and why giving survivors both a voice and a choice changes lives. This is a conversation about courage, advocacy, and the kind of hope that turns pain into purpose.🎧 Follow & SubscribeDon’t miss the next powerful conversation—follow and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a rating or review to help others discover these important stories.💙 Learn More About A Quarter BlueDiscover how A Quarter Blue is giving survivors a voice and a choice. Learn how you can get involved, support the mission, and access resources at aquarterblue.org.📚 Support Heather’s MissionOrder Heather’s book Defeating the Darkness and explore more resources and ways to connect at heatherbrownlaw.com.

For this episode, Heather sits down with Martha Wade, the founder of AQuarterBlue, an organization devoted to helping survivors of sexual abuse find healing, hope, and a voice.

Martha opens up about her own story, what led her to create the nonprofit, and how her team is working to educate, equip, and empower individuals and communities through trauma informed care and advocacy.

Whether you’re a survivor, an ally, or someone who wants to understand more... this conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring.

Learn more about A Quarter Blue at: https://aquarterblue.org

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