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Crime and the CourtroomAuthor: John M. Collins
Crime and the Courtroom is a unique and stimulating examination of the American criminal justice system for the authorities and supporting professionals who make criminal justice possible. We turn an observant eye toward the system's evolving capacity to strike the delicate balance between preserving the quality of life of our citizens and protecting the rights of the accused. Hosted by one of the most respected and influential forensic experts in the United States, John M. Collins and his guests share real-world experiences and insights about the evidence, techniques, and decision-making used in the investigation, adjudication, and prevention of crime. In each episode, we look for opportunities to dive deep into the lessons of current and past cases to ensure that our organizational, legal, and public priorities are smart and well-intentioned. In this effort, we challenge our public safety leaders and experts to think creatively and proactively about how crime can be prevented before it happens. Every victim is one victim too many. Subscribe to Crime and the Courtroom for inside, cutting-edge analysis of news, stories, insights, and strategies related to our ongoing public struggle to achieve safety and security in every home, neighborhood, community, and place of work. About John M. Collins John M. Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony Language: en Genres: Society & Culture, True Crime Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#105: Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America - with Brian Joseph
Episode 105
Monday, 2 February, 2026
Host John Collins sits down with award-winning investigative journalist Brian Joseph to discuss his provocative new book, Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America. The conversation explores the complex realities of sex trafficking through the lens of Brian's reporting and his in-depth investigation into the story of hip-hop music producer Molly Maul. Brian shares insights from his career as a freelance reporter and the challenges he faced bringing this book to market, including the publishing industry's reluctance to engage with difficult—but necessary—topics. Together, John and Brian examine how societal stereotypes, entertainment norms, and systemic failures often obscure the stories and struggles of trafficking victims. They highlight the danger of glamorizing "pimp culture," particularly in popular media, and call for greater public education, empathy, and accountability. The justice system's response to trafficking is inadequate and lacks institutional support for survivors, often misplacing focus on perpetrators over victims. Brian makes the case for victim-centered reform and more responsible storytelling, both in journalism and in society at large. From Las Vegas tourism to hip-hop culture to criminal prosecution, this wide-ranging conversation reveals how deep and entrenched the problem of sex trafficking remains—and what must change to confront it. Season: 6 Episode: 105 Duration: 43:46 min YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.
