Unscripted Direct

Conversations with the law school trial advocacy community. Hosted by Spencer Pahlke (shareholder at Walkup Melodia and trial advocacy director at UC Berkeley School of Law) and Justin Bernstein (director of trial advocacy at UCLA School of Law).

Unscripted Direct is a education podcast hosted by Spencer Pahlke and Justin Bernstein, with 162 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Spencer Pahlke and Justin Bernstein hosts Unscripted Direct, a education show with 162 episodes published.

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  Episode #5

  Episode 157 - Corruption

  Oct 1, 20261h 14mS11

  Introduction (0:00:00) . Scandal in the Feedspot podcast rankings! We have three (or four) simple solutions. The Break (0:06:13) . Results from Drexel Kline’s Battle of the Experts and Tex-ABOTA’s Best in Texas voir dire competition. All Star Preview (0:08:02) . We preview the largest fall invitational. Interview: Megan Daic (0:11:17) . St. Mary's new assistant director talks about her new job -- and the competitions she plans to develop. Interview: Jo Perini-Abbott (0:27:15) . Lewis & Clark's director discusses her election to the Oregon bench, how far Lewis & Clark has come in just a few years since a major program expansion, and what's next for the school as she moves to her new position. Interview: HT Smith (0:44:01) . The Florida International trial ad director -- and renowned trial lawyer -- discusses his stand against corruption in his school's dean selection. Mailbag (1:09:16) . Should schools allow their alums to judge when their own team is competing?

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  Episode #4

  Episode 156 - "Was there more flashing than you expected?"

  Sep 24, 20261h 20mS11

  Introduction (0:00:00). Coffee shops that charge for wifi?! The Break (0:03:40). Results from Flash. Battle of the Experts Preview .... Without Phil (0:04:59). Baylor's Robert Little, Stetson's Kate Donoghue, and South Carolina's Brett Bayne join us to make fun of the tournament host (and also talk about what makes the tournament so good). Main Interview: Donnie Anderson (0:36:40). Ohio Northern's trial ad director tells the story of getting cut from the Stetson trial team; explains how he worked for two law firms without either finding out about the other; plays Stetson-ONU trivia; addressed whether he’s going to Barry; and reveals that Ohio Northern uses Justin's book! Mailbag (1:15:32). Four questions for the price of one: arm wrestling, mocking, fighting, and flashing.

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  Episode #3

  Episode 155 - Mock Trial the Movie

  Sep 17, 20261h 19mS11

  Introduction (0:00:00). Trial prep, dinner, sabotage, mystery outfits, and a preview of the National Flash Trial Competition. The Break (0:09:00). Results from all three First Chair sites. Interview with Mark Mandell (0:11:17). The star trial lawyer talks about this 51 years in the courtroom, his famous Case Framing Method, and the new Mandell Trial Program at Roger Williams Law. Mock Trial the Movie (0:41:25). Jess McKenna and Zack Reino talk about their own experience with mock trial, why they decided to bring mock trial to the big screen, and where you can see it! (Check our their website for dates and locations: https://mocktrialthemovie.com.) Mailbag (1:13:26). What's your most painful mock trial loss?

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  Episode #2

  Episode 154 - The Expert Who Got Caught

  Sep 9, 20261h 16mS11

  Introduction (0:00:00). Justin puts his foot in his mouth. Spencer fibs to a photographer. First Chair Preview (00:16:52). We discuss the expansion to three sites -- and catch up with the three hosts: Georgia State's Paige Boorman, Drexel's Phil Pasquarello, and Chapman's John Bishop. The Expert Who Got Caught (0:43:01) . We interview Will Moye, the lawyer who deposed and cross-examined the witness who got caught using ChatGPT to write his expert report . Mailbag (1:09:21). Which community members would be the best roadtrip buddies?

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  Episode #15

  Episode 152 - Celebrating Susan

  Jun 3, 202629 minS10

  For decades, Susan Poehls was a pillar of the trial advocacy education community. This episode celebrates her life and legacy. Created and produced by Spencer Pahlke, it includes interviews with her students, friends, coaches, and dean — as well as clips from Susan herself. (If you would like to hear the full interview with Susan, that's Episode 2 .)

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