Best Podvocate Podcasts (2025)

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Lex Americana: “With Liberty and Justice For All” – An American Civil Code 33:10

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22d ago33:10

33:10

In this week's episode, associate editor Adam Reed dives into the issues of the common law system. He discusses the main issues facing the average citizen when facing the common law legal system: complexity, accessibility, affordability, variability, and arbitrarity. He discusses the cases he recalls, especially from law school and how absurd they …

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What the H*LL is Law and Political Economy (LPE)? 22:32

1M ago22:32

22:32

In this episode, Julian kicks off a new series on Law and Political Economy (LPE) by examining foundational assumptions of how we see the law. Using David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” as a frame to examine legal consciousness, Julian walks through what LPE scholars call the "Twentieth-Century Synthesis," and how prevailing legal thought has cre…

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When the Law Washes Away- The Collapse of Justice After Hurricane Katrina 33:10

1M ago33:10

33:10

In this episode, Associate Editor Delaney Ferrer examines what happens whennatural disasters destroy, not just a city, but the legal systems meant to protect its people. Focusing on post-Katrina New Orleans, Delaney explores how failures in planning, infrastructure, and civil rights protections led to the collapse of the justice system--and what le…

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Deprivation as Rehabilitation: The Impact of Beard v. Banks on Inmate Free Speech Claims 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

In this week's episode, associate editor Rachel Urbash begins with a brief discussion of theories underlying incarceration in the US. Next, this episode tracks the evolution of the test created by the Supreme Court in 1987 to assess the validity of prison regulations violating the constitutional rights of inmates. Starting with Turner v. Safley, th…

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Dupes, Designs, and the Law 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

In this episode, associate editor Addison Fouts dives into the world of “dupes” and their legality. Dupes are “inspired by” designs and have been highly promoted on social media in recent years. Joined by Attorney Daliah Saper, we unpack the recent Lululemon v. Costco lawsuit and what it reveals about how far brands can go to try to protect their d…

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Evolution on Trial: The Scopes Monkey Case 31:26

2M ago31:26

31:26

This week, Nicole Polisar revisits the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial, the first U.S. court case ever broadcast live on radio. Nicole reconstructs the drama between defense attorney Clarence Darrow and prosecutor William Jennings Bryan, examining how the case reflected early 20th-century tensions between religion, education, and democracy. Drawing on a…

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Everything, Everywhere, All At Once- the 4th Amendment, Data Privacy, and Executive Overreach 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

Historically, U.S. courts and lawmakers have wrestled with, and debated, how far the government can- and should- reach into our private lives and under what circumstances. From the mid-century to today, we have witnessed numerous examples of federal overreach and abuse of power. From J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI’s Cointelpro surveillance programs, t…

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Without Permission: Presidential Power and Federalized Troops 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

In this week's episode, associate editor Carter Pasternak explores President Donald Trump’s 2025 efforts to federalize state National Guard units and deploy active-duty military forces in U.S. cities, beginning in California, extending to Washington, D.C., and now Chicago. It examines how these actions raise profound constitutional questions about …

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The Future of Law School: Part I 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

This is the introductory episode for a series on “Future of Law School”. This episode establishes that there are real issues facing legal education and begins to unpack some of them. Future episodes will delve deeper into the issues as well as possible solutions.By The Podvocate by Loyola University Chicago School of Law

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Excited Delirium 30:30

3M ago30:30

30:30

In this week's episode Senior Editor Rachel Still unpacks the legal system’s embrace of “excited delirium,” a discredited medical theory used to explain deaths in police custody. We trace its origins in the flimsy case reports of Miami medical examiner Charles Wetli, its spread through small, deeply flawed studies, and its weaponization by law enfo…

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Live from the Activities Fair 5:55

3M ago5:55

5:55

The Podvocate went live from the activities fair to ask attendees the question: "What has been the most surprising thing about law school so far?"By The Podvocate by Loyola University Chicago School of Law

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Meet The Team! 2025-2026 Podvocate Editorial Board 5:14

3M ago5:14

5:14

The incoming editorial board members for the Podvocate introduce themselves. We look forward to a great year of producing!By The Podvocate by Loyola University Chicago School of Law

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The Podvocate Live! Resistance: A Panel on Practice-Based Activism 1:04:11

7M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Please enjoy a recording of The Podvocate's first-ever live event held on April 22, 2025, titled "Resistance: A Panel on Practice-Based Activism." The panel was moderated by editors-in-chief Casey Callahan and Ben Recht and featured guests Rachel Cohen, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Senior Counsel at Lambda Legal Ken Upton.…

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The Worth of Law School 27:25

7M ago27:25

27:25

This podcast episode explores the question “Is law school worth it?” from a personal perspective as a part-time student balancing work, tuition costs, and home responsibilities. The host shares their experience funding school through their salary and scholarships, while acknowledging the emotional and practical impact on their spouse, who has taken…

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Sovereign Citizens- An introduction to Pseudolaw 29:10

7M ago29:10

29:10

Sovereign Citizens are a group without a central authoritative ideology; but a throughline that holds that US law does not apply to them. The most common idea ius that the passage of the 14th Amendment after the Civil War created a second class of citizen, and that only by reading up on your rights as a “living person” can one avail themselves of t…

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Paving the Way for Privacy 1:05:43

7M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Please enjoy this episode from the archive with former Editor-in-Chief, Marisa Polowitz. This episode features a portion of the 2022 Symposium presented by Loyola's Journal of Regulatory Compliance, "Demystifying Data Privacy," specifically the panel conversation, "Paving the Way for Privacy."By The Podvocate by Loyola University Chicago School of Law

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Distinguishing Data Privacy and Cybersecurity with Charlotte Tschider and Jay Edelson 1:22:37

7M ago1:22:37

1:22:37

Please enjoy this episode from the archive with former Editor-in-Chief, Marisa Polowitz. This episode features a portion of the 2022 Symposium presented by Loyola's Journal of Regulatory Compliance, "Demystifying Data Privacy."By The Podvocate by Loyola University Chicago School of Law

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Developments in Healthcare Data Regulation 1:03:06

7M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Please enjoy this episode from the archive with former Editor-in-Chief, Marisa Polowitz. This episode features a portion of the 2022 Symposium presented by Loyola's Journal of Regulatory Compliance, specifically the panel entitled "Developments in Healthcare Data Regulation," moderated by Marisa Polowitz.…

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The Trifecta of Violence and Trans Death 16:11

8M ago16:11

16:11

This episode confronts the “Trifecta of Violence” as it relates to escalating violence against transgender people, particularly Black transwomen, and the systemic forces enabling it. From Orwellian laws targeting trans existence to unchecked citizen brutality, the legal system and societal apathy lead to state-sanctioned and judicially-approved vio…

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From Law Books to Ink Looks 42:35

8M ago42:35

42:35

In this episode, we talk with a former lawyer, Greyson “Grey” Fitzgerald, who made the leap from Big Law to tattooing. They share what pushed them to leave the legal world, the challenges of starting fresh in a creative industry, and how their background in law still plays a role in their new career. Whether you're interested in career transitions …

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The Angel of Death Row: An Interview with Andrea Lyon 52:14

8M ago52:14

52:14

Andrea Lyon is a criminal defense lawyer, author, speaker, professor and former law school dean. Dubbed “The Angel of Death Row” by the Chicago Tribune, she was the first woman to serve as lead attorney in a death penalty case, and she holds an unparalleled 19 wins in 19 capital cases. Andrea’s publications include over fifty law review articles, o…

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The Hidden Curriculum of Law School - Navigating Mental Health, Burnout, and Well-Being 11:27

8M ago11:27

11:27

This episode of the Podvocate will explore the often overlooked and underdiscussed pressures of law school, focusing on what shapes students’ mental health and well-being. From the pervasive culture of perfectionism and the relentless grind mentality to the emotional toll of legal education, we dive into how law students can be impacted by unspoken…

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Dragons in Dungeons- Prisoners Rights and the First Amendment 55:59

8M ago55:59

55:59

In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Reed, Esq., of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois to discuss the case of Kevin T. Singer, a convicted murderer who used Dungeons and Dragons to escape the gloom inherent to life in prison. Ms. Reed and I discuss the history of prisoner’s rights, the current landscape of prisoner’s rights, the Sa…

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Maritime Law Part 2: Rough Waters Ahead 16:15

9M ago16:15

16:15

This episode explores the evolving landscape of U.S. tariffs and their wide-reaching legal effects. It starts with a refresher on tariffs, who imposes them, and how maritime law—particularly the Jones Act—intersects with trade policy. Then we examine recent tariff developments and how these moves are impacting global trade, supply chain disruptions…

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Exploring NIL Part IV: A Discussion of the House v NCAA Proposed Settlement 50:31

9M ago50:31

50:31

In the fourth and likely final episode of the series on NIL, associate editors Davey and Chris discuss new issues within the NIL space since their last episode. We break down the major points and discuss the issues of the House v NCAA proposed settlement, which is set to be ruled on, on April 7th, 2025. Additionally, we give updates on two smaller …

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The American Court System vs. Das deutsche Gerichtssystem 58:13

9M ago58:13

58:13

In this episode, Associate Editor Isabella Lund explores the differences between the legal systems in Germany and the United States. Our guest Matthias Baehre works as a judge in Stade, Germany. He walks us through his career, starting with law school in Germany and finishing with the trial process in Germany. Our discussion focuses on the use of l…

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See Fascism, Say Fascism: Individual Responsibility to Resist in the Trump Era 23:36

10M ago23:36

23:36

I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending. In the first three months of his second term President Trump has embarked on an unprecedented campaign against the American justice system. Working through the history of the legal profession and its roots in the United States, Associate Editor Alyssa Pacheco draws parallels between …

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Play for No Pay: A Discussion of Name Image and Likeness in Non-Revenue Sports 57:55

10M ago57:55

57:55

This week Davey and Chris sit down with Will Boling and Emily Proud to discuss payment in college athletics and its collateral effects. Will Boling is a sports radio host on 104.5 the Zone in Nashville, TN as well as a play-by-play announcer for professional and collegiate track, women’s college basketball and college baseball. While attending the …

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Women in the Law Part 2 16:39

10M ago16:39

16:39

In this part 2 episode of the Women in the Law series, Neha Alety sits down with Kelly Greening, associate general counsel at Lurie Children’s Hospital and former DePaul University College of Law graduate. Kelly discusses her experiences as a former lobbyist, fighting for reproductive health rights, and takes us through her career. We expand on the…

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Play for No Pay Part III: Name Image and Likeness in Revenue Sports 48:19

10M ago48:19

48:19

This week Davey and Chris sit down with Lanston Tanyi and Coach Dave McGinnis to discuss payment in college athletics and its collateral effects. Lanston Tanyi is a 4L in the Weekend JD program also works as a marketing director for a national healthcare company. While attending Appalachian State University, Lanston was a four year starter for thei…

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Legal TV Binge: Lessons from Suits, Primal Fear, and The Good Wife 25:42

10M ago25:42

25:42

Fictional legal shows are just fiction. Right? Let’s dive into the world of legal dramas and analyze three stories from the shows Suits and The Good Wife and the 1996 movie, Primal Fear. Together we will apply real legal principles, like contract law and the comparative negligence standard, to the fictional cases. Please note there are spoilers for…

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The SAFE-T Act One Year On with Debra Cruz 41:22

10M ago41:22

41:22

Associate Editor Mary Bandstra explains the SAFE-T Act, Illinois’ law eliminating cash bail, that went into effect in 2023. Associate Editor Katie Dorsey interviews Assistant Public Defender Debra Cruz to get a boots-on-the-ground perspective on the Act’s practical implications. Illinois SAFE-T Act Full Text: https://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts…

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We the People... 16:57

11M ago16:57

16:57

Does the government owe us, American Citizens, anything? Associate Editor Alyssa Pacheco explores what the relationship between government and its people looks like, the role contract law plays in governing that relationship, and what happens when that contract is broken. Resources:https://www.americanprogress.org/article/americas-broken-criminal-l…

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Degrees of Freedom: Northwestern’s Prison Education Program with Professor Jennifer Lackey 37:07

1y ago37:07

37:07

In this episode, we explore how the Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP) is transforming lives behind bars through access to higher education. What makes this program unique? How does it provide incarcerated individuals with the tools to achieve academic success and personal growth? We’ll discuss NPEP’s mission, its challenges, and the incr…

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Intersectional Issues in Black/LGBTQ+ Advocacy with Aisha Davis, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU of Illinois 50:13

1y ago50:13

50:13

In this episode, Rachel Still and Isabella Lund sit down with Aisha Davis, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU of Illinois. Aisha shares her journey as a first-generation lawyer, detailing how her lived experiences and time in law school shaped her path to public interest law. We explore her critical insights on addressing systemic injustices affecti…

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Women in the Law: Experiences in a Male-Dominated Field 15:06

1y ago15:06

15:06

n this episode, Neha Alety sits down with Hannah Sweeney, associate attorney at Pavich Law Group and former Loyola Chicago School of Law graduate. Hannah shares her experiences as a female litigator in a male-dominated field. We begin our discussion with her career path and background and her experiences in law school. She then discusses the gender…

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Access to Justice: Legal Deserts in Indiana 46:22

1y ago46:22

46:22

This is the first episode in a new series called Access to Justice, which explores the growing gap of access to legal resources in different areas of the United States. Legal deserts – defined by the American Bar Association as a county with fewer than one lawyer per 1000 people – are spreading across rural areas of the country. Indiana is facing a…

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FEED DROP: The Systemic Oppression of Women and Girls in Afghanistan 44:57

1y ago44:57

44:57

Please enjoy this recording of an event held on campus on November 21!"Three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan has led to the “striking” erasure of women from public life. Join Najia Mahmodi and Juliet Sorensen for a conversation on gender persecution in Afghanistan today and the path forward."By The Podvocate by Loyola University Chicago School of Law

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The Wet and Wild World of Maritime Law, Part 1: Wading into the History of UNCLOS 13:06

1y ago13:06

13:06

We often hear the term “law of the land,” where a legal framework is based on common or civil law. But what laws apply once we venture off dry land and out to sea? That’s where maritime law (or admiralty law) comes into play. Sometimes called the Law of the Sea, maritime law consists of laws, conventions, and treaties governing business, crime, and…

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100th Anniversary of the Crime of the Century: Leopold and Loeb Part 2 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

Distinguished Professor in Residence Dean Strang sits down with Associate Editor Katie Dorsey to discuss the 1924 Leopold and Loeb trial, Clarence Darrow’s career, and how this “Trial of the Century” created a lasting legacy that is still relevant 100 years later. Research & Sources: To learn more about the Leopold and Loeb crimes and trial, check …

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100th Anniversary of the Crime of the Century: Leopold and Loeb Part 1 29:51

1y ago29:51

29:51

Author Nina Barrett (The Leopold and Loeb Files) and Associate Editor Katie Dorsey tell the story of the Leopold and Loeb murder and trial, which changed the field of criminal defense in America with ramifications that echo even today and the circumstances that make this horrifying crime still shocking and relevant a century later. Research & Sourc…

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Play for No Pay: Part 1- An Introduction to Name, Image, and Likeness & The History of the NCAA 43:08

1y ago43:08

43:08

Until the supreme court case Alton v NCAA in 2021, collegiate athletes could not monetize their athletic ability while in college. This episode explores the history and creation of the NCAA, the regulatory body of college sports. It will cover the early issues the NCAA faced. It then turns to the advent of amateurism and the term “student-athlete” …

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Accomplice Liability and Domestic Violence Victim-Defendants 30:42

1y ago30:42

30:42

Survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence are particularly vulnerable to conviction and incarceration for the crimes of their abusive partners. Our criminal legal system’s refusal to understand and present the full context of a survivor-defendant's experience and abuse when assessing criminal culpability. In this episode, I will …

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1L Nightmares 11:36

1y ago11:36

11:36

Nothing says Halloween like scary stories about your 1L year! Students from Loyola share stories about their 1L nightmares – the scary, crazy, embarrassing, or super stressful things they experienced during 1L that STILL haunt them to this day. From final exam blunders to real-life crime scenes, hear about some of the crazy scenarios that law stude…

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An Introduction to Federal Indian Law with Professor Adam Crepelle 34:40

1y ago34:40

34:40

In this episode, I talked to Professor Crepelle about some of the fundamentals of Federal Indian Law. We discussed the federal and state government’s relationship with tribes, jurisdictional limitations tribes face when attempting to prosecute non-Indians, restorative justice within the courts, as well as Professor Crepelle’s personal experience wh…

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The Belfast Project 34:54

1y ago34:54

34:54

In this episode, I explore the investigation into the murder of Jean McConville, and the broader context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. I begin with an exploration of origins of the Troubles, the gruesome conflict that tore Northern Ireland apart and pitted neighbor against neighbor, that ultimately led to the death of thousands. I then move …

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An Introduction To Privacy Law 46:55

1y ago46:55

46:55

In my first episode on the Podvocate, we took an antitrust law, an ever-growing area of the law whose primary purpose is to regulate corporate M&A activity through the use of the Clayton Act and FTC Act to protect macro-level impacts on individual consumers and consumer markets. One area of the law with a similar goal is consumer protection law; ho…

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What's Next After Incarceration: St. Leonard’s Ministries and the Power of Community 53:12

1y ago53:12

53:12

Associate Editor Mary Bandstra sits down with two members of the Saint Leonard’s Ministries leadership, Executive Director Zack Schrantz and Intake & Housing Manager David Harris, to discuss the work they do with people who have been impacted by incarceration. Zack, David, and Mary discuss collateral consequences of criminal convictions, strategies…

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Moot Court 101 37:16

1y ago37:16

37:16

In this archive episode recorded last year, former editors Maris and Karan chat with Susi Guerrero and Arjan Grover, two outgoing members of the Loyola Moot Court Program’s Executive Board. They discuss what Moot Court is like at Loyola, the special community it has cultivated for its members, and the value of appellate advocacy skills in law schoo…

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Let's Talk Jobs - Best Strategies For Summer Associates 39:30

1+ y ago39:30

39:30

Congratulations! You have done all the work to get great grades and networked successfully, and now, you have accepted an offer to be a Summer Associate. I remember the feeling myself, and after the excitement wore off, I was only left with overwhelming questions. What can I do to be the best summer associate possible and receive an offer to come b…