Best The Presumption Pod Podcasts (2025)

1
#039 –Chris Cuomo EXCLUSIVE (Part 2): Serial Killers, Menendez Bros., Natalie Holloway & More! 48:03

11M ago48:03

48:03

In this continued conversation, Sara and Jim are up close and personal with Chris Cuomo who shares about his vast coverage of the Natalie Holloway murder and Van her Sloot; serial killers including Rifkin; and the Menendez Brothers: did Chris change his mind about their defense or have the times changed? Chris dives deep into how the media chooses …

1
#038–Chris Cuomo EXCLUSIVE (Part 1): Headline Crime, Mental Illness, & Literally Everything! 36:38

11M ago36:38

36:38

Sara and Jim sit with veteran journalist, Chris Cuomo. Chris shares his vast experience covering crime stories over decades. He explains the fascination with crime, including with Murdaugh and the Gilgo killer, the need for transparency, the presumption in the court of law and public opinion, and so much more. Sara presses Chris on whether he reall…

1
#037-Bakari Sellers on Police Brutality and Use of Force, Mica Miller & O.J. Simpson 48:11

12M ago48:11

48:11

This week Sara and Jim chat with lawyer, author, and political analyst Bakari Sellers. They dive into Bakari's high profile police brutality case, the case of Ricky Cobb, a Minnesota man who was unjustifiably shot to death by a state trooper. The hosts and Sellers take a close look at what the O.J. Simpson case would look like it if it was tried to…

1
#036-Dean Masserman on the State of Life, Choice, & IVF in America 49:55

1y ago49:55

49:55

Sara and Jim sit with reproductive law guru Dean Masserman this week. Dean unpacks the latest IVF decision by the Alabama Supreme Court. The decision comes with a price which the hosts discuss at length with Dean. Should the rest of the country be worried? How do we balance unnecessary destruction of genetic tissue with the need for efficacy in a f…

1
#035 – Will Folks on All the Things, Including Murdaugh 59:25

1y ago59:25

59:25

On this week's show Sara and Jim sit with Will Folks. The irreverant founder and editor of Fits News shares about how the news operation started, his one too many kids, and his journey of sobriety. Up close and personal, talks openly about his relationship with newsmaker and politician Nikki Haley. Will also shares about his coverage of corruption …

1
#034 Pat Harris EXCLUSIVE: New Evidence May Lead to New Trial for Scott Peterson 1:03:16

1y ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Pat Harris, Scott Peterson’s attorney, sits down with Sara for an exclusive interview about shocking new evidence regarding the disappearance and murder of his wife Laci Peterson and son Connor, as well as Scott Peterson’s road to a possible new trial. Sara and Pat talk at length about the extensive defense investigation over the past two decades, …

1
#033 – Elizabeth Kelley on Representing People with Mental Illness and Disabilities, & Addiction 50:31

1y ago50:31

50:31

Elizabeth Kelley joins the show this week sharing her expertise representing people struggling with mental illnesses or mental disabilities. Elizabeth, Sara and Jim begin the show by discussing the difference between these two, “illness” and “disability”, and how those afflicted are treated in the criminal justice system. They also discuss more spe…

1
#032 – Theories, Conspiracies, and Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding James Brown’s Death 35:52

1+ y ago35:52

35:52

This week, criminal trial attorneys Sara Azari and Jim Griffin break down the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of legend and godfather of soul, James Brown. They also discuss the mysterious death of Brown’s son-in-law, and whether or not the two deaths are linked. Jim shares his experience representing two of Brown’s biological daughters i…

1
#031 - Savannah Chrisley (Part 2): Advocacy for Prison Conditions, and the Pursuit of Criminal Justice 30:42

1+ y ago30:42

30:42

Jim and Sara continue their conversation with justice warrior, Savannah Chrisley. This week, the conversation is focused on the deplorable prison conditions that are impacting prisoners and families all across the nation, including Savannah’s father, Todd. They challenge prison policies that muzzle inmates and violate the 1st amendment. They also d…

1
#030 - Savannah Chrisley (Part 1): The Fraud Case Against Todd and Julie Chrisley 41:15

1+ y ago41:15

41:15

Savannah Chrisley has been advocating for criminal justice after her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, were convicted of multiple counts of fraud in 2022. Today she joins Sara and Jim for a conversation about the way her family was treated in both the media and at trial, and how it led to a violation of not only their presumption of innocence, but …

1
#029 – The Constitutionality of Forensic Genetic Genealogy with Professor Natalie Ram 1:00:05

1+ y ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Today’s guest Prof. Natalie Ram specializes in examining the intersection between the advancements in forensic genealogy, and its role in the criminal justice system. For 15 years, Prof. Ram has made a case that forensic genetic genealogy raises constitutional and ethical concerns, including 4th amendment violations, based on the lack of voluntarin…

1
#028 – Jan 6th Trump Mock Trial, Crisis Management, and Defending Gov. Cuomo + Sen. Franken, w/ Lanny Davis 57:28

1+ y ago57:28

57:28

Sara and Jim are excited to release their first new podcast of 2024. The hosts welcome lawyer, crisis manager, and political consultant Lanny Davis to the show, and discuss the recent mock trial that Sara and Lanny participated in. They also highlight the importance of the presumption of innocence, and how innuendos in journalism and media create a…

1
#027 – Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday, plus the Murders of Tupac & Jam Master Jay with Naima Cochrane 57:59

1+ y ago57:59

57:59

In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th birthday, Sara and Jim are joined by music industry veteran and leading voice in Black music and culture, Naima Cochrane. Naima, Sara and Jim discuss the recent headline-making developments in two unsolved murder cases that have shaken the Hip Hop world for decades: Tupac Shakur and Jam Master Jay. As always, the hosts pr…

1
#026 – The Truth About Lie Detectors, with Polygraph Expert Johnny Hartley 1:00:09

1+ y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

This week Sara and Jim sit down with polygraph examiner Johnny Hartley to learn everything you could possibly ever want to know about the science of lie detection. Johnny speaks at length about just how different the reality of being testing via polygraph is to how the process seems on TV and in movies. He also answers questions about admissibility…

1
#025 – Jim Griffin Episode w/ Hope Griffin. Plus Treasure Hunters, a Sting Operation, & Cat Justice 1:02:44

1+ y ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Jim is in the guest seat this week to discuss some of the wildest cases he’s defended over the years. Helping to share some behind the scenes stories is surprise co-host, and Jim’s daughter, Hope Griffin. The group dives into the controversies surrounding a drug detection device called the ‘Quadro Tracker’, and why bringing home a present for your …

1
#024 – Bryan Kohberger’s Phone 'Off'? Plus Digital Forensics, and Kirby Smith Trial w/ Jim Persinger 1:05:25

1+ y ago1:05:25

1:05:25

First up- some important announcements, and an expression of our gratitude! Sara and Jimmy G. then welcome forensic cell data expert, Jim Persinger to the podcast to discuss his extensive training and background in the constantly changing field of digital and cell phone technology. They talk with him about phone and cell tower analysis software, as…

1
#023 – Dick Harpootlian on the Murdaugh Jury, The Clintons, and Convicted Killer Pee Wee Gaskins 58:57

1+ y ago58:57

58:57

South Carolina State Senator, and Jim’s co-counsel on many cases, Dick Harpootlian makes his debut appearance on the podcast. Sara chats with Dick and Jim about the history of their working relationship as well as their decades long friendship. Jim and Dick share some BTS moments that may have landed one of them in a hot tub! They share the latest …

1
#022 – Jerome Buting on Steven Avery, Jail and Bail, and Prosecutorial Misconduct 1:03:16

1+ y ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Sara and Jim welcome high profile trial attorney Jerome Buting to talk about defending a case with pre-trial publicity. They discuss Jerome’s defense of Steven Avery, the flaws in the criminal justice system, as well as the lasting impact of the docuseries ‘Making a Murderer’. Later, Sara and Jim offer a couple of parallels to what Jim has experien…

1
#021 – DNA in Exonerations, Brian Banks’ Freedom, & What’s Up with IGG with Justin Brooks 52:28

1+ y ago52:28

52:28

Justin Brooks is a professor, attorney, and former Founding Director of the California Innocence Project. Sara and Jim speak with him about his incredible work handling wrongful convictions and freeing innocent people from prison. Justin also discusses his new book, ‘Why You Might Go To Prison Even Though You’re Innocent’, as well as what lead him …

1
#020 – Thomas Mesereau on Defending Michael Jackson and Bill Cosby, plus Defendants Taking the Stand 53:20

1+ y ago53:20

53:20

Trial guru Thomas Mesereau joins Sara and Jim at the top of the show. The trio of trial lawyers discuss his incredible accomplishments in the courtroom, as well as his relationship with media. They also discuss his defense of Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, and more. As the show wraps up, Thomas discusses his life-changing pro bono work in the deep so…

1
#019 – Joe McCulloch on Prosecutorial Misconduct, DUI 101, and the Murdaugh Case 1:09:38

1+ y ago1:09:38

1:09:38

Sara and Jim open today’s show with a conversation about a Murdaugh juror who was excused because of a non-existent Facebook post. They are later joined by attorney and friend Joe McCulloch, who was noticeably front and center throughout the Murdaugh trial. They discuss the intersection of a Defendant’s right to a fair trial and the press’ 1st Amen…

1
#018 – Live from CrimeCon: “Did He Do It? Can They Prove It?” Defending Bryan Kohberger 56:53

1+ y ago56:53

56:53

Recorded before a live audience at CrimeCon 2023 in Orlando, Sara and Jim discuss the top issues surrounding the defense of alleged murderer Bryan Kohberger, ranging from the biggest holes in the case, to the realities of DNA evidence, Kohberger’s bushy eyebrows, and beyond. They are also joined by a different Brian… Brian Entin, Senior National Co…

1
#017 – Becky Hill's Ethics + Federal Fentanyl Prosecution w/ DOJ Chief of Criminal Div. Mack Jenkins 1:06:53

1+ y ago1:06:53

1:06:53

To begin this week’s podcast, Jim and Sara review the letter that the South Carolina Ethics Commission sent to Clerk Becky Hill in response to her request for ethics guidance on writing a book about the trial process. Sara then welcomes Chief of Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Central District of California), Mack Jenkins to discu…

1
#016 – Behind the Scenes of Criminal Defense, and Dick Harpootlian’s Advice to Murdaugh Jurors 1:08:51

1+ y ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Sara and Jim continue their conversation about the state’s response to alleged jury tampering by Clerk Becky Hill during the recent trial of Alex Murdaugh. They react to Dick Harpootlian’s advice for jurors to seek legal representation, focusing on the importance of having legal representation even for a potential witness. Later in the show, produc…

1
#015 – AG’s Response to Murdaugh Jury Tampering Motion, plus Fentanyl Prosecutions with Dave Aronberg 43:25

1+ y ago43:25

43:25

Sara and Jim start off by discussing the AG’s response to the defense’s recent motion for a new trial for Alex Murdaugh based on allegations of jury tampering by Clerk Becky Hill. They analyze the state’s technical argument, and also discuss the laws being used to support their position. Really? Murdaugh has to submit a declaration? Following the b…

1
#014 – The ACLU’s Peter Eliasberg on Deplorable Prison Conditions and Re-Thinking the American Jail System 51:16

1+ y ago51:16

51:16

Sara and Jim sit down with Peter Eliasberg of the ACLU. The conversation begins with a discussion about the nefarious conditions within the Los Angeles County jail system. They expose the flaws of running prisons for profits, and explore alleviating some of the burden by diverting detainees with mental illness into community facilities for care. Ji…

1
#013 – The Tampering of the Alex Murdaugh Jury 50:22

1+ y ago50:22

50:22

Immediately following today’s press conference regarding the trial of Alex Murdaugh, Sara and Jim unpack the bombshell revelations that Clerk of the Court Becky Hill allegedly influenced multiple jurors. They get to the heart of why the media is once again to blame for perverting justice, and why it’s so important for jurors to remain impartial. Be…

1
#012 – Mo’Kelly on Britney Spears and Celebrity Justice; plus more #Kohberger Updates 1:25:53

1+ y ago1:25:53

1:25:53

This week, Sara and Jim break down the latest #BryanKohberger hearing and discuss why it’s so important for the defense to have access to, and challenge, the actual investigation. They are then joined by radio host and media analyst Mo’Kelly. The conversation kicks off with an analysis of Britney Spears’ ongoing legal woes and claims. They also tal…

1
#011 – Author Sam Quinones on Fentanyl and America’s Opioid Crisis, plus Bryan Kohberger IGG Updates 1:19:53

1+ y ago1:19:53

1:19:53

Sara and Jim begin today’s podcast with a breakdown of the latest developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, including the prosecution continuing to keep their latest IGG findings a secret and Kohberger’s alibi. From there, The Presumption begins its first exploration of the country’s current opioid crisis by sitting down with author and journalist …

1
#010 – Actor Edward Furlong on Addiction, Sobriety, and his Iconic Filmography 49:58

1+ y ago49:58

49:58

Actor Edward Furlong joins Sara, Jim, and Matt right at the top of the show. They talk about Eddie’s incredible debut performance as a child actor opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2, as well as some of the other legendary talents he’s worked with. They also chat about his spiral into addiction, his last run-in with the law, how Sara div…

1
#009 – BTK Killer’s Daughter Kerri Rawson. Plus- Lori Vallow Sentenced to LWOP 1:32:23

2y ago1:32:23

1:32:23

Sara and Jim break down the sentencing of Doomsday Cult Mom Lori Vallow. Later they’re joined by Kerri Rawson, daughter of the BTK Killer, to discuss how she’s come to terms with her father’s horrifying crime spree, learning how to forgive, and advocacy for other crime family victims. As the show wraps up, they all share their thoughts on the perce…

1
#008 – Hunter Biden’s Plea & Sementilli Murder. Plus- Dr. Jeff Whiting on Mental Illness & Addiction 1:23:20

2y ago1:23:20

1:23:20

Today’s show begins with a breakdown of why Hunter Biden’s plea deal fell apart. Sara and Jim also react to the high-profile murder of Wella mogul Fabio Sementilli, whose killer pled guilty to LWOP instead of going to trial. Later- Sara and Jim are joined by Dr. Jeff Whiting for an in-depth discussion about mental illness and addiction in the crimi…

1
#007 – Bryan Kohberger is NOT Rex Heuermann. Plus, a ‘Look Back’ at #MeToo with Jennifer Bonjean 1:10:55

2y ago1:10:55

1:10:55

This week, Sara and Jim give a Crime Time update on the latest in the #BryanKohberger case, including hyperbolic claims of ‘planted’ DNA evidence, whether he has an alibi, and the exercise of his speedy trial right. They also dismantle the notion that Kohberger is in any way comparable to the LISK Rex Heuermann case. Later, the hosts welcome attorn…

1
#006 – Murdaugh Phone Calls LEAKED! Plus Bryan Kohberger Jury Selection Tactics with Richard Gabriel 1:23:26

2y ago1:23:26

1:23:26

Hello? A prison call between Buster and Alex Murdaugh is leaked and mischaracterized by media. Sara and Jim have the inside scoop and share some breaking news. Sara shares about a DA who had spied on her call with a client. Later, high profile trial and jury consultant Richard Gabriel joins the show to share his thoughts on jury selection in the #B…

1
#005 – Idaho4 Galore: The Latest in the #BryanKohberger case; and Death Penalty 101 with Mark O’Mara 1:17:28

2y ago1:17:28

1:17:28

Today’s episode focuses entirely on the case against #BryanKohberger. Sara and Jim unpack a wide range of legal issues from unreliability of certain types of evidence, and the defense’s game plan as it appears from the filings. Following the hosts’ shout out to our nation’s most hard-working lawyers, public defenders, George Zimmerman attorney Mark…

1
#004 - United States v. Donald J. Trump: Spy or Why, with National Security Attorney Mark Zaid 1:07:27

2y ago1:07:27

1:07:27

In honor of America’s birthday, this week we’re diving into legal woes on both sides of the aisle. First, Sara and Jim discuss Hunter Biden’s plea to misdemeanor tax charges and diversion for a gun charge. Is he receiving special treatment as the president’s son? Later, National Security Attorney Mark Zaid joins Sara and Jim to unpack US v. Donald …

1
#003 - The Genealogy of Bryan Kohberger, with CeCe Moore 1:09:08

2y ago1:09:08

1:09:08

It’s the case everyone is talking about: Idaho v. Bryan Kohberger, in which the defendant is accused of the stabbing murder of four Idaho students. While the defense has been silenced, Sara and Jim take a deep dive into the world of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), and its admissibility in court. Specifically, the hosts unpack the prosecution…

1
#002 - Vallow, Masterson, and the Impact of Faith & Religion on the Presumption, with Father Edward Beck 1:07:11

2y ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Sara and Jim begin this week's episode discussing the Kouri Richins detention hearing in a brand new segment called 'Crime Time'. Later, they welcome Father Edward Beck to the podcast to dive into the role of religion in the recent trials of Lori Vallow and Danny Masterson. Father Beck, Sara and Jim discuss how a jury can be impacted by religious b…

1
#001 - Welcome to The Presumption 1:00:00

2y ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Veteran criminal defense attorneys Sara Azari and Jim Griffin chat one-on-one about their background and experience. The hosts highlight how 'the presumption of innocence' has become 'the assumption of guilt' in media and the court of public opinion. Diving into the 'forgotten disease', Sara and Jim also take a close look at addiction and mental il…

1
The Presumption Trailer 2:04

2y ago2:04

2:04

Finally, a crime podcast unlike any other! High profile criminal defense attorney and media personality Sara Azari, and acclaimed criminal trial lawyer Jim Griffin, present 'The Presumption'. Subscribe now, and get ready for episodes beginning June 13th. Art – Simon & Associates Music – Caleb Fletcher…

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