Stay ConnectedAnyone paying attention can tell you that our criminal legal system is perpetuating cruelty and harm, but the complexity of the legal world overwhelms most people simply trying to get through another day.
Public Defenseless explores the rot in the justice system and what we can do about it. Join host, Hunter Parnell, as he interviews top defense attorneys and criminal justice stakeholders from across the country as they pull apart the convoluted web of our criminal justice system.
In this episode, Hunter speaks with two criminal defense lawyers and former Public Defenders from the state of Alaska, Amanda Harber and David Case. For the entire 21st Century, the Alaska Legal System has been in a crisis. Too few lawyers. Too much space to cover. And recently, a tough on crime Governor who has pushed to solve social problems with incarceration. Along the way, many in the media have missed what is causing the Alaska legal system to fail.
Guest:
Amanda Harber, Criminal Defense Lawyer and Former Public Defender, Alaska
David Case, Criminal Defense Lawyer and Former Public Defender, Alaska
Resource:
Read More About Alaska Here
Contact Amdanda and David
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
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Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
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Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
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**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
On this episode, Hunter was joined by C.J. Ciaramella of Reason. Recently, C.J. authored an article for Reason that provides an overview of different eras of prison policy and failed reform. In their discussion, Hunter and C.J. explore these eras of prison policy, the reasons why reforms failed, and what those failures tell us about the hope for future prison reforms.
Guest:
C.J. Ciaramella, Reporter, Reason
Resource:
Read the Article Here
https://reason.com/2026/09/08/the-american-prison-experiment/
Find More of C.J. here
https://reason.com/people/cj-ciaramella/
https://bsky.app/profile/cjciaramella.bsky.social
Read More of Reason Here
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
On this episode, Hunter speaks with three members of the Maryland Defender Union, Rachel Kierfer, Alexis Rossetti, and Kalia Woods. They join to explain the recent victory the union secured to enforce their current contract and how the union is finding its voice to fight for better pay and workloads.
Guest:
Rachel Kiefer, Assistant Public Defender, Baltimore County, Maryland
Alexis Rossetti, Assistant Public Defender, Southern Maryland
Kalia Woods, Administrative Aide, Prince George's County, Maryland
Resource:
Read the Report Here
https://dbm.maryland.gov/budget/FY2026Testimony/C80B00.pdf
Follow the Union Here
https://www.instagram.com/marylanddefendersunion/ \
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
On this episode, Hunter speaks once again by Professor Andrew Ferguson to discuss the Fourth Amendment and the right to privacy. Previously, Hunter spoke with Jumana Musa of the Fourth Amendment Center to discuss the recent Supreme Court case of Chatrie v United States. Now, Andrew and Hunter theorize how this case might be used to further protect our data in this digital age.
Guest:
Andrew Ferguson, Professor of Law, GW School of Law
Resource:
Read Chatrie
https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/chatrie-v-united-states/
Read Andrew's Article Here
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=7174398
Read Judge Carlton Reeve's Decision
https://www.courtwatch.news/p/judge-rules-tower-dumps-search-inherently-unconstitutional
Contact the Fourth Amendment Center
https://www.nacdl.org/Landing/FourthAmendmentCenter
Contact Andrew
https://www.law.gwu.edu/andrew-guthrie-ferguson
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
On this episode, Hunter speaks once again Jumana Musa, Director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer's Fourth Amendment Center. Hunter and Jumana discuss the recent landmark case of Chatrie vs United States. In that case, the Supreme Court took a major step towards ensuring our data is protected by the Fourth Amendment.
Guest:
Jumana Musa, Director, Fourth Amendment Center, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Resource:
Read Chatrie
https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/chatrie-v-united-states/
Read Judge Carlton Reeve's Decision
https://www.courtwatch.news/p/judge-rules-tower-dumps-search-inherently-unconstitutional
Contact the Fourth Amendment Center
https://www.nacdl.org/Landing/FourthAmendmentCenter
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
On this episode, Hunter spoke once again with Chesa Boudin. This time, the two discussed a new commission in California tasked with studying the best path forward for a state wide solution for Public Defense.
Guest:
Chesa Boudin, Executive Director, UC Berkeley Law's Criminal Law and Justice Center
Resource:
Learn More About the Commission Here
Follow Chesa's Work
https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/criminal-law-and-justice-center/
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
*** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER***
In this episode, Hunter speaks with Rio Scharf and Josh Schwartz to discuss a report detailing the incredible failing of public defense in rural California.
Guest:
Rio Scharf, Staff Attorney, UC Berkeley Law's Criminal Law and Justice Center
Josh Schwartz, Principal, Wren Collective
Resource:
Read the Report Here:
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ
Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
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**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
In this episode, Hunter speaks with Jesse Crosson about his book The Best Part of Prison: The Power of Second Chances and Reclaiming Life Out of Darkness. Jesse spent nearly 20 years incarcerated for a robbery and non-fatal shooting. Now, he is describing his journey through the legal system, how he was able to get back on his feet, and how our current approach to giving people a second chance is woefully failing.
Guest:
Jesse Crosson, Author, The Best Part of Prison: The Power of Second Chances and Reclaiming Life Out of Darkness
Resource:
Pick up a Copy of the Book Here
Follow Jesse Here
https://www.instagram.com/second_chancer434/?hl=en
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
In this episode, Hunter speaks once again with Emily Galvin Almanza about a new book she is publishing. While her last book sought to teach adults about the failings of our criminal legal system, Emily's newest book, Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt, is aimed at teaching kids about legal principles through a public defender's lens. In doing so, Emily hopes to instill a different type of civic education in schools around the country.
Guest:
Emily Galvin Almanza, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Partners for Justice
Resource:
Pick up a Copy of the Book Here
https://www.amazon.com/Andromeda-Reasonable-Doubt-Galvin-Almanza/dp/B0G5WVXFSQ
Follow Emily's Work
https://www.emilygalvinalmanza.com/
https://www.instagram.com/galvinalmanza/?hl=en
Learn More About Partners for Justice
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
Instagram: @PublicDefenselessPodcast
YouTube: @publicdefenselesspodcast
Facebook: Public Defenseless Podcast
Bluesky: @pdefenselesspod.bsky.social
Twitter: @PDefenselessPod
Website: www.publicdefenseless.com
Subscribe to the Patreon: www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
In this episode, Hunter revisits with Matthew Crowell, Director of the Missouri State Public Defender, and for the first time Jet McDonald, MSPD's newest Comms Strategist. They discussed how Matthew was able to use public and private advocacy to secure desperately needed pay raises for the system and their plans to continue expanding their public advocacy to fight for even more improvements to the system.
Guest:
Matthew Crowell, Director, Missouri State Public Defender
Jet McDonald, Communications Strategist, Missouri State Public Defender
Resource:
Learn More about the Office
https://publicdefender.mo.gov/
Contact Jet
Jet.McDonald@mspd.mo.gov
Read the Article Here
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/162r6fsCin_ROQLdhfgAYEZFpl1-HdujG?usp=drive_link
Contact Hunter Parnell:
Publicdefenseless@gmail.com
@PublicDefenselessPodcast
@PDefenselessPod
Subscribe to the Patreon
www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast
Donate on PayPal
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ
Donate on Stripe
https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN
Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show!
https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home
**** ALL OPINONS SHARED BY HOST HUNTER PARNELL DO NOT REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF THE AURORA MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER****
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