In the Balance

Latest Episodes:

59. Judicial Nominating Commission with Judge Dustria Ann Relph Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

This month on the In the Balance podcast, our guest is Judge Dustria Ann Relph. She is the Chair of the District 5B Judicial Nominating Commission. She shares her insights on the Judicial Nominating Commission membership, process, and its important role in selecting judges.

Judicial Nominating Commissions Website: https://www.iowajnc.gov/district-commissions

Website: www.iowacourts.gov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702
X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts
Music:
Item Title: Inspirational Strings Logo
Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3
Item ID: XUG4BU3
Author Username: Oasis_Music
Licensee: State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT
Registered Project Name: In the Balance Podcast
License Date: January 17th, 2024
Item License Code: AY7ZT3DRG8

58. National Adoption Day with Judge Richelle Mahaffey Nov 25, 2025

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This month on the In the Balance podcast, our guest is District Associate Judge Richelle Mahaffey. She shares her insights on Adoption Day in her courtroom. Judge Mahaffey serves in Iowa’s 8th Judicial District and has presided over numerous adoption cases.

57. Working in the Iowa Judicial Branch Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

This month on In The Balance, our guest is Lora Socia, Classification and Compensation Analyst for the Iowa Judicial Branch. She shares her perspective on working for the Judicial Branch and the many reasons why people apply for open positions.

Host: Abhash Shrestha
Guests: Lora Socia

56. Separation of Powers with Justice David May Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

This month on In The Balance, our guest is Justice David May of the Iowa Supreme Court. He shares his insights on the Separation of Powers. Justice May was appointed to the Court in 2022 and currently serves on the bench.

Host: Abhash Shrestha
Guests: Justice David May

55. Choosing and working with a Lawyer, with Tara Van Brederode and Tré Critelli Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

This month on In The Balance, our guests are Tre Critelli and Tara Van Brederode, whose new booklet contains valuable insights into key considerations when working with lawyers from both the public’s and the lawyer’s perspectives.

Host: Abhash Shrestha
Guests: Tre Critelli, Executive Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, and
Tara Van Brederode, Director of Attorney Discipline for the Office of Professional Regulation.

Booklet: Choosing and Working with a Lawyer

54. Iowa Judicial Branch Building Tour with Abhash Shrestha Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

This month on In The Balance, Abhash discusses the Iowa Judicial Branch Building Tour. Since 2023, he has been managing and leading these tours. He explains what the tour entails and how to book one for your group

Host: Abhash Shrestha

53. Judicial Officers Training, with Alison Jepsen Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

This month on In The Balance, we welcome Alison Jepsen, Deputy Director of Judicial Education and Development. She discusses training for judicial officers, preparing them to excel as new judges.

52. Advice and Reflections for New Attorneys from Justice Bruce Zager May 07, 2025

Show notes

This month on the In the Balance podcast, our guest is retired Iowa Supreme Court Justice Bruce Zager. He shares personal insights from his legal career and offers thoughtful suggestions for new attorneys.

51. Iowa Court of Appeals on the Road with Chief Judge Mary Tabor and Cassie Bonefas Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

This month, the In The Balance podcast hosts Iowa Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Tabor and Staff Attorney Cassie Bonefas. We talk all about the reasons for taking the court on the road and the responses they receive from the communities they visit.

Host: Abhash Shrestha
Guests: Chief Judge Mary Tabor and Cassie Bonefas

Website: www.iowacourts.gov
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacourts8702
X: https://twitter.com/IowaCourts

Music:
Item Title: Inspirational Strings Logo
Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/inspirational-strings-logo-XUG4BU3
Item ID: XUG4BU3
Author Username: Oasis_Music
Licensee: State of Iowa Judicial Branch IT
Registered Project Name: In the Balance Podcast
License Date: January 17th, 2024
Item License Code: AY7ZT3DRG8

50. Representing yourself with Magistrates Beth Tigges and A. Eric Neu Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

This month, the In The Balance podcast hosts Magistrates Beth Tiggis and A. Eric Neu. They serve Polk and Carroll counties respectively. We discuss the expectations and preparation required to represent yourself in courts.

Host: Abhash Shrestha
First guest: Magistrate Beth Tigges
Second guest: Magistrate A. Eric Neu

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