S3 Eps 19: Inside Texas’s Biggest Verdicts with Randy Sorrels
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert sit down with one of Texas’s most successful trial lawyers, Randy Sorrels. With over four decades of experience, Randy shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from building his firm, serving the Texas legal community, and securing some of the biggest verdicts in the state. From his early days at Fulbright to leading the Sorrels Law firm to national recognition, this episode dives deep into trial strategy, damages innovation, mentorship, and the importance of giving back to the profession. Episode...
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S3 Eps 18: Inside the Court of Criminal Appeals with Judge Bert Richardson
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with Judge Bert Richardson of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—Texas' highest criminal court—for a wide-ranging, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation. From the intricacies of writs and actual innocence rulings to statewide judicial campaigns and aerial photography, Judge Richardson shares a lifetime of experiences both inside and outside the courtroom. We explore the significance of wrongful convictions, the inner workings of Texas’ criminal appellate system, the impact of politicizing the...
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Tire Trials, Billion-Dollar Wins & Lemurs on the Loose — with Kyle Farrar
The Dirty Verdict
In this high-powered episode of The Dirty Verdict, the guys welcome legal heavyweight Kyle Farrar, two-time National Trial Lawyer of the Year and appellate ace, for an in-depth look at two of the most talked-about product liability verdicts in the country — including a $31 million Miami verdict and a nearly $1 billion seatbelt defect case against Mitsubishi. From starting a boutique plaintiff’s firm with a loan and a tire case they swore they’d never take, to building a national litigation powerhouse, Kyle recounts his journey in candid, hilarious, and jaw-dropping detail. And yes —...
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S3 Eps 16 - Justice of the Peace, Explained (with Judge Steve Duble)
The Dirty Verdict
In this eye-opening episode of The Dirty Verdict, the team welcomes a truly unique guest: Justice of the Peace Judge Steve Duble. With a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach, Judge Duble offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood and impactful courts in Texas—JP Court. From eviction cases and consumer debt to animal seizures and mental health dockets, Judge Duble breaks down what really happens in JP court, why it matters, and how he's working to make it more just and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a litigator, a law student, or a curious citizen, this episode...
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S3 Eps 15: A Tale of Design and Dispute with Matt Mussalli
The Dirty Verdict
Join hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert on The Dirty Verdict Podcast as they dive into a riveting Houston courtroom drama with special guest, attorney Matt Mussalli. In this episode, Matt unpacks a fascinating 2024 jury trial involving a homeowners’ dispute with designer Kevin Spearman, where a seemingly straightforward interior design project spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle. From a $374,000 project to a staggering $9.4 million damages claim, this case is a masterclass in courtroom strategy, emotional undercurrents, and the art of the defense. With co-host Bill Ogden absent due to...
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S3 Eps 14: 640M Verdict Crane Collapse Case Ryan Pigg
The Dirty Verdict
In this gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert dive into a landmark legal case with returning guest Ryan Pigg of the Buzbee Law Firm. With co-host Bill absent, Peter and Kyle unpack the details of a massive verdict in a crane collapse case at Texas A&M San Antonio, where a tragic accident led to the death of David Loree. Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the trial, shares an insider’s perspective on the case, from legal strategy and courtroom dynamics to the emotional weight of securing justice for the Loree family. The episode covers the...
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S3 Eps 13: Private Investigators Unraveled Featuring Todd Fibich and Scott Cervenka
The Dirty Verdict
Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden on The Dirty Verdict podcast as they dive into the gritty world of private investigation with special guests Scott Cervenka and Todd Fibich from Delta Intel. In this engaging episode, the team explores how private investigators play a pivotal role in legal cases, from tracking down elusive witnesses to uncovering critical evidence that can make or break a case. With decades of law enforcement experience, Scott and Todd share captivating stories, insider tips, and the cutting-edge techniques they use to assist attorneys in civil, criminal,...
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S3 Eps 12: True Crime Edition: The Ryan Smith Case
The Dirty Verdict
In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case. Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog gets...
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S3 Eps 11 - Receiverships and the Lies Beyond
The Dirty Verdict
This week on The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert (filling in while Bill Ogden mourns the loss of his grandfather—our condolences, Bill) dive into the world of court-appointed receiverships—where judgments get enforced, zebras get seized, and helicopters in backyards are fair game. Peter and Kyle are joined by two of the most notorious (and effective) receivers in Texas: Robert Berleth and Derek Loetzerich. These legal bounty hunters share jaw-dropping stories of chasing down debtors, collecting everything from luxury cars to exotic animals, and navigating the wild west of...
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S3 Eps 10- Legal News: Big Verdicts, Busted Pools, and Burned Video Games
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive into a whirlwind of courtroom showdowns, massive verdicts, legal slip-ups, and yes… concrete cancer. With their signature humor and insider takes, the gang tackles everything from billion-dollar wins to NFL drama, all while wearing suspenders and dreaming of the next Bucky’s pit stop. You’ll hear about the latest jaw-dropping verdicts, trademark tiffs, fiery lawsuits (literally), and a surprising look at a strange pool defect sweeping Central Texas. It’s part law, part chaos, and all Dirty. 🎧...
info_outlineWelcome back to another riveting edition of The Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden, along with co-producer Amanda, sit down with acclaimed true crime author Kathryn Casey to explore some of the most complex and chilling cases in recent history. With over 100 episodes under their belt, the team delves into a detailed discussion about cases that blur the lines between legal intrigue and genuine human drama. Kathryn takes us deep into the notorious Celeste Beard case—with its twisted tale of financial ambition, betrayal, and a high-profile trial—and offers insights into the enigmatic stiletto case as well as the harrowing murder of Kari Baker, featured in her book Dirty Little Secrets. Discover how behind-the-scenes research, lengthy trial sessions, and the raw emotions of those involved have shaped some of the most talked-about true crime stories. Whether you’re a legal professional, a true crime aficionado, or simply fascinated by the darker corners of human nature, this episode reveals why truth can indeed be stranger than fiction.
Show Notes
• Introduction & Hosts
◦ Welcome by mediator Peter Taaffe, joined by trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden
◦ Special appearance by co-producer and PR director, Amanda
• Special Guest Spotlight
◦ Acclaimed true crime writer Kathryn Casey joins the discussion
◦ Highlights from her extensive career in true crime reporting and book writing
• The Celeste Beard Case
◦ Background: Celeste, a waitress at the Austin Country Club, and her financially motivated marriage to a wealthy founder
◦ The dramatic relationship with her husband and the involvement of Tracy Charlton
◦ Details of the murder plot, including the staged suicide threat and the subsequent trial
◦ Media frenzy: From the Nancy Grace tent outside the courthouse to live court TV coverage
◦ Testimonies from key witnesses, including the twin daughters
• Other Notable Cases Mentioned
◦ Brief discussion on the enigmatic stiletto case
◦ Overview of the Waco pastor case (last name Baker) and its intriguing twists
• Exploring Dirty Little Secrets: The Kari Baker Murder
◦ The tragic life of Kari Baker, a young mother with two daughters entangled in a relationship with a Baptist minister
◦ Investigation challenges: The missing autopsy, the dubious suicide note, and the exhumation that turned the case around
◦ Pivotal witness testimonies that broke the case open
• Kathryn Casey’s Research Process & Trial Experiences
◦ Preparation: Reaching out to legal teams, interviewing witnesses, and attending lengthy trial sessions
◦ Behind-the-scenes anecdotes: Quirky personal stories and the emotional toll of covering high-profile cases
◦ Balancing the role of a journalist with the inherent dangers of true crime reporting
• True Crime in Today’s Media Landscape
◦ Reflections on how true crime has evolved into mainstream documentaries and books
◦ The challenges and responsibilities of reporting on cases that touch so many lives
• Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
◦ Final reflections from Kathryn Casey on the nature of truth in true crime
◦ Reminder to follow The Dirty Verdict Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Instagram, and TikTok for more in-depth legal and true crime discussions
Join us for a deep dive into the murky world of true crime, where every case is a puzzle and every testimony a clue to understanding the human condition.