Welcome 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 Katherine 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. Katherine 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 Katherine 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

• Katherine 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 Katherine 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.

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, we sit down with renowned headshot photographer and former attorney, Chris Gillett. Chris shares his journey from a 19-year career in commercial litigation to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers for legal professionals. We discuss the importance of headshots in legal marketing, the psychology behind facial expressions, and why so many professional photos miss the mark. Along the way, Chris critiques our own headshots, offers invaluable tips for looking your best in photos, and even shares some of the strangest client requests he's encountered. If you've ever wondered what makes a great professional headshot—or if you're just here for the banter—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest, Chris Gillett
00:41 - Co-hosts Bill, Peter, and Kyle introduce Chris and talk about their own legal headshot experiences
02:08 - Chris shares his background as a former attorney and how he transitioned to photography
03:27 - The business of legal headshots: How Chris built his brand and why lawyers need great photos
04:47 - The psychology behind headshots: Confidence vs. likability in professional photos
08:14 - The worst headshots lawyers take and common mistakes to avoid
12:36 - Chris critiques the hosts’ headshots (and Peter’s questionable yellow tie)
16:05 - The impact of AI-generated headshots: Are they worth it?
20:31 - Weirdest client requests and horror stories from the studio
24:46 - Why lighting, camera angles, and posture are more important than the camera itself
29:55 - Leaving the law: Chris talks about the challenges and rewards of switching careers
35:10 - Advice for lawyers looking to improve their online presence
40:06 - Closing thoughts and how to book a session with Chris
42:30 - Outro and where to follow The Dirty Verdict for more episodes

Guest Links:
📸 Chris Gillett’s Website: LikeTheRazor.com
📷 Instagram: @6illett

Follow The Dirty Verdict:
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