
Serious Trouble
An irreverent podcast about the law from Josh Barro and Ken White. www.serioustrouble.show
Latest episodes

Dec 18, 2024 • 49min
An Expensive Settlement
This episode dives into the hefty settlement Disney's ABC faced over controversial remarks linking Trump to criminal behavior. Legal complexities surround presidential immunity and its implications on Trump's court outcomes. Flynn's failed defamation case against Wilson showcases the tricky line between personal attacks and political speech. Tensions escalate with a healthcare threat incident, while Biden's commutations spark debates on criminal justice reform. The discussion also touches on the fraught concepts of punishment and rehabilitation in an evolving legal landscape.

9 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 41min
Six-Pack Abs Can't Save You Now, Luigi
Ever notice how good looks can complicate a murder case? Delve into the extradition woes of Luigi Mangione as he resists being sent back to New York. Explore the surprising acquittal of Daniel Penny in a high-profile homicide trial, where jury dynamics can sway justice. Meanwhile, legal drama unfolds with InfoWars' bankruptcy issues and an AI mishap in court that birthed some fictional cases. Plus, the advent of laws against political deepfakes paints a picture of the murky waters of misinformation. Buckle up for a wild legal ride!

6 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 24min
Pardon Me For All That I Have Done
A presidential pardon given to Hunter Biden raises eyebrows and sparks a discussion on the evolution of political pardons. The potential implications for justice are highlighted as past precedents and ethical concerns are examined. The complexities of RICO trials in Atlanta reveal systemic failures and the troubling reality of coerced pleas. Meanwhile, the fallout from high-profile celebrity cases, including Young Thug and Sean Combs, adds further intrigue. Finally, listener questions about legal beefs in the music industry spice up the conversation.

Nov 27, 2024 • 46min
Diss Isn't RICO
Explore the comedic tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake as their lyrical feud spirals into legal fun. Dive into Drake’s surprising maneuvers to uncover possible conspiracies and defamation claims in the music industry. The podcast also delves into the complexities of presidential accountability and the challenges faced in prosecuting sitting leaders. Plus, uncover the intricacies of non-disclosure agreements and the impact of political influences on legal advice. A wild ride through legal lunacy in entertainment and politics!

Nov 22, 2024 • 17min
Matt Gaetz Pulls Out
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.serioustrouble.showWouldn’t you know we recorded this show Thursday at 11am Eastern, just in time for Matt Gaetz to withdraw his candidacy for Attorney General a bit after noon? Don’t worry — we went back and recorded a new beginning of the episode, tossing out the now moot (probably?) conversation we had about the ethics report everyone in Washington wants to see. Ken and I still took the opportunity to talk about how a DOJ under someone (probably?) more competent will look different than one that Gaetz would have run. And we look at another cabinet nominee — Pete Hegseth, slated to run the Department of Defense — who also stands accused of sexual misconduct that also never resulted in criminal charges.Paying subscribers (thank you for your support!) get a bunch more, including:* Drama over The Onion’s attempt to buy Infowars at a bankruptcy auction* Donald Trump’s new anti-SLAPP motion, and an update from Ken on a defamation case he successfully defended on anti-SLAPP grounds.* The raid on Diddy’s prison cell* Another lawsuit from a celebrity John Doe! Plus, more Rudy Giuliani nonsense.Visit serioustrouble.show to upgrade your subscription.

Nov 13, 2024 • 29min
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the recent presidential election raises questions about Donald Trump's ongoing criminal cases. The podcast dissects the DOJ's decisions and discusses implications for Georgia and New York prosecutions. It also examines the peculiar behavior of Rudy Giuliani, who continues to flaunt his wealth amidst financial woes. Additionally, the conversation highlights historical precedents and the legal intricacies of prosecuting a former president, shedding light on how political contexts complicate justice.

Nov 5, 2024 • 41min
Young Thug Pleads Out
Young Thug navigates a complicated legal landscape, pleading guilty in a high-profile RICO case that sheds light on street gang operations. The discussion also highlights Eric Adams’s ongoing troubles as he grapples with bribery allegations impacting his re-election. Meanwhile, Trump’s lawsuit against CBS raises questions about media ethics, and Elon Musk’s potential voter registration incentives stir legal controversy. Rudy Giuliani's court chaos adds to the intrigue, revealing the personal toll of legal entanglements.

Oct 24, 2024 • 24min
Michael Avenatti Is Still a Bad Lawyer
This week dives into the latest legal drama surrounding Michael Avenatti and Rudy Giuliani's struggles with defamation claims. It sheds light on the Central Park Five lawsuit against Donald Trump, highlighting the consequences of false accusations. There's a discussion on the complexities of judicial neutrality in politically charged cases, plus critiques of recent media portrayals of controversial figures. Explore the murky waters of factual claims versus opinions in defamation cases, showcasing the legal dilemmas in today’s media landscape.

Oct 18, 2024 • 42min
Twelve Busybody Idiots
SpaceX is embroiled in a legal battle with the California Coastal Commission over its plans to ramp up rocket launches, sparking tensions about regulatory authority and beach access. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's legal team is pushing to delay crucial court documents amid political tensions. The podcast also dives into Mark Robinson's defamation lawsuit against CNN and the fallout from Rudy Giuliani's mounting legal issues, revealing the absurdities and complexities of today’s politically charged legal landscape.

Oct 10, 2024 • 19min
XL Brief
A lengthy memo by Jack Smith outlines the evidence against Donald Trump related to January 6, revealing complexities surrounding presidential immunity. Discussions highlight how the prosecution must distinguish between official and unofficial acts. They also delve into celebrity legal controversies, including Garth Brooks' anonymous lawsuit saga and Tina Peters' prison sentence for election-related actions. The podcast navigates the intricate landscape of high-profile legal battles, showcasing the challenges both in court and within the executive branch.