
From Hostage To Hero
Sari de la Motte is the host of "From Hostage to Hero" and has been dubbed the "Attorney Whisperer" because of her unique ability to help attorneys communicate their real selves. Join us weekly as Sari shares tips that will help you up your game at trial and connect with your jurors.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 21min
BONUS EPISODE – 8 Steps to an 8 Figure Verdict [Live Training]
People always ask me: "How do I get big verdicts using the H2H Method?" Well… this episode breaks it down. No fluff. Just the real, step-by-step story of how I used H2H to help secure an 8-figure verdict in a REAL case. From the very FIRST consult to the moment the jury DELIVERED the verdict — this is exactly what went down. In this episode, I walk you through: 👉🏽 What I focused on FIRST (before strategy, before storytelling) 👉🏽 The moment we THREW the closing in the trash (and what we did instead) 👉🏽 How we MADE the jury feel — not just think 👉🏽 Why “we don’t win cases, jurors do” has NEVER been more TRUE If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at how the H2H Method plays out in the wild, this is it. You’re closer than you think. Tune in NOW! 🎧 Love, Sari Quote: “We didn’t win because we had the perfect theme or the flashiest visuals. We won because we trusted the jury. We built a story that made them feel something, we showed up as our full selves, and then we got the hell out of the way. That’s the work. That’s H2H.” —Sari de la Motte Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

Jun 13, 2025 • 19min
Encore Episode – Why Confidence Is Overrated in Court (and What REALLY Moves Jurors)
Waiting to feel confident before stepping into court is like waiting to get in shape BEFORE hitting the gym. Cute idea, but that’s not how this works. PLEASE, for the love of voir dire: ❌ STOP rehearsing defeat. ❌ STOP letting fear run your case. ❌ STOP pretending some “big name” lawyer is better for your case than you are. 🎧 Push past panic, polish your prep, and prove you’ve got what it takes — because you already do. Your clients hired YOU. Don’t you forget that. 🎧 Hit play now. Love, Sari 💖 Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

Jun 6, 2025 • 21min
Encore Episode – If You’re Not Having Fun at Trial, You’re Doing it Wrong
Let’s be real… life’s heavy right now. Trial? Even heavier. So I’m bringing back one of MY favorite episodes… Because we could all use a reminder that joy is part of the job 💖 Yep, I said it: If you’re not having fun at trial, you’re doing it wrong. ⚖️ Trial is serious. 💗 Trial is emotional. 🎢 Trial is a rollercoaster. But most importantly… It SHOULD be fun too! You can be a badass in the courtroom and have a good time doing it. It does NOT have to be one or the other. Come back to what made you love this work in the first place. Love, Sari 💖 Quote: “When I say have fun at trial, I don’t mean act like it’s a joke. I mean be in it—fully. Let yourself feel the fear, the pride, the anger, the joy. That’s what fun really is. It’s not clowning around. It’s being alive in the courtroom.” — Sari de la Motte Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

May 30, 2025 • 20min
Encore Episode – Courtroom Confidence: The Power of Belief for Winning Trial Attorneys
Jurors won’t follow a lawyer who second-guesses. If dread runs your prep… it’s running your case. Break the cycle before it breaks your case. 🎧 Hit play now. Love, Sari 💖 Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

May 23, 2025 • 53min
[TRIAL DEBRIEF] - How Scott Maucere Won a $2M Fraud Verdict Using H2H Trial Techniques and a Pink Pig
Bringing back one of the MOST popular debriefs EVER on my podcast. Scott Maucere had a complex securities fraud case — three state laws, seven claims, and 11 defendants. And he shaped it into a sharp and simple story the jury didn’t JUST understand… they BELIEVED in it. And yes… he brought a pink piggy bank into court, pulled out a hammer and made the jury GASP. 🐷 Verdict? $2M, including $1M in punitives. Here’s what Scott shares: 👉🏽 HOW he distilled a legal jungle into 3 simple jury rules — so clear they quoted them back in closing. 👉🏽 WHY trying to “persuade” the jury is the wrong move — and what actually works. 👉🏽 WHAT happened when he pulled out a hammer and made the jury gasp. 👉🏽 HOW honest voir dire, designed alliance, and a COVID delay turned strangers into a team. 👉🏽 WHY giving up your “brilliant ideas” might be your smartest move. This episode is PACKED with heart, strategy, and proof that fun and truth still WIN in trial. Love, Sari 💖 Quote: “You don’t have to be a magician. You don’t have to persuade people that lying is wrong. You just have to give the jury the truth and let them act. I went in with three simple rules: tell the truth, don’t cover things up, and if you do—make it right. We treated the jury with respect, let go of control, and they showed up every single day, even after COVID delays, because they wanted to do the right thing.” — Scott Maucere Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

May 16, 2025 • 15min
Encore Episode – 7 Ways to Know You’re Crushing It in Court
Ever walked out of a courtroom feeling defeated and thought, "Maybe I'm not as great as I hoped?" I know you’ve been there. But I want you to remember: 🌟 GREATNESS ISN'T DEFINED BY A VERDICT. 🌟 It’s defined by what you consistently choose to do: 🤝 You show up overprepared — not because you have to, but because you care. 🤝 You don’t just fight uphill battles, you run toward them. 🤝 You turn heartbreak into fuel. Every. Damn. Time. And it's THOSE choices — day after day, trial after trial — that prove your greatness beyond doubt. In this week's episode, I'm handing you undeniable proof that you're already fucking GREAT, and that you don’t need a verdict to prove it. All that's left is for YOU to believe it. 🎧 Hit play now and shut that inner critic up for good. Love, Sari 💖 * * * * JOIN US FOR COMMAND THE COURTROOM: 2-DAY IN-PERSON OPENING MASTERCLASS WITH SARI DE LA MOTTE * * * * 🗓️ Date: June 12th – 13th, 2025 👑 Train, LIVE, with Sari 📍Location: H2H Headquarters (Portland, OR) 💰 Investment: $10K - Expense it to your case! ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT. *spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here: https://sariswears.com/courtroom-master-class-opening/ Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

May 9, 2025 • 18min
Encore Episode – I Turned 50. Here’s What I’ve Learned So Far
Yeah, I turned 50 three years ago... BUT. Everything I said back then? Still true. Maybe truer. This encore episode is about what I’ve learned after five decades of building a life, a business, and a body that BEAT f*cking cancer — and what I REFUSE to do anymore. If you're GRINDING your way to some imaginary finish line… If you're WAITING to enjoy the life you’ve already built… You NEED to hear this. You’re so focused on the end, you’re missing the life happening right NOW. Love, Sari Quote: “The point is the journey, my friends. It’s not where we’re headed. It’s not where we think happiness lies. Happiness lies in enjoying the journey.” — Sari de la Motte * * * * JOIN US FOR COMMAND THE COURTROOM: 2-DAY IN-PERSON OPENING MASTERCLASS WITH SARI DE LA MOTTE * * * * 🗓️ Date: June 12th – 13th, 2025 👑 Train, LIVE, with Sari 📍Location: H2H Headquarters (Portland, OR) 💰 Investment: $10K - Expense it to your case! ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE *spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here: https://sariswears.com/courtroom-master-class-opening/ Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

May 2, 2025 • 18min
Encore Episode – Mindset Mastery for Trial Attorneys: Trial‑Ready Hacks to Thrive Under Pressure
Have you ever realized that every verdict you’ve EVER won started BEFORE you “felt” ready? That is because… ⚡ “READY” is a decision, not a feeling. ⚡ Take this 15-minute power shot and hit the ground running: 1️⃣ Myth-buster: Perfection ≈ Procrastination → Fastest path to regret. 2️⃣ Mind-hack: Swap “someday” for “right f–ing now” by reframing this belief. 3️⃣ Action trigger: A 3-word mantra that karate-chops analysis paralysis right in the throat. Count backwards from 3, then just. fucking. go. 🏁💨 You got this. I believe in YOU. 🎧 Listen now. Love, Sari 💖 Quote: "You get to decide what “ready” means." — Sari de la Motte * * * * JOIN US FOR COMMAND THE COURTROOM: 2-DAY IN-PERSON OPENING MASTERCLASS WITH SARI DE LA MOTTE * * * * 🗓️ Date: June 12th – 13th, 2025 👑 Train, LIVE, with Sari 📍Location: H2H Headquarters (Portland, OR) 💰 Investment: $10K - Expense it to your case! ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE *spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here: https://sariswears.com/courtroom-master-class-opening/ Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

Apr 25, 2025 • 22min
Encore Episode: Why Over Preparation is Killing Your Case
Hosted by the one and only Kevin de la Motte — my husband, our lead mindset coach, and beloved “Coach K” to the H2H crew. In this powerful episode, Kevin takes on a habit so MANY trial attorneys cling to: over-preparing. And he shows you how it’s NOT helping your case — in fact, it might be hurting it. Inside, Kevin breaks down: ⚡️ 3 damaging myths about preparation ⚡️ Why you’ll never feel “100% ready” — and why that’s okay ⚡️ What actually wins cases (hint: it’s not your color-coded outline) ⚡️ The mindset practice that can shift everything in the courtroom You’ve got nothing to prove. But you DO have a powerful message to deliver. Let Kevin show you how to show up as the badass you already are. Tune in NOW! 🎙️ Xo, Sari Quote: “You think preparation wins cases. It doesn’t win cases—you do. Preparation is important, sure. But what wins cases is YOU. You, fully present. You, connected to your jury. You, believing in your case. That’s more powerful than 14 attorneys and unlimited resources on the other side.” — Kevin de la Motte * * * * FREE H2H TRAINING * * * * THREE POWERFUL STRATEGIES TO HELP READ A JUROR’S MIND Understand what the jury is thinking, so you can gain the confidence to trust them - and yourself - in the courtroom. Get the training here: sariswears.com/jury Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/ * * * * JOIN US FOR COMMAND THE COURTROOM: 2-DAY IN-PERSON OPENING MASTERCLASS WITH SARI DE LA MOTTE * * * * 🗓️ Date: June 2nd - 3rd, 2025 👑 Train, LIVE, with Sari 📍Location: H2H Headquarters (Portland, OR) 💰 Investment: $10K - Expense it to your case! ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE *spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here: https://sariswears.com/courtroom-master-class-opening/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Website: https://sariswears.com/ Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/

Apr 18, 2025 • 58min
[TRIAL DEBRIEF] – Record‐Breaking $77M Verdict: Natalie Woodward’s Strategy & Historic Case Analysis
In this special episode, Natalie Woodward shares the story of how she landed a 💥 $77.7 MILLION 💥 MED-MAL VERDICT for a mentally ill, drug-addicted plaintiff — one that became the LARGEST in Georgia’s state history. READ THAT AGAIN. If you’re ready to shatter old stereotypes and deliver results that surpass even your wildest asks, THIS is the game plan you need. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to turn what they call “impossible” into your next big win. 🏆 Xo, Sari Quote: "That's what we talk about in H2H: you've got to own your number. This is exactly how we teach our clients to deal with the money issue in wrongful death cases, by talking about what it means—what does that verdict mean? Here, it meant that your verdict is a statement about mental health and addiction issues. When you communicate that clearly, it resonates with the jury and builds trust. It transforms a trial into a message that can change the way we view mental health care and substance abuse treatment." — Sari de la Motte * * * * JOIN US FOR COMMAND THE COURTROOM: 2-DAY IN-PERSON OPENING MASTERCLASS WITH SARI DE LA MOTTE * * * * 🗓️ Date: June 2nd - 3rd, 2025 👑 Train, LIVE, with Sari 📍Location: H2H Headquarters (Portland, OR) 💰 Investment: $10K - Expense it to your case! ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE *spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here: https://sariswears.com/courtroom-master-class-opening/ Can't get enough of me? Connect with me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saridelamotte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariSwears Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saridelamotte Free FB Group for Plaintiff & Criminal Defense Attorneys https://www.facebook.com/groups/fromhostagetohero/