Open Ninth

The long road to the bench is one filled with surprising twists and turns. Neither of the Ninth Circuit's newest judges initially knew that the judiciary was their chosen profession. Listen as Chief Judge Don Myers speaks to Judge Madrigal and Judge Kraynick about their background, their journey to the bench, their greatest challenges, stress management and much more.   Let us know what you think about the podcast.

How does life lead someone to become the Ninth Circuit’s newest Chief Judge? Listen to Judge Don Myers share his life journey with outgoing Chief Judge Fred Lauten. His not-so-predictable road to the bench includes some time working as a speech pathologist in Hawaii before returning to Florida to attend law school, where he made his lifelong commitment to justice that led him to the judiciary. Plus, tune in to find out more about Chief Judge Myers’ three-pronged approach to streamline our court system through collaboration, multi-purpose spaces, and strategic planning. With further plans to diversify and grow the jury pool as well as plans to develop new ways to integrate technology into court proceedings, our new Chief Judge demonstrates his ability to identify and plan for tomorrow’s challenges. Passing of the Gavel

In male-dominated fields, it is often difficult to stand your ground as a female, and even harder to stand out. Nevertheless, Jamie Moses has spent the last two and a half decades doing just that. When she’s not raising her two kids, empowering young or female lawyers, or competing in triathlons like the Ironman, she works as Senior Counsel at Holland & Knight LLP. Tune in as she talks with Chief Judge Myers about her experience as a female lawyer, her involvement with CFAWL, and her tendency to say “I will!” to unexpected questions. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Our host Chief Judge Don Myers talks with Judge Reginald Whitehead and Keith Raskin from Aspire Heath Partners about the complexities of our nation's opioid crisis. From the inner workings of drug court to the methadone treatment clinic, learn about what our community is doing to fight back against this epidemic. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Our host Chief Judge Don Myers talks with Judge Reginald Whitehead and Keith Raskin from Aspire Heath Partners about the complexities of our nation's opioid crisis. From the inner workings of drug court to the methadone treatment clinic, learn about what our community is doing to fight back against this epidemic. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

How does life lead someone to become the Ninth Circuit’s newest Chief Judge? Listen to Judge Don Myers share his life journey with outgoing Chief Judge Fred Lauten. His not-so-predictable road to the bench includes some time working as a speech pathologist in Hawaii before returning to Florida to attend law school, where he made his lifelong commitment to justice that led him to the judiciary. Plus, tune in to find out more about Chief Judge Myers’ three-pronged approach to streamline our court system through collaboration, multi-purpose spaces, and strategic planning. With further plans to diversify and grow the jury pool as well as plans to develop new ways to integrate technology into court proceedings, our new Chief Judge demonstrates his ability to identify and plan for tomorrow’s challenges. Passing of the Gavel

Homelessness is one of the most pressing issues facing our community. On any given day in Central Florida there are over 2,000 homeless people on the streets – veterans, parents with children, individuals, and youth. Serving this population requires an integrative approach that not only provides housing, but also a continuum of services that foster the skills and stability necessary to rebuild life off the streets. At the center of developing and ensuring the efficacy of this system of care is the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness. Listen in as the Commission’s CEO, Shelley Lauten, and Vice-Chair, Reverend Doctor David Swanson, talk with our host, Chief Judge Fred Lauten, about the important steps Central Florida is taking to help the homeless. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

For the past two years, Chief Judge Fred Lauten has brought us into a myriad of conversations. From stories of personal triumph to fun forays into the intersection of pop culture and the law to hard hitting explorations of legal and societal issues – he has guided us to a deeper understanding of the law, our community, and each other. And after 76 episodes as our host, and 26 years on the bench, Chief Judge Lauten will retire at the end of the month. We can think of no better way to celebrate his career and honor his commitment to the law and our community than a podcast dedicated to just that. You’ll have the opportunity to hear his stories, learn about his passions, and have a deeper understanding of who Chief Judge Lauten is as a lawyer, judge, Chief, father, and friend. So grab your headphones and listen in as Open Ninth’s new host – Chief Judge-elect Don Myers – talks with Chief Judge Fred Lauten about his life, career, and upcoming retirement. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

For the past two years, Chief Judge Fred Lauten has brought us into a myriad of conversations. From stories of personal triumph to fun forays into the intersection of pop culture and the law to hard hitting explorations of legal and societal issues – he has guided us to a deeper understanding of the law, our community, and each other. And after 76 episodes as our host, and 26 years on the bench, Chief Judge Lauten will retire at the end of the month. We can think of no better way to celebrate his career and honor his commitment to the law and our community than a podcast dedicated to just that. You’ll have the opportunity to hear his stories, learn about his passions, and have a deeper understanding of who Chief Judge Lauten is as a lawyer, judge, Chief, father, and friend. So grab your headphones and listen in as Open Ninth’s new host – Chief Judge-elect Don Myers – talks with Chief Judge Fred Lauten about his life, career, and upcoming retirement. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

The importance of professional behavior is universally recognized, but aside from being punctual and polite – professionalism seems to be an elusive concept to define. Ask anyone about it and they will regale you with horror stories about some unprofessional behavior they’ve encountered but will be woefully lacking in detail when pressed to define what professionalism looks like. But while that detail is lacking for most – it is not for the members of the OCBA Professionalism Committee. Listen in as our host Chief Judge Fred Lauten talks with Professionalism Committee members, Lauren Heatwole and Jeffrey Keiner about professionalism in the courts. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City and the surrounding area. Judge Elijah Smiley, who was Chief Judge of the 14th Circuit during that time, sat down with our host Chief Judge Don Myers in August to talk about the aftermath of the storm. Listen in as they talk about preparing, communicating, and delivering due process in the face of destruction.  Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Everyone who lives in the United States can trace their roots back to some other country. Maybe your family has been here forever, having immigrated in the 1700s. Or perhaps your grandparents or great grandparents sailed to Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Regardless of whether your ancestors came here 200 years ago or 20, we are all shaped by the culture they brought with them. As a first generation Korean-American, Circuit Court Judge Denise Kim Beamer has experienced this first-hand – growing up influenced by both her American and Korean roots. Listen in as she shares her story and her journey to the bench with our host, Chief Judge Fred Lauten. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Everyone who lives in the United States can trace their roots back to some other country. Maybe your family has been here forever, having immigrated in the 1700s. Or perhaps your grandparents or great grandparents sailed to Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Regardless of whether your ancestors came here 200 years ago or 20, we are all shaped by the culture they brought with them. As a first generation Korean-American, Circuit Court Judge Denise Kim Beamer has experienced this first-hand – growing up influenced by both her American and Korean roots. Listen in as she shares her story and her journey to the bench with our host, Chief Judge Fred Lauten. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

No matter where you live – be it Central Florida or anywhere else in the country – it is more than likely that you have heard of Jeff Ashton. Being the prosecutor assigned to the Casey Anthony trial catapulted him into the national limelight. But, did you also know that he was the first prosecutor to successfully win a conviction using DNA evidence? Or that he is a best-selling author? Or a devoted father to seven children? Having run for a circuit judgeship in 2018 and winning, Jeff Ashton is now Judge Ashton. Listen in as he shares stories from his life with our host, Chief Judge Fred Lauten and gives us a glimpse at his improbable road to the bench. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

No matter where you live – be it Central Florida or anywhere else in the country – it is more than likely that you have heard of Jeff Ashton. Being the prosecutor assigned to the Casey Anthony trial catapulted him into the national limelight. But, did you also know that he was the first prosecutor to successfully win a conviction using DNA evidence? Or that he is a best-selling author? Or a devoted father to seven children? Having run for a circuit judgeship in 2018 and winning, Jeff Ashton is now Judge Ashton. Listen in as he shares stories from his life with our host, Chief Judge Fred Lauten and gives us a glimpse at his improbable road to the bench. Let us know what you think about the podcast.