Open Ninth

Elena and Paul stopped by the Open Ninth studio to speak with Chief Judge Lauten about their journey as foster care parents and, now, adoptive parents. Together, they have five biological children, two foster children, and have recently adopted a baby boy. Elena and Paul explain that fostering children has its challenges, but the opportunity to help bring positive change and improvement to the lives of so many children is extremely rewarding. Over the years, they have cared for over two dozen foster children. Elena explains how the children usually enter the home broken, afraid, and insecure but over time become happy, relaxed, and positive about life. They credit their success to the passion they have for children. After years of serving as foster care parents, they met a week-old newborn named Marco. Elena and Paul immediately fell in love. On, November 17, 2017, during a National Adoption Day ceremony, little Marco became a part of their permanent family. On that day, nearly 30 other children were welcomed into their “Forever Families” during companion ceremonies in Orange and Osceola counties. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or adopting a child, please visit these websites: www.cbccfl.org www.myflfamilies.com Let us know what you think about the podcast.

After discussing the opioid epidemic with Sharon Robinson in our last episode, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten sits down with Jessica Finn to talk about her inspiring story of tragedy, addiction, and triumph. Jessica shares with listeners how she began using alcohol and drugs to mask the pain she felt due to childhood abuse and the heartbreaking losses of her father and best friend. Jessica started out using alcohol and then switched to drugs before becoming quickly addicted to them. After using opioids for about a year, Jessica found herself no longer using them to suppress the pain or to achieve a euphoric high. Instead, she realized she was addicted to the drugs and needed to use simply to function and to feel normal. Unfortunately, the opioid abuse led her down a life of crime, alienation from loved ones, and years of hopelessness. After a 20-year struggle with opioid abuse, Jessica entered into Osceola County’s Adult Drug Court, presided over by Judge Whitehead. Speaking fondly of her experience, she recounts how much she learned about herself during the program. She had to change her environment and find her purpose in order to gain victory over the drugs – a victory she has to fight for every day. Two years into her sobriety, Jessica now conducts meetings at the same Osceola County jail where she was once an inmate. She believes graduating from Drug Court gave her the tools to succeed in the battle with opioids. Jessica has now reconnected with her family, is helping to raise her three nieces, and is changing the lives of many women who also struggle with drug addiction. Jessica explains that, though it is a tough struggle, if you are dealing with an addiction, you can’t give up. “I thought there was no hope for me. I thought I was hopeless. It’s possible to change.” -Jessica Finn Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Whether it be a personal struggle or that of a close friend, spouse, parent, child, or distant relative, many of us have been adversely affected by the abuse of opioids and other substances. Substance abuse, however, is nothing to be ashamed of and there are many resources available to help prevent and treat individuals at risk for or currently affected by drug dependency. In this episode, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten speaks with Shannon Robinson about her work with Aspire Health Partners, the largest behavioral health provider in the southeast. Shannon is the Vice President of Medical and Nursing Services and has over 17 years of experience in the industry. Shannon discusses the connection between mental health and substance abuse and, when questioned, offers frank opinions on whether individuals who abuse drugs should be incarcerated or placed in treatment centers. Citing vast research, Shannon points out that substance abuse has more to do with mental health and perhaps genetics than a lack of willpower. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in treating or preventing substance abuse, please visit the following link to find helpful resources: Treatment and Other Resources.

Whether it be a personal struggle or that of a close friend, spouse, parent, child, or distant relative, many of us have been adversely affected by the abuse of opioids and other substances. Substance abuse, however, is nothing to be ashamed of and there are many resources available to help prevent and treat individuals at risk for or currently affected by drug dependency. In this episode, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten speaks with Shannon Robinson about her work with Aspire Health Partners, the largest behavioral health provider in the southeast. Shannon is the Vice President of Medical and Nursing Services and has over 17 years of experience in the industry. Shannon discusses the connection between mental health and substance abuse and, when questioned, offers frank opinions on whether individuals who abuse drugs should be incarcerated or placed in treatment centers. Citing vast research, Shannon points out that substance abuse has more to do with mental health and perhaps genetics than a lack of willpower. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in treating or preventing substance abuse, please visit the following link to find helpful resources: Treatment and Other Resources.

As we all know, living in Central Florida, you are exposed to a diverse group of people who all live in a unique environment. Judge Heather O’Brien knows this firsthand. “We have a lot of different people in the United States that have so much to offer and that’s what makes us great; Osceola County is a wonderful example of that,” she says proudly. In this episode of Open Ninth, Chief Judge Lauten speaks with Osceola County Judge Heather O’Brien about what it takes to be a successful judge and what makes Osceola County so special. Judge O’Brien, appointed by former governor Charlie Crist at the age of thirty-three, is one of the youngest judges to ever take the bench. She attributes her success as a judge to the rigorous work ethic she developed as a young athlete. Judge O’Brien, a Colorado native, was a national track & field champion and became the NCAA’s 1999 Female Athlete of the Year. O’Brien explains that becoming a judge, just like being an athlete, takes a lot of self-discipline, efficiency, humility, and teamwork – the essential qualities that help judges keep up with the fast-paced workload while resolving cases justly. Sit back, relax, and take a listen as Chief Judge Lauten and Judge O’Brien converse about the great qualities of Central Florida and Judge O’Brien’s track to success as an Osceola County Judge. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Orlando, Florida is home to many one-of-a-kind attractions: magical Disney World, movie-themed Universal Studios, historic Lake Eola Park, and, depending on your company, the famous Randall Made Knives. In this captivating podcast Judge Lauten speaks with Judge Marc L. Lubet, a veteran of the Orlando law scene, about his experience serving the Florida community, advice on becoming a judge, and his impressive knife and gun collection. Judge Marc L. Lubet was raised in Georgia and received his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida before receiving his juris doctor from the University of Mississippi. He began his successful, inspiring career in 1974 as a personal injury defense attorney and then transitioned to practicing criminal law. In 1976, he set out to make a name for himself as president of his prosperous private practice, Lubet & Blechman, P.A. Throughout his legal career, Judge Lubet has presided over approximately 150 jury trials and currently is the most senior judge in the Ninth Circuit. After thirty-two years of practice and eleven years on the bench, he plans to retire next year. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Imagine losing track of your mother overseas and fearing the worst. That became Elizabeth McCausland’s nightmare in 2005 as her mother was arrested in Vietnam and eventually spent 14 months in jail. Throughout the experience, Elizabeth found support in fellow colleagues who put her in contact with local congressional representatives who worked tirelessly to help bring her mother back to the United States. As Elizabeth aptly states during this podcast, “build relationships before you need them.” Elizabeth McCausland is a sole practitioner who serves as the 2017-2018 President of the 3500-member Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). She sits down with Chief Judge Frederick Lauten to discuss why she took on the responsibility of heading the Bar. As its President, she encourages attorneys to develop meaningful business relationships and to grow professionally as they serve the Bar, themselves, and the community. The OCBA is the only organization of its kind where 100% of its members participate in pro bono work either directly through legal representation or by giving in-kind donations. Through the Legal Aid Society, members render legal services in about 10,000 cases each year. Focusing on the need to expand access to legal services for low-income individuals, the OCBA offers a Lawyer Referral Service and a Citizens Dispute Resolution Program. Tune in to this podcast to learn more. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Imagine losing track of your mother overseas and fearing the worst. That became Elizabeth McCausland’s nightmare in 2005 as her mother was arrested in Vietnam and eventually spent 14 months in jail. Throughout the experience, Elizabeth found support in fellow colleagues who put her in contact with local congressional representatives who worked tirelessly to help bring her mother back to the United States. As Elizabeth aptly states during this podcast, “build relationships before you need them.” Elizabeth McCausland is a sole practitioner who serves as the 2017-2018 President of the 3500-member Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). She sits down with Chief Judge Frederick Lauten to discuss why she took on the responsibility of heading the Bar. As its President, she encourages attorneys to develop meaningful business relationships and to grow professionally as they serve the Bar, themselves, and the community. The OCBA is the only organization of its kind where 100% of its members participate in pro bono work either directly through legal representation or by giving in-kind donations. Through the Legal Aid Society, members render legal services in about 10,000 cases each year. Focusing on the need to expand access to legal services for low-income individuals, the OCBA offers a Lawyer Referral Service and a Citizens Dispute Resolution Program. Tune in to this podcast to learn more. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

As we all know, living in Central Florida, you are exposed to a diverse group of people who all live in a unique environment. Judge Heather O’Brien knows this firsthand. “We have a lot of different people in the United States that have so much to offer and that’s what makes us great; Osceola County is a wonderful example of that,” she says proudly. In this episode of Open Ninth, Chief Judge Lauten speaks with Osceola County Judge Heather O’Brien about what it takes to be a successful judge and what makes Osceola County so special. Judge O’Brien, appointed by former governor Charlie Crist at the age of thirty-three, is one of the youngest judges to ever take the bench. She attributes her success as a judge to the rigorous work ethic she developed as a young athlete. Judge O’Brien, a Colorado native, was a national track & field champion and became the NCAA’s 1999 Female Athlete of the Year. O’Brien explains that becoming a judge, just like being an athlete, takes a lot of self-discipline, efficiency, humility, and teamwork – the essential qualities that help judges keep up with the fast-paced workload while resolving cases justly. Sit back, relax, and take a listen as Chief Judge Lauten and Judge O’Brien converse about the great qualities of Central Florida and Judge O’Brien’s track to success as an Osceola County Judge. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Upon hearing hurricane warnings or watches, many people rush to their local stores to stock up on nonperishable food items or to purchase an array of backup batteries, gas-powered generators, or plywood to prepare for the impending storm. Yet others choose a wait-and-see attitude, believing the cries for caution are overblown. As we witnessed with Hurricane Harvey, the wrong choice can, at times, be costlier than we imagine. In this podcast, Chief Judge Lauten visits WFTV’s studio to talk with their Chief Meteorologist, Tom Terry, about how to prepare for hurricanes and other dangerous storms. Using a telestrator and a high-tech green screen, Tom shows viewers how Hurricane Harvey grew to be a once-in-a-thousand-year storm and discusses the chances of future hurricanes affecting the Florida coastline during the 2017 season. Tom Terry grew up in a small town in Oklahoma in the center of tornado alley. Affectionately nicknamed “Hammertime,” Terry holds the American Meteorological Society’s “Seal of Approval” and became WFTV’s chief meteorologist in 2003. When not forecasting the weather, he likes to work on his Mustang and collect old horror movies. Chief Judge Fred Lauten at the Channel 9 Weather Center with Meteorologist Tom Terry

So you’re about to graduate and excited to launch into your professional career. Not so fast. Maximize your employability by interning or volunteering in your field of study. Interns learn valuable on-the-job skills and gain keen insight about the workforce and their career field. In this podcast, Judge Lauten speaks with Kingman Keating and Lauren Edmonds, who spent this summer interning at the Ninth Circuit. From their vantage point, they give listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it’s like to work at the courthouse, including some lessons learned and some unexpected revelations. Kingman Keating is a fourth generation Orlando native and a third generation University of Florida law student. Also an Orlando native, Lauren Edmonds is a Florida State rising senior majoring in Communications and Sociology. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

So you’re about to graduate and excited to launch into your professional career. Not so fast. Maximize your employability by interning or volunteering in your field of study. Interns learn valuable on-the-job skills and gain keen insight about the workforce and their career field. In this podcast, Judge Lauten speaks with Kingman Keating and Lauren Edmonds, who spent this summer interning at the Ninth Circuit. From their vantage point, they give listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it’s like to work at the courthouse, including some lessons learned and some unexpected revelations. Kingman Keating is a fourth generation Orlando native and a third generation University of Florida law student. Also an Orlando native, Lauren Edmonds is a Florida State rising senior majoring in Communications and Sociology. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Going to the movies has become an American pastime. Whether we’re clinging to our seats during a sci-fi thriller or holding back tears while watching a heart-wrenching drama, movies capture our attention and shape the way we see life. So how realistic are legally themed movies and how have they colored the way society perceives the legal system? Tune in to this week’s podcast to find out as Judge Lauten sits down with two of his colleagues, Circuit Judges Bob Egan and Leticia Marques, to review some of the most popular legal movies of our day. They discuss their favorite scenes and candidly share with listeners how movies have impacted them. This podcast was originally broadcast "Live" on Facebook and is the Circuit's first video podcast. Part 2 of Judges on Film will appear later in Season 2 and will include another Facebook "Live" broadcast, but this time in 360 degrees. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Going to the movies has become an American pastime. Whether we’re clinging to our seats during a sci-fi thriller or holding back tears while watching a heart-wrenching drama, movies capture our attention and shape the way we see life. So how realistic are legally themed movies and how have they colored the way society perceives the legal system? Tune in to this week’s podcast to find out as Judge Lauten sits down with two of his colleagues, Circuit Judges Bob Egan and Leticia Marques, to review some of the most popular legal movies of our day. They discuss their favorite scenes and candidly share with listeners how movies have impacted them. This podcast was originally broadcast "Live" on Facebook and is the Circuit's first video podcast. Part 2 of Judges on Film will appear later in Season 2 and will include another Facebook "Live" broadcast, but this time in 360 degrees. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

Let’s talk Soccer or should we say football? Since the downtown Orlando courthouse is a few blocks from the Lion’s Den - - home of Orlando City Soccer - - it is appropriate that we speak to a Judge who played college soccer and who is also an avid Orlando City soccer fan. Listen to Circuit Judge Don Myers talk about playing Soccer for Winter Park High School as a striker and for Emory University playing in the defensive position of a sweeper. He talks about the global, and now a local, phenomenon of soccer. Listen as Judge Lauten discusses with Judge Myers how Orlando City Soccer has changed the face of sports in Orlando, the competitive spirit necessary to play, injuries, teamwork, the nuances of the game, and the passion he has for what was once considered a secondary sport. Judge Myers currently serves in the Complex Civil Litigation division and as Administrative Judge for the Appellate division. Let us know what you think about the podcast.