Open Ninth

How does a popular Central Florida attraction keep both staff and animals safe during a pandemic? Find out as Chief Judge Don Myers speaks to Dino Ferri, CEO of Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, about planning, preparing, and protecting the zoo and its visitors for the foreseeable future. They also explore how zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 can spread between animals to humans. From tigers to pigs to housecats and beyond, this conversation explores how the human, animal, and viral kingdoms overlap. Show Notes 1:21 - Dino Ferri’s experience working with zoos 3:08 - Pet stores, conservation, and reptiles 4:50 - Zoonotic diseases, salmonella and human-animal transmission 7:15 - COVID-19 in tigers and staff at the Bronx Zoo 9:15 - COVID-19 in domesticated cats and dogs 10:42 - Animals at risk – primates, pigs, small carnivores 12:20 - Safety measures at the Central Florida Zoo 15:57 - Safety of the animals and the zoo’s financial stability 16:59 - Adapting to the situation as we learn more 18:30 - No cases of COVID-19 at the Central Florida Zoo

The Dark Web. Malware. Encryption. The Internet of Things. These concepts seem to intimidate most casual technology users, who often aren’t aware of the best online practices to protect themselves. That’s why Chief Judge Don Myers invited top cyber security professional Mark Lanterman onto our podcast to share his expertise, break down these concepts, and offer some tips on keeping both yourself and your organization safe from hackers. Show Notes 2:55 - Overview of cyber security 4:03 - An organization’s greatest cyber security risk 5:15 - Phishing 8:14 - Best advice for listeners 13:50 - Using public wifi 15:45 - Phone hotspot 17:34 - Ransomware 24:15 - Dark web 28:50 - Internet of Things Let us know what you think about the podcast.

In the 1980's, Orlando was a quiet but friendly place...until Thomas Provenzano changed everything one cold day in January 1984. Listen as former Chief Judge Frederick Lauten takes a deep dive into this chilling courthouse calamity alongside eyewitnesses and survivors. Hear about the weaponized culture at the time, about the lesser security measures and emergency communications networks, and about the red flags that should have raised alarms but didn't. These stories set the scene for that fateful January 10th, and for part one of this re-released special three part series. Orange County Courthouse Shootings January 10, 1984

Even before coming to the bench, Judge Elizabeth Gibson lived a life full of adventure and new experiences. Raised on a series of Navy bases, she moved to Japan with her family in her late teens, and dedicated herself to becoming fluent in the Japanese language and culture. She graduated from the University of Maryland while living in Japan, eventually returning to the United States to attend law school and begin her legal career. Judge Gibson joined Chief Judge Don Myers on this episode of Open Ninth to talk about her life before the bench and how it got her to where she is now - a new judge of the Ninth Circuit. Show Notes 0:25 - Judge Gibson - from general counsel to county criminal judge 1:13 - Growing up as a Navy kid 2:53 - Japan, the University of Maryland, and Asian Studies and Civilization 5:42 - Attending law school at the University of Florida 6:32 - Practice history - prosecution and healthcare compliance 9:47 - Experiences that prepared Judge Gibson for the bench 11:49 - Singing and battling thyroid cancer 13:30 - Defining cases of Judge Gibson's career 15:26 - Thoughts on her first two weeks on the bench 16:34 - Mentors, inspiration, and advice 19:09 - Stress management and recognizing personal growth

Even before coming to the bench, Judge Elizabeth Gibson lived a life full of adventure and new experiences. Raised on a series of Navy bases, she moved to Japan with her family in her late teens, and dedicated herself to becoming fluent in the Japanese language and culture. She graduated from the University of Maryland while living in Japan, eventually returning to the United States to attend law school and begin her legal career. Judge Gibson joined Chief Judge Don Myers on this episode of Open Ninth to talk about her life before the bench and how it got her to where she is now - a new judge of the Ninth Circuit. Show Notes 0:25 - Judge Gibson - from general counsel to county criminal judge 1:13 - Growing up as a Navy kid 2:53 - Japan, the University of Maryland, and Asian Studies and Civilization 5:42 - Attending law school at the University of Florida 6:32 - Practice history - prosecution and healthcare compliance 9:47 - Experiences that prepared Judge Gibson for the bench 11:49 - Singing and battling thyroid cancer 13:30 - Defining cases of Judge Gibson's career 15:26 - Thoughts on her first two weeks on the bench 16:34 - Mentors, inspiration, and advice 19:09 - Stress management and recognizing personal growth

Can our pets get sick with COVID? When we go back to work, how can we make sure they're happy alone at home? To answer these questions, Chief Judge Don Myers talked to Dr. Kimberly Lee, local veterinarian. Together, they discuss the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on our community's beloved furry friends, from overwalking and obesity to pet adoptions and separation anxiety. Listen in to learn some of the best ways to maintain your pet's physical and emotional health during this pandemic.  

As we continue to explore this pandemic's impact on our community partners, Chief Judge Don Myers invited the new FAMU College of Law dean, Deidré Keller, to share her perspective on how the virus has changed both the law school and the lives of its faculty and students. Together, they examine everything from the effectiveness of virtual learning to the continued delay of the Bar exam, and what implications that could hold for the future of students and young lawyers. Along the way, we also learn a bit about Dean Keller's prior professional practice, her transition to academia, FAMU's access mission and racial justice initiative, and the university's work within the Central Florida community.

How do you get a group of 7th graders excited about civics? Chief Judge Don Myers asked Maitland Middle School teacher Dawn Dunham this same question. Tune in to hear about her use of debate, discussion, imagery, technology, and media inside the classroom. Let us know what you think about the podcast.

From the NFL to the State Attorney's Office to a seat on the county criminal bench, Judge Andrew Bain has had a unique journey to the judiciary. Listen in as he shares with Chief Judge Myers how his commitment to family, faith, and community led him off the field and onto the bench. Time Stamps 1:17 - Judge Bain’s background in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 2:32 - Bain family history – the military and South Florida 4:41  -Sports as an extracurricular: baseball, basketball, football 5:24 - High school football positions: nose guard, defensive tackle, offensive line 6:06 - State championship title 8:25 - Football instilling camaraderie between teammates 9:00 - Two majors from University of Miami: Psychology and Business Law 10:25 - Playing for the New York Giants as a free agent 13:03 - Law school at FAMU, trial team, book awards, dean’s list, moot court 14:52 - Being a Certified Legal Intern (CLI) at FAMU’s housing clinic 16:27 - Importance of being genuine: the same person in court as in the street 18:52 - Inspiration and the push to become a judge 23:34 - Motto: “Put your head down, do your work, let your work speak for who you are.” 25:15 - Expectation of being on the bench vs. reality

From the NFL to the State Attorney's Office to a seat on the county criminal bench, Judge Andrew Bain has had a unique journey to the judiciary. Listen in as he shares with Chief Judge Myers how his commitment to family, faith, and community led him off the field and onto the bench. Time Stamps 1:17 - Judge Bain’s background in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida 2:32 - Bain family history – the military and South Florida 4:41  -Sports as an extracurricular: baseball, basketball, football 5:24 - High school football positions: nose guard, defensive tackle, offensive line 6:06 - State championship title 8:25 - Football instilling camaraderie between teammates 9:00 - Two majors from University of Miami: Psychology and Business Law 10:25 - Playing for the New York Giants as a free agent 13:03 - Law school at FAMU, trial team, book awards, dean’s list, moot court 14:52 - Being a Certified Legal Intern (CLI) at FAMU’s housing clinic 16:27 - Importance of being genuine: the same person in court as in the street 18:52 - Inspiration and the push to become a judge 23:34 - Motto: “Put your head down, do your work, let your work speak for who you are.” 25:15 - Expectation of being on the bench vs. reality

On July 19th, a gunman posing as a FedEx delivery person shot U.S. Judge Esther Salas' son and husband at their home in New Jersey. In the wake of that tragedy, Chief Judge Don Myers invited top court security expert and former U.S. Marshal, John Muffler back on the show to discuss the challenges of protecting the judiciary in the digital age. From policing social media to conducting disinformation campaigns and beyond, listen in as they explore the best practices for staying safe both on and offline. Show Notes: 0:30 - Introduction of John Muffler, former U.S. Marshal 1:47 - Details of the shooting at the home of U.S. Judge Esther Salas 3:29 - Comparison with the shooting of Judge Lefkow 5:03  - Pattern recognition and potential dangers to avoid 5:27 - Exploiting the Internet, developing an attack plan 7:21 - Data aggregation services, social media, and private information 8:28 - Judge Salas' request: reform to protect the information of Judges 9:18 - California - a leader in judicial privacy protection 11:44 - The Internet and being careful about what you put out there 12:30 - Belief that online information is too easily accessible 14:37 - Maintaining privacy in the digital age 15:54 - What to delete from your social media pages 18:13 - Muffler teaching at the National Judicial College 19:27 - Best practices for staying safe online and offline  

As we continue to explore this pandemic's impact on our community partners, Chief Judge Don Myers invited the new FAMU College of Law dean, Deidré Keller, to share her perspective on how the virus has changed both the law school and the lives of its faculty and students. Together, they examine everything from the effectiveness of virtual learning to the continued delay of the Bar exam, and what implications that could hold for the future of students and young lawyers. Along the way, we also learn a bit about Dean Keller's prior professional practice, her transition to academia, FAMU's access mission and racial justice initiative, and the university's work within the Central Florida community.

How does a collegiate volleyball player with an interest in international studies end up becoming a judge of the Ninth Circuit? Listen in as Chief Judge Don Myers talks with Judge Paetra Brownlee, a mother, daily runner, former appellate attorney, and newly minted judge about the path that led her to the Circuit Civil division. In this fun, light-hearted conversation, we explore Judge Brownlee's expectations of the bench to her actual experience so far, learn a little about her career in appellate litigation, how she manages stress, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get to know one of our newest Judges!

How does a collegiate volleyball player with an interest in international studies end up becoming a judge of the Ninth Circuit? Listen in as Chief Judge Don Myers talks with Judge Paetra Brownlee, a mother, daily runner, former appellate attorney, and newly minted judge about the path that led her to the Circuit Civil division. In this fun, light-hearted conversation, we explore Judge Brownlee's expectations of the bench to her actual experience so far, learn a little about her career in appellate litigation, how she manages stress, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get to know one of our newest Judges!

LaShawnda Jackson made history this year as the first Black president of the Orange County Bar Association. She sat down with Chief Judge Don Myers to talk about Central Florida's interconnected legal community, challenges she's faced as a Black female lawyer, and her proposals to make the legal profession more diverse and inclusive. Listen and learn about the life of a lawyer from her perspective, including law school, getting involved in the local Bar associations, going to trial, and the future of the legal industry. Show Notes 0:20 - Introduction of LaShawnda Jackson 1:05 - Beginning of interest in law 2:19 - University of Florida, student athlete, and track and field 3:21 - Highlights of accomplishments in the practice of law 5:58 - Handling experts involved in complex cases 7:01 - Trial team, arguing cases with classmates 8:21 - Biggest challenges as a lawyer 10:23 - Challenges as a Black female lawyer 11:17 - Adversaries in the courtroom and stereotypes 13:51 - Local Bar diversity, inclusion, and historical context 15:50 - Lack of minority representation in the judiciary 17:31 - Increasing the number of minority students in law school 18:36 - Adults modeling different career options in communities 19:38 - Diversifying the Judicial Nominating Commission 20:42 - Becoming a judge through appointment or election 22:22 - Steps taken to become president of the OCBA 24:40 - What the OCBA means to the community 28:02 - Jackson's vision for the OCBA's coming year 29:15 - Coronavirus and the impact on the local legal community 33:41 - Adoption after 18, free time activities, and managing stress