#818 - Mike Schmidt

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Mike Schmitt Exposes Racism in Madison's Criminal Justice System

  • Mike Schmitt shares insights from his decade-long experience as a criminal defense attorney in Wisconsin.
  • He highlights striking racial disparities in the treatment of black and white individuals within the justice system, particularly in Madison.
  • Statistics reveal that black children are arrested more frequently than their white counterparts for similar offenses, leading to harsher sentences for black defendants.
• 00:01:27

  Dane County's Flawed Special Investigations Unit and Its Impact

  • The special investigations unit in Dane County is criticized for unfairly targeting individuals labeled as 'most dangerous' without proper evidence or transparency.
  • Schmitt discusses the systemic issues and biases that result in heightened penalties for racial minorities in the court system.
  • The meeting tactics used by law enforcement to intimidate suspected individuals illustrate a flawed approach to crime prevention and community relations.
• 00:11:47

  Dane County Racial Bias in Crime Lists: Insights from Defense Attorney

  • The defense attorney critiques the racial bias in crime lists, noting all top dangerous individuals were inaccurately reported as black.
  • Personal experiences reveal that many dangerous criminals in Dane County are actually white, contradicting official statistics.
  • The attorney raises concerns about the metrics and criteria used to create these crime lists, questioning their supposed race-blindness.
• 00:19:19

  The Strategic Game of Defense: Inside the Mind of a Competitively Driven Attorney

  • The attorney discusses tactics used in the courtroom to gain advantages over prosecutors, including psychological strategies.
  • They emphasize the competitive nature of legal defense, asserting that even public defenders care deeply about their clients' outcomes.
  • The importance of mastering courtroom dynamics and technicalities is highlighted as essential for successful representation.
• 00:23:11

  Winning at All Costs: The Dangerous Mindset of Law Enforcement

  • Discussion on the winning mentality in law enforcement and its potential dangers.
  • The issue of evidence tampering and unethical practices stemming from the desire to secure convictions.
  • Comparison between police tactics and sports mentalities, emphasizing the psychological impact on officers.
• 00:30:24

  First Responders Post-9/11: The Ebb and Flow of Respect for Police Officers

  • The shift in public perception of police following 9/11 and its subsequent decline.
  • The impact of social media and video evidence on police accountability and public scrutiny.
  • Reflection on the psychological toll of police work amid constant interaction with crime and public skepticism.
• 00:33:58

  Rodney King Incident Sparks Discussion on Police Brutality and Justice

  • Discussion about the Rodney King incident as a prime example of police brutality.
  • Reflection on the repercussions of high-speed police chases and excessive force by officers.
  • The conversation highlights systemic issues in law enforcement and racial inequality in how justice is applied.
• 00:39:56

  Disparities in the Justice System: The Case of Wisconsin's Black Community

  • Statistics reveal that Black men in Wisconsin are disproportionately incarcerated compared to white men.
  • The ineffective response by authorities to address systemic disparities, symbolized by a misguided gardening initiative.
  • A comparison made with failed societal interventional programs that overlook deeper issues of racial inequality.
• 00:45:25

  Hillary Clinton's Declining Charisma: A Political Analysis

  • Discussion of Hillary Clinton's public speaking skills and how her age impacts her image as a candidate.
  • Comparison of Clinton's perceived ineffectiveness with younger potential candidates like Katy Perry and Jennifer Aniston.
  • Insight into the pressures of being a politician and the comparison of different presidents, particularly Barack Obama, facing immense scrutiny.
• 00:49:13

  Kwame Kilpatrick's Fall from Grace: The Corruption Scandal

  • Examination of Kwame Kilpatrick's 28-year prison sentence for corruption after serving as the mayor of Detroit.
  • Discussion of the implications of unchecked power within political office, referencing Marion Barry's humorous yet serious fall from grace.
  • Consideration of the societal changes that challenge modern political figures, marked by increased scrutiny from social media.
• 00:55:59

  Ronald and Hillary Clinton's Controversial Remarks on Gaddafi and Health Issues

  • Ronald discusses the Cold War and references Hillary Clinton's infamous quote, 'We came, we saw, he died,' in connection with Gaddafi.
  • Conversation reveals concerns about Hillary Clinton's health following a concussion and her potential post-concussion syndrome.
  • The group reflects on George Bush's past health incidents and implications of his presidency, drawing parallels with Dick Cheney's controversial actions.
• 01:03:00

  Dick Cheney's Legacy of War Crimes and Presidential Pardons

  • Discussion highlights Dick Cheney's controversial history and his fear of prosecution due to potential war crimes.
  • The conversation moves to the power of governors regarding pardons and the implications of this authority.
  • The group examines the lack of accountability for figures like Cheney and George Bush, emphasizing the political ramifications of their actions and decisions.
• 01:13:47

  Hillary Clinton's FBI Meeting and Bill Clinton's Jet Visit

  • A friend of Hillary Clinton, who spent 18 months in prison, refused to testify against the Clintons regarding bank fraud allegations.
  • Bill Clinton reportedly made an impromptu trip to visit Hillary before her FBI meeting, raising questions about the nature of such 'spontaneous' visits on a private jet.
  • Discussion of the influence and operations of the Clinton Foundation, including claims of its financial transparency and charity effectiveness.
• 02:23:18

  The Manipulation of Public Perception During the Nixon Administration

  • The conversation pivots to the Nixon administration’s tactics of manipulating public perception, including staging events with actors.
  • Reference to Hunter S. Thompson's documentary showcasing how easily people can be swayed in political matters.
  • Discussion on government surveillance and the controversial use of personal data under the guise of national security.
• 01:13:47

  The Clintons and the Whitewater Scandal: Real Estate Ventures and Corruption

  • Discusses Whitewater, a real estate investment scandal involving Bill and Hillary Clinton.
  • Highlights how government insiders could profit from privileged information about real estate.
  • Contrasts Whitewater with the Dick Cheney-Halliburton connection and no-bid contracts.
• 01:56:12

  Cinematic Reflections on War and Superhero Movies: Chaos and Cultural Commentary

  • Speculates on future films about the original Iraq war and the misleading narrative of weapons of mass destruction.
  • Comments on the saturation of movies, specifically superhero genres, and the longing for more profound storytelling.
  • Brings attention to a cultural phenomenon of people and media sensationalizing military conflicts through humor and fictional narratives.
• 01:13:47

  Ryan Parsons Hit by a Golf Ball: The Hidden Dangers of High-Speed Sports

  • Ryan Parsons suffered severe injuries after being struck in the head by a golf ball.
  • Discussion on how high-speed sports like golf and tennis can lead to serious accidents.
  • Mention of Tiger Woods' back issues linked to unconventional playing style and the pressure it exerts on his body.
• 01:56:12

  The Endorsement Empire of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson: Golf's Financial Giants

  • Tiger Woods earned $45 million in endorsements despite limited play in recent years.
  • Phil Mickelson's impressive earnings, including $50 million from endorsements, highlight the vast financial opportunities in golf.
  • A comparison of the financial success of top golfers, emphasizing the influence of endorsements in their income.
• 01:13:47

  The Flawed Origins of Sobriety Testing: Analyzing Officer Protocols from the 70s to Present

  • Discussion on how field sobriety tests have not evolved with changing legal alcohol limits.
  • Examining the claims made by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration regarding sobriety tests' accuracy.
  • Highlighting how the legal definition of intoxication has been manipulated while the basis of sobriety tests remained the same.
• 01:45:00

  Defending the Underdog: Strategies for Criminal Defense Attorneys Like Bill Gates' Lawyer

  • Outlining the investigative steps defense attorneys take when representing clients accused of DUI.
  • Analyzing the legal intricacies involved in challenging blood test results.
  • Emphasizing the importance of thorough research into the officer's conduct and the testing procedures.
• 01:07:07

  The Dark Truth Behind OWI Cases: Insight from an Attorney's Perspective

  • Discussion of proprietary code in machines used for monitoring OWI offenders, limiting defense capabilities.
  • Insight into the pattern of repeat OWI offenders and the paradox of their driving habits.
  • Highlighting the importance of family support during sentencing to potentially shorten sentences for defendants.
• 01:15:48

  Byron Bowers and the Weight of History: Reflections on Race and Justice

  • Byron Bowers shares personal family stories linking modern experiences to historical events, including the invention of the cotton gin.
  • A discussion on the stark contrast between the criminal justice experiences of Black and white individuals.
  • The realization of America's young history in relation to systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.
• 01:13:47

  Mike and the Flawed Criminal Justice System: A Debate on Modern Implications

  • Discussion of the lack of fundamental changes in the U.S. criminal justice system post-slavery.
  • Mike expresses views on immigration and the potential for a more inclusive approach.
  • Concerns about how social constructs, such as gender identity, impact crime and prison dynamics.
• 01:56:12

  The Social Implications of Crime and the Role of Sociopathy Discussed by Experts

  • Analysis of sociopathic behavior among inmates and its connection to poor apologies.
  • Mike articulates the challenges faced by judges in assessing the sincerity of defendants.
  • Debate on whether criminal behaviors stem from nature or nurture, with a consensus leaning towards nurture.
• 01:13:47

  The Dark Psychology of Criminal Defense: Insights from an Attorney on Serial Killers like Jeffrey Dahmer

  • Discussion on whether individuals like Jeffrey Dahmer are born evil despite having stable childhoods.
  • The role of a criminal defense attorney requires understanding the personal histories of clients to effectively represent them.
  • The necessity of coaching clients on genuine apology and accountability in interactions with the judicial system.
• 02:23:18

  From Law to Laughter: A Comedian's Journey Through the Criminal Justice System

  • The conversation reveals the transition from criminal defense to stand-up comedy and the emotional toll of the profession.
  • Exploration of the challenges faced in getting onto stage at iconic venues like The Comedy Store.
  • Reflections on the moral dilemmas faced by attorneys representing heinous criminals while maintaining professionalism.
• 01:39:09

  The Comedy Store's Golden Age: Legends Unite with Joey Diaz, Bill Burr, and Ron White

  • A star-studded lineup at The Comedy Store featuring comedians like Joey Diaz, Bill Burr, Chris D'Elia, and Ron White.
  • The vibrant atmosphere and packed audiences are highlighted, marking an unprecedented time in stand-up comedy.
  • The success of comedians transitioning from employees to headliners, exemplified by Ari Shafir and Duncan Trussell, showcases the unique culture of The Comedy Store.
• 01:42:15

  Thriving Comedy Scene: Mike Schmidt and the Rise of New Talent Amidst Competitive Pressure

  • Increased competition in the comedy scene leads to higher standards, with younger comedians striving to stand out.
  • The mention of 'Roast Battle' as a platform where unknown comedians deliver exceptional performances and humorous content.
  • Mike Schmidt engages with the audience on the significance of practice, drive, and the enjoyment of comedy during a lively Fourth of July.