Our brain’s capacity for storing memories is the foundation for our learning and relationships, as well as witness testimonies. However, scientific research increasingly suggests just how unreliable this mental archive actually is. Join David and groundbreaking psychologist Prof. Elizabeth Loftus as they detail her decades of work on the science of memory manipulation. Prof. Loftus explains the misinformation effect—how post-event information can distort recall—and shares her experience providing expert testimony in high-profile trials. They discuss how her research directly impacts modern interrogation techniques, offers critical lessons on separating verifiable fact from implanted suggestion, and forces us to rethink how we handle memory in all areas of life.

In a world driven by conflict, nearly all of our high-stakes problems—from criminal justice to corporate mergers—are resolved not by a dramatic victory, but by negotiation and compromise. David sits down with Karin Houston, an FBI Crisis and Hostage Negotiator, to explore this fundamental truth. Karin reveals the little-known skills that link the courtroom to the crisis zone. What shared techniques are used when a prosecutor is hammering out a plea deal and when a negotiator is trying to de-escalate an armed standoff? Tune in to learn how to identify common expectations, manage emotional pressure, and secure mutually acceptable terms in your own life's most challenging conversations.

Mental state and mental health are central to our legal systems, as well as our very perception of accountability. From serious “crimes of passion” to daily interactions, our mental state is used to excuse or mitigate our actions, and our attitudes towards its connection with accountability are anything but consistent. Lisa Witcher, a forensic psychologist, explains what makes us fit to stand trial and how to strike a balance between holding people accountable and understanding their circumstances.