EP 89 Bottoms Up

The JudgeMental Podcast – Episode 89 Bottoms UpThe hosts crack open a Mirror Twin Bee Sting Honey Hefeweizen and dive into a packed Friday episode covering judicial accountability, transparency, and the courtroom drama unfolding right here in Jefferson County.In This Episode:Oldham County Bench ShakeupDistrict Court Judge Brittany McKenna has resigned mid-term after filing for reelection — and it barely made the news cycle. Hugh and Christine weigh in on why sitting judges step down, the economics of judicial service, and what this transition could mean as Oldham County moves toward its new judicial center.Judge Ward's Courtroom & Court WatchersMembers of the Judge-y community reported being kicked out of Judge Ward's Zoom motion hour — allegedly forced to turn on their cameras or get booted. Hugh and Christine break down why this is a deeply troubling trend, why open court should remain open (including for students, nanas, and anyone paying taxes), and what it says when a judge seems more concerned with who is watching than what is happening.The 180-Day Mom CaseCommunity members report being removed from Zoom court right as the "180-day mom" case was called. Hugh and Christine discuss the ongoing pattern, the motion that allegedly wasn't served on opposing counsel or the GAL, and why the coverup is always worse than the original issue.Jefferson County's Docket ProblemA broader conversation about docket management, judicial efficiency, and the stark contrast between how Louisville-area judges run their courts versus judges across the rest of Kentucky. Spoiler: it's not a caseload problem.Julie Reczek & GAL BillingA community member flagged that a GAL has billed over $30,000 in less than four months and filed three CPS reports for "emotional abuse." Hugh and Christine discuss what neutral witnesses should (and shouldn't) be posting publicly — and how putting your worldview out there professionally has professional consequences.Connect with the Show:Visit us at judge-y.comFollow us on social: @JudgingthejudgesRate, review, and join the Judge-y community on the Judge-y appLEGAL DISCLAIMERThe content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.