PODCAST · science
Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science
by Gap Science
Welcome to Forensics Unfiltered, where we uncover real-life stories and challenges of the forensic world. Hosts Ashley Church and Erin West from Gap Science share the highs, lows, and lessons from their careers, offering insights to help you avoid pitfalls, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. With no topic off-limits, a dash of colorful language, and dark humor, this podcast delivers raw honesty and a refreshing take on forensic science. Tune in for relatable advice and unfiltered truth!
Episodes
-
🧠 What We Learned from Mental Health Awareness Month in Forensics
JOIN THE MENTAL HEALTH IN FORENSICS SUMMIT VIP WAIT LIST We’re closing out our Mental Health Awareness Series with a reflection on everything this month has brought into focus. Over the past several episodes, we’ve revisited conversations around burnout, trauma exposure, leadership pressure,...
-
68. Case Reopened: When It’s Time to Let Go of Your Forensic Career (MHA Series)
What happens when the job you built your identity around is no longer sustainable to stay in? As part of our Mental Health Awareness Series, we’re revisiting a deeply honest conversation with forensic supervisor Alice White about one of the hardest decisions in the profession: walking away from a...
-
67. Case Reopened: Leaving the Agency Doesn’t Mean You Failed (MHA Series)
In forensic science, changing agencies or leaving a position can feel strangely personal… almost like admitting failure. As part of our Mental Health Awareness Series, we’re revisiting an honest conversation about career changes in forensics and why so many professionals feel pressured to stay...
-
66. Case Reopened: The Long Road Out of Burnout and Back to Myself (MHA Series)
What does it actually look like to come out the other side of burnout in forensic science? In this episode of our Mental Health Awareness Series, Kat Pope shares her deeply personal journey through burnout, PTSD, and the long process of rebuilding herself while still working in the forensic…
more -
65. Case Reopened: The Burnout Culture We Normalized in Forensics (MHA Series)
As part of our Mental Health Awareness Series, we’re revisiting a conversation we had about burnout in forensic science (and the workplace culture that quietly normalizes it). In many forensic units, burnout doesn’t happen all at once. It slowly builds through constant overwhelm, understaffing,...
-
64. Case Reopened: What Work/Life Balance? The Job That Follows You Home (MHA Series)
What really happens when the demands of your forensic career begin to extend beyond the job itself? As part of our Mental Health Awareness Series, we’re revisiting our unfiltered conversation about work/life balance in forensics (and what it actually looks like behind the scenes!). From on-call...
-
63. Case Reopened: The Cost of Ignoring the Warning Signs, Part 2 (MHA Series)
How many warning signs do we miss before our bodies force us to pay attention? As part of our Mental Health Awareness Series, we’re revisiting Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Jason Cole. In Part 1, Jason shared the culture many forensic professionals know all too well: long hours…
more -
62. Case Reopened: The Cost of Ignoring the Warning Signs, Part 1 (MHA Series)
“I haven’t been to the doctor in 18 years.” As part of our Mental Health Awareness Series, we’re revisiting this powerful two-part conversation with Jason Cole. In this episode, Jason walks through the early stages of his career, from law enforcement to crime scene investigations to latent print...
-
61. Case Reopened: The Scene That Changed Everything I Thought I Knew About Safety (MHA series)
What happens when you’re standing at a “routine” crime scene… and don’t realize you’re in the middle of an active shooter encounter? In this powerful Mental Health Awareness series episode, we're taking you back to when CSI Supervisor Letty Ramirez shared the moment her career as well as her...
-
60. Case Reopened: The Scenes That Stay With You, Part 2 (MHA Series)
At some point, coping stops being enough. In Part 2 of our Mental Health Awareness Month kickoff, Matt Davis continues his story. This time focusing on what happens after years of exposure to trauma in forensic work begin to accumulate. He opens up about burnout, the limits of informal coping...
-
59. Case Reopened: The Scenes That Stay With You, Part 1 (MHA Series)
Some scenes don’t stay locked away in the case folder. They follow you. In the kickoff episode of our Mental Health Awareness Month series, we sit down with Matt Davis, a forensic professional whose career includes crime scene investigation, latent print examination, and supervision. Matt walks…
more -
🧠 Kicking Off Mental Health Awareness Month in Forensics
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in this episode, we’re kicking off a series of conversations that have been part of our mission since the very beginning. Mental health in forensics isn’t something we started talking about recently. It’s been a core part of our Forensic Supervision…
more -
58. Mid-Career Crisis in Forensics: Why It Happens and What to Do Next
At some point in your forensic career, the adrenaline fades. You start to ask yourself... Why doesn't this feel the same? Why am I not as energized? Do I need to leave the field? In this episode, we break down the warning signs, the psychology behind mid-career dissatisfaction, and practical…
more -
57. AI in Forensic Science: What This Technology Really Means for Daily Forensic Work
AI is showing up in forensic science whether we feel ready for it or not. In this episode, we have an honest conversation about AI in forensic science and why it creates so much discomfort inside forensic units. Not because forensic professionals are resistant to change, but because we care…
more -
56. The Boundaries We Wish We Set Sooner in Our Forensic Careers
In this episode, we share our personal experiences with burnout in forensic careers and how we learned the hard way that boundaries aren’t just optional—they’re essential. From missed lunches and sleepless nights to the way overworking can strain your relationships and your health, we talk…
more -
55. How Mini-Adventures Create Joy and Prevent Burnout in Our Forensic Careers
Our forensic careers ask a lot of us—emotionally, mentally, and personally. In this episode, we break down how burnout develops in forensic work, why so many of us don’t recognize it until it’s already impacting our lives, and what sustainable career boundaries actually look like. We share...
-
54. Our End-of-Year in Reflection: Sustainable Goal Setting for Forensic Professionals
This episode, we get personal. We reflect on our year in forensic business and professional life, sharing what we learned about sustainable goal setting, balancing personal health, and building a thriving career without burning out. From pivoting products to reaching new audiences, tackling...
-
53. Building Resiliency to On-the-Job Stress for Improved Productivity with RENEE SOUZA
In this episode of the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit, we dive into the crucial topic of forensic team resiliency with expert Renee Souza. Learn why building resilience is essential for forensic professionals who face trauma and stress daily—and how supervisors can support their teams to…
more -
52. Strategies for Motivating Your Team to Reach Ambitious Goals with JENN MEAD
In this episode of the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit, Jennifer Meade—an experienced evidence unit supervisor and trailblazer—shares her top strategies for how to motivate a forensic team. From gaining genuine buy-in on major projects to boosting forensic team morale without extra budget,...
-
51. Using Statistics to Optimize Team Performance with COURTNEY LOZANO
Feeling like your team is constantly overwhelmed, but struggling to prove it to leadership? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Courtney Lozano, Interim Manager at the Dallas Police Department, to talk about how she built a simple, no-budget stats tracking system that transformed her forensic...
-
50. Embracing Growth: Transformative Mindset Strategies for Forensic Supervisors with NAKIA PORTER
What happens when a forensic professional shifts from “this is how we’ve always done it” to “how can we grow from this”? In this episode of Forensics Unfiltered, we sit down with Nakia Porter—Supervising Forensic Identification Specialist with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department—to…
more -
49. Supervising Beyond Your Specialty: Fast-Tracking Your Understanding of a New Forensic Unit with CHRIS DECKER
What do you do when you’re suddenly in charge of a forensic unit you’ve never worked in? In this episode of Forensics Unfiltered, we sit down with Chris Decker, Forensic Laboratory Supervisor at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, to talk about the real challenges (and opportunities!) of...
-
48. Using Your Leverage to Empower Your Forensic Team with COACH LISA
In this episode of Forensics Unfiltered, we sit down with Coach Lisa Gilbert from No-Nonsense Training Solutions to talk about one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) tools in your leadership toolbox: leverage. Coach Lisa shares what leverage really means, how forensic supervisors can build…
more -
47. Exploring the Future of Forensic Science with BECCA NICK and WALTER HILLER
What happens when two professionals take completely different paths into forensics and end up helping shape cutting-edge technology at a global company? You get a refreshingly candid conversation about the future of forensic science, the challenges of innovation, and the people driving change...
-
46. Why Forensic Leadership Development Isn’t Just About Technical Skills with COACH LISA (Part 2 of 2)
Leadership in forensic science isn't just about knowing your technical stuff — it's about navigating human dynamics, handling tough conversations, and inspiring your team under pressure. In this powerful two-part series, we dive deep into the real skills forensic professionals need to lead with...
-
45. Why Forensic Leadership Development Isn’t Just About Technical Skills with COACH LISA (Part 1 of 2)
Leadership in forensic science isn't just about knowing your technical stuff — it's about navigating human dynamics, handling tough conversations, and inspiring your team under pressure. In this powerful two-part series, we dive deep into the real skills forensic professionals need to lead with...
-
44. The Real Challenges of Evidence Room Management with DANIELLE WAMSTAD and KELLY O'DONNELL
A mislabeled item. An overwhelmed tech. A missing chain of custody. In this episode, we dive into the real reasons why evidence rooms fall apart—and how supervisors can step in with smarter systems, stronger boundaries, and better support for their teams. Links from today's episode: Learn more…
more -
43. Breaking the Silence: Crime Scene Trauma, Ketamine Therapy, and Mental Health in Forensics with MATT DAVIS (Part 2 of 2)
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Discussion of Officer Suicide This post contains discussions about police officer suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a mental health professional or a trusted resource. You can call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7....
-
42. Breaking the Silence: Crime Scene Trauma, Ketamine Therapy, and Mental Health in Forensics with MATT DAVIS (Part 1 of 2)
Forensic professionals face some of the toughest challenges—exposure to trauma, high-stakes decisions, and the emotional toll of the job. But how can you safeguard your mental and physical well-being while continuing to do the work you love? In this two-part series, we dive deep in this interview...
-
41. Essential Tools for Recruiting Top-Tier Trainees with ALICE WHITE (2024 Forensic Trainer Symposium)
Join Alice White, an expert in the field of latent prints, as she discusses how you can redesign your new hire selection process to bring higher quality candidates into your department. Links from today's episode: Learn more from Alice White: https://evolveforensics.com/ Grab the replays from…
more -
40. Training with Purpose: Crafting Exercises for Maximum Impact with DR. HEIDI SIEVERS (2024 Forensic Trainer Symposium)
Join Dr. Heidi Sievers, a Bloodstain Pattern Expert, as she discusses how you can design training exercises that are impactful and enhance the learning experience. Links from today's episode: Learn more from Dr. Heidi Sievers: https://www.sieversforensics.com/ Grab the replays from the Forensic...
-
39. Behind the Scenes of The Proper Seal: A Forensic Blog with AMANDA LLOYD
Welcome to the world of forensic science with a stylish twist! Today, we dive into the inspiring journey of Amanda Lloyd, the creator behind The Proper Seal blog, where there's "evidence that life can be simple yet chic". If you've ever though about starting your own forensic blog, this episode…
more -
38. 🎉 5 Years with Gap Science: Stories, Successes, Flops and Insights - Part 2 of 2
🎙️ 5 Years with Gap Science: Stories, Successes, Flops, and Insights – Part 2 | Forensics Unfiltered 🎙️ In this special two-part series, we’re celebrating Gap Science’s 5-year anniversary by reflecting on the highs, lows, and everything in between from our journey as forensic professionals and...
-
37. 🎉 5 Years with Gap Science: Stories, Successes, Flops and Insights - Part 1 of 2
🎙️ 5 Years with Gap Science: Stories, Successes, Flops, and Insights – Part 1 🎙️ Join us as we kick off our 5-year anniversary celebration of Gap Science in this special two-part podcast series! In Part 1, we dive into the origin story of Gap Science, reflecting on key milestones, challenges…
more -
34. Introvert’s Guide to Conquer Public Speaking with JOHN BLACK (2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit)
You made it to the last episode of this 6-part series! We're excited to bring you "Introvert’s Guide to Conquer Public Speaking" with John Black. John, the owner of Black and White Forensics, shares his expertise on helping introverts excel in public speaking. This episode is part of our special...
-
33. How Women in Law Enforcement Can Have Confident Conversations with Dr. HEIDI SIEVERS (2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit)
Almost to the end of this 6-part series! In this episode, we're featuring "How Women in Law Enforcement Can Have Confident Conversations" with Dr. Heidi Sievers. Dr. Sievers, founder of Sievers Forensics, shares her insights on fostering confident communication in law enforcement. This episode is...
-
32. Navigating Crucial Conversations Like a Pro with CORNITA RILEY (2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit)
We're halfway through our special series showcasing interviews from the 2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit! In this episode, we explore "Navigating Crucial Conversations Like a Pro" with Chief Cornita Riley. Chief Riley, author of 'How to Break The Glass Ceiling & Still Keep it Nice' and...
-
31. Building Stronger Teams Through Effective One-on-One Meetings with STEVE GARDNER (2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit Summit)
Let's continue on with the Summit Series! We're featuring "Building Stronger Teams Through Effective One-on-One Meetings" with Steve Gardner. Steve, the creator of SuiteLIMS, shares his strategies for using individualized meetings to enhance team cohesion and performance. This episode is part of...
-
30. Bridging Communication Gaps in Blended Teams (Sworn & Civilian) with JOSH MOTT (2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit)
- BIG MILESTONE - It's our big 3-0! That's right, 30 episodes of Forensics Unfiltered and for some reason this feels like cause for celebration. Thanks for being here with us as we dive into "Bridging Communication Gaps in Blended Teams (Sworn & Civilian" with Josh Mott. Josh shares his insights…
more -
29. No Nonsense Rules for Conflict Management with COACH LISA (2023 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit)
In this episode, Erin sits down with Coach Lisa, the dynamic CEO and visionary behind No-Nonsense Training Solutions. Dive into "No Nonsense Rules for Conflict Management" as Coach Lisa shares practical, actionable strategies for handling conflict with finesse. And great news! Coach Lisa will be...
-
28. Pros and Cons of Large Agencies and Two-Person Teams with GABRIELLE WIMER
In this episode we bring you an insightful conversation with Gabrielle Wimer, recorded live at the 2023 International Association for Identification Conference. Gabrielle, host of "The Walls Do Talk" podcast and a speaker at our Forensic Trainer Symposium, shares her experiences working in both...
-
27. Is Government Contracting the Forensic Career Path for You? Insights from MICHAEL KESSLER
In this episode of the Forensics Unfiltered Podcast, we're diving into the world of government contracting for forensic professionals with our special guest, Michael Kessler. Many forensic experts overlook this exciting career path, but Kessler is here to change that! We break down: how he...
-
26. Want to Start a Forensic Business? DR. HEIDI SIEVERS Shares Her Journey and Advice for New Entrepreneurs
🎙️ Forensics Unfiltered: Starting a Forensic Business with Dr. Heidi Sievers 🎙️ We’re back after a short break with an inspiring interview you don’t want to miss! In this episode of Forensics Unfiltered, we sit down with Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Dr. Heidi Sievers to uncover her remarkable...
-
25. Rethinking Training Methods (Part 2 of 2) with Glenn and Eric from THE DOUBLE LOOP PODCAST
Join us as we continue on a two-part series on forensic training with special guests Glenn Langenburg and Eric Ray, co-founders of The Double Loop Podcast, in front of a live audience. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the vital role of training programs within the forensic community.…
more -
24. Rethinking Training Methods (Part 1 of 2) with Glenn and Eric from THE DOUBLE LOOP PODCAST
Join us as we kick off a two-part series on forensic training with special guests Glenn Langenburg and Eric Ray, co-founders of The Double Loop Podcast, in front of a live audience. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the vital role of training programs within the forensic community. Glenn...
-
23. Shedding Light on the Most Overlooked High-Risk Unit with JENNIFER MEAD
In this episode, we're diving into the world of the most overlooked high-risk unit in law enforcement agencies and state labs: the Evidence Unit! Despite being a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, Evidence Units are often neglected in terms of staffing, training, and equipment. Join us...
-
22. Why Is It Important for the Forensic Field To Be More Standardized with BRIANNE BREEDLOVE
🎙️ Happy 2024! Standardization in the Forensic Field: A Conversation with Brianne Breedlove 🎙️ We’re kicking off the new year with a topic that has sparked a lot of conversation in the forensic community: standardization in the forensic field. This polarizing subject generated plenty of buzz as...
-
21. Confessions of a Sworn Lieutenant Working Over a Civilian Forensic Unit with BRYAN MACY
🎙️ From Patrol Officer to Sworn Lieutenant: Lt. Bryan Macy’s 30-Year Law Enforcement Journey 🎙️ Join us for an engaging conversation with seasoned law enforcement veteran Lt. Bryan Macy, who takes us on a rollercoaster ride through his 30-year career. From the beat of a patrol officer to...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Forensics Unfiltered, where we uncover real-life stories and challenges of the forensic world. Hosts Ashley Church and Erin West from Gap Science share the highs, lows, and lessons from their careers, offering insights to help you avoid pitfalls, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. With no topic off-limits, a dash of colorful language, and dark humor, this podcast delivers raw honesty and a refreshing take on forensic science. Tune in for relatable advice and unfiltered truth!
HOSTED BY
Gap Science
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science have?
Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science about?
Welcome to Forensics Unfiltered, where we uncover real-life stories and challenges of the forensic world. Hosts Ashley Church and Erin West from Gap Science share the highs, lows, and lessons from their careers, offering insights to help you avoid pitfalls, spark meaningful conversations, and drive...
How often does Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science release new episodes?
Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science?
You can listen to Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science?
Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science is created and hosted by Gap Science.
URL copied to clipboard!