The Alternate: Inside America's Biggest Trials
by Mama Margot Productions LLC
You’ve been summoned. Set your bias aside and take a seat in the jury box—The Alternate brings you inside America’s biggest trials, one season at a time. Hosted by Mama Margot, attorney, veteran, and creator of the hit podcast Military Murder, and Tabitha Kane, business owner and co-host of the hit podcast Housewives of True Crime, this daily podcast delivers serialized, (day of) trial-by-trial coverage in 30 minutes or less. Each season follows a single high-profile case (think Karen Read and Donna Adelson) from opening statement to verdict. No pretrial noise. No media spin. Just the facts revealed in open court—emotions included. Whether you’re tuning in daily or bingeing from the start, Margot and Tabitha are your eyes and ears in the courtroom. Follow The Alternate: Inside America’s Bigg
Episodes
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 9
Returning from CrimeCon, she shares how news broke mid-flight: Donna was found guilty on all counts. Margot reviews the prosecution’s “death by a thousand cuts” narrative, highlighting motive, money, and connections, contrasted with the defense’s claim of speculation and reasonable doubt. After...
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 8
Day 8 of the Donna Adelson trial closed out the defense’s case with unusual twists and tense testimony. A possible jailhouse witness was floated but never called, leaving unanswered questions. Wendy Adelson’s divorce attorney, Kristen Addison, testified that the divorce was not contentious…
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 7
On Day 7, key witnesses take the stand, including Ann Cunningham, Donna's best friend, who shares insights into their close-knit relationship and the events surrounding Dan Markell's tragic death. Ron Gutterson, Ann's partner, provides testimony on the Adelsons' family dynamics, while digital...
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 6
Day 6 of the Donna Adelson trial brought more wiretap revelations and tense courtroom moments. Special Agent Patrick Sanford wrapped up his testimony after days of difficult-to-hear recordings, capturing Donna’s fears and escape plans to Vietnam via Dubai. Evidence revealed her refusal to…
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 5
It’s Day 5 of the Donna Adelson trial, and Agent Sanford returned to the stand as the jury endured hours of difficult wiretap audio. Prosecutors presented transcripts from key conversations, including Charlie Adelson’s lengthy rants with Katie MagBanua about the “bump,” coded messages, and...
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 4
Day four of the Donna Adelson trial focused on testimony from Sergeant Christopher Corbitt, who detailed phone records linking the Adelson family. The prosecution showed a consistent call sequence between Donna, Charlie Adelson, Katherine Magbanua, and hitman Sigfredo Garcia, highlighting Donna’s...
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 3
Day 3 of the Donna Adelson trial brought the Adelson exes out of the woodwork - Jeffrey Lacasse testified - he dated Wendi and June testified and she dated Charlie. We also heard from a financial investigator and a cell phone expert. But the most explosive testimony came from one of the...
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 2
Day 2 of the Donna Adelson trial brought explosive testimony from her children Wendy Adelson and Dr. Robert Adelson. Investigators presented emails showing Donna’s heavy involvement in Wendy’s divorce from Dan Markel, underscoring her hostility toward him. Wendy, granted immunity, portrayed…
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FL v. Donna Adelson // Day 1
On day one of the Donna Adelson trial, Assistant State Attorney Sarah Kathryn Dugan delivered the prosecution’s powerful opening, alleging the 75-year-old matriarch orchestrated the 2014 murder of law professor Dan Markel amid a bitter custody dispute. Evidence includes emails, wiretaps, and…
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Part 2 - Dan Markel Murder: Divorce, Custody Battle, Donna Adelson & Fatal Plot
In this special prelude to Season 4 of The Alternate, Tab and Margot set the stage for the highly anticipated trial of Florida vs. Donna Adelson. Before day one begins, we revisit the chilling case of Dan Markel’s murder and explain how it connects directly to Donna Adelson now standing trial....
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Part 1 - Dan Markel Murder: Divorce, Custody Battle, Donna Adelson & Fatal Plot
In this special prelude to Season 4 of The Alternate, Tab and Margot set the stage for the highly anticipated trial of Florida vs. Donna Adelson. Before day one begins, we revisit the chilling case of Dan Markel’s murder and explain how it connects directly to Donna Adelson now standing trial....
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Verdict
A jury found former Navy JAG Nicholas Kassotis guilty on all 12 charges - including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealment of death, possession of a weapon during a felony, removal of body parts, and tampering with evidence - all unanimously. Immediately following the...
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 7 & 8
On day 7 of Georgia vs. Nicholas Kasotis, the defendant—also known as Nicholas Stark—took the stand, recounting his military and legal career, failed first marriage, and whirlwind romance with second wife Mindy. He described alleged FBI involvement by “Jim McIntyre,” frequent moves, and financial...
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 6
Nicholas Kassotis’s first wife, Heather Thomas, testified they’d been married six years, separated without children due to her fertility issues, and that he never paid the $1.5 million divorce judgment—she denied infidelity despite his beliefs. Mindi’s matron of honor, Angela Wynn, said Kassotis...
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 5
On Day 5 of the Nicholas Kassotis trial, jurors saw a video of his second police interview, where detectives accused him of lying about an FBI handler and his wife Mindi’s supposed stroke. He denied harming her and offered to take a polygraph. A GBI toolmarks expert testified the knife found near...
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 4
Day four of the Nicholas Kassotis trial featured forensic entomologist Dr. Edward Mondor, who estimated Mindi Kassotis died between Nov. 27–30, 2022, contradicting the Dec. 1 hospital-death claim. Friend Morgan Paddock described Mindi’s paranoia, use of encrypted Signal chats, and months-long...
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 3
Betsy Mebane (Mindi Mebane Kassotis’ mother) and her husband Frank Mebane III said Mindi and Kassotis frequently moved and lived in fear. Betsy wept when Nicholas Kassotis phoned to say Mindi had suffered a stroke and was “not coming home.” She and Frank believed him and later received emails...
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 2
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Keith Lehman described Mindi Kassotis's brutal injuries - nine head lacerations, skull fracture, chest and abdominal trauma, and signs of defensive wounds. The body was nearly drained of blood, leaving only liver tissue for toxicology, which revealed non-lethal levels…
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The Dismembered Wife Trial // GA v Nicholas Kassotis // Day 1
Step inside the courtroom as we break down the pivotal moments in the trial of Georgia vs. Nicholas Kassotis. From opening statements to key witness testimonies, this episode unpacks the legal strategies, emotional turns, and the broader impact of this high-profile case... ---- Join our Jury Pool…
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Heartfelt Testimonies: Bryan Kohberger Case
In today’s episode, Margot unpacks the powerful victim impact statements delivered by the surviving roommates of the Idaho student murders. Bryan Kohberger, who was convicted of killing four Idaho college students in 2022, now faces the raw emotions of those left behind. Margot shares haunting...
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Inside the Courtroom: The Guilty Plea of Bryan Kohberger
Join Margot today as she delve into the courtroom drama surrounding Bryan Kohberger's guilty plea in the quadruple murder case of Idaho college students. Discover the intense atmosphere, the legal maneuvers, and the emotional impact on the victims' families. We explore the plea agreement, the...
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Crystal Rogers Case: Verdict and Justice - Part 2
In this gripping episode, we delve into the long-awaited trial of Brooks Hauke and Joseph Lawson, accused in the disappearance and murder of Crystal Rogers. A mother of five, Crystal vanished in 2015, leaving a community haunted by her absence. Now, a decade later, justice is finally within…
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Crystal Rogers Case: Verdict and Justice - Part 1
In this gripping episode, we delve into the long-awaited trial of Brooks Hauke and Joseph Lawson, accused in the disappearance and murder of Crystal Rogers. A mother of five, Crystal vanished in 2015, leaving a community haunted by her absence. Now, a decade later, justice is finally within…
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Preppy Party Murder Trial - CT vs Raul Valle (Death of James "Jimmy" McGarth)
In this episode of The Alternate, we dive into the Preppy Party Murder Trial of Raul “Lido” Valet, accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Jimmy McGrath at a chaotic high school party in Shelton, Connecticut. The episode examines key witness testimonies, legal arguments from both sides, and the...
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The Sean Combs Trial - Week 8 - Diddy’s Split Verdict
On today’s episode of The Alternate, Tabitha breaks down the dramatic split verdict in the Sean "Diddy" Combs civil trial. The jury found Diddy liable on several counts, while clearing him on others - creating a whirlwind of public reaction and legal speculation. We unpack what this mixed outcome...
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Karen Read reTrial - The Aftermath
In this episode, we dive into what’s unfolded since the stunning verdict in the Karen Read case. We cover: Statements from jurors and what they revealed about deliberations The DA’s response and Hank Brennan's official statement post verdict Reaction from Karen Read’s defense team Comments from…
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The Sean Combs Trial - Week 7 // Closing Arguments & Official Verdict Watch
Welcome to the Alternate! This week, Margot recaps week seven of the Sean Combs federal trial. Week 7 also brought closing arguments and when week 8 kicks off we will officially be on verdict watch. The prosecution said even one freak-off can equate to sex trafficking if coercion was used. The...
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The Sean Combs Trial - Week 6 // Sex Tapes & $46k in Damages
Welcome to The Alternate! This week, Margot recaps week six of Sean “Diddy” Combs' federal trial, a week filled with explicit evidence, juror drama, and damaging testimony. Prosecutors introduced sex tapes, hotel records showing tens of thousands in damages, and a detailed timeline of Freak Offs...
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Karen Read Retrial - Karen Read NOT GUILTY on 3 Original Charges!
On this emotional final episode covering the Karen Read retrial, Margot breaks down the jury’s dramatic verdict: not guilty on all major charges- second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene. Karen was convicted only of OUI and sentenced to probation. Margot recounts tense...
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The Lori Vallow Daybell Trial - Doomsday Mom
Lori Vallow Daybell, already serving multiple life sentences for the 2019 murders of her two children, Tammy Daybell, and conspiracies involving Charles Vallow, was convicted on June 12, 2025 in Arizona of conspiring with her late brother Alex Cox to murder her niece’s ex‑husband, Brandon...
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The Sean Combs Trial - Week 5 - Kanye West Appears
Welcome to The Alternate! This week, Tab recaps week five of Sean “Diddy” Combs' federal trial, marked by intense testimony from “Jane,” Combs’ ex, detailing years of abuse, coercion, and “hotel nights.” Echoing earlier witness Cassie Ventura, Jane described emotional trauma, drug-fueled sex...
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Karen Read reTrial - Days 32 & 33 - Closing Arguments
On Day 33, closing arguments concluded a seven-week retrial over the 2022 death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe. Defense attorney Alan Jackson repeatedly asserted, “there was no collision,” arguing the case was tainted by misconduct from lead investigator Michael Proctor, pointing to his...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 31 - Details Matter
Today, Tab recaps Day 31 of the Karen Read retrial. The defense wrapped up with expert Dr. Rentschler testifying about biomechanical testing, crash dummies, and faulty reports used by the prosecution. Things got heated as Brennan cross-examined, but Rentschler held firm - debunking glancing blow...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 30 - Battle of the Experts
On Day 30 of the Karen Read retrial, courtroom tensions rose with gripping testimony from Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, who directly challenged the prosecution’s theory. She asserted that John O’Keefe died from blunt force trauma - not hypothermia - and claimed the injuries resembled animal bites, not...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 29 - Sidebar After Sidebar
Day 29 of the Karen Reed retrial was marked by significant courtroom drama, including a mistrial motion related to a sweatshirt and intense expert testimonies. The defense presented two key witnesses, Dr. Wolf and Dr. Lappasato, whose analyses raised questions about the prosecution's case... Join...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 28 - The Layered Taillight
Today, Margot discusses Day 28 of the Karen Read trial, focusing on the testimony of Dr. Daniel Wolf, an accident reconstruction expert. She details the various tests conducted by Dr. Wolf to challenge the prosecution's claims, highlighting the methodologies and results of these tests... Join our...
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The Sean Combs Trial - Week 4 - From "Freak Offs" to "Hotel Nights"
In week four of the Sean Combs federal trial, covering testimonies from June 2nd to June 6th, 2025, significant evidence and key witness accounts were presented. Returning witness Mia detailed her trauma and PTSD from working with Combs, while defense attorney Brian Steele challenged her...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 27 - No Body In the Snow
Today, Tab discusses Day 27 of the Karen Reed retrial, focusing on the testimonies of key witnesses including Brian Logren, a snow plow driver, and Karina Kolokithis, a Canton resident. Logren's observations during the night of the incident raise questions about the investigation, while…
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 26 - Sequestered
Today, Tab discusses the proceedings of Day 26 of the Karen Reed retrial, focusing on the testimonies of Dr. Marie Russell and Sergeant Nicholas Barrows. Dr. Russell faced intense cross-examination regarding her expertise on dog bites and the credibility of her testimony, while Sergeant Barrows...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 25 - 38,000 Texts
Day 25 of the Karen Read retrial featured intense testimony. Jonathan Demantis, a longtime friend of Trooper Proctor, confirmed Proctor’s firing over crude texts about Read, which the prosecution read aloud, including offensive remarks about her looks and MS. Officer Kelly Dever, a reluctant...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 24 - Does Prosecution Even Trust Their Own Reports?
It's Day 24 of the Karen Read retrial, and the defense finally took the stage. Forensic expert Matthew DiSorga challenged the prosecution's timeline, revealing discrepancies in vehicle phone data that could cast doubt on their theory. He claimed key data was cherry-picked and that there's no...
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The Sean Combs Trial - Week 3 - 40oz NOT to Freedom
Tab recap week three of the federal trial against music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The allegations include sex trafficking, racketeering, and abuse. Key testimonies include a former assistant claiming kidnapping at gunpoint, an LAPD officer recounting a break-in at Kid Cuddy's house, and emotional...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 23 - What If I Clipped Him In The Knee? The CW Rests
On Day 23 of Karen Read’s retrial, the prosecution rested its case after presenting 38 witnesses over six weeks. The final testimony came from crash reconstructionist Dr. Judson Welcher, who faced intense cross-examination regarding his methods. The prosecution concluded with a video clip from a...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 22 - $400k!!!
Today, Tab provides a detailed recap of Day 22 of the Karen Reed retrial, focusing on the testimony of Dr. Judson Welcher and the cross-examination by defense attorney Robert Alessi. The discussion highlights the complexities of the case, including the financial aspects of expert witness fees and...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 21 - Blue Paint Demo
Today, we are focusing on the testimony of Dr. Judson Welcher, an accident reconstructionist. The conversation covers the technical aspects of the case, including data analysis from the vehicle involved, the reconstruction of the collision, and the potential injuries sustained by the victim....
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The Sean Combs Trial Week 2 - 20k Extortion & a Molotov Cocktail
In the second week of Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, prosecutors presented 12 witnesses to support allegations of abuse and coercion. Singer Dawn Richard testified that Combs physically assaulted Cassie Ventura, including an incident involving a hot skillet....
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 20 - Raccoon Eyes…from a Back-of-Head Hit?
On Day 20 of Karen Read's retrial, neurosurgeon Dr. Izak Wolf testified that Boston police officer John O'Keefe's fatal head injuries were consistent with a backward fall on frozen ground, not an assault. He noted that the resulting brain trauma and hypothermia likely led to death within 24–48...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 19 - D’s Get Degrees
In today's episode, Tab recaps the latest developments in the Karen Read murder retrial. Defense attorney Robert Alessi resumed cross-examination of digital forensic analyst Shannon Burgess, challenging the synchronization of SUV Techstream data with John O’Keefe’s iPhone and highlighting...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 18 - Aperture Expert… or Total Sham?!
Today Margot kicks off Day 18 of the Karen Reed trial, recapping testimony from three experts. DNA specialist Nicholas Bradford revealed a mixed DNA sample on the SUV’s tail light that could include John O’Keefe but wasn’t a definitive match. Mitochondrial analyst Karl Miyasako matched a hair on...
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Karen Read reTrial - Day 17 - Mystery DNA 🤔
On Day 17 (May 16, 2025) of Karen Read’s retrial, Judge Cannone admonished jurors against expressive reactions. The prosecution replayed Karen’s video of finding a glass shard on John O’Keefe’s nose. DNA analyst Andre Porto testified that John’s DNA was on clothing, glass shards, and tail-light...
About this show
You’ve been summoned.
Set your bias aside and take a seat in the jury box—The Alternate brings you inside America’s biggest trials, one season at a time. Hosted by Mama Margot, attorney, veteran, and creator of the hit podcast Military Murder, and Tabitha Kane, business owner and co-host of the hit podcast Housewives of True Crime, this daily podcast delivers serialized, (day of) trial-by-trial coverage in 30 minutes or less.
Each season follows a single high-profile case (think Karen Read and Donna Adelson) from opening statement to verdict. No pretrial noise. No media spin. Just the facts revealed in open court—emotions included. Whether you’re tuning in daily or bingeing from the start, Margot and Tabitha are your eyes and ears in the courtroom.
Follow The Alternate: Inside America’s Bigg
Hosted by
Mama Margot Productions LLC
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