The Smokin' Gavel

Episode 21 concludes Season 1 of our podcast with the unforgettable story of Peppy Hoedown, a horse who participated in the Suicide Race of the Omak Stampede. We'll hear what happens at the second contempt hearing of Carl Stocker in True Justice and listeners will get a preview of our upcoming Season 2.

In Episode 20 our first podcast guest, Bethany Alhaidari, the executive director of our local domestic violence protection advocacy organization, shares her battle for custody of her daughter and describes the services available to battered women in our area.

Episode 19 explains why domestic violence is a true crime and a silent epidemic. In True Justice Stocker reacts to the first contempt order, and Arnie decides whether to represent the accused cop killer.

In Episode 18, we hear about how Judge Chip's first experience with domestic violence ended in murder. In True Justice, Arnie and Stephanie meet Arturo Azul in jail.

In Episode 17, Judge Small shares a story about the inherent risks involved when judges go out into their communities. In True Justice, Arnie meets Stocker for the first time and Arnie seeks advice from his dad.

Episode 16 explains how and why criminal defendants plead guilty to crimes they say they didn't commit and Judge Small shares how he tried not to become jaded during his almost 27 years on the bench. In True Justice, Arturo and Lupe video call and Arnie gets played by Katherine at the tennis club.

Episode 15 focuses on the sentencing of Linda Miller, her appeal and the final outcome of her case are shared by the judge. In Chapter 13 of True Justice Stephanie asks Arnie to be her co-counsel for Arturo Azul, the accused cop killer.

Episode 14 recounts unforgettable moments during the trial of Linda Miller and fifty-fifty ball rulings by the judge. Chapter 12 of True Justice covers Arturo Azul's first appearance in court.

Episode 13 "Wenatchee Sex Ring Case" Part Two: Was the defendant's confession admissible and was she entitled to an expert that would tell the jurors why some people falsely confess?

The judge's view from the bench of one of the so-called Wenatchee Sex Ring cases begins in Episode 12. Chapter 10 of True Justice continues the search for Arturo Azul.

In Episode 11, Judge Small shares how a drunk driver made him a better judge and the search for Arturo Azul continues in True Justice.

In Episode 10 Judge Small shares why our podcast is called The Smokin' Gavel Podcast and Arnie Adams discovers the legal system doesn't always provide true justice.

In Episode 9, the listener learns that attorney Arnie Adams doesn't limit himself to just one woman as the story of True Justice continues. Judge Small also explains why judges are more like college presidents than attorneys.

Episode 8 relates the true story of how violence almost erupted in Judge Small's chambers because casual sex has its consequences. Listeners will also hear about the cop killer's romantic side in True Justice.

Episode 7 Judge Small begins to share stories about the truly evil people he has encountered during his extensive legal career. Listeners will also find out what happens to Officer Hernández during his encounter with Arturo Azul as we continue the story of True Justice. 

In Episode 6, the listener will find out why our justice system may not be perfect, but it is better than the alternative. Judge Small candidly explains the difference between innocent and not guilty. We also continue the story of True Justice.

Episode 5 involves two of the most difficult tasks for a trial judge: presiding over a capital trial and signing a Judgement and Sentence that orders the defendant to be executed.Judge Small will discuss the death penalty from a trial judge's perspective. We will then continue the story of True Justice. 

Episode 4 continues the story behind the writing of True Justice, and Judge T.W. (Chip) Small, Ret’d, shares how hot his Smokin' Gavel was during his career. The listener will also hear the beginning of True Justice. From the bench to the mic. Real stories. Real perspective. Real justice.

Episode 3 continues the story behind the stories.Judge T.W. (Chip) Small, Ret’d, shares what real crime inspired him to write True Justice, and he also shares his more colorful observation why judges are like gnats to the trial lawyer: sometimes irritating and annoying, but always part of the process whether the attorneys like it or not.From the bench to the mic. Real stories. Real perspective. Real justice.

Episode 2 takes a deeply personal turn.Judge T.W. (Chip) Small, Ret’d, shares the true events that inspired his first novel, Stark Justice. And then, a moment no judge expects. A killer sets his sights on the judge and his family.In this episode, you’ll hear:• The real-life experiences that became the foundation for Stark Justice• What happens when the threat of violence moves beyond the courthouse• A preview of the powerful cases and true crime stories still to comeFrom the bench to the mic. Real stories. Real risk. Real justice.judgesmallbooks.com

The premiere episode introduces you to award-winning Judge T.W. (Chip) Small, Ret'd, alongside Bailiff Madeline Rose.After serving 27 years as a Superior Court Judge, Judge Small shares why he believes now is the time to speak directly to the public. What compels a retired judge to step behind a microphone? A desire to bring clarity, context, and candid truth to conversations about crime, courts, and the justice system.This first episode covers:• Why this podcast is worth your time• What inspired Judge Small to launch it• What’s ahead, including true crime discussions and a no-holds-barred look at how the justice system really worksExpect transparent, authentic, and honest conversations from someone who’s seen it all from the bench.judgesmallbooks.com