The Judgmental Podcast – Two out of Four Ain't Bad?

Hosts: Hugh & Christine

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Hugh and Christine dive deep into the realities of judicial accountability and transparency in the court system. They discuss their recent “judicial roll call,” revealing surprising statistics about judge attendance and courtroom activity. The hosts share candid insights on the challenges of family court, the roles of GALs (Guardians ad Litem) and FOCs (Friends of the Court), and the systemic issues that arise from overworked court-appointed professionals.

Key Topics:

• Judicial roll call results: attendance rates and what they reveal about court operations.
• The workload and expectations of judges, including public salary transparency and vacation policies.
• The influence and accountability of GALs and FOCs, and the difficulty in tracking their appointments.
• The “path of least resistance” in court: how reports and recommendations shape outcomes.
• The importance of public records, campaign donations, and the need for greater transparency.
• Reflections on the challenges of filing judicial complaints and the effectiveness of oversight bodies.
• A featured “clip of the week” analyzing a judge’s reaction to a guilty plea in criminal court.
• The impact of social media and public perception on the judiciary.

Notable Moments:

• Shout-outs to judges who stood up for due process during the pandemic.
• Honest discussion about the realities of legal advocacy, client strategy, and the limits of the system.
• Calls to action for listeners to get involved, stay informed, and demand transparency from their courts.

Connect with Us:

• Website: judge-y.com
• Instagram: @kentuckychristine
• YouTube: Judging the Judges

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we continue to shine a light on the people and processes shaping our justice system!

The Judgmental Podcast – Episode 11: Courtroom Chronicles & Viral Judges

Join hosts Hugh and Christine, the minds behind Judge-y, as they dive into a week of courtroom observations, candid critiques, and sharp insights into the world of judicial accountability.

In This Episode:

• A breakdown of a viral judicial clip: Is courtroom advice performative or helpful?
• Firsthand experiences from visiting five different family court divisions in Louisville.
• Behind-the-scenes stories: From mistaken identities on Zoom to the realities of motion hour.
• Standout moments: Judge Laura Russell’s impressive courtroom control and efficiency.
• Systemic issues: Unprepared judges, missing case files, and the role of GALs and FOCs.
• A complex custody case spanning multiple jurisdictions, and why it’s one to watch.
• The importance of judicial transparency and the need for local media in courtrooms.

Key Takeaways:

• Not all judges are created equal—preparation and professionalism make a difference.
• The legal system’s quirks, from motion hour chaos to the hierarchy of attorneys and court staff.
• Why public scrutiny and media presence matter for accountability.

Get Involved:

• Have a story or want us to follow a particular case? Reach out at judgey.com.
• Follow us on YouTube and Instagram: @judgingthejudges

Tune in for unfiltered legal commentary, real courtroom stories, and a call for justice—one division at a time.

Episode 10 — Like, So Dramatic

Podcast: The Judgmental Podcast with Hugh & Christine

Theme: Judicial accountability, courtroom drama, and the politics of family court.

Episode Overview

In this candid conversation, Hugh and Christine pull back the curtain on the Louisville legal scene — from judges mentioning them in court to attorneys using TikTok posts as courtroom ammunition. They dissect recent courtroom encounters, questionable judicial rulings, and how strategy can make or break a case. The duo also reacts to viral courtroom clips, calls out systemic flaws, and examines the influence of money on court-ordered programs.

Key Topics & Segments

• When TikToks Make It Into the Court Record

o Christine shares stories of being name-dropped by judges, parenting coordinators, and

attorneys during active cases.

o How social media comments get twisted into legal leverage.

• The Alison Russell Controversy

o Accusations linking Judgey.com to Project 2025.

o Political labeling as a tactic to divide and discredit.

• Inside the Louisville Courthouse

o Positive feedback from attorneys and court staff versus calculated backlash.

o The surprising neutrality of Judgy despite local assumptions.

• Viral

Courtroom Clip Breakdown

o A probation revocation hearing turns tense as a judge lectures a defense attorney.

o Discussion of judicial demeanor, gender dynamics, and strategic advocacy in court.

• Judge Jessica Stone’s Facebook Post

o Why labeling critics “cartoons and media” misses the point.

o Concerns about fundamental gaps in legal understanding on the bench.

• When Judges Don’t Understand Business Income

o Misinterpretations of gross vs. net income in high-asset divorces.

o How this lack of financial literacy affects child support and maintenance rulings.

• The Receivership Case That Went Nowhere

o A cautionary tale about marital business assets being destroyed because a judge didn’t act.

• Court-Ordered Programs & the Money Trail

o Families in

Transition, Batterers Intervention, and DUI programs: do they work or just generate revenue?

o The parallels to the troubled teen industry and privatized incarceration.

Key Takeaways

• Public criticism of judges often provokes defensive — and sometimes revealing —

responses.

• Courtroom strategy is as important as legal knowledge, especially when judges are

inconsistent in enforcing...