Rakontur - Podcast Details

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For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusArthur Aidala for Harvey WeinsteinFor the Defense returns as David Oscar Markus sits down with Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, for a fascinating look at how the defense strategy evolved from Weinstein’s first trial to his retrial.Arthur Aidala, one of the most charismatic and colorful defense lawyers in the country, joins David Oscar Markus to break down the retrial of Harvey Weinstein. From cross-examining a complaining witness about faking an orgasm to weaving a story about glass in his mother’s pasta sauce, Aidala brings his signature flair to the courtroom—and to this conversation. Don’t miss this lively...2025-07-1146 min

Rough CutCocaine Cowboys and Challenging Industry Expectations: Billy Corben and Alfred SpellmanOn this episode of Rough Cut, filmmaker and writer Michael Werner talks to Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman, who shook up the documentary landscape with their film Cocaine Cowboys. The bold documentary launched their careers and solidified their reputation as daring storytellers who push against industry norms. Billy and Alfred, who have been collaborators since high school, talk to Michael about their dedication to telling Miami stories, and how they approach documentaries with genre-bending ideas and outside-the-box thinking. A must listen episode about the art of pushing limits and unfiltered storytelling. Show Links 2025-01-0728 min

P3 IDGriselda Blanco – kokainsmugglingens gudmoderFrån gatorna i Medellín till stränderna i Miami hon byggde ett av världens största knarkimperier. Nya avsnitt från P3 ID hittar du först i Sveriges Radio Play. När Griselda Blanco bara är en liten flicka kastas hennes hemland Colombia in i en tumultartad period av politiskt kaos och våld. Under decenniet som får namnet ”La violencia” blir döden blir en del av vardagen för miljontals colombianer.Griselda, som växer upp på gatorna i de laglösa delarna av Medellín, präglas starkt av inf...2024-09-301h 07

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusHoward & Scott Srebnick for Michael AvenattiThe Season 6 finale is a doozy – featuring Howard & Scott Srebnick, who discuss the high profile trial of Michael Avenatti with David Oscar Markus.Michael Avenatti was a modern day Icarus. He had everything going for him, so what happened? Howard & Scott Srebnick represented him in the infamous Nike prosecution in which Avenatti is accused of extorting Nike. Listen in as David Markus interviews the brothers about the fascinating case of Michael Avenatti.2024-09-241h 05

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusFormer Attorney General Alberto GonzalesA first for the podcast -- the former Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss prosecutorial independence. Alberto Gonzales and David Oscar Markus discuss the job of a prosecutor, whether prosecutors should be appointed or elected, whether governors should be permitted to fire prosecutors and other pressing ethical questions of the day. 2024-09-1035 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusDavid Kendall for President Bill ClintonDavid Kendall sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton.Independent counsel, impeachment hearings, infidelity. No, we aren’t talking about Donald Trump. Instead, we head back to the late 90s to discuss David Kendall’s incredible representation of President Bill Clinton. The high stakes showdown between Kendall and independent counsel Ken Starr was must-see TV, and we get into the fascinating stories from that era in this episode of For the Defense.2024-08-271h 10

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusChris Morvillo for Autonomy CEO Mike LynchChris Morvillo of Clifford Chance sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss the long and amazing saga of his representation of Mike Lynch, the CEO of Autonomy.Mike Lynch was dubbed the British Bill Gates. Then his world came crashing down as he was charged in federal court with fraud for what the feds described as a massive scheme to trick HP into buying Autonomy for more than it was worth. Lynch turned to Chris Morvillo, Brian Heberlig, and Reid Weingarten. Join David and Chris as they discuss this incredible against all odds story.2024-08-131h 07

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusPhil Hubbart for Pitts and LeeFlorida International University School of Law hosted Phil Hubbart and David Oscar Markus for a discussion about Hubbart’s book, From Death Row to Freedom: The Struggle for Racial Justice in the Pitts-Lee Case.The podcast is lucky to host Phil Hubbart this week, a living legend in the 3-0-5. He revamped the public defender’s office and was an appellate judge. He recently wrote a book about one of the most riveting cases in Florida history, State v. Freddie Pitts and Wilbert Lee, two Black men who were wrongfully charged and convicted of the murder of two...2024-07-301h 13

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusSean Hecker for Robert BoguckiSean Hecker, of Hecker Fink, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss the trial of Barclays trader Robert Bogucki.How do you explain complicated FX trading to a jury? How do you try a case on the other side of the United States, far from home? How do you try a case with a large team? Join David Oscar Markus as he interviews his friend and amazing lawyer Sean Hecker about the fascinating case of Robert Bogucki, which was also discussed when David previously interviewed Judge Charles Breyer who presided over the case.2024-07-161h 00

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusJudge Andrew BrasherJudge Andrew Brasher joins David Oscar Markus to discuss all things Eleventh Circuit.Judge Brasher joined the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals when he was 39 years old. Having clerked for Judge William Pryor and worked as the Alabama Solicitor General, he is part of the well-known Judge Pryor “judging tree,” along with Judge Kevin Newsom and others. He discusses how he navigates being on the same court with his mentor and former boss, his philosophy on legal writing, and how he hires his law clerks. We also discuss some of his recent criminal law opinions. 2024-07-0253 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusCNN's Kaitlan CollinsCNN’s Kaitlan Collins joins David Oscar Markus and his University of Miami class to discuss everything from covering high profile trials to how to examine a difficult witness. As criminal defense lawyers know, cross examining witnesses is one of the hardest things to do. There's a lot to be learned from journalists who do it live on the air with difficult politicians. And Kaitlan Collins is one of the best at doing it, facing off on a nightly basis with skilled speakers who have an agenda. In this episode, David and Kaitlan discuss how she prepares for he...2024-06-181h 01

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusTodd Blanche for former President Donald TrumpTodd Blanche, counsel to former President Donald Trump, joins David Oscar Markus to discuss the New York trial of People v. Trump.Todd Blanche, the first guest to appear twice on For the Defense with David Oscar Markus, discusses everything from the war room to Melania Trump not appearing at trial to getting into it with Michael Cohen and everything in between in this in-depth and free flowing interview about the trial of the century involving the former President of the United States, Donald Trump.2024-06-0357 min

BIG YIKES"We up!" | Billy Corben | eps. #1We kick off Big Yikes the podcast with Miami royalty, Billy Corben. The American filmmaker and activist gets Brittany to share her Sh*tcoin fail and talks cults, the perception of Miami's comedy scene, his experience with George Carlin and more. Hosted by comedian Brittany Brave, BIG YIKES is all about fucking up, going dark, saying sorry and more of those inevitable “big yikes” moments that make us human and make us laugh. Catch new episodes every WEDNESDAY morning and catch Brittany performing live in a city near you.Recorded at Dynamic Color Studios in Pomp...2024-05-011h 16

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusJudge Kevin NewsomIn this bonus episode, Judge Kevin Newsom joins David Oscar Markus for an open and wide-ranging discussion about being a judge on the 11th Circuit, legal writing, and even a recent health scare. This bonus episode of For the Defense with the affable Judge Kevin Newsom and David Oscar Markus (they were law school classmates) continues to explore what it's like to be a federal judge and what makes these judges tick. As you'll hear, Judge Newsom is super smart, approachable, and down to earth. We will also discuss why he concurs with his own opinions, what he believes t...2024-04-301h 05

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusJudge Nancy G. AbuduIn this bonus episode, Judge Nancy G. Abudu – the newest judge on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals – joins David Oscar Markus for an open discussion about her career, the confirmation process, and the Court itself.Almost all appellate judges served as lower court judges and bring that experience with them to the appellate bench. But Judge Nancy Abudu’s path was quite different. In this bonus episode of For the Defense, Judge Abudu discusses her unique path, as well as why that professional and personal diversity is so important to the bench. You’ll also hear how down-to...2024-02-2042 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusMichael Schachter and Randall Jackson for Tom BarrackIn this bonus episode, Michael Schachter and Randall Jackson sit down with David Markus to discuss their amazing acquittal of Tom Barrack in federal court in New York.Tom Barrack, a close friend and advisor to Donald Trump, was charged with being a foreign agent for the UAE. The so-called FARA violation is the new hot charge by DOJ. Enter Michael Schachter and Randall Jackson who tried the case and discuss their trial strategy with David Oscar Markus. 2023-12-051h 04

The TV Campfire"Unscripted POV: Shaping the Story" (Season 12)Despite an industry-wide cost-cutting and a “Peak” TV landscape that may be reaching its true peak, unscripted content continues to thrive across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, serving as a reliably entertaining, occasionally informative, and cost-effective alternative to scripted fare. The “unscripted” umbrella is large and varied, ranging from social commentary and true crime, to sports and competition, and culture and comfort – with seemingly endless offerings available at the touch of a button, the prospect of breaking through the cultural consciousness is more complex than it appears.Join the executives and producers behind Queer Eye, Cocain...2023-09-141h 16

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusMargot Moss (and I) for Mayor Andrew GillumIn the Season 5 finale, partners Margot Moss and David Oscar Markus discuss their successful representation of Mayor Andrew Gillum.Mayor Gillum was a hairbreadth away from being Florida’s Governor. Had the FBI not started and leaked an unjustified investigation, he would have won. But once they did so, they kept the target on Gillum’s back, eventually charging him with 19 counts in federal court in Tallahassee. Enter Margot Moss and David Markus. They discuss how they prepared and tried the case before an antagonistic judge.2023-09-121h 09

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusCraig Albee for Mark Jensen (letter from the grave case)Was it suicide or was it murder? Craig Albee sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss whether Mark Jensen murdered his wife with antifreeze or whether she committed suicide.Craig Albee is the federal defender in Wisconsin. And he's tried lots of cases. But nothing like this one, which has led to books, movies, and of course, podcasts. Known as the "letter from the grave" case, Julie Jensen wrote a letter shortly before her death saying that if she turned up dead, her husband "would be my first suspect." Albee and the defense said that this was ju...2023-08-2952 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusBarry Scheck for the Innocence ProjectBarry Scheck put DNA evidence on the map during the O.J. Simpson trial and now runs the amazing Innocence Project.Barry Scheck, a titan of the criminal defense bar, sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss high profile cases, exonerating the innocent, and the practice of law. He's one of the best and it shows. 2023-08-1552 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusJohn Lauro for Donald J. TrumpJohn Lauro is not sitting back in his defense of Donald Trump. Listen to him discuss his defense strategy with David Oscar Markus on this special episode of For the Defense.John Lauro is former President Trump's lawyer in the January 6 case in Washington D.C. In this interview with David Oscar Markus, he goes in depth on how he got involved in the case, his defense strategy, his media strategy, why he would represent Hunter Biden if asked, and lots of other interesting topics.2023-08-0647 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusMatthew Menchel for UBS banker Raoul WeilDavid Oscar Markus interviews Matthew Menchel, one of the best trial lawyers in the country, on his acquittal for UBS banker Raoul Weil. The U.S. had enough with wealthy tax cheats hiding their money in Swiss bank accounts. So it decided to go after the foreign bankers to send a message, including Raoul Weil, one of the top executives at UBS. Enter Matt Menchel, who defended Weil in federal court. Matt sits down with David Markus in this fun episode to discuss the ins and outs of winning a complicated white collar case. 2023-08-011h 10

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusLisa Wayne for New Orleans DA Jason WilliamsDavid Oscar Markus interviews Lisa Wayne, the executive director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, on her most recent trial win, for New Orleans district attorney Jason Williams.Progressive prosecutors have been pretty controversial around the country. The recently elected district attorney in New Orleans was no exception as he was indicted in federal court on 10 counts of tax fraud. Even prosecutors need criminal defense lawyers, and this one turned to one of the greats in Lisa Wayne. Listen to her and David Oscar Markus discuss how race, politics, and the media all played into t...2023-07-1850 min

Pod Yourself A Gun - A Rewatch Podcast[UNLOCKED] Frotcast 548 - Frotting meets Doc-ing, with Billy Corben and Alfred SpellmanThis week Matt and Vince welcome master documentarians Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman from Rakontur Productions to the Frot to discuss the latest in Florida F*ckery. Billy and Alfred have become the documentarians laureate of South Florida with their films 537 Votes, Screwball, Dawg Fight, Cocaine Cowboys, The U, and God Forbid (et. al). These days, they're working on From Russia With Lev, a feature doc about shady Trump/Giuliani associate turned turncoat Lev Parnas, and A Sunny Place for Shady People, a series of mini documentaries with Dan Le Batard that will look at scandals around the Miami...2023-07-071h 33

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusGerald Lefcourt for Abbie Hoffman (Chicago 8)David Oscar Markus interviews legendary Jerry Lefcourt about one of the most important trials in American history, the Chicago 8 case.Jerry Lefcourt had recently been fired as a legal aid lawyer in the late 1960s when he got a call from Abbie Hoffman. They spoke all night at Hoffman’s apartment. Hoffman told him “I'll start a revolution; you keep me out of jail.” And Jerry did just that. Take a listen to this fascinating discussion about Jerry’s start to an awe-inspiring career. You'll hear about his battles with the judge, including getting sent to jail. Jerry is a w...2023-07-0440 min

FilmDrunk FrotcastFrotcast 548 – Frotting meets Doc-ing, with Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman This week Matt and Vince welcome master documentarians Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman from Rakontur Productions to the Frot to discuss the latest in Florida F*ckery. Billy and Alfred have become the documentarians laureate of South Florida with their films 537 Votes, Screwball, Dawg Fight, Cocaine Cowboys, The U, and God Forbid (et. al). These days, they’re working on From Russia With Lev, a feature doc about shady Trump/Giuliani associate turned turncoat Lev Parnas, and A Sunny Place for Shady People, a series of mini documentaries with Dan Le Batard that will look at scandals around the Miami ar...2023-07-021h 32

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusTodd Blanche for Paul ManafortDavid Oscar Markus sits down with former President Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, who has not yet spoken in detail with the media.Todd Blanche was a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, prosecuting violent criminals in federal court. He then left for the oldest law firm in New York – Cadwalader. There, he quickly developed a reputation for being able to handle hot button cases, like Paul Manafort’s and Igor Fruman’s. Now, on his own, he is representing the former President of the United States. Although he is very reluctant to speak with any press, he sat down...2023-06-2752 min

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusMilton Hirsch for Pedro GuerreroSeason 5 starts off with a grand slam – Milton Hirsch, one of the country’s finest trial lawyers, current judge, and David Oscar Markus’ former partner, represented World Series MVP Pedro Guerrero in his federal trial in Miami.Too dumb to do the drug deal? That defense could never work, right? Wrong -- if your lawyer is Milton Hirsch, who beat the odds and won a federal criminal drug trial with the most unique of defenses. David Oscar Markus sits down with his former law partner to discuss the curveballs of this case that led to Guerrero walking. One n...2023-06-2057 min

Why Are We Like This?It's All Because Miami, Bro (Part Deux) feat. Billy CorbenJoe Carollo. Francis Suarez. A broken city government. First amendment violations. The same old names. A lighthearted episode about some dark-hearted stuff today as we're joined by Billy Corben of Rakontur and Because Miami to discuss some of the biggest scandals heading into and coming out of Thursday's commission meeting. We wrap up the show with a rousing game of Guess The Grifter, so stick around until the end!2023-06-091h 01

For the Defense with David Oscar MarkusDouglas Brooks for Harvard Fencing Coach Peter BrandWell-known Boston lawyer Douglas Brooks sits down with David Oscar Markus to discuss the Harvard Fencing Coach case, an off-shoot of the Varsity Blues prosecution. The college admissions process gives all applicants – and their parents! – stress. The U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston charged over 50 defendants in the biggest college scandal of our time, which they dubbed Varsity Blues. Only a handful had the guts to go to trial, including the fencing coach at Harvard, who turned to Douglas Brooks to help him. In this bonus episode, David Oscar Markus speaks with Doug, his old college and law s...2023-02-281h 23

Welcome to FloridaEpisode 138: Documentary filmmakers Billy Corben and Alfred SpellmanA treat today as Miami born, bred and based documentary filmmakers Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman join the show. Corben is the director and Spellman the producer for Rakontur, their company which has produced such favorites as "Cocaine Cowboys" and "The U." Their latest project, "God Forbid" begins with a pool boy at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach and ends with the election of Donald Trump and the collapse of the evangelical Falwell family. Watch it on Hulu.2023-02-0752 min

Faithful Politics"God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty" w/ Director Billy CorbenHave a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comLiberty College, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is the world's largest Christian college. A beautiful college located only 2 hours away from the Faithful Politics Studio, it's also the former employer of Jerry Falwell, Jr. Falwell, Jr has a namesake that carries a lot of weight in Virginia, as well as parts of D.C. But the name was unfamiliar to a Miami pool boy who found himself trapped in a seven-year affair with a charming older woman and...2022-11-151h 10