Neurolawgical

30/01/2023

Are you looking for a book to deepen your understanding of mental health?

I recently finished reading "Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health" by Thomas Insel, MD (former director of the National Institute of Mental Health). This book is a highly digestible discussion for all audiences about the crisis of mental healthcare in our country, strategies to address the challenges which exist, and how the future needs to focus on prevention and recovery.

Using stories and statistics, Dr. Insel provides actionable insights for advocates, academics, and anyone interested/impacted by the mental healthcare systems and challenges in our communities.

08/01/2023

Look what came today!

27/12/2021

New Blog Post: read about a powerful book covering a true crime case.

https://neurolawgical.wixsite.com/neurolawgical/post/a-rip-in-heaven-understanding-the-voice-for-victims

Quite often, when reading a true crime book, you learn about the case from the victim's family, a reporter, or other involved party (ex., law enforcement). Additionally, cases usually focus on the offender(s) or the victim(s). The story captured in the book, A Rip in Heaven by Jeanine Cummins, goes....

28/11/2021

Check out this post for some psych, true crime, etc. read recommendations for all of your holiday shopping (either for you or others!).

https://neurolawgical.wixsite.com/neurolawgical/post/holiday-wish-lists-mental-health-true-crime-reads

Book recommendations on the topics of mental health, psychology, crime, all in time for holiday wishlists.

14/11/2021

It's been a while since I created a podcast episode or blog. I'm hoping to get back into one or both more often.

Please check out my latest post about the recruitment of law enforcement! I have some information on the topic mixed with my own personal experiences.

Let me know your thoughts!

Over the past year or so, many agencies, organizations, fields, and businesses have experienced great difficulty reaching, recruiting, and retaining employees. The criminal justice field, particularly law enforcement, is not immune to this trend. However, how much of this trend is recent and a side....

01/08/2021

Although not yet confirmed, this preliminary report is extremely devastating. She has been missing for over 2 weeks. This is the worst possible outcome.

24/07/2021

I know it has been a while since the last episode of the podcast or even a blog post. But I have been following this case. I'm glad to see it has been brought to a close.

Justo Smoker pleaded guilty today to killing 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos, the Amish teenager who was abducted shortly over a year ago on June 21, 2020, while walking home from church.

02/05/2021

May is an important month!

Mental health is something that affects everybody, but is not talked about by everybody.

Let's open up the conversation and show that people, even during a pandemic, do not have to be alone with their mental health.

Stay tuned for future episodes and posts on the topic. Please let me know if you have any ideas as well!

25/04/2021

An update regarding a case Neurolawgical has been following intently.

BREAKING: The Lancaster County coroner confirmed this morning that the remains found in eastern Lancaster County are those of Linda Stoltzfoos, 18. The coroner said the cause of death was asphyxia caused by strangulation with a knife wound to the neck as a contributing factor. https://bit.ly/3gvmMyI

10/04/2021

A blog post to provide a book recommendation!

https://neurolawgical.wixsite.com/neurolawgical/post/prescribed-to-prison-bad-medicine

Please also consider checking out the author's website: https://www.charlottebismuth.com/. You can also learn more by listening to Die-alogue: a true crime conversation's episode where Charlotte is interviewed! https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LMr5Hi0IdWT62vjFv4P3Y?si=R7AspuoMR8W1ZLfsGSDdvA

...no one is above the law, especially those tasked with protecting and promoting health...

23/03/2021

It's been a minute, but this episode is a little longer than that! Check out this new episode where I discuss different approaches that law enforcement may take in response to interacting with citizens with possible mental illness concerns.

Since this was recorded, a paper on the topic by me is now published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology! I will also be presenting on the topic at the (virtual) 8TH ANNUAL GLOBAL WELL-BEING AND SOCIAL CHANGE CONFERENCE.

https://anchor.fm/neurolawgical/episodes/Episode-9-Interactions-between-Law-Enforcement-and-Persons-with-Mental-Illness--Responding-Responsibly-eo5tnual

08/03/2021

Update: Homicide charges will go to trial for this case.

A preliminary hearing was held today for Justo Smoker who was charged with the death of Linda Stoltzfoos six months after her disappearance in June 2020.

03/03/2021

I know it's been A WHILE since my last episode was released...but c'est la vie of a student and full-time employee!

Please check out the latest episode that has a different style with Sit, Stay, Blog creator and writer leading the discussion about dogs in the court system!

I promise that more episodes to come (in less time!).

Today's episode is a little different! Today, Tiana will be sharing about her work regarding dogs being incorporated into courthouses, and Alex (me) will be getting to know more. This episode is a must for anyone who wants to understand an area of the criminal justice system that may not always be d...

21/02/2021

Just began reading this brand new book by and am already so excited to learn and hear his timely wisdom.

"We favor the comfort of conviction over the discomfort of doubt, and we let our beliefs get brittle long before our bones. We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to opinions that we formed in 1995."

(Think Again, by Adam Grant, PhD., 2021, p.4)

26/01/2021

New Episode Alert!

Unfortunately, this episode comes after Jennifer Storm resigned from her position. However, this is still a great episode (with recommendations for reading) and shows our support of someone who did great things for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Even if you are not from Pennsylvania, take a listen to learn more about victim advocacy and discussions on the qualification debate for the justice system.

Challenges to the thoughts are always welcomed, please feel free to comment, share, or email!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KmpB72iLFhrSIQkLhecNd?si=8Jql2M13Rl6r9p3W-cfDvg

Listen on Spotify, or where ever you get your podcasts!

***Please note*** As of the release of this episode, Jennifer Storm has unfortunately resigned as the Victim Advocate.*** In this episode of Neurolawgical, Tiana and I discuss the role of the Office of the Victim Advocate in general, but more specifically, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Victim A...

24/01/2021

I love recommending whole podcasts, but I really enjoy pointing out episodes that I found particularly awesome! Please check out Die-alogue: a true crime conversation 's latest episode featuring the author of "Bad Medicine: Catching New York's Deadliest Pill Pusher" Charlotte Bismuth

This book (which is on my to-read and to-buy list), is about the case of Dr. Stan Li, who spent years engaging in corrupt pain management practices. Rebecca and Charlotte discuss the book, the opioid problem Americans (and the world) face, the role of medicine, and the importance of transparency.

Charlotte mentions another book titled, "In Pain: A Bioethicist's Personal Struggle with Opioids" by Travis Rieder. I wanted to include some other great books here that you may be interested if you find this topic in your realm of interest.

1. "Free Refills" by Peter Grinspoon
Dr. Grinspoon details his own challenges with opioids while he was practicing medicine, and discusses candidly his pathway to recovery.

2. "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" by Dr. Gabor Mate
For those of you who have listened to previous episodes of Neurolawgical, you'll recall me talking about this book in Ep. 4. An outstanding book by a physician with great insights into the disease of addiction, as well as harm reduction, and society's struggle with substances and behaviors.

*Note, you can also learn more about Narcan through a Neurolawgical blog post at the link in my bio.*

3. "Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari
Johann Hari dives into the drug problem, how we are responding, and how we may better respond. He interviews countless experts in various fields to weave together his own insights into the problem at hand.

So, whether you like to read, listen, or both, check out 's episode with Charlotte Bismuth!

23/01/2021

Interested in hearing from Ret. SSA James Fitzgerald? Check this free event out!

Having heard him and met him, I can vouch you will learn something!

12/01/2021

Check out the latest episode of Neurolawgical!

Today's episode focuses on two cases that are all tied into one big 49-year law enforcement effort to bring one man to justice.

Please comment, share, like this post as well as leave reviews wherever you get your podcasts! They truly help others get connected to this podcast.

https://anchor.fm/neurolawgical/episodes/Episode-6-Leonard-Moses--50-years-on-the-Run-eo60rv

Photo credit: TribLive

02/01/2021

As we begin a new year, focusing on gratitude is an overarching goal that can truly make all the difference.

Check out Sit, Stay, Blog (run by Neurolawgical's co-host Tiana) fantastic blog post about being mindful of gratitude in the year past and year to come.
.."there’s a simple prescription for navigating life’s challenges, namely, finding opportunities. Viewing life through a lens of opportunity is hope-instilling and was undoubtedly what contributed to each area of reflection above."

https://sit-stay-blog.net/2021/01/01/with-gratitude-farewell-2020/

It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a year filled with trials and tribulations for all. We have been subject to drastic changes, sacrifices, and losses. I firmly believe that our greatest gro…

01/01/2021

Happy New Year!

I hope 2021 is a year that everyone finds something to be psyched about!

30/12/2020

T'is that time!

I have decided to do a giveaway to get you all psyched for the New Year to come!

What will you get if you win? A Neurolawgical shirt from the Turning Leaf Project!! (shirts are short-sleeve, and I will do my best to request what color you want)

**The giveaway entry timeframe will go from today, December 30, 2020 to January 3, 2021.**

You can enter each day on Facebook and/or Instagram by doing all of the following:

1. Share this original post to your page
2. Tag two people when you share
3. Please screenshot and send Neurolawgical a direct message with it (as I may not be able to see that you shared on your page if your page is private).

You can enter once per social media platform per day (maximum of two entries by sharing on Facebook and Instagram).

At the end, I will add up all of the entries for each person, and then randomly select a winner!

**Giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Instagram, or Turning Leaf Project**

26/12/2020

After a few weeks out of production, podcast episodes are back!

Please check out the latest episode, Episode 5, regarding an update about the Linda Stoltzfoos missing person case. You can listen anywhere you get your podcasts or find the whole episode through the link below.

https://anchor.fm/neurolawgical/episodes/Episode-5-Still-a-missing-person--still-missing-information--new-charges-Update-on-Linda-Stoltzfoos-case-eo5vst

This episode is part of an ongoing investigation into the missing person case of a woman named Linda Stoltzfoos, missing since June 21, 2020. Linda disappeared from a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania community over six months ago, and although a man is behind bars related to the case, there are still....

25/12/2020

For all of those celebrating today, Merry Christmas!! I hope you get psyched for your gifts, new traditions, food, etc!

23/12/2020

Have an episode idea? A topic you want to know more about? A case you wanna hear about? Send them (message or email) or comment below!

You or someone you know wanna be a guest and discuss something you are interested in or related to your life, work, or education? Contact me and I would be happy to have you on the show!

(Photo is artwork purchased from Draw My Inside Etsy site)

21/12/2020

For those of you who have followed my blog and podcast, a huge update regarding a case covered....more to come in upcoming podcast episode.

13/12/2020

I know it has been a while since the last episode was released, but now that the semester is over, be prepared for the great comeback!!

Also, to kick off the return, stay tuned for some giveaways!

Get psyched. Feel free to comment any episode topic ideas!

02/12/2020

Been a while since I blogged, but wanted to do something about everything that has been floating around in the media about PA Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm .

https://neurolawgical.wixsite.com/neurolawgical/post/not-taking-the-commonwealth-from-storm

Jennifer Storm was nominated by Pennsylvania Tom Corbett in 2013 to serve as the Commonwealth's Victim Advocate, and she was later confirmed by the Commonwealth's Senate for a six-year long term. Now that those six years are up, both the current Governor Tom Wolf and Storm were attempting to have an...

18/11/2020

A little late, but after 8 weeks of classes I earned the CBGS certification!

10/11/2020

During forensic nursing week, it seemed appropriate to share!

Thank you to all of those people working in such a critical field!!

https://neurolawgical.wixsite.com/neurolawgical/post/we-educate-wednesday-forensic-healthcare

Forensic Healthcare, Forensic Nursing, Victim Services, Trauma-informed