LoveLustLaw

What does coercive control look like when there are no visible bruises? How can power, religion, sexuality, mental health, isolation, and public perception become part of an abusive dynamic? And what happens when highly publicized cases are tried not only in courtrooms, but online?

In this episode of LoveLustLaw, Attorney Michele Locke is joined by the Dirty Laundry Podcast Hosts Amanda Silver and Alex Howard, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about coercive control, domestic abuse, mental health, faith, and the challenges of judging complicated cases from the outside.

Using Netflix’s Death of a Pa...

In this deeply personal episode of LoveLustRaw, Michele opens up about the moments that changed her life, and the women who helped remind her that starting over is possible.

Michele takes us from a hilarious and wildly awkward restaurant encounter into the much more vulnerable story behind her transformation. She reflects on once weighing nearly 300 pounds, undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, using Zepbound, and later having a 360 tummy tuck and inner thigh lift. Her transformation also involved two knee replacements, an ankle replacement, and three cervical fusions which allowed her to leave the sidelines and finally get back...

What happens when a major fight, a career setback, and a question at a funeral force you to take an honest look at the life you're building?

In this episode of LoveLustLaw, Michele Locke sits down with Mitchell Osmond of Dad Nation for a powerful conversation about marriage, personal transformation, emotional connection, and intimacy.

Mitchell shares how losing a senior leadership role sent him into a difficult season of depression, weight gain, debt, and substance use. After a major fight with his wife—and a powerful question at a funeral, “Are you living a life wort...

One juror. One holdout. No verdict.

What happens when 11 jurors reportedly believe a defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity, while one juror refuses to agree?

In this episode of LoveLustLaw, Attorney Michele Locke takes a closer look at the Lindsay Clancy trial and the legal and human questions left behind by a hung jury.

Michele brings a unique perspective shaped by experience as a criminal defense attorney, magistrate, criminal jury foreman, and 22 years married to a highly regarded prosecutor who handled capital murder cases.

She breaks down the insanity...

What happens to the body when a relationship becomes a source of fear, control, and relentless stress?

Attorney Michele Locke examines the disturbing story of pastor John Paul Miller and his late wife, Micah Miller, as portrayed in the Netflix docuseries. Michele discusses allegations outlined in a federal indictment, including cyberstalking, harassment, tracking and surveillance, financial interference, threats involving intimate images, and alleged false statements to federal agents.

Beyond the headlines, Michele explores how prolonged relationship trauma and coercive control can affect the body. She discusses the physical and emotional changes she observed in Micah’s...

What happens when a high-conflict divorce turns your entire world upside down, and ultimately becomes the catalyst for discovering your voice, your purpose, and your power?

On this episode of LoveLustLaw, Michele Locke sits down with Lauren Nicole, creator and host of The Ex-Wives Lounge, for a raw and empowering conversation about divorce, trauma, healing, motherhood, relationships, and finding yourself on the other side of heartbreak.

Lauren opens up about navigating a high-conflict divorce when her daughter was just 12 months old, the isolation and judgment she experienced, and the impact of what she describes as “fa...

What happens when AI, surveillance technology, and high-conflict relationships collide?

In this eye-opening episode, Michele Locke is joined by cybersecurity expert Alan Silberberg and correspondent Jake Deptula for a candid conversation about AI, digital privacy, cybersecurity, and digital stalking, and what you can do to protect yourself.

AI can be an extraordinary tool, but it can also make it easier to impersonate, manipulate, surveil, harass, and deceive. From fake texts and spoofed emails to forged signatures, spyware, location tracking, and misinformation, technology is changing the landscape of divorce, family law, business disputes, and personal safety.<...

What happens when SW collides with censorship, financial restrictions, and deeply rooted social stigma? In this compelling episode of LoveLustLaw, attorney Michele Locke sits down with media personality, writer, and adult performer Ryan Keely for a candid conversation about the realities of working in today’s adult industry, and the systems that continue to shape who gets heard, paid, and protected.

Ryan reflects on her evolution in the industry, from the pre-social-media era to today’s highly regulated digital landscape, where platform restrictions, payment policies, and censorship can make earning a living increasingly difficult. Together, Michele and Ryan...

How can we recognize the warning signs of dating violence, coercive control, emotional abuse, and dangerous relationship patterns before it’s too late?

In this powerful episode of lovelustlaw, Michele Locke sits down with Bill Mitchell, author and host of the When Dating Hurts podcast, to explore the hidden realities of intimate partner violence and the warning signs that are often missed.

Bill’s mission began after the devastating murder of his 21-year-old daughter, Kristin, who was killed by her boyfriend in 2005 shortly after graduating from college. Bill shares Kristin’s story, the impact of her ki...

Is that feeling in your gut instinct, intuition, or something psychic?

On this episode of LoveLustLaw, attorney Michele Locke and correspondent Jake Deptula welcome psychic medium, intuitive consultant, and forensic psychic Nichole Duncan for a fascinating conversation about intuition, mediumship, remote viewing, grief, relationships, and learning to trust your inner voice.

Nichole shares her remarkable journey into the world of psychic development—from growing up in a family with intuitive gifts to experiencing prophetic dreams, evidential mediumship, and training in remote viewing with former Stargate Project remote viewer Angela Ford. She also explains how she ap...

How do we reclaim our bodies, rebuild trust, and create a life that's defined by more than survival?

In this powerful episode, Michele Locke sits down with trauma expert, comprehensive sex educator, survivor advocate, and Tending the Garden founder Jimanekia Eborn for an honest conversation about resilience, healing, and reclaiming your voice.

Jimanekia shares her deeply personal journey as a survivor of sexual assault and childhood domestic violence, including the devastating loss of her mother and how those experiences shaped her life's work. She discusses creating Tending the Garden to provide culturally responsive support for...

Is your biggest dating obstacle... you? 

Hollywood matchmaker and dating coach, Jaydi Samuels Kuba, returns to join Michele and Jake for a brutally honest conversation about why overthinking can sabotage both love and success. Jaydi calls Jake out for dropping the ball on his dating homework, challenges Michele to get back on the dating apps, and breaks down the truth about masculine and feminine energy in modern dating—and why so many people get it wrong.

From dating profile do's and don'ts, cat photos, and "broken pickers" to Bachelor myths and whether Michele would ever sur...

How do you rebuild your life when a stalker is determined to destroy it?

Michele Locke is joined by Stalking survivor, author, and advocate Anna Nasset who shares the terrifying reality of being stalked for years after opening an art gallery. What began as persistent emails and unwanted contact quickly escalated into threats, cyberstalking, and years of fear that ultimately forced her to close her business, leave her home, and rebuild her life across the country.

Against overwhelming odds, Anna helped achieve one of the rarest outcomes in stalking prosecutions. After years of documenting evidence...

Content/Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of murder, and attempted murder, suicide and suicide attempts, domestic violence and domestic violence allegations, child abuse and child abuse allegations, pet abuse and animal death. Listener discretion is advised.

Comedian Christopher Titus joins attorney and former family court judge Michele Locke for a candid conversation about the painful 12-year divorce battle that reshaped his life. After discovering his wife was sleeping with two other men and had stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars, Titus filed for divorce on 6/6/06, setting off more than a decade of courtroom battles, 108 court appearances...

Is Home Depot really the new dating app... or are we all getting played by TikTok?
This week, the hosts put the viral "Home Depot Husband" trend to the test and share where they actually think you have a better chance of meeting quality singles. But the real headline? Michele is officially jumping back into the dating pool after years on the sidelines—and the group has plenty of opinions.

From finding love after heartbreak to navigating dating apps, setting higher standards, and avoiding "subpar" partners, the conversation gets surprisingly real. Michele opens up about what sh...

Can a Hollywood storyteller turned elite matchmaker unlock the secret to lasting love? And what happens when a real-life bachelor puts her expertise to the test?

In this engaging episode of loveluslaw, Michele Locke sits down with Jaydi Samuels Kuba—former Family Guy and Salem writer, author of Your Last First Date: Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker, founder of LJ Matchmaking, and co-host of Match Made in Hollywood—to explore the art of building meaningful, lasting relationships.
Jaydi shares how her career evolved from creating unforgettable TV characters to helping real people find love, revealing the surp...

What happens when the person everyone sees as the “nice guy” is the one causing the deepest harm behind closed doors?

In this powerful opening episode of lovelustlaw, host Michele Locke sits down with author and podcast host Laura Richards (Married to a Nice Guy; “That’s Where I’m At” Podcast) to explore her 30-plus year marriage and the abuse patterns she says were hidden beneath a carefully crafted public image. Laura shares her journey of uncovering decades of deception, infidelity, gaslighting, and manipulation, and how filing for divorce triggered what she describes as a campaign of blame, de...

Is your partner tracking you without your knowledge?

In this episode of lovelustlaw, family law attorney and host Michele Locke sits down with cybersecurity and reputation-management expert Alan W. Silberberg of DigiJaks to explore the growing intersection of technology, privacy, and modern relationships.

From digital stalking and spyware to online harassment and reputation attacks, Alan explains how everyday devices, including AirPods, smartphones, smart cars, and connected home technology, can be used to monitor, track, or gather information about unsuspecting individuals. The conversation examines common surveillance tactics, including malicious links, shared account access, Bluetooth and NFC-based...

What happens when the systems designed to protect families leave women struggling to survive?

On this powerful episode of lovelustlaw, attorney Michele Locke sits down with Emily Rose Chadwick, founder of the Mama Wilder Foundation, a nonprofit providing emergency cash grants to women navigating family court battles, financial hardship, and life after abuse.

Emily shares her deeply personal journey as a single mother in Colorado, revealing how experiences with financial abuse, restraining orders, custody disputes, and a disappointing criminal justice outcome exposed critical gaps in support for women facing crisis. What began as grassroots fundraising...

What if your dating struggles aren’t really about the people you’ve dated—but the story you’ve been telling yourself all along?

Michele sits down with relationship coach and self-proclaimed “reformed f-boy” Eli Vazquez whose candid insights and transformative approach to relationships have inspired millions around the world. Known for blending humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Eli challenges conventional dating advice and offers a fresh perspective on love, self-worth, and personal growth. They kick things off by talking about the mess that is modern dating, from swipe culture and ghosting to the endless search for validation o...

What if your husband was living a complete lie?

In this gripping episode of lovelustlaw, host Michele Locke sits down with storyteller and podcast host Amber Rasmussen, co-host of Ex-Wives Undercover: Liars, Cheaters & Love Cons and one of the women whose story inspired the shocking docuseries Don’t Date Brandon.

Amber shares how a whirlwind Tinder romance turned into a terrifying web of deception involving manipulation, fake illnesses, cheating, gaslighting, burner phones, and emotional abuse at the hands of serial con artist Brandon Johnson. After uncovering the truth, Amber teamed up with fellow survivor Athena Kl...

What does it really mean to be masculine in today’s world — and why is vulnerability still so difficult for so many men?

On this episode of lovelustlaw, attorney Michele Locke and Jake Deptula sit down with Steven Goodwin, founder of Full Disclosure Conversations, for an honest and thought-provoking discussion about masculinity, emotional safety, relationships, and healing. After experiencing the devastating loss of his father in and the end of his 15-year marriage, Steven shares how pain became the catalyst for personal transformation and a mission to create authentic spaces where men can connect, heal, and have the...

What does it feel like to live life at “two speeds”—either full throttle or completely shut down? 

In this deeply personal episode, author, singer-songwriter, and designer Liz Gabriel opens up to host and attorney Michele Locke about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 50 after decades of emotional chaos, confusion, and hidden struggles. Liz reveals how bipolar disorder affected her marriage, motherhood, friendships, creativity, and self-worth, while sharing the hard-earned tools that help her stay stable today—therapy, medication, faith, routine, and radical honesty. She also speaks candidly about the lesser-discussed realities of bipolar disorder, including hypersexu...

Michele is back in her Electric Youth era, channeling the spirit of Debbie Gibson and reliving the days when her dream guys were the New Kids on the Block. This is a wild, unfiltered ride through nostalgia, pop culture, and the messy realities of adult life.

From Aqua Net haze and Zima-fueled flashbacks to teen-magazine scrapbooks and iconic pop queens like Tiffany and Taylor Dayne, Michele and Jake kick things off with laughs, memories, and a bold throwback look that sparks it all. Michele dives into the complicated and often uncomfortable reality behind fame, using Britney Spears...

What happens when love turns into control—and how do you find your way out?

This week, Michele links up with Lindsay, the bold voice behind “Bitch is a Bad Word,” for a conversation that’s as unfiltered as it is unforgettable. It’s raw, it’s real—and yes, they’re also casually taking applications for a Mommy Makeover, so if you’ve been thinking about a glow-up… consider this your sign. Somewhere between truth bombs and laughter, Lindsay even tries to recruit Michele into the “MILF Mafia”—because healing and hotness aren’t mutually exclusive. Lindsay opens up about her e...

Family court can feel like chaos when emotions run high and truth gets lost in the noise. But what if the real advantage isn’t arguing harder… it’s collecting evidence smarter?

In this episode of lovelustlaw, Michele Locke sits down with Courtney Gilmartin, founder of Monarch Consulting Group and creator of the Monarch Method, a powerful system born from her own experience navigating high-conflict litigation and post-separation abuse. When the system failed to see what was happening, Courtney stopped reacting, and started building her case like a business. Using timelines, spreadsheets, and linked evidence, she created a clea...

What really leads someone to cheat, and can a relationship ever fully recover?
Michele sits down with psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso, an expert in infidelity who brings both clinical insight and deeply personal experience to the conversation. After discovering her own husband’s affair and navigating divorce, Lauren now helps others make sense of betrayal, healing, and hard decisions. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological layers of cheating: why it happens, what warning signs often get missed, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust (if that’s even the right path forward).

**DISCLAIMER** The information shar...

After years of handling divorce and infidelity cases, Michele opens up about how the job can leave even the sharpest minds a little jaded—and hyper-aware of red flags. But beneath her tough exterior, she still believes in love, even if “your person” might evolve over time. The twist? She admits she often misses when someone is flirting—unless they’re very direct. Inspired by insights from an upcoming lovelustlaw episode with affair coach Lauren LaRusso, Michele and Jake dive into the gray areas of modern relationships. They explore questions like what actually counts as cheating, where the line should be...

What does it really take to rebuild your life from nothing - emotionally, financially, spiritually? Michele sits down with Kat Zammuto of the hit podcast Kat on the Loose to unpack a story that will stop you in your tracks. After surviving a 15-year abusive marriage defined by control and loss, Kat made the impossible choice to walk away - even when it cost her everything.

They get brutally real about why women stay too long, the hidden patterns that linger after toxic relationships, and what reclaiming your power truly looks like. From the moment she knew...

This episode of lovelusraw brings on the pain—Michele’s brutally honest, somehow still worth-it threading experience—and quickly opens up into a bigger conversation about beauty, self-worth, and the price we pay to feel confident. Michele, Jake, and Gabi break down the evolution of beauty standards, from ’80s diet culture and Dexatrim to Hydroxycut, GLP-1s, and today’s obsession with effortless perfection. The trio gets real about societal pressure, body image, and the ongoing work of owning who you are, sharing personal stories of insecurity, growth, and self-acceptance along the way. Then, just when you think it’s all about...

In honor of National Stalking Awareness Month, this episode of lovelustraw focuses on the unsettling reality of stalking. Host Michele Locke and Jake Deptula, joined by Gabi Zielke, explore the tangled crossroads of obsession, mental health, stalking, and the law. Drawing from Michele’s real-world experience as a lawyer, they explore cases where fixation and legal gray areas collide—showing why victims are often left navigating a system that wasn’t designed to stop danger before it escalates.
The conversation challenges stereotypes about “stalkers,” unpacks accountability, and examines the emotional toll stalking takes on everyone involved. Michele also reflects o...

2025 was a year of glamour, growth, and bold moves—and Michele and Jake are here to spill it all. Michele teases her next chapter as an erotic literature author, shares her LA photoshoots and makeup transformations, and gets real about battling keyboard warriors (Angelina Jolie fans, we’re looking at you). Social media clips—and yes, a little cleavage—rose viewership, but Michele’s keeping it savvy for court. Meanwhile, Jake’s “snail pace” meets Michele’s cheetah energy, and together they’re plotting to pick up the speed in 2026. They also give a sneak peek at the next season of lovelustlaw, divi...

After nearly two years of virtual friendship, Michele and Jake finally meet face-to-face—first at a chic David Yurman charity event in Austin, then in Los Angeles for a glamorous Old Hollywood–style photoshoot. However, disappointment ensues when Jake accidentally foils Michele’s carefully planned airport surprise. Together, they clear up public misconceptions about their relationship and dive into candid reflections on friendship, connection, and the sometimes-blurry line between professional partnership and creative collaboration. Michele also opens up about the highs and lows of her travels—from a stressful encounter with American Airlines denying her service dog to the heartfelt care and...

Host Michele Locke, an experienced divorce attorney and former family court judge, dives into one of the most-watched love stories on the planet: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Taylor is a global music icon, breaking records and redefining pop culture with every tour. Travis is an NFL superstar, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and one of football’s most magnetic personalities. Together, they’ve captured the world’s attention—not through scandal or heartbreak, but through a relationship that feels authentic, supportive, and inspiring. Joined by victim advocate and executive producer Jake Deptula to explore how Taylor and Travis first connecte...

Welcome to lovelustraw—an unfiltered, unapologetic space where host Michele Locke opens up about her challenging marriage and the difficult yet necessary choice to leave for the sake of her well-being. Michele reveals how her upbringing and family dynamics, including her father’s battles with OCD and alcoholism, have shaped her journey. She also explores the complexities of a relationship with a significant age difference, midlife divorces, and the unexpected insights that emerge after separation. With humor and honesty, Michele jokes that it takes three different men to create the perfect partner—the provider, the bedroom expert, and the best friend...

Host Michele Locke—a seasoned divorce attorney and former family court judge—delves into the highly publicized and tumultuous relationship between actress Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers. Michele examines the rapid progression of their relationship, Aaron’s controversial treatment center, and the volatile nature of their marriage, which was marked by serious allegations of physical abuse, financial manipulation, and substance misuse. Joined by victim advocate Jake Deptula, the episode explores both sides of the legal battle, including Phypers’ public accusations of infidelity and drug use against Richards, and her counterclaims of domestic violence. Michele and Jake also discuss Phypers’ financial reliance o...

Host Michele Locke—a seasoned divorce attorney and former family court judge—dives deep into the turbulent legal saga surrounding Charlie Sheen’s third marriage to Brooke Mueller. This episode unpacks allegations of abuse, substance use, and a string of violent incidents that made headlines. Locke explores the intense custody battles between Sheen and his ex-wives, Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller, shedding light on the legal and emotional complexities of child support disputes and custody arrangements. She also examines the unusual and evolving co-parenting dynamic between the three. Joining Michele is victim advocate and executive producer Jake Deptula, who brings insigh...

Host Michele Locke—an experienced divorce attorney and former family court judge—delves into the highly publicized and turbulent divorce between Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards. Michele breaks down the intense legal battle, marked by substance abuse, domestic threats, erratic behavior, custody disputes, and relentless media attention. We take a closer look at Denise’s determined efforts to protect her children, including seeking restraining orders, and reveal the harsh realities many families face when addiction becomes a courtroom issue. Joined by victim advocate and executive producer Jake Deptula, Michele explores how family law can both aid and sometimes fall short for th...

Host Michele Locke — an experienced divorce attorney and former family court judge — returns to unpack the intensifying legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, ignited by tensions on the set of It Ends with Us. Michele breaks down Blake’s harassment claims, Justin’s defamation lawsuits against Blake, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times, and examines recent court rulings, legal strategies, and the mounting public scrutiny surrounding the high-profile dispute. From allegations of sexual harassment to retaliatory claims and media-fueled chaos, the episode highlights how public perception both influences and is influenced by legal proceedings. Michele also explores the uniq...

Host Michele Locke — a seasoned divorce attorney and former family court judge — dives into the explosive drama behind the film adaptation of It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover’s hit novel. What started as a highly anticipated film quickly turned into a public legal battle with allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and on-set misconduct, sparking a fierce feud between stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Tensions boiled over as Blake filed a formal complaint, revealing shocking boundary violations and improvised intimate scenes. Justin and the producers hired a crisis team to control the fallout, showing just how high the stakes were...