Welcome to In the Balance: An Iowa Judicial Branch Podcast. This podcast expands on our promise of open and transparent courts, taking you beyond the courtroom doors to learn about the Iowa judicial system and the many people who keep our state’s courts operating efficiently and fairly. In each monthly episode, we will explore the in’s and out’s of our state-level court system, host interviews with judges and justices, and shine a light on Iowa’s rich judicial past, present, and future.
Look for new episodes on iTunes, Spotify, and our website, www.iowacourts.gov. Like and subscribe wherever you listen to receive notifications when new episodes are available.
Posted on November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on the In the Balance podcast, our guest is District Associate Judge Richelle Mahaffey. She shares her insights on Adoption Day in her courtroom. Judge Mahaffey serves in Iowa’s 8th Judicial District and has presided over numerous adoption cases.
Posted on October 3, 2025 at 10:49 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on In The Balance, our guest is Lora Socia, Classification and Compensation Analyst for the Iowa Judicial Branch. She shares her perspective on working for the Judicial Branch and the many reasons why people apply for open positions.
Posted on September 8, 2025 at 1:37 PM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on In The Balance, our guest is Justice David May of the Iowa Supreme Court. He shares his insights on the Separation of Powers. Justice May was appointed to the Court in 2022 and currently serves on the bench.
Posted on August 19, 2025 at 9:40 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on In The Balance, our guests are Tre Critelli and Tara Van Brederode, whose new booklet contains valuable insights into key considerations when working with lawyers from both the public’s and the lawyer’s perspectives.
Posted on July 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on In The Balance, Abhash discusses the Iowa Judicial Branch Building Tour. Since 2023, he has been managing and leading these tours. He explains what the tour entails and how to book one for your group.
Posted on June 17, 2025 at 10:02 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on In The Balance, we welcome Alison Jepsen, Deputy Director of Judicial Education and Development. She discusses training...
Posted on May 7, 2025 at 9:41 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month on the In the Balance podcast, our guest is retired Iowa Supreme Court Justice Bruce Zager. He shares personal insights from his legal career and offers thoughtful suggestions for new attorneys.
Posted on March 18, 2025 at 9:31 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month, the In The Balance podcast hosts Iowa Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Tabor and Staff Attorney Cassie...
Posted on February 5, 2025 at 10:36 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month, the In The Balance podcast hosts Magistrates Beth Tigges and A. Eric Neu. They serve Polk and Carroll...
Posted on November 13, 2024 at 10:48 AM by Abhash Shrestha
This month, In The Balance podcast hosts Judge Brent Pattison, Associate Judge for District 5C. He shares his perspective on...
