Episodes

  • Gilbert's Problem with Teenage Violence Continues!
    Jul 18 2024

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    Ever had neighbor kids turn into total jerks?

    Imagine that, but way worse! In this episode of The Modern Arizona Podcast, host Attorney Billie Tarascio chats with three Gilbert moms who've been through the wringer. Jennifer, LeeAnn, and Stephanie open up about how their daughters became targets of some troublemaking teenage boys, known around Morrison Ranch.

    It started small but got crazy fast - ending with Jenny's barn going up in flames due to arson! These moms spill all the details about the bullying, harassment, stalking, and threats, and what the police didn't do to help.

    But get this - these moms didn't just sit around feeling helpless. They fought back! They talk about dealing with schools that didn't get it and cops who didn't do much. It's a real-life story about standing up for your kids when things get scary.

    Want to know how everyday moms turned into community heroes? Tune in and find out! You'll hear how they're using their wild experience with these teenagers and social media to make some big changes in Arizona. Don't miss this one - it's an eye-opener!

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Strategic Leadership and Community Vision with Joel Coen, LD14 Candidate
    Jul 16 2024

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    In this insightful episode of The Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio welcomes Joel Coen, a candidate for State Representative for Legislative District 14. Joel brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, having worked with C-level executives and boards, and currently serves as a key advisor at TruNorth Advisors. His discussion covers a wide range of topics crucial to Arizona voters, including future planning, border security, and education reform.

    Joel also shares his dedication to improving the state of Arizona, highlighting his service as President of a major non-profit and his role on the board of trustees at the Phoenix Art Museum. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Joel Coen's platform, vision for Arizona, and commitment to community and efficiency.

    Learn more about Joel at www.coenforaz.com
    Or reaching out to him directly
    Phone: 720-474-5723
    Email: Joel@coenforaz.com

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Special Edition: Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell Discusses Teen Violence
    Jul 14 2024

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    Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell sits down with attorney Billie Tarascio to discuss the Gilbert Goons, sentencing guidelines, why the Goons are NOT charged as gang members, and why they are getting probation. Rachel addresses why charges were declined with regards to some youth alleged to have been involved in assaults, why kidnapping is the theory for the Preston Lord Murder but not other assaults, and more.

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    55 mins
  • Debating Protection Orders And Parental Rights
    Jul 11 2024

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    When an order of protection threatened to keep a parent from seeing his children for two years, how did his attorney resolve the situation?

    In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host and family law attorney Billie Tarascio is joined by Kylie Bigelow, Managing Attorney at Modern Law, to discuss a highly controversial case that garnered significant online attention involving a custody situation and the order of protection that had been put in place by the mother. Kylie shares her experience navigating this challenging case where her client, the father, faced the prospect of not seeing his children for two years due to an order of protection upheld by a city court.

    The podcast provides an in-depth look into the legal intricacies involved in transferring the case to Superior Court, allowing for a more nuanced consideration of custody and visitation rights. Kylie explains how they filed for temporary orders, which enabled the Superior Court judge to address the overlapping issues of the protection order and the father's right to see his children. This strategic move highlighted the importance of understanding jurisdictional authority in family law cases and leveraging it effectively to protect clients' rights.

    The discussion also touches on the broader implications of such legal battles, particularly the polarized views surrounding domestic violence allegations and parental rights. Billie and Kylie explore the delicate balance courts must maintain between protecting abuse victims and ensuring that children maintain healthy relationships with both parents. Kylie emphasizes that judges are equipped to make these complex decisions, often recognizing that someone can be a flawed spouse yet still a good parent.

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    38 mins
  • Gilbert Goons Updates: What should police do to stop teen violence?
    Jul 9 2024

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    In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio welcomes back Matson Browning, a certified gang expert and former police detective, to discuss the alarming case of the Gilbert Goons and its progress. Browning and Tarascio dive into the police report on the Connor Jarnagan attack, revealing significant implications for the ongoing investigations into gang activities and the response from the Gilbert Police Department. Browning praises the detailed police report but criticizes the lack of proactive investigation by the police, stressing the need for officers to engage in community policing and thorough investigations rather than relying on victims and their families to solve crimes.

    The conversation highlights the disturbing trend of parents like the Jarnagans having to conduct their own investigations due to inadequate police response. Browning emphasizes the importance of trained law enforcement officers taking the lead in such cases, sharing his experiences and the necessity for police to be proactive and vigilant. He also points out the failures in handling the juvenile attacker, Tyler Freeman, who had a history of similar violent incidents, suggesting a systemic issue in how repeat offenders are managed.

    Browning discusses the struggle of maintaining motivation and integrity within the police force amid bureaucratic and political obstacles. He also addresses the importance of community trust and the need for better communication between the police and the public.

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    44 mins
  • Aaron Accurso: Building a Better Gilbert
    Jul 5 2024

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    It’s an election year, and so important to get involved in the local scene affecting your family life. In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Aaron Accurso, a candidate for Gilbert City Council, to discuss his vision for the town. Accurso emphasizes his commitment to serving the community, highlighting his family's long-term residence in Gilbert and his desire to represent family-oriented values. Gilbert’s identity has long had to live up to its reputation for being one of the safest towns in the United States, but a spate of teen violence has rocked that.

    Accurso delves into his perspective on the role of a council member, advocating for a government that protects citizens' freedoms and stays within its defined limits. He discusses the importance of community input and transparency, stressing that regulations should be flexible enough to support residents' needs without being overly restrictive. His stance on maintaining a balance between individual rights and public safety is a key theme throughout the conversation.

    The discussion also touches on the controversial issues of mask mandates and vaccine requirements, where Accurso shares his belief in personal choice and the need for government to respect individual decisions. He reflects on the current dysfunction within the town council, attributing it to personal animosities and a lack of professionalism. Accurso also promises to bring respect and decency back to the council, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

    Finally, Accurso addresses the recent challenges faced by Gilbert, including issues with teen violence and gang activity. He criticizes the local police department's handling of these situations and calls for a plan to rebuild trust with the community. By advocating for increased community policing and better communication between the government and residents, Accurso aims to restore a sense of safety and unity in Gilbert. Tune in to hear his thoughtful insights and plans for a brighter future for the town.

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    54 mins
  • Pro Moves For Self Represented Domestic Violence Victims
    Jul 2 2024

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    How does a victim win in court in a domestic violence situation? By having an attorney-tested strategy and using the law to prove your case. In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Riverside County California litigation attorney Rachel King as they take on the intricacies of crafting a winning litigation strategy for domestic violence victims.

    Rachel shares expert tips on how to approach these complex cases, noting the importance of setting clear goals and thoroughly – yes, thoroughly - documenting all instances of abuse to build a strong case.

    Recent changes in California law now recognize coercive control and financial abuse as forms of domestic violence. Rachel breaks down the challenges of proving these types of abuse and offers instrumental advice on presenting your case effectively in court. Whether you're representing yourself or working with an attorney, Rachel's insights on organizing your strategy and evidence can make all the difference.

    This episode also explores the critical differences between California's and Arizona's handling of domestic violence cases, especially in terms of restraining orders and their impact on custody and support. Learn how securing a permanent restraining order in California can significantly alter custody arrangements, ensuring the safety and well-being of the victim and their children.

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    37 mins
  • Tools for healthy co-parenting communication
    Jun 27 2024

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    It’s hard to talk with an ex under emotionally charged circumstances, yet moms and dads still need to coordinate schedules for the kids while keeping down the drama. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some kind of tool to keep everyone on track and still civil?

    In this episode of the Modern Divorce Podcast, host Billie Tarascio is joined by Tracy Krall, a former family law attorney and current representative of Our Family Wizard, an innovative app designed to make co-parenting easier by streamlining communication and reduce conflict.

    Tracy details the app's multifaceted features, including the journal, Infobank, and calendar tools. The app allows parents to share memories, store essential information like insurance details, and manage schedules. For parents still dealing with legal issues, tracking everyday activities and behaviors of both parties can be an important element.

    For instance, the app includes a reimbursement system and the innovative Tone Meter feature, which helps co-parents communicate more effectively and respectfully. The discussion also covers the app’s customizable notifications and GPS check-ins, which provide additional layers of accountability and transparency.

    Billie and Tracy also discuss the app's cost and its fee waiver programs, ensuring that financial constraints don’t stop families from benefiting from using its features. For more information, check out OurFamilyWizard.com/modernlaw

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    31 mins