This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

Ali Kessler speaks with Michael Volpe, a freelance journalist, and discusses his journey into investigative journalism, focusing on political, police, corporate, and nonprofit corruption. He shares insights into the systemic issues within family courts, the abuse of power by Child Protective Services (CPS), and the impact of whistleblowers. Volpe highlights significant cases, including the St. Louis family court corruption and the consequences of reunification therapy, emphasizing the need for reform in the system. In this conversation, Michael Volpe discusses the complexities and challenges of the child custody system, highlighting the rise of reunification camps, the excessive power of judges, and the role of lawyers in perpetuating conflict. He proposes several reforms aimed at simplifying the system and reducing the influence of money and third-party appointees. The discussion also touches on specific cases, including the Kassenoff case, and the broader implications of family court decisions on children and parents alike. Volpe emphasizes the growing awareness of these issues and the momentum for reform in the legal system.

Takeaways

• Michael Volpe has been a journalist since 2010, focusing on corruption.
• He investigates family court abuses and CPS misconduct.
• Volpe's work includes wrongful convictions and high-profile cases.
• He started journalism after a career in mortgage brokering.
• Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing corruption.
• CPS often operates without proper judicial oversight.
• The family court system can perpetuate abuse for financial gain.
• Reunification therapy can be harmful and traumatic for children.
• Volpe's investigations have led to significant media coverage.
• There is a growing movement for reform in family court practices. Reunification camps have gained attention, with some states banning them.
• Child custody cases are complex and require individualized attention.
• Judges hold excessive power in custody decisions.
• The financial incentives in custody cases complicate outcomes.
• Eliminating court appointees could simplify the custody process.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Grey Minds Think Alike

00:03 Meet Michael Volpe: Investigative Journalist

00:32 Michael's Journey into Journalism

01:03 Exposing Corruption in Family Courts

02:36 The Emory University Scandal

04:03 Whistleblowers and CPS Abuses

07:37 The Chris Macney Tragedy

10:20 Uncovering the AFCC Racket

11:58 St. Louis Family Court Corruption

16:56 Reunification Therapy Controversies

22:38 David Segee's Fight for Justice

25:55 The Guardian Item Racket

26:28 Legal Reforms and Exposure

26:44 Reunification Therapy and Custody Battles

28:14 Systemic Issues in Family Courts

28:50 Proposed Solutions to Fix the System

31:32 Scummy Divorce Lawyers

39:24 The Kassenoff Case

44:21 Father's Rights Movements and Gender Stereotypes

46:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Michael Volpe

After spending more than a decade in finance, Michael Volpe changed course entirely in his professional career and became a freelance journalist. Since 2009, he's been published locally in Chicago in newspapers and magazines like New City, Times of Northwest Indiana, Inside Booster, Welles Park Bulldog, Chicago Reader, and Chicago Heights Patch. He's also expanded into national...