Parsing the Truth: One Byte at a Time

Brett Shavers and the Investigative Mindset

This episode with Brett Shavers explores why the most important skill in digital forensics is an investigative mindset—using critical thinking, legal authority, and objective analysis to follow the evidence, avoid bias, and tell a clear story from the data.More about this episode:In this episode of Parsing the Truth One Bite at a Time, Stacey Eldridge and Becky Passmore sit down with digital forensics expert Brett Shavers to explore what really separates strong examiners from great investigators. Rather than focusing only on tools and software, the conversation dives into the investigative mindset, critical thinking, confirmation bias, legal authority, and how to build defensible conclusions from digital evidence. Listeners will learn why forensic tools are only a means to an end, how to challenge assumptions during an examination, and why clear communication is just as important as technical skill. Brett also shares practical insights on AI in digital forensics, explaining where it can help, where it can mislead, and why human judgment still matters. Whether you work in digital forensics, teach the subject, or want to understand how investigations are built from evidence, this episode offers actionable lessons you can use immediately. Connect with Brett Shavers Online ⁠https://www.dfir.training/about-brett-shavers⁠ [https://www.dfir.training/about-brett-shavers] ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettshavers/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettshavers/] Grow your Investigative Mindset with Brett Shavers Books ⁠https://brettshavers.com/my-books⁠ [https://brettshavers.com/my-books] Support the Podcast ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/ParsingtheTruth⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/c/ParsingtheTruth] Get Parsing the Truth Swag and Merch ⁠https://parsing-the-truth.printify.me/⁠ [https://parsing-the-truth.printify.me/]

The People vs Michael Jackson Part 2

In the 2005 trial of the People vs Michael Jackson, the FBI examined numerous Mac computers and laptops, but there was no testimony regarding any of that digital evidence. What did the FBI find? Or rather, what didn't they find? And why wasn't there any testimony? We discuss all that and more in this week's episode. Support the podcast by joining our Patreon community! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/ParsingtheTruth⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ParsingtheTruth] Parsing the Truth merchandise is finally available ⁠http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me⁠ [http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me] Learn more about our Episode Sponsor https://acecomputers.com/forensics/ [https://acecomputers.com/forensics/] The FBI Vault on Michael Jackson ⁠https://vault.fbi.gov/Michael%20Jackson⁠ [https://vault.fbi.gov/Michael%20Jackson] Michael Jackson Trial Transcripts ⁠https://www.themichaeljacksoninnocentproject.com/transcripts-patrons-only/⁠ [https://www.themichaeljacksoninnocentproject.com/transcripts-patrons-only/] More on this episode... Discover how case notes, chain-of-custody logs, and redacted FOIA documents reveal a story of procedural missteps, technical confusion, and the challenges of late 90s and early 2000s digital forensics. You’ll uncover: * How law enforcement and forensic experts classified, stored, and tracked digital evidence in a high-profile case * Why crucial digital evidence was excluded from the courtroom * The significance of the FOIA releases, redacted case notes, and courtroom transcripts that show the struggle of proving or disproving digital misconduct * How the complexities of Mac computers, confusing acronyms, and outdated technology hindered the case’s digital narrative * Why this case remains a cautionary tale in digital forensics, highlighting the importance of proper evidence collection, documentation, and expert testimony This episode is perfect for legal professionals, digital forensic investigators, courtroom enthusiasts, or anyone interested in understanding how digital evidence can make or break a trial — especially when it’s mishandled or misunderstood. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes when law enforcement investigates digital devices, this episode is your answer.

The People vs Michael Jackson Part 1

In the 2005 trial of the People vs Michael Jackson, the FBI examined numerous Mac computers and laptops, but there was no testimony regarding any of that digital evidence. What did the FBI find? Or rather, what didn't they find? And why wasn't there any testimony? We discuss all that and more in this week's episode. Support the podcast by joining our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/cw/ParsingtheTruth [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ParsingtheTruth] Parsing the Truth merchandise is finally available http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me [http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me] Learn more about this episode's sponsor https://acecomputers.com/forensics/ [https://acecomputers.com/forensics/] The FBI Vault on Michael Jackson https://vault.fbi.gov/Michael%20Jackson [https://vault.fbi.gov/Michael%20Jackson] Michael Jackson Trial Transcripts https://www.themichaeljacksoninnocentproject.com/transcripts-patrons-only/ [https://www.themichaeljacksoninnocentproject.com/transcripts-patrons-only/] More on this episode... Discover how case notes, chain-of-custody logs, and redacted FOIA documents reveal a story of procedural missteps, technical confusion, and the challenges of late 90s and early 2000s digital forensics. You’ll uncover: * How law enforcement and forensic experts classified, stored, and tracked digital evidence in a high-profile case * Why crucial digital evidence was excluded from the courtroom * The significance of the FOIA releases, redacted case notes, and courtroom transcripts that show the struggle of proving or disproving digital misconduct * How the complexities of Mac computers, confusing acronyms, and outdated technology hindered the case’s digital narrative * Why this case remains a cautionary tale in digital forensics, highlighting the importance of proper evidence collection, documentation, and expert testimony This episode is perfect for legal professionals, digital forensic investigators, courtroom enthusiasts, or anyone interested in understanding how digital evidence can make or break a trial — especially when it’s mishandled or misunderstood. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes when law enforcement investigates digital devices, this episode is your answer.

The 12 Invoices

This week, Becky shares a case about the discovery of multiple invoices linked to a fraud scheme. She submitted her reports. She shows up to the courtroom, and that's where things go off the rails. Find out what happens while Becky is providing expert witness testimony in the courtroom. Support the podcast by joining our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/cw/ParsingtheTruth [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ParsingtheTruth] Parsing the Truth merchandise is finally available http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me [http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me] Check out our episode Sponsor https://acecomputers.com/forensics/ [https://acecomputers.com/forensics/]

Digital Forensics Now Cross Over Event

The hosts of the Digital Forensics Now podcast, Heather Charpentier and Alexis Brignoni, interview Stacy and Becky, asking questions ranging from how the podcast got its start to whether it ok to discuss pending cases. You can connect with Healther and Brigs and the Digital Forensics Now Podcast at: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1c7JV8zwBlJgh30RECHFlc?si=4c5c7f98742948a3] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AlexisBrignoni/podcasts] Find out more about the LEAPPS [https://www.leapps.org/] Find out more about IACIS [https://www.iacis.com/]