Happy Women's History Month! 🎉


When the walls of justice and the darkest corners of the human psyche collide, few stories can grip us quite like Karen's. 30 years after John Wayne Gacy's execution, attorney Karen Conti shares her story.


As a lawyer who found herself face-to-face with John Wayne Gacy, one of history's most infamous serial killers, her tale unfolds in a riveting conversation. Karen not only regales us with the detailed account of representing Gacy during his final appeals but also opens up about the harrowing normalcy a sociopathic mind can feign. This episode offers a haunting exploration into the legal intricacies and the mental fortitude required when your work stares back at you with the cold eyes of a killer.


Transitioning from established careers to uncharted territories is no small feat—Karen knows this firsthand. Her narrative is a masterclass in resilience as she pivots from the legal battlefield to a journey of creative fulfillment. She shares invaluable lessons on weaving a safety net of support, managing a double life of day job duties and nighttime passions, and the underestimated art of networking. If you've ever contemplated a leap of faith into the unknown, Karen's story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring beacon of what's possible when you chase a life that resonates with your deepest aspirations.


The episode takes a more introspective turn as we grapple with the emotional weight of high-profile criminal cases. Karen pulls us into her world, where public scorn and personal conviction often clash, leaving a trail of psychological challenges in their wake.


Through her poignant reflections and excerpts from her book "Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy," we confront the stark realities of empathy, justice, and the human condition. Her voice serves as a guide through the shadows of the criminal justice system, reminding us of the complex tapestry of humanity that lawyers like her navigate every day.


Karen Conti shares her detailed account of being up close and personal with serial killer John Wayne Gacy. An experience that, ultimately, was about resilience, empowerment and standing up for her beliefs.


Backstory:


John Wayne Gacy raped, tortured, and murdered 33 boys and young men, burying most of them in the crawlspace under his Chicago home. Karen Conti was in high school at the time watching the bodies being removed on the television news.


Order her Book Killing Time With John Wayne Gacy on Amazon here!




RESOURCES






--------- EPISODE KEYWORDS ---------


Serial Killer, John Wayne Gacy, Legal System, Criminal Defense, Creative Pursuit, Public Perception, Personal Convictions, Adversity, Resilience, High-Stakes Legal Battle, Sociopaths, Prison Life, Death Penalty, Public Outrage, Professional Criticism, Female Lawyer, Male-Dominated Field, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Empathy, Quest for Justice



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