Parsing the Truth: One Byte at a Time

Parsing the Truth

Former FBI senior forensic examiners Becky Passmore and Stacy Eldridge dive into the world of digital forensics—one byte at a time. Now running their own firms and teaching the next wave of cyber sleuths, they share real-world case insights, expert tips, and a sharp sense of humor. From computer and iPhone forensics to ransomware attacks, this podcast unpacks how digital evidence solves modern crimes. Perfect for cybersecurity pros, students, and true crime techies. Join us as we Parse the Truth, One Byte at a Time. We focus on how digital evidence is used to find facts in today's crimes.

  1. 1d ago

    The Daubert Standard Part 2 - What you Need to Know

    Part 2: We continue the conversation with Jessica Hyde regarding the Daubert Standard, AI, and Peer Reviews. Special Guest: Jessica Hyde, Hexordia Support the podcast ⁠https://patreon.com/parsingthetruth⁠ Detailed Summary of Part 2: In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of digital forensics, legal standards, and artificial intelligence. Jessica Hyde shares her expert insights on the importance of proper testing, validation, peer review, and the evolving standards that govern forensic evidence in court. Key topics in Part 2: The fundamentals of the Daubert standard for admissible scientific evidenceHow digital forensics tools and methodologies meet (or don’t meet) Daubert criteriaChallenges introduced by AI and machine learning models in forensic analysisThe critical role of peer review, including internal lab processes and community validationThe importance of independent testing and error rate assessment for evidence reliabilityUpcoming legislative and regulatory efforts around AI in forensic evidencePractical steps for examiners to prepare for Daubert challenges and improve credibility This episode emphasizes that sound scientific methodology, rigorous peer review, and validation are the backbone of credible digital forensic testimony. Links: The Daubert Standard ⁠https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/daubert_standard⁠Rule 702 ⁠https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre/rule_702⁠NIST Foundations document ⁠https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2022/NIST.IR.8354.pdf⁠NIST OSAC Guidelines for Dataset Development ⁠https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2026/01/16/OSAC-DE-Guidelines%20for%20Dataset%20Development.pdf⁠DFIR Review ⁠https://dfir.pubpub.org/⁠Upcoming work from SWGDE in this area including the draft Quality Management System ⁠https://www.swgde.org/25-q-001-draft/⁠ Hexordia Creating Mobile Text Data FREE Online Class ⁠https://learn.hexordia.com/courses/Creating-Mobile-Test-Data-66eae235a2b4ef2d6b79cef3⁠Hexordia FREE Mobile Peer Review Checklist ⁠https://www.hexordia.com/blog/gc0vnvj80ogwx724ovu7avzwvjl742?rq=peer%20review⁠Rule 707 Regarding AI ⁠https://www.purduegloballawschool.edu/blog/news/ai-generated-materials-federal-rules-evidence ⁠Connect with Jessica Hyde on LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hydejessica/⁠Connect with Hexordia on Twitter ⁠https://x.com/hexordia⁠

    The Daubert Standard Part 2 - What you Need to Know

  2. Jul 23

    The Daubert Standard: What you need to know Part 1

    Jessica Hyde joins us to explain what you need to know about Daubert to help you ensure your evidence doesn't get tossed in your next big case. We'll also discuss a new proposed rule of evidence regarding AI. Special Guest: Jessica Hyde, Hexordia Support the podcast https://patreon.com/parsingthetruth Detailed Summary of Part 1: In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of digital forensics, legal standards, and artificial intelligence. Jessica Hyde shares her expert insights on the importance of proper testing, validation, peer review, and the evolving standards that govern forensic evidence in court. Key topics: The Daubert standard: what it is and why it matters for forensic evidenceFive Daubert factors: testing, peer review, error rates, standards, and general acceptanceChallenges of using black box AI tools and generative models in forensic analysisWhy clicking 'export report' without validation is a legal liabilityThe upcoming Federal Rule of Evidence 707 and its impact on AI-generated evidenceThe importance of independent testing, standardization, and peer review in court readinessNightmare scenarios: when evidence fails Daubert criteria, leading to inadmissibilityThe role of certification, experience, and standardization for digital forensic examinersHow practitioners can proactively prepare for Daubert challenges and legislative changesPractical steps for conducting rigorous testing and peer review of forensic artifacts This episode emphasizes that sound scientific methodology, rigorous peer review, and validation are the backbone of credible digital forensic testimony. Links: The Daubert Standard https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/daubert_standardRule 702 https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre/rule_702NIST Foundations document https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2022/NIST.IR.8354.pdfNIST OSAC Guidelines for Dataset Development https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2026/01/16/OSAC-DE-Guidelines%20for%20Dataset%20Development.pdfDFIR Review https://dfir.pubpub.org/Upcoming work from SWGDE in this area including the draft Quality Management System https://www.swgde.org/25-q-001-draft/ Hexordia Creating Mobile Text Data FREE Online Class https://learn.hexordia.com/courses/Creating-Mobile-Test-Data-66eae235a2b4ef2d6b79cef3Hexordia FREE Mobile Peer Review Checklist https://www.hexordia.com/blog/gc0vnvj80ogwx724ovu7avzwvjl742?rq=peer%20reviewRule 707 Regarding AI https://www.purduegloballawschool.edu/blog/news/ai-generated-materials-federal-rules-evidence Connect with Jessica Hyde on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hydejessica/Connect with Hexordia on Twitter https://x.com/hexordia

    The Daubert Standard: What you need to know Part 1

  3. Jul 9

    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.linkedin.com/in/brettshavers/⁠ Grow your Investigative Mindset with Brett Shavers Books ⁠https://brettshavers.com/my-books⁠ Support the Podcast ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/ParsingtheTruth⁠ Get Parsing the Truth Swag and Merch ⁠https://parsing-the-truth.printify.me/⁠

    Brett Shavers and the Investigative Mindset

  4. Jun 24

    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 Parsing the Truth merchandise is finally available ⁠http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me⁠ Learn more about our Episode Sponsor https://acecomputers.com/forensics/ The FBI Vault on Michael Jackson ⁠https://vault.fbi.gov/Michael%20Jackson⁠ Michael Jackson Trial Transcripts ⁠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 caseWhy crucial digital evidence was excluded from the courtroomThe significance of the FOIA releases, redacted case notes, and courtroom transcripts that show the struggle of proving or disproving digital misconductHow the complexities of Mac computers, confusing acronyms, and outdated technology hindered the case’s digital narrativeWhy this case remains a cautionary tale in digital forensics, highlighting the importance of proper evidence collection, documentation, and expert testimonyThis 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 2

  5. Jun 18

    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 Parsing the Truth merchandise is finally available http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me Learn more about this episode's sponsor https://acecomputers.com/forensics/ The FBI Vault on Michael Jackson https://vault.fbi.gov/Michael%20Jackson Michael Jackson Trial Transcripts 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 caseWhy crucial digital evidence was excluded from the courtroomThe significance of the FOIA releases, redacted case notes, and courtroom transcripts that show the struggle of proving or disproving digital misconductHow the complexities of Mac computers, confusing acronyms, and outdated technology hindered the case’s digital narrativeWhy this case remains a cautionary tale in digital forensics, highlighting the importance of proper evidence collection, documentation, and expert testimonyThis 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

  6. Jun 4

    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 Parsing the Truth merchandise is finally available http://parsing-the-truth.printify.me Check out our episode Sponsor https://acecomputers.com/forensics/

    The 12 Invoices

  7. May 28

    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 YouTube Find out more about the LEAPPS Find out more about IACIS

    Digital Forensics Now Cross Over Event

  8. May 21

    Season Two - Here we come!

    We're taking a look back at the 52 episodes of Season One, sharing some more lessons learned, and discussing what's on tap for Season Two! This episode is sponsored by Ace Forensics. https://acecomputers.com/forensics/

    Season Two - Here we come!
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Former FBI senior forensic examiners Becky Passmore and Stacy Eldridge dive into the world of digital forensics—one byte at a time. Now running their own firms and teaching the next wave of cyber sleuths, they share real-world case insights, expert tips, and a sharp sense of humor. From computer and iPhone forensics to ransomware attacks, this podcast unpacks how digital evidence solves modern crimes. Perfect for cybersecurity pros, students, and true crime techies. Join us as we Parse the Truth, One Byte at a Time. We focus on how digital evidence is used to find facts in today's crimes.

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