Behind the Armor

Judd Shaw
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to 'Behind the Armor,' where we deep dive into the heart of what matters. I’m your host Judd Shaw, adventurer, storyteller, agent of change, and speaker on authenticity and human connection. Join me as we explore the complexities of human connection, featuring theorists, scientists, and speakers. Our mission is simple: to inspire you to reclaim your true self and create genuine connections with others. Join me as we lay down our armor and live authentically.

  1. 3D AGO

    Motherhood, Wrongful Conviction, & Never Giving Up Hope | Judy & Angel Henderson

    What if the only thing standing between truth and oblivion was the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter? In this unforgettable fifth episode of our Buried Alive series, Judd dives deep into Judy’s extraordinary journey and that of her daughter Angel—a family shattered by injustice and reunited against all odds. Judy spent 36 years wrongfully imprisoned for a crime she did not commit, but her story goes far beyond legal battles. It’s a profound exploration of parental love, resilience, healing generational trauma, and the hope that defies razor wire and fate. Joined by Judy and Angel Henderson themselves, Judd asks Angel to share her raw experiences of growing up wondering where her mother was, learning to keep secrets, and finding the courage to advocate for justice. Together mother and daughter open up about the toll of false conviction, the unique forms of connection forged through prison walls, and the remarkable power of never letting go. More than a story of loss and survival, this episode is a touching meditation on forgiveness, breaking cycles of abuse, manifestations of hope, and the relentless faith that light finds us, even when all seems lost. 5 Lessons from the Episode: Love survives separation: Judy and Angel’s mother-daughter bond withstood decades of forced distance, proving love can endure even the harshest barriers.Owning your story is healing: Speaking the truth about your life—even the hardest parts—brings clarity, connection, and the chance for real understanding.Acts of kindness ripple outward: Small gestures of compassion, like Judy’s mother’s help for strangers, can transform lives in ways we may never foresee.Breaking cycles takes courage: Refusing to repeat past patterns of trauma and abuse is challenging but possible—with strength, faith, and determination.Hope is a lifeline: Judy and Angel’s journey shows that never letting go of hope—even in the darkest moments—can lead to eventual reunion and healing.CHAPTERS:00:22 Angel Learns of Mother’s Conviction on the Radio01:26 Judy’s Heartbreaking Goodbye to Her Children04:28 Angel’s Confusion and Fear After Mother’s Disappearance05:17 Judy on Being “Erased” in Her Children’s Eyes06:55 Strained Relationships: Parents Alienated From Their Children08:22 Angel and Chip’s Differing Relationships With Their Mother11:35 Angel’s Faith in Her Mother’s Innocence12:37 Angel Hides Her Mother’s Imprisonment From Friends14:57 Judy’s Parenting Rituals From Prison18:03 Mothering Through Barriers: Emotional Phone Calls20:13 Angel: Absence Deepened Our Relationship23:33 Relearning Parenting After Prison Release26:30 Judy: Healing Through Service and the Patch Program29:38 The Hitman Who Spared Judy’s Life33:10 The PATCH Program: Reuniting Mothers and Children in Prison36:21 Grieving a Mother’s Death From Behind Bars41:26 Angel Reads Her Mother’s Book for the First Time45:23 Judy’s Unbreakable Identity as a Mother50:07 Manifesting Freedom: The Vision Board Story54:18 Angel’s Bold Plea to the Governor at Cemetery59:08 The Miraculous Day Judy Was Released01:07:51 Breaking Cycles: Ending Generational Abuse01:12:30 Advice for Alienated Parents: Holding Onto Hope01:15:05 Angel’s Guidance for Children Estranged From Parents01:17:34 Surprise: Angel and Judy’s Anguilla Vacation Follow me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficialFor more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com

    1h 20m

  2. SEP 30

    Clemency, Courage, & Redemption | Governor Eric Greitens

    Sometimes, a single plea in a crowd can spark a chain reaction that changes everything—even the fate of a woman wrongfully imprisoned for 36 years. In this fourth episode of the Judy Henderson series, Judd sits down with former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens—the man who granted clemency to Judy Henderson, freeing her after decades behind bars for a crime she did not commit. But this isn’t just about policy or pardons. It’s about what happens when leadership meets heart, when courage is rooted in love, and when true justice demands more than playing by the rules. Greitens shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a moment of “divine intervention”—when Judy’s daughter Angel approached him at a vandalized Jewish cemetery—set in motion a deep review of thousands of overlooked clemency pleas. Through candid reflections, Greitens opens up about the burdens and responsibilities of power, the unseen weight carried by those waiting for hope, and how keeping your heart open as a public servant can help right grievous wrongs. 5 Lessons from the Episode: Every story matters: Behind every plea for help is a human being who deserves acknowledgment and respect.Leadership means leading with heart: True courage comes from empathy, listening, and daring to act with compassion—even when it's risky.Resilience is built in connection: Overcoming hardship is possible when we reach out, show up, and support each other through vulnerability.Stories heal and empower: Sharing our pain and triumphs invites others to begin their own path to healing and hope.Justice calls for wisdom and courage: Fixing what’s broken isn’t just about following rules—it’s about having the vision and bravery to make things right.CHAPTERS:00:00 Divine Intervention at the Jewish Cemetery00:51 Freeing Judy Henderson: The Clemency Story Begins03:04 Angel’s Plea and 5,000 Unanswered Prisoner Letters06:15 Transforming Hate: Cemetery Cleanup Unites Thousands10:03 Leadership Starts With the Heart11:13 Angel Shares the Moment of Judy’s Freedom13:07 Greitens Reflects: The Ripple Across Generations16:28 Where the Justice System Failed Judy Henderson20:59 Race, Poverty, and Politics in Wrongful Convictions23:12 The Prosecutor’s Regret: Conviction for Political Gain26:51 Resilience Through Story: Heartbreak, Pain, and Hope32:59 Loneliness Epidemic and the Power of Showing Up35:07 Breathing Through Darkness: Practical Resilience Advice37:31 Greitens’ Personal Lowest Point and Public Shaming41:00 Finding Strength: Sons Giving Life Back44:16 The Lasting Pain of False Accusations45:25 Faith and Finding Purpose After Loss49:12 Raising Boys: Strength, Compassion, and Wholeness53:02 The Ancient Order of the Pirate Knights: Kids’ Initiation58:21 The Need for Ceremony and Recognizing Boyhood Transition59:29 Storytelling as a Bridge: Power of Brave Narratives62:03 Bitter or Better: Judy’s Choice After Prison63:33 Message to Those Holding On: “You Are Loved”66:35 What the Light Means in Judy’s Story67:12 How Judy Saved Greitens During His Hardship69:43 Bravery Begins With Love, Not Fear Follow me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficialFor more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com

    1 hr

  3. SEP 16

    Fighting for Judy: Inside a Wrongful Conviction and Redemption | Attorney Shannon Norman

    How far would you go to fight for someone the world gave up on? In this gripping third episode of Behind the Armor’s look into the Judy Henderson story, Judd sits down with attorney Shannon Norman—the formidable legal force and unwavering advocate behind the exoneration of Judy Henderson. Shannon didn’t just take on Judy’s case; she built a bond that transcended the typical lawyer-client relationship, launching her law career on a quest for justice that would consume years of her life. Together, Judd and Shannon unravel the harrowing true story of Judy Henderson, a woman sentenced to life without parole in a system stacked against her from the start. Discover how Shannon first encountered Judy’s case as a law student, and how her commitment blossomed from an academic assignment into a personal mission to overturn a devastating miscarriage of justice. Through Shannon’s experience, this conversation examines the evolution of justice for women in abusive relationships, the importance of second chances, and the hope that comes from never giving up—even when the odds are impossible. 5 Lessons from the Episode: Justice needs vigilance: Even the best systems can fail—Shannon’s advocacy highlights the need for relentless oversight and care.Compassion drives progress: Seeing clients as people, not just cases, brings deeper commitment and real change.Change takes public action: Legal work alone isn’t enough—rallying support and making noise can open doors closed by bureaucracy.Resilience is power: Judy’s spirit shows that staying hopeful and kind, even in darkness, is its own form of strength.Persistence pays off: Steady, faithful work—no matter how slow—can eventually lead to freedom and transformation. CHAPTERS:  00:29 Shannon Norman: From Law Student to Judy’s Unpaid Advocate02:16 Clemency vs. Pardon: The Critical Legal Difference04:11 The System Broke Down: Shared Mafia-Connected Attorney06:48 Mafia Manipulation: Judy Set Up to Take the Fall08:51 Paid Witnesses: Perjury and Injustice10:13 Why I Couldn’t Let Judy’s Case Go11:58 Beyond Legal Work: Building a Political Movement12:54 3,300 Clemency Petitions Sitting Unread14:39 Governor Greitens’ Reforms and Judy’s Petition Rises15:59 Contraband “Apple” and Too Many Books—Including the Governor’s17:27 Facing Political Roadblocks and Fierce Opposition20:15 The Passion Behind Fighting for Judy Against All Odds23:09 Judy Never Got a Fair Fight—A Lawyer’s Outrage24:07 How the System Failed Abused Women in Past Decades26:07 Surprising Realities & Rehabilitation Inside Women’s Prisons28:41 Judy’s Program: Hugging Her Children in Prison30:47 “Get Bitter or Get Better”: Judy’s Resilience32:35 Winning Against the System After Years of Rejection33:39 Seven Years to Freedom: How Clemency Unfolded37:37 Inside the Governor’s Thorough Investigation38:44 Now a Judge: How Judy’s Case Shapes Justice39:41 Advice to Young Lawyers: Perseverance Pays Off39:56 Judy’s Example: Never Giving Up on Yourself Follow me:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficial For more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com

    42 min

  4. SEP 2

    Life In Prison, Injustice, & Holding To Sanity | Judy Henderson

    Buried alive for a crime she did not commit, Judy Henderson’s story is proof that faith, resilience, and the kindness of strangers can move mountains—even from behind prison walls. In this gripping second episode of Season 3, Judd welcomes Judy Henderson herself, a woman who spent 36 years incarcerated for a crime she didn’t commit. But this isn’t just a tale of injustice: it’s one of survival, redemption, and the unwavering power of hope. Judy peels back the layers of her life, from surviving years of abuse to being swept into a criminal underworld she never truly understood. Along the way, Judd and Judy explore the realities of battered women’s syndrome, the devastating failures of the justice system, and the choices—big and small—that can forever change a life. Throughout their candid conversation, Judy offers a rare look inside prison life: the dangerous alliances, the tough lessons learned, and the moments of grace that carried her through decades of darkness. You’ll hear about the extraordinary moment her mother’s simple act of kindness to a stranger became a divine intervention that saved Judy’s life. And you’ll witness her journey from anger and despair to a faith so steadfast it could not be broken, even by a “life without parole” sentence. This conversation is a raw and inspiring testament to the human spirit—and a reminder that no one is ever truly alone or beyond hope. 5 Lessons from the Episode: Faith endures in adversity: Even in her lowest moments, Judy’s faith was eventually renewed, reminding us that hope can survive the darkest places. Choices define our path: Judy’s story underscores the power of personal agency—we can own our decisions and shape our future, even after mistakes. Kindness creates unforeseen blessings: Her mother’s compassion saved Judy’s life, illustrating how small acts of kindness can have life-changing ripple effects. Trauma can be overcome: Past abuse and manipulation influenced Judy’s journey, but healing and self-understanding proved stronger than her trauma. Purpose can flourish anywhere: Even in prison, Judy found meaning by helping others, proving that purpose and hope can thrive in the unlikeliest circumstances. CHAPTERS:00:00 Judy’s Mother Screams at Guilty Verdict02:05 Life as a Battered Woman: The Invisible Trap05:08 Trading Abuse for Kindness: Falling for the Co-Defendant09:47 The Red Flags and Addiction to Love10:54 Shot in the Stomach: Surviving the Aftermath13:34 Mafia Ties and the Night of the Crime17:02 Risking Everything: Secret Meeting with Her Mother18:18 Last Words to Her Children Before Disappearing25:25 Hitman Spares Judy’s Life for Her Mother’s Kindness28:21 Divine Intervention Saves Her from Death36:45 Suicide Attempt in Alaska and Facing Her Co-Defendant’s Violence38:00 Legal Betrayal: Missing Plea Deal and False Evidence43:42 Abandoning Faith: Where Was God in Prison?46:17 Finding Purpose: From Anger to Helping Others in Prison49:54 Surviving Violence: Earning Respect the Hard Way57:03 Family Connection: Cherished Prison Visits58:44 Experiencing Unconditional Love Through Prison Ministry01:03:21 Judy’s Advice to the Trapped and Broken01:06:40 A Call for Compassion Toward Incarcerated Women01:09:34 Closing Prayer and Gratitude Follow me:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficial For more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com

    1h 12m

  5. AUG 26

    Introduction to the Crime | Defense Attorney Bob Ramsey

    What would you do if the very system designed to protect you left you buried alive? In this gripping Season 3 opener of Behind the Armor, Judd sits down with celebrated criminal defense attorney Bob Ramsey—the man who dedicated over 30 years, countless appeals, and even a 120-mile march to free Judy Henderson, a woman wrongfully convicted of murder. Bob unpacks Judy’s extraordinary, and heartbreaking, story—how she was caught in a deadly web spun by her manipulative partner and a justice system riddled with conflicts of interest. Listeners will hear about the fateful night of the crime, the tangled relationships, and the devastating impact of one lawyer's betrayal. Bob and Judd also explore what happens when prosecutors and courts ignore glaring injustices, and why true resilience means never giving up—even when the law seems stacked against you. Bob’s unwavering faith and integrity shine throughout this conversation, offering hope to anyone who feels trapped or powerless. If you’re passionate about justice, redemption, or the power of never giving up, you won’t want to miss this new season of Behind the Armor!  5 Lessons from the Episode: Conflict of interest costs lives: When lawyers serve divided loyalties, clients like Judy may pay the ultimate price for legal betrayal. Resilience is vital: Judy’s fight for freedom—and Bob’s relentless advocacy—prove that never giving up makes all the difference. Justice is slow to self-correct: The system’s reluctance to revisit convictions keeps many wrongs buried, despite obvious errors. Integrity matters most: True justice requires lawyers like Bob who act from principle, not convenience or profit. Faith fuels hope: Judy’s enduring faith, alongside her support network, kept her spirit alive through decades of injustice. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Representing Two Suspects in a Death Penalty Case01:34 The Night of the Murder: Judy’s Involvement Uncovered04:12 The Prosecutor’s Deal Judy Never Heard About07:47 Judy’s Reluctant Role & Abusive Past Revealed11:04 Why I Fought for Judy: Attorney’s Motivation12:36 Explaining Legal Conflicts of Interest in Criminal Defense16:08 How Attorney Conflicts Destroy Justice for Defendants22:03 “Someone’s Going Down”: The System’s Refusal to Admit Error25:22 Passing the Torch: Bob’s Daughter Joins Judy’s Fight28:42 Faith and Resilience—How Bob & Judy Endured 34 Years29:44 “Never Giving Up”: Lessons in True Resilience32:58 Why It’s So Hard to Correct Wrongful Convictions36:31 Winning Clemency When Courts Fail39:05 “If You Save One Person, You Save the World” Follow me:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficial For more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com

    40 min

  6. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    SEASON 3 TRAILER: Buried Alive: The Judy Henderson Story

    Sentenced to life in prison for a murder she did not commit, Judy Henderson’s story is not just a crime saga or a courtroom drama. Instead, it’s a real-life example of a faith that never broke, and kindness that refused to die.  In this brand new 6-part series, Judd sits down with the many players involved in Judy’s unbelievable story, including Judy herself. Because this isn’t just a tale of what 36 years in prison took away from one innocent woman’s life—it’s a testament to resilience, faith, and how the drive to never quit can lead to wrongs being righted and light once again shining in the darkest of places.  Don’t miss the new season of Behind the Armor—Buried Alive: The Judy Henderson Story, coming August 19th.

    1 min

  7. JUL 23 · BONUS

    BONUS: Vulnerability and Voice, with Krista Williams

    On this powerful bonus episode of Behind the Armor, Krista Williams brings heart-centered wisdom to her conversation with Judd, revealing how she balances being a public leader with honoring her own human experience. The episode opens with a grounding breathwork session led by Krista, setting the tone for a vulnerable and insightful dialogue. Together, Krista and Judd unpack what it means to lead from authenticity—even during personal struggles. Krista shares her journey from burnout and people-pleasing to cultivating self-love and emotional regulation. She also speaks candidly about the pressure to maintain an image online, the challenges of being a coach and healer while still healing herself, and how she navigates sharing publicly while protecting her inner world and the people closest to her. By the end of the conversation, listeners will be left with a powerful reminder: the bravery to be seen starts in the heart, not from perfection, but from owning who we are—fully, honestly, and with compassion. 5 Lessons from the Episode: Ground first: Simple grounding breathwork before hard conversations can shift your entire presence. Share with discernment: Not every part of your life needs to be public to be powerful. Own your evolution: Cringe at old content? That’s proof of growth, not failure. Protect your truth: Tell your story, but focus on your role and your processing—not that of others.  Celebrate wholeness: Feeling good and sharing your joy is just as worthy as sharing your pain. CHAPTERS:00:00 Grounding Meditation with Krista06:00 Understanding Stress and Nervous System Regulation08:50 Can You Lead While You’re Struggling?12:00 Sharing Authentically Without Oversharing18:00 Dealing with Old Versions of Yourself20:30 Shame, Storytelling, and Vulnerability24:00 What to Share and Who It Affects26:15 Celebrating Joy Without Shame29:45 Telling Stories That Involve Others32:00 Speak From Integration, Not Expectation33:15 Behind the Scenes of the “Almost 30” Book36:00 From Rock Bottom to Self-Love Follow Judd Shaw for more inspiring content:Website: https://www.juddshaw.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficial

    38 min

  8. JUL 9 · BONUS

    BONUS: Embracing Endings & New Beginnings | Jesse Israel

    For today’s special bonus episode, Judd welcomes meditation teacher and entrepreneur Jesse Israel to Behind the Armor—discussing the natural cycles behind the beginnings and endings we all walk through. Jesse begins the conversation by leading us through a grounding meditation—drawing attention to the body, breath, and environment—which sets the tone for the conversation.  Together, Judd and Jesse dive into some of the common myths about meditation, but the heart of the episode centers on how to embrace the closing of life chapters well. Judd chooses to share about his impending divorce and the emotional tumult of major life shifts, asking Jesse how to ritualize milestones like letting go of past identities. In turn, Jesse highlights his experience with The Big Quiet and underscores the importance of grieving, crying, and letting go of shame to open space for new energy. The episode concludes with Jesse encouraging Judd to write his own closure letter and invite others to bear witness—anchoring endings in ceremony and moving into new beginnings with presence, clarity, and energetic readiness. 5 Lessons from the Episode: Mindfulness myth: Meditation isn’t about emptying the mind—it's about practicing awareness when thoughts arise. Lead by being: Your transformation is the most effective invitation for others to follow. Ritual closure: Monumental endings deserve ritual—a letter, a ceremony, public acknowledgment. Trust cycles: Past experiences show that trust and letting go pave the way for new growth. Cultivate the soil: In transitions, focus on nourishing yourself—the flower blooms in its season. Follow me:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juddshawofficial/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddshawofficial/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juddshawofficial For more inspiring episodes and exclusive content, visit https://www.juddshaw.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 Guided Meditation & Introduction 01:20 Debunking Meditation Myths 04:42 Teaching Meditation & Building Habit 10:00 Recognizing Cycles & Honoring Endings 14:33 How Jesse Closed The Big Quiet 19:25 Ceremony & Grief in Transitions 24:15 Overcoming Attachment & Fear 27:26 Anchoring Intuition & Trust 29:41 Cultivating Soil Between Chapters 32:47 Advice for Crafting Closure & Ceremony

    34 min
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About

Welcome to 'Behind the Armor,' where we deep dive into the heart of what matters. I’m your host Judd Shaw, adventurer, storyteller, agent of change, and speaker on authenticity and human connection. Join me as we explore the complexities of human connection, featuring theorists, scientists, and speakers. Our mission is simple: to inspire you to reclaim your true self and create genuine connections with others. Join me as we lay down our armor and live authentically.

Information

  • Creator
    Judd Shaw
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Judd Shaw
  • Show Website
    Behind the Armor