Forensics Unfiltered with Gap Science

Gap Science

Welcome to Forensics Unfiltered, where we uncover real-life stories and challenges of the forensic world. Hosts Ashley Church and Erin West from Gap Science share the highs, lows, and lessons from their careers, offering insights to help you avoid pitfalls, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. With no topic off-limits, a dash of colorful language, and dark humor, this podcast delivers raw honesty and a refreshing take on forensic science. Tune in for relatable advice and unfiltered truth!

  1. 1D AGO

    58. Mid-Career Crisis in Forensics: Why It Happens and What to Do Next

    At some point in your forensic career, the adrenaline fades. You start to ask yourself... Why doesn't this feel the same? Why am I not as energized? Do I need to leave the field? In this episode, we break down the warning signs, the psychology behind mid-career dissatisfaction, and practical steps to reignite growth without impulsively leaving the field. Whether you’re navigating this personally or leading a team, this conversation matters.

    49 min

  2. FEB 5

    57. AI in Forensic Science: What This Technology Really Means for Daily Forensic Work

    AI is showing up in forensic science whether we feel ready for it or not. In this episode, we have an honest conversation about AI in forensic science and why it creates so much discomfort inside forensic units. Not because forensic professionals are resistant to change, but because we care deeply about credibility, ethics, and defending our work in court. We talk about where AI is already embedded in our workflows, why it feels different this time, and how fear often comes from experience, not ignorance. We also explore how our teams are already using AI without realizing it, where the real risks actually are, and how leadership can approach this shift without alienating the people doing the work. This episode isn’t about hype or selling tools. It’s about helping our units think clearly, ethically, and confidently about technology that isn’t going away. If you’ve been uneasy about AI but haven’t quite figured out why, this conversation is for you.

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 28

    56. The Boundaries We Wish We Set Sooner in Our Forensic Careers

    In this episode, we share our personal experiences with burnout in forensic careers and how we learned the hard way that boundaries aren’t just optional—they’re essential. From missed lunches and sleepless nights to the way overworking can strain your relationships and your health, we talk honestly about the challenges we’ve faced and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. We also break down practical, actionable strategies that we use to protect our time, our energy, and our professional effectiveness. Whether it’s using PTO, leaving work on time, stopping weekend emails, or navigating court obligations, we give you tips you can implement immediately. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, stretched too thin, or worried that saying “no” would make you less valuable, this episode is for you. Our goal is simple: help you sustain your forensic career without losing yourself in the process. 🎧 Ready to dig deeper? Subscribe to the podcast! Tune in to the latest episodes and let’s tackle the untold stories of forensics together. 👉 Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive community for Forensic Professionals here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (psstttt... it's free and NOT on a social media platform) Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 📚 Resources for Forensic Professionals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our library of eCourses for forensic professionals.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Vault⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Forensic Supervision Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Training Officer (FTO) Program Development⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All You Need to Prepare for Forensic Accreditation⁠⁠⁠⁠

    56 min

  4. JAN 21

    55. How Mini-Adventures Create Joy and Prevent Burnout in Our Forensic Careers

    Our forensic careers ask a lot of us—emotionally, mentally, and personally. In this episode, we break down how burnout develops in forensic work, why so many of us don’t recognize it until it’s already impacting our lives, and what sustainable career boundaries actually look like. We share real-world insight and practical strategies to help prevent burnout while continuing to do work that matters. In this episode, we discuss: Why burnout in forensic work often goes unnoticed until it’s already costing us How seeing the entire year at once changes how you value your time Why planning mini-adventures isn’t indulgent—it’s protective How scheduling time off in advance reduces guilt, anxiety, and people-pleasing Ways intentional planning helps us say no (or pause) to things that hijack our time 🎧 Ready to dig deeper? Subscribe to the podcast! Tune in to the latest episodes and let’s tackle the untold stories of forensics together. 👉 Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive community for Forensic Professionals here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (psstttt... it's free and NOT on a social media platform) Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 📚 Resources for Forensic Professionals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our library of eCourses for forensic professionals.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Vault⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Forensic Supervision Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Training Officer (FTO) Program Development⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All You Need to Prepare for Forensic Accreditation⁠⁠⁠

    43 min

  5. JAN 14

    54. Our End-of-Year in Reflection: Sustainable Goal Setting for Forensic Professionals

    This episode, we get personal. We reflect on our year in forensic business and professional life, sharing what we learned about sustainable goal setting, balancing personal health, and building a thriving career without burning out. From pivoting products to reaching new audiences, tackling overwhelming projects, and learning the value of automation, we walk you through our real-life experiences with goal setting for forensic professionals. We discuss: How listening to customers and adapting transformed our business The importance of protecting our health and personal life while growing professionally Strategies for intentional, realistic goal setting that actually works The projects and collaborations we’re focusing on in 2026, and how we’re keeping them sustainable Whether you’re running a forensic team, teaching students, or managing your own forensic career, you’ll get actionable insights on how we structure our goals, reflect on our wins and challenges, and create a business and life that lasts. Join us as we share our journey, our mistakes, and our strategies — because sustainable success is possible when you protect what matters most. 🎧 Ready to dig deeper? Subscribe to the podcast! Tune in to the latest episodes and let’s tackle the untold stories of forensics together. 👉 Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive community for Forensic Professionals here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (psstttt... it's free and NOT on a social media platform) Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 📚 Resources for Forensic Professionals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our library of eCourses for forensic professionals.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Vault⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Forensic Supervision Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Training Officer (FTO) Program Development⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All You Need to Prepare for Forensic Accreditation⁠⁠⁠

    1h 1m

  6. 09/11/2025

    53. Building Resiliency to On-the-Job Stress for Improved Productivity with RENEE SOUZA

    In this episode of the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit, we dive into the crucial topic of forensic team resiliency with expert Renee Souza. Learn why building resilience is essential for forensic professionals who face trauma and stress daily—and how supervisors can support their teams to bounce back stronger. From emotional regulation to mental health days and practical coping strategies, discover actionable tools to boost your team’s productivity and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned forensic supervisor or new to leadership, this episode is packed with insights to help your team thrive under pressure. Want more? This full presentation—and 20 more like it—are available in the 2024 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit All-Access Pass, now included inside The Vault for just $29/month. Links from today's episode: Register for 2025 Forensics on a Budget Summit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forensicsonabudget.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for The Vault: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gapscience.com/the-vault/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab the 2024 All-Access Pass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gapscience.com/self-paced-forensic-training-courses/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Ready to dig deeper? Subscribe to the podcast! Tune in to the latest episodes and let’s tackle the untold stories of forensics together. 👉 Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive community for Forensic Professionals here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (psstttt... it's free and NOT on a social media platform) Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 📚 Resources for Forensic Professionals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our library of eCourses for forensic professionals.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Vault⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Forensic Supervision Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Training Officer (FTO) Program Development⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All You Need to Prepare for Forensic Accreditation⁠⁠⁠⁠

    25 min

  7. 08/28/2025

    52. Strategies for Motivating Your Team to Reach Ambitious Goals with JENN MEAD

    In this episode of the Forensic Supervisor Success Summit, Jennifer Meade—an experienced evidence unit supervisor and trailblazer—shares her top strategies for how to motivate a forensic team. From gaining genuine buy-in on major projects to boosting forensic team morale without extra budget, Jennifer reveals practical, proven tools that any forensic supervisor can use to inspire their unit. Whether you’re facing resistance or looking to empower your rock stars, this episode delivers actionable advice on communication, delegation, incentives, and leading by example. Tune in to discover how genuine leadership can transform your team’s performance and drive success. Want more? This full presentation—and 20 more like it—are available in the 2024 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit All-Access Pass, now included inside The Vault for just $29/month. Links from today's episode: Register for 2025 Forensics on a Budget Summit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forensicsonabudget.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for The Vault: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gapscience.com/the-vault/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab the 2024 All-Access Pass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gapscience.com/self-paced-forensic-training-courses/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Ready to dig deeper? Subscribe to the podcast! Tune in to the latest episodes and let’s tackle the untold stories of forensics together. 👉 Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive community for Forensic Professionals here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (psstttt... it's free and NOT on a social media platform) Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 📚 Resources for Forensic Professionals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our library of eCourses for forensic professionals.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Vault⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Forensic Supervision Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Training Officer (FTO) Program Development⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All You Need to Prepare for Forensic Accreditation⁠⁠⁠⁠

    26 min

  8. 08/14/2025

    51. Using Statistics to Optimize Team Performance with COURTNEY LOZANO

    Feeling like your team is constantly overwhelmed, but struggling to prove it to leadership? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Courtney Lozano, Interim Manager at the Dallas Police Department, to talk about how she built a simple, no-budget stats tracking system that transformed her forensic unit. You'll learn how to identify which stats actually matter, use data to support staffing requests, eliminate downtime between shifts, and resolve internal team conflict. If you're a forensic supervisor ready to lead with facts—not just gut instinct—this conversation is packed with insights you can start using immediately. Want more? This full presentation—and 20 more like it—are available in the 2024 Forensic Supervisor Success Summit All-Access Pass, now included inside The Vault for just $29/month. Links from today's episode: Register for 2025 Forensics on a Budget Summit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forensicsonabudget.com/⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for The Vault: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gapscience.com/the-vault/⁠⁠⁠ Grab the 2024 All-Access Pass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gapscience.com/self-paced-forensic-training-courses/⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Ready to dig deeper? Subscribe to the podcast! Tune in to the latest episodes and let’s tackle the untold stories of forensics together. 👉 Join Our Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our exclusive community for Forensic Professionals here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (psstttt... it's free and NOT on a social media platform) Follow along on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 📚 Resources for Forensic Professionals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore our library of eCourses for forensic professionals.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Vault⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Forensic Supervision Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Field Training Officer (FTO) Program Development⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All You Need to Prepare for Forensic Accreditation⁠⁠⁠⁠

    25 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Forensics Unfiltered, where we uncover real-life stories and challenges of the forensic world. Hosts Ashley Church and Erin West from Gap Science share the highs, lows, and lessons from their careers, offering insights to help you avoid pitfalls, spark meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. With no topic off-limits, a dash of colorful language, and dark humor, this podcast delivers raw honesty and a refreshing take on forensic science. Tune in for relatable advice and unfiltered truth!

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