lovelustlaw

lovelustlaw

lovelustlaw is a gripping true-crime-meets-courtroom podcast that pulls back the curtain on divorce, custody battles, and domestic violence—hosted by veteran judge and attorney Michele Locke, who exposes the shocking truths behind headline-making (and hidden) cases where love, lust, and law collide.

  1. Peace Is Priceless: Tools for Surviving High-Conflict Divorce & Family Court Strategy feat. Courtney Gilmartin

    23H AGO

    Peace Is Priceless: Tools for Surviving High-Conflict Divorce & Family Court Strategy feat. Courtney Gilmartin

    Family court can feel like chaos when emotions run high and truth gets lost in the noise. But what if the real advantage isn’t arguing harder… it’s collecting evidence smarter? In this episode of lovelustlaw, Michele Locke sits down with Courtney Gilmartin, founder of Monarch Consulting Group and creator of the Monarch Method, a powerful system born from her own experience navigating high-conflict litigation and post-separation abuse. When the system failed to see what was happening, Courtney stopped reacting, and started building her case like a business. Using timelines, spreadsheets, and linked evidence, she created a clear, structured narrative that exposed patterns and cut through “he said/she said” conflict. Together, Michele and Courtney unpack what really happens after separation; how control tactics escalate, why communication becomes a weapon, and how children and finances are often used as leverage. They share practical strategies most people never hear: preparing before filing, consulting multiple attorneys, keeping communication in one channel, and mastering the “detach and document” approach. They also break down parenting coordinators, tools like OurFamilyWizard, and why reactive messages can quietly damage your credibility in court. At its core, this episode is about shifting from emotional survival to strategic control, and knowing when protecting your peace matters more than prolonging the fight. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here: lovelustlaw - Apple Podcasts lovelustlaw - Spotify Podcasts lovelustlaw - Amazon Music lovelustlaw - YouTube Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :) Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below).  LinksMichele Locke https://www.michelelocke.com/ https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/  https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke  Courtney Gilmartin https://www.instagram.com/courtney.gilmartin/ https://www.monarchconsultinggrp.com/ Jake Deptula www.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehttps://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ topics | #divorce #divorcesupport #divorced #divorceprocess #divorcelawyers #divorcelawyer #divorceattorney #divorceproblemsolution #divorcefinancialplanning #divorceplanning #divorcedparents #divorcepodcast #lawpodcast #texasattorney #texaslawyer #texaslawyers #coercivecontrol #coparent #coparentingtips #coparentingadvice #coparentingchallenges #coparentingstruggles #coparenting #divorceconsult

    1h 16m
  2. Love, Lust, and Lies: Inside the World of Affairs feat. Lauren LaRusso

    APR 10

    Love, Lust, and Lies: Inside the World of Affairs feat. Lauren LaRusso

    What really leads someone to cheat, and can a relationship ever fully recover?Michele sits down with psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso, an expert in infidelity who brings both clinical insight and deeply personal experience to the conversation. After discovering her own husband’s affair and navigating divorce, Lauren now helps others make sense of betrayal, healing, and hard decisions. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological layers of cheating: why it happens, what warning signs often get missed, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust (if that’s even the right path forward). **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here:lovelustlaw - Apple Podcastslovelustlaw - Spotify Podcastslovelustlaw - Amazon Musiclovelustlaw - YouTube Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below).  Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that :) LinksMichele Locke https://www.michelelocke.com/ https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/  https://www.youtube.com/@attorney-michelelocke  Lauren LaRusso https://www.laurenlarusso.com/ Order "Beyond Infidelity" Book https://www.instagram.com/laurenlarusso/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lauren_larusso Jake Deptula www.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365) Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) Text: START to 88788  https://www.thehotline.org/ https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ #cheating #cheatingstory #mencheating #womencheating #cheatingmen #cheatingwomen #cheatingwifestories #cheatingstories #cheatingspouses #cheatingspouses #affairs #affair #infidelity #infidelityconsequences #infidelityinmarriage #infidelityexpert #texaslawyer #texaslaw #lawyer #austinattorney #familylaw #texasattorney #relationshippodcast #relationships #dating #marriage #divorce #lifeafterdivorce #relationshiptips #relationships101 #affairstory #affairhelp #affairexpert

    1h 16m
  3. Enjoying My Blonde Life: Dating, Trust, and the “Duh Factor”

    APR 3 ·  BONUS

    Enjoying My Blonde Life: Dating, Trust, and the “Duh Factor”

    After years of handling divorce and infidelity cases, Michele opens up about how the job can leave even the sharpest minds a little jaded—and hyper-aware of red flags. But beneath her tough exterior, she still believes in love, even if “your person” might evolve over time. The twist? She admits she often misses when someone is flirting—unless they’re very direct. Inspired by insights from an upcoming lovelustlaw episode with affair coach Lauren LaRusso, Michele and Jake dive into the gray areas of modern relationships. They explore questions like what actually counts as cheating, where the line should be drawn between privacy and secrecy, and what it really means if you feel the urge to check your partner’s phone. Michele also pulls back the curtain on her personal transformation—from losing over 120 pounds to embracing a bold new look that boosted her confidence—and reflects on the traits that make great litigators: competitiveness, resilience, and a love for the spotlight, before recounting and sharing a clip of her live appearance on True Crime Tonight, where high-stakes moments ranged from a chilling domestic abuse call to major legal debates and a newborn CPS case where her warning may have changed a child’s fate forever. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here:lovelustlaw - Apple Podcastslovelustlaw - Spotify Podcastslovelustlaw - Amazon Music  Want to reach out to me? You can. You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to?Well you can on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that. :) Links Michele Lockehttps://www.michelelocke.com/https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Jake Deptulawww.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfearhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWechttps://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ True Crime Tonighthttps://truecrimetonight.iheart.com/ National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehttps://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/

    56 min
  4. Control, Boundaries, and the Power of Starting Over feat. Kat Zammuto

    MAR 20

    Control, Boundaries, and the Power of Starting Over feat. Kat Zammuto

    What does it really take to rebuild your life from nothing - emotionally, financially, spiritually? Michele sits down with Kat Zammuto of the hit podcast Kat on the Loose to unpack a story that will stop you in your tracks. After surviving a 15-year abusive marriage defined by control and loss, Kat made the impossible choice to walk away - even when it cost her everything. They get brutally real about why women stay too long, the hidden patterns that linger after toxic relationships, and what reclaiming your power truly looks like. From the moment she knew she had to leave to the unexpected choice to return and care for her husband before his death, Kat’s journey is as complex as it is profoundly powerful. Michele dives into the quirks of Texas men, while the hosts speak candidly about money, control, boundaries, and dating dynamics. And when a fellow podcaster drops a surprise question about Michele and Jake, the conversation ignites into a fiery, no-holds-barred exchange. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here: lovelustlaw - Apple Podcasts lovelustlaw - Spotify Podcasts lovelustlaw - Amazon Music lovelustlaw - YouTube Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that :) LinksMichele Locke https://www.michelelocke.com/ https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/ https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneymichelelocke  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/  Jake Deptula www.instagram.com/jaked3000Kat Zammuto https://katontheloose.com/ YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify lovelustfear https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283 https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788  https://www.thehotline.org/ https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ topics | #relationships #toxic #dating #divorce #domesticabuse #domesticabuseawareness #lawyer #attorney #truecrime #relationshipadvice #toxicrelationships #healing #support #selfcare #overcomingabuse #legalhelp #survivorstories #knowledgeispower #empowerment #womenempowerment #strongwomen #healingjourney

    58 min
  5. Thread Lifts, GLP-1s & Modern Beauty: Confidence, Confessions & a Judicial Stalking Scandal

    FEB 6 ·  BONUS

    Thread Lifts, GLP-1s & Modern Beauty: Confidence, Confessions & a Judicial Stalking Scandal

    This episode of lovelusraw brings on the pain—Michele’s brutally honest, somehow still worth-it threading experience—and quickly opens up into a bigger conversation about beauty, self-worth, and the price we pay to feel confident. Michele, Jake, and Gabi break down the evolution of beauty standards, from ’80s diet culture and Dexatrim to Hydroxycut, GLP-1s, and today’s obsession with effortless perfection. The trio gets real about societal pressure, body image, and the ongoing work of owning who you are, sharing personal stories of insecurity, growth, and self-acceptance along the way. Then, just when you think it’s all about beauty, the episode takes a sharp turn with Hot Takes High Stakes. The trio dives into a jaw-dropping judicial scandal involving a judge accused of stalking, calling out power, accountability, and why status never excuses inappropriate behavior. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  Subscribe Here:lovelustlaw - Apple Podcastslovelustlaw - Spotify Podcastslovelustlaw - Amazon Music  Want to reach out to me? You can. You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to? Well you can on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that. :) Links Michele Lockehttps://www.michelelocke.com/https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Jake Deptulawww.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfearhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWechttps://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehttps://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ topics | #FamilyLaw #DivorceAttorney #MicheleLocke #CourtroomInsights #LegalAdvice #FamilyCourt #LegalPodcast #TrueCourtStories #BehindTheBench #LawUnfiltered #NoNonsenseLaw #RealTalkLaw #DivorceSupport #CustodyBattles #MessyDivorces #ChildCustody #DivorceDrama #FamilyLawMatters #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivingFamilyCourt #EmotionalJustice #CourtroomRealities #FamilyLawTruth

    32 min
  6. Stalking, Divorce, & Fear: Navigating Awareness, Accountability, and the Legal System

    JAN 17 ·  BONUS

    Stalking, Divorce, & Fear: Navigating Awareness, Accountability, and the Legal System

    In honor of National Stalking Awareness Month, this episode of lovelustraw focuses on the unsettling reality of stalking. Host Michele Locke and Jake Deptula, joined by Gabi Zielke, explore the tangled crossroads of obsession, mental health, stalking, and the law. Drawing from Michele’s real-world experience as a lawyer, they explore cases where fixation and legal gray areas collide—showing why victims are often left navigating a system that wasn’t designed to stop danger before it escalates.The conversation challenges stereotypes about “stalkers,” unpacks accountability, and examines the emotional toll stalking takes on everyone involved. Michele also reflects on how her own divorce and personal experiences shaped her perspective on relationships, boundaries, and trust in a legal system that doesn’t always have the answers. **DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.  SPARC (Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) of AEquitas)https://www.stalkingawareness.org/stalking-awareness-month/https://aequitasresource.org/ Subscribe Here:lovelustlaw - Apple Podcastslovelustlaw - Spotify Podcastslovelustlaw - Amazon Music  Want to reach out to me? You can. You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to?Well you can on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that. :) Links Michele Lockehttps://www.michelelocke.com/https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Jake Deptulawww.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfearhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWechttps://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/ National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehttps://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/ topics | #FamilyLaw #DivorceAttorney #MicheleLocke #CourtroomInsights #LegalAdvice #FamilyCourt #LegalPodcast #TrueCourtStories #BehindTheBench #LawUnfiltered #NoNonsenseLaw #RealTalkLaw #DivorceSupport #CustodyBattles #MessyDivorces #ChildCustody #DivorceDrama #FamilyLawMatters #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivingFamilyCourt #EmotionalJustice #CourtroomRealities #FamilyLawTruth

    24 min
  7. Courtrooms, Cleavage, & Couture: Reflections, Risks, and Writing 2026

    12/31/2025 ·  BONUS

    Courtrooms, Cleavage, & Couture: Reflections, Risks, and Writing 2026

    2025 was a year of glamour, growth, and bold moves—and Michele and Jake are here to spill it all. Michele teases her next chapter as an erotic literature author, shares her LA photoshoots and makeup transformations, and gets real about battling keyboard warriors (Angelina Jolie fans, we’re looking at you). Social media clips—and yes, a little cleavage—rose viewership, but Michele’s keeping it savvy for court. Meanwhile, Jake’s “snail pace” meets Michele’s cheetah energy, and together they’re plotting to pick up the speed in 2026. They also give a sneak peek at the next season of lovelustlaw, diving into overlooked legal stories in family law and criminal defense, centering survivor experiences, and taking the podcast to video. Glamour, grit, law, and laughter—this episode is all about reflecting, leaping forward, and being unapologetically themselves.**DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice. Subscribe Here:lovelustlaw - Apple Podcastslovelustlaw - Spotify Podcastslovelustlaw - Amazon Music Want to reach out to me? You can. You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to?Well you can on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that. :)LinksMichele Lockehttps://www.michelelocke.com/https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Jake Deptulawww.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfearhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWechttps://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehttps://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/topics | #FamilyLaw #DivorceAttorney #MicheleLocke #CourtroomInsights #LegalAdvice #FamilyCourt #LegalPodcast #TrueCourtStories #BehindTheBench #LawUnfiltered #NoNonsenseLaw #RealTalkLaw #DivorceSupport #CustodyBattles #MessyDivorces #ChildCustody #DivorceDrama #FamilyLawMatters #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivingFamilyCourt #EmotionalJustice #CourtroomRealities #FamilyLawTruth

    31 min
  8. Planes, Proposals, & Photo Shoots: Transformation, Triumph, and Discovering Your Glow

    11/11/2025 ·  BONUS

    Planes, Proposals, & Photo Shoots: Transformation, Triumph, and Discovering Your Glow

    After nearly two years of virtual friendship, Michele and Jake finally meet face-to-face—first at a chic David Yurman charity event in Austin, then in Los Angeles for a glamorous Old Hollywood–style photoshoot. However, disappointment ensues when Jake accidentally foils Michele’s carefully planned airport surprise. Together, they clear up public misconceptions about their relationship and dive into candid reflections on friendship, connection, and the sometimes-blurry line between professional partnership and creative collaboration. Michele also opens up about the highs and lows of her travels—from a stressful encounter with American Airlines denying her service dog to the heartfelt care and kindness she experienced with Southwest Airlines. In LA, Michele fully steps into transformation. With legendary photographer Troy Jensen her glamour photoshoot becomes a bold, confidence-boosting celebration of style, self-expression, and reclaiming her sparkle—inside and out.**DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice. Subscribe Here:lovelustlaw - Apple Podcastslovelustlaw - Spotify Podcastslovelustlaw - Amazon Music Want to reach out to me? You can. You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to?Well you can on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margot for that. :)LinksThe University of Texas at Austin: School of LawDomestic Violence Clinichttps://law.utexas.edu/clinics/domestic-violence/The David Yurman Company is built on passion, collaboration and curiosity. Founded in 1980 by David and Sybil Yurman, the company is, in their own words, “one long art project.” Their ability to fuse fashion, art and jewelry into signature design concepts revolutionized an industry,creating an entirely new category—American Designer Jewelry.https://www.davidyurman.com/Michele Lockehttps://www.michelelocke.com/https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/Jake Deptulawww.instagram.com/jaked3000lovelustfearhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWechttps://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/The University of Texas at Austin: School of LawDomestic Violence Clinichttps://law.utexas.edu/clinics/domestic-violence/National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotlinehttps://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/topics | #FamilyLaw #DivorceAttorney #MicheleLocke #CourtroomInsights #LegalAdvice #FamilyCourt #LegalPodcast #TrueCourtStories #BehindTheBench #LawUnfiltered #NoNonsenseLaw #RealTalkLaw #DivorceSupport #CustodyBattles #MessyDivorces #ChildCustody #DivorceDrama #FamilyLawMatters #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivingFamilyCourt #EmotionalJustice #CourtroomRealities #FamilyLawTruth

    42 min
4.7
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

lovelustlaw is a gripping true-crime-meets-courtroom podcast that pulls back the curtain on divorce, custody battles, and domestic violence—hosted by veteran judge and attorney Michele Locke, who exposes the shocking truths behind headline-making (and hidden) cases where love, lust, and law collide.

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