Ann Finnell didn’t set out to become a criminal defense attorney—but once she started, there was no turning back. From the exoneration of Brenton Butler, a 15-year-old wrongfully accused of murder, to her role in the case of accused child-killer Casey Anthony, Finnell has spent decades vigorously defending clients accused of the worst crimes and succeeding in all but one case in keeping them off Death Row.  . 

In this episode, she reflects on how the work impacted her, the ways in which the criminal justice system has changed and one case she will never forget.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

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Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

Ann Finnell didn&rsquo;t set out to become a criminal defense attorney&mdash;but once she started, there was no turning back. From the exoneration of Brenton Butler, a 15-year-old wrongfully accused of murder, to her role in the case of accused child-killer Casey Anthony, Finnell has spent decades vigorously defending clients accused of the worst crimes and succeeding in all but one case in keeping them off Death Row.&nbsp; .&nbsp;
In this episode, she reflects on how the work impacted her, the ways in which the criminal justice system has changed and one case she will never forget.
Kingpins &amp; Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.
Support the stories that matter to you&mdash;become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you&rsquo;ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.
Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.
Join now at <a href="http://wjct.org/newsnow" data-start="291" data-end="334">wjct.org/newsnow</a>.

Kingpins & Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends—giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city’s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests’ personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.

Kingpins &amp; Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends&mdash;giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city&rsquo;s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests&rsquo; personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.

Kingpins and Catalysts

Kingpins & Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends—giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city’s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests’ personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.

 

Kingpins &amp; Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends&mdash;giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city&rsquo;s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests&rsquo; personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.
&nbsp;

The Trials of a Lifetime: Ann Finnell on Defending the Accused 

Dr. Johnnetta Cole’s legacy is nearly impossible to capture in a single conversation. As the first Black woman president of Spelman College, a civil rights activist, an anthropologist, and a leader in education and social justice, she has shaped institutions, movements and minds. But she is also deeply rooted in Jacksonville, tracing her lineage back to enslaved African princess Anta Majigin Njai and Florida’s first Black millionaire, Abraham Lincoln Lewis. 

From growing up under Jim Crow to sitting at the seats of power, Dr. Cole shares her insights on race, education and the continuing fight for justice.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

Dr. Johnnetta Cole&rsquo;s legacy is nearly impossible to capture in a single conversation. As the first Black woman president of Spelman College, a civil rights activist, an anthropologist, and a leader in education and social justice, she has shaped institutions, movements and minds. But she is also deeply rooted in Jacksonville, tracing her lineage back to enslaved African princess Anta Majigin Njai and Florida&rsquo;s first Black millionaire, Abraham Lincoln Lewis.&nbsp;
From growing up under Jim Crow to sitting at the seats of power, Dr. Cole shares her insights on race, education and the continuing fight for justice.
Kingpins &amp; Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.
Support the stories that matter to you&mdash;become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you&rsquo;ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.
Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.
Join now at <a href="http://wjct.org/newsnow" data-start="291" data-end="334">wjct.org/newsnow</a>.

From Royalty to Revolution: Dr. Johnnetta Cole carries on a legacy of leadership 

For years, Dr. Kimberly Allen has led tough conversations about race, equity, and the systems that shape Jacksonville. As CEO of 904Ward, she has worked to bridge racial divides, uncover hard truths, and ensure that Jacksonville’s history is told honestly. But this work is personal. From the lessons she learned as a child to the racism her own children now experience, Dr. Allen’s mission is rooted in lived experience. 

In this episode, she opens up about the defining moments that shaped her, the power of storytelling, and why she believes real change takes time, patience, and an open door—even for those who walk away from the work.

Since recording this episode, Dr. Allen announced in December 2024 that she is leaving 904Ward and moving to Texas. We wish her all the best.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

 

For years, Dr. Kimberly Allen has led tough conversations about race, equity, and the systems that shape Jacksonville. As CEO of 904Ward, she has worked to bridge racial divides, uncover hard truths, and ensure that Jacksonville&rsquo;s history is told honestly. But this work is personal. From the lessons she learned as a child to the racism her own children now experience, Dr. Allen&rsquo;s mission is rooted in lived experience.&nbsp;
In this episode, she opens up about the defining moments that shaped her, the power of storytelling, and why she believes real change takes time, patience, and an open door&mdash;even for those who walk away from the work.
Since recording this episode, Dr. Allen announced in December 2024 that she is leaving 904Ward and moving to Texas. We wish her all the best.
Kingpins &amp; Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.
Support the stories that matter to you&mdash;become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you&rsquo;ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.
Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.
Join now at <a href="http://wjct.org/newsnow" data-start="291" data-end="334">wjct.org/newsnow</a>.
&nbsp;

You Can’t Unhear the Truth: The Work of 904Ward and Dr. Kimberly Allen

Kim Varner spent nearly three decades as a Jacksonville police officer, following in the footsteps of his father and brothers. He worked some of the most dangerous assignments – narcotics, SWAT. He was involved in six police shootings. But nothing he did on the job could stem the violence that came for his own family. In 2015, his son Desi was murdered outside their home. In this episode, Varner shares how he found purpose after that profound loss and what still motivates him to walk the streets of the Eastside, hoping to divert young men from the path that claimed his son’s life.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

 

Kim Varner spent nearly three decades as a Jacksonville police officer, following in the footsteps of his father and brothers. He worked some of the most dangerous assignments &ndash; narcotics, SWAT. He was involved in six police shootings. But nothing he did on the job could stem the violence that came for his own family. In 2015, his son Desi was murdered outside their home. In this episode, Varner shares how he found purpose after that profound loss and what still motivates him to walk the streets of the Eastside, hoping to divert young men from the path that claimed his son&rsquo;s life.
Kingpins &amp; Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.
Support the stories that matter to you&mdash;become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you&rsquo;ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.
Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.
Join now at <a href="http://wjct.org/newsnow" data-start="291" data-end="334">wjct.org/newsnow</a>.
&nbsp;

The Trials of a Lifetime: Ann Finnell on Defending the Accused

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