If you're struggling with your mental health, see the show notes at the end. #WorldMentalHealthDay

How reliable is a witness’s memory? What can go wrong during a suspect interview? And how can investigative interviewing be improved to reduce the risk of miscarriages of justice?

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Forensic Psychologist Dr Laura Dominique, a Professor and researcher specialising in investigative interviewing. Laura holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology and is the founder and director of Praxis IQ, supporting investigators and organisations with investigative interviewing and quality assurance.

We explore the psychology behind effective interviewing, from the risks of poor interview practices and the factors that can influence or distort memory, to the potential pitfalls of eyewitness identification procedures.

Laura also discusses lessons from miscarriages of justice, including the case of Meredith Kercher, and explains how research can help investigators avoid some of the mistakes that continue to occur today.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

Mental Health Support:

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 999/emergency services

In a non-emergency, seek the help of your doctor/GP

Mental Health Support – UK:

Samaritans What it offers: 24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone who is struggling. Contact: Call 116 123

NHS 111 Mental Health Support What it offers: Urgent mental health advice and support in England. Contact: Call 111 and select the mental health option.

Mind What it offers: Information, advice and support relating to mental health, including guidance on finding appropriate services. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) What it offers: Support for people experiencing difficult emotions, suicidal thoughts or who are struggling to cope. Contact: Call 0800 58 58 58 or use webchat. Website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Rape Crisis (UK)

Call our free 24/7 Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline0808 2000 247

New to The Evidence Trail? This is the perfect place to start! Join host Chris Gee, a forensic scientist with almost 20 years of forensic investigation experience, for an introduction to the world of forensic science and the stories behind the evidence.

Discover what the podcast is all about, how forensic science helps solve crimes, and get a taste of what’s to come with exclusive clips from future episodes featuring fascinating cases, expert guests and the science that helps uncover the truth.

Every crime leaves a trail. It’s time to follow it.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

What happens when science meets some of the most dangerous substances in the world?

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Rob Moore and Rebecca Wood, Clinical Scientists in Toxicology and hosts of The Tox Lab podcast.

Toxicology plays a crucial role in forensic investigations, from detecting drugs and poisons in biological samples to helping investigators understand what happened in the moments before a death. The results can have significant consequences — including ultimately being presented as evidence in court.

Rob and Rebecca take us behind the scenes of this highly specialised field, discussing how they found their way into toxicology, what life is really like working in the laboratory, and the unique challenges that come with examining drugs and toxins.

We also explore The Tox Lab podcast, including what inspired them to start it, what they’ve discovered while researching their episodes, and whether creating the podcast has changed the way they approach their own work.

From real-world casework and emerging drug trends to the impact of difficult cases on laboratory scientists, we look at the science, the people and the challenges behind forensic toxicology.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there.

What happens when a case goes cold — but the evidence doesn’t?

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Charley McClellan, a Forensic Science student at Nottingham Trent University with a particular interest in applying forensic science to cold cases.

Charley talks about her journey into forensic science, the experiences that have shaped her interest in the field, and her involvement with the International Cold Case Analysis Project (ICCAP).

We explore how advances in DNA technology are transforming the investigation of long-standing cases, including Charley’s research into mitochondrial DNA, and consider where these developments could take cold-case investigations in the future.

We also discuss what it’s really like to work on an international research project, the growing importance of cold-case investigation, and the skills and experiences that can help the next generation of forensic scientists build a career in the field.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there.

25 Years Later: The Forensic Investigation of 9/11

September 11th, 2001 changed the world. But behind the images that became etched into history was another story — an unprecedented forensic investigation and the painstaking effort to identify those who lost their lives.

In this special episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Lydia de Castro, Director of the Division of Forensic Sciences at the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research.

Lydia previously spent almost three decades with the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where she was working when the attacks took place.

Twenty-five years later, Lydia takes us back to that morning and shares her first-hand experience of the forensic response — from the immediate challenges facing her team to the extraordinary difficulties involved in identifying victims.

We also discuss the human side of disaster victim identification, managing teams through unimaginable circumstances, how the experience changed forensic practice, and the lessons that can be passed on to the next generation of forensic scientists.

A powerful and deeply personal conversation about science, loss, resilience and the search for answers.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there.

What can your teeth reveal about who you are?

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Richard “Leigh” Evans, a forensic odontologist with more than 22 years’ experience using dental evidence to identify human remains and support criminal investigations.

Leigh has worked on more than 450 forensic cases, advised the UK’s National Crime Agency, and contributed to major disaster victim identification efforts, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

We explore what forensic odontology really involves, how dental evidence can help identify victims, what our dental health and treatments can reveal, and the vital role teeth can play when other forms of identification aren’t possible.

And, of course, we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about forensic dentistry.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there.

On 7 March 2018, 30-year-old Georgina Gharsallah disappeared from Worthing, West Sussex. She left home that morning and, despite reported sightings shortly afterwards, has never been seen again. More than eight years later, there have been no confirmed sightings, no activity on her bank accounts, phone or social media, and no answers for the family she left behind.

In this deeply personal episode of The Evidence Trail, host Chris Gee speaks with Georgina's mother, Andrea, about the daughter she loves, the devastating day Georgina disappeared, and the relentless campaign to uncover the truth.

Andrea reflects on Georgina's life as a daughter and mother, the emotional toll of living without answers, the challenges of navigating a long-running police investigation, and the findings of the review that identified missed investigative opportunities. She also shares what she believes investigators, forensic professionals and the public should understand about supporting families of missing people.

This episode is not about speculation. It is about giving a family a voice, remembering Georgina as a person beyond the headlines, and highlighting that even the smallest piece of information could make a difference.

If you have any information relating to Georgina Gharsallah's disappearance, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Pavo.

In this episode of The Evidence Trail, I’m joined by Dr Rachel Bolton-King, Associate Professor of Forensic Science and one of the UK’s leading experts in firearm-related investigations.

Rachel shares her fascinating journey into forensic science, from her first steps in the profession to earning a PhD in Forensic Firearms Identification and Imaging. We explore what first sparked her interest in firearms examination, why she chose a career in academia over frontline casework, and how her research continues to influence forensic science around the world.

We also discuss what forensic firearm examination can reveal during a criminal investigation, the importance of international collaboration, and Rachel’s work supporting media productions to ensure forensic science is portrayed accurately on screen.

Whether you're a student, forensic professional, or simply fascinated by the science behind criminal investigations, this is an insightful conversation you won't want to miss.

🎧 Subscribe to The Evidence Trail for more conversations with experts from across the world of forensic science.

⭐ Support the podcast on Patreon for early access to episodes, exclusive content, and to help keep independent forensic science education alive.

I'm heading to CrimeCon London 2026 and YOU are invited! Clear your calendar for the 3rd and 4th of October 2026 because the ultimate true crime event is back - bigger, bolder and more gripping than ever. Head to CrimeCon.co.uk to secure your tickets - and don't forget to use my code EVIDENCE for 10% off. Hope to see you there.