Storytelling, Advocacy & Exposing the System | Maggie Freleng | Pulitzer Prize–Winning Journalist & Host of Wrongful Conviction
Wed Feb 04 2026
Journalism is under fire at a moment when truth, accountability, and public trust matter more than ever. In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and investigative podcaster Maggie Freleng to unpack how media, power, the justice system intersect, and where they break down.
Maggie shares how her reporting on wrongful convictions, policing, and systemic corruption led her into investigative podcasting, why blurred lines between journalism, influencers, and creators demand stronger ethics, and how privilege shapes whose cases receive public attention. Together, they discuss jury bias, misinformation, class inequality, and what it means to be an advocate in a system that often protects itself over people.
00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Maggie Freleng
01:26 Maggie's Journey into Journalism
05:16 The Changing Landscape of Journalism
09:17 The Role of Independent Journalism
19:00 Maggie's Personal Reflections and Life Choices
26:31 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Wrongful Convictions
27:31 The Jury System and Its Impact on Justice
31:13 Choosing Between Bench Trials and Jury Trials
32:25 Karen Reed Case: A Litmus Test for Public Awareness
36:36 The Role of Police and the Concept of Defunding
40:23 Addressing Income Inequality and Class Wars
42:33 Empowering Women to Take Action
44:26 Exciting Updates on Season Three
45:30 The Power of Women and Multitasking
49:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.
Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.
Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Journalism is under fire at a moment when truth, accountability, and public trust matter more than ever. In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and investigative podcaster Maggie Freleng to unpack how media, power, the justice system intersect, and where they break down. Maggie shares how her reporting on wrongful convictions, policing, and systemic corruption led her into investigative podcasting, why blurred lines between journalism, influencers, and creators demand stronger ethics, and how privilege shapes whose cases receive public attention. Together, they discuss jury bias, misinformation, class inequality, and what it means to be an advocate in a system that often protects itself over people. 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Maggie Freleng 01:26 Maggie's Journey into Journalism 05:16 The Changing Landscape of Journalism 09:17 The Role of Independent Journalism 19:00 Maggie's Personal Reflections and Life Choices 26:31 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Wrongful Convictions 27:31 The Jury System and Its Impact on Justice 31:13 Choosing Between Bench Trials and Jury Trials 32:25 Karen Reed Case: A Litmus Test for Public Awareness 36:36 The Role of Police and the Concept of Defunding 40:23 Addressing Income Inequality and Class Wars 42:33 Empowering Women to Take Action 44:26 Exciting Updates on Season Three 45:30 The Power of Women and Multitasking 49:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices