Hosts Steve Hohman and Olivia Espinosa are joined by personal injury and family law attorney Shane Henry, as well as noted TV, film and theater actor, producer and director Jean Bruce Scott.

Watch as Shane cross-examines Jean, who plays this episode’s mock witness—a devoted grandma testifying on behalf of her son who’s seeking primary custody of his 2 children.

Shane challenges Jean’s claims in this masterclass of constructive cross-examination.

What’s covered in this episode:

• The funnel that traps the witness and triggers the jury’s ‘aha!’ moment
• What Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks share—and why it’s essential for trial lawyers
• How a fact-focused cross can open doors you didn’t expect
• The low-key cue that signals you’ve got the opposing witness under your control
• A simple way to collect testimony gold—ready for closing, ASAP

Time Stamps

00:00 What’s Cross Lab?

2:55 The real power of constructive cross—for your witness, judge, and jury

10:15 Structuring your questions to box in the witness and create an ‘aha!’ moment for the jury

17:45 The “secret” to performing that hooks your audience and keeps you credible

21:25 What successful big-money verdict attorneys have in common

29:30 Mock Case Overview: Stills vs. Stills

34:34 Shane’s Cross: Building a clear picture—one fact at a time

57:14 A subtle cue that proves you're steering the witness

59:56 How to collect key testimony—so your closing organizes itself

1:09:17 Tips for managing performance anxiety

1:13:41 Top takeaways if you had to cross a witness like this

To get free resources for your next trial go to HausImprov.com