Jane Aster Roe Launches Six-Episode “The Defendants” Podcast

Diddy. Jeffrey Epstein. Hockey Canada. Jacob Hoggard (Hedley). We’ve all heard these names and have seen the outcomes of their sexual assault trials. Did the penalties handed down to these public figures match the gravity of their allegations? Or did the justice system once again fall short for victims and survivors? A new six-episode podcast series, The Defendants, created, hosted and executive-produced by Jane Aster Roe, launches on May 21st – during Sexual Violence Prevention Month – with the goal of deepening public understanding around sexual assault cases, from the very public to the private, unpacking why conviction rates remain chronically and systemically low, while offering up forward-thinking ideas to help bring about meaningful change.

Despite the magnitude of the Me Too movement and the accompanying public campaigns against sexual abuse, harassment and rape culture, the pendulum has clearly swung back. And the numbers don’t lie. Today, for every 1000 sexual assaults that occur, only two offenders on average will get a guilty verdict. Between 1 in 3 and 1 in 5 women will experience attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. And nearly 96% of sexual assault victims across all genders aren’t reporting to police. Through thoughtful conversations with experts, lawyers, and activists, mixed in with case analysis and survivor-centred perspectives, The Defendants explores the complicated realities surrounding sexual assault allegations, the legal system, and the broader cultural conversations tied to accountability and due process.

“This series was born out of the anger and bewilderment I felt as a victim going through the justice system and realizing how un-just the process is,” explains Roe, the multimedia writer and associate producer behind multiple BroadwayWorld recognized theatrical productions, who is remounting the acclaimed comedy musical UNSUNG: The Accidental Villains of History, and who produced the forthcoming documentary An Artist’s Journey: Legacy of Japanese Canadian Internment for the CBC TV series Absolutely Canadian. “I created a show that would give people a firm and thorough understanding of how the system actually works, so that we could start having necessary conversations to help change it. It’s the show that I wish was available to me as I was navigating the legal system.”

Each episode of The Defendants will feature interviews, personal reflections, and conversations with legal experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, offering listeners a deeper look at the realities of sexual assault cases and the often-complicated path toward justice. Featured guests include Shannon Burns (broadcaster, iHeartRadio), Dr. Elaine Craig (author, Putting Trials on Trial: Sexual Assault and the Failure of the Legal Profession), Cait Alexander (founder, End Violence Everywhere non-profit organization), and Amanda Carrasco (defence attorney, author of Becoming the Brave One). By deconstructing legal frameworks, justice system processes, social dynamics, and the personal impact surrounding sexual assault cases, the podcast aims to move beyond the headlines and encourage thoughtful, interpersonal and informed dialogue that all citizens should participate in and become more aware of. The Defendants podcast production team features an all-star cast of creatives and content producers, including:

Katie Jensen is a story editor and sound designer whose credits include CBC Podcasts, The Globe and Mail, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Indigo, David Suzuki Foundation and Rights Back at You (Amnesty International).

Isis Madrid is a Latina writer, editor and award-winning journalist based in NYC (and sometimes LA), who has consulted for organizations like Spotify, Audible and Campside Media. She has led the development and production for award-winning podcasts like More Better, National Emergency and Don’t Ask Tig.

Rachel Arundel is a New Zealand-Canadian Creative Director and Producer. She has worked across interactive experiences and social campaigns for brands such as YouTube, Netflix, Samsung and Education New Zealand. Her production credits include Come Dine with Me Canada (Food Network), Investigation Shark Attack (National Geographic), Gangland Chronicles (History) and Gold Rush (Discovery).