Death of the Defense: The Story of Clement Vallandigham

Dec 23, 2025
31 mins

Episode Description

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His death is often cited on lists called, “Stupid Ways People Have Died” … and it was stupid. But the life of attorney and politician Clement Vallandigham was complicated. During the Civil War he was a free speech advocate and a convicted traitor. He was beloved by some in Ohio, hated by others and, ultimately, laughed about by most. The true crime is a shooting in a bar room brawl on Christmas Eve, but this is a documentary about the lawyer who defended that case with his life.

More about the show:
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Team & Contributors

Executive Producer- Clare O'Donohue 
https://clareodonohue.com

Executive Producer - Margaret Smith

Editor – Jessica Stokey

Social Media Manager & Design - Mikayla Bogus
https://mikayladesign.cargo.site

IT Manager - Conor Sweeney

The History of Murder Logo - Bernadette Carr
https://www.bcarrdesign.com

Theme Song “My Carnal Life I Will Lay Down” - Rob Brereton
https://robertbrereton.com
 
Voice of Clement Vallandigham: Joe Janes

Voice of Abraham Lincoln: Randy Duncan

Voice of Thomas McGehan: Nick Rowley

Voice of James Vallandigham: Sean Sheehan

This was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part.

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