Lawless
By the spring of 2005, a severely disabled Florida woman named Terri Schiavo had lived in a dark, tiny hospice room for four years. On the morning of March 18, Terri was sitting up in a chair, unhooked to machines of any kind. Her aunt and sister were visiting. As Terri listened to them talk, she wa...
Recent Episodes
7
June 8, 2023
Episode 7 - Their own little gods
In the aftermath of Terri’s death, the Schindlers and Schiavos try to move on and find healing…even as Terri’s legacy continues to play out in the public square. Lawless is listener supported. Find out more at wng.org/donate This episode was updated/remastered May 2025.
6
June 1, 2023
Episode 6 - In my time of dying
After Terri’s feeding tube is removed once again, the Schindlers’ allies scramble for any last-ditch rescue plans. Some are lawful. Others, less so. Police arrest nearly 50 people who try to bring Terri water. Meanwhile, protesters around the hospice mark the deadly advance of time: Starvation, Day 1…Starvation, Day 2… This episode was updated/remastered May 2025.
5
May 25, 2023
Episode 5.5: Per Curiam Affirmed
Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez was Jeb Bush’s right-hand advisor during the Schiavo case. In this special episode, Rocky unpacks the governor’s backstage strategies and explains the unwritten decision that tied his hands once and for all. This episode was updated/remastered May 2025.
5
May 18, 2023
Episode 5 - Silver bullet
After Terri's feeding tube finally comes out, Republicans and Democrats come to together in Congress in a new bid to save her. And the fight over Terri's life divides Michael and Jodi—and spills over into Judge Greer's spiritual life. This episode was updated/remastered May 2025.
4
May 11, 2023
Episode 4 - Walk away
As international furor over the Schiavo case builds, the Pope issues a statement on the ethics of “life-sustaining treatments.” The Schindlers take it as a sign that the church hasn’t abandoned them. And their lawyers see it as new grounds to keep Terri alive. This episode was updated/remastered May 2025.
3
May 11, 2023
Episode 3 - No more rabbits
The Schindlers have run out of options in the courts. Now, they’re calling up everyone they can think of in every position of power in the state. Soon, governor Jeb Bush is involved. Then the Florida state legislature. Politicians start debating a bill tailor made to keep Terri alive…but critics say it makes a mockery of the Constitution. This episode was updated/remastered May 2025.