True Crime, Public Branding, and Media Secrets With Karen Conti

In Episode 162 of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Karen Conti Meet Karen, Karen Conti for a conversation that every entrepreneur needs to hear. This episode cuts straight to the strategies, stories, and hard-won lessons that move the needle for real business builders.

In this episode, veteran attorney and WGN Radio host Karen Conti reveals how she leveraged her high-stakes defense of John Wayne Gacy to build a 30-year career as a national media expert and author. She provides creative entrepreneurs with a masterclass on controlling the narrative, mastering "camera-ready" professional polish, and strategically pivoting controversial experiences into a powerful public brand.

Episode Overview

Meet Karen Conti LIVE (and JULIE AND DOM) at Cre8tive Con IN CHICAGO How do you go from defending the world’s most infamous serial killer to hosting a radio show for 30 years?

In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur , we sit down with Karen Conti —veteran criminal defense attorney, WGN Radio host , and author of the gripping new book, "Killing Time." Karen shares the high-stakes reality of joining the final defense team for John Wayne Gacy and how she transformed a controversial, high-pressure legal case into a multi-decade career in national media.

Whether you are navigating a PR crisis or looking to build a powerful public brand, Karen’s insights on "the pivot" are essential for every entrepreneur. Inside the Episode: High-Stakes Storytelling The Gacy Files: What it was really like to sit across from a sociopath and why Karen took the case to fight for the bigger picture of legal justice.

Controlling the Narrative: How to take a "sink or swim" situation and leverage it into appearances on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC . The "Camera Ready" Rule: Why being an expert isn't enough—you need to master the visual and verbal polish required for the spotlight. Finding Your Lane: How to identify your unique area of expertise and become the "go-to" source for producers and journalists.

What You'll Take Away

This 28 min conversation is one of the most actionable episodes we've produced. Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky bring their signature energy and depth to ensure every minute translates into real-world value. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned CEO, the lessons in Episode 162 apply directly to where you are right now.

A Standout Moment

situation and leverage it into appearances on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC . The

This kind of clarity is exactly what makes the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast different from every other business show. We don't just talk about success — we dissect it, challenge it, and show you how to replicate it in your own business.

Why This Episode Matters for Creative Entrepreneurs

Whether you're building your business in Denver, Seattle, Boston, or anywhere across the United States, the strategies in Episode 162 are immediately applicable. The entrepreneurial landscape is evolving faster than ever — and the founders who thrive are the ones who stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning from people who have already navigated the path.

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — ranked #1 on Apple Podcasts in Business News — exists to give you that edge. Every episode is a masterclass in the real mechanics of building a business that lasts. We learn from CEOs, athletes, attorneys, marketers, and innovators who have made the mistakes so you don't have to. Explore our full blog archive for more episodes on business growth, personal branding, leadership, and creative strategy — each post written by Julie Lokun.

Part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is one pillar of a larger ecosystem built to empower creative entrepreneurs at every stage. We are proud to be part of the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand, which includes Cre8tive Con — our iconic business conference — as well as online meetups, Amped, and more. Visit cre8tivecon.com/podcast to explore the full community.

Cre8tive Con is where the creative entrepreneur community comes alive — a gathering of founders, marketers, speakers, authors, and innovators building businesses on their own terms. If you're serious about growing your network and your business, Cre8tive Con is where you need to be.

Subscribe and Never Miss an Episode

If this episode delivered value for you, subscribe to the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a conversation that could change your business. Leave us a review — it helps more entrepreneurs discover the show and join our growing community.

Have a guest suggestion or show idea? Reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Together, we're proving that business does not have to be boring — and the best is yet to come.