Polygraphs, False Allegations & Winning Back Custody: A Conversation with Lisa

In this powerful and practical episode, David Goldberg joins Lisa on her podcast, Been There Got Out, for an in-depth conversation about false allegations, high-conflict custody battles, and how polygraph examinations can provide clarity, leverage, and closure.

When parents are falsely accused of abuse, the emotional toll is immediate and overwhelming. Children may be removed, reputations destroyed, and legal battles can drag on for months—or even years. David explains why stress management is critical before entering the legal system, how anxiety impacts decision-making, and how creating a calm, controlled environment is essential when someone is fighting for their family and their future.

Drawing from nearly 25 years of experience and over 20,000 examinations, David breaks down how polygraphs are used far beyond criminal cases. From custody disputes and smear campaigns to allegations of abuse, workplace accusations, and past trauma, he explains how properly conducted examinations can provide detailed, court-ready reports—not just “pass or fail” results.

Listeners will learn:

• Why rushing to the wrong examiner can harm your case

• How polygraphs can sometimes prevent cases from even reaching court

• The difference between television polygraphs and professional examinations

• When courts may consider polygraph evidence

• How closure can change someone’s emotional and legal trajectory

This episode also explores the devastating impact of waiting during custody disputes, the dangers of coercion and coaching in high-conflict cases, and how independent truth verification can shift the balance in legal battles.

For parents facing false allegations, grandparents caught in custody conflicts, or individuals seeking validation after years of gaslighting or trauma, this conversation offers both hope and actionable guidance.

To learn more about Lisa and Been There Got Out, visit:

https://beentheregotout.com/

If you or someone you know is navigating false accusations, custody litigation, or seeking truth verification, professional help is available.

📞 Call David at (757) 495-1301

🌐 www.executiveprotectiongroup.com

Send us a text

Support the show

The information presented in this podcast is based on the real-life experiences and professional expertise of David Goldberg, expert polygraph examiner with Executive Protection Group Polygraph Services, based in Virginia Beach.

Transcript

LISA:

I found today’s guest a couple weeks ago when I had the flu. I can’t believe I’ve never talked to someone in his field before — especially because false allegations are huge in this community. When I met David and learned what he does, I thought, how have we not known about this? How are lawyers not presenting this as a possibility?

I cannot wait to talk about polygraphs and how they can help people win back custody and visitation. David works in all kinds of areas, but he’s especially familiar with high-conflict custody battles and divorces.

Before you even introduce yourself, yesterday we were talking about how both you and I are what we call SMPs — stress management professionals. We deal with people who come to us in a panicked state. They’ve been faced with lies about them, and they are absolutely terrified.

So before you get into your background, can you talk about why it’s so important to help someone manage stress before they enter the legal system?

S2E8_DAVID_V&A:

DAVID:

Absolutely. Everyone is nervous. Everyone is anxiety-ridden in serious situations. When people come to me, I need them to be relaxed in a calming atmosphere because anxiety affects what we call their homeostasis level.

If someone is telling the truth, their anxiety does not affect the outcome of the test — and we can get into that later — but I still want them calm. If they’re focused on their nerves instead of why they’re there, that doesn’t help them. My job is to calm them down first.

LISA:

David, tell people what you do and your background, which is so unique.

DAVID:

I really appreciate you having me on. I’m a state-licensed, advanced board-certified polygraph examiner, and I’ve been doing this for almost 25 years. My background started in law enforcement.

After I retired, I saw a need for people who were not incarcerated or charged — but who needed closure. People who were falsely accused, dealing with rumors, past trauma, or situations where they just didn’t know how to prove themselves.

Most people think polygraphs are only for arrests or criminal investigations. That’s not true. If you have an issue — whatever it is — I can help you.

LISA:

And you’ve done about 20,000 polygraphs?

DAVID:

At this point, over 20,000.

LISA:

A lot of people think polygraphs are just for criminals. But in this community, we’re dealing with people falsely accused of abuse who feel like they’re fighting for their lives.

DAVID:

Most people who take polygraphs are in defensive mode. They want to prove their innocence. When falsely accused, people go into fight-or-flight.

I test for everything imaginable: child sexual abuse, infidelity, custody matters, criminal matters, workplace harassment, wrongful termination, plagiarism, even “mean girl” issues in schools. And past trauma — where someone was abused but never believed.

When someone takes a polygraph and passes, I’m often the first professional to say, “I believe you.” The weight off their shoulders is life-changing.

LISA:

That makes me think of self-gaslighting. People get so confused they don’t even know what’s real anymore.

DAVID:

Exactly. I recently tested someone who said, “I don’t know if this was a dream or reality.” They passed. They had been abused. That validation gave them the ability to confront their perpetrator.

LISA:

Let’s say I’ve been falsely accused of abuse in a custody battle and my kids have been taken away. What’s my first step?

DAVID:

That’s unfortunately common. Allegations are often believed immediately. You’re emotional, devastated, and you have no tangible evidence.

You would call me. I’d let you talk — for hours if needed. I don’t rush people. I don’t watch the clock. It’s your day.

I hear your full story, then formulate precise questions to test both what you’re saying and what’s being alleged. After testing, you get results that day verbally. Within 24 hours, you get a detailed report — not a one-page “pass/fail” — but a comprehensive document.

That report can go to your attorney, therapist, judge, or guardian ad litem.

LISA:

So in one day, someone can get clarity?

DAVID:

Yes. And that clarity changes everything emotionally.

LISA:

Can I force my ex to take a polygraph?

DAVID:

No. You can’t force anyone. Courts sometimes can. Therapists sometimes request it. But you personally cannot force it.

LISA:

Why is “waiting” in custody battles so damaging?

DAVID:

Because bonds weaken. You don’t know what your children are being told. You don’t know if they’re being coached. Time creates distance.

And when you finally see them, sometimes they’re different. That’s devastating.

LISA:

What if someone fails a polygraph?

DAVID:

People fail for three reasons:

1. They’re lying.
2. They’re holding back important information.
3. They used an inexperienced examiner.

Most failures happen because people withhold information they think isn’t important. That’s why choosing the right examiner matters.

LISA:

How do people find someone qualified?

DAVID:

Do your due diligence. Don’t shop for the cheapest or fastest appointment. A truthful person is truthful today or 20 years from now — so don’t rush.

Check credentials. Check reviews. Look at the American Polygraph Association. Avoid random referral services.

LISA:

What about admissibility in court?

DAVID:

The report can be admissible depending on the judge and circumstances. The charts aren’t what matters — the detailed report and testimony are.

I’ve had cases dropped before court because someone took a polygraph and presented it strategically. That’s leverage.

LISA:

Can you share a story?

DAVID:

I helped a convicted sex offender who urinated outside when a restroom was full. He was charged and facing probation violation. He took a polygraph, passed regarding exposure allegations, and I testified. He won his case.

LISA:

How does this provide closure?

DAVID:

When someone passes and I say, “I believe you,” it’s transformative. I’ve seen grown men cry. Closure allows people to move forward.

Polygraphs done properly are therapeutic. What you see on TV is entertainment. What I do changes lives.

LISA:

How can people find you?

DAVID:

My name is David Goldberg. You can reach me at:

www.executiveprotectiongroup.com

(757) 495-1301

If you’re not in my area, I’ll help you find a qualified examiner.

LISA:

Thank you for offering this resource. False allegations and smear campaigns are devastating, and knowing this tool exists is empowering.

DAVID:

Thank you for having me. If someone just needs advice, I’ll talk to them. I’ll help guide them wherever they are. That’s what I do.