Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast

Defending Your Property Value: How to Fight Back In Eminent Domain Cases

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and Attorney Caleb Wheeler explain the importance of property valuation in eminent domain and condemnation cases. They discuss how “just compensation” is determined, the difference between full and partial takings, and the methods appraisers use to calculate fair market value. This episode helps property owners understand how valuation affects the amount they’re paid when the government takes their land — and why proper valuation is key to getting fair compensation.
Key Timestamps:00:00 –  The emotional side of eminent domain and why fair compensation matters.02:30 –  Explanation of how “fair market value” is determined on the date of taking.04:00 –  Difference between complete property seizures and partial land use restrictions.06:00 –  Understanding ownership rights versus limited use rights.08:00 –  How property zoning and potential development affect value.12:00 –  Overview of cost approach, sales comparison, and income capitalization.16:00 –  How different valuation methods can lead to major gaps in compensation.19:00 –  Why property owners should never face complex valuation cases alone.21:00 –  No just compensation exists without proper valuation.
About the Show:Stolen is the world’s leading eminent domain podcast hosted by Attorney Chad Brown. The show educates property owners about their rights when the government or utility companies take private property. Each episode breaks down real cases and expert insights to help owners protect what’s theirs and secure the compensation they deserve.

Inverse Condemnation: When the Government Takes Your Land Without Paying

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and guest attorney Caleb Wheeler break down what inverse condemnation means for property owners. They explain how property can lose value due to government actions—like flooding, blocked access, or zoning changes—even when it’s never officially “taken.” This episode helps property owners understand when they can take legal action to recover damages and why timing is critical in these cases.
Key Timestamps:
01:00 – Overview of the episode and what “inverse condemnation” really means.03:00 –  Difference between a condemnation action (filed by the government) and an inverse condemnation action (filed by the property owner).05:00 –  How inverse condemnation originated from early American property disputes involving dams, flooding, and railroads.10:00 – Common ExamplesFlooding caused by government or public works projects.Construction projects that block property access.Environmental damage or contamination from government activity.Permanent installations or structures built on private land without consent.Zoning or regulatory changes that reduce property value.Noise and vibration issues caused by nearby airports or infrastructure.18:00 –  Why property owners must act fast—typically within two years—after the government action begins to avoid losing the right to compensation.20:00 – Chad Brown and Caleb Wheeler stress the importance of contacting an attorney early if your property is being affected by government actions.
About the Show:
Stolen is the world’s leading eminent domain podcast hosted by Attorney Chad Brown. The show educates property owners on their legal rights when the government or utility companies take—or damage—private property. Each episode provides practical advice to help owners protect their land and receive the compensation they deserve.

Hidden Cost of Easements: What the Government isn't Telling You in Eminent Domain

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down the most common easement problems that property owners face in eminent domain cases. From temporary construction to permanent utility and drainage easements, he explains how each affects your property rights and value—and why understanding them is key to getting full compensation.
Key Timestamps:
01:00 –  Overview of the episode’s focus on common easement issues in eminent domain cases.03:00 –  Explanation of easements as legal rights to use another’s land without owning it.05:00 –  How TCEs work, what they allow the government to do, and why duration and property damage matter.10:00 –  Discussion on restrictions, property access, and why these easements can cause lasting property impacts.15:00 –  How “quick take” laws and broad easement language can affect property access and valuation.18:00 –  The impact of water diversion and pooling on property value and safety.20:00 –  Why property owners may need hydrologists, grading professionals, and environmental experts to prove damages.22:00 –  Key takeaway: never underestimate the value impact of easements and always get professional advice.
About the Show:
Stolen is the world’s leading eminent domain podcast hosted by Attorney Chad Brown. The show educates property owners on their legal rights when the government or utility companies attempt to take property. Each episode provides practical insight on how to protect your land and secure the compensation you deserve.

Easements 101: Understanding Your Property Rights Before They’re Taken

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown explains the complex world of easements and how they impact property owners, especially in eminent domain cases. Many property owners don’t know their rights or what is being taken from them, which can lead to losing more than they should. Chad breaks down different types of easements, how they are created, and why understanding them is crucial for ensuring fair compensation.
Key Timestamps:
01:00 – What is an Easement?03:00 – Affirmative vs. Negative Easements05:00 – Appurtenant vs. Easement in Gross08:00 – Use vs. Severed Rights10:00 – Profits à Prendre13:00 – How Easements Are Created: Voluntary, Prescriptive, and Eminent Domain18:00 – Easements in Eminent Domain: Temporary Construction, Permanent Utility, Drainage, and Slope Easements25:00 – Why Understanding Easements Matters for Property Owners
About the Show:Stolen is the world’s leading eminent domain podcast. Attorney Chad Brown helps property owners understand their rights when the government or utilities seek to take or restrict property. The show focuses on providing practical advice, legal insight, and actionable steps to protect property and ensure fair compensation.

Eminent Domain Appraisals – Property Valuation, Before-and-After Value, and Getting Fair Compensation

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and his guest discuss one of the most critical elements in any eminent domain case — the appraisal. They explain how appraisals determine fair compensation for property owners, the qualifications required to become an appraiser, and why understanding the appraisal process can make or break your case. The conversation also dives into how appraisers assess property value before and after a government taking, common homeowner mistakes, and how hiring your own appraiser can lead to better results.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Understanding the importance of appraisals in eminent domain cases.01:30 – Explaining the basic concept and purpose of appraisals.03:00 – How property valuation differs in each scenario.05:00 – Determining before-and-after property values.07:10 – Education, certifications, and required experience.10:00 – Why eminent domain appraisals require specialized knowledge.12:20 – On-site inspections, photos, and public records review.15:00 – How appraisers use “comps” to determine value.17:30 – Why state-hired appraisers aren’t always truly neutral.19:30 – How an independent appraisal can strengthen your case.21:30 – Why understanding appraisals protects property owners from unfair compensation.
About the Show:Stolen is an educational podcast focused on property rights and eminent domain law. Hosted by Attorney Chad Brown, each episode explores how government land takings work, the legal challenges property owners face, and how to ensure fair compensation when property is condemned.

The Eminent Domain Process- Pre-Litigation, Right-of-Way Agents, and First Offers

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down the pre-litigation phase of eminent domain, explaining how property owners can protect their rights before legal action begins. Learn how government projects start, the role of right of way agents, the importance of appraisals, and why early engagement is critical to ensuring fair compensation.
 
Key Takeaways & Timestamps:
01:10 – Pre-litigation vs. litigation explained.05:00 – Public need, legislative decisions, and local government involvement.08:30 – Why early engagement matters.13:50 – Who they are, what they can—and cannot—do.08:30 – How property values are determined and why it matters.21:00 – Preparing for the process and protecting your property rights.
 
About the Show:Stolen is the world’s leading podcast on eminent domain and land condemnation. Attorney Chad Brown walks property owners through the complex legal process of government takings, providing actionable guidance to protect property rights and secure fair compensation.

Eminent Domain 101 - Public Use, Just Compensation, and the Condemnation Process

Episode Summary:In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down eminent domain and land condemnation, providing a clear overview of what property owners need to know. From the historical roots of eminent domain in Rome and England to the modern U.S. legal framework, Chad explains how public use and just compensation are determined, and why property owners often need professional guidance to ensure fair treatment when the government takes their land.
 
Key Takeaways:
00:50 – Government’s inherent right to take private property for public benefit.03:00 – Understanding the legal process vs. the government’s right.05:00 – Not all cases go to court—how settlements work.07:30 – From Rome to England’s Magna Carta to the U.S. Constitution.10:00 – Federal, state, local governments, and utility companies.14:30 – Ensuring takings benefit the general public.15:00 – How courts allow private development if public benefits are met.17:30 – Determining fair market value at the date of property taking.20:00 – Holding the government accountable for fair compensation.
About the Show:Stolen is the leading podcast on eminent domain and land condemnation. Attorney Chad Brown guides property owners through the complex legal landscape, explaining their rights, protections, and the process for receiving just compensation when the government takes private property.

Why Eminent Domain Feels Like Theft - Welcome to the Stolen Podcast

Episode Summary:
In this first episode of Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast, Attorney Chad Brown introduces the mission behind the show — protecting property owners from unfair government land takings. He’s joined by Attorney Caleb Wheeler, head of the Eminent Domain Division at Chad Brown Law, who explains how the process works, what rights landowners have, and why legal representation is key. Together, they share how property ownership connects to freedom, stability, and community growth.
Key Timestamps:
00:20: What is Stolen and why this podcast exists01:00: The rise of eminent domain cases across the South02:00: How government expansion projects impact property owners03:30: Why landowners must understand property value and compensation05:00: Inside the Chad Brown Law eminent domain division07:00: What an eminent domain or land condemnation attorney actually does09:00: Why most property owners don’t hire attorneys — and why they should11:00: Caleb’s background and how he entered eminent domain law14:30: How personal experience as a homeowner shapes his advocacy17:00: Why property ownership is central to American freedom and stability
Guest Information:
Attorney Caleb Wheeler is the Head of the Eminent Domain Division at Chad Brown Law. He represents property owners facing government land takings, ensuring they receive fair compensation and a strong legal defense. With a background in real estate and litigation, Caleb combines strategic negotiation with a deep understanding of property rights law.
About the Show:
Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast is hosted by Attorney Chad Brown, founder of Chad Brown Law. Each episode explores real cases and expert insights around eminent domain, land condemnation, and property rights — helping landowners protect their property and understand their legal options.