The Thriving Lawyers Podcast

Jason Mendelson & Alex Paul, Men of Many Hats (Some of them Legal, all of them Cool)

Folks, this may be the closest to a "Smartless" vibe that Michael and I ever get.  Wide ranging witty banter, curious tales from the practice of law, insider intel from the fast-moving big-dealing VC world, and practical points to ponder for life and how to live it.  Join us for a delightful 4 way conversation with these two lawyers/authors/entrepreneurs/venture capitalists, with a fresh take on  on the Power of Perspective, the powerful life lessons of failing and trying again, the key ingr...

Patrick Patino, Millennial Small Firm Practice GAMECHANGER (Pt. 2)

Y'all, these millennials keep teaching me all kinds of stuff.  Patrick Patino is a small firm practice renegade, thought leader, and pioneer. Like many of his peers, the statement "That's the way we've always done it" gets no traction with him. He has a passion for providing excellent client service in a way that  is more efficient and affordable for the clients, and more sustainable for the professionals providing the services. Pair that with some tech-savvy and an infectious creative en...

Patrick Patino, Millennial Small Firm Practice GAMECHANGER (Part 1)

Y'all, these millennials keep teaching me all kinds of stuff.  Patrick Patino is a small firm practice renegade, thought leader, and pioneer.   Like many of his peers, the statement "That's the way we've always done it" gets no traction with him.  He has a passion for providing excellent client service in a way that  is more efficient and affordable for the clients, and more sustainable for the professionals providing the services.    Pair that with some tech-savvy and an infectious creat...

Owen McGrann, From BigLaw to Solo-Preneurship

Meet my new friend. Owen McGrann.  A self-identified "Entrepreneur & Troublemaker" who manages not 1 but 2 successful small law firms. Learn how he got there after trying hard NOT to go to law school, making a go successful of it as a BigLaw associate, and navigating a health crisis that LITERALLY freed his mind and helped him re-establish his priorities. 

Jordana Confino, Prolific Purveyor of Professionalism and Positive Lawyering

Folks, it just doesn't get any better than this.  There aren't sufficient words to describe how relatable, inspiring, brilliant, encouraging, and delightful our friend Jordana Confino is.  You may think YOU are a successful Type A Perfectionist, but chances are, you've got NOTHING on this double-Yalie, clerkship-getting superstar.  She was hitting all the hot-spots on the highway to success and getting all the rings & accolades we are primed for in law practice--and yet she somehow realized...

Coleman Cowan-Thriving In and Out of Law-and Back In Again (Pt. 2)

In Part 2  of this interview, trial lawyer Coleman Cowan talks with Chris about his adentures as an award-winning producer for CBS News' famed 60 Minutes program in NYC, as well as the many personal and professional factors that ultimately drew him back to the practice of law in North Carolina.  Coleman also shares lessons learned during his time away from law practice that he now deploys in order to "produce" an enjoyable, rewarding, and sustainable law practice while being present with and...

Coleman Cowan-Thriving In and Out of Law (and Back in Again!) (Pt, 1)

Whatever adventure, breaking news story, or creative endeavor you can think of, chances are that Durham-based trial lawyer Coleman Cowan has been there, done that, and  produced an award-winning film about it. In part 1 of this interview, Coleman talks with Chris about the legacy and inspiration of his father (the late J. Donald Cowan, Jr. a well-respected civil defense and death penalty lawyer in North Carolina), making his own way as a young lawyer, and the near-death experience after a de...

Author/Coach/BigLaw Veteran Wendy Tamis Robbins

Meet Wendy Tamis Robbins, a lawyer with over 2 decades of practice experience, and a self-described "Ph. D in Anxiety."  Her new book, THE BOX: AN INVITATION TO FREEDOM FROM ANXIETY is a poignant, moving account of Wendy's life as an all-star athlete, Ivy League-graduate, successful attorney, and cancer survivor-all while battling vexatious forms of anxiety that she had managed to keep hidden from peers and colleagues.   Until she couldn't any more.   Tune in to hear about the new level of...

Prof. Heidi Brown, The Introverted, Fear-Untangling, Flourishing Lawyer (Pt. 2)

Just in time for your commute home-or down the hall if you're working from home... Part 2 of Chris' interview with the endearing, engaging, enlightening, and inspiring Prof. Heidi Brown, author of three STANDOUT books on lawyer well-being published by the ABA.  

Prof. Heidi Brown, The Introverted, Fear-Untangling, Flourishing Lawyer! ( Pt. 1)

Folks, this one has everything.... imposter syndrome, finding your super-power as an introvert in a field that often feels made for extroverts, brave life transitions, and the momentous impact of an all-too-rare moment of shared vulnerability in (gulp!) BigLaw.   Join host Chris Osborn for a delightful, engaging, and compelling conversation with 4 time ABA-published author Prof. Heidi Brown of Brooklyn Law School.   In Part 1, Heidi shares about her incredible journey: from feeling out-of ...

Thriving...While Being A Video Evangelist

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for a discussion with Elisabeth Steele, JD, who teaches educators and "lawyer types" to connect with virtual audiences. Michael and Elisabeth also discuss her DEI work. Stay in Elisabeth's loop >> LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram TikTok Elisabethsteele.com

Elisabeth Steele, JD, Virtual Video Vitality Virtuoso

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for a discussion with Elisabeth Steele, JD, who teaches educators and "lawyer types" to connect with virtual audiences. Michael and Elisabeth also discuss her DEI work.Stay in Elisabeth's loop >>LinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramTikTokElisabethsteele.com

Thriving...While Being A Video Evangilist

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for a discussion with Elisabeth Steele, JD, who teaches educators and "lawyer types" to connect with virtual audiences. Michael and Elisabeth also discuss her DEI work. Stay in Elisabeth's loop >> LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram TikTok Elisabethsteele.com

Mike Kasdan, Lawyering While Human and Innovating in IP (Pt. 2)

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 2 of a discussion with Mike Kasdan, JD, about his refreshing approach to lawyering which includes, self-awareness, vulnerability, authenticity, and humane leadership.  Stay in Mike's loop >>  Twitter: @law_while_human  Instagram: zen.mayhem  Facebook: Zen Mayhem: Lawyering While Human Group  Website: www.lawyeringwhilehuman.com (under construction)  Email: [email protected]   LinkedIn: Mike Kasdan  The Good Men Project: www.goodm...

Thriving by being a good (hu)man | Part 2

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 2 of a discussion with Mike Kasdan, JD, about his refreshing approach to lawyering which includes, self-awareness, vulnerability, authenticity, and humane leadership. Stay in Mike's loop >> Twitter: @law_while_human Instagram: zen.mayhem Facebook: Zen Mayhem: Lawyering While Human Group Website: www.lawyeringwhilehuman.com (under construction) Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Mike Kasdan The Good Men Projec...

Mike Kasdan, Lawyering While Human and Innovating in IP (Pt. 1)

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 1 of a discussion with Mike Kasdan, JD, about his refreshing approach to lawyering which includes, self-awareness, vulnerability, authenticity, and humane leadership.  Stay in Mike's loop >> Twitter: @law_while_human Instagram: zen.mayhem Facebook: Zen Mayhem: Lawyering While Human Group Website: www.lawyeringwhilehuman.com (under construction) Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Mike Kasdan The Good Men Project www.goodmenproject...

Thriving by being a good (hu)man| Part 1

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 1 of a discussion with Mike Kasdan, JD, about his refreshing approach to lawyering which includes, self-awareness, vulnerability, authenticity, and humane leadership. Stay in Mike's loop >> Twitter: @law_while_human Instagram: zen.mayhem Facebook: Zen Mayhem: Lawyering While Human Group Website: www.lawyeringwhilehuman.com (under construction) Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Mike Kasdan The Good Men Project www.goodmen...

J. Kim Wright, Conscious Lawyering Revolutionary (Pt. 2)

 Join Michael Kahn for part two of a wide-ranging discussion with J. Kim Wright, integrative lawyer, author, innovator, and systems change agent. Stay in J. Kim Wright's Loop >>   LinkedIn:  https://www..linkedin.com/in/jkimwright  Twitter: https://twitter.com/cuttingedgelaw  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuttingedgelaw  www.jkimwright.com www.cuttingedgelaw.com www.consciouscontracts.com consciouscoach.com www.integrativelaw.com  Co-Editor: Trauma-Informed Law: A Primer for Practici...

Thriving by finding a more humane, conscious and authentic approach to practicing law | Part 2

Join Michael Kahn for part two of a wide-ranging discussion with J. Kim Wright, integrative lawyer, author, innovator, and systems change agent. Stay in J. Kim Wright's Loop >> LinkedIn:  https://www..linkedin.com/in/jkimwright Twitter: https://twitter.com/cuttingedgelaw Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cuttingedgelaw www.jkimwright.com www.cuttingedgelaw.com www.consciouscontracts.com consciouscoach.com www.integrativelaw.com Co-Editor: Trauma-Informed Law: A Primer f...

J. Kim Wright, Conscious Lawyering Revolutionary (Pt. 1)

Join Michael Kahn for part one of a wide-ranging discussion with J. Kim Wright, integrative lawyer, author, innovator, and systems change agent.  Stay in J. Kim Wright's Loop >>  www.jkimwright.com www.cuttingedgelaw.com www.consciouscontracts.com consciouscoach.com www.integrativelaw.com    Co-Editor: Trauma-Informed Law: A Primer for Practicing Lawyers (2022, ABA)  Author: Lawyers as Peacemakers (ABA, 2010); Lawyers as Changemakers (ABA, 2016)  Contributor: The Best Lawyer You Can Be: ...

Thriving by finding a more humane, conscious and authentic approach to practicing law | Part 1

Join Michael Kahn for part one of a wide-ranging discussion with J. Kim Wright, integrative lawyer, author, innovator, and systems change agent. Stay in J. Kim Wright's Loop >> www.jkimwright.com www.cuttingedgelaw.com www.consciouscontracts.com consciouscoach.com www.integrativelaw.com   Co-Editor: Trauma-Informed Law: A Primer for Practicing Lawyers (2022, ABA) Author: Lawyers as Peacemakers (ABA, 2010); Lawyers as Changemakers (ABA, 2016) Contributor: The Best Lawyer You C...

Thriving as a Law Student and Law Professor (and a Practicing Lawyer too!) | Part 2

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 2 of an enlightening and hopeful interview with Shailini Jandial George, Professor of Legal Writing at Suffolk University Law School. Stay in Shailini George's loop >> https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/faculty/s/j/sjgeorge Twitter: @ShailiniG Instagram: lawyer_wellbeing

Prof. Shailini George, who IS The Law Student's Guide to Doing Well & Being Well (Pt. 2)

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 2 of an enlightening and hopeful interview with Shailini Jandial George, Professor of Legal Writing at Suffolk University Law School.  Stay in Shailini George's loop >> https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/faculty/s/j/sjgeorge  Twitter: @ShailiniG Instagram: lawyer_wellbeing

Prof. Shailini George, who IS The Law Student's Guide to Doing Well & Being Well

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 1 of an enlightening and hopeful interview with Shailini Jandial George, Professor of Legal Writing at Suffolk University Law School.  Stay in Shailini George's loop >> https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/faculty/s/j/sjgeorge  Twitter: @ShailiniG Instagram: lawyer_wellbeing

Thriving as a Law Student and Law Professor (and a Practicing Lawyer too!) | Part 1

In this week's episode, join Michael Kahn for part 1 of an enlightening and hopeful interview with Shailini Jandial George, Professor of Legal Writing at Suffolk University Law School. Stay in Shailini George's loop >> https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/faculty/s/j/sjgeorge Twitter: @ShailiniG Instagram: lawyer_wellbeing

Thriving... In the Aftermath of a Crisis, THREE TIMES! | Part 2

In this week's episode, join Chris Osborn for part 2 of a lively and inspiring interview with Winter Wheeler, a wonderful, winsome, and winning litigator from Atlanta, who picked a paralyzing pandemic period to pivot her practice to all mediation and strike out on her own. You'll hear how she drew upon past experiences when life had thrown her some major curveballs (such as navigating Hurricane Katrina while at law school in New Orleans!) to once again persevere and prosper in spite of a per...

The Wonderful Winter Wheeler, Mediator, Speaker & All-Around Powerhouse (Pt. 2)

In this week's episode, join Chris Osborn for part 2 of a lively and inspiring interview with Winter Wheeler, a wonderful, winsome, and winning litigator from Atlanta, who picked a paralyzing pandemic period to pivot her practice to all mediation and strike out on her own. You'll hear how she drew upon past experiences when life had thrown her some major curveballs (such as navigating Hurricane Katrina while at law school in New Orleans!) to once again persevere and prosper in spite of a per...

Thriving in the Aftermath of a Crisis, THREE TIMES! | Part 2

In this week's episode, join Chris Osborn for part 2 of a lively and inspiring interview with Winter Wheeler, a wonderful, winsome, and winning litigator from Atlanta, who picked a paralyzing pandemic period to pivot her practice to all mediation and strike out on her own. You'll hear how she drew upon past experiences when life had thrown her some major curveballs (such as navigating Hurricane Katrina while at law school in New Orleans!) to once again persevere and prosper in spite of a perp...

Thriving... While Managing The Well-Being of a Law Firm | Part 2

Join Michael Kahn for part 2 of his informative and lively interview with Katherine Adamenko, the Manager of Well-being for Ropes & Gray, an international law firm with 1400 lawyers.

Katherine Adamenko, Ropes & Gray-- Winning with Well-Being in BigLaw (Pt. 2)

Join Michael Kahn for part 2 of his informative and lively interview with Katherine Adamenko, the Manager of Well-being for Ropes & Gray, an international law firm with 1400 lawyers.

Thriving... While Managing The Well-Being of a Law Firm | Part 1

Join Michael Kahn for an informative and lively interview with Katherine Adamenko, the Manager of Well-being for Ropes & Gray, an international law firm with 1400 lawyers.   

Katherine Adamenko, Ropes & Gray-- Winning with Well-Being in BigLaw

Join Michael Kahn for an informative and lively interview with Katherine Adamenko, the Manager of Well-being for Ropes & Gray, an international law firm with 1400 lawyers.   

Kathryn Burmeister, Esq.-Overcoming Addiction to The Status Quo

Join Michael Kahn for an informative and thought-provoking interview with Kathryn Burmeister, an unconventional, animal-loving lawyer, author, and speaker. Connect with Kathryn on her various social media accounts! https://kathrynfburmeister.com https://www.instagram.com/kfburmeister https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfburmeister/ https://www.facebook.com/kfburmeisterllc https://bit.ly/OSQbook

Thriving... While Overcoming Addiction To The Status Quo

Join Michael Kahn for an informative and thought-provoking interview with Kathryn Burmeister, an unconventional, animal-loving lawyer, author, and speaker. Connect with Kathryn on her various social media accounts! https://kathrynfburmeister.com https://www.instagram.com/kfburmeister https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfburmeister/ https://www.facebook.com/kfburmeisterllc https://bit.ly/OSQbook

The Wonderful Winter Wheeler, Mediator, Speaker & All-Around Powerhouse (Pt. 1)

Join Chris Osborn for a lively and inspiring interview with Winter Wheeler, a wonderful, winsome, and winning litigator from Atlanta, who picked a paralyzing pandemic period to pivot her practice to all mediation and strike out on her own. You'll hear how she drew upon past experiences when life had thrown her some major curveballs (such as navigating Hurricane Katrina while at law school in New Orleans!) to once again persevere and prosper in spite of a perplexing predicament. Pooped parent...

Thriving... In the Aftermath of a Crisis, THREE TIMES! | Part 1

Join Chris Osborn for a lively and inspiring interview with Winter Wheeler, a wonderful, winsome, and winning litigator from Atlanta, who picked a paralyzing pandemic period to pivot her practice to all mediation and strike out on her own. You'll hear how she drew upon past experiences when life had thrown her some major curveballs (such as navigating Hurricane Katrina while at law school in New Orleans!) to once again persevere and prosper in spite of a perplexing predicament. Pooped parent...

Thriving... While Navigating Life after a Wrongful Conviction | Part 2

Welcome back to the Thriving Lawyers Podcast. In this week’s episode, Michael Kahn, one half of the Thriving Lawyers Podcast, finishes up his interview with Ricky Kidd, a man wrongfully accused of murder. Ricky discusses the coping tools he has accessed both in prison and since his release. He also expands on the projects he has launched to educate the public about the many flaws in the justice system and to inspire the implementation of changes. Included in the interview is Ricky’s discu...

Ricky Kidd, Resilience Expert On a Whole. Nother. Level. (Pt. 2)

Welcome back to the Thriving Lawyers Podcast. In this week’s episode, Michael Kahn, one half of the Thriving Lawyers Podcast, finishes up his interview with Ricky Kidd, a man wrongfully convicted of murder.  Ricky discusses the coping tools he has accessed both in prison and since his release. He also expands on the projects he has launched to educate the public about the many flaws in the justice system and to inspire the implementation of changes. Included in the interview is Ricky’s discu...

Ricky Kidd, Resilience Expert On a Whole. Nother. Level. (Pt. 1)

In this week's episode of The Thriving Lawyer's Podcast, Michael Kahn interviews Ricky Kidd, a Kansas City man who was wrongfully convicted of a 1996 double homicide. 

Thriving... While Navigating Life after a Wrongful Conviction

In this week's episode of The Thriving Lawyer's Podcast, Michael Kahn interviews Ricky Kidd, a Kansas City man who was wrongfully convicted of a 1996 double homicide. 

Thriving...While Mindfully Managing Technology Part 2

Robert Plotkin, Mindfully Managing Technology (Pt. 2)

As a computer scientist, MIT alumnus, and patent attorney specializing in computer technology, Robert Plotkin has been immersed in the tech landscape for decades. He’s written seven books on the social impact of technology, co-founded the Hack Your Mind series at MIT, and trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. In 2015, he launched Technology for Mindfulness based on his unique O.R.D.E.R. methodology and his passion for helping people to break free of the grip of digital distraction....

Robert Plotkin, Mindfully Managing Technology

As a computer scientist, MIT alumnus, and patent attorney specializing in computer technology, Robert Plotkin has been immersed in the tech landscape for decades. He’s written seven books on the social impact of technology, co-founded the Hack Your Mind series at MIT, and trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. In 2015, he launched Technology for Mindfulness based on his unique O.R.D.E.R. methodology and his passion for helping people to break free of the grip of digital distraction....

Thriving...While Mindfully Managing Technology

Thriving...In Spite of Vicarious Trauma and Grueling Work

In Part 2 of our interview with Prof., Sean O'Brien, you'll learn more about how this veteran innocence and exoneration lawyer navigates one of the most gut-wrenching and yet rewarding practice areas there is, and manages to fight on another day at a time.. Tune in to hear about the toll that Prof. O'Brien's lifelong labor of criminal appellate work took on him ,and how he learned to persevere and practice better self-care--even with the highest stakes imaginable, his clients' lives hangin...

Prof. Sean O'Brien, Lawyer for the Wrongfully Incarcerated (Pt. 2)

In Part 2 of our interview with Prof. Sean O'Brien, you'll learn more about how this veteran innocence and exoneration lawyer navigates one of the most gut-wrenching and yet rewarding practice areas there is, and manages to fight on another day at a time.. Tune in to hear about the toll that Prof. O'Brien's lifelong labor of criminal appellate work took on him ,and how he learned to persevere and practice better self-care--even with the highest stakes imaginable, his clients' lives hanging ...

Allison Wolf, Professional Development Coach

Michael sits down with Allison Wolf, founder of ShiftWorks Coaching for Lawyers (https://thelawyercoach.com/). She is also the publisher of the law blog “Attorney With A Life," and has co-presented with Michael on a number of occasions. Tune in for a lively, frank, and insightful conversation about the unique challenges lawyers face in juggling the many roles they play, and some practical tips and strategies that you can utilize in any practice setting, at any stage of your career.

Thriving...with the Help of Law Firm Leadership, Mentors, & Coaches

Michael sits down with Allison Wolf, founder of ShiftWorks Coaching for Lawyers (https://thelawyercoach.com/). She is also the publisher of the law blog “Attorney With A Life," and has co-presented with Michael on a number of occasions. Tune in for a lively, frank, and insightful conversation about the unique challenges lawyers face in juggling the many roles they play, and some practical tips and strategies that you can utilize in any practice setting, at any stage of your career.

Thriving... by Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First, So You Can Do The Best Work

In Part 2 of our interview with Alexis Robertson, Director of D&I for Foley & Lardner, LLP, Alexis provides insights from her work as a D&I professional--with some real gems of wisdom on the key ingredients that make D&I training actually effective. We also discuss the crucial role that personal well-being and self care play-- not only for doing the hard work of fostering genuine and meaningful inclusion, but for thriving as professionals in demanding practices.

Alexis Robertson, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Foley & Lardner, LLP (Pt. 2)

In Part 2 of our interview with Alexis Robertson, Director of D&I for Foley & Lardner, LLP, Alexis provides insights from her work as a D&I professional--with some real gems of wisdom on the key ingredients that make D&I training actually effective. We also discuss the crucial role that personal well-being and self care play-- not only for doing the hard work of fostering genuine and meaningful inclusion, but for thriving as professionals in demanding practices.