Mending Fences
Mending Fences is a podcast about dispute resolution and effective ways to communicate and live across differences. Hosts Patrice Brymner and Jennifer Hawthorne are both family mediators and collaborative law attorneys, but their conversations go well beyond family law. They explore the personal, interpersonal, legal, and cultural impact of conflict. Intro/outro: "North Oakland Extasy," by Squadda B
Episodes
39 episodes
GUEST: Attorney William Hickey on Divorce Mediation v. Litigation Myths
Join us on Mending Fences as we talk to Attorney William Hickey, a seasoned family law litigator from Massachusetts. Together, we untangle the often-confusing world of divorce, focusing on the distinctions between mediation and litigation. Bill...
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36:29
De-escalation: A First Step to Resolution
What happens when a conflict becomes bigger than any of the involved interests? Jen Hawthorne Kelsey and Patrice Brymner guide you through the maze of contentious standoffs to the calmer side, where interest-based dialogue fosters understanding...
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21:19
GUEST: Dr. Susan Boardman on Strengthening Relationships with Couples Mediation
In this episode, Jen and Patrice explore couples' mediation with Dr. Susan Boardman. Unlike divorce mediation, couples' mediation is intended to strengthen relationship dynamics for couples who wish to remain married. Susan's wisdom, draw...
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15:22
GUEST: Karen Van Kooy on the Language of More Peaceful Dispute Resolution
Discover the transformative power of words with our guest Karen Van Kooy in an episode that may reshape your approach to conflict resolution and legal negotiations. We engage in a dynamic dialogue, breaking down how subtle shifts in terminology...
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Season 2
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20:18
GUEST: Daniele Ozeri on Family Mediation
Divorce and Family Mediator Daniele Ozeri joins Jen and Patrice to discuss strategies for mending the complex dynamics within families—be it the bond between parents and children or among adult siblings. Daniele explains the subtle nuances that...
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21:24
Buyer Beware: Unraveling the Complexity of Friendly Divorce Mediation
So you thought mediation would be easy. Well, even amicable divorces can be stressful and participants may feel at times like they are lost in uncharted territory. That's exactly what Jen Hawthorne Kelsey and Patrice Brymner delve into in this ...
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9:03
Is There a Difference Between Review Counsel and Settlement Counsel?
Join us as we unpack the essential roles, differences, and overlapping concepts of these legal representatives and how, with their assistance, successful conflict resolution is achievable. We explain how attorneys in the "Settlement...
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15:50
Amicable Does Not Mean Easy
Even in an otherwise amicable process, some conversations are very difficult. Patrice and Jen explore the challenge of reaching agreements in an environment where there's no 'supposed-to-happen.' As seasoned mediators and collaborative di...
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9:03
GUEST: Maria Natapov on the Dynamics of Step-Parenting
Join us as we journey through the delicate web of step-parenting with our guest, step-parenting coach Maria Natapov. What does it truly mean to be a step-parent and how can you navigate this dynamic, emotion-filled terrain? Maria sheds li...
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Season 2
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31:04
Taking Charge of Tough Talks: Tools for Success
Are you shying away from initiating those tough conversations? This episode is filled with practical wisdom and guidance that will empower you to start tough conversations with anyone. Hosts Patrice Brymner and Jen Hawthorne dive into the...
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15:31
Finding Your Way (again): Strategies for Preserving Progress When You Change Course
Is your dispute resolution stuck? Is your divorce mediation stalled? Your collaborative divorce just not moving? As your hosts for this episode of Mending Fences, Patrice Brymner and Jen Hawthorne, we’ll guide you on how to breathe ...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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20:05
GUEST: Karen Van Kooy on Navigating Coercion and Empowerment in Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Can collaborative divorce or divorce mediation address pressure, coercion, and power imbalances more effectively than litigation? Join us for a deep dive into these questions with collaborative divorce attorney and mediator, Karen Van Kooy.&nbs...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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45:36
Don't Make Things Worse! What to Avoid in Difficult Conversations
Jen and Patrice each share three things to avoid in any difficult conversation. At Mending Fences, we always encourage people to keep talking, but when should you stop talking? Of course it makes sense to avoid blaming and defending...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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17:17
GUEST: Allyson Clemmons, LICSW, on Discernment Counseling
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Allyson Clemmons joins Jen and Patrice to discuss discernment counselling, a way for couples considering divorce to gain clarity about the direction of their marriage. In this approach, couples engage in a li...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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33:52
Conflict Resolution Skills in the IRL
Jen and Patrice talk about how conflict resolution skills can improve communication in daily life.
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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14:40
GUEST: Dr. Gina Arons on the Role of the Collaborative Coach
Dr. Gina Arons joins Patrice and Jen to talk about the vital role of the Collaborative Coach in the Collaborative Divorce process.
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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39:04
Is Mediation a Good Fit for You? Five Things to Consider
Jen and Patrice highlight five factors that may impact whether mediation is a good fit for participants.
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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17:51
Three (or more) Tips for Better Communication
Jen and Patrice each share their top three tips for better communication. Highlighting several effective approaches for any difficult conversation, Jen and Patrice talk through what works and why.
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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11:32
GUEST: Beth Aarons on Collaborative Law Training and the Mental Shift Away from Adversarial Process
Jen and Patrice talk with their colleague, Beth Aarons, about her work as a trainer and adjunct law professor teaching Collaborative Law. Seasoned professionals, as well law students, undergo a profound shift in mindset in order to effectively ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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35:31
GUEST: Barbara Nason on Why to Keep Divorces Out of Court
Jen and Patrice talk with Attorney/Mediator Barbara Nason about a range of out of court divorce options, including mediation, attorney-assisted negotiation, and conciliation. This conversation covers the benefits of dispute resolution and...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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41:56
Mediation: What to Know Before You Get Started
FIRST IN A SERIES Jen and Patrice share the advice they give people who are considering mediation for a divorce process: what to look for, what to avoid, how to approach the early stages of a choosing a divorce process. &nbs...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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11:11
Rebalancing Parental Roles
Jen and Patrice talk about shifting parental duties post-divorce. What happens when both parents become the "default" or "primary" parent? Co-parents can't plan for every parenting contingency, but good communication channels can make a h...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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14:09
HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Navigating the Season as Co-parents
The busy holiday season, schedule changes, illness or any unexpected event can create real strain for co-parents. Jen and Patrice discuss the importance of solid communication, patience, and flexibility when facing any co-parenting challenge.&n...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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17:52
GUEST: Susan DeMatteo on the Benefits of Dispute Resolution
Susan DeMatteo shares her journey from family law trial attorney to collaborative lawyer and mediator. Susan was trained in Collaborative Law early in the movement, and she brings a great depth of experience to this discussion of process choice...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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27:26
GUEST: Dana Caspersen on Choreography and Conflict
How do you experience conflict in your body? What role does physical proximity play in dispute resolution? Jen and Patrice talk with choreographer and conflict specialist Dana Caspersen about physical dynamics and engaging with conflict. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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32:38