In this episode of Resolutions, AAA Vice President Aaron Gothelf interviews lawyer, mediator, and author Ronda Muir about the newly released Second Edition of her groundbreaking book, Beyond Smart: Lawyering with Emotional Intelligence. Together, they explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) offers a competitive advantage for legal professionals, from improving negotiation outcomes to strengthening law firm culture and client relationships. Muir shares practical tips on hiring for EQ, boosting yo...
Jun 27, 2025•51 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, Rekha Rangachari sits down with Jeffrey Benz (JAMS), Jill Pilgrim (Pilgrim & Associates Arbitration), and Dr. Katherine Simpson (Simpson ADR) to discuss a career in sports arbitration, the need for arbitration in sports and the arbitration process under the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and advantages and challenges of this exciting field on domestic and international stages. Through candid examples from this esteemed speaker set — comprised of 2 former athletes and ...
Mar 31, 2025•51 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of Resolutions, American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President Aaron Gothelf sits down with Clearbrief Founder & CEO Jackie Schafer to explore how alternative dispute resolution professionals are integrating AI into their practices. They dive into key questions shaping the future of ADR, including: How are attorneys, courts, and neutrals leveraging AI? Is AI safe to use in legal proceedings? What ethical guidelines should practitioners follow? What happens to the ...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of Resolutions, American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President, Aaron Gothelf interviews social media strategist, Stefanie Marrone on how ADR Professionals can use LinkedIn to increase their web presence and market their practices. Topics include: what should be in your LinkedIn profile? When and what to post? Who you should connect to? Social media etiquette, and a host of other subjects. Whether you’re a seasoned LinkedIn professional or just starting out with Linke...
Jan 16, 2025•59 min•Ep. 28
Rekha Rangachari interviews Bridget M. McCormack & Colin Rule on AAA-ICDR’s recent partnership with ODR.com and Mediate.com. They share their working relationship over the past years, their shared goal of democratizing ADR, and why we are at a critical juncture of AI development and knowledge building relating to meaningful access to justice. Tune in to learn how lawyers can stay involved in the new solutions, products, and services critical to ADR’s evolution. Not a member of the ABA Sectio...
Oct 29, 2024•31 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of Resolutions, American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President, Aaron Gothelf interviews former co-chair of the ABA Mediation Committee and current ABA Dispute Resolution Section Counsel Member, Gabrielle Hartley on her 25 year career mediating mid to high conflict divorces, as well as her work to create accessible legal services and promote amicable resolutions in divorce proceedings. Interested in registering for the upcoming Advanced Mediation & Advocacy Skills...
Oct 01, 2024•36 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Resolutions, Aaron Gothelf interviews Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Teresa Teeple to discuss a day in the life of a state long-term care ombudsman. Topics include: What is a long-term care ombudsman? What types of disputes do they typically handle? The Older Americans Act and its’ impact on long-term care. The fear many long-term care residents have of retaliation and how ombudsmen deal with retaliation fears. Why being a long-term care ombudsman is one of the most ...
Sep 05, 2024•36 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, Rekha Rangachari interviews Professor Amy Schmitz, the John Deaver Drinko-Baker & Hostetler Endowed Chair in Law at Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Amy is a prolific author, speaker, and podcast host of the popular “Arbitration Conversation,” translated into a recent publication of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution (2024). Amy interviews more than 115 individuals in dispute resolution, parsing through these interviews to offer key insights and takeaways abou...
Aug 20, 2024•22 min•Ep. 24
Listen to our latest podcast, “AI and The Intersection of ADR,” with American Arbitration Association Vice President of Innovation Linda Beyea and AAA Commercial Vice President Aaron Gothelf. They explore AI’s role in dispute resolution, covering topics like the benefits and challenges of AI in ADR, useful AI tools, data protection, ethical considerations, and whether AI could replace human neutrals. Learn about resources and training for incorporating AI into ADR and its potential to make dispu...
May 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 23
Listen to our latest podcast, “ADR in the Aftermath of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse” featuring LeRoy Lambert, President of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators and American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President, Aaron Gothelf, as they discuss the role ADR plays in resolving maritime accidents. Episode Highlights: Arbitration in Maritime Disputes: Understand how arbitration is used in maritime law, focusing on its process, benefits, and when it's most likely to be employed. The Role o...
Apr 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, Caroline Stauffer chats with Donna Douglass Williams — Head of Ombuds at Pinterest — about the benefits of investing in an ombuds in the tech industry. Ready to learn more about this dynamic profession? Ombuds Day is Oct. 12 and to celebrate, we’ll be hosting a complimentary event for all! This year’s signature event, “A Conversation with Thomas Zgambo” offers an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of the ombuds profession, highlight the value of ombuds, and enco...
Sep 28, 2023•29 min•Ep. 20
Rekha Rangachari interviews Mediator & Founder of Peacemaker , Brian K. Epps In this episode, Brian drills down on the benefits, and misunderstandings, surrounding risk analysis as a critical tool for attorneys and mediators. Peacemaker offers a solution to the “math is hard” axiom, mapping litigant responses to simple questions — ultimately displayed in a simple table rather than a confusing decision tree matrix. Brian demonstrates through case examples how to incorporate risk analysis into...
Sep 12, 2023•23 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, host Caroline Stauffer chats with Genesis Fisher & Jeff Kichaven, who give advice on how to start your own mediation practice. Not a member of the American Bar Association: Section of Dispute Resolution ? Become one here .
Aug 10, 2023•38 min•Ep. 17
In this second episode of a multi-part series, Alex Green IV has a conversation with Catherine Connor and Katherine Miller, who are both experienced mediation trainers with the Center for Understanding in Conflict , about the mechanics and the philosophy of the Center’s different approach to and style of mediation. We hope that our listeners can understand the uniqueness and maybe even consider the potential utility of the Center’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) model such that the Center’...
Jul 25, 2023•59 min•Ep. 16
Two young ADR professionals, a mediator and arbitrator, both from Brazil, share their challenges and views of the profession and why/how they chose the ADR path.
Jul 12, 2023•25 min•Ep. 15
American Arbitration Association (AAA) Commercial Vice President, Aaron Gothelf sits down with Bridget McCormack to discuss her transition from Chief Justice of The Michigan Supreme Court to CEO of AAA. Topics include: Why she was interested in taking on the role? How her experience as an academic and on the bench influenced her leadership style? What sets AAA apart from other ADR providers? How can arbitration improve its’ public image as various states attempt to pass laws banning or restricti...
Jun 21, 2023•42 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, host Juliana Rigato-Piekarski is joined by ADR professionals Miss-Ashley Kendrick and Sunnita Blount, Esq. for a thought-provoking conversation about what “belonging” means, its importance for neutrals, its impact on the ADR practice, and how to achieve it.
Jun 07, 2023•37 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, host Alex Green IV has a conversation with James Dykeman and Catherine Connor, a conflict resolution trainer and a marketer/public relations specialist, both of whom work for the Center for Understanding in Conflict . This conversation not only offers information about the founding and the history of the organization, but also an overview of the unique model that the Center for Understanding in Conflict uses to train mediators. Interested in learning more about dispute resolutio...
May 23, 2023•52 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, Larry Schooler sits down with American Bar Association President Deborah Enix Ross and Terry Amsler, School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University . They discuss the ABA Cornerstones of Democracy : Civics, Civility and Collaboration Commission. This initiative encourages the legal profession to lead the way in promoting civics, civility, and collaboration to restore confidence in our democratic institute and the judicial system, and to protect the rule of law....
Apr 06, 2023•24 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, Rekha Rangachari sits down with Andrew Hutchinson, Chief Revenue Officer at Immediation. They discuss Immediation ’s history and end-to-end process management, the future of mediation — to include start-ups and an uptick of technology disputes, and driving better outcomes in law through technology.
Mar 21, 2023•22 min
In partnership with the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Project Advisory Committee, and along with interested individuals and community organizations, the School established the Truth and Action project—a project created under the umbrella of transitional justice, which relies on the foundation that reform and reconciliation are not possible without first understanding the truth.
Mar 07, 2023•43 min•Ep. 10
In episode two of a two part series on collaborative law, host Caroline Stauffer sits down with Kevin Scudder of the Seattle Collaborative Law Center to discuss the practice of collaborative law. Not a member of the American Bar Association: Section of Dispute Resolution ? Become one here .
Feb 28, 2023•35 min
In this episode, Diana Kruze, Case Manager for the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and host Jason Harper of Miles Mediation & Arbitration, discuss the practice of discovery referees, also known as Special Masters. Diana gives listeners an overview of the practice and discusses the values and skills one should have as a practitioner. Not a member of the American Bar Association: Section of Dispute Resolution? Become one here ....
Feb 15, 2023•29 min
In episode one of a two part series on collaborative law, host Caroline Stauffer sits down with Kevin Scudder of the Seattle Collaborative Law Center to discuss the practice. Kevin and Caroline give listeners an overview of collaborative law and discuss the values and skills one should have as a practitioner. Not a member of the American Bar Association: Section of Dispute Resolution? Become one here ....
Jan 24, 2023•22 min•Ep. 9
Listen to our latest podcast, “Arbitrating Cryptocurrency Disputes,” featuring Arbitrator and Commercial Litigator, Dani Schwartz of Wachtel Missry LLP and American Arbitration Association Commercial Vice President, Aaron Gothelf, as they discuss the intricacies of arbitrating disputes involving cryptocurrency. Topics include: What are some of the disputes related to cryptocurrency that end up in arbitration? How are cryptocurrency disputes different from other types of financial disputes? Is cr...
Jan 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 8
In our mediation and arbitration sessions, we often review memories of past events. But how might our culture influence what we remember, and even alter our memories over time, in ways that could impact outcomes in dispute resolution? Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh of Pepperdine University explores this topic in conversation with host Larry Schooler. Not a member of the American Bar Association: Section of Dispute Resolution? Become one here !...
Dec 12, 2022•28 min•Ep. 7
This episode features Harold Coleman, Jr., Senior Vice President / Mediator, AAA-ICDR-AAA Mediation.org & Dr. Debra Dupree, Founder and CEO, Relationships-at-Work. Join them as they share the essence of mediation, as well as why a lifelong learning mindset is critical to professional success. They’ll also give a preview of the 19th Annual Advanced Mediation and Advocacy Skills Institute. This 3-day virtual Institute features the opportunity to learn from the leading social, behavioral and le...
Nov 18, 2022•54 min•Ep. 6
This episode features Ryan Smith, assistant university ombudsperson at Michigan State University, and Josef Leidenfrost, European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education. Join them as they discuss the role of an ombuds in an organization and dive into the different structures of American and European ombud structures.
Oct 11, 2022•38 min•Ep. 5
It is no secret that working in corporate America can be as much of an exercise in managing people and personalities as an opportunity for career or professional development. While being overworked and feeling undervalued at work seems to be the norm and, accordingly, society is somewhat desensitized to this reality, some workplace environments become even more toxic. Workplace bullying is a phenomenon as old as time, but a topic that has received little attention particularly before workers sta...
Oct 04, 2022•47 min•Ep. 4
Ombuds are an important part of the dispute resolution system, and often an integral part of both conflict resolution and grievance systems within organization and within other systems. This episode features Ryan Smith, assistant university ombudsperson at Michigan State University, and Hector Escalante, university ombudsperson director at UC Merced. Join them in part 1 of this two part series as they dive into the role of an ombuds in an organization. Episode Transcript...
Sep 27, 2022•26 hr 10 min•Ep. 3
