EPISODE · Jun 21, 2026 · 26 MIN
Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk
from Time We Discuss | Career Podcast for Career Discovery and Career Exploration with Real Professionals · host Time We Discuss
Thinking about becoming a divorce mediator? What is it really like helping couples navigate separation, conflict, and emotional conversations without going to court?In this episode of Time We Discuss, divorce mediator and attorney Mardi Chadwick Balcom shares what it is really like working in divorce mediation. We discuss mediation versus arbitration, the emotional side of divorce work, burnout in family law careers, work life balance, mediator salary expectations, and the skills needed to succeed in conflict resolution careers.Mardi also explains:How divorce mediation actually worksWhether mediators need law degreesWhy emotional regulation matters in mediationWhat a typical day looks like as a mediatorHow lawyers transition into mediation careersThe challenges of working with couples during divorceThe biggest rewards and hidden perks of the professionIf you are interested in careers in law, psychology, counseling, conflict resolution, family law, or mediation, this episode gives an honest behind the scenes look at the profession.About Time We Discuss:Time We Discuss is a podcast and YouTube channel exploring what it is really like working in different careers. Each episode features professionals sharing the realities, challenges, salaries, career paths, and day to day experiences of their jobs.=================================================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:43 - Arbitration and Mediation, What's the Difference?2:23 - Typical day for a divorce mediator4:17 - Do people use mediators alongside lawyers?5:27 - Personal qualities needed to be a successful mediator6:45 - Do mediators need to have a law degree?7:53 - Is your work mostly nights and weekends?9:13 - How many divorce mediation sessions are needed?10:35 - Do firms hire divorce mediators?11:55 - Changing careers from a divorce mediator13:15 - Mediator certifications15:17 - Learning how to run a business as a divorce mediator16:42 - Why a divorce mediator is the best job17:51 - Why a divorce mediator is the worst job19:21 - Work life balance for a divorce mediator20:16 - Hidden barriers to entry21:26 - Hidden perks for divorce mediators22:35 - Thank you Jolee Vacchi22:50 - Talent has the floor24:07 - Highlights25:58 - Outro=================================================================Guest Information:Mardi Chadwick-Balcom, Esq.Mardi's WebsiteThe Regulated Lawyer PodcastFree Online CourseAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:HypnotistTrauma Coach: The Unexpected Healing CareerDay in the life of a Corporate LawyerFinancial Advisor (Misty Lunch): Day in the LifeWhat It Is Really Like to Be a Family Law Attorney (Jolee Vacchi)=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
What this episode covers
Thinking about becoming a divorce mediator? What is it really like helping couples navigate separation, conflict, and emotional conversations without going to court?In this episode of Time We Discuss, divorce mediator and attorney Mardi Chadwick Balcom shares what it is really like working in divorce mediation. We discuss mediation versus arbitration, the emotional side of divorce work, burnout in family law careers, work life balance, mediator salary expectations, and the skills needed to succeed in conflict resolution careers.Mardi also explains:How divorce mediation actually worksWhether mediators need law degreesWhy emotional regulation matters in mediationWhat a typical day looks like as a mediatorHow lawyers transition into mediation careersThe challenges of working with couples during divorceThe biggest rewards and hidden perks of the professionIf you are interested in careers in law, psychology, counseling, conflict resolution, family law, or mediation, this episode gives an honest behind the scenes look at the profession.About Time We Discuss:Time We Discuss is a podcast and YouTube channel exploring what it is really like working in different careers. Each episode features professionals sharing the realities, challenges, salaries, career paths, and day to day experiences of their jobs.=================================================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:43 - Arbitration and Mediation, What's the Difference?2:23 - Typical day for a divorce mediator4:17 - Do people use mediators alongside lawyers?5:27 - Personal qualities needed to be a successful mediator6:45 - Do mediators need to have a law degree?7:53 - Is your work mostly nights and weekends?9:13 - How many divorce mediation sessions are needed?10:35 - Do firms hire divorce mediators?11:55 - Changing careers from a divorce mediator13:15 - Mediator certifications15:17 - Learning how to run a business as a divorce mediator16:42 - Why a divorce mediator is the best job17:51 - Why a divorce mediator is the worst job19:21 - Work life balance for a divorce mediator20:16 - Hidden barriers to entry21:26 - Hidden perks for divorce mediators22:35 - Thank you Jolee Vacchi22:50 - Talent has the floor24:07 - Highlights25:58 - Outro=================================================================Guest Information:Mardi Chadwick-Balcom, Esq.Mardi's WebsiteThe Regulated Lawyer PodcastFree Online CourseAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:HypnotistTrauma Coach: The Unexpected Healing CareerDay in the life of a Corporate LawyerFinancial Advisor (Misty Lunch): Day in the LifeWhat It Is Really Like to Be a Family Law Attorney (Jolee Vacchi)=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk
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