PODCAST · business
Beyond the Bar Podcast
by Denisa Tova
Your Host of Beyond the Bar Podcast! This channel elevates trailblazers, entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to rise above their ego to improve humanness. 🎥 Expert Talks: Catch Denisa's podcast Beyond the Bar, a former TV financial expert (NBC, ABC, Fox), as she goes beyond the bar with legal trailblazers having real talk about the incredible stories and experiences that shape the lives of attorneys and judges.🗽 Personal Journey: Join Denisa, a Prague native now in the US, as she shares insights from her cross-continental experience.
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S5 E16: An Analog Childhood, a Digital Adolescence: Joseph H. Nivin on Law, Fatherhood, and Failing Forward
Joseph H. Nivin built his matrimonial law firm from the ground up in Forest Hills, New York. But what he brings to the work goes well beyond the courtroom. As someone who has been through divorce himself, he understands on a personal level exactly how much is at stake for the people sitting across from him.In this episode, Denisa Tova gets the story behind the title: the short-story-writing kid who picked dandelions on the soccer field, the post-9/11 economy that nudged him toward law school, and the baseball players who shaped how he handles failure. Joe opens up about raising his son to value fit over prestige, why he needs to see the impact of his work to love it, and yes, the great guinea pig rescue of a record-setting snowstorm.A conversation about accountability, resilience, and doing the work even when the day went sideways.Follow Beyond the Bar Podcast for new episodes featuring voices across law, entertainment, and beyond.Learn more about Joseph Nivin: www.nivinlaw.com/attorney/nivin-joseph-esqWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: beyondthebarpodcast.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: hypecats.com.
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S5 E15: Carson Kressley on Queer Eye, Growing Up Gay & Why Authenticity Is the Only Way
Most people know Carson Kressley from Queer Eye or RuPaul's Drag Race. But the kid who grew up on a pony farm in Pennsylvania with 200 Shetland ponies and taught himself to survive junior high with humor because it was the only weapon he had — that is the version worth knowing.In this episode Carson opens up about realizing he was fabulous in the fourth grade, what it felt like to carry the secret of being gay in a conservative small town with nowhere to bring it, how fear of being found out developed the sense of humor that built his entire career, going from world champion equestrian to Ralph Lauren to calling the Bravo offices himself with no agent and no plan, and why even he — the person whose trademark is authenticity — still wears a mask sometimes.This one will surprise you.🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for weekly conversations that go beyond the title and into the real story.📲 Follow Carson Kressley: www.instagram.com/carsonkressleyWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: beyondthebarpodcast.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: hypecats.com.
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S5 E14: Five Generations, One Promise: How Dawn Cardi Built a Law Career on Her Own Terms
Dawn Cardi didn't come from comfort, and she didn't wait around for permission. The founding partner of Cardi & Edgar LLP has spent decades in matrimonial law, family law, and federal criminal defense, work she calls "people law" because it means helping people when they need it most.In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova sits down with Dawn to trace a story that starts with a 15-year-old mother and a great-grandmother who cleaned offices in Brooklyn, and runs through the case that brought an innocent man home after eight years in prison. They get into why thinking deserves time in a world that demands instant answers, the hardest word for a lawyer to say, and the advice she gives every woman entering the profession.A conversation about resilience, work, and building a life on your own terms.Follow Beyond the Bar for new episodes featuring voices across law, entertainment, and beyond.Learn more about Dawn Cardi: https://cardiedgarlaw.com/dawn-m-cardi-esq/ Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: beyondthebarpodcast.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: hypecats.com.
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S5 E13: Clay Aiken on American Idol, New Music After 18 Years & What Fame Never Taught Him
He was a special education teacher in North Carolina. Then a parent of one of his students dared him to audition for American Idol. He got cut in Charlotte. So he drove to Atlanta and tried again. Forty million people watched what happened next.In this episode Clay opens up about not knowing it was a big show until thousands of people showed up screaming in Raleigh, what ten years traveling to war zones with UNICEF did to his perspective on everything, why he refuses to solve his son's problems for him, what the subway story at midnight in New York says about how he parents, and why after 18 years away he is finally making music again.This one has a lot to say. And so does he.🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for weekly conversations that go beyond the title and into the real story.📲 Follow Clay Aiken: clayaiken.com🎵 Stream Rewind: https://ffm.to/rewindcaWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: beyondthebarpodcast.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: hypecats.com.
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S5 E12: April Jones Built a 35 Person Law Firm From Scratch. Here's How She Did It
She built a 35 person law firm from the ground up in Denver, Colorado. She did it while raising three kids in diapers. She did it without a roadmap. And she did it because she wanted to create something that did not exist when she needed it most.April Jones is one of the most influential women in Colorado law and the founding partner of one of Denver's most respected family law firms. But before any of that she was a curious little girl from inner city Los Angeles who asked too many questions, talked too much, and had too many ideas. Turns out those were exactly the right qualities for everything that came next.This one is full of energy, wisdom and the kind of honesty that only comes from someone who has genuinely figured it out.📲 Connect with April Jones: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-d-jones/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AprilJonesLaw IG - https://www.instagram.com/apriljoneslaw/X - https://x.com/JonesLawFirmPC🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for weekly conversations that go beyond the title and into the real story.Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/btb-podcast/LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E11: Lou Diamond Phillips on 40 Years in Hollywood, Getting Humbled & Why He's Hungrier Than Ever
Lou Diamond Phillips has been one of Hollywood's most resilient and versatile actors for over 40 years and in this episode, he holds nothing back.From crashing Robert De Niro's hotel room in a stolen bellboy uniform at the Deauville Film Festival, to becoming a co-owner of the Tribeca Grill, to navigating what it means to stay relevant in an industry obsessed with the flavor of the month — Lou gives us the real story behind the resume.We go deep on what it felt like to be "offer only" and suddenly invisible, why he walked back into audition rooms and fought for his career, and what he's learned about fame, gratitude, and staying grounded when Hollywood tries to put you in a box.Plus: his new film Gangland (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), his upcoming mini-series Count My Lies with Shailene Woodley, Lindsay Lohan, and Kit Harington, the animated Stranger Things universe, and a legal thriller he's attached to direct.This is the Lou Diamond Phillips most people don't know, and it's the best version of him!------------------🎙️ Beyond the Bar is the podcast for unhurried conversations with people who build something — past the headlines, past the resumes, and into the real story.🔗 Connect with Lou: https://x.com/LouDPhillips?lang=en Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/btb-podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E10: Ice-T & Coco Return: Body Count, Marriage, Money & Real Life Unfiltered
Ice-T and Coco Austin return to Beyond the Bar Podcast with host Denise Tova for an unfiltered conversation on marriage, money, parenting, and life behind the headlines.Ice-T (Law & Order: SVU, Body Count) and Coco are back — and this conversation goes places the first one didn't. From road rage and their three English Bulldogs to the origin of Body Count and the Cop Killer controversy, from Ice-T's "$20,000 care level" philosophy on lending money to friends, to raising their daughter Chanel Nicole in the spotlight without raising a brat - nothing is off limits.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 drops Friday as a special bonus episode!🎙️ Subscribe for more Beyond the Bar conversations💬 Drop your favorite moment in the comments below📺 Watch Part 2 Friday, only on Beyond the Bar PodcastABOUT BEYOND THE BAR PODCAST:Hosted by Denise Tova, Beyond the Bar is a podcast about real conversations — the kind that happen after the cameras stop rolling. Subscribe for interviews with artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and the people shaping culture today.📲 Connect with Ice-T: https://icet.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icet/📲 Connect with Coco Austin: https://www.instagram.com/cocoWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E9: They're Divorce Lawyers Who Run a Partnership Like a Marriage
Three divorce attorneys. One firm. Twenty-five-plus years together. And not a single slammed door.Joseph Demarco, Jennifer Rosenkranz and Lisa Schoenfeld are the founding partners of Calcados Rosenkranz DeMarco and Schoenfeld, one of Long Island's most respected matrimonial and family law firms. They didn't just build careers. They built something together. And in a field where most people go it alone, that kind of partnership is rare.In this episode all three open up about how they each found their way to family law, why Lisa knew from the age of five that this would be her calling after living through her own parents' brutal divorce, what it actually takes to run a law firm with two other people without losing your mind, how parenting changed the way each of them approaches their cases, why Jennifer says she could never do any of this without Joe and Lisa, Joe's confession that he shuts down the group chat after a certain point and just gives up, what matters to each of them now that didn't matter fifteen years ago, and the advice they would give to every young attorney just starting out.This one is warm, funny, and full of hard-earned wisdom from three people who have genuinely figured out how to make it work in the courtroom and with each other.🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for weekly conversations that go beyond the title and into the real story.📲 Connect with the firm: www.krdslaw.comJennifer Rosenkranz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-rosenkrantz-8358b95/Lisa Schoenfeld: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-schoenfeld-2638a18/Joseph Demarco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-demarco-4a630243/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: tovaretirement.com/btb-podcastLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatova Facebook: www.facebook.com/denisatova Instagram: www.instagram.com/denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E8: Chris Noth: Beyond Mr. Big, Fatherhood & The Version of Him Nobody Talks About
Most people think they know Chris Noth. Detective Mike Logan. Mr. Big. Peter Florrick. Three of the most iconic characters in television history — all played by one man who has spent decades deliberately staying out of the machine that made him famous.In this episode Denisa sits down with Chris for one of the most honest and unexpected conversations Beyond the Bar has ever had. Chris opens up about raising a six year old at his age and why he wouldn't trade it for anything, his oldest teenage son heading off to college and learning not to take the distance personally, the annual 100 mile hiking trips through Scotland and Spain with the same group of lifelong friends, why he finally made peace with being called Mr. Big after years of it driving him crazy, his love of theater and the role in Marlowe's Doctor Faustus that he calls genuinely transformative, the cigar he is creating in the Dominican Republic and why he wants to call it Meditations, what meditation actually revealed about his own anger and impatience, how the last few years kept him close to home and gave him something he didn't know he needed, and why after everything he is still hungry to find that one piece of material that will satisfy his soul.This is the version of Chris Noth most people have never seen. Thoughtful, unguarded, and completely himself.If you grew up watching Law and Order, Sex and the City, or The Good Wife — this one is for you.🎙️ Beyond the Bar is a podcast hosted by Denisa Tova that goes beyond the title and into the real story — the human being underneath the fame, the career, and the headlines.📲 Connect with Chris Noth: https://www.instagram.com/chrisnothofficial/📲 Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E7: Flashdance Star Michael Nouri on Fame, Fatherhood & Peace at 80
Michael Nouri has spent 54 years in Hollywood. You know him from Flashdance, Yellowstone, and right now from The Pit. At 80 years old he is more honest about his life, his wounds, and his work than most people half his age.Michael opens up about growing up as the peacemaker in a combative household, being bullied as a kid and the day he finally fought back, spending decades seeking his father's approval and the moment on a Broadway stage with Julie Andrews that cracked him open, the men's group he has been part of for 12 years alongside Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne and Alfred Molina, the upcoming book A Seat at the Table, how he turned down Sam Peckinpah to take a chance on a script called Flashdance, and why at 80 his only goal is to finally give himself the pat on the back his father never did.This one stays with you.🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for weekly conversations that go beyond the title and into the real story.📲 Connect with Michael Nouri: www.michaelnouri.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelnouriofficial/?hl=enWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E6: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family | Jacqueline Caputo
Most people walk into a divorce expecting a battle. Family law attorney and divorce mediator Jacqueline Caputo has spent over two decades proving it doesn't have to be one.Jackie is a Partner at Joseph Law Group where she leads the mediation and collaborative divorce practice on Long Island, New York. She never planned on family law — never even took it as a course in law school. But the moment a pro bono family case landed on her desk early in her career, everything changed. She has never looked back.In this episode Jackie opens up about almost choosing journalism over law, being voted kindest and best personality in a graduating class of over 1100 kids, why she reframes divorce not as an ending but as a reorganization of a family, the moment a husband broke down crying in mediation and everything finally moved forward, what it really takes to keep people solution focused when emotions are running the show, Sunday mornings frying meatballs while her husband coaches high school football, their home in Maine that keeps the whole family grounded, and why she just joined the board of directors at the Nassau County Bar Association.If you are going through a divorce, considering mediation over litigation, or looking for a more collaborative approach to family law — this conversation will change how you think about the entire process.📲 Connect with Jacqueline Caputo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-caputo-21493218/🌐 Joseph Law Group: https://josephlawpc.com/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E5: Married 28 Years, Never a Fight: How a Top Attorney & Business Mogul Built the Ultimate Power Couple
What happens when you meet the person you're going to marry — and it still takes 45 years to get it right? In this episode, Denisa sits down with power couple Lisa and Lloyd Zeiderman for a candid, unfiltered conversation about love, ambition, and what it really takes to build a life (and a business) with someone.Lisa Zeiderman is a managing partner of Miller Zeiderman LLP, a top matrimonial attorney, and a certified divorce financial analyst. Lloyd Zeiderman is a savvy businessman who managed Hollywood's biggest names and took a company public on Nasdaq. Together, they've been married 28 years — and say they've never had a fight.In this episode you'll hear how Lloyd passed his business card to the wrong woman and still ended up with Lisa, why they've never spent a night apart in 28 years, the truth about work-life balance when work is who you are, what Lisa looks for when building a powerhouse legal team, Lloyd's unfiltered philosophy on success and money, and why dressing for success still matters — including the cowboy boots story that ended a million-dollar deal.Whether you're building a business, a relationship, or both - this one is for you!🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast🔗 Connect with Lisa & Lloyd: Bio: https://lisazeiderman.com/about/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazeiderman/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E4: Ice-T & Coco Austin: Being Real Was Always the Strategy
Most people spend their whole lives performing a version of themselves they think the world wants to see. Ice-T and Coco Austin never did that. And it changed everything.He told the truth about what he knew and built a career that has outlasted almost everyone from his era. She stepped out of the lane when the industry told her not to and paid a real price for it — until the world finally caught up.Together they built something rare. A life, a relationship, and an empire that is completely and unapologetically their own.This is a conversation about identity, authenticity, and why the most powerful thing you will ever do is decide to be exactly yourself.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast!📲 Connect with Ice-T: https://icet.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icet/📲 Connect with Coco Austin: https://www.instagram.com/cocoWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E3: Child Abuse Attorney Liza Camellerie on Fighting for NYC's Most Vulnerable Kids & Secondary Trauma
What happens when the little girl who felt voiceless in the middle of her parents' divorce grows up to spend 20 years fighting for children who have no one else in their corner? For Liza Camellerie, that's not a hypothetical. That's her life.Liza is a family law attorney and one of New York's leading practitioners in child abuse and neglect matters. She started her career at 24 years old in the South Bronx, became an abuse specialist handling fatalities and the most harrowing cases in the New York court system, and eventually landed in private practice — thanks to a chance run-in on a treadmill at Barry's Bootcamp. You truly cannot make this stuff up.In this episode Liza opens up about growing up in an acrimonious divorce in the late 80s when almost no one had divorced parents, how that experience quietly shaped her entire career path, what it's really like to carry secondary trauma from 20 years of child abuse cases, why she thinks the family court system has deep racial and economic issues that don't get talked about enough, her unfiltered advice to young attorneys about choosing to be a problem solver versus a fighter, life as a single mom by choice raising a five year old while running a full time practice, and why she's simultaneously binge watching Call the Midwife and Walking Dead spinoffs and has zero apologies about it.This one goes deep. It's honest, raw, and one of the most human conversations we've had on the show.📲 Connect with Liza Camellerie: Bio: https://www.amsllp.com/attorney/liza-camellerieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-camellerie-457497178/🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast.Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E2: The Family Law Attorney Who Makes Birdhouses from Cigar Boxes
Nearly 40 years ago, Mitchell Y. Cohen walked into a matrimonial law firm fresh out of Emory Law School and met his work partner, Marty Johnson. They haven't had a fight since. That partnership — built on trust, respect, and zero yelling — says everything about how Mitch approaches the law, and life.Mitch is a Partner at Johnson & Cohen, LLP, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and a past Chair of the New York State Bar's Family Law Section. But before any of that, he was a golf-obsessed kid from Florida whose college plan was to go somewhere warm enough to play year round. In this episode Mitch opens up about growing up playing competitive golf and almost going pro, why he chose New York over Atlanta after law school, what 40 years in the courtroom has taught him about staying calm when everyone else is losing it, his advice to younger attorneys about civility and recklessness, traveling to Royal Dornoch in Scotland with his wife Marti — who has seven hole-in-ones to his zero — and what he does on weekends involving a smoker, a cigar, and a box of beef jerky.This one is warm, funny, and full of hard-earned wisdom. Don't miss it.📲 Connect with Mitchell Cohen: Bio: https://www.johnsoncohenlaw.com/attorney/cohen-mitchell-y/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-cohen-jcl/🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Beyond the Bar PodcastWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S5 E1: Divorce Attorney Morghan Richardson on High-Stakes Cases, Co-Parenting & Walking Away from Big Law
What does it take to walk away from a six-figure big law salary — with two young kids at home — to start over in a completely different practice? Morghan Richardson did exactly that, and it changed everything.Morghan is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Matrimonial & Family Law practice at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP, where she represents high-net-worth individuals, public figures, and innovators through some of the most complex and emotionally charged legal battles imaginable. But before she was a fierce litigator, she was a newspaper reporter covering cops, courts, and executions in Texas and Florida — and it was a single moment at a death row execution that made her put down her pen and pick up a law degree.Morghan opens up about why she left corporate litigation to follow her passion for family law, her own divorce and why she still takes vacations with her ex and their kids, what it's really like to go through custody litigation as a family law attorney yourself, how she uses social media and her blog "The Divorce Artist" to humanize the legal process, the advice she gives every new attorney about money, passion, and career pivots, and life with a blended family of five kids, cycling through NYC, and the books she's quietly working on.Whether you're navigating a divorce, considering a legal career, or just love a story about reinvention — this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast! 📲 Connect with Morghan Richardson: https://www.morghanrichardson.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morghanmartellrichardson/Firm: https://www.tarterkrinsky.com/morghan-richardson 📖 Visit her blog The Divorce Artist: https://thedivorceartist.com/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E36: The Murder That Changed Her Life: How Debra Whitson Rebuilt Divorce From the Inside Out
What happens when a 14-year-old girl watches the justice system almost fail someone she loves? For Debra Whitson, it lit a fire that never went out.Denisa Tova sits down with Debra Whitson, founder of Whitson Law PLLC and visionary behind Mediated Online Solutions. From prosecuting special-victims cases to building a no-drama divorce practice that actually helps families heal, Debra has spent her life turning pain into purpose and systems into solutions.You’ll hear how:- A brutal crime in her small town pushed her toward law and advocacy- Eleven years as a special-victims prosecutor shaped the way she fights for survivors- She shifted from courtroom battles to creating healthier divorce paths through mediation and collaboration- She uses storytelling in the courtroom to make sure judges truly see the humans behind the case- Her team becomes a “no drama zone” for clients in the middle of the most chaotic season of their lives- Dinner tables, tennis, mountains, and her dog keep her grounded while she leads a multi-office firmIf you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a legacy that protects survivors, families, and kids, this conversation will stay with you.🔔 Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for more real conversations with the humans behind the titles.🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with a colleague or friend who needs to hear it.Learn more about Debra Whitson:Bio: https://whitsonlawfirm.com/meet-the-team/debra-whitson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-whitson-ba119019/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E35: Sports, Breast Cancer & Courage: How Lauren Crane Stays Human in High-Conflict Work
She argues high-conflict cases for a living… and still refuses to lose her humanity. 💥In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, Denisa sits down with Lauren Crane – founding partner at Bender & Crane LLP, seasoned family-law litigator, appointed mediator, sports superfan, mom… and breast cancer survivor.Lauren opens up about:🏈 Growing up in a sports-obsessed family and why she believes sports are the ultimate teacher in resilience, teamwork, and perspective📱 How email culture and “keyboard courage” changed the way we practice – and why she’s begging younger professionals to pick up the phone again🧠 The mental health crisis she’s seeing in families and lawyers post-COVID, and what it’s really doing to cases🎗 Being diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 during COVID, undergoing a double mastectomy, and why she went back to work just weeks later💗 How surviving cancer completely shifted her priorities toward giving back, mentoring young attorneys, and supporting other women through diagnosis and treatment📚 Her advice to new lawyers on actually learning the law, backing themselves, and not outsourcing their judgment to AIIf you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded when your work is intense, emotionally heavy, and nonstop – Lauren’s story will hit home. This one is about sports, fear, family, grief, recovery, and what it really means to show up for people.✨ Listen now, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs a reminder that it’s never “too late” to rewrite how you live and work.Learn more about Lauren Crane:Bio: https://www.bendercrane.com/lauren-crane/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-crane-472545239/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E34: Sonja Morgan Gets Real About RHONY, Old Money, and Starting Over
You think you know Sonja Morgan, but you really don’t.This is the version of the RHONY icon that never made it to Bravo.People know the memes, the townhouse, the fashion, the chaos, and the one-liners, but this conversation is the first time Sonja opens up about the real story behind the persona. The fashion designer, the entrepreneur, the philanthropist, the mother, and the woman who married into old money, survived a life-altering accident in her family, and rebuilt everything from the ground up.In this interview, Sonja talks about her life before the fame, modeling in Europe, learning to survive on her own, stepping into one of America’s most powerful families, and what actually happened when everything changed overnight. She shares her truth about independence, motherhood, dating, fame, vulnerability, and why she refuses to be seen as anything less than a full partner in her own life.She also breaks down BravoCon energy, the highs and lows of fame, what people got wrong about her on RHONY, the importance of rest and privacy, and how she keeps reinventing herself while staying grounded and hilarious.There is a reason people call her “the realest Housewife,” and today you finally hear why.If you love real conversations, if you love reinvention, and if you want Sonja Morgan unfiltered, emotional, funny, and fully herself, you’re in the right place.Subscribe and tap in for more conversations that go deeper than the headlines. 💋🔥Learn more about Sonja Morgan:Website: https://sonjamorganofficial.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjatmorgan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonjatmorganSonja Sangria: http://sonjasangria.com/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E33: Too Sensitive for Law? How Carmen Rodriguez Turned It Into Her Superpower
What if the thing everyone told you to “toughen up” about is exactly what makes you brilliant at your work?In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, Denisa sits down with Carmen Rodriguez, a Cuban-American mediator and collaborative attorney who was once told she was “too sensitive” for the legal profession. Carmen didn’t change who she was. She changed where she used her gifts.Carmen shares how growing up as the only Hispanic family in a small Massachusetts town, watching her mother counsel a neighbor through antisemitism, and being the daughter of a Cuban lawyer who had to start over in the U.S. shaped everything about the way she shows up for families in crisis.You’ll hear:✨ The nightly gratitude ritual she taught her kids (“name three great things about today”)🌎 How traveling to 80+ countries helped her feel less “other” and more connected📘 The life philosophy she learned from friends in India: one third learning, one third working, one third giving back👨👧 The story of her father, who believed his daughter must be educated so she’d never be financially dependent on anyone💛 Why her sensitivity is her superpower in mediation and in helping parents lower the temperature for their kidsThis isn’t just a conversation about divorce. It’s about perspective, gratitude, identity, parenting, and what it really means to leave the world better for the next generation.Learn more about Carmen Rodriguez:Website: https://www.rodriguezlawandmediation.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-m-rodriguez-229b93209 Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E32: Calm Beats Chaos: Danielle Petitti on Emotional Intelligence in High-Stakes Divorce
When emotions run high and the stakes could not be higher, calm is not weakness. It is mastery.In this episode, NYC powerhouse Danielle R. Petitti, founding attorney of Petitti PLLC, sits down with Denisa Tova for a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to navigate divorce litigation without losing control or yourself.Danielle has built her reputation on grit, emotional intelligence, and fierce advocacy for families in crisis. She shares how to stay steady when clients unravel, why being aggressive only works when it is intentional, and what true strength looks like in and out of the courtroom.Together, they talk about burnout, boundaries, and the real cost of doing this work well. Danielle opens up about running her firm through Covid while raising her daughter, the moments that test even the toughest lawyers, and how she finds her reset when the noise will not stop.This conversation is a must-watch for every divorce attorney who understands that success in family law takes more than skill. It takes humanity, composure, and a clear sense of purpose.🎧 Watch now and see why calm beats chaos in high-stakes divorce.Learn more about Danielle Pettiti:Bio: https://petittilaw.com/team-member/danielle-r-petitti/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-petitti-1a1a1442/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E31: The Lawyer Who Turned Her Own Divorce Into a Mission to Help Others
When litigator Deepti Shenoy faced her own divorce with a five-month-old baby, everything changed. What began as heartbreak became her purpose — reshaping her legal career and inspiring her to create Split Second, a New York City community helping single moms navigate separation and custody.In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova dives into Deepti’s story — how she went from corporate law at JPMorgan to hands-on family law, and how lived experience gave her a deeper sense of empathy and connection. They talk about the emotional toll of divorce, the importance of community, and the creative outlets that keep Deepti grounded — from sewing and writing to hydroponic gardening.💛 You’ll hear how she transformed adversity into advocacy, why she believes community is essential for mental health, and what it really takes to find purpose beyond your title.Listen now to discover how one woman turned her personal journey into a mission to support others — and why her advice to anyone rebuilding is simple: find your people.Learn more about Deepti Shenoy: Bio: https://www.mcpherson-pc.com/deepti-shenoy-bioLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deeptishenoy Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E30: Protect Your Peace in Divorce: Alan Feigenbaum on Emotional Capital
Divorce doesn’t have to be a five-year war. Family law partner Alan “Al” Feigenbaum (Blank Rome) explains why protecting emotional capital—your time, headspace, and peace—often beats “winning” one more term on paper. We talk about leaving commercial litigation to work with people, the post-pandemic return of courtroom theatrics, how to set boundaries so your phone doesn’t run your life, and why stepping away for thirty minutes can save a case. Al also shares pro bono work with veterans, parenting teens, travel, books he’s reading, and a human twist you won’t expect.If you’re navigating divorce, advising clients, or just rethinking conflict, this conversation offers a practical path to exit sooner and heal smarter. Watch, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a perspective shift.Learn more about Alan Feigenbaum Bio: https://www.blankrome.com/people/alan-r-feigenbaumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-feigenbaum/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E29: How Dina Kaplan Turned Trauma into Purpose & Power in the Courtroom
Dina Kaplan is a force — in life and in the courtroom. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, she shares how a trauma at 14 set her on a path to change the system from the inside, why she chooses survivorship over victimhood, and how movement, mantras, and mindset fuel her both personally and professionally.🛑 Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and trauma (starting ~11:06).You’ll hear how Dina’s origin story shaped her calling to the law, why she believes in rising from the ashes like a phoenix, and how her “fast brain” energy helps her thrive in high-stakes cases. 💪 She opens up about turning movement into meditation, embracing a lifestyle transformation that changed her health, and raising her kids with both toughness and heart. 🌱 At the core of it all is her mantra: “happy, joyous & free.”👤 About our guestDina Kaplan is a partner at a leading New York family-law firm with 25+ years advocating in high-emotion, high-stakes matters. She’s known for her candor, creativity, and compassion.🎧 Subscribe on YouTube + follow Beyond the Bar Podcast for more raw conversations.If you or someone you know needs support: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE | rainn.orgLearn more about Dina Kaplan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-kaplan-11863010/Bio: https://www.berkbot.com/attorneys/dina-s-kaplan/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E28: How Byron Chou Turned Forensic Accounting, AI, and a Violin Into a Career with Impact
Most career paths are linear. Byron Chou’s is anything but.He started out valuing businesses in high-stakes divorces, grinding through full-time work while going to law school at night. Today he’s a rising force in family law, but what makes him stand out isn’t just the cases he handles, it’s the way he blends intellect with creativity, and discipline with community.We dive into how AI is reshaping the practice of law, why protecting boundaries makes you a better advocate, what picking up the violin after twenty years taught him about balance, and how leading Lunar New Year and Diwali celebrations keeps him connected to something bigger than himself.This isn’t a story about titles. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and saying “yes” to experiences that make a life worth living.Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for conversations that reveal the human side of the profession.Learn more about Byron Chou: Firm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nydivlaw Firm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gassmanbaiamontegruner/ Firm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gassmanbaiamontegruner/ Byron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byronchou/ Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E27: 18 Languages, 1 Voice: The Fearless Story of Hon. Leela Sharon Aheer
What does it take to turn adversity into leadership?On this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, Denisa Tova sits down with The Hon. Leela Sharon Aheer—a woman who went from Alberta farm fields to shaping Canadian policy, proclaiming the country’s first Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, and fighting for laws that protect women and girls.Leela’s story isn’t just about politics—it’s about resilience, community, motherhood, reinvention, and the power of music (she even sings in 18 languages!).In this conversation, you’ll hear:✨ How growing up in Alberta’s tight-knit farming community shaped her worldview✨ The shocking moment at 15 that lit her fire for activism✨ Lessons on leadership, allyship, and building bridges across political divides✨ Why music remains her secret weapon for connection and healing✨ Her vision for women in entrepreneurship, politics, and beyondThis is a conversation full of goosebump moments, hard truths, and unstoppable energy.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more powerful stories that go beyond the accolades and into what really matters.Learn more about Hon. Leela Aheer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hon-leela-aheer-eca-454098167/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelasharonaheer X: https://x.com/LeelaAheer Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E26: He Wrote the Book on Divorce—and Raced Yachts Through Storms | Michael Stutman Unfiltered
What do offshore yacht racing, courtroom battles, and co-parenting have in common?They’re all part of the extraordinary story of Michael Stutman—one of New York’s most respected matrimonial lawyers.In this Beyond the Bar Podcast episode, Michael goes way beyond legal strategy and opens up about:⚖️ Falling into law by accident—and staying for 40+ years📚 How “writing the book” on divorce changed his career👨👩👧👦 The hardest truth about co-parenting (that money will never fix)🌊 Near-death nights racing yachts in the Atlantic🎓 Why he’d leave law tomorrow to teach civics in high schoolYou’ll hear wisdom, war stories, and moments that will make you laugh, nod, and rethink what really matters.Learn more about Michael:Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E25: Pit Bull with a Heart: Sandra Radna on Divorce, Strength & Finding Peace
What does it take to guide someone through one of the hardest chapters of their life?Sandra Radna, founding attorney of the Law Offices of Sandra M. Radna, P.C. and author of You’re Getting Divorced… Now What?, has been practicing family law since 1993. Known by her clients as a “pit bull with a heart,” she fights fiercely in the courtroom while showing deep compassion for the people she represents.In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, Sandra opens up about her path from aspiring doctor to divorce attorney, the emotional realities of family law, and why clients often struggle not with the marriage they had—but with the life they thought they would have. She shares practical advice for anyone facing divorce, insights from her book, and the one thing her clients want most when it’s all over: peace.Whether you’re going through divorce yourself, know someone who is, or just want to hear how strength and empathy can coexist, this conversation with Sandra Radna will leave you inspired.Listen now and discover how a true pit bull with a heart helps people rebuild their lives.Learn more about Sandra Radna:Bio: https://radnalaw.com/our-team/sandra-m-radna/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraradna/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraradna.law?igsh=MTNqZXhlMXF5OXBvaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Sr3k4n4E/?mibextid=wwXlfr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sandraradna?_t=ZT-8y0XYK6CkV6D&_r=1Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E24: The Art of Winning Arguments – Even When the Stakes Are Personal | Adam Schneid
How do you win an argument when emotions run high—and keep your integrity intact?In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, Denisa Tova sits down with Adam Schneid, partner at Most & Schneid, P.C., and graduate of Cornell & Cardozo School of Law. Adam shares:- Why crafting the right narrative is just as important as knowing the law- How personal experience with divorce shapes his client advocacy- The surprising parallels between debating in high school and litigating high-stakes family cases- Strategies to handle the emotional weight of legal disputes without burning outFrom courtroom strategy to parenting insights, Adam gives us a rare look at the mind of an attorney who’s both razor-sharp and deeply human.📌 Watch now to hear why he believes picking the right battles can save clients more than money, it can save their peace of mind.Learn more about Adam Schneid: Bio: https://mostandschneid.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-schneid-13704b45/ Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E23: The Smarter Way to Use AI in Your Business with AI expert (and mad scientist) Mark Kashef
What if AI could handle your inbox, prep your presentations, and build your SOPs - while you sleep?In this episode of Beyond the Bar, Denisa Tova sits down with Mark Kashef - AI educator, founder of Prompt Advisors, and automation mastermind - to explore real, practical ways attorneys can integrate AI into their workflows. From secure document handling to automating lead qualification, Mark explains it all without the tech jargon.✅ Watch a live demo of a legal automation✅ Learn why prompts matter (and how to write one that works)✅ Discover the BIG mistake attorneys make when using ChatGPT✅ Get Mark’s favorite time-saving AI workflowsThis episode is tailor-made for forward-thinking attorneys, legal professionals, and firm owners looking to streamline, innovate, and stay competitive.🎯 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!Learn more about Mark Kashef: Bio: https://www.promptadvisers.com/about-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkashef/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E22: Storm Chaser Turned Divorce Lawyer? Bryce Levine’s Unexpected Journey
What do hurricanes, blizzards, and high-conflict custody battles have in common? Bryce Levine knows. In this episode of Beyond the Bar, we sit down with the partner at Jeffrey Schecter & Associates to explore how a lifelong fascination with extreme weather shaped his perspective as a family law attorney.From dream job at the National Hurricane Center to 27 years of courtroom advocacy, Bryce shares:☁️ His surprising path from meteorology to matrimonial law❄️ Why he walks through blizzards for fun📉 The emotional toll of modern-day legal practice🌪️ How to stay grounded when life (and clients) get turbulentThis is one of the most unexpected and honest conversations we’ve had - don’t miss it.👇 Drop a comment if you’ve ever wanted to chase a storm or felt burned out by your career.Learn more about Bryce Levine: Bio: https://www.jssmatlaw.com/staff-profiles/bryce-r-levine/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-levine-556276109/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E21: From 1,500 Cold Emails to the NFL: Jordan Salkin’s Road to the Cincinnati Bengals
He sent over 1,500 emails just to get a foot in the door. Today, he’s coaching in the NFL.Host Denisa Tova sits down with Jordan Salkin, the Cincinnati Bengals’ new offensive assistant, whose journey from unpaid college gigs to high-powered offenses at Oregon and now the NFL is nothing short of inspiring.But this episode goes beyond the X’s and O’s — Jordan opens up about his mindset, leadership style, how he handles pressure in a high-stakes industry, what he’s learned from NFL quarterbacks, and the power of humility and preparation.Get ready for training camp talk, guitar confessions, and life lessons every young athlete (or go-getter) needs to hear.🎧 Tap in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from those who go beyond the title.Learn more about Jordan Salkin: Bio: https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/jordan-salkinWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E20: Thunderstorm Artis Opens Up: Homelessness, Healing & His Unreleased Song ‘Better Days’
What if the hardest season of your life turned out to be your biggest breakthrough?In this soul-stirring episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, singer-songwriter and The Voice finalist Thunderstorm Artis shares the raw truth behind his journey - from growing up in a family of 11 kids on the North Shore of Oahu to overcoming homelessness, grief, and self-doubt.He opens up about losing his father at 13, finding his voice through pain, and how music became a form of therapy. Thunderstorm reflects on the moment he almost gave up on music, the encounter that led him to The Voice, and how he eventually returned to national TV on American Idol - after turning them down seven times.Now a proud husband and father of two, Thunderstorm shares how parenthood keeps him grounded, why he refuses to be boxed into a genre, and what keeps him inspired. He also performs his unreleased original song “Better Days,” written for his 16-year-old self as a reminder that pain is temporary and purpose is real.This conversation is about hope, faith, healing, and living your truth—even when the world tells you not to.If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or uncertain about your path—this one’s for you.Stream Thunderstorm’s music and follow his journey at www.thunderstormartis.comFollow him here: https://www.instagram.com/thunderstormartis/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E19: Lawyer. Mediator. Musician. Skier. Meet the Most Unexpected Man in Law
This week on Beyond the Bar Podcast, Denisa Tova sits down with Andrew Schriever—a legal mind unlike any other. Co-founder of Holland Schriever LLP, Andrew is not only an attorney and mediator, but also a cannabis policy advocate, lifelong musician, and passionate skier. This is not your average legal chat.In this layered conversation, we explore:- How high school mock trials lit the spark for his legal career 🔥- Why he compares mediation to being a doctor (and a robot) 🧠🤖- What tragedy, pride, and Shakespeare can teach us about conflict- Why skiing changed his relationship with fear 🎿- How music became his go-to form of meditation 🎶- His journey into cannabis law reform and national policy advocacy 🌿- And the one skill he believes everyone should master—no law degree requiredWhether you're a lawyer, a parent, a creative, or just someone navigating life—Andrew’s perspective will leave you thinking differently.👇 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone who needs a new lens on life and law.Learn more about Andrew Schriever: Website: https://www.hollandschriever.com/aboutLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schrieverWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E18: How The Bellamy Brothers Survived the Music Industry (and Each Other)
Legends. Storytellers. Survivors.In this unforgettable episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, Denisa Tova sits down with David and Howard Bellamy—aka the Bellamy Brothers—to uncover the real story behind five decades of music, mayhem, and momentum.🎸 From dirt-farming in Florida to jamming with Neil Diamond’s band…🌍 From cattle ranches to chart-topping tours in 72+ countries…📺 From fighting industry payola to launching their own reality show…They’ve seen it all, and they’re not done yet.✨ Highlights include:- How a random demo became “Let Your Love Flow” and changed everything- Life on the ranch vs. life on the road (spoiler: cows interrupt recording)- Being the first U.S. band to play post-Berlin Wall East Germany- Their 50th anniversary world tour and new music in the works▶️ Whether you’re a fan of country music, resilience, or damn good storytelling—this episode is a must-watch.Subscribe, share, and get inspired.Learn more about the Bellamy Brothers:Website: https://bellamybrothers.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellamy_brothers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellamybrothersbandSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5iB5AWIa7qreioi0AF3Bxa?si=39N9Xct8TLefTLp2fAB-2wApple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-bellamy-brothers/81887244YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellamyBrothersWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E17: Inside the Wild World of the Minnesota Vikings: Matthew Coller Tells All
Strap in for a rollercoaster of football, fandom, and the human stories behind the headlines. In this Beyond the Bar episode, Denisa Tova brings back acclaimed sports journalist and Purple Insider host Matthew Coller — with special guest co-host and lifelong Vikings fan (and husband!) Glenn Liebman.🏈 From the heartbreak of Gary Anderson’s missed field goal to Justin Jefferson’s jaw-dropping catch, Matthew breaks down the highs, lows, and hilarious chaos of covering the Minnesota Vikings.📚 We also dive into his book Football Is a Numbers Game, the explosion of analytics, and how AI is transforming the NFL.🔥 Bonus: Matthew shares personal stories, his wife’s work with the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, and how he somehow remembers everything.👇 Don’t forget to subscribe & follow!Learn more about Matthew Coller: Listen to Purple Insider: https://purpleinsider.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purple_insider/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E16: Power, Purpose & Unapologetic Truth with Mia Poppe | Beyond the Bar Podcast
Mia Poppe is the definition of resilience and realness. In this unforgettable episode, she opens up about her journey from rural South Carolina to becoming a powerhouse NYC family law attorney and the experiences that shaped her voice in and out of the courtroom.Inside this episode:• Her shift from corporate exec to courtroom advocate• The powerful inspiration behind "Unbreaking Wonder Woman"• How being raised in a Southern Baptist school shaped her view of identity, race, and culture• Why she stopped people-pleasing and started owning her truth• What women need to hear about healing after divorce🎁 Want a free copy of The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Navigating Divorce?Be one of the first 25 listeners to email: [email protected] more about Mia Poppe: Website: https://www.miapoppe.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miapoppe.esq/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miapoppe/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nylawsaWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E15: Beyond Hamilton: Bryan Terrell Clark on Art, Purpose & Being Unapologetically You
You've seen him as George Washington in Hamilton and Marvin Gaye in Motown the Musical—but you've never heard Bryan Terrell Clark like this.In this raw and inspiring episode of Beyond the Bar, Bryan opens up about:✨ Growing up in a household shaped by both faith and addiction🎭 How the arts gave him his voice—and saved his life🏳️🌈 The politics of identity and the power of living authentically🧠 The deeper purpose behind his performances on Broadway and beyond💬 Why storytelling is one of the oldest forms of resistanceHe’s not just here to perform—he’s here to speak truth.And trust us, you’ll feel every word.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe🎧 Available on all podcast platformsLearn more about Bryan Terrell Clark:Website: https://www.bryanterrellclark.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbtc/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryanterrellclarkWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E13: One of Eight Kids. 35 Years in Court. And a Mission to Make Law Human Again.
What does it take to stay kind in a cutthroat legal system?In this powerful episode of Beyond the Bar, Denisa Tova sits down with family and criminal law powerhouse Shari Gordon. With 35+ years of experience, Shari opens up about the lessons her father taught her, becoming a public defender in the Bronx, writing with legendary attorney Tim Tippins, and why civility is her platform as the incoming president of the Westchester Women's Bar Association.We talk integrity, personal evolution, big family life (she’s one of eight kids!), radio fame, and the emotional cost of lying. If you care about building a career with purpose—while staying human—this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more stories that go Beyond the Bar Podcast 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments!Learn more about Shari Gordon: Website: https://sharigordonlaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-r-gordon-cash-5114809/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E12: How a Divorce Lawyer Found Peace After Loss & 150+ Dave Matthews Concerts
What does it really take to hold it all together—career, motherhood, grief, and everything in between?In this powerful episode, Alison Leigh Epilone, partner at Mantel McDonough Riso, LLP, reveals the full story behind her legal success. From competitive horseback rider to trusted attorney in high-net-worth divorces, Alison shares how she found purpose after personal loss and strength in unexpected places.💼 Her transition from private practice to principal law clerk👩👧 The reality of raising twins while commuting between NYC and Long Island💔 Losing her brother to addiction and navigating grief as the “strong one”🎶 A lifelong obsession with Dave Matthews Band (150+ shows and counting)📚 What she wishes young lawyers understood about the path to partnershipIf you've ever felt like you're carrying too much—or trying to be everything to everyone—this one’s for you.Learn more about Alison Epilone:Bio: https://www.mmrllp.com/partners/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-leigh-epilone-6522b1b/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E11: Why This Top Family Law Attorney Almost Walked Away from Law School
Get to know Mudita Chawla, a top family law attorney in New York, in this powerful episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast. Mudita shares her unexpected law school journey, from nearly quitting to becoming a nationally recognized divorce lawyer and passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence. We dive into her career in matrimonial law, how she maintains work-life balance, and her love for art and global travel—all while navigating one of the most emotionally intense areas of legal practice.In this candid conversation, she shares:🎓 Why she nearly quit law school🛑 What made her stay—and shift her purpose⚖️ Her early work with survivors of domestic violence📉 The part of the law she thinks is failing families🖼️ How art and travel shape the way she sees the world💡 Her advice for protecting your energy in emotionally charged workThis one’s for anyone who’s ever doubted their path but kept going anyway.Learn more about Mudita Chawla:Bio: https://cmfb.com/attorneys/mudita-chawla/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudita-chawla-18bb479/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E10: Balancing Courtroom Battles, Motherhood, and Personal Loss: Brittany Mangan Gets Real
This week on Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova sits down with the powerhouse attorney Brittany Mangan — partner at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, super mom of three, and a woman who proves that strength comes from both resilience and heart.Brittany opens up about growing up in a family law dynasty, balancing a demanding career with motherhood, coping with personal loss, and why staying grounded is her secret weapon.We dive into:- How Brittany was "born" into family law- The real story behind her success and mindset- Navigating grief and resilience in a high-pressure industry- Why true connection matters more than collecting business cards- Advice for the next generation of attorneysIf you’ve ever struggled with balancing ambition, family, and life’s curveballs — this conversation will hit home. 🎯👉 Subscribe and follow Beyond the Bar Podcast for more authentic, powerful stories.Learn more about Brittany Mangan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mangan-43161bb2/Bio: https://www.tarterkrinsky.com/brittany-manganWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E9: Fashion Industry to Family Law: Patricia Fersch on Speaking Up, Taking Risks, and Writing for Forbes
Denisa Tova-Liebman sits down with Patricia Fersch, founding partner of Fersch LLC, fearless advocate, and contributor to Forbes. Patricia shares her unconventional journey from the fashion world to family court and opens up about the emotional highs and lows of fighting for families in crisis.She talks candidly about launching a second career, building the Matrimonial Lawyers Pro Bono Project, writing with purpose, and why showing up as your true self, power suit and all, matters in the courtroom.🔗 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with bold leaders-----------------------------------Learn more about Patricia Fersch:Bio: https://www.pffamilylaw.com/attorney/fersch-patricia-ann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-fersch-0aba5a40/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E8: This Lawyer Can SING! Meet Melissa Glassman Who Went From Broadway Dreams to Family Law
Ever wonder what happens when musical talent meets legal expertise? In this fun episode of Beyond the Bar podcast, Anissa sits down with Melissa Glassman, a family law rockstar who's killing it at Advocate LLP in NYC.Melissa's story is anything but ordinary! She takes us from her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer to her surprising years at the famous LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts (yes, the "Fame" school!). Wait until you hear her impromptu performance—this lawyer has pipes!Melissa's energy is contagious! Whether she's belting out Broadway tunes or fighting for families in court, she brings the same confidence and passion to everything she does.Drop a comment if you've ever balanced two totally different passions like Melissa has!---------------------------------Learn more about Melissa F. Glassman:Bio: https://www.advocatellp.com/attorney/glassman-melissa/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-f-glassman-esq-75567947/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E7: Tears, Trials, and Triumph: A Lawyer's Raw Journey Through Family Battles
Buckle up for an extraordinary conversation that peels back the layers of family law and human resilience. Jill Spielberg isn't just another attorney - she's a warrior who transforms personal pain into professional purpose. Hear the untold stories behind divorce, discover the shocking truth about how children really experience family breakdowns, and learn how one woman turns life's most challenging moments into a powerful force for healing.Prepare for:- Brutally honest insights into family dynamics- Emotional survival strategies that will change how you see conflict- A deeply personal journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph- Wisdom that goes far beyond the courtroom-----------------------Learn more about Jill Spielberg:Bio: https://www.abramslaw.com/attorneys/jill-spielberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-spielberg-9b654930/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/
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S4 E6: How Family Law Attorney Dolores Gebhardt Transformed Personal Pain into Professional Purpose
What happens when life's challenges reshape not just your personal journey, but your entire professional path? In this powerful episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova sits down with distinguished family law attorney Dolores Gebhardt, who shares her remarkable journey from labor law to becoming a renowned family law expert. After experiencing divorce firsthand, Dolores shifted her entire career to help others navigate this difficult process with empathy and expertise.Dolores opens up about her 40-year legal career, her personal connection to developmental disability advocacy, and her passionate mission to make parent education mandatory in New York state. Learn how she uses her own life experiences to connect with clients, why she compares court appearances to "downhill skiing," and the importance of keeping children out of divorce conflicts.Don't miss Dolores's insights on counsel fees in family law cases and her touching tribute to her late mentor, Judge Sandra Miller. This episode offers valuable perspective for anyone facing family challenges or interested in the human side of legal practice.Subscribe to Beyond the Bar Podcast for more inspiring conversations with legal professionals who are making a difference!------------------------Learn more about Dolores Gebhardt:Bio: https://www.goldschmidtgenovese.com/attorney/gebhardt-dolores/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolores-gebhardt-a3982310/ Law Firm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldschmidt-genovese-llp/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E5: Kitchen Disaster to Sweet Success: Mother-Daughter Muffin Empire
In this special episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova reunites with attorney Jacqueline Newman, who returns with her daughter Alexandra to share how a baking mishap during COVID led to their innovative dessert brand "That's the Way the Muffin Crumbles." Discover how this creative mother-daughter team balances family dynamics with entrepreneurship, learn about their unique approach to dessert presentation, and hear how they're using their business to support domestic abuse shelters through their Gift Giving Stories initiative. From taste-testing with friends to dreams of Shark Tank, this inspiring conversation serves up plenty of business insights and heartwarming family moments.--------------Learn more about Jacqueline and Alexandra's business: Website: https://muffincrumbles.com/Charity Project: https://giftofgivingstore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muffin.crumbles/https://www.instagram.com/newman_jacqueline_real/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560449511332https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.newman.378LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/that-s-the-way-the-muffin-crumbles-306049310/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-lipson-newman-8425366/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/Podcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com.
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S4 E4: From Stage Fright to Singing for Randy Travis: Karissa Ella's EMOTIONAL Country Music Journey
Join host Denisa Tova as she sits down with rising country star Karissa Ella on the latest episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast! This Ohio native shares her incredible journey from being a shy singer who refused to perform at family gatherings to making her CMA Fest debut and performing for Randy Travis himself.Karissa opens up about conquering stage fright, finding her voice in Nashville's competitive music scene, and the emotional full-circle moment of performing Randy Travis's music for him—especially meaningful because his songs helped her great-grandmother Ella (her namesake) through grief.Don't miss Karissa's insights on staying motivated through creative dry spells, her dream collaborations, and details about her new empowering single "Heartbreaker" dropping soon! Plus, get the scoop on her upcoming release "Last Call Cowboy" coming February 28th.---------------------Learn more about Karissa Ella:Website: https://www.karissaella.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karissaellamusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karissaellamusic#TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karissaellamusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57tJWjfkmwkE3WRNRjBNKwWatch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts: https://hypecats.com
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S4 E3: I Was Poor & Didn't Fit In. Now I Transform Divorces Into Healing | Top Family Lawyer Tells All
What if everything you've been taught about practicing law is holding you back?A small-town girl becomes one of New York's elite divorce attorneys. But after 30 years of court battles, she discovered something that changed everything. Ellen Jancko-Baken reveals how she went from struggling to belong in affluent Scarsdale to leading a revolution in family law. She shares the unconventional advice that saved her 41-year marriage, why most lawyers fail at creativity, and the brutal truth about finding your place in high-stakes law.In this raw conversation, you'll discover:- The counterintuitive approach that turns bitter divorces into healing journeys- Why believing "that's just the law" is killing your legal career- The surprising connection between sports fanaticism and human connection- A single piece of marriage advice that changes everything- The real reason most lawyers struggle with work-life balanceWhether you're a seasoned attorney or just starting your career, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about success in law and life.This is more than a legal career story - it's a masterclass in turning adversity into impact.------------------Learn more about Ellen Jancko-Baken: Bio: https://fbndivorcelaw.com/ellen-janko-baken/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-jancko-baken-217abb23/Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisatovaPodcast Production by HypeCats.com, webinars, and podcasts.HypeCats.com: https://hypecats.com
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S4 E2: Blues Legend to Global Icon: Vasti Jackson's Electrifying Journey
From playing Mississippi juke joints at 12 to commanding a million-strong crowd at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, blues virtuoso Vasti Jackson electrifies this episode with raw authenticity and soul-stirring stories. Experience his magnetic transition from B.B. King's collaborator to embodying Ike Turner on stage, while discovering how this guitar prodigy became a force for global change through music. Jackson strips away the glamour to reveal the true heart of blues, acting, and staying real in an industry built on illusion.Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the roots of American music with a living legend who proves that genuine passion still trumps pretense. Featuring exclusive insights into Playing for Change Foundation and candid stories from a life dedicated to musical truth.-------------------------Learn more about Vasti Jackson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasteyejxn/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vasti.jacksonBio: https://www.thecountryblues.com/artist-reviews/vasti-jackson/Simply The Best! The Tina Turner Story the musical (Vasti Jackson as Ike Turner, and musical director): https://youtu.be/Nwx9mmAceQs?si=9MDNqIGLpG80BLSU Mississippi Today: https://mississippitoday.org/2017/02/17/vasti-jackson/ Watch more episodes and connect with Denisa here: https://tovaretirement.com/podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/denisatovaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisatovaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisatova/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@denisatova
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Your Host of Beyond the Bar Podcast! This channel elevates trailblazers, entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to rise above their ego to improve humanness. 🎥 Expert Talks: Catch Denisa's podcast Beyond the Bar, a former TV financial expert (NBC, ABC, Fox), as she goes beyond the bar with legal trailblazers having real talk about the incredible stories and experiences that shape the lives of attorneys and judges.🗽 Personal Journey: Join Denisa, a Prague native now in the US, as she shares insights from her cross-continental experience.
HOSTED BY
Denisa Tova
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