Not in the Newsletter

When work denies medical time off, employees are often left wondering whether they have to choose between their health and their job. In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips, employment discrimination attorney Josh Friedman, and psychotherapist Deirdre Arato break down what workers should know when a doctor’s appointment, therapy session, chemotherapy treatment, prenatal visit, or physical therapy conflicts with work.Medical time off can feel like asking for permission, especially when you are worried about looking unreliable, weak, or like a burden. This conversation explains how reasonable accommodations, ADA protections, FMLA leave, and pregnancy-related protections can apply when your health and your job collide. Through real workplace scenarios, Christina, Josh, and Dierdre unpack the legal boundaries and emotional pressure behind asking for time to heal.In this episode, you will learn:What to know when your boss denies medical time offHow reasonable accommodation works for health-related needsWhy mental health appointments can still matter legally and emotionallyHow FMLA can protect your job while you healWhy guilt should not be the reason you delay careTaking care of yourself should not feel like a workplace violation. Learn what questions to ask, what rights may apply, and when to seek support before your health is pushed aside.Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.com.For additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org.

Whistleblowing sounds simple from the outside: you see something wrong, so you speak up. But inside the workplace, telling the truth can come with fear, guilt, isolation, retaliation, and the risk of losing your income.In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips is joined by whistleblower and retaliation attorney Jesse Weinstein and psychotherapist Deirdre Arato to unpack the emotional and legal reality of speaking up at work. From financial institutions and schools to healthcare and media, this conversation explores why whistleblowers often feel torn between doing the right thing and protecting their careers.Christina, Jesse, and Deirdre discuss what actually counts as whistleblowing, how retaliation can show up before someone is fired, why loyalty can become silence, and what employees should do before they report misconduct. Jesse breaks down why whistleblower cases are not always about proving the corruption itself, but proving that it was reasonable for the employee to believe something wrong was happening.In this episode, you will learn:What whistleblowing really means in the workplaceWhy employees hesitate before reporting unethical or illegal behaviorHow retaliation can show up through isolation, bad reviews, exclusion, or terminationWhy documentation matters before and after speaking upHow loyalty, identity, and belonging make whistleblowing emotionally painfulWhy legal protection and personal peace are not always the same decisionIf you have seen something at work that feels wrong, this episode helps you understand what may be at stake before you speak up, how to protect yourself, and why telling the truth can feel so expensive. Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.com.For additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org.

Sexual harassment at work is not always obvious, and that is why so many people ask themselves, “Am I overreacting?” In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips is joined by psychotherapist Deirdre Arato and employment discrimination attorney Melissa Vo to break down the subtle signs of sexual harassment, from comments that linger too long to unwanted touch, grooming, boundary testing, and behavior that makes you question your own reality. If something feels off at work but you keep telling yourself it is probably nothing, this conversation will help you understand what your discomfort may be trying to tell you.Christina Phillips, Deirdre Arato, and Melissa Vo unpack how subtle sexual harassment can affect your confidence, mental health, work performance, and career path before there is ever one “big” incident. Through workplace scenarios involving hovering coworkers, lingering hugs, senior colleagues with career power, fear of blacklisting, and pressure to stay silent, this episode explains what to watch for, when to seek support, and how legal and therapeutic guidance can help you protect yourself.What you’ll learn:How subtle sexual harassment can start with small boundary violationsWhy asking “am I overreacting?” can be a sign something is wrongHow changing your behavior at work can signal a hostile environmentWhy grooming often escalates slowly over timeWhat to do when comments, touch, or pressure continue after you set a boundaryDon’t dismiss your own discomfort because nothing “big” has happened yet. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, trust your body, protect your boundaries, and understand your options before subtle harassment becomes something harder to escape.Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.comFor additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org

Pregnancy discrimination at work is not always obvious, and that is why so many expecting mothers second-guess what is happening to them. In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips is joined by psychotherapist Deirdre Arato and employment rights attorney Dorina Cela to unpack how pregnancy discrimination can show up through sudden performance concerns, missed promotions, denied accommodations, ignored messages, or being treated like a burden. If you are pregnant at work, returning from maternity leave, pumping, or afraid to ask for support, this conversation helps you recognize the warning signs and understand why they matter.Christina Phillips, Deirdre Arato, and Dorina Cela discuss the emotional and legal stakes behind being fired before maternity leave, passed over for opportunities, quietly pushed aside after having a baby, or made to feel guilty for needing help. Through real workplace scenarios, they explain why pregnancy bias can be disguised as “concern,” “business needs,” or “help,” and how fear, shame, and self-blame can keep women from advocating for themselves.In this episode, you will learn:How pregnancy discrimination can show up before anyone says it directlyWhy pregnancy, childbirth, maternity leave, and pumping can involve protected workplace rightsWhat red flags to watch for when duties, promotions, or accommodations suddenly changeWhy guilt and self-blame often show up when women need support at workHow documentation and outside support can help when something starts to feel wrong Pregnancy should not make someone feel disposable at work. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, trust when something feels off, and understand your options before workplace bias goes unchecked.Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.com.For additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org.

Men can be sexually harassed too, but many stay silent because they fear they will not be believed. In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips, employment discrimination attorney Greg Calliste, and psychotherapist Deirdre Arato unpack why male victims often laugh it off, hide the harm, or avoid reporting altogether.What starts as a conversation about men and workplace sexual harassment becomes a powerful discussion about shame, masculinity, retaliation fears, documentation, and what happens when systems dismiss men who ask for help. Greg shares personal and professional experiences that reveal how hard it can be for men to report harassment, while Deirdre explains the emotional toll of being minimized, disbelieved, or forced to carry trauma alone.In this episode, you will learn:Why men often do not report sexual harassment at workHow shame, masculinity norms, and fear of retaliation keep men silentWhy harassment protections apply to men tooHow documentation can help when systems failWhy support matters when someone feels dismissed or alone Don’t suffer in silence because you think no one will believe you. Learn how to recognize harassment, document what is happening, and protect your rights before the damage gets worse. Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.com.For additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org.

Workplace discrimination against women often hides in plain sight. In this episode, host Christina Phillips sits down with employment attorney Melissa Vo and psychotherapist Dierdre Arato to uncover the subtle forms of gender discrimination that can leave women questioning themselves, damaging their confidence, and impacting their health. Learn how to recognize workplace discrimination, understand your legal rights, and identify the warning signs before the emotional toll becomes overwhelming.Together, Christina, Melissa, and Dierdre explore what it really feels like to be the only woman in the room—from constant self-monitoring and exclusion from opportunities to the long-term psychological effects of workplace bias. Through real-world examples, they discuss how workplace discrimination shows up in everyday interactions, when unfair treatment may cross legal lines, and what women can do to document concerns, protect their mental health, and advocate for themselves with confidence.In this episode, you'll learn:How to recognize subtle signs of workplace discrimination and gender biasWhy being the only woman in the room can trigger chronic stress and self-doubtWhat behaviors may constitute illegal workplace discriminationHow to document patterns of unfair treatment and protect your rightsWhen to seek support from a therapist, mentor, or employment attorneyDon't risk letting workplace discrimination erode your confidence, health, or career growth. Learn how to identify bias early, protect your rights, and take action before the damage becomes lasting.Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores harassment, discrimination, retaliation, employee rights, workplace accommodations, leave, and mental health. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, each episode offers practical insights to help listeners navigate workplace issues and understand their options.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit http://NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.com.For additional workplace harassment resources, visit http://HarassmentHelp.org.

Workplace dating can feel exciting at first, but dating someone at work can quickly become complicated when the relationship ends, coworkers start talking, or company policy gets involved. In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips is joined by employment discrimination attorney Josh Friedman and psychotherapist Deirdre Arato to unpack the legal and emotional risks of workplace romance. If you have ever wondered whether dating a coworker is harmless or a career risk waiting to happen, this conversation breaks down what employees should understand before things get messy.Christina Phillips, Josh Friedman, and Deirdre Arato explore what happens after a workplace relationship ends, why post-breakup gossip can become more than personal drama, how HR policies may or may not protect you, and why power dynamics matter even when a relationship starts consensually. From coworkers in separate departments to a boss asking you out, this episode gives listeners a clearer understanding of how workplace romance can affect reputation, mental health, job opportunities, and legal rights.What you’ll learn:Why workplace dating feels different from relationships outside of workHow post-breakup gossip can become a legal issueWhy workplace relationships can lead to self-monitoring, shame, or pressureWhat to do if your boss asks you out or a workplace relationship starts affecting your careerBefore workplace romance affects your reputation, career, or peace of mind, learn how to recognize the warning signs, protect yourself, and understand your options when dating someone at work gets complicated.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips and Associates, a workplace discrimination and sexual harassment law firm.For more information or to speak with a Phillips and Associates attorney, visit NewYorkCityDiscriminationLawyer.com.For additional workplace harassment resources, visit HarassmentHelp.org.

HR may seem like a safe place to report issues, but HR works for the company, not the employee. In this episode of Not in the Newsletter, Christina Phillips is joined by employment attorneys Katherine Kleyman and Brittany Stevens to break down what really happens when you go to HR and what employees need to understand before speaking up.Through real legal insight and real-world scenarios, Christina Phillips, Katherine Kleyman, and Brittany Stevens unpack how HR processes, confidentiality limits, retaliation, and workplace power structures can impact your career. From what happens after you file a complaint to how documentation can protect you, this episode reveals what employees are rarely told and how to navigate situations where the system prioritizes the company over the individual.What you’ll learn:Why HR works for the company and not the employeeHow retaliation can show up after a complaintWhy confidentiality is often misunderstood in workplace investigationsHow documentation protects you in legal and HR situationsWhat steps to take before and after going to HRDon’t risk trusting workplace systems without understanding how they actually work. Learn how to protect yourself, document what matters, and navigate power dynamics before it impacts your career.Learn more at: https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com/

Workplace sexual harassment is more common—and more complicated—than most people realize. In this episode, we break down workplace sexual harassment from legal, emotional, and real-world perspectives so you can understand your rights and your options. If you’ve ever questioned whether something “counts” as workplace sexual harassment or felt unsure about speaking up, this conversation gives you the clarity and confidence to take your next step.Hosted by Christina Phillips, Dorina Cela, and Deirdre Arato, this episode explores why so many women stay silent, the real risks of reporting, and how power dynamics and past trauma can shape decisions in the moment. You’ll hear how workplace sexual harassment cases actually play out, what protections exist (and where they fall short), and how to navigate these situations with the right support—whether that’s legal guidance, therapy, or trusted allies.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why women often hesitate to report workplace sexual harassment—even when they know something is wronWhat legal protections exist and how retaliation is handled in real casesHow trauma, conditioning, and power dynamics impact decision-makingPractical ways to respond in uncomfortable or inappropriate workplace situationsWhere to turn for help (attorneys, therapists, and external resources)Don’t risk staying silent and facing long-term consequences alone—learn how to protect yourself, understand your rights, and take action on your terms.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Most company newsletters highlight promotions, awards, and milestones. They rarely tell the stories behind workplace challenges: reporting harassment, facing discrimination, experiencing retaliation, requesting accommodations, or taking leave to care for yourself or a loved one.Created by William K. Phillips, founder of Phillips & Associates, and hosted by Christina Phillips, Not In The Newsletter explores the workplace realities employers don't talk about. Through conversations with attorneys, therapists, advocates, and other experts, the podcast examines employee rights, workplace power dynamics, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, mental health, and the challenges that arise when work and life collide.Whether you're facing a workplace issue, supporting someone who is, or seeking a better understanding of today's workplace, each episode offers practical insights and expert perspectives to help you navigate what's next.