The Wellness Esquire Podcast

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage and a legal marketing and business development strategist.They explore the transition from the "robotic" expectations of BigLaw to building a business rooted in authenticity and kindness. Megan shares her strategy for sending 250 connection requests a week to build her platform in stealth mode, the psychological toll of the billable hour, and why the most powerful business development tool is simply being a human being.Guest:Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage & Legal Business Development StrategistHer website: https://stage.guide/Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/Listen to her podcast, So Much to Say: A Legal Podcast for People.  Megan also offers four free business development sessions for any parent returning from parental leave! Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Gary Miles, a veteran trial attorney turned wellness coach for lawyers.Ariella and Gary dive into Gary's journey through 41 years of legal practice, including more than a decade as a high-functioning alcoholic. They explore why the very traits that make lawyers successful in court - like being "invincible" - can become "mental prisons" that lead to burnout, and Gary shares his movement from fear-based litigation to service-oriented coaching and leadership.Guest:Gary Miles, Wellness Coach for Lawyers & Former Trial AttorneyWebsite: https://garymiles.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/Productivity assessment: https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/7c3c667ff1Resources:Breaking Free by Gary Miles — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/Everyday Legacy by Candi Broeffle — https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Legacy-Lessons-Funeral-Director/dp/1946633332ABA Study on Lawyer Impairment — https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/research/colap_aba_hazelden_lawyer_study/Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Samah Abukhodeir, the founder and managing partner of The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm.They dive into how Samah built a 50-person firm centered around culture, where employee well-being and clear client boundaries are the foundation for success.Samah shares her journey from being a "food stamp baby" to managing a multi-million dollar practice, the systems she uses to build a successful firm while raising two young children, and why she chose to ignore the skeptics and merge firms with her husband.Resources / Links MentionedTraction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman — https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-bookCulture Index — https://www.cultureindex.com/Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) — https://www.eonetwork.org/Guest Info:Samah AbukhodeirFounder and Managing Partner at The Florida Probate & Family Law FirmFollow Samah Abukhodeir:Website: https://flfamilyandprobate.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samah-abukhodeir/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samah_abukhodeir/Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Mathew Kerbis, the founder of Subscription Attorney LLC and co-founder of Practi. They explored the  shift from the billable hour to the subscription model in the legal profession, and Mathew shared his journey from insurance defense burnout to building a sustainable, tech-forward practice that prioritizes time control and client accessibility.Resources / Links MentionedSubscribed by Tien Tzuo: https://www.tien-tzuo.com/subscribed-bookThe Membership Economy by Robbie Kelman Baxter: https://robbiekelmanbaxter.com/the-membership-economyPaxton AI: https://www.paxton.aiPerplexity Pro: https://www.perplexity.aiNotebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.comGuest Info: Mathew KerbisFounder of Subscription Attorney LLC and Co-Founder of PractiFollow Mathew Kerbis:Website: https://subscriptionattorney.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerbisPodcast / Project: https://www.lawsubscribed.comTech Platform: https://practi.aiHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

I chatted with Lacey Gutierrez, co-founder of a modern law firm, to explore the intersection of adventurous living and effective lawyering. We discussed her journey from a fourth-generation legal legacy to finding her own voice in privacy law and fractional GC work. Lacey opens up about the "confidence positive feedback loop" she discovered through solo travel and how a dedicated Vedic meditation practice transformed her from a stressed-out bar examinee into a patient, high-performing firm owner. We also dig into why the billable hour can be a barrier to great legal advice and how to build a career that actually fits your life.Guest BioLacey Gutierrez is a privacy expert and co-founder of Group Five Legal, a law firm providing fractional General Counsel and labor/employment services. A firm believer in the power of meditation and global exploration, Lacey focuses on being a true business partner to her clients, prioritizing risk tolerance and clear communication over traditional billable-hour structures.Resources MentionedVedic Meditation and Transcendental Meditation (TM)The Likeability Trap by Alicia MenendezThe Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control* by Katherine Morgan SchaflerThe Work of Byron KatieBrené Brown’s research on perfectionismHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode, I chatted with Courtney Schulnick, a former defense litigator who spent 20 years in the "grind" before finding a path to wholeness through mindfulness. We talked about our bumpy journeys and how the pressure to be perfect led us to suppress our struggles until we hit a wall. Courtney shared her personal story of balancing a high-stakes legal career with motherhood and loss, and how an eight-week mindfulness program didn’t just change her stress levels - it changed her entire approach to the law.Courtney Schulnick is a former trial attorney with 20 years of experience in defense litigation. Today, she is a mindfulness teacher and consultant who helps legal professionals and organizations navigate stress, reduce burnout, and cultivate presence. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and teaches at the Jefferson Mindfulness Institute.Resources Mentioned:Jefferson Mindfulness InstituteMBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) ProgramJohn Kabat-Zinn (Author/Founder of MBSR)Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode, I sit down with Amy Guldner, a former big-law litigator turned wellness coach. We dive into the silent struggle many high-achieving professionals face: using alcohol as "medicine" for stress. Amy shares her journey from being a "successful" attorney and mother to realizing that her nightly bottle of wine was actually fuel for a growing darkness and suicidal ideation.  We explore the mindset shift that allowed her to stop wanting to drink, the flaws in how the legal industry discusses substance abuse, and why self-compassion is the ultimate tool for peak performance.Amy Guldner is a former litigator with over two decades of experience in BigLaw and freelance legal work. After transforming her own relationship with alcohol and stress in 2020, she became a certified coach and speaker specializing in helping high-functioning professionals find freedom from alcohol. She is also a certified Pilates instructor and an advocate for mental health and authenticity within the legal profession.RESOURCES MENTIONED:This Naked Mind by Annie GraceBetween Breaths by Elizabeth VargasDr. Andrew Huberman (Huberman Lab Podcast)Kristin Neff (Self-Compassion research)Montage Legal GroupClearSpace AppHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode, I sit down with Gwen Griggs and Whitney Harper, the powerhouse behind Advos Legal. We dive deep into the "brokenness" of the traditional legal system and how they’ve engineered a new path. We explore the transition from the grueling billable hour to a value-based "point" system adapted from software development's Agile methodology. Gwen & Whitney share their journey from BigLaw and in-house roles to building a firm that prioritizes both client success and the humanity of the legal team. Gwen and Whitney are the co-founders of Advos Legal & Advos Pro.Gwen focuses on strategic growth for tech-enabled companies and Whitney brings a unique P&L perspective to legal practice.Resources Mentioned:Advos Legal: The firm’s home for innovative legal services.Advos Pro: Where Gwen and Whitney help other lawyers break free from the traditional model and the expectation that it has to suck to practice law, and guide lawyers to love their work and lives, and be richly rewarded by their practices.Agile/Scrum Methodology: The software development framework adapted for the P3 method.Hal Resnick: Business consultant mentioned regarding organizational design.Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

Immigration attorney Elizabeth Garvish joins The Wellness Esquire Podcast to discuss lawyer burnout, emotional resilience, and the concept of the stress “refractory period” — how long it takes to recover after pressure or overwhelm.In conversation with Ariella Cohen Coleman, Elizabeth shares how lawyers get stuck in cycles of people-pleasing and constant output, and why reconnecting to your inner voice is essential for breaking free. They explore how greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and body can help shorten recovery time and build real resilience.A practical conversation on reducing burnout, improving clarity, and creating a more sustainable way to succeed in law.Guest: Elizabeth GarvishFollow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlagarvish/Elizabeth's email - [email protected] - www.goimmigrationlaw.comPodcast - Love Letters to Immigrants:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-letters-to-immigrants/id1876388675Episode Resources:Dr. Joe Dispenza's website - www.drjoedispenza.comBook: The Game of Life and How to Play it, by Florence Scovel ShinnHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode of The Wellness Esquire, Ariella Cohen Coleman speaks with Jennifer Kupferman about a question many lawyers avoid:Do you believe you deserve help — not because you’re struggling, but to perform better?They explore why high-achieving attorneys normalize stress, resist support, and operate in survival mode. Jennifer introduces somatic therapy and explains how stress lives in the body, not just the mind.A focused conversation on resilience, clarity, and preventing burnout before it starts.---Guest: Jennifer KupfermanPsychotherapist (former attorney)Jennifer's website: www.jcoppertherapy.comHer New York Law Journal author's page: https://www.law.com/author/profile/jennifer-kupferman%20/LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kupferman-bb207a5/Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman speaks with William Jordan about anxiety, depression, and the hidden mental health challenges in the legal profession.Will shares his journey from early-career overwhelm to seeking help, starting treatment, and now speaking openly about lawyer mental health. They explore the “mask” many attorneys wear, how negative self-talk impacts performance, and how untreated anxiety can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, and even malpractice.A candid conversation on stigma, resilience, and why mental health is essential to ethical, sustainable lawyering.--Guest:William JordanHis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-jordan-632b9627/Profile at Hubbard & Gottschall Law: https://www.hglawsc.com/will-jordanContact him via email: [email protected] Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman speaks with a former BigLaw attorney who walked away from a toxic, fear-driven firm culture to build something different.They discuss the mental health toll of law, abusive leadership, and the pressure to simply “toughen up.” He shares what pushed him to leave — and how he created a firm rooted in respect, mentorship, and sustainable success.A candid conversation on burnout, leadership, and why the legal profession doesn’t have to run on fear to thrive.Guest:Ryan McKeenRyan's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmckeen/Ryan's website: https://bestera.comHis podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-with-best-era/id1760546831Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

What if burnout wasn’t the price of success in law?In this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Coleman and Rich Bracken explore what the legal profession could look like if emotional intelligence mattered as much as technical skill. They discuss building psychologically safe, high-performing environments rooted in self-awareness—not silent stress.Rich shares how storytelling, empathy, and authentic leadership drive real impact, while Ariella reframes self-care as a strategy for sustainable performance. Together, they unpack burnout prevention, boundaries, and small mindset shifts that can transform a legal career.A grounded, insightful (and often funny) conversation on practicing law with clarity, resilience, and humanity—without losing yourself in the process.Guest: Rich BrackenConnect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bracken/Visit his website: http://richbracken.comHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

Vulnerability isn’t weakness in law. It’s survival.In this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Coleman is joined by Rich Bracken to explore emotional intelligence, mental health, and the cost of silence in the legal profession.Rich shares personal experiences—from losing a colleague to suicide to his own severe anxiety attack—highlighting how invisible these struggles can be. Ariella reflects on working through serious health challenges, a reality many lawyers quietly relate to.Together, they confront the truth: silence and “pushing through” don’t protect lawyers—they isolate them. Real resilience requires openness, support, and a shift in how the profession defines strength.This episode is the first half of an essential conversation about resilience, emotional intelligence, and building a sustainable legal career. Guest:Rich BrackenConnect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bracken/Check out his website: http://richbracken.comHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

What if becoming a good lawyer has less to do with perfection — and more to do with being human?In this candid and deeply grounded conversation, Ariella Coleman sits down with Damon Hudson to unpack what it really means to become — and be — a lawyer while navigating real personal challenges alongside professional demands.Damon shares his journey through law school and into legal practice while facing health issues and self-doubt. Together, Ariella and Damon explore how those experiences didn’t weaken his work as a lawyer, but instead directed him, and shaped a more empathetic, grounded, and human-centered approach to serving clients.They discuss the often unspoken toll of law school culture, the pressure to perform and appear put-together, despite disabilities, and how neglecting wellness can quietly erode both confidence and purpose. Damon reflects on lessons learned the hard way, the myths of success he had to unlearn, and why he now prioritizes authentic human connection over rigid formality in his legal practice.At its core, this episode is about redefining success in the legal profession — moving away from perfectionism and status symbols, and toward sustainability, honesty, care, and health. Ariella and Damon also talk about the power of sharing personal stories -and why they are so important-, why vulnerability can actually strengthen client trust, and how self-care is not a luxury, but a professional responsibility.This episode will resonate with law students, early-career attorneys, seasoned lawyers, and anyone wondering whether it’s possible to practice law without losing yourself — because it is.Visit Damon Hudson's law firm website: https://www.hudsoninjurylaw.com/Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode of The Wellness Esquire podcast, Ariella Coleman is joined by guest Emily Logan Stedman for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to practice law in high-pressure environments—and how mental health and well-being fit into that reality.Emily shares her journey from law school to her current role in BigLaw, reflecting on the expectations lawyers internalize early on and how they can quietly shape identity, performance, and self-worth. Together, Ariella and Emily explore the role of vulnerability in a profession that often rewards perfection, as well as the importance of supportive relationships and honest conversations in sustaining a long-term legal career.The discussion also addresses common challenges many lawyers face, including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress. Emily offers practical tools and reflections on managing pressure, recognizing early signs of burnout, and creating space for well-being without stepping away from ambition or excellence.This episode invites listeners to reconsider outdated narratives about success in law and to imagine a version of legal practice where authenticity, mental health, and professional achievement can coexist.---Check out Emily on LinkedIn and check out her podcast, The Grace Period.Additional Resources:Headspace (the meditation app)The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control (book)Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode of The Wellness Esquire, Ariella Coleman is joined by Jennifer Marino Thibodaux for an honest conversation about what it really means to live and work with authenticity in the legal profession.Rather than framing well-being as a question of “balance,” Ariella and Jennifer explore the idea of integration — how professional identity, health, values, and lived experience inevitably inform one another, whether we acknowledge it or not. Jennifer shares reflections from her journey through law school and legal practice, including how a chronic health condition reshaped her understanding of success, productivity, and self-worth.Together, they talk openly about vulnerability in professional spaces, and why sharing personal stories is not a liability but a source of strength. The conversation examines how law school and legal culture often reward perfectionism and performance, while leaving little room for honesty about struggle, limits, or growth — and what it takes to push back against that model.Throughout the episode, Ariella and Jennifer return to the idea that authenticity is not a branding exercise or a buzzword, but an ongoing practice. One that involves difficult choices, self-trust, and allowing your professional life to reflect who you actually are. They also discuss the importance of connection and community among lawyers, and how naming shared experiences can create understanding and reduce isolation.This episode is an invitation to rethink how authenticity shows up in day-to-day professional life — not as an ideal, but as a lived, evolving commitment.* * *Exciting news for Jennifer! She is now OFFICIALLY the host of a digital talk show, Leading with Authenticity, on the This Is It Network.  The show will premiere in the next month or two. Look for it and enjoy!Also, check Jennifer Marino Thibodaux out on Instagram, on LinkedIn, or on her fascinating website.Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode of The Wellness Esquire, host Ariella Coleman speaks with Cody Hand about rethinking how lawyers practice—and how they value themselves in the process. The conversation explores the growing disconnect between traditional legal structures and what lawyers actually need to build sustainable, fulfilling careers.Ariella and Cody take a close look at the limits of the billable hour and why many lawyers feel constrained by it. They discuss the shift toward value-based pricing, not simply as a business strategy, but as a reflection of self-worth, autonomy, and trust—both in client relationships and in oneself. Cody shares his personal journey as a lawyer, including the lessons learned through trial and error, recalibration, and the realization that law school does not truly prepare lawyers for the realities of practice.The episode also explores the idea of starting from yes instead of reflexive no—how fear, defensiveness, and scarcity thinking are baked into legal training, and how redefining value can change the way lawyers show up for their work and their clients. Cody reflects on decision-making, storytelling, and why embracing imperfection is an essential part of professional growth and leadership.This conversation invites listeners to reconsider what success in law actually looks like, how lawyers can move beyond inherited models that no longer serve them, and why aligning values with practice is critical for long-term sustainability and well-being.Check Cody Hand out on LinkedIn or connect with him through his websites (as a coach and as a lawyer).Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this episode, host Ariella Coleman sits down with Jordana for an honest conversation about navigating life and work in the legal world. Jordana Confino is a lawyer, writer, and speaker who focuses on well-being and sustainability in the legal profession. Through her work, she explores perfectionism, burnout, and the pressure to perform, advocating for self-compassion, boundaries, and healthier professional cultures—especially for women and working parents. Ariella and Jordana talk about their personal journeys, the pressure of perfectionism, and how it quietly impacts mental health. Together, they explore why well-being matters in the legal profession, how positive psychology shows up in everyday choices, and what it really means to set boundaries—especially while balancing a demanding career and motherhood. The conversation invites more self-compassion and calls for a more supportive, human culture within the legal field. Check out the Report from the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-BeingFollow Jordana's blog, Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ PerfectionistFind Jordana on LinkedInHost Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

In this conversation, Ariella Coleman sits down with attorney and entrepreneur Dave Strousberg for an honest, thoughtful discussion about fear, failure, and what it really means to build a sustainable career in law.Dave shares his journey through law school, the bar exam, and the financial and emotional pressure that followed. He talks openly about the moments when fear might lead to inaction, and how taking imperfect action ultimately helped him make clearer, more aligned decisions about his career.They explore how health challenges and burnout can quietly create misalignment, often long before we are willing to admit it. Ariella and Dave also talk about vulnerability and storytelling, and why community matters so much in a profession that often expects people to push through at any cost. They discuss how well-being practices and technology can support lawyers when used intentionally, and how the legal field can move toward healthier, more human ways of working.This episode is for lawyers who are questioning their path, feeling stretched thin, or simply looking for permission to evolve. Because you are not married to your decisions—and changing course can be an act of clarity, not failure.Visit Dave Strousberg's website: https://www.willssimplified.com/Check out The Wellness Esquire on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wellness-esquire/Host Info: Ariella Cohen ColemanThe Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.comAriella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/Follow Ariella:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore:Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/Support & SponsorsZirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...