Law And Culture

Statistically, either you or someone who works with you has been, or is being bullied at work. It's hard to know where to turn when this scary and upsetting work environment is your daily reality. Go to HR? Just deal with it? quit? Get legal help? The questions swirl with very few clear answers. In today's episode, I had the honor of interviewing two experts in the field of workplace abuse. These experts walk us through some answers-- real, informed and useful answers.  We'll meet Nora Delay, a spokes person for "End Workplace Abuse", who is also an organizational psychologist and Founder of Aria, an AI driven platform that helps people lead better. We'll also hear from Kimberly Williams,  Founder at the Fair Path Project which confronts the silent epidemic of workplace bullying by working with attorneys, legislators and HR professionals to create legislation that renders workplace bullying as potentially a violation of civil law.

In today's episode of Law and Culture, we revisit a workplace interaction from the 1970s TV drama "Emergency," a popular series about an LA-based fire rescue squad. In one episode, Kelly makes fun of Gage, who is portrayed as part Indigenous (Native American). The scene reflects workplace discomfort, unspoken expectations, and the "othering" of colleagues who are asked to work together despite underlying distrust and misunderstanding. Christel analyzes the episode of "Emergency" through the lens of her experience as founder and CEO of Christel Best Training, asking: How might we respond in 2025 if a similar dynamic unfolded in today's workplace? (Note: We would like to offer an apology in advance in case any part of this episode is perceived as offensive or inappropriate. That is not our intention, and we greatly respect differing perspectives and experiences. Please know we welcome feedback and we are open to making adjustments as needed to ensure respectful communication.

In this week's episode, Christel Best answers questions about workplace abuse and explains how leaders and colleagues can take action to prevent the various forms of harm it causes.

In this week's episode, I step into my role as the owner of Christel Best Training and sit down with my friend Sandy Forster to unpack the internet's fascination with the so-called "Coldplay Kiss Cam Catastrophe." Together, we explore the distinction between an office romance and an office affair, and examine the impact a public confrontation over a secret relationship can have on colleagues and family members.

In this week's episode, I focus on recent headlines about two topics I have discussed in the past: the dangers of synthetic hair and civil rights violations in the workplace.  First, I take a look at a federal bill package brought before the U.S. Congress to protect women from deadly toxins in their beauty products, noting that women of color are more likely to be exposed to harmful chemicals than other women.  I then move on to an Ohio headline about allegations of retaliation, sexual harassment, unfair pay practices, and discrimination at the Ohio Civil Rights Commission — the very organization tasked with investigating allegations of civil rights violations in Ohio.

Today's podcast will feature five new and different human resources legal questions and how I might answer them. If you have a quirky, funny, or otherwise interesting HR/legal question you want to ask, please submit it to [email protected].

This is a Re-Air of a Law and Culture Classic! Today we delve into two cases that involve alleged harassment against employees who didn't "keep quiet" about who they are. They exercised their freedom of expression and it cost them their jobs. In one case, the employee showed tattoos at work and was reprimanded though other similarly situated employees also had tattoos but were not reprimanded. In the second case, the employee shared the results of her genetic background with her colleagues after taking a genetic test. The co-workers responded in shocking and disturbing ways. How many personal truths should we share at work? Do we have an unfettered First Amendment right to bear all of who we are as art on our bodies? What about those ancestry kits? Would you take an ancestry test? If so, would you share the results with your colleagues? Finally, do you have a right to freedom of expression in the workplace?

In today's episode, we meet Captain Peter Murray, a Guyanese pilot who recalls his experience as a young man flying alone in a single-engine prop plane. Captain Murray describes his journeys across the Amazon Jungle to bring life-sustaining food to Amerindians and miners living beyond the reach of trucks and cars. His is a story of bravery, dedication, and humanitarian goodwill.

Kevin Lynch, manager of education for the National Constitution Center, joins me to discuss the living document that is our nation's Constitution. We examine how a nonpartisan analysis of the document is crucial to our democratic dialogue.

The studies are now public, and the results are concerning. The so-called "protectiveness" of synthetic braided hairstyles is more risky than protective. Recent research reveals that synthetic hair is not only harmful to the environment (as it ends up in landfills), but it may also be harmful to both the braider and the wearer.  In this week's episode, we explore the intersection of culture and law in the beauty industry and how it is causing potential harm. From unsuspecting clients wearing synthetic braids to stylists exposed to braiding hair daily, the risks are real. In this week's episode, we explore the intersection of culture and law in the beauty industry, and how it is causing potential harm. From unsuspecting clients wearing synthetic braids to stylists exposed to braiding hair daily, the risks are real.

In today's episode, we revisit the reverse discrimination case of Ames v. Ohio Youth Services by listening to excerpts from the oral arguments presented before the U.S. Supreme Court. Hearing the attorneys' advocacy firsthand offers a more human and nuanced perspective on the legal analysis.

This episode originally aired December of 2024. Join us this week on Law and Culture for a look back and Christel's own journey and it's broader impact on how we view citizenship! In today's episode, I address questions I often get about being born in Germany, being an American citizen, and then becoming a citizen of Barbados during the pandemic. I also share why I chose to become a citizen of Barbados. I hope this episode will help you explore your own citizenship questions.

This is a Re-Air of a Law and Culture classic!   Today's podcast will feature five new and different human resources legal questions and how I might answer them. If you have a quirky, funny, or otherwise interesting HR/legal question you want to ask, please submit it to [email protected].

In this episode, my friend Sandy Forster and I discuss the "French Paradox." How is it possible that many French people enjoy delectable sweets, rich, savory, creamy sauces, satisfying cheeses, and good wine, yet maintain relatively low rates of high blood pressure, elevated glucose, and high cholesterol? Join the conversation.

This week, I read an excerpt from the memoir of Melba Pattillo Beals, the Congressional Gold Medal recipient who chronicled her experience as one of the "Little Rock Nine" integrating Central High School in 1957. The passage comes from her powerful book, Warriors Don't Cry, which offers a firsthand account of the courage and resilience she and her peers demonstrated. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the young activists who boldly challenged the nation to uphold the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling declaring that "separate but equal" is inherently unequal.

In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on whether students can opt out of classes that include books with LGBTQ+ themes. In this week's episode, I walk through the facts of the Mahmoud case and analyze them in light of past Supreme Court rulings on public school education and constitutional protections.

In this episode, I'm joined by Sandy Foster as we dive into the Netflix documentary Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. Together, we explore what would drive a mother to transform her pre-teen daughter into a YouTube sensation—and the disturbing consequences that followed. From cruel pranks to criminal investigations and civil lawsuits, the film raises urgent questions about exploitation in the digital age. Most importantly, it forces us to confront how we might better protect children in an era where "child YouTube stars" have become the new norm.

In this episode, we meet the five winners of the 2025 Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, the nation's only juried prize focused on books that contribute to our understanding of race and diversity. What sets their works apart? Tune in and decide for yourself.

AI is everywhere! The latest social media trend is to create your own action-adventure hero using ChatGPT. Intrigued, I decided to hop on the AI bandwagon. In today's episode, I take you through my journey of creating a toy-like version of myself. Will you be inspired to do the same? Or does AI feel distant or even threatening?

For decades, sports mascots like "Chief Wahoo" and team names such as Redskins, Indians, and Braves have perpetuated harmful and inaccurate narratives about Indigenous cultures. In today's episode, we hear from a California public school teacher who wore feathers and waved a cardboard tomahawk while chanting gibberish in her high school trigonometry class—apparently, in an attempt to teach a challenging math concept. Why would an educator resort to such methods? Let's listen and learn more.

In this episode, my guest, Sandy Forster, and I explore what has been called the "silver tsunami"—the phenomenon of people worldwide living well into their 80s and 90s. What does this mean for your family and lifestyle? Together, we delve into the realities of aging and how this stage of life can be joyful and provocative.

In this episode, my dear friend Sandy Forster joins me to explore the meanings of idioms, their origins, and how they have helped generations of people communicate. As you listen, feel free to join in as we test each other's knowledge of idioms. This episode is both fun and informative.

In America, families have many choices when it comes to educating their children. Of course, there is public school education. Less common options include private and parochial education. For most families, private and parochial school education is not an option because it would chew up a large chunk of their monthly budgets. Some families are able to use vouchers to help offset the cost of these non-public options. In this episode, I look at school vouchers, executive orders related to mandates from the federal government about education, and of course the children at the very center of the debate.

In this episode, I speak with Lauren Marchaza, a parent in the Mentor Public Schools District who has been working to ensure her children receive a quality education that is compliant with state, federal, and local laws. Despite efforts from parents and school officials to provide a quality and lawful education, Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno has directed the Mentor school board to explain why the district is not complying with President Trump's executive orders to reshape America's schools.

Meet Danielle Rivers Mitchell, owner of the trendy Madison Landis Bistro. Located on Barbados' south coast, the bistro offers a cohesive blend of American and Barbadian cuisine. In this episode, we talk about how Danielle went from life as an American originally from Alabama to being a restaurateur in the tropics. Let's listen and discover how Danielle's leap of faith brings culinary joy to so many.

In today's episode, we meet an American combat veteran who had to learn to walk again after her convoy was bombed in Iraq. This special forces veteran goes simply by the name "Jennifer." Jennifer's story embodies dedication, bravery, strength, and determination.

A few years ago, I attended an African Labour Law Society conference in Mauritius. While there, I had the opportunity to speak with professor and attorney Yvette Basson, who is a senior lecturer at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. I am always intrigued by the similarities and differences in accommodation laws between the United States and other countries. Listen in as Professor Basson explains workplace disability accommodation in South Africa and how the South African legal system seeks to provide equity for individuals working with disabilities.

In this episode, I study bravery through the courageous actions and words of three very different people. When have you had to be brave? What did you tap into to take action, even when the potential consequences of your courageous actions were real and often scary?

In June 1708, a Spanish galleon, the San José, was sunk by the British navy off the coast of Colombia. Almost 600 crew and passengers perished, and the treasure—estimated at billions of dollars today—was lost. Today, a 40-year debate rages over what country or people are entitled to the treasure (if it can be recovered). If recovery can occur, is it ethical to raise the remains of the ship, which is the watery grave of so many people?

In this episode, I speak candidly with Cleveland-based criminal defense attorney Clarissa A. Smith, who also manages her criminal defense firm. Smith discusses how she approaches representing each client and the need to recognize their individual humanity. She also shares her thoughts about the importance of accountability in the justice system.

In this episode, the U.S. Supreme Court addresses an Ohio case that could have broad implications for businesses facing backlash from employees who allege they are the victims of reverse discrimination.

In today's episode, I ask whether you note the similarities between Gisèle Pelicot (a modern day French grandmother and survivor of sexual assault), and Mamie Till-Mobley ( now deceased Afrivsn-American mother of Emmit Till who was lynched in 1955 because of his race).    These women's heroism occurred in what appears to be a different time and space from each other. Yet in each case, the women used their voice and their legal system to achieve landmark cultural changes.    As you listen, do you hear the similarities between these two women? What is feminism to you?

In today's episode, I address questions I often get about being born in Germany, being an American citizen, and then becoming a citizen of Barbados during the pandemic. I also share why I chose to become a citizen of Barbados. I hope this episode will help you explore your own citizenship questions.

Today we delve into two cases that involve alleged harassment against employees who didn't "keep quiet" about who they are. They exercised their freedom of expression and it cost them their jobs. In one case, the employee showed tattoos at work and was reprimanded though other similarly situated employees also had tattoos but were not reprimanded. In the second case, the employee shared the results of her genetic background with her colleagues after taking a genetic test. The co-workers responded in shocking and disturbing ways. How many personal truths should we share at work? Do we have an unfettered First Amendment right to bear all of who we are as art on our bodies? What about those ancestry kits? Would you take an ancestry test? If so, would you share the results with your colleagues? Finally, do you have a right to freedom of expression in the workplace?

Welcome back to the podcast! In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Professor Fisher, a leading expert in environmental sciences and the author of "Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action." With a background as a respected professor at American University and a world-renowned speaker, Professor Fisher shares her insights on practical steps everyday Americans can take to confront the urgent challenges of climate change. Join us as we explore the interconnectedness of community resilience, individual responsibility, and the importance of holding our elected officials accountable. Learn how to navigate the complexities of environmental protection, from local elections to state-level resources that support sustainable practices. We'll discuss the critical role of grassroots activism, the impact of lobbying, and how cultivating strong community ties can empower us to advocate for a cleaner, safer planet.  Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of environmental issues or looking for actionable steps to make a difference in your community, this episode offers hope and inspiration. Tune in to discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future and become a partner in the fight for environmental protection. Join us on this journey—together, we can save ourselves and our planet!

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dennis Roberts, the director of Real Estate Development for the Cuyahoga Land Reutilization Corporation (Cuyahoga Land Bank). Roberts, who is also an attorney and realtor, is leading the Land Bank's efforts to transform the Circle East District, less than a mile from the world-renowned University Circle - a center of innovation in health care, education, and arts and culture.

In 1997, Ohio launched its first school voucher program in Cleveland, which supporters claimed would allow students to escape the perils of attending schools in the underfunded Cleveland public school district. Since that time, the voucher system has been called unconstitutional as it cripples district schools by further limiting their finances. In today's episode, we hear from two Ohio educators who provide a frontline look at vouchers today and life in the schools before vouchers.

On June 28, 2024, the United States Supreme Court ruled that courts may rely on their own interpretation of ambiguous environmental laws pertaining to clean water and air. Courts no longer have to defer to agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency to provide science- and evidence-based guidelines when interpreting these laws. The decision will likely have far-reaching impacts on policy and how we are able to address climate change and the need for clean water and air. In this episode, I look at the recent decision and consider what it means for us as a society.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 provided employers and employees opportunities to reduce health insurance costs if employees participated in voluntary workplace wellness programs. However, voluntary participation came with a heavy and sometimes punitive reality for those who did not want to participate. So in 2022, AARP brought a lawsuit against Yale University alleging that Yale's workplace wellness program actually amounted to a discriminatory involuntary requirement. In this episode, I look at ways to think about your workplace wellness program in light of the Yale settlement. I also walk through various legal provisions that may be useful in helping you structure an effective workplace wellness program that avoids alienating certain employees. As always, this is a conversation. I am not providing legal advice in this setting. For more information, please go to christelbesttraining.com.

In this episode, we continue our discussion with attorney and legal scholar Dr. Cecile De Villiers (Ep. 7) on the topic of religious freedom in the workplace in the US and South Africa.

South African attorney and legal scholar Dr. Cecile De Villiers and I explore the changing landscape of religious accommodations for employees in the workplace. As an employer, should it matter whether the religion "requires" certain behavior? What is "undue burden on the business"? Join us for what promises to be an informative and entertaining discussion.

Today's podcast will feature five new and different human resources legal questions and how I might answer them. If you have a quirky, funny, or otherwise interesting HR/legal question you want to ask, please submit it to [email protected].

Whether I am at the grocery store, the gym, or even a backyard barbecue, the conversation typically begins, "So you're an attorney? Well, I have a question for you, if you don't mind me my asking." At other times, I will be working with a client and they will start asking probing questions about their personal situation. Today, I want to share five questions that I thought you might find interesting, along with answers. Please note that I am not giving legal advice on this platform. If you want information about my trainings, please visit my website or contact me at [email protected]

Now that the United States Supreme Court has rejected affirmative action programs in higher education, how will the chilling effect of this decision impact your DEI programs? In this episode, we look at the Supreme Court decision and the ensuing fallout. We also provide some best practices for framing your DEI programs."

As we wrap up our discussion of the East Cleveland, Ohio, Million-Dollar Dump, we end on a positive note. We look at ways other communities in the Midwest have repurposed and reimagined blighted areas. We consider ways your community can work with would-be developers and contractors to produce the best result for all involved. We also look at one Detroit, Michigan, community that recently turned blight into beehives! Speaking of blight, we will look at its history and how one Washington, DC, community used the claim of blight in the mid-1950s to unfairly expel thousands of minority families from their homes based on an alleged "public purpose." Your story of blight revitalization can be a success story. Join me to learn more.

Welcome to Part Two of my series "From Trash to Treasure" which describes how one man swindled two Ohio cities out of millions of dollars as they tried to revitalize their Cleveland and East Cleveland communities.  For this episode, I invited former Richmond Heights, Ohio, Mayor Miesha Headen to join me. Before being elected mayor, Headen served on the Richmond Heights City Council for nearly a decade. Today, Headen is an award-winning author and advocate for impoverished people. Headen and I explore what measures cities like East Cleveland and Cleveland should take to prevent another "George Michael Riley" from taking advantage of them. We also explore ways that small governments can and should partner with other entities to better leverage themselves when they are engaged in community and economic development initiatives. This podcast is being submitted to the Supreme Court of Ohio for Continuing Legal Education credits. If you need CLE credit for listening, please email me directly at [email protected].  

Do you work in municipal government? Perhaps you work in community or economic development with the goal of resolving blight and spurring growth and development. If so, this podcast will be eye-opening for you. I am going to take you on a journey as I review how one George Michael Riley, a man claiming to be a recycler of building materials, was able to steal almost $4,000,000 from the City of Cleveland, Ohio. Not only did he take the money, he dumped used and combustible building materials in a residential community in East Cleveland, Ohio. Riley touted his scheme as a way to help two communities address blight and spawn growth and development. In the end, Riley's scheme ultimately wasted tax dollars, led to more blight and community distress, and caused a significant risk to human life when the dump burst into flames. By the end of this Arco 3-Part Series, I will have analyzed municipal, civil procedure, and constitutional laws. Continuing Legal Education credits will be available for Ohio attorneys. If you are seeking CLE credits for listening to this podcast, please email me at [email protected]" to ensure you can receive your credits.

Hi everyone! My name is Christel Best, and I am a licensed attorney in Ohio. I am excited to introduce my new podcast, Law And Culture: A Social Expedition. In this podcast, we will be talking about the law not just from a boring textbook point of view, but also looking at interesting cases about the environment, social justice, and issues related to harassment and discrimination. We are going to cover a lot of different subjects and occasionally conduct interviews with special guests. You do not want to miss a single episode. Whether you are in law school, are an attorney, or just have a general interest in law, this is the place for you. And for attorneys, please remember that you can go to christelbesttraining.com. There you will find information about opportunities to earn continuing legal education hours.  Please join me and follow me on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast content.