The Other Chair Podcast

Mindfulness and Understanding with Guest David Dörken

In this episode of The Other Chair, guest David Dörken shares his unique approach to conflict resolution, blending legal expertise with Zen principles of mindfulness and non-judgmental awareness. Discover how stillness and presence can transform conflict into opportunities for connection and growth.

Learn practical tips for managing emotions and engaging in direct communication during mediation sessions. David discusses the importance of self-awareness and inner work for conflict professionals, offering insights into how anyone can cultivate these skills to improve their mediation practice.

Bridging NYC’s Divides: Conflict Resolution at OATH with Guests Judge Raymond Kramer and Sethu Nair

In this episode of The Other Chair, guests Judge Raymond Kramer and Sethu Nair from the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution at OATH discuss their role in transforming how conflicts are managed across New York City government, emphasizing community impact and practical conflict resolution strategies.

Together, they explore the frameworks and models CCCR employs, drawing connections to the understanding-based approach and offering insights for practitioners looking to enhance their own practice.

Navigating Conflict in a Polarized World with Guest Gary J. Friedman

In this episode of The Other Chair, Gary Friedman, co-founder of the Center for Understanding in Conflict, explores the complexities of personal conflicts in today’s ideologically divided society. Through the lens of the Understanding-Based Approach, Friedman discusses how deeply held beliefs, fears, and the “conflict traps” we set for ourselves create divisions not only between groups but also within individuals struggling to reconcile personal values with societal pressures.

This episode will challenge listeners to reflect on the impact of polarized perspectives and provide tools to engage in constructive dialogue amid deep-seated differences.

Family Therapy and Mediation with Guest Lisa Taubenblat

In this episode of The Other Chair, guest Lisa Taubenblat, a seasoned psychotherapist and family mediator, shares her expertise in family and couple’s therapy, explaining how her background in psychotherapy enhances her mediation work, particularly with families facing conflict. She also explores essential skills for relationship improvement, the challenges of working with diverse and marginalized communities, and practical strategies for emotional regulation during conflict. 

Staying Fresh in the Field with Guest Catherine Conner

This episode of The Other Chair guest is Catherine Conner explores the value of ongoing professional development and the importance of refreshing core fundamentals for understanding-based mediators and conflict resolution practitioners, including peer support, continuous self-reflection work, and evaluating prior cases and model application.

Prescribing Mediation in Healthcare with Doctors Paul Natterson and Jeff Stuart

In this episode of the other chair, Doctors Paul Natterson and Jeff Stuart join us to discuss the need for new approaches to addressing conflict within the healthcare system in American and how the understanding-based approach and other models are helping them pave the way in an industry where conflict resolution is rarely considered or utilized.

Paul and Jeff are physician leaders and executives with formal conflict resolution training, advocating an institutional framework for collaborative problem solving techniques including mediation, to positively affect dispute outcomes, preserve relationships, and create a more transparent and supportive culture in healthcare settings.

Embracing Liberation with Compassion with Guest Niyonu Spann

In this episode of the other chair, Niyonu Spann, founder of Beyond Diversity 101, a workshop that exposes, stimulates, and transforms the dynamics of diversity at the root level, discusses her experience working to advance diversity and liberation as a trainer and facilitator, along with practical advice for how you can be mindful of this work in your practice.

Owning Your Path as a Conflict Professional with Guest Catherine Conner

This episode of The Other Chair explores how mediators, especially career practitioners, continue to learn, grow, and refine their skills after becoming established in the field and bringing together people in conflict for many years.

Guest Catherine Conner, director and trainer at the Center for Understanding in Conflict, reflects on 20 years in the field of alternative dispute resolution and steps listeners can take to stay sharp as a conflict resolution practitioner.