The Other Chair Podcast

Healing Through Restorative Justice with Guests Earl Simms and Erin Kennedy

This episode of The Other Chair explores how advocates of restorative justice practices are working to bring together people and communities in conflict through mediation and coaching while addressing the realities of the criminal justice system, which often leaves victims and offenders without a path toward healing or understanding, only punishment and enduring lifelong trauma. 

Earl Simms and Erin Kennedy from Restorative Community Solutions, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit organization, share their experience working within systems to encourage change through collaboration, conflict resolution, and community engagement to support individuals transitioning back into society from homelessness, incarceration, and treatment facilities.

Top Tips for Starting an ADR Practice with Catherine Conner and Melanie Rowen

This episode of The Other Chair is for those who have taken a conflict resolution or mediation training, have begun developing the skills needed to serve clients in conflict, and are wondering how to make it their day job.

Trainers Catherine Conner and Melanie Rowen discuss concrete tips for starting your own practice that includes or is focused on conflict resolution or alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and collaborative practice.

Listen for an understanding of the basic steps towards running your own practice, ideas for networking and marketing, and ways to identify opportunities to serve clients.

Conflict is Inevitable, Combat is Optional with Guest Ivan Alter

For many attorneys entering the legal profession, the reality that the system isn't as caring or altruistic as hoped can lead to disillusionment and a change of occupation. Join attorney, mediator, and teacher Ivan Alter on The Other Chair as he shares his experience overcoming the challenges of the adversarial system and how his transition to a career centered in mediation helped recapture a lifelong desire to be a force for positive change and healing for people who may see litigation as the only alternative to overcoming the conflicts that divide them.

Mediating in the Digital Space with Guest Hansa Patel

A lot has changed in the past few years, and video conferencing technology has increasingly become the standard for conflict resolution and mediation practitioners to work with clients. Join attorney, mediator, and teacher Hansa Patel on The Other Chair as she discusses best practices for navigating this relatively new medium, overcoming technical issues, and maintaining authentic and meaningful connections with the people no matter where they may be when it comes time to tackle the conflict between them. 

Mindfulness in Mediation with Guest Norman Fischer

Mindfulness and mediation can be vital to addressing suffering on both sides of a conflict while finding presence and calm in the mind of those tasked with bringing parties together. Zen Buddhist priest Norman Fischer reflects on his history of helping mediation professionals through mindfulness training, supporting Ukrainian mediators during his recent Inside Out training program, and tips for practitioners to find presence in the heart of the storm during this episode of The Other Chair.

Animals at the Center of Conflict with Guest Debra Hamilton

When relationships end, there is often a lot of discussion, consideration, and animosity regarding children. But what happens when a pet dog, cat, or horse hangs in the balance? Expert Debra Hamilton joins The Other Chair to discuss how the court system doesn't often consider the life of the pet and the role that pet-based mediation brings in bridging the gap. Learn how an understanding-based approach can help people find harmony and ultimately create a better outcome for the furry friends so many people call their own. 

High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped with Guest Amanda Ripley

Guest hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Phuong Ertley interview journalist and New York Times bestselling author Amanda Ripley to talk about her book High Conflict and "what happens when discord distills into a good-versus-evil kind of feud, the kind with an us and a them." 

Introduction to the Understanding-Based Model and Founder Gary Friedman

Welcome to The Other Chair. In this episode, we dive into the heart of conflict resolution with Gary J. Friedman, co-founder of the Center for Understanding in Conflict. Gary introduces the origins of the Center and sheds light on the understanding-based approach—a transformative process designed to bring people together, even in the face of deep disagreements.

Whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or for those who work as conflict resolution practitioners, this approach emphasizes mutual understanding and collaboration, offering practical tools to foster connection and navigate conflict constructively. Join us as we explore how these principles can shift perspectives, rebuild trust, and create meaningful resolutions across different spheres of life.