The Other Chair Podcast

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.