Mending Fences is a podcast about dispute resolution and effective ways to communicate and live across differences. Hosts Patrice Brymner and Jennifer Hawthorne are both family mediators and collaborative law attorneys, but their conversations go well beyond family law. They explore the personal, interpersonal, legal, and cultural impact of conflict.
Intro/outro: “North Oakland Extasy,” by Squadda B
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The Evolution of a Parenting Plan, Part 1
Divorce transforms relationships, requiring former spouses to reinvent themselves as effective co-parents. In this thoughtful exploration of post-divorce parenting, Patrice Brymner and Jen Hawthorne Kelsey unpack the critical elements of creating sustainable parenting...
De-escalation: A First Step to Resolution
What happens when a conflict becomes bigger than any of the involved interests? Jen Hawthorne Kelsey and Patrice Brymner guide you through the maze of contentious standoffs to the calmer side, where interest-based dialogue fosters understanding and peace. As they...
GUEST: Daniele Ozeri on Family Mediation
Divorce and Family Mediator Daniele Ozeri joins Jen and Patrice to discuss strategies for mending the complex dynamics within families—be it the bond between parents and children or among adult siblings. Daniele explains the subtle nuances that differentiate family...
Embracing Change: Conflict as Transformation
Conflict is more than just a hurdle—it's an opportunity for transformation. Patrice and Jen explore how to harness the inherent the chaos of change toward personal and relational growth. Discover the power of reframing your focus and understanding what truly makes you...
GUEST: Dr. Susan Boardman on Strengthening Relationships with Couples Mediation
In this episode, Jen and Patrice explore couples' mediation with Dr. Susan Boardman. Unlike divorce mediation, couples' mediation is intended to strengthen relationship dynamics for couples who wish to remain married. Susan's wisdom, drawn from years of experience,...
Buyer Beware: Unraveling the Complexity of Friendly Divorce Mediation
So you thought mediation would be easy. Well, even amicable divorces can be stressful and participants may feel at times like they are lost in uncharted territory. That's exactly what Jen Hawthorne Kelsey and Patrice Brymner delve into in this episode of Mending...
GUEST: Attorney William Hickey on Divorce Mediation v. Litigation Myths
Join us on Mending Fences as we talk to Attorney William Hickey, a seasoned family law litigator from Massachusetts. Together, we untangle the often-confusing world of divorce, focusing on the distinctions between mediation and litigation. Bill shares his expert...
GUEST: Karen Van Kooy on the Language of More Peaceful Dispute Resolution
Discover the transformative power of words with our guest Karen Van Kooy in an episode that may reshape your approach to conflict resolution and legal negotiations. We engage in a dynamic dialogue, breaking down how subtle shifts in terminology can steer conversations...
Is There a Difference Between Review Counsel and Settlement Counsel?
Join us as we unpack the essential roles, differences, and overlapping concepts of these legal representatives and how, with their assistance, successful conflict resolution is achievable. We explain how attorneys in the "Settlement Counsel" role can work...