In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, one woman's journey into child advocacy and foster care took an unexpected turn that changed her life forever. Her personal revelation ignited a passion that led to a remarkable 13-year relationship with a young man in foster care, setting her on a path of unwavering commitment and compassion. As her story unfolds, the impact she has made on the lives of children in foster care is both inspiring and deeply moving. But what was the unexpected twist that propelled her into this transformative journey? In this episode, Susan and Joan discuss:&nb ..read more

Susan Chesnutt interviews Matthew Brickman from ITAP Mediation. Matthew and Susan discuss the path to becoming a Mediator and the importance of using the mediation process to achieve the best resolutions.  ..read more

SUMMARY: Matthew and Susan discuss the path to becoming a Mediator and the importance of using the mediation process to achieve the best resolutions.  ..read more

Matthew and Susan discuss the path to becoming a Mediator and the importance of using the mediation process to achieve the best resolutions.  ..read more

Matthew and Susan discuss the path to becoming a Mediator and the importance of using the mediation process to achieve the best resolutions.  ..read more

Summary: Susan Chesnutt interviews her high school teacher, Daniel Nixon Taylor, about the positive influences of educators and the lifelong impact she had in her experience participating in a mock trial in high school.  ..read more

SUMMARY: Susan Chesnutt interviews a long time colleague Dawn Kirk who has been practicing family law for 30 years and mediation for 15 years. As a mediator Dawn’s primary focus is on the children, understanding the family dynamic to find an outcome in the child’s best interest. HIGHLIGHTS: [00:02:00] Dawn explains what it takes to become a mediator and the certification process. You do not need to be an attorney to earn your certification [00:03:15] Susan and Dawn discuss the benefits of having legal experience and the importance of life experience to provide quality mediation [00:05:00] How ..read more

SUMMARY: Susan Chesnutt and her special guest Martin Kofsky talk about his recent article that focuses on the rights of grandparents. Martin has been litigating and working in family law for 30 years. Sit back and settle in for some good information and food for thought. HIGHLIGHTS: [00:01:45] The discussion begins with Martin describing his experience with offending and non offending parents and what that means for the rights of the child. [00:03:00] Martin gives an example of a case where the maternal grandparent’s rights of the child were being threatened. The child was cared for by them fo ..read more

Summary: Susan Chesnutt has a heartwarming conversation with Jackie Pilossoph on talking with your children about your divorce. What to say and who to say it to, will help guide you through the tough process. Jackie is an author, former journalist and the creator of Divorce Girls Smiling, a resource for men and women going through the divorce process. HIGHLIGHTS: 02:49 Susan and Jackie dive into what kids are really afraid of when their parents are getting divorced. They talk about the importance of keeping the divorce attorney from becoming the therapist. 05:06 Change. Children and adults hav ..read more

SUMMARY: Susan Chesnutt and Dr. Alan Blotcky tackle the topic of parental alienation which are behaviors, tactics or strategies that one parent will use to undermine the child's relationship with the other parent.  HIGHLIGHTS:  [00:01:00] Susan introduces Dr. Alan Blotcky who is a clinical and forensic psychologist, a freelance journalist published in USA today, Psychology Today in many other places. He's also an associate professor in the department of psychology at the University of Alabama.  [00:05:00] Dr. Blotcky discusses the difference between legitimate alienation vs “st ..read more