Thinking Boldly!

People want to get divorced but often do not even know where to start. Indeed, it is a financially, mentally, and emotionally exhausting process, and no one should have to do it all by themselves. Julie and Heidi are joined by Maureen McBrien, a partner at Brick, Jones, McBrien, and Hickey LLP, which is a family law firm in Needham, Massachusetts. She shares her experiences working with thousands of individuals navigating a divorce and how to ensure people take the steps they need for their unique situation. Maureen sheds light on why such a legal proceeding goes beyond financial settlements and how arbitration can drastically expedite the entire process.

What happens when a family is legally recognized in one European country but not in another? Family law attorney Elias Yiannatsis explores the legal challenges facing same-sex parents across the European Union, from cross-border recognition of parenthood to adoption, surrogacy, and international family rights. Founder of Elias Yiannatsis & Associates, Elias specializes in international family law, handling complex cross-border disputes involving child relocation, international child abduction, adoption, and surrogacy. A member of the Athens Bar Association, legal advisor to Proud Parents, and volunteer with NELFA, he has been actively involved in advancing LGBTQ+ family rights in Greece and across Europe. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Change is everywhere in life, in business, and in family adaptations. Join us as we have an in-depth conversation with business transition expert Susan Ganz. Thinking Boldly! hosts Julie and Heidi ask Susan to dig into how people adapt to the pace of change, and what it looks like when individuals and families face those challenges not just in life, but in business, and with new technology. Susan shared with us her Business Transition Readiness Checklist – a strategic guide for navigating exits, separations, and unprecedented change, whether you are navigating a transition in a family or in a family business that entangles you with the past. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Kristen Tarrin is a part-time judge and full-time advocate for children in Colorado. In this episode, she shares her passion for helping families navigate restructuring after separation and discusses the challenges of handling cases involving coercive control and domestic violence. As a Child and Family Investigator (CFI), Kristen serves as a court-appointed neutral tasked with gathering information from parents, children, teachers, therapists, and other key individuals. In Colorado, CFIs complete 60 hours of initial training, including domestic violence and child abuse education, and continue their training throughout their careers. Kristen explains that a CFI’s primary role is not to make decisions but to provide the court with a clear, fact-based report and recommendations. She also offers insight from the bench, revealing what she pays closest attention to when reviewing CFI reports: the voices of the children and the perspectives of neutral third parties. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Join Heidi and Julie for a thoughtful conversation with Consilium Institute’s earliest adopters – attorneys Gretchen Nelson, Trish Siefer, and financial advisor Eloise Patterson. These three amazing women founded their firm on the Consilium Process’s visionary, integrated model of helping families restructure, rather than destruct, after a divorce. Listen to Trish, Gretchen, and Eloise talk about what it means to be part of a creative, innovative law firm in a challenging environment. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Is it possible to find peace during conflict? In this exclusive episode, we uncover the powerful link between meditation and mediation to radically transform how you approach tough conversations, especially divorce. We sit down with nationally recognized divorce mediator and bestselling author, Gabrielle Hartley, who shares the principles behind her revolutionary Better Apart method. Discover how grounding yourself with meditation provides the clarity, patience, and respect needed to unlock mutually beneficial solutions in any relationship—from marital separation to everyday conflict resolution. Stop spiraling and start resolving. Tune in to learn the secret to getting Along. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Can a challenging career in family law still pave the way for a truly wonderful life? Retired Judge Julie Field and Heidi Webb, co-founders of the Consilium Institute, welcome family law attorney Stephen Vertucci to discuss a transformative approach to legal practice. Stephen, an early adopter of the Consilium process, shares how he shifted his perspective from being mired in negativity to finding re-energizing purpose—seeing his work as “a part of the creation of two families, not the breakup of one.” Dive into this candid conversation to hear Stephen’s key advice for professionals on protecting their mental health, the importance of breaking bread to settle cases, and the powerful message behind his favorite movie of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life. Learn how to find a better, less conflicted path for your clients and for yourself. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

In the most challenging moments of life, particularly those involving family law, the court system can feel foreign and frightening. But what if the judge presiding over your case saw their role as an opportunity to build peace and help your family “restructure”? Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Judge Kelley Southerland, a leader in family law who is helping shape a more compassionate court experience for families across Colorado. Since taking the bench in 2017, Judge Southerland has been a steady champion for families—and especially for children—ensuring that every voice is heard during some of life’s most challenging moments. Today, Judge Southerland shares the unconventional path that led her to the bench, emphasizing that her goal is to make sure litigants feel seen and heard in a welcome space. She discusses the critical importance of listening to children’s voices, the power of collaboration between the Bench and the Bar, and her commitment to judicial wellness, which includes waking up before 5 am to exercise and read. Learn how she uses her human perspective and heart to ensure the court process leads to true resolution and success for families. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Prenups lawyer expectations collide with pop culture perceptions in this grounded look at how media influences real family law decisions. In this episode, Consilium Practitioner Jared Wood, Esquire of Egloff & Wood, LLP, shares his expertise on prenuptial agreements and how shows like Suits shape what clients expect before they ever step into a law office. Jared breaks down how those expectations compare to real-world legal processes, especially in Massachusetts probate and family court, and why misunderstandings about prenups often lead to frustration during negotiations. Together, we explore how attorneys manage client perception, the role of education in early legal planning, and why clear communication is essential when emotions, assets, and relationships are on the line. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Family law involves personal matters that are often riddled with emotions, trauma, and extremely high stakes. Therefore, those who assist families in such legal matters must know how to take a human-centered approach instead of simply treating them as mere clients. Julie Field sits down with family law attorneys Lindsay Reilly and David Vandenberg of Reilly, Vandenberg & Biggers, who share how they transitioned from their leadership roles in the district attorney’s office to leading families through the restructuring process by applying the Consilium Process every day, in every case. Together, they talk about their mission to reach resolutions outside the courtroom that contemplate long-term solutions and a holistic approach to restructuring families. Find out how they empower their clients to be their own deciders and set themselves up for the next chapter of their lives. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Marital agreements, divorces, and child custody cases are messy, emotional, and often leave families feeling ill-served by courts. What can judges and lawyers do to make family law a bit less overwhelming for them? Honorable Angie Arkin, CO District Court Judge (retired), shares her vast experience and expertise in this area as one of the nation’s leading experts in judicial education and family dynamics. She talks about the Colorado Supreme Court’s revolutionary initiative: the introduction of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLP) who provide families with essential legal advice at court. Judge Angie also explains why judges should let go of their judgmental mindset when dealing with family law cases to end up with the best possible outcomes for every family. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

In a world saturated with quick fixes and surface-level advice, true personal transformation often feels like an elusive goal. But what if the key to profound change—the spark—is already within you? We sat down with Stephanie James, a true pioneer at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and modern transformation. As a renowned Transformation Coach, Psychotherapist, acclaimed Author of Becoming Fierce and Your Big Fat Juicy Life, and host of the Igniting the Spark podcast, Stephanie brings decades of wisdom to helping individuals move beyond mere coping and into radical self-expansion. In this candid interview, Stephanie demystifies the role of a Transformation Coach, shares her deeply personal journey from feeling rejected to becoming fierce, and explains why self-kindness is the most powerful tool for navigating life’s most painful transitions, including divorce. Get ready to discover the “infuser” philosophy, the power of befriending yourself, and the ancient-meets-modern modalities Stephanie uses to help you excavate your inner light. If you’re ready to shift from “good enough” to truly thriving, this conversation is your ignition point. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Join us as we talk with Consilium Practitioner and author Oona Metz, who specializes in treating women navigating divorce. Oona brings together her 30 years of experience running divorce support groups and captures the challenge of the divorce journey by setting out the five stages of divorce grief. She also talks about her new book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women, where she breaks down how to ride – and eventually get off – the roller coaster of divorce. Discover what it takes to get through this emotionally and financially challenging phase of your life and ultimately rediscover your authentic self. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Divorce is often described as a chaotic, emotionally draining process. But what if there was a way to approach this challenging life transition with more clarity, respect, and even collaboration? Today, we sit down with Jennifer Meyer, LPC, NCC, CFRC, a certified Consilium practitioner, who specializes in guiding individuals and couples through the complex emotional landscape of separation and post-divorce recovery. Jennifer introduces us to the unique world of discernment counseling—a crucial first step for couples on different pages about staying together—and shares how a truly collaborative approach, involving attorneys and financial experts, can lead to a more peaceful, self-governing, and healing outcome for the entire family. From navigating the profound grief of loss to the power of co-ed group recovery (and yes, even the thrill of skydiving as a metaphor for post-divorce empowerment), Jennifer provides an inspiring, deeply compassionate perspective on turning one of life’s toughest experiences into a journey of growth and resilience. Ready to understand how discernment and collaboration can redefine your path through divorce? Read on. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Discover how Chief Justice John Casey transformed the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court from a system “in crisis” into a national model for innovation. In this compelling conversation, he shares the strategic vision behind groundbreaking initiatives like the Pathways Case Management System and award-winning virtual case conferencing, while candidly addressing challenges such as limited resources, judicial burnout, and the complexity of family litigation. More than a story of court reform, this is a masterclass in adaptive leadership, showing how prioritizing family well-being, access to justice, and alternative dispute resolution can drive lasting change—along with a look at what’s next in his work expanding online dispute resolution for low-income families. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

Colorado is quickly becoming a bellwether for innovation in family law, moving away from adversarial traditions toward a system focused on family restructuring and hopeful outcomes. We sat down with Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart—a leading voice in the access to justice movement and the champion behind the state’s proposed Rules of Family Procedure—to discuss this monumental shift. Justice Hart explains why replacing the rigid Rules of Civil Procedure with a tailored, less-adversarial framework is essential for the 75-80% of unrepresented parties navigating divorce and custody. She shares how this cultural change, which moves away from “plaintiff” and “defendant” language, is empowering judges and fostering collaboration between the bench and the bar. Listen in to learn about the presumptive “informal family pre-trial procedure” (and its non-I-dirt name), the inspiration drawn from states like Alaska, and the critical next steps in the adoption process. Find out how you can lend your voice to this transformative process before the public hearing on May 13th. Proposed Colorado Rules of Family Procedure- https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/supreme-court/adopted-proposed-rule-changes Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

What do ancient Babylonian rabbinic debates, Millennial feminist commentary, and Lord of the Rings analogies have in common? They all collide in the incredible work of Miriam Anzovin, a content creator and self-described huge Jewish nerd. In our latest interview, Miriam shares her journey from a formerly Orthodox, deeply shy young woman to a viral sensation who is making the dense, 2,711-page Babylonian Talmud accessible, joyful, and deeply personal. In this piece, we explore how Miriam’s Daf Reactions project—her daily, heartfelt, and comedic video responses to her study of the Talmud—is breaking down historical barriers, giving voice to forgotten women in ancient texts, and helping thousands reclaim their Jewish identity. We also touch on her personal, cathartic experience navigating both secular and religious divorce, and how ancient conversations about divorce echo modern struggles with power and coercive control. Dive into this fascinating world where ancient text meets modern internet culture, and discover how Miriam Anzovin is truly lighting up the world with insights from the Talmud. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.

When a Jewish couple marries in the U.S., they are often creating not one, but two legal unions: a secular marriage recognized by the state and a religious marriage governed by Jewish law. While many are aware of the beautiful rituals of a traditional Jewish wedding, few grasp the profound implications—especially concerning divorce—where gender inequality can emerge, creating opportunities for coercive control. In this thought-provoking deep dive, retired Judge Julie Field and Consilium Institute co-founder Heidi Webb sit down with Dr. Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, a leading expert on women’s rights under Jewish Family Law and the Shalom Reinhart Director of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute (HBI). Join us as Dr. Lisa Fishbayn Joffe illuminates the complex history and modern reality of the get (religious divorce document), explaining why a husband’s capacity to withhold it can become a powerful tool for extortion and domestic abuse, leaving women “chained” to a dead marriage (agunah). From the unique legal landscape in Israel, where religious courts are state-supported, to the emerging use of U.S. and U.K. domestic violence laws to address get refusal, this essential conversation offers secular law professionals and community members critical insights into this complex area of law and human rights. Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.