Briefcase and Couch

Friendships often take a back seat to careers, caregiving, and daily responsibilities—but connection still matters. In this episode, we discuss how professional women can maintain meaningful friendships, navigate busy seasons of life, and create relationships that provide support, joy, and resilience. In this episode, Valerie and Stephanie are joined by a psychologist-attorney friend duo, Karestan...

How do women project authority in leadership roles without sacrificing authenticity? In this episode, attorney Fran Griesing and business owner Emily Griesing explore gender dynamics in leadership and how women’s authority is often perceived differently in professional spaces. We discuss when they first noticed that gender affected how their expertise was received, how their definition of authorit...

What does success really mean—and who gets to decide? In this episode, we’re joined by attorneys Eileen Letts and Celia Eckert for an honest conversation about how our definitions of success evolve over time. We talk about the expectations many of us absorbed in grad school and law school, how those early narratives can quietly shape our careers (and stress levels), and what happens when the old m...

In this episode, we take on The Second Shift —the often invisible work that begins after the workday ends. Joined by attorneys Reshonda Brown and Lee Ellen Bagley , we explore how home responsibilities, caregiving, and emotional labor continue long past the workday, even in high-functioning professional households. We talk about negotiating domestic balance with partners and families, setting expe...

In this episode, it’s just Stephanie and Valerie talking through their New Year’s resolutions—what we’re intentionally setting, what we’re actively letting go of, and how our goals have changed with time and experience. We discuss realistic expectations, boundaries, and why growth doesn’t have to look dramatic to be meaningful. A thoughtful, honest conversation about approaching the new year with...

In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging professional and personal skills: setting boundaries. Joined by attorneys Lydia Bueschel, Esq. and Rachel Milano, Esq. , we explore how to set limits with clients, coworkers, and even family members—without drowning in guilt or worrying about fallout. We discuss the emotional load of always being “available,” how to say no with clarity and con...

In this episode, we dive into what burnout really looks like—beyond the buzzword. Joined by attorneys Brenda Godfrey, Esq. and Stacy Fode, Esq. , we explore how chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and unrealistic expectations can erode even the most resilient professionals. Together, we unpack the warning signs, talk about why rest isn’t laziness, and share strategies for recovery that go deeper...

In this episode, we delve into how meaningful friendships endure—and even thrive—in a world that rarely slows down. Joined by publicist Lara Starr and attorney Jamie Rudman, we discuss maintaining genuine connections while juggling careers, relationships, and the constant demands of life. From navigating shifting priorities to redefining what support looks like, this conversation dives into how fe...

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and candles—it’s about finding strategies that actually work when life feels overwhelming. In this episode of Briefcase and Couch , Stephanie and Valerie share what self-care really looks like in the real world. You'll learn how to create realistic habits that restore your energy, even on your busiest days. We are joined this episode by attorneys Kerrie...

Dr. Stephanie Sarkis and Valerie Matherne sit down with guests Amanda Green Alexander and Katie Klibert to explore the experience of imposter syndrome — that nagging sense of self-doubt that makes even high-achieving professionals question their abilities. Together, they share stories, insights, and strategies for recognizing imposter feelings, quieting the inner critic, and building confidence in...

Hosts Dr. Stephanie Sarkis and Valerie Matherne are joined by Amanda Green Alexander and Katie Klibert for a candid conversation about the myth of “having it all.” From career ambitions and family life to self-care and societal expectations, the group unpacks the unrealistic pressures placed on women — and why chasing perfection often leaves us drained instead of fulfilled. Together, they share pe...

In this very first episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Sarkis and Valerie Matherne sit down to share the story behind the podcast — why they created it, what listeners can expect, and the kinds of conversations they’ll be bringing your way. From self-care to navigating work, relationships, and mental health, Stephanie and Valerie set the stage for an honest, engaging, and down-to-earth series of episodes...