Beyond the Bar Podcast

What if everything you've been taught about practicing law is holding you back? A small-town girl becomes one of New York's elite divorce attorneys. But after 30 years of court battles, she discovered something that changed everything. Ellen Jancko-Baken reveals how she went from struggling to belong in affluent Scarsdale to leading a revolution in family law. She shares the unconventional...

From playing Mississippi juke joints at 12 to commanding a million-strong crowd at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, blues virtuoso Vasti Jackson electrifies this episode with raw authenticity and soul-stirring stories. Experience his magnetic transition from B.B. King's collaborator to embodying Ike Turner on stage, while discovering how this guitar prodigy became a force for global change throu...

Meet the attorney who's flipping the script on family law. In this raw conversation, Asia Scarlett-Jones reveals why she launched her firm during COVID with one radical mission: prove that divorce doesn't have to destroy families. Now an Amazon bestselling author and FamilyKind's Rising Star, Asia exposes why traditional litigation is failing families and shares the unconventional meth...

Imagine growing up in Egypt, Norway, and England, then becoming a military prosecutor, and finally landing as a top family law attorney in Colorado Springs. This isn't a Hollywood script—this is Carl Graham's real life. In this raw and unfiltered podcast episode, Carl pulls back the curtain on a legal career that defies expectations. From navigating international schools as a teenager to handling...

Ever wondered what REALLY happens behind the scenes of a family law case? In this EXPLOSIVE podcast episode, Kristen Holstrom and Samantha McBride—aka the CUSTODY QUEENS—shatter everything you thought you knew about family law. 👉 KEY INSIGHTS YOU'LL LEARN: - Why traditional legal approaches are BROKEN - How compassion becomes your most powerful legal strategy - The REAL emotional journey behind f...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Susan Moss, a powerhouse family law attorney who proves that legal work can be both serious and deeply compassionate. In this episode, Susan takes us on a remarkable journey that defies expectations: 🌟 Transitioned from representing women who killed their abusers to becoming a top matrimonial lawyer 💼 Brings unconventional strategies to helping clients...

Ever wondered what it takes to transform personal challenges into a powerhouse career? 🌟 Join Rosa Acosta's jaw-dropping journey from ballet prodigy to multi-talented entrepreneur: 💃 Breaking body image barriers 💪 Building her fitness empire Body by Rosa Acosta 🏋️‍♀️ Acting breakthrough in Johnson 🎭 Passionate animal rescue advocate 🐶 Redefining success on her own terms Rosa reveals the raw,...

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in family court? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Gabriella Formosa, a top family law attorney who's rewriting the rules of legal practice. In this deep-dive podcast episode, Gabriella breaks down the most misunderstood aspects of matrimonial law. She reveals how successful attorneys navigate the most emotionally charged legal battles...

Join us for an intimate conversation with legal powerhouse John Pappalardo, who leads a 12-member matrimonial law firm, The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC, and serves as a State Department referral attorney for Missing and Exploited Children cases. In this candid discussion, John reveals his journey from a "challenging teenager" to becoming a respected family law attorney, mediator, and professor at El...

Want to build a successful international business? Alexandra Tribe shares the exact steps she took to grow from a skeptical law graduate to co-founding Expatriate Law, a leading international family law firm. In this episode, discover: 🚀 The counterintuitive career move that launched her global practice 🤝 How family resistance turned into a powerful business partnership 💻 The tech adoption stra...

Buckle up, folks, because we're about to take you on a wild ride through the life and career of Jonathan Steele, a divorce attorney defying the odds and making a name for himself. From starting out as a 16-year-old law clerk to becoming a respected partner at a top Chicago firm, Jonathan's journey is anything but conventional. In this no-holds-barred conversation, we'll peel back the curtain on th...

Embark on a captivating journey with the legendary Linda Peaches. From her humble beginnings in rural Maryland to her meteoric rise to fame as one half of the iconic duo Peaches & Herb, Linda's story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. In this exclusive interview, Linda shares intimate details about her life, career, and unwavering faith. Discover the secrets behind her timeless hits,...

Beyond the Bar Podcast presents an intimate conversation with Joshua Katz, a distinguished family law attorney with an unexpected origin story. From an aspiring professional clarinetist to handling high-profile custody battles, Josh shares his journey of reinvention and finding passion in unexpected places. In this episode: ⚖️ Why he abandoned his dreams of performing with the NY Philharmonic 🎵 H...

🔥 NYC'S TOP DIVORCE ATTORNEY TELLS ALL Aimee Richter didn't come from a family of lawyers. She had no connections. No fancy pedigree. Just a decision to go to law school... and an understanding that true power doesn't come from being the loudest in the room. Now she's a name partner at NYC's 4th largest minority-owned firm. In this raw conversation, Aimee reveals: ⚡️ Why kindness is your competi...

Discover how Jillian Gross, a powerhouse in matrimonial law and Founding Partner at Mosberg Sharma Stambleck Gross LLP, balances her high-stakes career with family life. From arguing cases in grand courtrooms to introducing her kids to 80s classics, Jillian shares invaluable insights on professional growth, work-life balance, and the importance of face-to-face interactions in our digital age. Lear...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with R&B icon Truth Hurts as she opens up about her artistic journey and personal growth 🎤✨ 🎵 Evolving from chart-topping R&B to authentic soul music 🎭 Acting alongside Antonio Banderas and future film aspirations 💪 Overcoming depression, anxiety, and breast cancer 👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing motherhood with a high-profile career 🎶 Inside scoop on her upc...

Leslie Sullivan's journey is anything but ordinary. From stepping away from her law career to raise a family, to taking on the high-stakes challenge of restarting in Manhattan and passing the New York State Bar, she’s a true example of resilience. In this episode, Leslie opens up about the bold moves that shaped her career and personal life—from embracing culture shock after leaving her Southern r...

Domestic violence isn't just bruises and broken bones. It's a silent epidemic that crosses all socioeconomic boundaries. In this episode of Beyond the Bar Podcast, host Denisa Tova sits down with Kara Bellew, a family law attorney who's revolutionizing how we think about abuse. From social work to the courtroom, Kara has seen it all. She breaks down: 🔍 The surprising forms of domestic violence yo...

Step into the world of Siobhan O'Grady, Partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, where courtroom battles and haunted houses collide. This isn't your typical legal podcast - it's a journey through the unexpected life of a powerhouse attorney who finds thrill in the scariest places. From fighting for families to fundraising for Alzheimer's, Siobhan reveals how embracing fear has shaped her s...

Discover the untold story behind "The Wolf of Wall Street" with Dr. Nadine Macaluso, the real-life inspiration for Naomi Belfort's character. In this riveting episode of Beyond the Bar, Dr. Nae shares her journey from a tumultuous marriage to becoming a psychotherapist specializing in trauma bonds. Dr. Nae opens up about the realities of her marriage to Jordan Belfort, the chaos of W...

From kicked out of the house at 12 to NYC nightlife king and Hollywood producer: Noel Ashman's journey is a masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurship. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive deep into the untold story of a man who built an empire against all odds. 🔥 What you'll learn: - How to turn adversity into opportunity - The power of authenticity in business and life - Ba...

Dive into the life of Michael LoFrumento, Partner at Stempel, Catterson, LoFrumento, Carlson, Biondo, LLP and top-tier divorce attorney who's mastering the art of balance! From coaching Little League to making wine, discover how this legal eagle finds joy beyond the courtroom. 🏀🍷 In this episode: 👨‍🍳⚖️The surprising link between cooking and law 👨‍👧‍👦 How parenthood shapes a lawyer's...

Ready for a story that'll make your jaw drop and your spirit soar? Malina Moye's journey from car-sleeper to stadium-rocker is the ultimate creative rebellion. 🎸 Minnesota roots to California dreams 🎤 The Prince encounter that sparked a fire 🔄 Flipping the script as a left-handed, Black female guitarist 🏟️ Making history (and waves) at major sporting events 💰 Real talk on money, authen...

Want to know how a 21-year-old landed an Olympic internship out of 4,000 applicants? Or how to build a lasting legal legacy? 🤔 In this episode with Michael Fried, Partner at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP, and his son Andrew; we crack the code on: - Networking strategies that ACTUALLY work 🤝 - The mindset shift that unlocks career success 🧠 - How to mentor the next generation of profe...

Want to know the secret to finding your true calling? Sarah Hechtman, Partner at Rower LLC, reveals how she turned uncertainty into a thriving career in family law. In this episode, we dive deep into: 😰 The power of embracing discomfort 🏛️ Why being a "natural mediator" beats being a courtroom warrior 🎯 How to find alignment between your passions and your profession 🛣️ The unexpected b...