Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi

The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Society EN ↓ 194 episodes

Trial lawyers can be real people, too—and this podcast proves it. The Velvet Hammer™ is back, and this time, Karen Koehler isn’t going it alone. Known for her fearless advocacy, bold storytelling, and, yes, even the occasional backwards dress moment, Karen is teaming up with Mo Hamoudi, a lawyer, poet, and storyteller whose empathy and resilience add a whole new dynamic to the show. Together, they’re pulling back the curtain on trial law, diving into bold topics, heartfelt stories, and the messy, hilarious moments that make trial lawyers human. This is an unscripted, raw, and fun take on life...

Author

Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi

Episodes

S3 Episode 3: Am I too busy? Yes, and I like it. 08.02.2022 22:46

February 8, 2022 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S3 Episode 3: Am I too busy? Yes, and I like it. In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her busy schedule, work-life balance (or lack thereof). Follow Karen here . Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here . Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by...

S3 Episode 2: Why I Like to Sue: Case Studies 19.01.2022 23:01

January 19, 2022 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S3 Episode 2: Why I Like to Sue: Case Studies In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses why she likes to take on a case because it's a righteous cause. Follow Karen here . Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here . Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast H...

S3 Episode 1: The importance of being ruthless: lessons from the defense 06.01.2022 27:41

January 6, 2022 The Velvet Hammer S3 Episode 1: The importance of being ruthless: lessons from the defense In the first episode of Season Three of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the importance of being ruthless. Follow Karen here . Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here . Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted b...

S2 Episode 34: The trial lawyer who got COVID. 29.12.2021 19:57

December 29, 2021 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S2 Episode 34: The trial lawyer who got COVID. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses how a trial lawyer gets COVID. Follow Karen here . Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here . Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at...

S2 Episode 33: Have you had an affair - furious thoughts about “civility” 18.11.2021 14:35

November 18, 2021 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S2 Episode 33: Have you had an affair - furious thoughts about “civility” In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the concept of "civility". To learn more about Karen: Follow Karen here . Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here . Stay Connected with The...

S2 Episode 32: Master No More: on re-examining our language 05.11.2021 12:22

November 5, 2021 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S2 Episode 32: Master No More: on re-examining our language In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler takes a stand against the word "master" and joins the movement to "un-master" our language. "It's not conscientious to just rely upon history of usage and complacency". To lea...

S2 Episode 31: Dear Judge Make Her Stop - Stories of Defense Lawyers Trying to Shut Down Plaintiff Counsel 22.10.2021 29:29

October 22, 2021 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S2 Episode 31: Dear Judge Make Her Stop - Stories of Defense Lawyers Trying to Shut Down Plaintiff Counsel In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses stories of defense lawyers trying to shut down plaintiff counsel. She addresses how perseverance is everything in the life of a trial lawyer. To learn more...

S2 Episode 30: Standing Up To Bullying - My Ongoing Fight with JHB 28.09.2021 21:50

September 28, 2021 The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler S2 Episode 30: Standing Up To Bullying - My Ongoing Fight with JHB In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her ongoing fight with criminal defense lawyer JHB and the importance of standing up for herself. "See, there's part hammer in me. I'm not always just Velvet. Over and out"....

S2 Episode 29: Going up against the state - a zoom motion story 13.09.2021 32:59

Going up against the state - a zoom motion story Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd...

S2 Episode 28: Single parent lawyer dating 02.08.2021 29:42

Dating as a single parent and a lawyer. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassi...

S2 Episode 27: Should I start dating - Alysha ponders my lack of love life. 29.07.2021 27:11

Should I start dating - Alysha ponders my lack of love life. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced...

S2 Episode 26: Mean girl - thoughts on cancel culture 19.07.2021 27:51

Mean girl: thoughts on cancel culture Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie...

S2 Episode 25: The all white male club part 2 14.07.2021 35:21

The second of 2 episodes about the all white male club. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mi...

S2 Episode 24: The all white male club - a rant 13.07.2021 20:38

The all white male club - a rant Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slug...

S2 Episode 23: New Lawyer podcast 2- prepare or risk the big choke. 25.06.2021 26:24

New Lawyer podcast 2: prepare or risk the big choke. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike T...

S2 Episode 22: Do I really talk too much - on the struggle to have a voice 01.06.2021 18:12

Do I really talk too much - on the struggle to have a voice Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced b...

S2 Episode 21: On breakups and grieving as a trial lawyer - thoughts on how to not fall apart at work and life 25.05.2021 25:55

On breakups and grieving as a trial lawyer: thoughts on how to not fall apart at work and life Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voic...

S2 Episode 20: My law school was held in an old department store - thoughts on the elitism of the institution. 26.04.2021 23:18

My law school was held in an old department store: thoughts on the elitism of the institution. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice...

S2 Episode 19 - New Lawyer podcast 1: Do you have the personality to be a plaintiff trial lawyer. 15.04.2021 43:08

New Lawyer podcast 1: Do you have the personality to be a plaintiff trial lawyer. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom...

S2 Episode 18: Thank you mom for causing us so much embarrassment: a trial lawyer’s journey from shame to resilience 05.04.2021 24:37

Thank you mom for causing us so much embarrassment: a trial lawyer’s journey from shame to resilience Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disemb...

S2 Episode 17: On being competitive - the good, the bad, and oooh the jealousy 30.03.2021 21:19

On being competitive - the good, the bad, and oooh the jealousy Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produce...

S2 Episode 16: Judicial smack downs 18.03.2021 28:03

Judicial smack downs Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New epis...

S2 Episode 15: How not to do a terrible direct exam 08.03.2021 28:54

How not to do a terrible direct exam Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie S...

S2 Episode 14: The wreckage they leave behind: Drunk and high drivers 04.03.2021 25:05

The wreckage they leave behind: Drunk and high drivers Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mik...

S2 Episode 13: How to tell a story - on themes and fairy tales 30.12.2020 26:14

How to tell a story - on themes and fairy tales Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law , a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd a...