In an emotionally resonant episode, our gracious host, Mirena Umizaj allows us to tune into a heartfelt conversation with topliner, Attorney Danielle Mason, acclaimed for her work in the talcum powder litigation suit. They engulf us in the intimate, modal mixture of Danielle’s rich heritage and family life, business insights and mass tort rhapsodies, harmonious relationships with clients and surprising accolades, and even the bittersweet decrescendo of tragic loss.
Rooted in Montgomery, Alabama, Danielle nostalgically shares her beautiful legacy. As she intones of her brave progenitors, we cannot help but feel a sense of wonder at the family history bequeathed to her. We learn about her extraordinary grandmother, Thelma Smiley, and the remarkable impact she had on our present educational system—how Ms. Smiley played an integral part in the National Colored PTA and Civil Rights movement—spearheading the evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion we experience in American schools today. With her family as active members of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church when Martin Luther King Jr. was the pastor, Danielle concordantly gives us a clear, balanced, and humble perspective, much needed for our times.
Danielle and Mirena set a mellow vibe when they talk about family life and the surprising effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in their every day. Throughout their reflection, we hear what matters most as they put a healthy spin on working from home. Danielle gives us a glimpse of a vibrant family life, sharing how she serendipitously found herself in the legal field after overcoming many personal challenges along the way.
Picking up the cadence, Mirena asks Danielle to enlighten us about the distinguished Harry M. Philo award she received, as well as the inner workings of the mass tort industry. We learn the distinct difference of mass torts from class-action lawsuits, and the controversial Johnson & Johnson talcum powder litigation suit Danielle successfully participated in. As we grasp how personal this case was for our guest, we find ourselves grieved at the sad death of a dear client she befriended (among other illnesses and deaths she handled) and realize how each tragedy modulated any success she received from the case.
At the center of the deep-dive, we hit a sad chord when Danielle shares—for the first time in public—the tragic passing of her father. Regrets, questions, confusion, trauma … How can one even recover from losing a parent in such an unexpected, jarring way? Despite how displaced she feels, we find how she continuously rises from the depths of despondency, paving the way for the awareness of depression and suicide surrounding our current (pandemic-driven) culture. She inspires and encourages us to intentionally reach out to those who suffer from any form of psychological illness.
Through it all, we find nothing flat about our encounter with Danielle. Instead, we see a strong, beautiful woman—a persevering soul singing a hope-filled, angelic aria. With every discordant note life brings her way, her humility and courage turns it around. Danielle's life is a mesmeric symphony, perfectly sustained by an indomitable spirit and love for those she holds dear.
EPISODE SURVEY
[00:17:13] Thelma Smiley's accolades in education and invitation to the White House for three sitting presidents, advising them on issues about educational equality and integration.
[00:42:35] This is something that affects thousands and thousands of people across the country.
[00:44:31] Talcum cases and how it personally resonated and affected Danielle in a way no other case has been able to.
[00:59:48] On women, inclusion, and groups meeting better diversity thresholds in the industry.
[01:11:28] About the Harry M. Philo award bestowed to Danielle.
[01:27:47] Danielle talks about her father’s tragic death.
QUOTABLE QUOTES
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
ABOUT OUR GUEST: Danielle Mason
