Shows
The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastSean Combs on Trial: Jury Out For DeliberationEpisode 24: Sean Combs on Trial: Jury Out For DeliberationAs the jury deliberates in the explosive federal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, attorneys Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down the charges, evidence, and legal strategies that make this trial a pivotal moment in shaping our understanding of consent, power, and accountability.Behind the glamorous facade of celebrity parties lies something much more sinister. The defense characterizes it as a swinger lifestyle. Prosecutors describe it as systematic exploitation. Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and tran...2025-07-0226 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastKaren Koehler on Leadership Challenges in Managing a Law FirmEpisode 20: Karen Koehler on Leadership Challenges in Managing a Law FirmCan being too humble hold you back?Karen opens up about her leadership style, one that prioritizes team praise over personal recognition, and the unintended downside of deflecting credit. Mo and Mike delve into how humility, when taken to an extreme, can blur the lines between authority and respect.Together, they explore the tension between wanting respect but rejecting praise, how gender shapes perceptions of leadership, and why decisiveness is often mistaken for arrogance.Mo shares a powerful...2025-06-0421 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastThe Art of Driving Defense Lawyers CrazyEpisode 18: The Art of Driving Defense Lawyers CrazyIn this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ podcast, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down the tactics that send defense lawyers into a spiral and explain why that’s not only strategic but also necessary.Welcome to the “Flim Flam Sauce”, the unapologetic art of getting under opposing counsel’s skin without ever crossing a line. From the perfectly executed “head fake” (where you let your opponent walk into their own trap) to exposing moral hypocrisy in open court, Karen and Mo show how controlled provocation ca...2025-05-2132 min
Surfacing LeadersYoung Minds, Big Shifts: The Gen Z Workforce of Tomorrow with Engineer Sophie KoehlerIn this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with special guest and daughter, Sophie Koehler, a young engineer and emerging Gen Z leader who is reshaping what leadership looks like today—and tomorrow.
Sophie shares her experience growing up in the orbit of high-stakes leadership, only to realize that her generation is leading in different, quieter, and often more courageous ways. With honesty and introspection, she talks about moving beyond perfectionism, finding her voice, and navigating early career challenges in the engineering world, where confidence sometimes lags behind ca...2025-05-0949 min
Team Sichtbarkeit#71 A Deep Dive into the LinkedIn Algorithm Report mit Richard van der BlomZu Gast ist heute Richard van der Blom. Er ist Internationaler Social-Selling-Trainer & LinkedIn-Experte, Sales Navigator und Keynote Speaker. Richard ist Holländer und lebt in Spanien - Deshalb ist dieses Interview heute auf Englisch. Für alle, die ihr Social Selling stärken, ihre Expertise zeigen oder Thought Leadership aufbauen wollen, sprechen wir heute unter anderem über: 🎙The Algorithm Report - Vom Freebie zum verkauften Produkt 🎙Weshalb er sein Produkt umbenennen musste, damit er auf LinkedIn nicht verbannt wird 🎙Was die Konsumrate deiner Follower mit dem Algorithmus zu tun hat 🎙Was passier...2025-05-0947 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastIn Defense of Flip-Flopping: Why Adaptability Matters in LawEpisode 16: In Defense of Flip-Flopping: Why Adaptability Matters in LawKaren Koehler opens up about her so-called "flip-flopping," her tendency to change her mind, and reframes it as one of her greatest strengths. From trial tactics to law firm management, she explains how adaptability and quick pivots are crucial in high-stakes litigation. Mo Hamoudi and podcast producer Mike Todd, jump in to discuss what it’s like working with someone who never sticks to the same plan for long and why that unpredictability actually works. 🎧 Stay Connected with The Velv...2025-05-0734 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastWhy Trial Lawyers Must Talk About Money (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)Episode 14: Why Trial Lawyers Must Talk About Money (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)Is money the most uncomfortable topic in the courtroom? For many trial lawyers, yes. But when it comes to representing injured clients, avoiding money talk is not an option. In this candid episode, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi talk about what it really means to ask for money in court. They explore why trial lawyers often feel shame or awkwardness around damages, how verdicts are tied to human value, and why getting comfortable with money is non-negotiable for pla...2025-04-2346 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastResponding to Listener Feedback That Took Us by SurpriseEpisode 9: Responding to Listener Feedback That Took Us by SurpriseKaren Koehler and Mo Hamoudi planned to revisit their worst courtroom arguments, but listener feedback completely changed the conversation. Some reactions were protective, some were critical, and all were thought-provoking.Was it a power move? Was Mo being shut down? Karen and Mo unpack the unexpected responses, challenge assumptions, and dive into the deeper dynamics of presence, persuasion, and perception. From personal reflections to the realities of being a trial lawyer, this episode is an unfiltered look at power...2025-03-1935 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastThe Worst Arguments We’ve Ever Made (And What We Learned) - Part 1Episode 8: The Worst Arguments We’ve Ever Made (And What We Learned) - Part 1In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler & Mo Hamoudi dive into some of the worst courtroom arguments they've ever made and the tough lessons that came with them. From being thrown to the wolves in court as a young attorney to completely missing a hearing due to a calendar mishap, they break down the moments that shaped them as trial lawyers. Along the way, they explore how legal practice has changed with technology, the evolv...2025-03-1225 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastWhen Defense Lawyers Weaponize Discovery RequestsEpisode 5: When Defense Lawyers Weaponize Discovery RequestsHow far will defense lawyers go to harass and intimidate plaintiffs? In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and special guest behind the microphone, Mike Todd, expose the most absurd, offensive, and downright unethical discovery requests they've ever seen.From Amazon’s lawyers demanding irrelevant personal details to Ride the Ducks attorneys asking grieving families about their sex lives, this episode exposes the legal bullying tactics defense teams use to break plaintiffs down. 🎧 Stay Connected with The Vel...2025-02-1929 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastIntroducing Mo – From Public Defender to Stritmatter LawyerEpisode 1: Introducing Mo – From Public Defender to Stritmatter LawyerWelcome to Season 5 of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, where Karen Koehler teams up with attorney Mo Hamoudi for honest conversations on law, life, and everything in between.In our first episode, we dive into Mo’s remarkable journey from being a federal public defender to joining The Stritmatter Firm, taking on powerful adversaries and fighting for justice. Along the way, we explore:🔹 Mo’s fascinating past—from owning a clothing store in NYC to making pizzas and bartending🔹 His unexpected cameo...2025-02-0509 minSurfacing LeadersNavigating Leadership with Marc Koehler and His Former Executive Officer Vice Admiral Joe LeidigIn this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments.
Joe reflects on his incredible journey from being Executive Officer of nuclear-powered submarines to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, where he led operations with 2,000 personnel and a $700 million budget. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares his insights on leadership, focusing on three timeless principles: integrity, l...2025-01-0357 min
Marriage Mania MinistryEP. 114 | How to appreciate something you just don’t like from your spouse and/or family.Learn how to be grateful and receive gifts from your spouse and/or family with a thankful heart (Gratitude). There is no need to be abrupt about it and just hurtful when you receive a gift you just don’t like. Gifts are given from people out of the kindness of their heart. Sometimes we feel more vocal in our marriages and take it for granted to actually tell them you don’t like it. But, how do you receive a gift with a thankful heart? That is the big question. Also, how do you teach your children to recei...2024-12-1726 min
China & Hong Kong Compliance EssentialsReducing the Risk: How to Protect Your Business in ChinaAre you considering expanding your business into the lucrative Chinese market but unsure how to navigate the complexities? Join us for our upcoming webinar, "Reducing Risk: How to Protect Your Business in China," hosted by Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, where we’ll share essential strategies to help your business thrive while minimizing risks.What You’ll Learn:Conducting due diligence on potential business partners.Protecting your intellectual property against infringement.Best practices for contracting with local partners.Practical tips for safely navigating the Chinese business landscape.Strategies to avoid common pitf...2024-12-1322 minMarriage Mania MinistryEP. 113 | The importance of Love & Respect with Emerson Eggerichs.In this episode of Marriage Mania Ministry, Michael and Tania had the blessing to interview Emerson Eggerichs, author and speaker. Such a blessed and fun conversation. Emerson Eggerichs is well known for his book and conference called Love and Respect. He has helped many couples around the world to center their marriage around God’s Word. He is a man of God who is fun to talk to. This was such an honor and a blessing! Be ready to feel like you are at a conference with all the great things Emerson has to say about your marriage, husbands an...2024-12-101h 09Marriage Mania MinistryEP. 112 | Marriage Bedtime routines and why it is important!In this Podcast Michael and Tania talk about Bedtime routines in marriage. Many couples do not sleep together in the same bed because of healthy conditions, children, pets, and just stay up at different times. Cultivating martial oneness is important in marriage and setting bedtime routines truly helps to establish healthy habits one should have in marriage. This podcast talks about the importance of going to bed at the same time and creating a deeper intimacy and oneness in your marriage. This was a fun podcast. We encourage you to take listen.👉This podcast gives an overview of...2024-12-0322 minMarriage Mania MinistryEP 111 | God Designed Marriage to Make us Holy with Gary Thomas!In this episode of Marriage Mania Ministry, Michael and Tania had the blessing to interview Gary Thomas, author and pastor. TRULY blessed our conversation. Gary Thomas is best known for his books; Sacred Marriage, Sacred Search, Sacred Parenting, Cherish, Making your Marriage a Fortress, and more. The Lord has gifted Gary with heartfelt words that just encourage your marriage to flourish and to take action to enhance your marriage to follow God’s design. "God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy because holiness preserves our happiness.” --Gary ThomasThis is an absolutely enco...2024-11-261h 00Marriage Mania MinistryEP 109 | Marriage After God, FIRST!In this episode of Marriage Mania Ministry, Michael and Tania had the blessing to interview Aaron Smith from Marriage After God. Aaron shares the passion behind writing the book Marriage After God and how it evolved to his online ministry as a podcast and more. God has a higher calling for Marriage and Marriage is created by HIM. It is the FIRST institution established between a husband and a wife. This is an encouraging podcast for couples who want to deepen and strengthen their marriage. 👉This podcast includes:What does it mean to have a Marriage afte...2024-11-1249 minChina & Hong Kong Compliance EssentialsChina Insight: China's Six-Year Rule for Foreigners: Key Points for 2024China's "Six-Year Rule," set to take effect in 2024, significantly impacts the taxation of foreign residents. Under this rule, individuals who live in China for 183 days or more each year are considered tax residents. If they remain as tax residents for over six years, they become liable for taxation on their global income, including foreign sources. The counting of the six years began on January 1, 2019, with specific criteria for determining residency. Importantly, foreigners can reset their six-year period by spending fewer than 183 days in any year or leaving China for over 30 consecutive days. High-income ear...2024-11-0506 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastFinding Free Time: The Unfamiliar Territory of a Trial Lawyer#112 - In this episode, The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler, takes us inside the rarest of occurrences—having free time. As someone who thrives on the chaos of running a law firm and being a trial lawyer, Karen shares the weird feeling of clearing her inbox and having no immediate fires to put out. But instead of relaxing, she wrestles with how to slow down when her instinct is always to keep going. Listen in as Karen humorously reflects on trying to unwind and figuring out what to do with all that extra time. 🎧 Stay Connected with T...2024-10-2118 minSurfacing LeadersFrom the Depths of the USS Pogy to Leadership in Action: Marc Koehler and Sean Kelley ReuniteIn this special episode of the *Surfacing Leaders* podcast, host Marc Koehler reconnects with former shipmate, Sean Kelley. Both Marc and Sean served together aboard the nuclear-powered USS Pogy submarine, and this episode is filled with stories from their time beneath the waves. They recount life on a submarine—its challenges, its camaraderie, and the unique lessons that shaped their leadership styles. For anyone curious about the rare and close-knit bond formed on submarines, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into that world.
Beyond their shared Navy days, Sean reflects on his impressive career post-military, inc...2024-09-271h 04The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastWaiting for a verdict.In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler opens up about the emotional weight that follows the end of a trial. From the anxiety of waiting for a jury verdict to the personal sacrifices made during trial, Karen shares the challenges of balancing her role as a trial attorney and a mother. Tune in for an intimate look at what it’s like to wait for justice. 🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers...2024-09-2018 minThe Velvet Hammer™ PodcastTalking about me behind my back.Join us as Karen Koehler explores the power of defying expectations, the courage to disrupt, and the journey of being unapologetically yourself. Discover how she handles being talked about behind her back and the strength it takes to stay true to her convictions.🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Watch full...2024-06-1718 minSurfacing LeadersMultiplying Impact: A Leadership Conversation with Liz WisemanIn this episode, Marc Koehler engages in an insightful dialogue with Liz Wiseman, a leadership expert and best-selling author of the books Multipliers and Impact Players, among others. The conversation delves deep into the essence of impactful leadership and strategies for multiplying one's influence within organizations.
Throughout the episode, Wiseman shares invaluable insights from her extensive research and experiences. She emphasizes embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, showcasing how impactful leaders navigate challenging situations where others may falter. Wiseman's concept of "ordinary contributors" versus "impact players" sheds light on the qualities that distinguish exceptional leaders, emphasizing adaptability, in...2024-04-121h 18The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastMeandering thoughts on the joy of starting trial againIn this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler sits down to record before she begins another trial in Seattle. She discusses her love for the courtroom, leading an all-female legal team, and why retirement isn't on her radar. Kohler addresses the unique questions and challenges female trial lawyers face, offering insights into gender dynamics within the legal profession. 🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and 2024-03-2916 min