Shows
MensGroupDivorce Advice For Men - Divorce Lawyer Val HemmingerHow to get through a divorce, how to avoid it, and the truths and myths surrounding divorce, including child custody, weather divorce is fair to men, and more. Full video interview & short clips here: https://mensgroup.com/divorce-advice-for-men-divorce-lawyer-val-hemminger and check out our newsletter for more great self-improvement content for men.Today’s guest Val Hemminger is a Westshore divorce lawyer and creator of the B.E.S.T method for lawyers, and she’s here to talk about fairness in divorce, how divorce can impact kids, what are the main reasons that...2024-07-0143 min
The Better Divorce PodcastDivorce Doesn’t Care Who You Are with Ken Gordon - S1E25Hi everyone, it’s Val. I had a very interesting interview with a clergyman for 30 years and presently, a pastor who has gone through a divorce. Ken Gordon talks about the responsibility of fathers during and after divorce. He has written a book entitled “Divorced But Still Dad: Faith Principles of Understanding the Role of a Father During and After Divorce” At the start of the interview, Ken told me that he was wearing a sweater with a big “D” on it. He explained that there seems to be a social stigma on the people going through or after a divorce...2023-06-2927 min
The Better Divorce PodcastThe Best Evidence for Getting Child Custody - S1E24Hey, it's Val from Pathway Legal. Our mission is to help you avoid lengthy court processes whenever you can. The court should be the final frontier, the very last resort. We believe in the power of mediation and alternative dispute resolution. But sometimes, the court is unavoidable. Like when it comes to fighting for your child's custody. In today's episode, I'll be diving deep into the nuances of child custody cases, the evidence you'll need, and the scenarios where getting custody is in the child's best interest. We've identified seven scenarios where fighting for custody...2023-06-2222 min
The Better Divorce PodcastEmbracing the Journey of Self-Discovery After Divorce with Leslie Holthoff Martin - S1E23Hello everyone, it’s Val. I had a wonderful conversation with a divorce coach who has a very compelling life story. Leslie Holthoff Martin is a professional writer, divorce coach, and co-parenting specialist. Leslie survived teen pregnancy at the age of 16. When she was 26 years old, she got divorced. As a single parent, she studied to earn her degree in Psychology and is currently, in the process of obtaining her Ph.D. She helps people through the divorce process and their co-parenting relationships. She has recently published a book entitled “Not Mary Not Roe: The Survival Story of a Relu...2023-06-1545 min
The Better Divorce PodcastA Guide to a Peaceful Child Custody Disputes - S1E22Hey there, everyone! This is Val. I have some exciting stuff to share with you in this podcast episode. Have you ever considered what it means to truly parent? And, did you know there's a lot more to it than just being there for your child's every whim and need? Let's dive into the world of parenting, custody, and the fascinating realm of alternative dispute resolution. Picture this: You're a loving parent, facing a disagreement with your ex-partner about how to raise your children. Sounds tough, right? You might be asking yourself, "How do I resolve this...2023-06-0814 min
The Better Divorce PodcastThe Financial Infidelity “Red Flags” You Should Watch Out For - S1E20Hello everyone, It’s Val. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Tracy Coenen, a financial fraud expert and a forensic accountant for more than 25 years. She finds money. Particularly in relation to people who are going through the separation and divorce process. She talked about the financial infidelity “red flags” including the concept of financial abuse. Tracy has a program called “the Divorce Money Guide” as an alternative for making the “money-divorce” scenario uncomplicated. As the interview began, Tracy highlighted the significance of her role in the divorce process. She emphasized that people usually...2023-06-0134 min
The Better Divorce PodcastReasons Why You Need an Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer and How to Find One - S1E20Hey everyone, it's Val here, and today we'll be discussing the benefits of hiring an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) lawyer to handle your family law matters, and why this approach could save you time, money, and stress. First, let's talk about what alternative dispute resolution is. ADR is an umbrella term that includes various methods to resolve disputes outside of the traditional court system. We'll be focusing on four main ADR strategies: negotiation with lawyers, mediation, mediation-arbitration, and collaborative family law. But why should you even consider using an ADR lawyer in the first place? Le...2023-05-2522 min
The Better Divorce PodcastFinding Strength & Self-Love Through Divorce with Hashondra Smith - S1E19Hey everyone, Val Hemminger here, and welcome to another episode of the podcast! Today, I'm incredibly excited to share with you my conversation with the amazing Hashondra Smith. In this episode, we dive deep into her personal journey through a tough divorce, and how she managed to emerge from it stronger and more resilient than ever. We'll be discussing the importance of honest communication, self-love, and the strategies she used to reconnect with herself and her children during this difficult time. So let's jump right in! You know, divorce is one of those life events that can...2023-05-1833 min
The Better Divorce PodcastSecrets to Hiring The Right Lawyer For Your Divorce - S1E18Today we're diving into the world of divorce lawyers. Divorce can be a challenging and emotional time, and choosing the right lawyer to represent you is crucial. So grab a cup of coffee, and let's explore how to find the best divorce lawyer for your case. First off, let's talk about why it's essential to have a good divorce lawyer in the first place. You see, the right lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, protect your rights, and ultimately achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. You might be wo...2023-05-1119 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer Podcast10 Advertising Mistakes Lawyers Make and How to Avoid Them - S3E18Welcome to today's podcast episode where I'll be sharing the top 10 advertising mistakes that many lawyers, including myself, have made in the past, so you can avoid them and set yourself up for success. So, you're starting your law practice or trying to grow it, right? You're excited, but let me guess, you're also overwhelmed with all the marketing advice out there? Don't worry, I've been there too. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes I made was spreading myself too thin with advertising. Instead of trying to be everywhere, just choose one advertising medium and master...2023-05-0924 min
The Better Divorce PodcastThe Power of Intuition in Navigating the Divorce Process With Bill Miles & Kristen Noel - S1E17Hey everyone, It’s Val, recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Bill Miles and Kristen Noel, intuitive divorce coaches. They have a program called the “best self-intuitive divorce”. We have an insightful conversation about their journey and how they're helping people navigate through the emotional and challenging process of divorce. In the first part of our interview, Bill and Kristen share how they met and connected over their shared experiences with divorce. They both found common ground in wanting to help others navigate through the emotional, mental, and legal hurdles of divorce. Their approach focuses on guidin...2023-05-0443 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastFrom Overwhelmed to Thriving: Strategies for Successful Lawyers - S3E17Hey there! I have the pleasure of interviewing Steven Fretzin, a renowned business development coach and author who is helping countless lawyers grow their practice and achieve their goals. In our conversation, Steve shares some fantastic insights and strategies that can transform your law practice and help you become the authority in your field. Want to know how? Let's dive in! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of running your law practice? Steve emphasizes the importance of not going it alone. He suggests finding mentors and learning from their experiences. Ask yourself, are you tapping...2023-05-0339 min
The Better Divorce PodcastDivision of Property in Divorce - S1E16Today, we're diving into the world of property division in divorce. Are you ready to explore the fascinating differences between community property states or provinces and those without this concept? Let's get started! First things first, let's figure out whether you're in a community property state or province, like British Columbia, or not. Why does this matter? Well, in community property jurisdictions, the law assumes that assets and debts accumulated during your relationship should be equally divided between you and your partner. But what happens when things aren't so clear-cut? Let's take a look at an interesting...2023-04-2709 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer Podcast10 Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Starting Your Law Practice - S3E16Are you thinking of starting your own law practice? Hey there, it's Val, and I'm here to share some essential tips I've learned along the way to help you avoid the mistakes I made and set you up for success in your law practice. So, you've got the legal expertise, but do you know how to build a thriving law practice? One of the first things you should do is make sure you're in control of your time. Are you making the most of your day? Are you prioritizing tasks effectively? Time management is crucial when you're...2023-04-2519 min
The Better Divorce PodcastHow to Find the Best Lawyer for Your Case - S1E15Hello there! In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing the key qualities that you should look for in a high-net-worth divorce lawyer. You might be wondering, what makes a high-net-worth divorce lawyer different from a regular divorce lawyer? The main difference is that high net worth cases often involve more complex financial and asset matters, which require specialized knowledge and experience to handle effectively. So, let’s dive into what you should look for in a lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of a high-net-worth divorce. First and foremost, it’s crucial to find a lawyer who is n...2023-04-2029 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer Podcast10 Reasons Why Family Law is The Best Practice - S3E15Hey there! Val here, and today I'm excited to share with you the 10 reasons why family law is the best practice. I know that being a family law lawyer can have its ups and downs, but despite all that, I truly believe that this area of law is the most rewarding and fulfilling practice out there. Family law is all about connecting with people. As family lawyers, we have the unique opportunity to connect with our clients during one of the most important and vulnerable times in their lives. We get to know them on a personal level and...2023-04-1811 min
The Better Divorce PodcastLitigation vs. Mediation: Take Control of Your Divorce - S1E14If you're considering a separation or divorce, it's essential to think beyond the financial cost. So let's explore the actual cost of litigation compared to mediation together. Litigation can cost double, triple, or even be ten times more expensive than mediation. It involves spending a lot more time in the courtroom, which can be emotionally draining. You're handing over the decision-making power to a stranger who doesn't know you or your family! It is important to understand the impact of litigation on your children. Kids are smart, and they pick up on more than we...2023-04-1313 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastWhy Are Lawyers So Unhappy - S3E14Hey there, are you a lawyer who’s tired of feeling overworked, stressed out, and unhappy with your career? Or do you know someone who is? Trust me, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into why lawyers often struggle with happiness and what you can do to turn things around. Important Takeaways: (4:36) How dispute resolution training can help you navigate intense situations (8:50) How to maintain work-life balance as a family lawyer (11:29) How treating your law practice as a business can improve your financial future (13:35) The power of saying no to unreasonable requests (16:56) The importance of pri...2023-04-1128 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastStarting A Family Law Practice Efficiently - S3E13Hey there! Are you a family lawyer looking to grow your practice without wasting your valuable resources? I get it, and I'm here to help! In this video, I will share three tips for growing your family law practice efficiently and effectively. But before we dive into those tips, let me share some of the ridiculous mistakes I made when I first opened my family law practice. First, I made the mistake of advertising that I did all kinds of law, making me look scattered and not an expert in any area. I also sponsored events where...2023-04-0412 min
The Better Divorce PodcastHow Collaborative Law Will Save You Money During Your Divorce - S1E12Welcome! Today I'll be discussing the pros and cons of collaborative family law. As someone who has been practicing law for years, I've seen firsthand the benefits and potential drawbacks of this approach. So let's dive in. Collaborative family law is a process that allows both parties to work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. It promotes open communication, transparency, and fairness. The key benefit of this approach is that it allows both parties to avoid court and maintain control over the outcome. This means that both parties are more likely to be satisfied with the...2023-03-3026 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastEthical Business Practice Examples for Divorce Lawyers - S3E12Hey there, today is all about the top 10 ethical business practices for divorce lawyers. As a lawyer, it's essential to not only know the law but also to act with integrity and responsibility. In this episode, I'll be sharing some of my personal experiences and insights on the ethical practices that have helped me become a better lawyer and better serve my clients. One of the most critical ethical practices that I emphasize is confidentiality. Divorce cases can be highly sensitive, and it's crucial to protect your client's privacy. I'll be sharing some practical tips on how...2023-03-2924 min
The Better Divorce PodcastYour Divorce To Do List - S1E11Be ready for your separation and divorce process and save legal fees at the same time with this divorce to-do list. I am regularly amazed that so many people have done little or no preparation when initially consulting with me. Initial preparation saves you and your lawyer oodles of time, thus significantly reducing the amount of your investment in legal fees. Regardless of whether or not you retain a lawyer, foundational preparation is the key to having you gain clarity for your path forward. Because this is likely your first separation or divorce, you probably...2023-02-0319 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastWhy Ethical Business Practices Matter for Lawyers - S3E10Lawyers must be familiar with a wide range of tools and technologies, such as case management software, data processing, legal research tools, and template software to manage client data, run client cases efficiently, and communicate effectively with clients. If they are not doing this, they are not being ethical. Do not underestimate the financial and emotional cost of litigation. When a lawyer has a “Scorched earth” strategy in family law, they are not being ethical. In the last 30 years alone, there have been tremendous shifts in the meaning of what it is...2023-01-3117 min
The Better Divorce PodcastThe Bill of Rights for Children of Separated Parents - S01E10Over the years, parents have asked me how to approach their parenting post-separation best because sometimes, they unwittingly trample over their children’s rights after the divorce. Kids will get through your separation and divorce process if you let them. I mean that you have to be diligent about not exposing your child to ongoing conflict and turmoil. This Bill of Rights for Children of Divorced Parents is self-explanatory and gives you powerful parenting guidelines to help you navigate your co-parenting relationship. Lois V. Nightingale created it. Nightingale puts children’s rights after divorce first and fo...2023-01-2628 min
The Better Divorce PodcastHow to Prepare For Your First Appointment With A Divorce LawyerYour first appointment with a divorce lawyer is more important than you think; save time and money when you come prepared with these 6 tips Your first appointment with a divorce lawyer should be one of the first actions you take. Because you are getting divorced, you will need to know what the law says in your specific jurisdiction. Even if you do not hire a lawyer immediately, you will want to understand your rights and responsibilities. This is not the time to cheap out. Pay them for an hour of their time. That way, you can move fo...2023-01-2014 min
The Better Divorce PodcastTop 6 Reasons to Separate and Divorce Without CourtIf you can, separate and divorce without court do it! Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons. Think about it. In this episode, we'll dive into the details of the top 6 reasons why you should separate or divorce without going to court. Here's the list: Judges don’t always get it right. Why hand over life-changing decisions to a stranger? The money, oh the money it costs Don’t you have better things to do before getting on with your future life? STRESS! Did I mention the dirty laundry? If you are feeling a bit stuck, overw...2023-01-1211 min
The Better Divorce PodcastChoosing The Best Family Lawyer and What to AskChoosing the Best Family Divorce Lawyer for you and your changing family circumstances is more important than you think. Not all divorce lawyers are created equally. In this episode, Val goes over the questions you can ask yourself when meeting and hiring the best family divorce lawyer for your matter. Ask yourself, has this lawyer inspired your confidence by “taking charge” (in a respectful way) during your initial meeting? Has your family law lawyer given you a clear outline of your rights and responsibilities? Find Out if Your Potential Lawyer is “Good” at what they do Ask if T...2023-01-0508 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer Podcast3 Top Strategies for growing your practiceGrow Your Family Law Practice Efficiently and Fast: Without Wasting Your Valuable Resources You want to grow your family law practice efficiently, yet you don’t want to waste your valuable resources making the wrong decisions. I get it! I knew I had to learn about family law marketing, but I had no idea where to start. I was overwhelmed with marketing information and ideas but had no efficient strategy. I was busy focusing on being the best divorce lawyer but was flailing huge at my marketing efforts. In this episode, I'm going to...2023-01-0409 min
The Better Divorce PodcastCan You Divorce Without A Lawyer? S01E06 Can you divorce without a lawyer? Of course you can! However, most of the time, when we think about getting divorced, we are really thinking about getting a legally binding final separation agreement that answers these three questions: How are we dividing our assets? What is the parenting plan for our kids? What is the support obligation, if any? In this episode, I'll go over the 4 instances when you should definitely hire a lawyer. Divorcing without a lawyer is up to you. However, I highly recommend that you do consult with a lawyer in your specific jurisdiction to...2022-12-2917 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer Podcast3 Top Strategies For Growing Your Family Law Practice - S03E06Grow Your Family Law Practice Efficiently and Fast: Without Wasting Your Valuable Resources You want to grow your family law practice efficiently, yet you don’t want to waste your valuable resources making the wrong decisions. I get it! I knew I had to learn about family law marketing, but I had no idea where to start. I was overwhelmed with marketing information and ideas but had no efficient strategy. I was busy focusing on being the best divorce lawyer but was flailing huge at my marketing efforts. In this episode, I'm going to...2022-12-2709 min
The Better Divorce PodcastRebuild Your Life After A DivorceIn this episode, we will discuss how to rebuild your life after a divorce. Rebuilding your life after divorce does not have to wait. You might still be in your marriage and thinking about getting divorced. You might even just be newly separated from your spouse. So many people think that they have to wait until they are divorced or have a legally binding separation agreement before they can start rebuilding. You do not have to wait. Your new life is available to you right now. Here are my top 5 strategies for rebuilding your life after divorce...2022-12-2216 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastSuccessful Law Firm Practice ManagementRunning a successful law firm is all about being very smart and working hard, right? Well, not quite. If you want to do right by your clients and enhance your reputation, you’ll also need to manage your firm like any other business. In other words, you'll need to focus on systematizing the heck out of everything, working on your business, and investing in your firm. To have success in life as a lawyer in private practice, you have to nurture, yep, nurture, your successful law practice. Because I want you to avoid the costly mi...2022-12-2013 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastYour law firm client relationship management system that will turn your clients into raving fans. S03E04What if your law firm's client relationship management system was not just about the software you use but about your actual relationship with your client? When I say relationship, I mean your one-on-one, human contact relationship. I mean, as in your personal relationship with your client. If you are in private practice like I do; you not only have to worry about your caseload, but you also have to worry about billings, profit margins, keeping your "bar" or Law Society happy, and let's not even begin with staffing issues, and the relationships you have with other lawyers. O...2022-12-1412 min
The Better Divorce PodcastAre People Happier After Divorce? - S01E03Are People Happier After Divorce? - Making the Tough Decision and Your future focus For a lot of people, getting divorced and separated is so heartbreaking that they could be happier after divorce. For most people, getting divorced is likely to be the most stressful event they experience in their lives. Although some would say that people are not happier after divorce, I disagree wholeheartedly. As a family law lawyer that has acted for literally thousands of people by now, I can say that I have never had a client say that they wi...2022-12-0810 min
Be the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastCrush Your Stress and Create Freedom in 4 Easy StepsCrush Your Stress and Create Freedom in 4 Easy Steps You ever notice that when you have a whole day ahead of you to do “whatever” not much gets done. I think of my sisters, all retired. They say they don’t have time to do anything. All of their days are rolled out in front of them. Having stuff booked in your calendar creates freedom! It also reduces stress, Of the B.E.S.T. Method this relates to the T, Time Saving Techniques. Time-Saving Techni...2022-01-1739 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastFu*k Being Normal It Will Kill YouFu*k Being Normal It Will Kill You “I know you guys are students and poor, but please give if you can!” This statement was said at a rally I attended during my undergrad. I remember nothing about the rally or what it was for, but I do remember that comment. I have never been able to shake the sheer arrogance of that statement. Being a full-time student felt like the most decadent existence ever. Because I had been booted out of high school and commenced my undergrad as a “m...2022-01-0317 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastTime to Start LyingTime to start lying I am a Hemminger. I love being a Hemminger. I am proud to be a Hemminger. I had the best parents, Elma and Julius Hemminger. The Hemminger family adopted me. I came to them when I was about three months old. Elma (my Mom) had two rules. (Well, actually, she had three). If you did not break the two rules, there is no way you could fall out of favour, or be in trouble. This was no matter how big or dumb your mi...2021-10-2521 min
The Happy Lawyer PodcastLaw Firms, Financial Stress, Mental Health and Law Society Interventions with Val HemmingerOn this episode of The Happy Lawyer Podcast I talk to Val Hemminger about:· Leaving traditional law to start her own firm · Financial difficulties and its impacts on her mental health · Breaking the Rules of Professional Conduct · Being investigated by the Law Society · Mental health impacts and a diagnosis of AHDA · Learning from mistakes and moving forward If you want to reach out to Val you can reach her at https://www.valhemminger.com/As always, if you have any questions about your legal career you can reach out to me on Lin...2021-10-2140 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastDo You Want the Red Pill or the Blue Pill?Do You Want the Red Pill or the Blue Pill? What would you rather have? A successful family law practice or a great life? It was back during my party days. My friend Jeff was standing in my kitchen and telling a story about the movie, the Matrix. He was describing the infamous scene where the character, Morpheus, holds out his hands to Neo and offers up either a blue pill or a red pill; a pill of knowledge or a pill of blissful ignorance. Recounting the story, Jeff thought about w...2021-08-2307 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastHave You Stopped Struggling and Started Thriving?Have You Stopped Struggling and Started Thriving? If you are a family law lawyer and are tired of struggling to make it work, then keep reading. Divorce lawyers can thrive instead of just getting by or worse, failing miserably. As one who has been both successful and unsuccessful at various points throughout the past 25 years, I am going to share with you what I have learned about success. Success isn’t always what we expect it to be. What does “success” mean to you? For me, success is about...2021-08-1710 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastWhen it Comes to Negotiating - How Badly do you SUCK?!When it Comes to Negotiating - How Badly do you SUCK?! And how badly do I suck?! I am glad you asked! When it comes to negotiating my clients’ interests, I am kick-ass, thank you very much. I took a course in negotiation skills years ago. It taught me that the best negotiators are well prepared, anticipate the other side’s interests, are clear about their clients’ best and worst outcomes to a negotiated solution, and all the things. People describe me as assertive, passionate about my clients’ interests. Just this past wee...2021-08-0214 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastWhy Being Purposefully Ignorant Can be a Great ThingWhy Being Purposefully Ignorant Can be a Great Thing I have this friend named Heather. She knows so many things. She has renovated her entire house. She not only designed it, but she also did a lot of the work herself. When she got her new dishwasher she actually read the manual so she would know exactly how to load the dishwasher in the most efficient and effective way. If she needs plumbing fixed, she will first try to do it herself before calling a plumber. Most of the time she does not end up needing the...2021-07-1216 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastAre you Starving Your Soul?Are you Starving Your Soul? I had the fortune of being adopted by the Hemminger family, first coming to them via the foster care system as a baby. My parents, Elma and Julius Hemminger, were kind, fun, and very big-hearted people. They were also very wise. I am not a Christian. I used to, however, marvel at my Mom, Elma’s tremendous faith in who she called God. Her faith and prayers filled her soul. There was no question about it. Whenever Elma felt sad or fearful, she prayed. She prayed when she wo...2021-07-0513 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastDon't be a DICK!Don't be a DICK! In order to qualify to work for my law firm, Pathway Legal Law Corporation, the Associate lawyers must commit to taking dispute resolution training. This is training that goes way beyond anything we were taught in law school. It is skills-based mediation training. Why? Dispute resolution training makes family law lawyers way better at what we do: It teaches us about how to negotiate with difficult people; It teaches us how to explore the interests of our clients that are behind their positions; It helps us u...2021-06-2110 min
Positioning to ProfitFinding Your Message to Market Match with Val HemmingerReady to Position Your Business to Profit? Go to-->>> http://positioningtoprofit.com/
Thanks for joining me on this episode of the Positioning to Profit podcast. This is episode 81. I have a very special guest, Val Hemminger, who's a friend of mine and a dear client, and we are talking all about finding your message. She is going to talk about her trials and tribulations in figuring out this whole entrepreneurial thing. And in the process, we have some laughs, but one of the things that I will say about her is that she is tenacious, like you would not believe. So...2021-01-2031 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastGreat Lawyers Fail To Attract Great ClientsTime taught me that attracting great clients is not only about giving 110% in every file. As private divorce lawyers, we must deliver a high-quality job to each client, but we also need to think about how to attract the customers capable of paying what we deserve for that high-quality work. Our efforts should balance between delivering the best outcome possible and strategizing to get clients from the higher end of the market. Today's episode is about what I've learnt of my mistakes and why I can confirm that great lawyers fail to attract great clients. In...2020-09-0710 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastHow To Detect A Dud Client In 5 Easy StepsOur practice could have a dud client haunting our staff, sucking our energy or invading our thoughts on weekends, and we might not be aware of that. Dud clients represent a burden to anyone that approaches its files or try to deal with them. The repercussions of dealing with this kind of client could have a massive negative impact on our businesses, and we should do our best to avoid reaching that point. In this episode, I would like to teach you how to detect a dud client in five easy steps. In this episode:...2020-08-3112 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastAre You Sure Your Practice Is Not An Expensive Hobby?If you've chosen to become a lawyer, doing numbers is most likely, not your specialty. Still, to have a profitable law practice, you must run it like a business. It is vital to know things like where your clients hear of you or what happened with those who sent an email asking something. Do you know how often clients hire you after a meeting? Only after knowing this information is when we can tweak it to make it work. In this episode, I want to share some hints about the data you should keep an eye on and make...2020-08-1711 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastHow To Reach Peace At Your Practice In 3 Easy StepsMost of us have a case from "h-e-double hockey sticks" in our practices. No matter how hard we work on it, we will always feel something is missing, or perhaps that we could have done something different or better. I have one of those that has haunted me for the past eleven years. Luckily I've found a way to deal with it, and I would love to share it with you. Today, I would like to show you how to reach peace at your law practice in three easy steps. In this episode: We al...2020-08-1011 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastThe Worst Thing You Can Do Is Work HardWhen we think about our law practice, work hard seems to be the best idea. Working on weekends, skipping lunch, hitting the desk early in the morning and staying late makes perfect sense. After all, it is our profession, our life. Still, being so immersed in the daily routine could stop us from taking a look at the big picture. Perhaps we work hard because we have an inefficient method, and that hard work might bring better results if used more wisely. Today I would like to tell you why sometimes, the worst thing you can do is working...2020-08-0314 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastYou Are Losing Clients Thanks To Your WebsiteThese days it is hard to imagine a law practice without a web page. However, it is easy to find big companies (not only law practices) with low quality, annoying, slow, or "user-unfriendly" websites. Failing to see the importance of having a smooth, professional and fast website can cost you lots of new clients. Today, I would like to share a few simple yet useful tips to upgrade your site and take your law practice to the next level. In this episode: How do you use Google? [00:03:00] Implementation is better than perfection [00:04:30] Remember that Go...2020-07-2718 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastAre You Exploiting The New Normality?The new reality forced us to adapt our lives. Nowadays, we have virtual birthday parties; we added the facemask to the indispensable items list before going out, and we can appear in court over the phone. But this change doesn't have to be necessarily negative. For instance, last week, I decided to work from a place I love, Whistler, in British Columbia. We can't change the way the world is working, but we can adapt our law practice and exploit the new normality. In this episode: What have you done during this pandemic to gr...2020-07-1412 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastThe Best Way To Market Your Practice In 4 Easy StepsMost lawyers think sales is cheesy, yet, we are all in sales. I believe the secret is to find a way to do it without wasting your time and energy. The good news is you can market your law practice in 4 easy steps without consuming your whole life in the process. Walk with me through this episode, I'll tell you how. In this episode: The first step into being different from the other lawyers [00:03:00] Your company's voice must be posted regularly [00:04:30] First step - Virtual assistants [00:06:00] Step two - Video [00:09:00] The video will take yo...2020-07-0620 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastIf You Want A New Life, You Should Watch Your HabitsMany of us run like headless chickens in our daily routines. We give our best in our jobs; we leave everything we have in the pitch, and at the end of the day, we are so tired that we wish we could create a better life for us. But we don't have time for that because we need to be ready for battle the next day. That cycle restarts and without noticing it, five, or maybe ten years go by. Where do you think your life and practice will be five years from now if you live t...2020-06-2917 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastThe Best Way To Move Up The Emotional ScaleAll of us feel fear, or uncertainty, or even discouragement at some point in our lives. Those negative thoughts might multiply during this pandemic. It would be reasonable. Luckily, there is a way to move up on the emotional scale, and it depends entirely on us. The only thing we need to do is see us as cosmic beings having a human experience, and know that there is an entire universe backing us up. The key is to lean into trust; it is going to be ok. In this episode: The main reason why we...2020-06-1715 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastWhy is a coordinated support staff the best asset?Many law practices see their support staff as a 'great thing', but too expensive. The truth is that if your support staff works like a well-oiled machine, it can actually reduce your costs and help expand your profit margin. In this episode, I will explain to you why a coordinated support staff is the best asset you can have. In this episode Stay in your zone of genius [00:02:30] Those who have to make everything themselves [00:03:30] How to thrive in the practice of law [00:05:00] Our law firm, our family [00:06:00] The side effects of not having su...2020-06-0809 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastVisioning, The Ultimate Life-Changing Energy CreatorSocial pressure 'wrote' a long list of things we are supposed to do with our lives. In my case, even after ticking every single box of that list, my life didn't feel right, something was missing. The things we are supposed to do maybe are not the best option for us, that is why we should focus on the things that make our soul sing. It can be anything, every fulfilling life is unique, but all of them have the same origin: visioning, the ultimate life-changing energy creator. In this episode The origin of ev...2020-06-0121 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastHow To Turn Your Nasty Dog-File Into A Cute Little PuppyEvery law practice has a file seated on a corner since the beginning of time. It is there, accumulating dust and growing every day. The truth is that if we don't deal with it, this howling dog-file will come and bite us sooner or later. In this episode, I share with you a flawless technique that will help you turn this nasty dog-file into a cute little puppy. In this episode My first growling dog file [00:02:10] How does this affect us as lawyers [00:03:00] What about delegating [00:04:00] A new nasty dog file is born [00:05:15] When imp...2020-05-2509 minBe the Best Divorce Lawyer PodcastWhy Can Zoom Boost Your Practice Or Destroy It?The lockdowns all over the globe forced tons of people to increase their online business management. Since most people are not allowed to go to the office, Zoom meetings became a commonplace and a useful tool for workers and business owners. But, could this valuable gadget turn against us? Is Zoom meant to boost our practice or destroy it? In this episode, I share with you my top tips to consider when using this two-edged tool. In this episode Our business changed [00:01:30] Choosing the right place for a Zoom meeting [00:03:00] Meeting in a closet [00:04:00] T...2020-05-1807 min
Your Family VillageHow to pull it together when it seems like life has gone to SH*TDear Golden Goddess,
Today I want to share with you a practice that's enhanced my life as Golden Goddess:
Being busy, having kids, being married, then having a divorce. We can get really caught up in the stress of life. In fact, I was running on empty for years. When my life really began to fall apart, my acupuncturist told me I was running on an empty tank and all I was was a ball of anxious energy.
So, how do we turn anxious energy around?
From bei...2019-03-0205 minYour Family VillageHow to Heal and Create Love in Your Life After SeparationNicole Amaturo is a Personal Growth & Love Coach who helps women all over the world heal after divorce, step into their power, and manifest love through self-love. Nicole holds a B.A. in Education and Psychology, as well as an M.A. in Holistic Health from Georgian Court University. Nicole is a divorced mom of three teenagers who is now lucky enough to recently share a fourth with her new love.
She is on a mission to share her lessons in self-love and worth that she implemented herself in order to attract this dream love a...2019-02-2331 minYour Family VillageGolden Goddesses Revolutionizing Our LivesAre you a Golden Goddess? I know I am.
A woman whose presence is felt whenever she enters a room. One who exudes traits of strength, understanding, intelligence, empathy, as well as a very strong will.
Who gave me the authority to call me a Golden Goddess? I did.
Who can give you the authority to call yourself a Golden Goddess? You can.
Join me in my self-appointed quest of being a golden goddess and in my quest for absolute and total life transformation. We are re...2019-02-1209 minYour Family VillageAn Unusual but Effective Way to Deal with Debilitating AnxietyEmilie Clarke was the Radio announcer for 10 years at a top 40 radio station.
She “had it all.” She had the husband, the nice car, the great job, the great house etc. and yet, she felt so terribly empty.
Everything came crashing down when she started having anxiety attacks that left her feeling deeply ashamed and embarrassed. She also could not figure out why someone who “had it all” could have such a problem. Of course, she had not realized that she obsessing over her social media following, spending her days accomplishing task after task with a to-do...2019-02-1228 minYour Family VillageWhy Our Parenting Behaviours Affect Your Grandkids, Even if They Haven’t Been Born YetAnna is a first-person advocate for Co-Parenting in Harmony and a true believer in having an outstanding blended family lifestyle. As founder of Co-Parenting in Harmony, Anna is on a mission to restore well-being that often rips divorced and blended families apart.
Anna is a Certified Master Coach Practitioner specialising in Co-Parenting. She's passionate about guiding and helping divorced parents as well as bonus (step) parents discover and develop workable solutions so that the entire family thrives. Anna interrupts old beliefs, patterns of emotions and habits preventing parents from taking action to uncover and achieve the result...2019-02-1222 minYour Family VillageYFV How to Be Instantaneously HappyYou want to be happy right? But life is not that simple is it? Maybe you have financial stress like I have. Maybe you are going through a divorce, like I am. Maybe you still can’t lose the weight you have always wanted to lose. Hello! Maybe you feel lonely and isolated sometimes. Maybe, like me, you have crushing work stress.Like me, me, you may have been thinking that you have so many circumstances causing you to feel bummed out. You think, well, maybe if my circumstances could change, I could finally be happy.
Well my...2019-02-1211 min
Your Family VillageHow to dig yourself out from Self-Loathing to Self-Like and maybe even Self-Love with Andrea LoewenSo, what happens if you feel like nobody really likes you, or you are not a valuable person? What happens if you just can’t shake the feeling that people are only pretending to like you rather than actually like you.
Andrea Loewen felt just that way. She felt she was living life on the outside and excluded from the enjoyment everyone else felt until one day, things began to change.
In her book, to be released February 4, 2019, Feeling Better: A Field Guide to Liking Yourself, Andrea shares the concrete practices and habits she developed to...2019-02-1223 minYour Family Village035 - How To Help Put Divorce Lawyers Out of WorkI was adopted. I came as a foster child to the Hemminger family, and my luck had it that they decided to keep me. It was because of the fluid definition that my parents had of “family” that opened their hearts enough to raise more than one child that, biologically, wasn’t theirs. That fluid definition is something that my siblings and I have carried forward in our own lives.
Today, I want to talk about what we as a culture can do to put divorce lawyers out of work. By the way, I’m a divorce lawyer...2018-09-2510 min
Your Family Village032 - Making Ourselves Happier By Being In Service To OthersWhat most Buddhists believe, and a lot of people on a spiritual path believe, is that we are meant to be in service. Whether it’s to be in service to one another, or to create, we’re here to make the world a better place and make other people’s lives better.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can follow her on valhemminger.com and on the Your Family Village Facebook page.
Connect with...2018-07-1807 min
Your Family Village031 - Grow Your Extended Family With Unconditional Love: Adopt A Dog!While having a dog is a huge commitment and may not be for everyone, for those of us who have the time and structure in our lives, a dog is just the kind of “person” who can fill our hearts to full.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can follow her on valhemminger.com and on the Your Family Village Facebook page.
Connect with those you live with and love, create and develop more m...2018-07-1603 min
Your Family Village030 - How to Directly Touch Someone, Right in the Heart: Texting with PaperSo many of us are too busy trying to keep up with all the demands of life. We sometimes forget how easy it can be to reach out. I was reminded recently of a profound way that we can reach out to people that we care about: the old-fashioned, hand-written note. The great thing about sending a note the old-fashioned way is that the sentiment is just as valuable as what’s written inside.
Listen to today's podcast for inspiration, and a sweet story about how my step-daughter recently made my whole week.
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Val H...2018-07-0404 min
Your Family Village10 Easy Ways To Connect When You Feel Disconnected and Overwhelmed: #1 PuzzlingLast week I shared my top-10 Easy Ways To Connect When You're Feeling Disconnected And Overwhelmed. Today, I talk about what I love so much about puzzles!
10 Easy Ways To Connect When You're Feeling Disconnected And Overwhelmed1. Do a Puzzle2. Play Cards3. Grab a Cuppa4. Make Food With Someone You Care About5. Throw a Potluck6. Host an Awesome Soup Saturday7. Craft!8. Bake9. Go For a Picnic10. Go For A Walk
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with...2018-06-2502 min
Your Family Village029 - 10 Easy Ways To Spend Time With Others When You’re Feeling Disconnected and OverwhelmedMost of us want to spend more time with the people we care about. And a lot of us are wondering where we’ll find the time to do it.
In this podcast, I share my top-10 list of not-so-big-steps that we can take to stave off lonely, create relationships, and in general, grow our own happiness! These ideas are specifically for busy, tired people who want more human connections in their lives.
Links:
Susan Pinker TED Talk: The Secret To Living Longer May Be In Your Social Life
https://www.ted...2018-06-2010 min
Your Family Village028 - How to Make a Dinner Party for Tired, Hungry, Busy PeopleNothing makes me happier than our home with people in it. It's all about the sound of laughter and conversation, with the chaos of kids and dogs playing somewhere in the background. It fills my heart.
Hosting a potluck is my favourite go-to when I need to reconnect and I'm too busy or overwhelmed with life to organize a formal dinner party. Listen to this week's podcast is all about where the word "potluck" came from, and shares ideas on how to throw one without adding to your busy schedule.
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Val Hemminger is...2018-05-3005 min
Your Family Village027 - Getting Our Friends to Hang Out Longer: The Uber Comfy Whistler BenchIn this week's video I share how a relatively small construction project in our kitchen has radically changed how much time my friends and family want to hang out at my house. If you’ve been following my channel, then you already know what I believe - and studies show - about how important it is to spend time with the people we love.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can follow her on valhemminger.com ...2018-05-2405 min
Your Family Village026 - Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak: Part 5 - ForgivenessThis five-part series, called The Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak, captures the wisdom of my divorce clients and puts it into a strategic guide for anyone struggling to overcome the aching loneliness of divorce or separation.
Part 5: Forgiveness talks about how adopting a Forgiveness Practice can help you to find the answers - and the power - within yourself to rebuild a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Links
Antidote To Crushing Heartache ~ Part 1: Hope & Understanding
Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak ~ Part 2: Weaving Your Social Fabric
Antidote To Crus...2018-05-1507 min
Your Family Village025 - Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak: Part 4 - Finding FulfillmentMany of us have been through a devastating breakup. Whether it was a long-term relationship or a marriage, there is nothing more painful than the loneliness of crushing heartbreak. But, in my 20 years working as a divorce lawyer, I've witnessed some incredible transformations; clients who not too long ago wandered into my office in a daze of devastation now live vibrant, happy lives.
This five-part series, called The Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak, captures the wisdom of my clients and puts it into a strategic guide for anyone struggling to overcome the aching loneliness of divorce o...2018-05-0806 min
Your Family Village024 - Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak: Part 3 ~ Keeping Track Of What's ImportantMany of us have been through a devastating breakup. Whether it was a long-term relationship or a marriage, there is nothing more painful than the loneliness of crushing heartbreak. But, in my 20 years working as a divorce lawyer, I've witnessed some incredible transformations; clients who not too long ago wandered into my office in a daze of devastation now live vibrant, happy lives.
This five-part series, called The Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak, captures the wisdom of my clients and puts it into a strategic guide for anyone struggling to overcome the aching loneliness of divorce o...2018-05-0109 min
Your Family Village023 - Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak: Part 2 ~ Weaving Your Social FabricMany of us have been through a devastating breakup. Whether it was a long-term relationship or a marriage, there is nothing more painful than the loneliness of crushing heartbreak. But, in my 20 years working as a divorce lawyer, I've witnessed some incredible transformations; clients who not too long ago wandered into my office in a daze of devastation now live vibrant, happy lives.
This five-part series, called The Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak, captures the wisdom of my clients and puts it into a strategic guide for anyone struggling to overcome the aching loneliness of divorce o...2018-04-2505 min
Your Family Village022 - Antidote to Crushing Heartbreak: Part 1 ~ Hope & UnderstandingMany of us have been through a devastating breakup. Whether it was a long-term relationship or a marriage, there is nothing more painful than the loneliness of crushing heartbreak. But, in my 20 years working as a divorce lawyer, I've witnessed some incredible transformations; clients who not too long ago wandered into my office in a daze of devastation now live vibrant, happy lives.
This five-part series, called The Antidote To Crushing Heartbreak, captures the wisdom of my clients and puts it into a strategic guide for anyone struggling to overcome the aching loneliness of divorce or separation. 2018-04-2017 min
Your Family Village021 – How to Defend Against Crushing StressContrary to what a lot of people say, anger, fear, and sadness are all a necessary part of life. Problems with these emotions arise when our fear causes us to become paralyzed, our anger to rage, or our sadness tips us into despair.
This is what can happen when we become overwhelmed by stress. Our reaction to stress can make it hard for us to be present with our loved ones, with our kids, our spouses and our friends.
This week’s episode is all about building a moat around our ourselves and protecting our pe...2018-03-1410 min
Your Family Village020 - What Now? Recreating Life After Divorce and Separation
Val is a divorce lawyer whose clients are often people who find themselves at a place in their life that they didn’t expect to be. In today’s episode she shares inspiring insight and words of encouragement for anyone going through divorce or separation.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can follow her on valhemminger.com and on the Your Family Village Facebook page.
Connect with those you live with and love, create and develop more meaningful...2018-03-0709 min
Your Family Village019 - When Life Feels Hopeless - How You Can Be A Cultural Ambassador to HelpIn today's world it can be hard to not get wrapped up in the negativity. It seems to come at us from all angles - at work, in the news, and even in the TV shows that we watch. This podcast is all about taking responsibility to maintain our own positive energy, and then sharing that positive energy to uplift those around us!
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can follow her on valhemminger.com and...2018-02-2810 min
Your Family Village018 - Embrace Relying Upon OthersWe need interconnectedness to thrive and do well in life. When Val once had a Tarot reading, she was told that her success and happiness in life would depend on her working with others and giving to others.
At the time, Val felt a sense of shame or embarrassment that she would need to have help from others. We have a culture that teaches us to be independent, but this may not be the best thing for us.
Val now realizes now that it’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s what we all need...2018-02-2007 min
Your Family Village017 - When Your Life Unexpectedly Falls Apart - How One Single Parent Created Her Own Extended Family and VillageLife doesn’t always go as planned. Candy is a superstar legal assistant at Hemminger Law Group Westshore who unexpectedly became a single parent. Despite having a partner and a plan when she became pregnant, the partner left Candy to have the child as a single parent, pulling the carpet out from under her. While this was devastating and brought a wave of challenges, it hasn’t stopped Candy from doing what’s needed to create a rich and satisfying life for both her and her child.
Candy and her ex-partner have even been able to do things t...2018-02-1322 min
Your Family Village016 - Gezelligheid: Creating Happy The European Way“The greatest ingredient for human happiness is being with other people.”
Gezelligheid is a Dutch word that relates to the heart. It encompasses the heart of Dutch culture. Val is currently visiting Haarlem in the Netherlands and experiencing Gezelligheid first-hand. It’s the effort people make to make others feel comfy, cozy and wanting to stay. It’s a lot like Hygge, but more social.
The concept is more about a feeling, rather than words to describe it. In this episode, Val talks about her experience with Gezelligheid and how we can apply it to our live...2018-02-0608 min
Your Family Village015 - The Hygge Life: How To Create A FamilyIn the last episode, you heard about the concept of Hygge. Hygge originates in Denmark, and relates to being cozy, connected, and to paying attention to the little comforts life has to offer.
Today, we explore the idea further, specifically how you can use Hygge to create community and family connections that will help you thrive. Hygge helps us provide a cultural framework, or canvas, upon which we can develop the Hygge personal experiences.
Danes don’t expect Hygge to come to them. They create it. They create it purposefully and do so consciously. Like eve...2018-01-3110 min
Your Family Village014 - Creating the Hygge LifeWhat do comfy sweaters, candles, book clubs, and fall camping? If you can't quite put your finger on the word, maybe it's because you've never heard it before! The answer is Hygge. Hygge is the Scandinavian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. It has become a defining characteristic of Danish culture. Since the Danes remain some of the happiest people in the world, it's worth taking a look at Hygge, which is thought to be one of the big reasons for their life satisfaction.
Book: The Hygge Life: Emb...2018-01-2311 min
Your Family Village013 - It Is Worth It To Create Those ThreadsMaking human connections and being connected to others is important for our health and happiness. Sometimes, making these connections is hard and challenging, requiring us to put ourselves out there.
In this episode, Val explains why it’s worth it to make this effort, how much her life has been enriched by making connections, and examples of things you can do to make these connections with other people.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can fo...2018-01-0411 min
Your Family Village012 - The Nuclear Family Sucks... And What We Can Do About itDoes the "ideal" nuclear family really work? It makes us vulnerable. If we only have like two or three people to live with, confide in, share things with, what happens if we divorce? What happens when our kids leave home? What happens if our spouse dies? How many people do you know who spoke about growing up in their nuclear family as a wonderful experience? How many people do you know who speak of their growing up experiences within their families as traumatic, or sad, or lonely? One of the reasons is because it is a flawed model in the...2017-11-2820 minYour Family Village011 - Mom's Dying Gift - Our Long Lost Foster Brother, Michael, after more than 40 yearsWe all know how to “make” a family, but what does this mean in the broader sense? Val Hemminger explains how family is not limited to only biological connections. It has to do with the heart.
Listen as Val shares the story of Michael who was adopted by another family, despite being loved by the Hemminger family. Even after many years apart, the strong connection, created by love, never faded.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Famil...2017-08-1923 minYour Family Village010 - Are There Holes in Your Sweater? How to Strengthen the Fabric of Our RelationshipsHow do you create the fabric and threads in your life? Imagine that every connection you have with other people is represented by a thread. The threads may be thicker or thinner depending on the person or circumstances, and they all form the fabric of life. The more connections you have, the stronger your fabric.
In this episode, Val Hemminger discusses creating new threads and strengthening those you have already. By making an effort to grow your threads, you’ll feel the fabric of life strengthen and become richer as time goes on.
Please comment an...2017-08-1010 minYour Family Village009 - Taking a Stroll With Our Kids, Connecting Without Even Realizing ItAfter a long workday, it can be tempting to sit indoors watching TV. However, getting out to meet people and make connections is likely much more fulfilling!
Val Hemminger explains that even a simple walk around the neighborhood can lead to new friendships, connections, and quality time with loved ones.
It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, just a simple walk will do! Val walks with her daughter, which creates quality time and conversation together that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
Val issues a challenge to you: get out there and make...2017-08-0206 minYour Family Village008 - Too Tired? Too Busy? Do These Things To Make Connections AnywaysDo you have a set of guidelines for living? If so, what are they? If not, let this episode of Growing Up Hemminger serve as inspiration! Val Hemminger shares her top 12 guidelines for living. These include everything from forgiveness practice to keeping a clean home.
Please leave a comment and share some of your own!
Links from this episode:
Ho’oponoponoMark’s Daily AppleMaster Sha Divine Healer
Books:
The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson
The Leader Who Had No Title...2017-07-2529 minYour Family Village007 - Because Our Families Can Really Tick Us Off - And Why We Hang Out AnywaysVal has been focusing on the positive aspects of human connections and spending time with others, but today delves into some of the opposites. Sometimes people can irritate each other! It’s normal for this to happen, but always remember to cherish the moments and memories. Val shares some stories about parties and family gatherings that may not have been perfect at the time, but that doesn’t mean there are no benefits to take away.
Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us by Seth Godin
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawye...2017-07-1312 minYour Family Village006 - Spaces That Make Our Bodies Comfy So We Can Grow Our ConnectionsBy definition, the word “sober” sounds boring. Since we generally use the word sober as relating to alcohol, does that mean anybody who doesn’t drink is boring? Of course not. Val reframes the idea of “sober” and explains why we aren’t necessarily sober simply because we don’t drink or use other substances.
For the second part of this episode, Val discusses fostering community connections. When searching for a place to live, it’s common to admire a home for its beautiful flooring and spacious kitchen, but how about a common area where people can gather? A yard...2017-07-0617 minYour Family Village005 - We Don't Have To Be So Lonely - Steps to Take to Make Us Connect MoreIt’s easy to brush somebody off as strange, mean, grumpy, or awkward. But, you may be surprised what can actually happen if you get to know such a person.
Val shares a story explaining how she did just this and ended up making a new friend. You benefit by bringing others into your world, and by being part of theirs. Plus, being kind and authentic is enjoyable!
There are actions you can take to help form connections and create more time with loved ones, whether it’s a family game night or a camping trip...2017-06-2913 minYour Family Village004 - The Summer of the War of the ShortsExploring the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child,” Val shares a story from her childhood.
Val was delighted when part of her wardrobe transformed from dorky to cool, thanks to a friend’s mom. However, Val’s own mother was not so impressed.
In the end, neither Val or her mom won the war of the shorts, but we learn a great lesson on the importance of community and neighbors, as opposed to being limited to the nuclear family.
How do we create community now, when we have so much les...2017-06-1627 minYour Family Village003 – The Nuclear Family is Flawed By Design - This is What We Can Do About itOur ancestors thrived by being in groups and tribes. Val discusses the benefits of this, why we shouldn’t be limited to just the nuclear family, how we can emulate how our ancestors lived, and how the Hemmingers did just that. With most households having two working parents, busier than ever, it’s a recipe for frayed nerves and exhaustion, so shouldn’t we have some help? There’s truth in the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.”
Val also share’s an inspiring story about the “ideal” divorce when children are involved. It may be a difficult...2017-06-0919 minYour Family Village002 - When You Divorce a Person You Don't Have To Divorce Their Whole Tribe!Each relationship is a thread that connects us, some stronger and some fainter but all forming fabric of life.
Val discusses the importance of community and friendship, whether you apply it to raising children, knowing your neighbors, or other areas of life. This is something that our ancestors thrived off of. We can learn some other valuable lessons from our ancestors, such as the paleo way of living, eating whole natural food, and moving rather than sitting for long periods.
In this episode, you'll also hear about why, during a divorce, it's not necessary for...2017-05-2930 minYour Family Village001 - Introduction - Why Being More Connected Can Make You HappierWelcome to the Growing Up Hemminger Podcast! In this episode, Val introduces the podcast, gives some insight into why she's starting it, and what you'll hear in future episodes.
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Val Hemminger is a mother, lawyer, and person who loves to connect with other humans. For a daily dose of Your Family Village you can follow her on valhemminger.com and on the Your Family Village Facebook page.
Connect with those you live with and love, create and develop more meaningful friendships. Get Val Hemminger's Free eBook: The Door Is Always Open 2017-05-1712 min