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In this episode of ArkBar OnAir: President’s Mic, Arkansas Bar Association President Jamie Jones Walsworth leads a timely and thought-provoking discussion of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

Focusing on the first half of the book, the conversation explores Haidt’s central argument that around 2010, childhood fundamentally shifted, from a play-based experience to a phone-based one. Panelists examine the corresponding rise in anxiety, depression, and self-harm among teenagers, and consider what this shift means for families, professionals, and society as a whole.

Bringing together perspectives from law, mental health, communications, and lived experience, the discussion balances research with real-world insight, particularly through the voices of parents and a member of the generation most impacted. Together, the group reflects on how technology is shaping childhood, the challenges it presents, and the role adults play in navigating this evolving landscape.

This episode sets the stage for a continued conversation, with Part 2 focusing on the remainder of the book and deeper implications for the future.

Featured Guest:

Natalie Ghidotti – Founder & CEO, Ghidotti Communications

Jennifer Donaldson – Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP)

Arden “AJ” Jones – Student, representing the Gen Z/teen perspective    

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In this opening session of our book club podcast, Bill Waddell leads a thoughtful discussion of The Devil in the Grove, focusing on the book’s historical foundations and its continued relevance today. As the group begins with Chapters 1–6, the conversation explores key themes raised in the book, including the role of lawyers in moments of racial injustice, the moral demands of advocacy, and the social context in which civil rights struggles unfold. The discussion also considers how the book (written before the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement) reads differently in light of more recent developments, including renewed debate and resistance around civil rights. Drawing on historical parallels, literary context, and personal reflection, this episode sets the stage for a deeper, multi-session conversation about why these stories still matter and what they ask of lawyers and citizens today. 

Guest Name:   William “Bill” Waddell; Judge Joyce Williams Warren; Abby Brenneman; and Jonathan Warren

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Host Jamie Jones Walsworth sits down with John Wilkerson, General Counsel and Legislative Director for the Arkansas Municipal League, to unpack the recent amendments to Rule 702. Together, they explore the rule’s implications for Arkansas municipalities, how the changes may affect expert testimony in litigation, and what attorneys need to know to navigate the updated standards. 

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Need a quick reset between hearings, deadlines, or difficult conversations? In this special standalone bonus episode, attorney and mindfulness teacher Claire Parsons guides listeners through a calming body scan meditation designed to be reused anytime—at your desk, at home, or wherever you can take a few quiet minutes.

Claire begins by helping you set up a safe, comfortable environment, then leads you step-by-step through noticing physical sensations from head to toe—releasing tension in common stress-holding areas like the jaw, shoulders, chest, and belly. The practice is gentle and flexible: you’re encouraged to move past any area that feels uncomfortable and return to the breath whenever needed.

This episode is meant to be a practical, repeatable tool for lawyers looking to slow down, reconnect with the body, and support steadier focus and emotional regulation—without needing to “clear your mind” or do anything perfectly.

(For additional guided practices and resources, visit BrilliantLegalMind.com or connect with Claire Parsons.)

Arkansas Bar Association President Jamie Jones Walsworth welcomes attorney, author, and wellness advocate Claire Parsons—licensed in Ohio and Kentucky—to talk candidly about stress in legal practice and why mindfulness and meditation are practical tools (even for skeptics). Claire shares her personal path into meditation during early motherhood, postpartum depression recovery, and the pressure of an intense litigation schedule—and how a simple “one minute a day” start helped her build resilience, self-compassion, and focus over time.

Together, they break down what mindfulness is (and isn’t), why meditation doesn’t require “shutting your mind off,” and how stress management can actually improve performance, decision-making, and professional confidence—especially through big transitions like firm growth and mergers. Claire also introduces the concept of a body scan meditation, explains how it helps lawyers reconnect with the body, recognize emotions before they escalate, and create space for calmer, more skillful responses.

Listeners will also hear where to find Claire’s resources—including her blog, guided meditations, her book How to Be a Badass Lawyer, and opportunities to practice with other attorneys through the Mindfulness in Law Society—plus a reminder to check out the standalone body scan episode for an on-demand mindfulness reset.

https://brilliantlegalmind.com/

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Arkansas Bar Association President Jamie Jones Walsworth sits down with Jennifer Donaldson, Executive Director of the Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), for a practical conversation about lawyer wellness—what it looks like in real life, why it matters to clients and the public, and how JLAP can help at every stage (from stress and burnout to depression, anxiety, substance use, and crisis situations).

Jennifer breaks down what JLAP is (a confidential program of the Arkansas Supreme Court), what happens when someone reaches out, and how lawyers, judges, and law students can access support—including clinical services, a statewide network of vetted providers, and help navigating higher levels of care when needed. The episode also highlights key findings from JLAP’s 2024 statewide attorney survey and explains the Arkansas Supreme Court’s consideration of a required wellbeing CLE hour—without increasing the total number of required credits—and how attorneys can submit comments before December 31, 2025.

If you or a colleague needs support, you can learn more or reach out confidentially at arjlap.org or [email protected]

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In this episode, host Jamie Jones Walsworth sits down with tax attorneys Katie Bingham and Marc Martinez break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and explain what every lawyer, tax or not, should know. From tip income deductions to overtime tax breaks, they unpack the key provisions in plain English and discuss how these changes could impact clients across industries. Whether you practice labor law, employment, or business, this is the tax update you didn’t know you needed.