Butter Torts: A Truly Canadian Legal Podcast

Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Jan Marin to today's episode to discuss Fertility Negligence claims. This medical area lacks regulation due to its recent prevalence in the last decade when many families began considering Fertility Clinics' assistance in having children. Jan discusses the many risks involved in this area, sharing many valuable examples of families dramatically affected by mistakes committed by Fertility Clinics.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Jan explains how she became interested in Fertility Negligence.

[4:40] What is Fertility Negligence from a malpractice perspective? Jan shares some examples of Fertility Negligence.

[9:58] Jan shares her concern about continually receiving calls from clients who suffered from Fertility Negligence.

[10:59] How do families first discover a problem that leads to Fertility negligence?

[16:46] Often victims of Fertility Negligence hear: 'Just adopt', and it is simply not that easy; Jan explains why.

[19:26] What change does Jan hope to see to prevent Fertility Negligence from happening? Jan discusses a few factors.

[21:57] There is no regulation over the work done by Embriologists.

[23:03] Jan talks about the importance of mandatory error reporting.

[24:08] There is a need for an Organization that can accredit Fertility Clinics.

[27:33] Does the Government have any involvement in regulating Fertility Clinics?

[32:21] We need advocates to make the necessary changes in the Fertility area.

[34:07] Jan addresses the layers of complexity in explaining to your child that they are not biologically yours due to a medical malpraxis.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Jan Marin

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Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes two incredible guests: Kevin Rempel and Dana Parsons.

Kevin is a Canadian Paralympian, Hero Mindset Speaker, Workshop & Team Building Facilitator.

Kevin has surmounted incredible life challenges to reach the Olympic podium and now brings his powerful message of hope and resilience to audiences through his speaking and writing. He is a 2013 World Champion and 2014 Sochi Paralympic bronze medalist in sled hockey with an incredible story of overcoming tremendous adversity. Dana Parsons is the owner and CEO of Wright Rehab where Kevin is about to begin his new program designed to help people who've faced traumatic accidents find their way to a new, fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

[2:54] Dana shares how she met Kevin and the project they share today.

[6:14] Kevin talks about his motivation to help others overcome traumatic experiences.

[10:01] Brenda, Kevin, and Dana discuss the power of sharing our experiences with those who go through similar situations.

[12:14] Kevin talks about the mental health struggle when overcoming a traumatic accident.

[16:47] How does Kevin meet people where they are at?

[18:06] Kevin shares the importance of knowing what you must let go to improve.

[20:12] Brenda talks about transitions and embracing that life will not be the same.

[25:30] Finding opportunity in struggles is the key to growing and learning.

[30:04] Kevin shares one of his most significant life lessons.

[31:40] Dana clarifies who can benefit from Kevin's program and explains what the program is about.

[34:47] Kevin's program can be covered through insurance.

[35:25] Kevin talks to those interested in one-on-one coaching with him.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Kevin Rempel and Dana Parsons.

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Brenda Agnew and Tiffany Lawand-Fraser, your hosts, welcome Nicole Galeotalanza, Case Manager with TriStar Health Management. She has been working with families and supporting individuals with traumatic injuries since 2002 and started her case management practice in 2007. Nicole's academic and professional journey is a true testament to her commitment, passion, and dedication to supporting others.

Key Takeaways:

[2:07] Nicole talks about her current role and her connection with Glucksteing Lawyers.

[3:57] How did Nicole begin her work as a case manager?

[6:26] What is life care planning?

[11:25] You only have one chance to get the life care plan you need.

[12:50] A life care plan must include what is relevant for the person involved.

[13:25} How did Nicole realize she wanted to become a life coach?

[15:35] Nicole explains the difference between a therapist and a life coach.

[18:30] Nicole speaks of her work as a life coach.

[20:35] A life coach accompanies clients from day 1 of their recovery.

[23:05] Identifying the client's goals is not always easy.

[26:34] Does Nicole help the clients define their goals and how they will look in the future?

[33:42] Nicole explains why her passion is working with children.

[35:30] Life coaching can support different stages of development and life.

[38:55] How is life coaching funded?

[46:35] A mindset shift is needed to integrate the necessary support of a life coach into rehabilitation from personal injury.

[48:26] How can someone find the right life coach for them?

[55:20] As a coach, you try to create more happiness in the world around you.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Nicole Galeotalanza

Visit ActionforHapiness.org

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Vanshika Dhawan, today's host, welcomes filmmaker Ally Pankiw. Ally made her TV directing debut with Netflix's "Feel Good," which she also produced. She was also a writer on the "Schitt's Creek" and directed the "Joan Is Awful" episode of Netflix's Black Mirror. Ally recently released her first feature film, "I Used to Be Funny," which she wrote and directed. Ally and Vanshika share an interesting conversation about her career and her latest film, which portrays the reality of overcoming trauma and PTSD.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Ali talks about her film, "I Used to Be Funny."

[3:54] Ally explains how she chose the main character's career as a stand-up comedian.

[6:37] Vanshika speaks about the difficult job of quantifying the damage done to the victims of sexual assault trauma.

[9:01] Achieving justice doesn't close a victim's healing journey.

[12:53] The systems in place allow abuse to happen.

[17:08] Ally describes how the main character appears passive as a trauma response, finding it difficult to take action in her own life.

[18:26] The film intends to validate victims of sexual assault in a way that the law can't.

[20:17] Ally shares her experience with the leading actress' impersonation of the main character.

[26:28] This Canadian film talks about what happens to our people every day.

[28:10] Humor can also be a way to survive together.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Ally Pankiw

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Brenda Agnew and Jordan Assaraf, your hosts, are joined by Charles Gluckstein in today's compelling episode. Together, they embark on a journey through the expansive realm of AI, tracing its origins and illuminating its transformative evolution up to the present day. Within the ever-growing sphere of technological advancement, AI's massive influence on the legal landscape emerges as both inevitable and indispensable.

Key Takeaways:

[2:24] Charles discusses AI origins and the two types of Artificial Intelligence.

[5:02] Is there one AI source, or is each company creating AI programs?

[8:17] What AI programs are used in the legal field?

[10:35] Are there programs that are specifically designed to assist lawyers?

[13:13] Are there any pitfalls in the use of AI that lawyers should be aware of?

[17:23] From a client's perspective, why must the legal firm they choose embrace new AI technologies?

[21:03] Will AI impact the quality of education of younger lawyers?

[22:01] Charles explores the quality of the work that AI does.

[24:36] How does a client know if the AI tools a firm is using are reliable and accurate?

[26:01] It is an issue for the law to recognize fake evidence.

[28:32] What kind of AI tools are judges using?

[31:35] Does the use of AI impact judicial independence?

[31:58] How does AI apply to modify images impact medical malpractices and product liability cases?

[33:55] Are lawyers being formally trained to use AI tools?

[39:21] The more you use AI, the more you learn what it can do for you.

[39:47] How is Jordan using Co-Pilot?

[44:09] Shortly, most of our ideas and decisions will be checked with AI to ensure they are sound.

[46:30] Charles talks about the imminent presence of AI-led robots covering different roles in assisting people.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

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Brenda Agnew and Vanshika Dhawan, your hosts for today's episode, welcome Mandi Gray to today's conversation about sexual assault and defamation law.

Mandi is a researcher, writer, and advocate who lives in Toronto with her dog CeCe. She was awarded a PhD. She is currently an assistant professor in an undergraduate Criminology Program for research and teaching focusing on gender and violence. Mandi also consults with a wide array of profit and nonprofit organizations on complex problems related to gender justice and injustice.

Key Takeaways:

[2:58] Mandi shares how she got interested in the topic of gender-based violence.

[5:30] Mandi explains how meeting Lynn influenced her journey as an advocate for sexual assault victims.

[7:47] Mandi did not know that formal reporting of sexual assault could lead to a defamation lawsuit.

[11:20] Mandi discusses the anti-feminist backlash to discourage people from addressing sexual and gender violence.

[12:33] Mandi acknowledges some of her own misconceptions.

[16:01] How can you compensate for the loss of reputation monetarily?

[18:50] Many victims are often worried about what could be the consequences of reporting.

[22:55] What do advocates say about defamation lawsuits for reporting sexual violence?

[29:30] The discriminatory stereotypes about people who experience sexual violence are the foundation for defamation lawsuits.

[32:50] How should a rape victim act?

[33:15] Diana addresses the ethics on the defense side.

[37:45] Mandi talks about her book Suing for Silence.

[41:28] Mandi shares other projects she is currently working on.

[44:33] The most important is that people make informed decisions.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Mandi Gray

Documentary: The Diary of a Rape Trial, Mandi Gray

Suing for silence: Sexual Violence and Defamation Law, Mandi Gray

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Brenda Agnew, your host, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Aaron Palmer, the owner of Palmer Wellness and Rehab and an occupational therapist. They delve into the vital subjects of cultural responsiveness and humility, offering valuable insights and suggestions on how to exercise humility and achieve a better understanding of people from different cultural backgrounds,

Key Takeaways:

[3:21] What does cultural responsiveness mean?

[6:48] Aaron shares the meaning of cultural competence.

[9:32] Be careful of stereotyping!

[11:08] Why is it important for organizations to be conscious of cultural competence and responsiveness?

[12:03] Don't be afraid to ask questions when working with people from different backgrounds.

[13:51] How can people understand more about different cultures?

[17:34] A commitment needs to arise after seeing the particular cultural background someone brings,

[17:55] Aaron emphasizes the need to acknowledge our biases (we all have them anyway)

[19:34] Engaging in honest and authentic conversations with clients/patients is crucial.

[21:05] Aaron explains the therapeutic use of self.

[24:58] It is okay to admit we don't know it all, show curiosity respectfully, and develop connectedness with clients.

[29:01] Aaron speaks about balancing power imbalances.

[33:03] Aaron dives deep into the topic of cultural responsiveness.

[36:02] What does cultural responsiveness look like?

[39:58] We all have a reason for doing what we do. What is that reason?

[41:48] What does Team Splitting mean?

[46:39] We are all just human beings.

[50:03] Aaron talks about his background, his motivation to become an Occupational Therapist, and how he conducts his business.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Aaron Palmer

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Brenda Agnew and Tiffany Lawand Fraser, your hosts, are joined by Stacey Levine in today's episode to explore the field of rehabilitation and the valuable strategies Behavioral Therapists provide to improve patients's quality of life.

Stacey was named Healthcare Provider of the Year in the Award of Excellence in Brain Injury Rehabilitation in 2023. She is also co-founder and co-owner of Journey Rehabilitation and specializes in behavior therapy.

Key Takeaways:

[2:58] Stacey shares what motivated her to get into the field of rehabilitation.

[4:28] Stacey highlights the importance of working with a multidisciplinary team.

[5:52] Stacey explains in which part of the rehabilitation process she begins working with the patient as a Behavior therapy specialist.

[7:39] What is Behavioral Therapy? What does a Behavioral Therapist do?

[9:50] Stacey provides some examples of utilizing Behavioral Therapy.

[12:45] What kind of collateral support does Stacey provide to families and caregivers?

[15:05] Stacey explains how anyone could benefit from the strategies provided by Behavioral Therapists.

[17:28] Stacey shares how it is to deal with resistant patients.

[20:30] A behavioral therapist must find creative ways to engage the patient in the rehabilitation process.

[22:11] Stacey describes the people who can benefit from Behavioral Therapy.

[25:10] Stacey follows on some patients for years.

[27:01] Stacey admits using the strategies she proposes to clients.

[31:50] Stacey emphasizes the importance of being able to "disconnect" from the burden of work when it is time to return to her personal life.

[33:04] Behavioral therapy should be applied according to the patient's needs.

[34:41] Which are the cases in which Behavioral Therapy is more used?

[37:21] Stacey shares the particularities of working with brain-injured patients.

[43:20] Discussion, awareness, and information about someone's behavior is a way to encourage people to be more compassionate.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Stacey Levine

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Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Linda O'Brien to today's episode. Linda recently joined the Gluckstein family from a boutique litigation firm where she focused exclusively on civil litigation, defending tort litigants. She is now a key member of our Sexual Abuse group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team advocating solely for survivors of sexual abuse.

Over her almost 30 years of practice, Linda has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, along with appearances before numerous boards and at private arbitrations.

Linda is proud to be involved in initiatives to promote policies and practices to retain and advance women in law and to continue to serve as a mentor for many students and lawyers.

Key Takeaways:

[3:34] Linda talks about her work in the defense field before she started working for Gluckstein Lawyers.

[7:26] Linda highlights the value of being empathetic with clients.

[10:26] Brenda shares how she got the chance to speak in court after seven years of waiting.

[14:14] Linda shares how she chose the type of law she ended up working in.

[19:35] Linda discusses the importance of caring for clients and ensuring they are not retraumatized throughout the legal process.

[20:43] Is there a mind shift coming from the defense side to the plaintiff kind of work?

[25:23] Linda's defense law background greatly benefits her work as part of the Sexual Abuse Group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team.

[26:57] What are some of the most challenging aspects of her work with the sexual abuse cases she takes at Gluckstein?

[31:21] Linda explains why causation is so complicated.

[33:10] How long does it take to resolve a historical sexual abuse case?

[37:45] No client goes to court for the money.

[42:01] Advocacy is a powerful work.

[42:57] Linda wishes she had no more work one day because that would mean no one would be suffering this way anymore.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about Linda O'Brien

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Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Adrienne Patterson to today's episode. Adrienne is a former client who will share her experience working with the Gluckstein family. Adrianne participated in the Compassion Fatigue Conference of 2023, where she presented her story. Adrienne courageously shares her journey from recovering from a head injury and losing her career, to becoming a victim of sexual assault perpetrated by one of her physicians. Adrienne found her strength and purpose in speaking up for all of those who could not.

Key Takeaways:

[4:26] Adrienne shares some about her journey.

[9:12] Adrienne talks about being pressured to return to work while still recovering from a head injury, which made her sicker.

[10:59] Adrienne struggled to cope with life and began having suicidal ideations.

[14:55] Brenda shares how she was impacted by not being allowed at her job to take time to take care of her mental health when she needed it the most.

[18:30] Adrienne talks about her incredible loss after the injury.

[21:11] Adrienne continues sharing her journey after the head injury and the support of her medical team (which kept growing to assist her needs).

[26:25] Adrienne decided to contact the police to protect herself and others in similar situations.

[29:55] Adrianne was treated as a lier at her workplace, and that affected her tremendously on a psychological level

[32:02] Adrienne talks about dealing with the trauma.

[33:29] Adrienne pressed charges.

[38:07] Adrienne discusses sexual assault and her experience as a victim.

[42:35] Adrienne reach out to Simona Jellinek.

[46:37] Adrienne points out how differently the rights of the victims and the perpetrators are treated.

[48:11] Adrienne decided to pursue the civil suit with Jellinek.

[54:36] Speaking at the Compassion Fatigue Conference.

[55:55] "I feel I matter as a human when I walk through Gluckstein's doors."

[1:00:18] Adrienne was very mistrustful when first meeting Gluckstein Lawyers.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

Learn more about the 16th Annual Complimentary Compassion Fatigue Conference.

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