Law And Culture

In this episode, I speak candidly with Cleveland-based criminal defense attorney Clarissa A. Smith, who also manages her criminal defense firm. Smith discusses how she approaches representing each client and the need to recognize their individual humanity. She also shares her thoughts about the importance of accountability in the justice system.

In this episode, the U.S. Supreme Court addresses an Ohio case that could have broad implications for businesses facing backlash from employees who allege they are the victims of reverse discrimination.

In today's episode, I address questions I often get about being born in Germany, being an American citizen, and then becoming a citizen of Barbados during the pandemic. I also share why I chose to become a citizen of Barbados. I hope this episode will help you explore your own citizenship questions.

Today we delve into two cases that involve alleged harassment against employees who didn't "keep quiet" about who they are. They exercised their freedom of expression and it cost them their jobs. In one case, the employee showed tattoos at work and was reprimanded though other similarly situated employees also had tattoos but were not reprimanded. In the second case, the employee shared the results of her genetic background with her colleagues after taking a genetic test. The co-workers responded in shocking and disturbing ways. How many personal truths should we share at work? Do we have an unfettered First Amendment right to bear all of who we are as art on our bodies? What about those ancestry kits? Would you take an ancestry test? If so, would you share the results with your colleagues? Finally, do you have a right to freedom of expression in the workplace?

Welcome back to the podcast! In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Professor Fisher, a leading expert in environmental sciences and the author of "Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action." With a background as a respected professor at American University and a world-renowned speaker, Professor Fisher shares her insights on practical steps everyday Americans can take to confront the urgent challenges of climate change.

Join us as we explore the interconnectedness of community resilience, individual responsibility, and the importance of holding our elected officials accountable. Learn how to navigate the complexities of environmental protection, from local elections to state-level resources that support sustainable practices. We'll discuss the critical role of grassroots activism, the impact of lobbying, and how cultivating strong community ties can empower us to advocate for a cleaner, safer planet.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of environmental issues or looking for actionable steps to make a difference in your community, this episode offers hope and inspiration. Tune in to discover how you can contribute to a sustainable future and become a partner in the fight for environmental protection. Join us on this journey—together, we can save ourselves and our planet!

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dennis Roberts, the director of Real Estate Development for the Cuyahoga Land Reutilization Corporation (Cuyahoga Land Bank). Roberts, who is also an attorney and realtor, is leading the Land Bank's efforts to transform the Circle East District, less than a mile from the world-renowned University Circle - a center of innovation in health care, education, and arts and culture.

In 1997, Ohio launched its first school voucher program in Cleveland, which supporters claimed would allow students to escape the perils of attending schools in the underfunded Cleveland public school district. Since that time, the voucher system has been called unconstitutional as it cripples district schools by further limiting their finances. In today's episode, we hear from two Ohio educators who provide a frontline look at vouchers today and life in the schools before vouchers.

On June 28, 2024, the United States Supreme Court ruled that courts may rely on their own interpretation of ambiguous environmental laws pertaining to clean water and air. Courts no longer have to defer to agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency to provide science- and evidence-based guidelines when interpreting these laws. The decision will likely have far-reaching impacts on policy and how we are able to address climate change and the need for clean water and air. In this episode, I look at the recent decision and consider what it means for us as a society.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 provided employers and employees opportunities to reduce health insurance costs if employees participated in voluntary workplace wellness programs. However, voluntary participation came with a heavy and sometimes punitive reality for those who did not want to participate. So in 2022, AARP brought a lawsuit against Yale University alleging that Yale's workplace wellness program actually amounted to a discriminatory involuntary requirement. In this episode, I look at ways to think about your workplace wellness program in light of the Yale settlement. I also walk through various legal provisions that may be useful in helping you structure an effective workplace wellness program that avoids alienating certain employees. As always, this is a conversation. I am not providing legal advice in this setting. For more information, please go to christelbesttraining.com.