The Mediation Minute

By Rebecca Wisbar, Attorney and Mediator

What's The Mediation Minute about?

Welcome to The Mediation Minute. This podcast explores practical techniques to facilitate successful negotiation and resolution. Hosted by Rebecca Wisbar, mediator and attorney. Contact Rebecca, Akers & Wisbar (225) 767-1003 or akerswisbar.com.

The Mediation Minute podcast is produced by Catherine O'Brien, Branch Out Programs.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Mediation Minute episodes:

01.06.2023
Labor and Employment | J. Arthur Smith, III
J. Arthur Smith joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss labor and employment law. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Get new episodes of The Mediation Minute delivered to...
07.02.2021
Brian Katz | Recent Legislative Tort Amendments
Brian Katz of Herman, Herman, & Katz of New Orleans joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to discuss how recent legislative tort amendments will influence mediation and litigation. Host Rebecca Wisbar is a Baton Rouge mediator and attorney. The Mediation Minute is...
06.25.2021
Erik Vollenweider | Trust in Mentorship
Trust is integral when it comes to mediation, often being noted as a key ingredient to negotiation success. Erik Vollenweider joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about trust in another aspect of the legal life: mentorship. Erik has made the transition...
11.12.2020
Keely Scott | Online Mediation Practical Tips
Video conferencing is part of our daily lives these days, and those in the legal profession are finding more and more mediations and other negotiations online. Keely Scott, managing partner of Donohue, Patrick & Scott, joins Rebecca Wisbar on the...
11.06.2020
Chris Glisson | Ethics and Negotiations
Chris Glisson, managing partner of MGM Attorneys joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to discuss ethics and negotiation/mediation. Chris shares his thoughts about ethical questions that can arise in mediation that might not receive the attention they deserve. Special...
10.28.2020
Tommy Juneau | Preparation and Interpersonal Dynamics
The dynamics between people are paramount in the mediation process. Tommy Juneau believes that the dynamics between attorneys can sometimes eclipse the dynamics between the parties. Return guest Tommy joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss mediation preparation and negotiations. What should...
08.31.2020
Jonathan Mitchell | Turning Clients into Teammates
“Ultimately, what we all want is to come to a good resolution for all our clients and if you can understand what the other person is thinking, it can help you nudge them towards where you want them to be.”...
08.21.2020
Aaron Chaisson, Jr | Negotiations Before, During, and Even After Trial
The current COVID-19 situation may have encouraged disputing parties to negotiate where they might otherwise would litigate. Aaron Chaisson joins Mediation Minute host Rebecca Wisbar to analyze the many benefits of these negotiations, even if negotiations weren’t “Plan A.” Aaron...
07.03.2020
Elizabeth Liuzza | Communication Skills and Preconceived Ideas
Communications plus a business education, mixed with a dash of public relations can lead to a interesting perspective when paired with a law practice. Elizabeth Liuzza joins Rebecca Wisbar on the Mediation Minute to share how professional communication can influence...
06.26.2020
Tommy Juneau | Mediation Opening Sessions
The mediation opening session has evolved. Guest Tommy Juneau talks with host Rebecca Wisbar about the importance of the opening statements and how they set the tone for the entire process. Tommy shares some communication tactics that make for an...
06.19.2020
Eric Johnson | Anticipated Litigation in the Pandemic's Wake
The ripple effect of COVID-19 continues to spread, even in terms of anticipated litigation. What impact will the global pandemic have on cases as varied as international law issues all the way to tort suits? Eric Johnson of CompQuantum joins...
06.17.2020
Darrell Loup | Two Sides of the Same Coin
Two sides of the same coin—that’s how Darrell Loup describes his experience doing both defense work and having a plaintiffs’ practice. Darrell shares insights gained over a long career practicing law as he now moves into serving as a mediator....
05.26.2020
Katherine Loos | Personality, Preparation, Influence
We’ve talked about preparation on the Mediation Minute, now Katherine Loos joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss "personality." We hear about the importance of minimizing surprises, being prepared, and how assessing the personality of a mediator can lead to negotiation success....
04.10.2020
Kent Gonsoulin | Reading the Room in the Era of Social Distancing
42 - In the era of social distancing, Kent Gonsoulin joins host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss comedy, mediation and our "new normal.” Kent has a wealth of experience "reading the room" as he is a professional comedian in addition to...
10.17.2019
Scott Fruge
41 - Scott Fruge of The Fruge Law Firm is a member of the LSU Trial Advocacy Faculty. This “crash course” for law student seniors is a three-day intensive that walks students through the rigors of a trial. One step...
10.10.2019
Laurie Kadair | Special Needs Trust Administration
A unique practice, Laurie Kadair of Kadair Law Firm, LLC estimates 80% of her cases are Special Needs Trust administration. Many of these trusts are established as part of a legal settlement. Host Rebecca Wisbar and Laurie Kadair discuss the...
10.03.2019
The Partners of Fletcher, Roy, and Chenevert join Rebecca Wisbar
Mediation has come a long way in the legal community. Today, mediation is viewed as a positive course that can produce mutually beneficial results. This change in perspective is the subject of The Mediation Minute and the partners of Fletcher,...
09.26.2019
Kent Gonsoulin
Communication is key in mediation, but can humor play a role? Kent Gonsoulin, “Cajun Comedian” joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about reading an audience (even an audience of one), testing the waters, and how humor can relieve tension even in...
09.19.2019
Chris Mensman | Life on Comp
Worker’s Compensation is a specialized area that needs certain expertise and experience to navigate. Chris Mensman of Mensman Law knows about “Life on Comp” and joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to talk about how Worker’s Compensation impacts the...
05.02.2019
Matt Pryor
Play on! Matt Pryor, Managing Partner of Pujol, Pryor & Irwin, is an attorney and a soccer referee. As a referee, Matt communicates not only verbally but also with body language, stance, and other forms of non-verbal communication. Matt and...
04.25.2019
Jennifer Moisant
Jennifer Moisant of Balfour Emonet law firm sits down with host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss managing emotions during mediation and what it means to encourage reasonable expectations. Jennifer and Rebecca discuss how valuable an impartial view can be to successful...
04.11.2019
Barbara Irwin
How does equestrian competition relate to mediation? Barbara Irwin of Pujol, Pryor & Irwin joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. The delicate art of give and take holds center stage in this conversation, as well as how nonverbal communication...
09.12.2018
MM 033: Przemek Lubecki
What do "boxing" and "dressing for church" have to do with litigation? Przemek Lubecki of Morris Bart Attorneys at Law, New Orleans, joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. Having previously practiced law in Illinois, Przemek discusses some of the...
08.30.2018
MM 032: Luke J Thibodeaux II with Rebecca Wisbar
Information is power in a negotiation, and when you represent the plaintiff, stepping "into the shoes" of the defense can make all the difference when it comes to a settlement. Luke J. Thibodeaux, II of Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys joins...
08.21.2018
MM 031: Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert Join Rebecca Wisbar
Professor Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert, attorney reunite with host Rebecca Wisbar on this episode of The Mediation Minute to discuss the mediation process in law school clinical practice. Professor Breaux provides his insights into instructing future attorneys on how to...
06.29.2018
MM 030: Employment Matters - Terry and Valencia Landry Return
Employment law is the topic of this Mediation Minute podcast. Returning guests Valencia Landry and Terry Landry discuss with Rebecca Wisbar general issues of employment cases as well as the specifics of "Whistleblowing." Rebecca, Terry, and Valencia detail how mediation...
06.22.2018
MM 029: Social Media Matters - Woody Scott with Rebecca Wisbar
Paul "Woody" Scott of The Scott Law Firm returns to The Mediation Minute to discuss some of the intriguing issues social media pose to those in the legal field. Is all publicity "good" publicity? That philosophy is put to the...
04.13.2018
MM 028: Ed Walters
Within each mediation, there are several layers of negotiation taking place simultaneously. Ed Walters of Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute. The dispute between the parties may take the forefront in the mediation, but...
03.28.2018
MM 027: Mindfulness with Lexlee Overton
What does mindfulness have to do with the practice of law? Lexlee Overton joins Rebecca Wisbar to talk about the ways you can achieve mindfulness, and thereby improve your legal practice, your mediations, and your life. Lexlee shares some stress...
03.14.2018
MM 026: Vince Fornias and Rebecca Wisbar on Arbitration
Vince Fornias returns to the Mediation Minute to speak with Rebecca Wisbar about arbitration. He provides comparison and contrast between arbitration and mediation as alternative dispute resolution methods. While both arbitration and mediation are outside of the court system, each...
03.07.2018
MM 025: Paul "Woody" Scott
Paul "Woody" Scott joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss working with clients for whom English is not their first language. Woody, who was born in Honduras, assists many clients who primarily speak Spanish. Woody and Rebecca discuss how language impacts communication...
02.15.2018
MM 024: Ryan Chenevert Returns
Is "jury" a scary word for a litigant? Return guest Ryan Chenevert of Fletcher, Roy & Chenevert, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss how the prospect of going to jury trial influences the mediation process. Ryan shares how he uses...
11.28.2017
MM 023: Terry Landry
Terry Landry of Landry & Vessel, LLC shares a wealth of information about employment law. On the new episode of The Mediation Minute with host Rebecca Wisbar, he corrects several misconceptions held by both employers and employees. Terry discusses issues...
11.08.2017
MM 022: Valencia Vessel Landry
Representing municipalities or State agencies brings different issues to litigation and mediation. Valencia Vessel Landry of Landry & Vessel, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss these differences. Also, Valencia explains that having a judgment is not the end of the...
10.27.2017
MM 021: Stephanie Possa
Stephanie Possa of Tyler & Possa joins Rebecca Wisbar to discuss mediation of workers' compensation and third-party claims. Stephanie explains the differences in these suits as well as considerations in order to successfully mediate cases involving both types of claims....
10.17.2017
MM 020: Colby Wenck
Colby Wenck opened his own legal practice (The Wenck Firm, LLC) in Metairie, LA after working for 15 years at his previous firm. Colby found that his experience as an attorney served him well in this transition as he negotiated many...
08.09.2017
MM 019: Greg Boudin
"In every person, there's a negotiator." Greg Bodin, Shareholder with Baker Donelson, joins host Rebecca Wisbar to discuss mediation and negotiation in relation to the LSU Negotiation Clinic and in the practice of law. Greg and Rebecca discuss the real-life...
06.13.2017
MM 018: Joe Prokop
Joe Prokop's law practice focuses on elder law issues and estate planning. On this episode of The Mediation Minute, guest Joe and host Rebecca Wisbar discuss handling client emotions during stressful interactions which occur after the passing of a loved...
05.31.2017
MM 017: Randy Roussel
Randy Roussel of Phelps Dunbar, LLP joins the Mediation Minute to discuss the role of negotiation in commercial property development. Randy and Host Rebecca Wisbar discuss the ways in which anticipation and preparation are key to negotiation success. These aspects...
03.02.2017
MM 016: Linda Perez Clark
Linda Perez Clark of Kean Miller L.L.P. joins the Mediation Minute to share insights about negotiations. Ms. Clark and host, Rebecca Wisbar discuss maximizing effectiveness at each stage of your negotiation. The show closes with our guest sharing some of...
02.23.2017
MM 015: Mediation Reading List | Ryan Chenevert with Rebecca Wisbar
A book can be a professional mentor in a compact form. This is the premise of this episode of The Mediation Minute. Ryan Chenevert of Fletcher, Roy, & Chenevert returns to the show to discuss with Rebecca Wisbar three influential...
01.25.2017
MM 014: Making the Most of Your Mediation Time
How do you maximize the benefits of mediating? Rebecca Wisbar, an experienced Louisiana lawyer and certified mediator, gives useful insights sure to make your next mediation experience more effective and efficient. Rebecca visits such practical issues as when to stop...
11.30.2016
MM 013: Ben Mouton
Medical malpractice and medical negligence claims are the subject of this episode of The Mediation Minute. Ben Mouton of McGlynn, Glisson & Mouton speaks with Rebecca Wisbar on this topic. Ben and Rebecca analyze the issues that are unique to...
10.28.2016
MM 012: Teresa Cop
Mediation in a construction case is a departure from tort cases. Teresa Cop joins The Mediation Minute with Rebecca Wisbar to discuss mediation of construction disputes. Teresa details the sheer volume of parties involved in these mediations and explains why...
09.01.2016
MM 011: Robert Lancaster
Robert Lancaster of the LSU Law Clinic discusses Family Court Mediation on this edition of The Mediation Minute. Host Rebecca Wisbar and Robert Lancaster discuss how Family Court mediation differs from other types of mediation. In particular, the parties will...
08.12.2016
MM 010: Marsha Wade
Marsha Wade speaks on the topic of stress in the legal profession in this episode of The Mediation Minute. Marsha provides valuable information about the fact that attorneys experience the negative impact of stress at a rate higher than that...
07.29.2016
MM 009: Paul Breaux
Gain insight into the LSU Law Center's Civil Mediation Clinic as Adjunct Professor Paul Breaux joins Rebecca Wisbar on this edition of The Mediation Minute. Paul discusses the mediation education process at the Law Clinic and how students gain real-world...
06.28.2016
MM 008: Scott Love
Scott Love joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to compare and contrast arbitration and mediation. Scott shares reasons that the parties might opt to arbitrate, and how that alternative dispute method differs in practice from mediation. The discussion turns...
06.16.2016
MM 007: Bob Kleinpeter
Bob Kleinpeter of Kleinpeter & Schwartzberg, LLC joins Rebecca Wisbar on The Mediation Minute to discuss collateral source. Bob goes in depth about this aspect of settlements, and explains the impact of recent Louisiana Supreme Court decisions on collateral source....
06.03.2016
MM 006: Ryan Chenevert
Ryan Chenevert, attorney, joins The Mediation Minute to share some of his experience gained while attending the LSU Law Clinic and learning about the different mediation methods. Rebecca and Ryan discuss the facilitative style of mediation compared to the evaluative...

What's The Mediation Minute about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Mediation Minute episodes:

Labor and Employment | J. Arthur Smith, III

Brian Katz | Recent Legislative Tort Amendments

Erik Vollenweider | Trust in Mentorship

Keely Scott | Online Mediation Practical Tips

Chris Glisson | Ethics and Negotiations

Tommy Juneau | Preparation and Interpersonal Dynamics

Jonathan Mitchell | Turning Clients into Teammates

Aaron Chaisson, Jr | Negotiations Before, During, and Even After Trial

Elizabeth Liuzza | Communication Skills and Preconceived Ideas

Tommy Juneau | Mediation Opening Sessions

Eric Johnson | Anticipated Litigation in the Pandemic's Wake

Darrell Loup | Two Sides of the Same Coin

Katherine Loos | Personality, Preparation, Influence

Kent Gonsoulin | Reading the Room in the Era of Social Distancing

Scott Fruge

Laurie Kadair | Special Needs Trust Administration

The Partners of Fletcher, Roy, and Chenevert join Rebecca Wisbar

Kent Gonsoulin

Chris Mensman | Life on Comp

Matt Pryor

Jennifer Moisant

Barbara Irwin

MM 033: Przemek Lubecki

MM 032: Luke J Thibodeaux II with Rebecca Wisbar

MM 031: Paul Breaux and Ryan Chenevert Join Rebecca Wisbar

MM 030: Employment Matters - Terry and Valencia Landry Return

MM 029: Social Media Matters - Woody Scott with Rebecca Wisbar

MM 028: Ed Walters

MM 027: Mindfulness with Lexlee Overton

MM 026: Vince Fornias and Rebecca Wisbar on Arbitration

MM 025: Paul "Woody" Scott

MM 024: Ryan Chenevert Returns

MM 023: Terry Landry

MM 022: Valencia Vessel Landry

MM 021: Stephanie Possa

MM 020: Colby Wenck

MM 019: Greg Boudin

MM 018: Joe Prokop

MM 017: Randy Roussel

MM 016: Linda Perez Clark

MM 015: Mediation Reading List | Ryan Chenevert with Rebecca Wisbar

MM 014: Making the Most of Your Mediation Time

MM 013: Ben Mouton

MM 012: Teresa Cop

MM 011: Robert Lancaster

MM 010: Marsha Wade

MM 009: Paul Breaux

MM 008: Scott Love

MM 007: Bob Kleinpeter

MM 006: Ryan Chenevert