The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi
  • 4.5 (28)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Trial lawyers can be real people, too—and this podcast proves it. The Velvet Hammer™ is back, and this time, Karen Koehler isn’t going it alone. Known for her fearless advocacy, bold storytelling, and, yes, even the occasional backwards dress moment, Karen is teaming up with Mo Hamoudi, a lawyer, poet, and storyteller whose empathy and resilience add a whole new dynamic to the show. Together, they’re pulling back the curtain on trial law, diving into bold topics, heartfelt stories, and the messy, hilarious moments that make trial lawyers human. This is an unscripted, raw, and fun take on life inside—and outside—the courtroom.

  1. 1d ago

    She Married Her Uncle. Then Killed Him.

    You can feel it before the first question is even finished: the witness is about to lie. The problem is not whether you can prove it. The problem is when you should prove it. We talk through real deposition strategy and trial lawyer decision-making for dealing with false statements in sworn testimony, including the risk of confronting a lie too early and watching it get “fixed” the moment opposing counsel calls a break.  From police reports signed under penalty of perjury to high-stakes civil cases where self-preservation is the motive, we explain how we build a clean foundation, lock in testimony, and then decide whether the best impeachment moment belongs at trial in front of a jury. We also get into the mechanics of questioning liars without getting hypnotized by theater: drilling into time, place, sensory details, and sequence, and recognizing how made-up stories often lack the texture of real memory.  We shift to expert witnesses and the credibility landmines that come with them, from exaggerated credentials to omissions that can blow up an entire opinion. And we tackle a classic modern fact pattern: traffic camera footage contradicting a “green light” story, plus how false memory can be used to soften what still functions like a lie. We close with a blunt truth from our own practice: plaintiffs have to be honest with us, or the case is over. If this helped you think differently about deposition prep, cross-examination, and witness credibility, subscribe, share the episode with a lawyer friend, and leave a review. What’s your rule for when to confront a lie? Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  2. Jul 22

    Everything Is Marketing Now

    A single celebrity at courtside can flip a playoff game into a culture argument. We start with Taylor Swift, loop back to Madonna as a blueprint for modern pop fame, and then follow the real thread: why people get so defensive about who “belongs” in sports arenas and why cameras keep choosing celebrities over the action.  From Dave Portnoy’s complaints about fair-weather fans to the very real pull of seeing famous faces in the crowd, we talk about the power of celebrity culture and the attention economy. That turns into a blunt look at influencer marketing, social media performance, and the uncomfortable feeling that the feed is one long advertisement. We also admit the contradiction: we use podcasts and online visibility too, because in a crowded world even professionals need trust, content, and discoverability.  Then we go deeper into what’s changing right now with SEO and Google as AI reshapes search, and what that means for anyone trying to be found online. We also touch the darker side of chasing attention, including the pressure on younger influencers and the mental health toll that comes with living on feedback loops.  If any of this hits home, listen through and tell us where you land: are celebrities ruining sports, or just revealing what sports has already become? Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find us. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  3. Jul 15

    Madonna And The Double Standard

    People love to say they’re fine with aging right up until an older woman refuses to disappear. We start with Madonna, her decades-long career, and the noise surrounding her new music, then we get honest about what the backlash is really signaling: ageism, sexism, and a deep discomfort with women who stay powerful past the age society “assigns” them. If you’ve ever heard someone judged for how they look instead of what they built, you’ll recognize the pattern immediately. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com iew with your take: where have you seen age shape who gets listened to? Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  4. Jul 9

    What Happens When You Pick the Wrong Lawyer After an Accident

    When someone suffers a catastrophic injury, choosing the right attorney can be one of the most important decisions they'll ever make. But how do you know who to trust? In this episode of Velvet Hammer, Senior Managing Partner Karen Koehler and Senior Partner Mo Hamoudi join Mike Todd to walk through a realistic personal injury scenario—from the moments after a serious collision to hiring a lawyer, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding contingency fees. Along the way, they pull back the curtain on how plaintiff's firms operate, what separates trial lawyers from high-volume settlement firms, and why insurance companies pay close attention to the attorney representing an injured client. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  5. Jul 1

    Bad Defense Lawyers Are Getting EXPOSED: What They Don't Want Judges To Know

    Karen and Mo vent about the special breed of defense lawyer who turns routine litigation into a personal drama, then acts shocked when we push back. Along the way, we break down how bad briefing and petty attacks destroy credibility, and why making a clean record can save a case. • a defense filing that drags in a nickname instead of law and facts • why bully defense lawyers often act thin-skinned • how poor writing and incoherent arguments signal weakness • the value of recording Zoom meet and confer conferences • whether our approach creates tension or exposes existing tactics • a late motion in limine built on a stop sign technicality • the difference between nonsense arguments and factual falsehoods • the trial skill that pays off most: conceding what you cannot win Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  6. Jun 24

    When Drive Turns Into Overdrive

    "Mom, I need a break", Karen's daughter and personal assistant lets Karen know she needs a break. Karen talks about how driven she is and how it affects her life away from the office. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  7. Jun 17

    Reflecting on the trial and how they feel

    Karen and Mo discuss the trial and the challenges of taking on a case this old.  Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

  8. Jun 10

    The Verdict - Part 2

    Season 6, Episode 22 The Verdict Part 2 Can expert witness testimony overcome decades-old missing records? In Part 2 of this trial breakdown, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi discuss the expert witnesses, courtroom strategy, and pivotal testimony that helped establish liability in a childhood sexual abuse case involving institutional failures and destroyed records. From former child welfare professionals to a trauma psychologist whose testimony stopped the courtroom cold, they explain how expert testimony helped the jury understand what happened, what should have happened, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić. New episodes every Wednesday. The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom. Podcast Hub: https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com Karen Koehler https://karenkoehler.com https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/ Mo Hamoudi https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/ Stritmatter Law https://www.stritmatter.com

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4.5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Trial lawyers can be real people, too—and this podcast proves it. The Velvet Hammer™ is back, and this time, Karen Koehler isn’t going it alone. Known for her fearless advocacy, bold storytelling, and, yes, even the occasional backwards dress moment, Karen is teaming up with Mo Hamoudi, a lawyer, poet, and storyteller whose empathy and resilience add a whole new dynamic to the show. Together, they’re pulling back the curtain on trial law, diving into bold topics, heartfelt stories, and the messy, hilarious moments that make trial lawyers human. This is an unscripted, raw, and fun take on life inside—and outside—the courtroom.

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast