The Advocate Next Door

Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

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  1. Jashaswi Ghosh: Navigating Healthcare and Life Sciences while Fostering Innovation and Growth

    Episode 55

    Jashaswi Ghosh: Navigating Healthcare and Life Sciences while Fostering Innovation and Growth

    Jashaswi Ghosh, Counsel at Holon Law Partners, is a corporate transactional attorney in healthcare and life sciences, unpacks the distinction between life sciences (drug discovery and development through clinical trials, FDA approval, manufacturing, and distribution) and healthcare (providers, payment, platforms, and physician practices). He shares his cross-border journey from India to the U.S., insights on AI’s growing role in clinical trials and patient engagement, and practical advice for lawyers building business development and partnership pathways. The episode also explores his work with emerging biotech companies, involvement with the DC Tech & Venture Coalition, and reflections on balancing transactional practice with life in Washington, DC. STORY 00:00 Sound Check 00:52 Meet Jash Ghosh 01:41 Life Sciences vs. Healthcare 03:14 Global & Regulatory Complexity: Sub-Practices and Cross-Border Work 05:05 E-Pharmacies & Telemedicine: How the Pandemic Accelerated Change 06:06 Holon Law Partners 09:45 AI in Healthcare: Clinical Trials, Post-Op Follow-Ups, and Reducing Burnout 13:13 The Journey from India to Stanford to Big Law in the U.S. 15:02 Early Influences: Family Medicine Roots 16:57 Practicing in India vs. the U.S.: FDA Interaction and Regulatory Differences 18:15 Big Law Culture Shift 22:45 DC Tech & Venture Coalition: Building Legal Support for Tech Startups 30:18 Work-Life Balance in Regulatory and Transactional Practice 31:39 Life in DC: Running Trails, Museums, and Weekend Routines 32:39 Final Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Jashaswi Ghosh is a corporate transactional attorney with a strong focus on the healthcare, life sciences and tech industries. He is currently a Limited Partner at Holon Law Partners LLP, where his practice centers on advising pharmaceutical, medical device, digital health, tech and food companies, as well as hospital systems, professional corporations, and private equity and venture capital firms, across a wide range of strategic and commercial transactions. Jashaswi brings a distinctly business-oriented mindset to his legal practice and is deeply engaged in ecosystem building and business development. He serves as a Senior Executive Board Member of the DC Tech & Venture Coalition (DCTAV), a platform focused on strengthening the innovation economy at the intersection of technology, capital, and regulated industries, where he helps shape partnerships, programs, and cross-border collaboration initiatives. He also has a particular interest in U.S.–India business development, leveraging his network and experience to support collaborations between companies, investors, and law firms across both markets. In addition, Jashaswi maintains strong ties to the startup and innovation ecosystem, including through Stanford University and the Graduate School of Business, and he actively advises early-stage companies. He also serves as an external advisor to leading innovation ecosystems at major healthcare systems, including Mayo Clinic, working at the intersection of healthcare delivery, technology, and venture innovation. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jashaswi-ghosh-187777216/ Holon Law: https://holonlaw.com/attorneys/jashaswi-ghosh/ Email: jghosh@holonlaw.com DC Tech and Venture Coalition: https://www.dctav.co

    34 min
  2. Lawrence M. Ausubel: The Economist and Technology Behind Billion-Dollar Auctions

    Episode 56

    Lawrence M. Ausubel: The Economist and Technology Behind Billion-Dollar Auctions

    Lawrence M. Ausubel, University of Maryland economics professor and founder of Power Auctions, explains why auction economics plays a critical role in modern markets and public policy. He takes listeners inside the design of complex, computer-based auctions used for U.S. Treasury securities, Google keyword advertising, electricity markets, and high-stakes simultaneous spectrum license auctions for agencies such as the FCC, where bidders must secure complementary licenses at efficient geographic scale. Professor Ausubel also shares behind-the-scenes insights from record-breaking auctions, including the $81 billion U.S. spectrum auction in 2022, and discusses his work designing diamond auctions for Botswana’s government-owned Okavango Diamond Company. Along the way, he explores reserve prices, bidder defaults, dispute resolution through software audit logs, the role of game theory in market design, the disruption of 9/11 during his first auction, and how AI could fundamentally reshape sponsored search and digital advertising. STORY 00:00 Soundcheck 00:24 Introduction 02:29 Studying the Economics of Auctions 04:54 Scale and Simultaneous Bidding 06:16 Who Bids and How Big 09:18 How Larry Got Into Auctions 11:00 Diamonds and Botswana 15:40 Auction Goals and Pricing 18:06 When Auctions Go Wrong 22:18 Career Path and Legal Side 24:41 Game Theory and Disputes 31:38 Market Design Careers 33:34 Closing BIOGRAPHY Lawrence M. Ausubel is Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics at the University of Maryland. Professor Ausubel is regarded as a leading expert on auction theory and market design. He has also published widely on bargaining, industrial organization, financial markets and the credit card market. He is the author of a number of highly-cited academic articles on efficient auction design, one of which proposes a format that has become known as the “Ausubel auction”. He has been awarded 23+ U.S. patents relating to auction technology and he has several other patents pending. He has also testified before the U.S. Congress and the National Bankruptcy Review Commission as an expert on credit card and bankruptcy issues, and in court as a leading expert on the economics of the credit card market. Professor Ausubel received his A.B. in Mathematics from Princeton University, his M.S. in Mathematics from Stanford University, his M.L.S. in Legal Studies from Stanford Law School, and his Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University. Professor Ausubel is also founder and chairman of Power Auctions LLC, a leading international provider of software and design services for high-stakes auctions. Power Auctions was founded in 2003 as a provider of auction design, auction software, auction management services, auction strategy and intellectual property, all under one roof. It has an unparalleled track record in the design and implementation of over 250 high-stakes auctions across six continents and in advising bidders in many other high-stakes auctions. LINKS Website: https://ausubel.com

    34 min

  3. Episode 57

    LegalWeek Live! (Day 1)

    We travel to New York City for ALM's LegalWeek, which is a major conference for the legal industry, technology vendors, and professional services.

    5 min

  4. Episode 58

    LegalWeek Live! (Day 3) Closing Thoughts with Laura Milstein (That Tech Pod podcast)

    Live from LegalWeek 2026, we corner Laura Milstein from That Tech Pod (podcast) to share some raw thoughts closing up the event. That Tech Pod is a major technology podcast about eDiscovery, cybersecurity, data privacy, tech innovations, with over 10,000 subscribers. Laura Milstein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-milstein-7bb91a13/ That Tech Pod: https://thattechpod.com/ and on all major podcast platforms.

    12 min
  5. Lucy In Love: From Heartbreak to Healthy Heart Connections

    Episode 59

    Lucy In Love: From Heartbreak to Healthy Heart Connections

    Lucy Nuñez (aka "Lucy in Love"), blind dating matchmaker and content creator, joins the show. She explains how her “Twelve Dates of Christmas” project drew over 300 applicants and produced six second dates from the initial twelve first blind dates. She shares how she was motivated by her own frustrations with dating apps, dating culture, and heartbreak. Lucy describes screening for compatibility and creating more accountability and respect through true connections. What are the today’s dating stages? What makes a good first date? Who pays for the first date? Lucy brings great insight to our burning questions and shares her plans to help singles. Join us as she continues to advocate for hearts and finding healthier love. *This episode is dedicated to the American Heart Association in collaboration with the Podcasthon (uniting podcaster for charity awareness). STORY 00:00 Podcasthon and the American Heart Association 00:21 Pre Show Banter 01:24 Meet the Matchmaker 02:16 Why Dating Matters 03:37 12 Dates of Christmas 05:00 From Apps to Heartbreak 12:19 Dating Apps and the Race to Bottom 15:13 Blind Dates and Real Talk 17:05 Accountability in Matchmaking 18:59 The Complex Relationship Stages 25:49 Hookup Culture and Intentions 29:37 What Makes a Great First Date 34:15 Coffee Date Debate 36:00 When You Know, You Know 37:39 Romantic Monument Walks 38:38 Dealbreakers 40:15 Dating in DC 42:12 Women Making The First Move 46:35 Networking Or A Date 48:41 Who Pays??? 55:02 Safety First (and Doing Your Research) 58:49 Consent And Touching Rules 01:01:55 District Cupid and Upcoming Events 01:06:26 How To Connect BIOGRAPHY Lucy Nuñez, known online as Lucy in Love, is a Washington, D.C.–based matchmaker and content creator behind "The Twelve Dates of Christmas" and "District Cupid", social projects connecting singles through curated blind dates and creative dating events. She also runs the social media street interview series “Live from the Trenches of the Dating Scene,” where she interviews people about modern dating, relationships, and single life. Through her events and content, Lucy explores the humor, chaos, and chemistry of how people meet in the modern age. LINKS TikTok: @lucyinluv IG: @itslucyinluv

    1h 8m
  6. Madison Tincha: Sex, Therapy, and the Psychology of Desire and Connection

    Episode 60

    Madison Tincha: Sex, Therapy, and the Psychology of Desire and Connection

    Madison Tincha, a licensed couples and sex therapist discusses her path from journalism and sociology to clinical mental health counseling, including research on “situationships.” She shares how she has worked with clients hesitant about therapy, working with unexpected disclosures during sessions, and the importance of confidentiality and consultation. She describes modern dating’s “paradox of choice,” the fragility of connection, and how situationships involve ambiguity, emotional intensity, and intermittent reinforcement, often tied to attachment and self-esteem. She outlines sex therapy topics such as desire discrepancy, pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, communication, kink, porn-related distress, and defining monogamy versus ethical non-monogamy through explicit agreements. She also discusses hosting “Met Through Friends” events and shares tips like leading with curiosity and prioritizing self-care. STORY 00:00 Sound Check 01:21 Meet the Couples and Sex Therapist 02:12 Becoming a Sex Therapist 03:30 From Journalism to Therapy 05:29 Hesitant Clients and Trust 06:28 Couples Therapy Realities 08:54 Confidentiality Basics 09:20 Why Modern Dating Feels Hard 12:31 Situationships Explained 16:20 What Sex Therapy Covers 18:10 Talking About Sex Early 19:43 Sexual Incompatibility Signs 20:23 Early Talks and Boundaries 21:26 Kink Shame and Ruptures 22:28 Society, Religion, and Porn 24:12 Cheating and Commitment 25:11 Ethical Non Monogamy Agreements 27:30 Therapist Dating and Credibility 31:44 Dating Events In DC 33:05 Better Openers With Curiosity 34:34 Therapist Self Care Routines 37:40 Sex As Relationship Dealbreaker 38:57 Gen-Z Having Less Sex 39:53 How To Find Madison 40:21 Wrap Up BIOGRAPHY Madison Tincha, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor specializing in sex therapy and integrative couples work. Her practice focuses on helping individuals and partners navigate challenges such as sexual trauma, erectile dysfunction, infidelity, desire discrepancies, and rebuilding intimacy and erotic connection. Madison creates a sex-positive, nonjudgmental therapeutic space where clients feel safe exploring all aspects of themselves and their relationships. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in curiosity and depth. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic practices, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Madison helps clients explore the inner patterns that shape their emotional and relational lives. Through this work, she encourages clients to slow down, look inward, and reconnect with the parts of themselves that often go unheard, fostering meaningful and lasting change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Sociology from George Mason University, and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Her interdisciplinary background informs a holistic approach that considers individual psychology, relational dynamics, and broader sociocultural influences. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-tincha-lpc-ncc-76a830103/ Couples and Sex Therapy Website: https://thepeaktherapy.com/madison-tincha

    40 min
  7. Esha Kamboj: Building Diplomatic Bridges to Global Investment

    Episode 61

    Esha Kamboj: Building Diplomatic Bridges to Global Investment

    Esha Kamboj, an attorney-advisor from the U.S. Department of Commerce, discusses her role advising policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region to develop legal frameworks that attract U.S. investments for infrastructure projects. Esha explains her background in international arbitration and how she now focuses on assisting foreign governments to amend laws and practices to make these regions conducive for U.S. investments. She shares the importance of face-to-face diplomacy, cultural awareness, and her personal experiences transitioning from big law to the Department of Commerce. Esha also emphasizes the need for diversity in international law and offers advice for law students considering careers in this field. The episode concludes with insights into the intricacies of travel and maintaining work-life balance. STORY 00:00 Mic Check 01:16 Guest Reveal 01:52 US Department of Commerce 04:41 Challenges and Partners 06:08 Private Sector Feedback 07:50 Arbitration Reform 08:53 Backlash and Treaty Basics 11:18 Origins and Global Curiosity 13:00 Family Travel Food Wins 14:24 Law School To Biglaw Shift 16:43 Commerce Life Work Balance 18:00 Diplomacy Needs Face Time 18:58 Culture Norms Trust Building 21:27 Cultural Diplomacy Skills 23:50 Surviving Jet Lag 24:04 Summer Associate Choices 25:18 Breaking Into Arbitration 26:25 First Gen Law Journey 28:24 What Big Law Means 29:18 Unwinding After Travel 30:42 Mentoring and Diversity 32:47 Commerce Career Paths 34:38 Asia Travel Favorites 36:55 Long Haul Flight Hacks 38:27 Wrap Up BIOGRAPHY Esha Kamboj is a Senior Attorney with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) in the Office of the General Counsel of the United States Department of Commerce. Ms. Kamboj assists policymakers and regulators in the Asia-Pacific region to develop transparent policy frameworks that attract high quality investments for complex infrastructure projects, including by promoting fair procurement practices and robust alternative dispute resolution policies. Before joining CLDP, Ms. Kamboj was a Senior Associate in the international arbitration practice group at the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in New York, New York and Washington, D.C., where she focused her legal practice on complex cross-border disputes including commercial and investor-state arbitration, arbitration-related litigation such as the enforcement of arbitration awards and agreements, and commercial litigation in both state and federal U.S. courts. As a private practitioner, she represented foreign sovereigns and corporate clients across a diverse range of industries, including energy, infrastructure, insurance and reinsurance, banking and finance, securities, and pharmaceuticals. Ms. Kamboj has also served as a lecturer on investor-state and commercial arbitration for Georgetown University Law Center and the International Law Institute in Washington, D.C. Ms. Kamboj received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame and received her bachelor’s degrees, summa cum laude, in Global Studies and French from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is fluent in Hindi and proficient in French. LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esha-kamboj/ Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), U.S. Department of Commerce: https://cldp.doc.gov/about-cldp

    40 min
  8. Jamie Hagerbaumer: Insights into the Role of an Expert Witness

    Episode 62

    Jamie Hagerbaumer: Insights into the Role of an Expert Witness

    Jamie Hagerbaumer, an associate at The Brattle Group, shares how expert witnesses support arbitration and litigation teams by independently analyzing evidence to value damages, often bridging claims that range from zero to billions. She explains how economics, finance, and modeling intersect with integrity and credibility, including the importance of saying no when the data doesn’t support a position. Jamie discusses collaborating with legal teams through discovery and case timelines, working on multi‑expert teams, and real‑world valuation examples from mining and investor‑state disputes. She also reflects on her career path, the growing role of technology and AI in expert work, and efforts to expand opportunities for women in expert witness roles. STORY 0:00:28 Introduction 0:02:21 What Experts Do 0:03:48 Integrity and Independence 0:04:60 Jamie's Career Path 0:07:24 From Antitrust to Investor State 0:08:55 Mining Case Valuations 0:12:52 Timelines and Team Backgrounds 0:14:10 Site Visits and AI Tools 0:16:23 Expert Work Accuracy 0:16:31 Skills for Economic Consulting 0:17:50 Student Roadmap and Research 0:18:55 Learning on the Job 0:20:00 Discovery and Evidence Requests 0:20:50 Independence and Integrity 0:23:27 Industries and Shifting Markets 0:24:43 Dynamics Between Opposing Experts 0:25:15 Challenges 0:26:18 Work Life Balance 0:27:14 Opportunities for Women 0:32:48 Internships and Networking 0:33:40 Finding and Hiring Experts 0:34:15 Closing Thoughts BIOGRAPHY Jamie Hagerbaumer is an Associate at The Brattle Group. She has extensive experience providing valuation and damages analyses in complex litigation and arbitration disputes involving investment treaties, commercial contracts, and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on oil and gas, mining, and energy. Ms. Hagerbaumer has supported experts in state, federal, and international courts as well as in arbitrations before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, law firms, federal government agencies, and international government agencies. LINKS The Brattle Group: https://www.brattle.com/experts/jamie-hagerbaumer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-hagerbaumer/

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Advocate Next Door podcast captures in-person unscripted interviews of admirable advocates who share how they got started, why they advocate for others, and pass on advice for a future generation! Each episode is a warm look at how advocates make a difference and how they got started. We spotlight passionate advocates from lawyers, public officials, generals, technology developers, court and law firm staff, teachers, thinkers, dreamers—no advocacy is too small! This program is not sponsored or affiliated with any group or organization to maintain a genuine conversation with the advocate, which may also include interviews in Spanish. If you know an advocate in the Washington, DC area, send us tips at kelby.ballena@hugheshubbard.com. *Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Co-host, Kelby Ballena, is an international specialist and legal operations professional (non-lawyer) at the "Big Law" firm, Hughes Hubbard and Reed LLP. He's been in the legal industry for over 25-years in various practice areas. His experience ranges from complex international legal cases, to teaching and simplifying best practices for those joining the legal field, to motivating efficiency and collaborations among professionals to serve our community. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyballena/ Co-host, Margarita Rosa Arango, is a Colombian attorney and recent LL.M 2024 graduate from American University's Washington College of Law. She practiced international public and human rights law for Colombia before arriving to the U.S. https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritaarangor/

Information

  • Creator
    Kelby Ballena, Margarita Rosa Arango
  • Episodes
    75
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trademark pending; Copyright All Rights Reserved 2024
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Next Door