So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People

Megan Senese & Jennifer Ramsey

Welcome to So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People. Where we explore behind-the-scenes of work, law, life, and everything in between. We're your hosts, business development and legal marketing coaches, Jennifer Ramsey and Megan Senese, and we're here to showcase the human side of the legal world, from marketing and consulting to the very real struggles of balancing work with being human. This isn’t your typical, dry legal show. We're bringing you real stories, candid conversations, and smart insights that remind you that outside of being a lawyer or legal marketer - what makes you human? So whether you’re navigating billable hours or breaking glass ceilings in a woman-owned legal practice, this legal podcast is for you. Stay human. Stay inspired. Namaste (or whatever keeps you human). 

  1. Success, Silence, and Postpartum Depression in the Law: The Conversation Big Law Needs

    1D AGO

    Success, Silence, and Postpartum Depression in the Law: The Conversation Big Law Needs

    “ The motivation that got me going was thinking about the moms behind me, and not wanting them to have that same experience if we could do something to avoid it.” - Lindsay Aggarwal What happens when a successful Big Law partner does everything “right” and still finds herself struggling?  In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast for People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey speak with financial services litigator and partner Lindsay Aggarwal about the realities of returning to practice after parental leave, the risks of mental health invisibility in high-performance environments, and how one person’s experience became a catalyst for institutional change. After returning from her second parental leave, Lindsay found herself facing a reality she hadn’t experienced the first time around. What began as anxiety and overwhelm eventually led to a diagnosis of postpartum depression: a moment that forced her to step back, seek help, and rethink what support for working parents in Big Law could look like. Instead of navigating the experience quietly, Lindsay helped lead the development of a structured parental leave coaching initiative at her law firm that was designed to support lawyers before, during, and after leave — an effort that reflects evolving expectations around leadership sustainability, talent retention, and modern career trajectories in Big Law. You’ll hear about: How to navigate postpartum depression while sustaining the visibility and performance demands of Big Law partnershipThe inflection point that led Lindsay to translate personal experience into firm-level supportHow she helped launch a structured parental leave coaching initiative within a global law firmWhat the BCLP program signals about retention, leadership pipelines, and culture evolutionHow peer groups and individualized support models strengthen working parent outcomes in lawHow caregiving realities intersect with client relationships, business development, and differentiationWhy the traditional Big Law model may no longer fit modern working families — and what offers hope for the futureAbout Lindsay Aggarwal: Lindsay Aggarwal is a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) and a financial services litigator with more than a decade of experience in complex litigation. She also leads BCLP’s Parental Leave Coaching Program, an initiative designed to support lawyers navigating parental leave and returning to practice. Through her advocacy and writing, Lindsay is helping spark broader conversations about parental leave, mental health, and sustainable career paths in the legal profession. Stay Connected: Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat! Learn more about stage, helping lawyers make business development human Connect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail us at info@stage.guide

    27 min
  2. Why Lawyers Struggle with Imposter Syndrome (Minis with Megan)

    MAR 12

    Why Lawyers Struggle with Imposter Syndrome (Minis with Megan)

    What if imposter syndrome isn’t actually about confidence?  In this mini episode, Megan Senese explores the deeper roots of imposter syndrome, the belief that “I’m not good enough”, and how the comparison trap and internal narratives shape whether lawyers put themselves forward or stay on the sidelines. Recognizing your own value isn’t just personal work, it’s a professional strategy.  The lawyers who believe in their value are the ones who step forward, build relationships, and ultimately generate business. Who this episode is for: Lawyers and legal marketers navigating imposter syndromeLawyers and professionals comparing themselves to others’ credentials or successPeople working to rebuild confidence in their voice or abilitiesLawyers ready to shift the narrative they tell themselves and step forward professionallyEpisode takeaways: How the belief “I’m not good enough” quietly fuels imposter syndromeHow the comparison trap (law schools, firms, titles, and status) drives self-doubtWhy even highly accomplished lawyers still struggle with imposter syndromeHow the stories you repeat to yourself shape your confidence and professional identityOne simple daily exercise to retrain your brain and start rebuilding self-confidenceHow to start shifting the “not good enough” narrative: Notice the story you’re telling yourself: Imposter syndrome often begins with internal dialogueChallenge the comparison trap: Someone else’s credentials don’t define your worthRecognize shared insecurity: Even the people you admire question themselvesInterrupt the negative loop: What you repeatedly tell yourself becomes beliefWrite down one good thing about yourself each day: Small affirmations retrain your brain to think differentlyStay Connected: Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail stage at info@stage.guideLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

    4 min
  3. What Makes Lawyers Stand Out to In-House Counsel (with Jessica Nguyen, Deputy General Counsel of DocuSign and Head of Contract Nerds)

    MAR 5

    What Makes Lawyers Stand Out to In-House Counsel (with Jessica Nguyen, Deputy General Counsel of DocuSign and Head of Contract Nerds)

    “Trust is fundamentally about you do what you say you’ll do.” - Jessica Nguyen How do you get 2,200+ legal professionals to show up for a contracts webinar? In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast for People, Jessica Nguyen, Deputy General Counsel of AI Innovation & Trust at DocuSign and Head of Contract Nerds, joins Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey to pull back the curtain on why most law firm marketing completely misses the mark, how DocuSign is using AI to build deeper trust with its clients, and the one outside law firm that truly stood out to her, and what one lawyer did that was different from every other law firm competing for attention. From building one of the most engaged contracts communities in legal to helping shape AI strategy inside a global tech company, Jessica shares what actually creates momentum, and what kills it. In this episode, you’ll hear directly from a Deputy General Counsel about: Why Contract Nerds consistently attracts thousands of lawyers and what lessons you can apply to your next webinarHow community becomes a long-term growth engine — not just a mailing listWhat in-house counsel actually look for when hiring outside counsel The positioning shifts that make lawyers stand out instead of blend inThe CLE mistakes all law firms make and how to change itWhy legal services feel commoditized and how to break that cycleHow AI can 10x your legal productivity without replacing your judgmentWhy consistent execution, not just branding is what builds real client trustThe role gratitude plays in sustaining a long-term legal careerThis conversation is for lawyers who want a clearer understanding on how to attract the right clients—without chasing, posturing, or relying on generic marketing tactics. About Jessica Nguyen: Jessica Nguyen is Deputy General Counsel of AI Innovation & Trust at DocuSign and Head of Contract Nerds, a global community serving thousands of contracts and legal professionals. A seasoned in-house leader and former Chief Legal Officer, Jessica focuses on customer-centric innovation at the intersection of AI, agreements, and trust. She also hosts the In-House podcast, where she interviews legal leaders about influence, career pivots, and building a meaningful in-house career. Stay Connected: Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. If you’re navigating BigLaw pressure, struggling with business development or marketing decisions and want a confidential thinking partner, connect with us here:  Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail stage at info@stage.guide

    37 min
  4. What Success Actually Looks Like (It’s Not What You Think) Minis with Megan

    FEB 26

    What Success Actually Looks Like (It’s Not What You Think) Minis with Megan

    What does it take to be successful?  As stage closes out its third year in business, Megan Senese reflects on what has actually fueled growth, and it might not be what you think. In this mini episode, she shares why showing up consistently, a little bit every day, is what compounds into real business development and sustainable success. Who this episode is for: Lawyers building their book of businessFounders navigating early years of entrepreneurshipProfessionals frustrated by not being the “strategy” or “influencer” typeAnyone questioning whether steady effort really mattersEpisode takeaways: Why discipline might be your most underrated strengthHow consistency compounds over time in business developmentThe power of oscillating between thinking and doingWhy there is no single “best practice” for building a book of businessHow steady, stubborn consistency outlasts quick winsBusiness development tips from this episode:  Discipline beats flash: Long-term growth comes from consistent effort, not one viral momentThinking alone isn’t enough: Someone still has to do the doingSmall daily actions compound: Business development is built little by littleConsistency builds credibility: Especially when no one is watchingThere is no one-size-fits-all formula: The best approach is the one you’ll actually sustainIf you’re navigating BigLaw pressure, struggling with business development or marketing decisions and want a confidential thinking partner, connect with us here.  Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail stage at info@stage.guide Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

    5 min
  5. Want to Know How to Help Minneapolis? On the Ground with Civil Defense Attorney, Cari Brunkow

    FEB 19

    Want to Know How to Help Minneapolis? On the Ground with Civil Defense Attorney, Cari Brunkow

    **Note: Before you listen** This episode contains discussions of disturbing events that have taken place in Minnesota. Please take care while listening. “Shouldn't we as a society really be taking a step back and dissecting this hate, and realize that it is shameful and embarrassing?...Right now, you guys might be interviewing me about what's happening in Minneapolis. I hope nobody is ever interviewing you about what is happening in your neighborhoods.” - Cari Brunkow What happens when the national headlines are in your neighborhood? In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Cari Brunkow, founder and counsel of Lotus Legal, a Minneapolis-based criminal defense and civil rights attorney who is living, and lawyering, in the middle of escalating ICE activity and community unrest. Cari shares what it feels like to launch a human-centered law practice, and watch violence unfold in her own city just days later. She speaks candidly about fear, grief, anger, and hope, and about what it means to show up as a lawyer, a mother, and a community member when the fight feels personal. This is not a neat conversation. There are no easy answers. But there is honesty, proximity, and a reminder that we are not alone and we can all do something. You’ll hear about: Why Cari named her firm Lotus Legal, and what the lotus symbolizes in criminal defense and civil rights workWhat she’s seeing firsthand in Minneapolis, and how it differs from national narrativesThe emotional toll of witnessing violence in your own communityWhat it means to “get proximate” even if you don’t live in MinnesotaPractical ways to support affected communitiesWhy speaking up makes all of us saferAbout Cari Brunkow: Cari Brunkow is the founder and counsel of Lotus Legal, a Minneapolis-based criminal defense and civil rights firm. With more than a decade of experience representing individuals in law enforcement brutality cases and protecting constitutional rights, Cari launched her solo practice in 2025 to align her legal work fully with her values. She is a mother, a community advocate, and a fierce believer in proximity, truth, and collective courage. Ways You Can Get Involved: Support local journalism (e.g., Minnesota Public Radio)Buy gift cards or directly support small businesses in affected communities - Learn more about Mercado CentralCall your congressional representatives regarding ICE and DHS fundingCheck out the National Lawyers GuildCheck out the National Immigration Law CenterStay Connected: Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.  Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat! Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail stage at info@stage.guide

    44 min
  6. Knowing the Risks and Jumping Anyway: Why You Can't Be Prepared for Everything (Minis with Megan)

    FEB 12

    Knowing the Risks and Jumping Anyway: Why You Can't Be Prepared for Everything (Minis with Megan)

    Even when a risk feels calculated, it’s still a risk.  In this mini episode, Megan Senese shares a memorable story about skydiving on her 18th birthday, and how it became a lasting lesson about control, fear, and the moments in life when all you can do is jump. Who this episode is for: Anyone standing on the edge of a big decisionPeople trying to calculate every outcome before moving forwardLawyers, professionals, and creatives facing uncertaintyAnyone who needs permission to act without guaranteesEpisode takeaways: Why even “well-planned” risks can spiral out of controlHow trying to manage every variable can give a false sense of safetyWhat happens when circumstances force you to move forward anywayWhy action, not certainty, is often the turning pointA reminder that courage doesn’t always mean feeling calmA different way to think about taking risks: You can set all the criteria, and still lose controlRisk doesn’t disappear just because you planned for itFear doesn’t mean you’re doing the wrong thingSometimes there is no perfect moment or exit strategyStay Connected: If you want a partner to share ideas with or to walk you through a big decision, we’re always here for you. Connect with us here.  Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

    6 min
  7. Masking Made Me Successful and Also Burned Me Out (with lawyer Sarah Ennor, Founder of Growth Counsel, ADHD Pathfinder)

    FEB 5

    Masking Made Me Successful and Also Burned Me Out (with lawyer Sarah Ennor, Founder of Growth Counsel, ADHD Pathfinder)

    “I realized the reason I was so passionate about authenticity was because I hadn't had the opportunity to be that way myself in these corporate roles.” - Sarah Ennor What does it take to be a different kind of leader in legal? Sarah Ennor, Founder of Growth Counsel, is a former firm lawyer, and in-house counsel and compliance for big-bank asset managers, she felt the pressure to “fit in.” After receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, she is on a mission to bring simple inclusion strategies to life through relatable stories. Culture, morale, and financial results improve when we marry revenue to respect, coach with curiosity, and begin to banish bias. Sarah joins Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey to talk about what happens when you stop chasing credibility through control, and start building it through presence, curiosity, and trust. You’ll hear about: What Sarah wishes more legal leaders understood about team dynamicsThe invisible weight of credibility, and how she learned to set it downWhy coaching helped her rewire how she showed up in the roomHer take on legal ops, burnout, and building trust in high-pressure rolesWhat makes a workplace feel safe (hint: it’s not perfection)About Sarah Ennor: Sarah Ennor is on a mission to make ADHD human. She works with law firms and organizations to make ADHD human and profitable through workshops and presentations to support their talent. Learn More: Explore Sarah’s work at Growth CounselThis episode #32 of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People is accredited for 35 minutes of EDI Professionalism hours for lawyers in Ontario! Stay Connected: Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.  Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat! Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail stage at info@stage.guide

    37 min
  8. Overwhelmed? Here’s Small Things You Can Do (Minis with Megan)

    JAN 29

    Overwhelmed? Here’s Small Things You Can Do (Minis with Megan)

    When the news is overwhelming, and the world feels like it’s on fire, it’s easy to feel powerless.  In this mini episode, Megan Senese shares a deeply human check-in about why relationships matter, how small actions can help us regain a sense of agency, and why resilience, not “self-care”, is what we need most right now. Who this episode is for: Anyone feeling overwhelmed Lawyers and professionals struggling to show up “as usual” when things aren’t normalPeople craving connection, grounding, and reassurance that they’re not aloneEpisode takeaways How stage defines relationships as people, not transactions, optics, or metricsHow talking it out with someone you trust can shift how you show up at work and in lifeWhy one small action can interrupt feelings of helplessnessHow resilience looks different for everyone, and doesn’t require perfectionA reminder that you don’t have to measure your response against anyone else’sWhat you can do right now: Start with one small action: Movement helps break the feeling of being stuckPractice resilience, not perfection: Rest, pause, and refill your cup when neededProtect your nervous system: Set boundaries around news, screens, and noiseLean into community: Connection is a form of care and resistanceEngage in ways that feel aligned: Donating, volunteering, pro bono work, or reaching outLearn More: Donate if you are able: Support MinnesotaEmail Your RepresentativesCall Your RepresentativesVolunteer, do pro bono work:ABA Pro Bono OpportunitiesNY State Bar Pro Bono OpportunitiesCalifornia State Bar Pro Bono OpportunitiesStay Connected: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. If you need an ear, a place to land, or someone to remind you that small things matter, we’re here. Always. Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

    6 min
5
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

Welcome to So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People. Where we explore behind-the-scenes of work, law, life, and everything in between. We're your hosts, business development and legal marketing coaches, Jennifer Ramsey and Megan Senese, and we're here to showcase the human side of the legal world, from marketing and consulting to the very real struggles of balancing work with being human. This isn’t your typical, dry legal show. We're bringing you real stories, candid conversations, and smart insights that remind you that outside of being a lawyer or legal marketer - what makes you human? So whether you’re navigating billable hours or breaking glass ceilings in a woman-owned legal practice, this legal podcast is for you. Stay human. Stay inspired. Namaste (or whatever keeps you human). 

You Might Also Like