Oct 1 · Video

Is your Workplace Drama Just Toxic or Illegal?

If you feel anxious before every meeting, panic when your boss messages you, or spend your evenings replaying conversations from work, you may be asking yourself: Is my workplace toxic or is what’s happening actually illegal? In this episode of Punching the Clock, employment attorney Mila Arutunian sits down with Mary Eldridge, founder of Mind to Thrive, to explore the line between a stressful workplace, a toxic work environment, and workplace conduct that may raise legal concerns. A boss can be unfair or emotionally draining without every situation necessarily becoming an employment-law violation. But toxic workplace experiences can still affect your confidence, performance, and mental well-being. Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Sep 17 · Video

Military Dad Must Move So Who Gets Custody?

A Navy father receives orders to report from San Diego to Norfolk, Virginia, in just 60 days and he wants his 10-year-old son to move with him. The child says he wants to go with Dad. But Mom says their son shouldn't have to leave behind his school, friends, doctors, and lifelong community because of his father's military career. Should the court let the child move with his father? Or should he stay in San Diego with his mother while the court takes a closer look? In this episode of Split Decisions, two veteran family law attorneys go head-to-head over one of the toughest questions facing military families in custody court: What happens when a military parent receives orders to move away? Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Aug 28 · Video

Ask Ilona: Is My Husband Trying to Screw Me in the Divorce?

Is your spouse telling you that divorce mediation will be easier and cheaper, but also telling you not to hire a lawyer? And what happens when an ex takes a custody dispute directly to your employer? This week on Ask Ilona, Ilona Antonyan answers two listener questions about divorce, custody, and knowing when it’s time to protect yourself. First, a mother says her ex-husband repeatedly contacts her employer and school district over custody and pickup disputes. Ilona discusses when that behavior may cross into harassment, the potential role of restraining orders and contempt proceedings, and why documenting a pattern of conduct can be critical. Then, a woman preparing for divorce wonders whether her husband is really offering her a “fair” settlement. He wants mediation, doesn’t want her to hire an attorney, has begun selling marital property, and says he should keep his 401(k), most of which was accumulated during their 10-year marriage. Ilona breaks down the red flags, including retirement accounts, spousal support, marital assets, mediation, and the importance of knowing what you’re legally entitled to before agreeing to give anything up. Because mediation can be a powerful tool, but only if you understand what you may be negotiating away. Have a question about relationships, breakups, custody, or divorce? Send it to podcast@antonyanmiranda.com for a chance to be featured on Ask Ilona. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Aug 13 · Video

Punching the Clock: Mental Health Treatment & Work

Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Jul 30 · Video

Split Decisions: What Happens When One Parent Moves Away With the Child?

A mother gives birth, then disappears overnight with her 3-week-old newborn to move in with her parents hundreds of miles away: without telling the baby's father. Was she protecting herself and her child? Or did she unlawfully cut a father out of his child's life before it even began? In this episode of Split Decisions, two veteran family law attorneys go head-to-head over one of the hardest questions family courts face: What happens when one parent moves away with the child? Tell us who you think won today's mock trial, and let us know any topics you'd like covered in future episodes. Write in to podcast@antonyanmiranda.com. Follow The AM Sidebar for more Split Decisions real-world legal debates on the toughest custody disputes facing families today. Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Jul 16 · Video

Ask Ilona: Ex's New Girlfriend Sabotaging Daughter's Treatment

A mother writes in with a difficult co-parenting dilemma involving a blended family, a child recovering from hospitalization, suspected celiac disease, and repeated CPS threats from her ex-husband's girlfriend. In this episode of Ask Alona, we break down the legal, emotional, and practical challenges parents face when disagreements arise over a child's medical treatment. What rights do parents have when making healthcare decisions? How should you respond to threats of Child Protective Services involvement? And what can you do when an ex-spouse's new partner begins interfering in parenting matters? This discussion covers co-parenting communication, custody concerns, medical decision-making, CPS allegations, family court considerations, documenting evidence, protecting children from emotional harm, and navigating blended family dynamics. Whether you're dealing with a difficult co-parent, a high-conflict custody situation, or disagreements about your child's health and well-being, this episode provides practical guidance to help you focus on what matters most: your child. Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Jul 2 · Video

Punching the Clock: Think You Were Wrongfully Fired? Wage & Hour Claims with Nick De Blouw

Think every firing is illegal? Think again. In this episode of Punching the Clock, employment attorneys Mila Arutunian and Nick De Blouw break down one of the most misunderstood areas of California employment law: wage and hour claims, PAGA lawsuits, arbitration agreements, class actions, and employee rights. Learn how meal and rest break violations happen, what employers are legally required to provide, why arbitration agreements matter, and how employment lawyers determine whether someone actually has a case. Then, things take a hilarious turn as Mila and Nick share some of the most outrageous stories from their years practicing employment law—including bizarre past client voicemails, unbelievable settlement demands, Batman-style death threats, and the unforgettable personalities they've encountered while representing employees. In this episode: - Wage & hour claims explained - California meal and rest break laws - PAGA and class action lawsuits - Arbitration agreements and employee rights - Common wrongful termination myths - Behind-the-scenes stories from employment lawyers - Outrageous client voicemails and unforgettable legal encounters Whether you're an employee trying to understand your workplace rights or just love hearing unbelievable stories from the legal world, this episode is packed with practical advice, humor, and real-life experiences from the front lines of employment law. Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

Jun 18 · Video

Split Decisions: Should Courts Force Reunification Therapy?

In this episode of Split Decisions, veteran California family law attorneys Tim Miranda and Carlos Tavares argue both sides of a high-conflict custody dispute involving parental alienation, reunification therapy, child custody rights, and the wishes of a teenage child. A 14-year-old boy refuses all contact with his father. The father believes the child's mother has alienated their son against him and asks the court to enforce reunification therapy. The mother argues the boy's feelings are genuine and that forcing therapy is only making things worse. Can a court force a child to repair a broken relationship with a parent? After the debate, Tim and Carlos break down what would actually happen in California family court, discuss the role of Minor's Counsel, explain how much weight courts give a 14-year-old's preferences, and share why reunification therapy often struggles to achieve the results parents hope for. Topics Covered: • Reunification Therapy • Parental Alienation Claims • Child Custody Disputes • Teenagers Refusing Visitation • California Family Court • Minor's Counsel • Child's Preference in Custody Cases • High-Conflict Co-Parenting • Family Law Litigation • Divorce and Parenting Conflicts Every trial has two sides. Which one wins? You be the judge. Cast your vote in the comments: Should courts continue forcing reunification therapy when a child refuses to participate? Or should a teenager's wishes be respected, even if the relationship may never be repaired? Brought to you by the Antonyan Miranda law firm, The AM Sidebar podcast delivers episodes that make the law accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Each week, a different attorney takes the mic with their own unique segment: whether it's sparring in mock trial debates in Split Decisions, flagging toxic workplace behavior in Punching the Clock, or answering your relationship questions in Ask Ilona. Think of it as your legal espresso shot: quick, compelling, and just enough to give you an edge. Perfect for attorneys who want to stay sharp and curious minds watching from the gallery.

The AM Sidebar

Is your Workplace Drama Just Toxic or Illegal?

Military Dad Must Move So Who Gets Custody?

Ask Ilona: Is My Husband Trying to Screw Me in the Divorce?

Punching the Clock: Mental Health Treatment & Work

Split Decisions: What Happens When One Parent Moves Away With the Child?

Ask Ilona: Ex's New Girlfriend Sabotaging Daughter's Treatment

Punching the Clock: Think You Were Wrongfully Fired? Wage & Hour Claims with Nick De Blouw

Split Decisions: Should Courts Force Reunification Therapy?

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The AM Sidebar

Episodes

Is your Workplace Drama Just Toxic or Illegal?

Military Dad Must Move So Who Gets Custody?

Ask Ilona: Is My Husband Trying to Screw Me in the Divorce?

Punching the Clock: Mental Health Treatment & Work

Split Decisions: What Happens When One Parent Moves Away With the Child?

Ask Ilona: Ex's New Girlfriend Sabotaging Daughter's Treatment

Punching the Clock: Think You Were Wrongfully Fired? Wage & Hour Claims with Nick De Blouw

Split Decisions: Should Courts Force Reunification Therapy?

About

Information