The Wellness Esquire Podcast

Ariella Cohen Coleman

Join me, Ariella Cohen Coleman, as I explore a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success. On The Wellness Esquire Podcast, I have honest, vulnerable conversations with attorneys and thought leaders about what it really takes to thrive in law - mentally, emotionally, and professionally. We cover the things people are often afraid or embarrassed to talk about: anxiety, burnout, addiction, imposter syndrome, misery, anger, alcohol, depression, health challenges, loss, mistakes, and the realities of legal culture. Each episode blends personal storytelling with practical insights to help lawyers and other high-performing professionals build careers that energize rather than exhaust. Subscribe for weekly Wellness Wednesday episodes and join the movement toward a healthier, more fulfilling way to work and live.

  1. 4d ago

    How to Work Like You Vacation (and Why You Should) - with Gwen Griggs and Whitney Harper

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Gwen Griggs and Whitney Harper, founders of Advos Legal, for their second appearance on the pod! They explore the wild idea of 'working the way you vacation' by ditching the legal industry's obsession with the misery competition and the billable hour. Gwen and Whitney share their journey of building a firm grounded in human-centric processes, learning from early practice 'disasters,' and why setting firm boundaries actually leads to more profitable business outcomes. They also cover the very important topic of what they wear “at the office” and how they handle OOO messages. Guest Info Gwen Griggs & Whitney Harper Founders of Advos Legal Follow Gwen & Whitney: Website: https://www.advocos.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwengriggs/ Resources / Links Mentioned Winning the Week by Demir and Carey Bentley — https://lifehackmethod.com/book/The Way We're Working Isn't Working by Tony Schwartz — https://theenergyproject.com/books/the-way-were-working-isnt-working/Tonal Home Gym — https://www.tonal.comHost Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    1h 25m
  2. May 20

    The General Counsel Who Missed His Son’s Greatest Play for an Email He Can’t Remember - with Matthew Campobasso

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Matthew Campobasso, a seasoned litigator and legal executive who reached the pinnacle of his career only to find it felt surprisingly empty. Matt shares what it was like to reach an incredible level or success and receiving all the recognition he could want, and yet wondering, "Is this it?" This realization sparked a journey of intense self-reflection, therapy, and a shift from being a "savior" who runs through walls to a leader who prioritizes internal validation over external accolades. The conversation dives deep into the concept of "lawyer brain" - the hyper-analytical programming that often turns every personal interaction into a problem-solving mission. Matthew shares a story about missing his son's milestone football play because of an email he can no longer remember, illustrating the high cost of professional “urgency.” They discuss the danger of "outsourcing" self-worth and the necessity of building an internal core of value. Matthew also details his evolution into creating his Substack and podcast, each carrying the name The Case For…, and to authoring his new book, The Case For Letting Go, which explores identity, renewal, and releasing the illusion of control. Guest Bio Matthew Campobasso is an experienced attorney with a 20-year career spanning government prosecution, Big Law, and executive leadership as a Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. As an Adjunct Professor at UIC Law, he challenges students to master the new essentials: adaptability, ethical clarity, commercial fluency, and critical AI literacy. Recently recognized as one of the Top 40 Legal Innovators, Matthew is also the host of The Case For... podcast, featuring candid conversations with lawyers and creative thinkers making the case for what truly matters to their purpose and their people. His forthcoming book, The Case for Letting Go (2026), and his original screenplay, Another Life, explore identity, renewal, and releasing the illusion of control. A dedicated practitioner of Stoicism and meditation, Matthew focuses on judgment over impulse and purpose over noise, believing that in uncertain moments, composure creates credibility. Resources Mentioned LinkedIn: Matthew CampobassoSubstack: The Case For…Podcast: The Case For...Book: The Case for Letting Go: How to Find Balance In A World That Rewards BurnoutHost Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    1h 2m
  3. May 13

    Leaving Law Saved His Life - with Shaun Bernstein

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Shaun Bernstein, a former attorney turned professional ghostwriter and founder of The Write Stuff Agency. They explore Shaun’s intense journey through a mental health crisis that ultimately led him to walk away from a legal career. Shaun shares the physical and emotional warning signs he experienced, the power of 'betting on yourself,' and how he rediscovered his true identity as a storyteller. Guest: Shaun Bernstein, Owner and Chief Storyteller at The Write Stuff Agency! The Write Stuff Agency: https://thewritestuff.agency/The Waiting Room Podcast:  https://thewritestuff.agency/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunbernstein/Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    53 min
  4. May 6

    Sending 250 Connection Requests a Week to Escape Big Law - with Megan Senese

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage and a legal marketing and business development strategist. They explore the transition from the "robotic" expectations of BigLaw to building a business rooted in authenticity and kindness. Megan shares her strategy for sending 250 connection requests a week to build her platform in stealth mode, the psychological toll of the billable hour, and why the most powerful business development tool is simply being a human being. Guest: Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage & Legal Business Development Strategist Her website: https://stage.guide/ Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/ Listen to her podcast, So Much to Say: A Legal Podcast for People.   Megan also offers four free business development sessions for any parent returning from parental leave! Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    1h 29m
  5. Apr 29

    From Alcoholic Trial Lawyer Afraid to Get His Mail to Helping Lawyers Thrive - with Gary Miles

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Gary Miles, a veteran trial attorney turned wellness coach for lawyers. Ariella and Gary dive into Gary's journey through 41 years of legal practice, including more than a decade as a high-functioning alcoholic. They explore why the very traits that make lawyers successful in court - like being "invincible" - can become "mental prisons" that lead to burnout, and Gary shares his movement from fear-based litigation to service-oriented coaching and leadership. Guest: Gary Miles, Wellness Coach for Lawyers & Former Trial Attorney His website: https://garymiles.net/Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/The link to his productivity assessment: https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/7c3c667ff1Resources: Breaking Free by Gary Miles — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/Everyday Legacy by Candi Broeffle — https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Legacy-Lessons-Funeral-Director/dp/1946633332ABA Study on Lawyer Impairment — https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/research/colap_aba_hazelden_lawyer_study/Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    49 min
  6. Apr 22

    Building a Law Firm Where People Don't Wake Up and Puke from Anxiety - with Samah Abukhodeir

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Samah Abukhodeir, the founder and managing partner of The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm. They dive into how Samah built a 50-person firm centered around culture, where employee well-being and clear client boundaries are the foundation for success. Samah shares her journey from being a "food stamp baby" to managing a multi-million dollar practice, the systems she uses to build a successful firm while raising two young children, and why she chose to ignore the skeptics and merge firms with her husband. Resources / Links Mentioned Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman — https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-bookCulture Index — https://www.cultureindex.com/Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) — https://www.eonetwork.org/ Guest Info: Samah Abukhodeir Founder and Managing Partner at The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm Follow Samah Abukhodeir: Website: https://flfamilyandprobate.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samah-abukhodeir/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samah_abukhodeir/Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    1h 10m
  7. Apr 15

    Breaking the Billable Hour: How Subscription Law Firms Are Changing Everything - with Mathew Kerbis

    On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Mathew Kerbis, the founder of Subscription Attorney LLC and co-founder of Practi. They explored the  shift from the billable hour to the subscription model in the legal profession, and Mathew shared his journey from insurance defense burnout to building a sustainable, tech-forward practice that prioritizes time control and client accessibility. Resources / Links Mentioned Subscribed by Tien Tzuo: https://www.tien-tzuo.com/subscribed-bookThe Membership Economy by Robbie Kelman Baxter: https://robbiekelmanbaxter.com/the-membership-economyPaxton AI: https://www.paxton.aiPerplexity Pro: https://www.perplexity.aiNotebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.comGuest Info: Mathew Kerbis Founder of Subscription Attorney LLC and Co-Founder of Practi Follow Mathew Kerbis: Website: https://subscriptionattorney.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerbisPodcast / Project: https://www.lawsubscribed.comTech Platform: https://practi.ai Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    1h 5m
  8. Apr 8

    Designing a Legal Career That Actually Fits Your Life - with Lacey Gutierrez

    I chatted with Lacey Gutierrez, co-founder of a modern law firm, to explore the intersection of adventurous living and effective lawyering. We discussed her journey from a fourth-generation legal legacy to finding her own voice in privacy law and fractional GC work.  Lacey opens up about the "confidence positive feedback loop" she discovered through solo travel and how a dedicated Vedic meditation practice transformed her from a stressed-out bar examinee into a patient, high-performing firm owner. We also dig into why the billable hour can be a barrier to great legal advice and how to build a career that actually fits your life. Guest Bio Lacey Gutierrez is a privacy expert and co-founder of Group Five Legal, a law firm providing fractional General Counsel and labor/employment services. A firm believer in the power of meditation and global exploration, Lacey focuses on being a true business partner to her clients, prioritizing risk tolerance and clear communication over traditional billable-hour structures. Resources Mentioned Vedic Meditation and Transcendental Meditation (TM)The Likeability Trap by Alicia MenendezThe Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control* by Katherine Morgan SchaflerThe Work of Byron KatieBrené Brown’s research on perfectionismHost Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ Follow Ariella: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ Connect & Explore: Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcastSubstack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

    57 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join me, Ariella Cohen Coleman, as I explore a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success. On The Wellness Esquire Podcast, I have honest, vulnerable conversations with attorneys and thought leaders about what it really takes to thrive in law - mentally, emotionally, and professionally. We cover the things people are often afraid or embarrassed to talk about: anxiety, burnout, addiction, imposter syndrome, misery, anger, alcohol, depression, health challenges, loss, mistakes, and the realities of legal culture. Each episode blends personal storytelling with practical insights to help lawyers and other high-performing professionals build careers that energize rather than exhaust. Subscribe for weekly Wellness Wednesday episodes and join the movement toward a healthier, more fulfilling way to work and live.