Best Sarah Cottrell Podcasts (2024)

1
The “No Assholes Rule” (And Why It’s A Joke) 17:26

1h ago17:26

17:26

You may have worked in a workplace or more than one legal workplace where they said that they had a no-asshole rule. Clearly, there are many people who have worked in similar workplaces because this episode is one of the most downloaded episodes. Again, it's one of the ones I hear about the most from people because there is so much agreement with t…

1
The Biglaw System Creates Burnout 11:48

3d ago11:48

11:48

The next episode in our summer re-release series is Burnout is a Feature, Not a Bug. This is one of the things that I honestly think is the most important for you to realize if you are working in a toxic workplace, if you're working in a large law firm, or in Biglaw. Burnout is a feature of the way that work is organized in these organizations, it …

1
Lawyers, Your Job Should Not Make You Cry 7:28

8d ago7:28

7:28

I originally recorded the episode Your Job Should Not Make You Cry back in the very early days of lockdown when I was still editing the podcast myself and needed to be able to edit some shorter episodes, which ultimately I discovered was a happy accident because this episode is one of the most popular episodes of the podcast. It is one of the most …

1
What Collab Members Wish They Had Done Sooner 13:21

27d ago13:21

13:21

The next episode in our summer re-release series is one of the episodes from our Collab member question series. If you've listened to this series before, you know that I asked a bunch of different people in the Collab to answer some questions about their experience, what they've learned, the things that they have taken away from the process of figu…

1
The Soft Launch: Sarah Interviews Her Girlfriend, Britt 39:01

20d ago39:01

39:01

💡 Guest bio Britt went through a period of self-discovery and came out to her family after getting divorced in 2012. She was nervous but had a supportive conversation with her parents and sister, who were all understanding and accepting. Her dad even lightened the mood with a joke, showing his support. Britt is grateful for the positive experience …

1
Signs of Malignant Narcissism In The Legal Profession 19:59

22d ago19:59

19:59

Next up in this summer series of the most popular episodes of The Former Lawyer Podcast is an episode that I did about malignant narcissism in the legal profession and specifically signs of malignant narcissism because no surprise, narcissists are very common in our profession and a lot of the things that you experience in your legal workplace that…

1
Not Fitting In at Law Firms is a Good Thing 16:22

1M ago16:22

16:22

The reason that I recorded this episode originally is that so often when lawyers are thinking about leaving, one of the things that holds them back from leaving especially if they work in a law firm is that other people are going to look down on them and think that they're making a terrible decision, et cetera. I think it's critical to remember, as…

1
Is Being A Lawyer A Bullshit Job? 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

Today we're kicking off a summer series with episodes of the podcast that have been released over the past, well, honestly, almost five years the podcast has been going. These episodes that we're going to be re-releasing are all episodes that have been extremely popular, they're some of the most downloaded, or they're some of the ones that I hear t…

1
Do You Need a Bridge Job? Key Questions for Lawyers in Transition 12:23

2M ago12:23

12:23

In today’s episode, Sarah addresses a common question that lawyers who are looking to leave their positions often ask: Will you need a bridge job to make the transition? Sara answers by first discussing the two types of bridge jobs and what lawyers need to consider when answering this question for themselves. See show notes at formerlawyer.com/239 …

1
The Abusive Corporate Lifestyle is Not Designed to Help You Thrive with Tiffany Rogers 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Today’s podcast episode features a conversation between Sarah and someone who is not actually a former lawyer. Tiffany Rogers is a therapist based in Chicago. She specializes in working with women in the corporate world, specifically Black women. With so much discussion about therapy on many podcast episodes, it’s great to feature a conversation wi…

1
Second Chance Romance: Late-Life Lesbian Love (with Aime and Lisa) 40:28

1M ago40:28

40:28

Episode Summary How would you feel if you discovered your true sexuality after years of marriage and starting a family? Join us as we explore the remarkable stories of Aime and Lisa, two brave women who came to terms with their lesbian identities in their 30s. They share their deeply personal journeys of self-discovery, reflecting on the societal p…

1
The Most Challenging Part of Leaving Law is the Emotional Work 12:12

2M ago12:12

12:12

In today’s podcast episode, Sarah shares the hardest thing about leaving the law. She’s talked to many clients, peers, podcast guests, and people in her life; everyone encounters their own unique obstacles. However, the biggest thing keeping people from making a change is the practical reality. Lawyers get stuck trying to figure out things on the f…

1
Lawyers Hoping To Be Hit By A Bus Isn't Normal, but Not Uncommon Either with Kelcey Baker 43:03

3M ago43:03

43:03

In today’s podcast episode, Sarah is chatting with Kelcey Baker, a returning guest. Their conversation reviews why it isn’t normal to want a break from work so bad that you think about getting hit by a bus. Yes, that’s a common expression within lawyer networks. There is a trigger warning because the conversation dives into narcissism, abuse, self-…

1
All About Lesbian Sex: Pleasure, Consent, Orgasms, Toys, Sexual Health & Hygiene (with Cherish Amber) 47:58

2M ago47:58

47:58

About the Episode and Guest Cherish Amber, a seasoned queer sex, intimacy, and relationship coach, takes us on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and acceptance. From identifying as bisexual at 15 to embracing her identity as a lesbian, Cherish shares the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her path. She offers poignant insights into t…

1
How to Explore Your Career Options After Law with Patience and a Plan 13:01

3M ago13:01

13:01

In today’s episode, Sarah offers important advice to listeners. While practicing law, she constantly thought about what she wanted to do outside the law. But then her brain would start telling her everything that would make it a bad fit and instantly become negative. Lawyers are just trained to do this, and it’s important that you recognize that ah…

1
Navigating Commercial Real Estate After Gaining Experience in Biglaw with Andre Ferrari 50:15

3M ago50:15

50:15

Today’s podcast episode features a conversation between Sarah and Andre Ferrari. He practiced law for a few years before becoming a real estate developer. Andre shares his career path and how he got to where he is today. It’s interesting to see how interested he’s always been in real estate and how that’s helped him transition between multiple role…

1
How Many Vacations Will Be Lost Before You Make a Change 12:02

3M ago12:02

12:02

Summer has arrived! On today’s podcast, Sarah asks listeners the question, “How many vacations does your job have to ruin, cancel, impinge upon, or maybe make you not even plan before you decide enough is enough?” Many lawyers struggle to take vacations, and when they do, it’s a challenge to shut off work and enjoy themselves. So many of the people…

1
CBT vs. DBT: Which Type Of Therapy Is Better For Lawyers? 55:41

3M ago55:41

55:41

Today’s podcast episode features another conversation with previous guest Annie Little. Sarah is chatting with her about thoughts and advice when it comes to finding a therapist as a lawyer. They discuss the differences between Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and share their experiences and observations. If…

1
Know It’s the Right Time to Leave the Law with Two Questions 11:12

4M ago11:12

11:12

In today’s podcast, Sarah discusses how to know when it’s the right time to leave law. Many people listening are grappling with this question, and often, when they ask it, they are looking for an external answer. There is no external answer. You are the only person that can decide when the time is right. The reality is that you need to ask yourself…

1
How Law Firms Avoid All Responsibility for Toxic Environments with Kelcey Baker 48:38

4M ago48:38

48:38

Today’s podcast episode features a returning guest, Kelcey Baker, talking to Sarah. There is a content warning because they are discussing a recent story about a junior Biglaw partner in the UK passing away during an acute mental health episode. They discuss mental health issues and suicide. The story is important because it highlights some of the …

1
Nothing is Worth Sacrificing Yourself - A Reminder for All Lawyers 9:37

4M ago9:37

9:37

Today’s podcast episode is an important reminder every lawyer needs to hear. Sarah reminds listeners that nothing about your job is as important as you and your emotional, mental, and physical health. For lawyers, it’s easy to feel their value as human beings is basically in job performance. It’s tough for lawyers to feel like they exist outside th…

1
Come Out When the Joy and Freedom of Being Out Supersedes the Pain and Fear of Living in the Closet (with Suzette Mullen) 31:53

4M ago31:53

31:53

💡 Host bio Sarah St John is a woman who faced a major crossroads in her life after being married for 18 years and getting divorced. Despite not having children, she had to navigate the difficult transition from a comfortable and seemingly problem-free marriage to being on her own. Throughout her marriage, she had enjoyed the financial stability and…

1
Why Entertainment Law Isn't the Escape You Might Think with Jordan Nahmias 48:08

4M ago48:08

48:08

Sarah sees many clients who change careers within the law, like becoming in-house lawyers, but at the end of the day, they are still lawyers. When people think that switching to entertainment law will be a fun and exciting change, it’s important to step back and ask some more questions. Today’s podcast episode features a conversation with Jordan Na…

1
How to Decide if Now is the Right Time to Leave Law 13:08

5M ago13:08

13:08

In today’s podcast episode, Sarah addresses a question that many people start asking themselves when the economy is unstable: Is now really the right time to consider leaving the law? Layoffs and challenging circumstances can add an added layer of stress and concern when it comes to changing industries and leaving your job. Sarah shares some though…

1
Separating Your Identity From Your Legal Career 59:02

5M ago59:02

59:02

In today’s podcast episode, Sarah chats with one of her one-on-one clients, Ann Marie Cowdrey. She has had a lot of experience working for regional and international law firms throughout her career. She hit a rough patch and thought it was time for a chance, so she started working with Sarah. Today, she’s sharing her experience in law and how she f…

1
Understanding Burnout Versus Depression In Lawyers And How To Get Support 11:20

5M ago11:20

11:20

Many lawyers find themselves asking, “Am I depressed, or am I burnt out?” This comes up when they are thinking about leaving the law, and it’s not a new topic on the podcast. In the episode where Sarah spoke to Ilona Salmons, they did a deep dive into burnout and what it is. Mental health is a common topic brought up in the Former Lawyer community,…

1
Finding an Empowering Path Back to Creative Work from Law with Lynley Ogilvie 42:23

5M ago42:23

42:23

On today’s podcast episode, Sarah chats with Lynley Ogilvie about her career pivot. She left her job as a lawyer to become a landscape designer. The conversation was exciting, and her path was unique compared to other guests on the podcast. Lynley lives just outside of Washington, DC, and she has her own landscape design firm. See show notes at for…

1
Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty if You Hate Being a Lawyer 9:57

6M ago9:57

9:57

Today’s podcast topic was sparked by a recent call for the Guided Track Sarah is facilitating this spring. This program is designed to assist lawyers in navigating their career paths and offers a safe space for self-reflection. It helps individuals determine if leaving the law is the right choice for them and guides them toward their next steps. Th…

1
No, The LGBTQIA+ Community Isn’t Going to Burn in Hell For Eternity (or at all, for that matter)(with Susan Cottrell) 35:14

6M ago35:14

35:14

💡 Speaker bios Susan Cottrell and her husband were deeply involved in the evangelical church for 20 years, finding a sense of community and family within it. However, their perspective changed when two of their five children came out as queer. This prompted a re-examination of their beliefs, as one of their children expressed that they had tried to…

1
Navigating Lawyering and New Career Paths with Chronic Health Conditions with Emily Whelden 46:01

6M ago46:01

46:01

Today’s podcast episode focuses on what it’s like to work in law with chronic illnesses. Emily Whelden is a former lawyer who now works at Dixon Life Coaching, mostly with clients have ADHD and other chronic illnesses. Many podcast listeners have requested this conversation, and today it's happening. She is chatting with Sarah about her experience …

1
An Existential Crisis When Leaving the Law Isn't a Sign of Failure 11:54

6M ago11:54

11:54

Lawyers expect to follow a perfectly laid-out path. It’s natural. When the next step in any journey isn’t clear, it feels like something is wrong. In today’s podcast episode, Sarah talks about moments when you feel like you’re having an existential crisis, but that doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong. When you feel like you’re having an exist…

1
From Lawyer to Professional Development and Legal Recruiting with Adriana Paris 57:49

6M ago57:49

57:49

On today’s podcast, Sarah is chatting with Adriana Paris. Adriana stopped practicing law after ten years and moved into a new role at a law firm. She is the director of professional development and legal recruiting for a regional law firm with about 100 lawyers. In addition, she has a coaching business on the side where she helps lawyers with perso…

1
Empowering Change: Updates from the Legal Accountability Project with Aliza Shatzman 37:17

7M ago37:17

37:17

Today’s podcast episode brings back a previous guest to update listeners. Aliza Shatzman previously appeared to talk with Sarah about The Legal Accountability Project. She co-founded this project based on a nightmare clerkship scenario she faced and wanted to help lawyers find recourse if they find themselves in this situation. She is sharing where…

1
Combating Misinformation and Anti-LGBTQIA Fear in Religious Communities (with Rev. Brandan Robertson) 45:50

7M ago45:50

45:50

💡 Guest bio Rev. Brandan Robertson's journey to becoming a pastor began at the age of 12, when he had a conversion experience at a Baptist church in Maryland. Despite growing up in a non-religious household, he felt a distinct calling to pursue a career in the ministry. Now, at the age of 32, he has dedicated himself to fulfilling that calling and …

1
How to Shift Professionally From Lawyer to Chief Marketing Officer with Ashley Carlisle 52:35

7M ago52:35

52:35

After leaving law, former lawyers follow many career paths depending on their interests and skills. Today’s podcast episode features a conversation with Ashley Carlisle, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of HyperDraft. If you are considering marketing as an option after leaving the law, this podcast has some great information for you. See show note…

1
Unraveling the Startling Parallels Between Narcissism in Family Units and Law Firms 49:44

7M ago49:44

49:44

Narcissism is a word that is often associated with lawyers for many reasons. On today’s podcast episode, Sarah is chatting with Kelcey Baker about the fact that many lawyers have relationships with narcissists. Narcissism is a topic that more people are discussing now, and part of the reason is that there is more awareness and understanding of what…

1
Validation: An Incredible Tool for Unhappy Lawyers with Kelcey Baker 58:57

7M ago58:57

58:57

On today’s podcast episode, Sarah is chatting with her client, Kelcey Baker. Kelcey joined the Collab and participated in the Guided Track, so she has all kinds of wisdom and insight to share about her decision to become a lawyer and then her decision to stop practicing law. See show notes at formerlawyer.com/216 Learn the framework that I use with…

1
One Simple and Essential Piece of Advice to Leave the Law 19:17

7M ago19:17

19:17

The theme of today’s podcast episode is the idea that just because you can doesn’t mean you should. This advice was a central point to a recent keynote talk Sarah did at The Authentic Lawyer Summit, and it’s important for anyone leaving the law, but also lawyers who want to stay in law forever. Sarah shared more about her background and how this ad…

1
The Challenges of Leaving Public Interest Law with Strawberry Nevill 50:15

8M ago50:15

50:15

Today’s podcast episode features Sarah’s conversation with Strawberry Nevill. After connecting through a mutual friend, Sarah invited Strawberry to come on to share their journey from working in public interest. This area of law has its own challenges and can be very hard to walk away from. Strawberry spent about 15 years in and around the legal fi…

1
The Episode Where I Tell You How I Really Feel (Raw, Unscripted, Unfiltered, Unedited, and Unhinged) 52:23

8M ago52:23

52:23

https://www.lesbihonest.show/By Sarah

1
Which Collab Feature Helped This Member With a Career Breakthrough 39:05

8M ago39:05

39:05

On today’s podcast episode, Sarah is talking with a member of the Collab, Read. He shares his background story and how he decided that the Collab was the right fit for him while he was working to become a lawyer. He finished law school about two and a half years ago but was already having doubts about his future in law. Hear his story and how the C…

1
Adrian Hern’s Escape from Legal Burnout 42:48

8M ago42:48

42:48

Today’s podcast episode features a client, Adrian Hern. She’s a member of the Collab and has also worked with Sarah one-on-one. You’ll get some insight into working with Sarah individually and how it’s structured. Plus, you get to hear from a client who has gone through these conversations and hear some first-hand experience and advice about naviga…

1
The Misery of Knowing That One is Doing Harm As A Lawyer 35:21

8M ago35:21

35:21

In today’s episode, Sarah is back again with Annie Little discussing the book Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber. It’s part of a series of podcast discussions diving into the miseries of a bullshit job. Today, it’s time to dive into the fourth and final misery that comes with bullshit jobs, knowing that one is doing harm as a lawyer. Go back and catch …

1
The Misery of Not Feeling Entitled to One's Misery as a Lawyer 29:39

9M ago29:39

29:39

In today’s episode, Sarah is back again with Annie Little discussing the book Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber. It’s part of a series of podcast discussions diving into the miseries of a bullshit job, and today, it’s time to dive into the third misery that comes with bullshit jobs. The Misery of not feeling entitled to your misery as a lawyer. If you…

1
The Artificial Power Structure and Feeling Helpless as a Lawyer with Annie Little 45:12

9M ago45:12

45:12

In today’s episode, Sarah is back again with Annie Little discussing the book Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber. It’s part of a series of podcast discussions, so check out the others before and after this one. Graeber gives four reasons why having a bullshit job feels so miserable. Last week’s discussion was all about the first reason—ambiguity and fo…

1
The Misery of Ambiguity and Forced Pretense in Law Firms 37:34

9M ago37:34

37:34

This podcast episode is part of the series where Sarah is chatting with Annie Little about the book Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber. If you missed the first episode in this series, check that out first and learn the background of this series and more about Annie. This episode is about the misery of ambiguity and forced pretense, which is the first o…

1
Is Being A Lawyer A Bullshit Job? 27:34

9M ago27:34

27:34

Sarah kicks off a new series on today’s podcast with Annie Little, another lawyer career coach. Annie has been on the podcast a few times in the past, like the episode on ADHD. She founded her company, JD Nation, and helps lawyers find better jobs, both in and out of law. In this series, the two of them discuss the book Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by D…

1
Former Lawyer Turned Professional Organizer with Heather Davies 48:12

10M ago48:12

48:12

On today’s podcast episode, Sarah is chatting with Heather Davies, another former lawyer. Heather’s new career as a professional organizer is something that many listeners have messaged Sarah about, so they chat about her journey to become a lawyer and what led to her transition to a professional organizer. See show notes at formerlawyer.com/211 Le…

1
Three Reasons I’m Grateful I Left The Law 16:38

10M ago16:38

16:38

For this Thanksgiving week podcast, Sarah is sharing the three reasons why she’s grateful she made the choice to stop practicing law. Many lawyers who are considering making a change spend so much time thinking about everything that could go wrong. It’s a big decision, but it’s also really important to think about what has led you to this moment an…

1
You're Not Lazy Because You Want to Leave Your Job 13:19

10M ago13:19

13:19

Today’s episode covers a statement that Sarah often hears from lawyers who want to do something other than legal work. People say, “I’m not just lazy,” “I’m not lazy,” or “It’s not that I don’t want to work.” Only people who decide to become lawyers have this internal narrative that they are “lazy” if they don’t continue down this path. There’s an …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sarah Cottrell Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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