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Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk

Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk

Author: Time We Discuss June 21, 2026 Duration: 26:07
Time We Discuss | Career Exploration Podcast with Real Professionals and Real Stories
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Thinking about becoming a divorce mediator? What is it really like helping couples navigate separation, conflict, and emotional conversations without going to court?

In this episode of Time We Discuss, divorce mediator and attorney Mardi Chadwick Balcom shares what it is really like working in divorce mediation. We discuss mediation versus arbitration, the emotional side of divorce work, burnout in family law careers, work life balance, mediator salary expectations, and the skills needed to succeed in conflict resolution careers.

Mardi also explains:

  • How divorce mediation actually works
  • Whether mediators need law degrees
  • Why emotional regulation matters in mediation
  • What a typical day looks like as a mediator
  • How lawyers transition into mediation careers
  • The challenges of working with couples during divorce
  • The biggest rewards and hidden perks of the profession

If you are interested in careers in law, psychology, counseling, conflict resolution, family law, or mediation, this episode gives an honest behind the scenes look at the profession.

About Time We Discuss:

Time We Discuss is a podcast and YouTube channel exploring what it is really like working in different careers. Each episode features professionals sharing the realities, challenges, salaries, career paths, and day to day experiences of their jobs.

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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - Arbitration and Mediation, What's the Difference?
2:23 - Typical day for a divorce mediator
4:17 - Do people use mediators alongside lawyers?
5:27 - Personal qualities needed to be a successful mediator
6:45 - Do mediators need to have a law degree?
7:53 - Is your work mostly nights and weekends?
9:13 - How many divorce mediation sessions are needed?
10:35 - Do firms hire divorce mediators?
11:55 - Changing careers from a divorce mediator
13:15 - Mediator certifications
15:17 - Learning how to run a business as a divorce mediator
16:42 - Why a divorce mediator is the best job
17:51 - Why a divorce mediator is the worst job
19:21 - Work life balance for a divorce mediator
20:16 - Hidden barriers to entry
21:26 - Hidden perks for divorce mediators
22:35 - Thank you Jolee Vacchi
22:50 - Talent has the floor
24:07 - Highlights
25:58 - Outro

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Guest Information:

Mardi Chadwick-Balcom, Esq.

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

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Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Figuring out what you want to do for a living is one of life's biggest puzzles, and Time We Discuss tackles it by bringing real voices into the conversation. Instead of abstract advice, each episode sits down with people who are actually doing the jobs you might be curious about. You'll hear the unvarnished details of their daily routines, the challenges they didn't see coming, and the moments that make their work worthwhile. This podcast moves beyond glossy job descriptions to explore the practical realities of different paths, from traditional professions to less conventional roles. Whether you're a student weighing college against direct entry into the workforce, someone considering a complete pivot, or simply fascinated by how other people spend their working hours, these discussions offer grounded insights. The focus is on career discovery through honest storytelling, providing a resource that feels more like a series of candid conversations than a formal guide. By listening, you gather the nuanced, firsthand information needed to make more informed decisions about your own professional journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Time We Discuss | Career Exploration Podcast with Real Professionals and Real Stories
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