Indisputably

In this episode of Stories Mediators Tell, Professor Homer La Rue shares a story about a race discrimination case in which the employee made allegations of microaggressions and unequal access to leadership opportunities. When settlement seemed out of reach, La Rue to a risk and asked the parties to engage in one last conversation without their attorneys present. That final conversation allowed the supervisor to hear the employee’s experience firsthand and changed the outcome of the case. La Rue reflects on the importance of ensuring parties feel heard, the role of empathy and lived experience in mediation, and the need for greater diversity among mediators and other dispute resolution professionals.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this episode of How My Friends Negotiate, host Andrea Schneider speaks with Andrea Baumann Lustig, managing partner of Fischer Stralem Advisors, about the importance of listening in negotiation. Drawing on her decades of experience in wealth management, Lustig explains how helping clients examine their deeply held assumptions can help them make better decisions and build lasting legacies.

She reflects on how her approach has evolved from talking and selling to asking questions, listening with intention and allowing clients to reach their own conclusions. Lustig also discusses the importance of trust, respect and patience, sharing lessons for young professionals who may feel pressure to prove their expertise.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this episode of Stories Mediators Tell, mediator and author Eric Galton shares two unconventional approaches to resolving conflict. In the first, he helps a university president experience firsthand the accessibility barriers facing students with disabilities, transforming a contentious legal dispute into a collaborative effort to identify solutions. In the second, he recounts taking two estranged law partners to a Buddhist temple to meditate, an unexpected turn that helped them reach an agreement after hours of stalled negotiations. Galton reflects on the flexibility and creativity required in mediation and the importance of fostering mutual understanding.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

Elliott Portnoy, founding global CEO of Dentons and now Global CEO Emeritus, shares what he has learned from decades of negotiating mergers, partnerships, and cross-cultural deals. Elliott reflects on how his approach has changed from seeing negotiation as a contest where the best-prepared person wins to understanding that the real goal is a lasting agreement—and, especially in mergers, the relationship that comes afterward. “It’s not about the merger,” he explains. “It’s about the marriage that results.”

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In a workplace mediation, an employee tells mediator Maurice Q. Robinson: “I want to be heard without being cleaned up.” When Maurice realizes that his carefully chosen reframe has softened her experience, he changes course—and the entire conversation shifts.

This is a powerful story about reframing, neutrality, bias, anger, and the difference between helping someone find their voice and actually helping others hear it.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

Andrea Schneider sits down with her friend Daryl Davis, award-winning musician, author, lecturer, and race reconciliator, whose extraordinary approach to negotiation has led him to conversations with Ku Klux Klan members and leaders. Daryl doesn't approach these encounters by trying to win an argument. Instead, he gets curious, builds credibility, listens, and looks for the human being on the other side.

Daryl shares the story of the Klan leader whose racist beliefs were challenged by one deceptively simple conversation.

Drawing on his life as a musician and the child of diplomats, Daryl talks about “harmony” and “controlled dissonance,” why replacing “you” and “I” with “we” and “us” can change a negotiation, and why credibility may be your most valuable asset at the table.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

What happens when a mediator finds one of the lawyers in the room truly loathsome—and realizes that her own feelings may affect the outcome?

In this episode, mediator and scholar Ellen Waldman tells the story of an unusual breach-of-contract case involving a young couple, a failed kink magazine, and a lawyer determined to convince a jury to “run them out of town.” As the mediation unfolds, Ellen confronts the powerful emotions in the room and shares the technique she used to resolve the case.

The case stayed with Ellen for years, raising difficult questions about mediator neutrality, the hidden forces that shape settlement, and the enormous influence mediators can have, even when they don't intend to.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this episode of How My Friends Negotiate, host Andrea Schneider talks negotiation with her longtime friend Indira Lakshmanan, award-winning journalist and host of NPR’s Here & Now. Indira shares lessons from decades of interviewing world leaders and reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places: do your homework, ask the right question, build trust—and know when it's time to walk away.

Plus, she tells the story of the time she spent a day with pirates in the Philippines and discovered afterward that her translator had been negotiating for their safety the entire time.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this special live episode of Indisputably, Andrea Schneider hosts a powerful conversation with Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky, co-founders of Lift Our Voices, about their groundbreaking work to change workplace culture and protect survivors of harassment.

Carlson, an internationally recognized journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate, helped spark the global #MeToo movement after speaking out against former Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes. A former CBS News and Fox News anchor, she later became a leading advocate for workplace reform and was instrumental in helping pass the bipartisan Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. Roginsky, a nationally recognized political strategist and longtime advocate for women’s empowerment, has spent her career mentoring women in politics and fighting to end workplace silencing mechanisms after filing her own sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Fox News.

Recorded during a live event, the conversation explores the years-long bipartisan effort behind the landmark legislation, the importance of accountability and transparency in the workplace, and the continuing fight to dismantle systems that keep misconduct hidden.

Carlson and Roginsky also introduce their new AI-powered tool, “Love Where You Work,” which helps employees and job seekers make more informed decisions about workplace culture and safety.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this episode of Stories Mediators Tell, international mediator Jeremy Lack shares a high-stakes story from a patent dispute between a U.S. company and a French company, where legal complexity and cross-cultural tensions put creativity to the test.

Known for his innovative approach to dispute resolution, Lack reflects on how flexibility, strategic risk-taking, and unconventional thinking helped guide the parties through a volatile conflict. His story offers a compelling look at what it means to mediate “dangerously” when traditional approaches may not be enough.

This episode highlights the power of creativity and adaptability in resolving complex international disputes.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this episode of How My Friends Negotiate, host Andrea Schneider welcomes Jason P. Armstrong, retired police chief, nationally recognized leadership expert, and former Ferguson police chief, for a powerful conversation about negotiation under pressure.

Drawing from more than two decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Jason reflects on why he defines success in negotiation not simply by outcomes, but by whether people leave an interaction with dignity intact. His approach highlights the power of listening, empathy, and intentionality—even in moments of extreme pressure.

This episode offers practical lessons on empathy, de-escalation, and finding better outcomes when the stakes are real.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this episode of Stories Mediators Tell, co-host Lela Porter Love steps into the guest chair to share a compelling story from her work mediating a public employment dispute involving Salvadorian day laborers on Long Island.

A nationally recognized leader in dispute resolution and the founding director of the Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law, Lela reflects on the practical and human challenges of navigating a complex public policy mediation. From coordinating schedules among diverse stakeholders to finding a location where all parties could come together, this story highlights how the logistics of mediation can be as critical as the dialogue itself.

Through this powerful example, Lela explores how thoughtful process design, persistence, and respect can help address deeply rooted tensions in community conflict. Her story offers listeners an inside look at the often unseen work of mediation and the ways careful planning can create the conditions for meaningful conversation and lasting impact.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this special live episode of Indisputably, recorded at the International Advocate for Peace (IAP) Award Ceremony, host Andrea Schneider sits down with George Moose, the 25th recipient of the prestigious honor presented by the Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution.

In front of a live audience, Ambassador Moose reflects on a distinguished career dedicated to diplomacy and peacebuilding—from serving as U.S. Ambassador to Benin and Senegal, to his role as Assistant Secretary of African Affairs, and later as U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. He also shares insights from his years at the United States Institute of Peace, where he ultimately served as CEO.

The conversation explores the realities of navigating conflict during moments of political transition, the challenges of advancing peace on a global stage, and the enduring importance of principled leadership in international affairs.

This episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective from a lifetime diplomat whose work has helped shape peace efforts around the world.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this episode of How My Friends Negotiate, host Andrea Schneider welcomes Carol Becker, owner of the iconic William Greenberg Desserts, to explore what negotiation looks like behind the scenes of a beloved New York institution.

Carol shares how she navigates negotiations with vendors and suppliers, balancing quality, cost, and long-standing relationships to keep a legacy business thriving. She also reflects on the complexities of real estate negotiations in New York City—where every decision can shape the future of a small business.

From starting out baking challah for friends to becoming the steward of a nearly 80-year-old bakery, Carol discusses how trust, preparation, and community play a central role in her approach to negotiation. She offers a candid look at what it means to honor tradition while making strategic decisions that move a business forward.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about negotiation in everyday business—where relationships matter just as much as the bottom line.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this episode of Stories Mediators Tell, Joseph B. Stulberg shares a powerful account of a community conflict where issues of racism and free speech collided, with real consequences for a high school student-athlete preparing to play at a Big Ten football program.

Stulberg, the Michael E. Moritz Chair in Alternative Dispute Resolution at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Cardozo School of Law, draws on decades of experience to reflect on the challenges of mediating deeply charged disputes rooted in identity, values, and public perception. As tensions escalated and divisions hardened, the stakes extended beyond individuals to an entire community.

Through this story, Stulberg explores what it takes to create space for dialogue when emotions run high and positions feel irreconcilable. He offers insight into the role of a mediator in navigating complex social conflict and the importance of process, patience, and principled engagement in moments that test the limits of understanding.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this episode of How My Friends Negotiate, host Andrea Schneider welcomes John Elefterakis, founding partner of Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek and a leading trial lawyer whose work has secured over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements.

John shares how he learned the power of negotiation early in his career—and why preparation remains at the core of every successful outcome. From understanding the full range of possible outcomes to knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your case, he explains why “preparation is everything” when stepping into any negotiation.

The conversation also explores how and when to push back effectively, and why even a little bit of math can make a big difference in evaluating offers and making strategic decisions. Drawing on his experience in high-stakes personal injury and civil rights cases, John offers practical insights into balancing advocacy with strategy.

A 2009 graduate of Cardozo and a member of its Board of Overseers, John remains deeply committed to mentorship and expanding opportunities for the next generation—bringing the same focus and purpose to his negotiations as he does to his broader work in the community.

This episode is a grounded, real-world look at negotiation from the perspective of a litigator who stakes everything on getting it right.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this episode of Stories Mediators Tell, internationally recognized mediator Srdan Simic shares a story drawn from a divorce mediation that reveals the subtle, human elements at the heart of conflict resolution.

A pioneer in mediation and a judge with decades of experience, Simac has handled hundreds of disputes across a wide range of contexts . In this conversation, he reflects on how something as simple as arranging the physical space can shape the tone of a mediation, and how finding even the smallest piece of common ground can begin to shift entrenched positions.

Through a memorable interaction with a particularly resistant participant, Šimac illustrates how patience, creativity, and empathy can break down barriers that at first seem immovable. Drawing inspiration from The Rolling Stones and their lyric “you can’t always get what you want,” he offers a powerful reminder about expectations, compromise, and what resolution can truly look like.

This episode highlights the art of mediation in practice, and the unexpected ways connection can emerge even in the most personal and challenging disputes.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

Andrea Schneider sits down with Robert "Bob" Bordone, Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School, founder of the Harvard Negotiation & Mediation Clinical Program, and a leading voice in conflict resolution, to talk about negotiating his own book deal and what he’s learned from decades in the field.

From high-stakes disputes to everyday conversations, Bob shares what great negotiators consistently do and how to navigate even the most challenging conversations with clarity and purpose.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

In this special episode of Stories Mediators Tell, co-host Robyn Weinstein shares two memorable mediation stories, “Random Conversation” and “Unexpected Events,” originally told by ADR pioneer Margaret L. Shaw.

A respected leader in the field, Shaw devoted decades to advancing dispute resolution across courts, nonprofits, and academia. Her work included launching innovative mediation programs, contributing to groundbreaking research on court-connected mediation, and mentoring generations of practitioners. She passed away in 2017 and left a lasting legacy in the ADR community.

Through these two stories, listeners encounter the surprising and deeply human moments that often shape mediation. Unexpected conversations, chance encounters, and small shifts in perspective can transform conflict in meaningful ways. This episode honors Shaw’s enduring influence and the curiosity and compassion she brought to the practice of mediation.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law

On this episode of How My Friends Negotiate, host Andrea Schneider sits down with two-time Olympic champion rower, attorney, and negotiator Caryn Davies to explore how the mindset and skills of elite athletes translate to negotiating in life and business.

Caryn dives into a compelling negotiation story from her own practice, mentoring a client through a tricky dispute over who owned the rights to an educational course and whether it could be sold. By getting to the heart of what was truly driving the negotiation (each party’s “why") they were able to break through the stalemate and find a resolution.

Then, Caryn reflects on her life as an athlete and negotiator, sharing lessons from life in the boat that have shaped her approach to feedback, teamwork, and conflict. From knowing the right and wrong times to give feedback after a race to the core lesson that “we’re all in the same boat,” she reveals how competitive rowing taught her more than just how to win, it taught her how to collaborate, communicate, and negotiate under pressure.

Caryn Davies is a decorated American rower, earning two Olympic golds and a silver over three Games, and a leader with deep experience in high-stakes environments both on and off the water.

Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution at Cardozo School of Law