Hosted by Myrna McCallum

All Episodes

The complete archive of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer — every conversation on trauma, healing, and justice. Filter by season below.

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S4:E9

01:00:13

Building a Culture of Care: Compassion, Community & Law with River Shannon

In this episode, I’m joined by River Shannon, a lawyer with QMUNITY and a member of the trans community she serves. River’s work offers a powerful example of what it can look like when…

August 23rd, 2026

S4:E8

00:59:27

Curiosity as Resistance: Nonviolent Communication with Leonie Smith

We don’t talk enough about how the systems we work inside shape whether we ever feel safe enough to be honest — with ourselves or with each other. In this conversation, Leonie Smith and…

July 30th, 2026

S4:E7

01:05:28

Emotional Justice, Racial Healing and the Work We Must Do with Esther A. Armah

Esther Armah is a Ghanaian-British journalist, playwright, radio host, and creator of the Emotional Justice framework. She is the author of Emotional Justice: A Roadmap for Racial Healing. She joins this episode from Accra,…

May 22nd, 2026

S4:E6

01:06:14

Revolutionary Love: My Conversation with Dr. Samah Jabr

This episode explores the following subject matter: Understanding genocide and its impacts on mental health, Colonial trauma and its intergenerational effects, Torture, humiliation, and brutality as mechanisms of psychological harm, The limits of Western…

April 29th, 2026

S4:E5

01:15:55

Debriefing Justice as Trauma with Ally & Mariana

In this episode, I sit down with my team—Ally and Mariana—for a real, unfiltered debrief following our recent conference. We reflect on the moments that moved us, the parts that challenged us, and everything…

April 23rd, 2026

S4:E4

01:59:25

There Is No Healing or Justice Without the Liberation of Children: In Conversation with Leslie Priscilla

In this powerful inter-generational conversation, I am joined by Leslie Priscilla of Latinx Parenting, along with Ally Hrbacek, Mariana Trujillo-Lezama, and Claudia Lezama. Together, we explore parenting, power, and the ways harm toward children…

March 19th, 2026

S4:E3

01:13:10

Love and Healing Through Art and Storytelling with Shain Jackson

In this heartfelt conversation, Myrna is joined by her best friend Shain Jackson to talk about love, life lessons, healing, art, and spirit. Together, they reflect on how relationships and lived experience shape who…

January 19th, 2026

S4:E2

00:47:20

Rest, Repair & Nervous System Regulation with James of Soma Body Health Toronto

In this episode, Myrna sits down with James, the founder of Soma Reset Toronto and the creator behind the widely followed TikTok account Nervous System Care Toronto, where millions have discovered his grounded, accessible…

November 26th, 2025

S4:E1

01:00:21

Leveling Up: Moving Beyond Trauma-Informed Practice

In this Season 4 opener, Myrna McCallum shares a keynote talk delivered to Canadian judges on how to become not just trauma-informed, but also culturally responsive, humane, and grounded in integrity. She challenges the…

October 20th, 2025

S3:E22

01:16:58

Unbroken: Angela Sterritt on Survival, Storytelling, and Holding onto Hope

In this episode, Myrna sits down with Angela Sterritt, award-winning journalist and author of the bestselling memoir Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls. Angela shares her powerful…

August 28th, 2025

S3:E21

00:41:00

Reflections from Justice as Trauma 2025: If Not You, Then Who?

In this powerful episode of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer podcast, I share a heartfelt compilation of feedback and testimonials from attendees of the Justice as Trauma Conference. Their reflections capture the profound impact of the…

March 26th, 2025

S3:E20

00:57:49

The Willingness to Adapt: Jordan Assaraf and the Ukraine Airlines Case

In this episode, I speak with Jordan Assaraf, a personal injury lawyer who served as co-counsel for the plaintiffs in the Ukraine Airlines case. Jordan shares how this case has helped him adapt his…

March 13th, 2025

S3:E19

00:56:50

Resilience, Compassionate Communication & Healing with Nkem Ndefo

In this powerful episode, we welcome the brilliant Nkem Ndefo, founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit. Nkem is a visionary leader in the fields of trauma-informed care, resilience, and organizational…

February 11th, 2025

S3:E18

00:47:10

Psychedelic Assisted Therapy with Heather Hart

Heather Hart, host of the I’m Human Too podcast and Spokane area therapist stops in to chat with me about psychedelic assisted therapy. For more info on psychedelic assisted therapy or to find a…

December 20th, 2024

S3:E17

00:50:20

You Are the Medicine: a Conversation with Asha Frost

Today’s conversation is with Asha Frost, published author, speaker, spiritual mentor and modern day medicine woman. To learn more about Asha, please check out her website: www.ashafrost.com To learn more about the Justice as…

December 10th, 2024

S3:E16

01:09:18

Racial Trauma and the Rush to Innocence: a Conversation with Robert S. Wright

Robert Seymour Wright is a queer, African Nova Scotian Social Worker and Sociologist whose 35year career has spanned the fields of education, child welfare, forensic mental health, trauma, sexual violence, and cultural competence. Robert…

July 25th, 2024

S3:E15

00:33:55

Once Were Warriors: In Memory of Ty (aka Clovis) Iron

This episode is emotional, raw, real and it isn’t my regular content and deals with heavy subject matter including addiction, death, overdose, suicide, self-harm, sexual abuse, residential schools and my Indigenous lived experience. Listen…

July 23rd, 2024

S3:E13

00:54:56

Service Without Sacrifice with Dimple Dhabalia

Dimple Dhabalia began her career as a lawyer but after a stint at the Attorney General’s office in Denver, she found her calling as an asylum officer. Working for almost two decades at the…

March 12th, 2024

S3:E12

00:59:45

Healing Sexual Harm Through Restorative Justice: a Conversation with Marlee Liss

In 2019, Marlee Liss’s sexual assault case became the first in North America to get resolved in a restorative justice process instead of ending up in a criminal trial. Today, Marlee Liss is a…

January 4th, 2024

S3:E11

01:00:26

[From Indictment: the Criminal Justice System on Trial] Courtroom to Campfire: Harold Johnson’s Final Public Lecture for Indigenous Justice

Today’s episode is a special one. I am sharing an episode of Ben Perrin’s podcast, Indictment: the Criminal Justice System on Trial which can be found here: https://indictment.simplecast.com/ In the most recent episode of…

December 15th, 2023

S3:E10

00:42:50

Unpacking Restorative Leadership and Collective Healing: A Conversation with Louise Marra

Louise Marra is a systems healer and founder of Spirited Leadership and Unity House. By coaching companies and NGOs across sectors in New Zealand, Louise aims to create a space for what she terms…

November 29th, 2023

S3:E9

00:50:10

Exploring Complex Trauma for People of Colour: A Conversation with Natalie Gutierrez

Natalie Gutierrez, author of The Pain We Carry, Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color, is a critical POC voice in a wellness space dominated by white trauma experts. Through her personal lens…

November 8th, 2023

S3:E8

00:52:22

Putting the Criminal Justice System on Trial: A Conversation with Benjamin Perrin

On today’s episode, Myrna speaks with Benjamin Perrin, who drops some truth about the criminal justice system in his groundbreaking book, Indictment: Criminal Justice System on Trial. Get ready for a podcast interview that’ll…

October 18th, 2023

S3:E7

00:21:00

Kisâkihitin nitanis: Truth & Reconciliation Day 2023

Kisâkihitin, nitanis means “I love you, my daughter” however many of my people also accept the interpretation, “I love you, my girl”. This is a personal story about my mom and I. Her name…

September 10th, 2023

S3:E6

00:49:39

Safety Denied: The Lives of Indigenous Women in Canada

Ret. Police Officer Dan Jones and I discuss the disturbing trend of dehumanizing Indigenous women in Canada. The most recent case in point: the refusal of the Manitoba premiere to search for the remains…

July 21st, 2023

S3:E5

00:54:04

LGBTQ2S+ Visibility on the Bench

What does it mean to be visible in a job where you need to remain impartial? Today on the show, I speak with Michael Sonberg, a retired NYC judge who was one of the…

June 30th, 2023

S3:E4

01:03:33

What Does Truth & Reconciliation Mean To You?

This truth and reconciliation episode with my daughter, Alicia, and Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk, is inspired by a recent event which transpired at a local Women of Distinction awards ceremony in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

May 31st, 2023

S3:E3

01:34:45

LoveBack: Healing Indigenous Trauma with Vina Brown

Myrna’s conversation with Vina Brown of Copper Canoe Woman Creations will uplift and inspire you. Vina Brown is a force, a healer, a helper, an artist and a successful Indigenous business owner. This conversation…

May 4th, 2023

S3:E2

00:26:51

Am I Safe with You?

Myrna discusses why psychological safety is an imperative in all our relationships and invites listeners to prioritize the same.

February 24th, 2023

S3:E1

01:07:28

Retreat, Regulate and Repair with Myrna and Dr. Dhall

Season 3 is here thanks to a generous gift from the BC Law Foundation! Thank you BC Law Foundation. Dr. Amar Dhall is back for round 2 to talk about introception, bio-hacking the nervous…

February 2nd, 2023

S2:E23

00:24:21

The Gift of Grief and Gratitude

CW: This episode discusses depression, suicide, mental health, alcohol and grief. Myrna recaps 2022 and highlights holiday depression, suicidal ideation, grief, gratitude, Gabor Mate and the healing we need in the legal profession. Caution:…

December 30th, 2022

S2:E22

00:52:25

How We Teach is How They Will Practice: a Conversation with Natalie Netzel

Natalie Netzel of Mitchell Hamline Law School explains why trauma-informed lawyering is the way forward for law schools, legal educators and future lawyers.

November 30th, 2022

S2:E21

00:49:39

Boundaries: a TLABC Talk Given at Whistler BC

Myrna gave a talk to the women of the Trial Lawyers Association of BC in Whistler, BC on October 22, 2022. She discussed boundaries, self-regulation, the consequence of never saying no and feeling like…

October 24th, 2022

S2:E20

00:42:33

Small Doses at High Frequency: A Conversation with Justice Patrice Band

Ontario Court of Justice Patrice Band discusses trauma in the courtroom and his decision in R. v. Marratt which is the first of its kind to comment on vicarious trauma in the courtroom in…

October 20th, 2022

S2:E19

00:24:01

The Upside Down World of Trauma

CW: This is an emotional episode which discusses Indian Residential Schools, child rape, the memories that haunt us and the hard stories we have to tell.

September 26th, 2022

S2:E18

00:47:30

Community is Key to Healing

This episode discusses the recent collective trauma experienced by the James Smith Cree Nation as a result of the murders of 10 community members and the tendency of justice system participants to demonize and…

September 7th, 2022

S2:E17

00:52:56

From Retribution to Restoration: A Conversation about Restorative Justice with Vanessa Slater

Vanessa Slater discusses the focus and inspiration for her paper which considers the relevancy, advantages and challenges of shifting Canada’s criminal justice system toward emotionally intelligent approaches to law.

July 6th, 2022

S2:E16

00:58:32

Emotional Intelligence & the Art of Living: a Conversation with Dr. Amar Dhall

Dr. Amar Dhall shares his wisdom, insights and data on emotional intelligence and the art of living.

June 22nd, 2022

S2:E15

00:24:27

Trauma Informed Justice: The Course

Myrna is delivering her first course on trauma informed justice via Zoom Events in July 2022. Register today at www.myrnamccallum.co This course is for everyone, not just lawyers.

June 11th, 2022

S2:E14

01:05:08

Dan and Nicole: A Story of Hope and Healing in the Criminal Justice System and Beyond

This episode includes a true story of a cop and a criminal finding healing, possibility, family and a deep relationship which overcomes trauma, bias, racism and privilege in the criminal justice system.

May 19th, 2022

S2:E13

01:00:34

Closing Keynote for the Law Society of Ontario’s 16th Family Law Summit

This episode is a reproduction of Myrna’s closing Keynote for the 16th Annual Family Law Summit sponsored by the Law Society of Ontario and their Continuing Professional Development Department, originally delivered via Zoom on…

April 27th, 2022

S2:E12

01:29:06

The Duty to Do Better: The Law Professor Version

This episode reflects on an earlier episode called, The Duty to Do Better: The Law Student Version. Law professors and instructors offer their perspectives on teaching in a trauma-informed way, lawyer and law student…

April 3rd, 2022

S2:E11

01:10:37

To Dehumanize is to Traumatize: My Conversation with Fritzi Horstman of the Compassion Prison Project

Fritzi Horstman of the Compassion Prison Project discusses prisoners, policing, trauma, ACES, intergenerational trauma, the justice system, racism, and how our humanity can get lost in our occupations.

March 14th, 2022

S2:E10

01:05:15

The Duty to Decolonize the (Criminal) Justice System: Advice from Chantel Sparklingeyes

Chantel Sparklingeyes offers criminal court actors advice on how to decolonize the unjust system known for its dehumanizing practices when working with Indigenous people as victims, survivors, offenders and witnesses.

February 7th, 2022

S2:E9

00:22:49

Lawyers as Humble Healers: A Solo Episode

This solo episode explores concepts of healing, humility, humanity and collective trauma put forward by Thomas Hubl, Sherri Mitchell, CJ Robert Bauman, US Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Nelson Mandela.

January 17th, 2022

S2:E8

00:53:56

A Court of Refuge: Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren of America’s First Mental Health Court

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren describes her pathway to creating the first Mental Health Court in America and offers compelling insight into how education, understanding, compassion and dignity can transform lives for lawyers, judges and defendants…

December 16th, 2021

S2:E7

00:44:09

Honouring Resilience: A Conversation with Supt. Scott Jones of the Edmonton Police Service

This episode discusses trauma-informed approaches to community engagement and relationship-building which respects and recognizes trauma and resilience in the community and in the Edmonton Police Service.

October 20th, 2021

S2:E6

00:22:31

Ahkameyimok (Don’t Give Up): One Survival Story – A Truth & Reconciliation Day Bonus Episode

In honour of the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, this episode offers some advice for listeners via Thomas Hubl’s book, “Healing Collective Trauma”. Plus, I repeat a talk given in…

September 30th, 2021

S2:E5

01:16:07

Life Interrupted: Maria Mitousis on Survival, Resilience & Mental Health Among Lawyers

In this episode, Maria Mitousis, family law lawyer in Winnipeg MB, shares details about the day she received a bomb at her law office which was meant to end her life. On the same…

September 27th, 2021

S2:E4

00:23:50

Be a Witness

This solo episode serves as a post-summer update, thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, upcoming trauma informed lawyering training opportunities and information about “must listen” upcoming episodes.

September 6th, 2021

S2:E3

00:55:58

Indigenous Women and Girls Continue to Call for Justice: A Conversation with Chief Commissioner Marion Buller

Chief Commissioner Buller offers listeners several pieces of sound advice on how to bring a trauma informed approach into their processes as well as several culturally responsive actions lawyers and judges can take right…

June 7th, 2021

S2:E2

01:09:25

The Duty to Do Better: The Law Student Version

This compelling episode amplifies the voices of privileged and historically oppressed law students in UVic Law 391 (2021 Class) who demand that a trauma informed legal education should be available to law students everywhere…

May 24th, 2021

S2:E1

00:16:14

We Cannot Give What We Do Not Have

Episode 1 of Season 2 invites listeners to consider whether they bring empathy, compassion, patience and humility with them into the legal profession and into their professional relationships – and if not, why it…

May 16th, 2021

S1:E21

00:59:04

Trauma and Transformation In the Judiciary: A Conversation with Judge Kael McKenzie

Judge Kael McKenzie of the Manitoba Provincial Court in Winnipeg shares his authentic self with listeners. Judge McKenzie openly discusses the impacts of vicarious trauma on judges, traumas entering the courtroom via court case…

February 16th, 2021

S1:E20

00:47:21

Residential Schools, Reconciliation & The Indigenous Voice: A Conversation with Elder Garnet Angeconeb

This episode is both a celebration of Lynn Beyak’s departure from the Canadian Senate and an education in the residential school system as well as the origin of the use of the term “reconciliation”…

February 1st, 2021

S1:E19

01:02:50

Trauma-Informed Law: A Primer for Lawyers in Practice

J. Kim Wright, Helgi Maki, Marjorie Florestal and I share our latest group project with you, a book on trauma-informed law which will be published in the summer of 2021 by the American Bar…

January 14th, 2021

S1:E18

00:56:31

Practicing Smart Justice in Scotland: My Conversation with Iain Smith

In this episode, Iain Smith shares how becoming trauma aware has changed his approach to practice and the way in which he relates to his clients. He also explains why justice systems everywhere need…

December 30th, 2020

S1:E17

00:49:56

Evolving Police Services Through Trauma Informed Practice: A Conversation with Inspector Dan Jones

This episode explores the evolution of the Edmonton Police Service through trauma informed training. Insp. Dan Jones discusses the benefits of a relational, community-based and decolonized approach to public safety and partnership-building.

December 12th, 2020

S1:E16

00:24:16

Courageous Conversations & The Stories We Tell Ourselves

This solo episode focuses on the stories we tell ourselves, a concept I borrowed from a Harold Johnson talk, and how these stories coupled with a lack of self-awareness can cause harm to ourselves…

November 29th, 2020

S1:E15

00:48:23

Re-envisioning the Lawyer’s Role: A Conversation with UCLA Law’s Claudia Pena and Alicia Virani

Claudia Pena and Alicia Virani share their inspiration for co-creating and co-teaching a course on trauma-informed lawyering and restorative/transformative justice at UCLA Law School.

November 15th, 2020

S1:E14

00:50:13

One is the Loneliest Number: Justice Harry LaForme’s Advice for Indigenous Judges and Those Who Appoint Them

Justice Harry LaForme and I discuss the importance of Indigenous lived experiences in the judiciary as he reflects on his judicial career, trauma-informed decision making and his growing concerns about the increasing barriers for…

November 2nd, 2020

S1:E13

00:48:46

Practising Cultural Humility in Human Rights Advocacy: A Debrief Session with Amber Prince

Amber Prince and I debrief our experience at the BC Human Rights Tribunal in the Campbell v. Vancouver Police Board hearing as advocates for Deborah Campbell who called on us to prioritize her safety,…

October 13th, 2020

S1:E12

00:52:36

Making Space for Trauma and Diversity in Family Law: A Conversation with Zara Suleman

This episode discusses trauma informed practice from the perspective of family law lawyer, Zara Suleman. She also discusses why diverse, racialized, Black and Indigenous representation and perspectives are necessary and essential in law school,…

October 4th, 2020

S1:E11

01:00:54

Aligning With Your Values: A Conversation with Doron Gold

Former lawyer turned psychotherapist, Doron Gold, shares his insights into how we as lawyers and law students can learn self-awareness, resilience and overcoming personal traumas.

September 20th, 2020

S1:E10

00:21:29

The Harm We Allow: A Call to Action from the Court to Become Trauma-Informed

In this episode, we reflect upon the messages of Justice Band of the ONCJ and (retired) Justice Langston of the ABQB and their acknowledgement of the traumas we unnecessarily or deliberately perpetuate in the…

September 3rd, 2020

S1:E9

00:44:02

The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada: an interview with Harold R. Johnson

In this episode, Harold Johnson and I discuss his inspiration and motivation for writing Peace and Good Order. Our conversation is real, honest and offers an Indigenous assessment of the impacts that the current…

August 23rd, 2020

S1:E8

00:22:55

Vulnerability and Vicarious Trauma: a Personal Story

This episode focuses on vicarious trauma and identifies some risk factors and strategies we should employ to safeguard our mental health. This is a critical lesson for law students and lawyers who intend to…

August 9th, 2020

S1:E7

00:37:51

Trauma Shock and Wellness in Law Students, Lawyers & Judges: An Interview with Professor Sarah Katz

Temple University Law Professor Sarah Katz, co-author of the article, “The Pedagogy of Trauma-Informed Lawyering” recalls her introduction to trauma-informed practice as a new lawyer entering Family Law practice and offers some insights into…

July 27th, 2020

S1:E6

00:51:37

Adversity is not Destiny: The Case for Trauma-Informed Policing (an interview with Christopher Howarth)

This episode discusses trauma-informed policing efforts and training in the U.K with a focus on ACES.

July 13th, 2020

S1:E5

00:22:08

Indigenous Intergenerational Trauma: What You Need To Know about Advocating, Adjudicating and Policing in Indigenous Communities

Obtain an education in cultural humility, Indigenous history, systemic racism and other injustices which continue to challenge Indigenous people before taking up the work of advancing their rights, adjudicating their claims or policing within…

June 28th, 2020

S1:E4

00:40:41

Trauma-Informed Law and Creating a Sustainable Legal Practice

This episode explores what it means to build a sustainable law practice using trauma-informed principles which benefit every lawyer’s mental health.

June 18th, 2020

S1:E3

00:21:33

Becoming Trauma-Informed Begins With You

Self-awareness, ego and recognizing the needs of your client or witness are fundamental to trauma-informed lawyering. This episode invites you to reflect on how you show up, what triggers you possess and how you…

June 7th, 2020

S1:E2

00:33:05

Trauma & Compassion: My Interview with Gabor Maté

An interview with Gabor Maté, best-selling, award winning author and leading expert on addiction and trauma. Gabor talks about the criminal justice system and how the system and the lawyers and judges who work…

June 1st, 2020

S1:E1

00:12:14

What I Wish I Would Have Learned in Law School

This episode introduces you to your host Myrna McCallum and what inspired her to transform her approach to lawyering and how she became the trauma-informed lawyer.