mental health Archives - Page 2 of 6

The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025

February 12, 2025 by John Ray

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025

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The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025 (Litigators Lounge, Episode 13)

In this episode of Litigators Lounge, hosts Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon discuss the major shifts in employment law for 2025. They tackle critical topics including the surge in pay transparency laws, the implications of AI in hiring, the rollback of the Department of Labor’s overtime rule, the ongoing issue of non-competes, and the growing importance of mental health accommodations in the workplace. The episode also explores the dynamic changes within the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Jackie and Shylie predict significant shifts in enforcement and compliance landscapes based on new leadership and revised priorities.

Litigators Lounge is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Litigators Lounge
01:50 Setting the Stage for 2025
04:15 Pay Transparency Laws Explained
08:56 Workplace Privacy and AI in Hiring
17:38 Overtime Rule and Salary Thresholds
21:31 FTC’s New Commissioner and Non-Compete Agreements
22:47 State-Specific Non-Compete Regulations
23:41 Personal Views on Non-Compete Agreements
26:14 Mental Health Accommodations in the Workplace
28:09 Remote Work and Mental Health
29:54 Independent Contractor Classification
32:32 NLRB and EEOC Leadership Changes
35:49 EEOC’s New Priorities
41:19 Employer Takeaways for 2025
42:29 Listener Engagement and Contact Information

Jackie Voronov, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Jackie Voronov is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s office in Paramus, New Jersey, and she represents management in a wide variety of employment matters and litigates employment claims before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. Her clients include major hotels, retailers, shipping companies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, manufacturers, and national fast-food franchisees.

Jackie’s litigation experience includes the defense of employers in single and multi-plaintiff actions on claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, race, national origin, gender, disability and age discrimination, breach of contract, family medical leave, failure to accommodate, retaliation, wage/hour laws, and related tort claims. Jackie also works with her clients to prepare various employment agreements (including non-compete, confidentiality, independent contractor, and separation agreements). She has extensive experience before various administrative tribunals, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the State Division of Human Rights (SDHR), the Division of Civil Rights (DCR), and other state, federal, and local agencies.

In addition, Jackie frequently conducts management training for employers on a wide variety of employment law topics, such as:

EEO/anti-harassment
employee recruiting and hiring practices
family and medical leave
reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religion
preventing and investigating harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower claims
wage and hour compliance
discipline and termination of employees
privacy in the workplace

Jackie is regularly invited to speak nationally on best practices and other employment-related issues. Before joining Hall Booth Smith, she worked for one of the country’s largest law firms, where she defended employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), claims related to the New York State Human Rights Law (NSHRL), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), and Title VII.

Jackie was selected for inclusion as a New Jersey Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for six consecutive years (2010-2016), which honors the top 2.5% of young lawyers in New Jersey.

Shylie Bannon, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Shylie Bannon is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Jacksonville, Florida, office. She also serves as Hiring Partner for the region of Florida, where she oversees associate attorney hiring endeavors. Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Shylie was a partner in both a multi-state, multi-specialty firm and a boutique practice.

At Hall Booth Smith, Shylie continues to represent physicians, mid-level providers, and health care providers in high-exposure medical negligence claims and in administrative proceedings before the Florida Department of Health. She also represents national retailers in high-exposure premises liability, negligent security, and transportation litigation with our National Trial Counsel team.

In addition to litigating matters involving personal injury and negligence, Shylie also represents management in all aspects of employment-related litigation arising from allegations of sex, disability, race, and pregnancy discrimination; whistleblower actions; and alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards. She does so in administrative proceedings before both the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in all of the state and federal courts in Florida. She also provides employment-related counsel to clients, helping them avoid employment-related litigation through the implementation of best employment, investigation, and risk management practices.

Shylie earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude, and graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History.

Shylie volunteers with the Guardian Ad Litem program and supports child welfare advocacy efforts in Northeast Florida. She is also a Member of the Board for the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

About Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Established in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices strategically located throughout Georgia and the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS prides itself on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

HBS possesses the legal knowledge, skill, and experience to meet their clients’ needs wherever they do business. HBS maintains the highest commitment to ethically and professionally serving their clients by providing the highest quality legal representation.

They deliver quality legal services in a variety of service areas. Experience across legal disciplines combined with a focus on the unique business or personal requirements of the client is the hallmark of the firm. Their clients receive the attention, expertise, and cost-effectiveness of a smaller law firm with the full service and strong regional presence typical of a larger one.

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Disclaimer

Litigators Lounge is a production brought to you by Hall Booth Smith, PC. This podcast is published for the purposes of providing general information and education on topics that include those related to the law and legal issues, but the contents of the podcast do not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast or utilizing the information contained in it in any way does not constitute nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between you and Hall Booth Smith or its lawyers. The contents of this podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Out of Darkness

October 16, 2024 by Tom Sheldon

Northeast Georgia Studio

Out of Darkness

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Welcome to The Holler, Mental Health Advocate Shawn Smith!

Power Evans & Jeremiah Outwater/Southern Holler

Southern Holler is a Deep Rooted Conversation on Civics & Business offering insightful exploration of local politics, community dynamics and business partnerships.

Jeremiah Outwater brings over twenty years of expertise in the small business sector. Specializing in navigating municipal regulations and permits in the signage industry. He has a deep understanding of government processes related to construction for companies and fosters strong relationships with various municipalities. Jeremiah offers valuable insights and strategies to help businesses succeed in a complex regulatory environment.

Power Evans, from the heart of Winder, Georgia is your friendly neighborhood advocate on the Winder City Council. Earning a degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. Beyond council duties, His passion extends to multiple civic and non-profit boards, weaving a tapestry of community involvement at the city, county, and state levels. With roots running deep in Barrow County, Power is more than a public servant; he is a person dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.

Recorded and Produced at the Northeast Georgia Business RadioX studio located at the Empower College & Career Center of Jackson County.

Visit negabrx.com for all series produced at the Northeast studio.

A Writer’s Path: Jordan O’Halloran, Author of Clean Up on Aisle Three, Talks About Her Hello, Self… Moment

July 11, 2024 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

A Writer’s Path: Jordan O'Halloran, Author of Clean Up on Aisle Three, Talks About Her Hello, Self... Moment

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**A Writer’s Path: Jordan O’Halloran, Author of Clean Up on Aisle Three, Talks About Her Hello, Self… Moment** (Hello, Self… Episode 47)

In this episode of the Hello Self podcast, host Patricia Leonard interviewed Jordan O’Halloran, author of Clean Up on Aisle Three, and her Hello, Self… moment along her path to becoming a writer.

Jordan shared her journey from childhood aspirations of writing to exploring various careers before embracing her true calling as a writer. She discussed her debut young adult thriller Clean Up on Aisle Three and the inspiration behind its main character, Lucy McBride, who deals with bipolar disorder.

Jordan highlighted the importance of facing fears, the impact of joining a supportive writing community, and her continued ambition to inspire others through her work.

Hello, Self… is presented by Patricia Leonard & Associates and produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Jordan O’Halloran, Author of Clean Up on Aisle Three

Jordan O’Halloran lives in beautiful lake county California and is constantly intrigued by nature.

When not day dreaming about the ocean or trees, you can find her writing, painting or napping with her beloved cat.

O’Halloran always had dreams of being a writer as a child, but inevitably chose careers of direct service. Now, while finding her voice and purpose, she has made her way back to the written word. Jordan is the self published writer of her first novel, ‘CLEAN UP ON ISLE THREE’ which is a young adult thriller that explores the inner world of main character, Lucy McBride.

Like Lucy, Jordan has had her share of mental health struggles; but does not allow those to define who she is.

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About Hello, Self…

Hello, Self… is a biweekly podcast focused on inspiring stories of turning dreams into reality. Join coach and author Patricia Leonard and her guests as they share life-changing Hello, Self… moments.

Hello, Self… is brought to you by Patricia Leonard & Associates and is based on the new book by Patricia Leonard, Hello, Self.., available here.

The show is produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with Business RadioX®. You can find this show on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard is President of RUNWAY TO SUCCESS, a division of Patricia Leonard & Associates located in Nashville, TN. She is a MESSAGE ARTIST speaker, career & business coach, author and magazine columnist. Patricia consults with clients on leadership, empowerment, career management, entrepreneurship and the power of language. Her work is focused on helping clients find their runway to success!

She has a professional background in management, human resources, corporate training, business consulting and talent development. Patricia has worked with companies in the service, music, banking, manufacturing, publishing, warehousing, healthcare, academic, retail and financial industries, and has taught management classes as an adjunct professor.

Patricia has a degree in Human Resource Management, is certified as a Career Coach and Consulting Hypnotist and is MBTI qualified.

Her volunteer energies are focused on Women in Film and Television-Nashville, where she is a Board Vice President; Dress for Success as the Advisory Board President; and International Coaching Federation-Nashville where she held Board roles for several years.

Patricia is the author of Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, BECOMING WOMAN…a journal of personal discovery, THE NOW, HOW & WOW of Success, Happenings, a full year calendar of inspirational messages and a spoken word album titled, I AM…

She enjoys songwriting, creating poetry and has written a one-woman show and artistic speech she performs titled Hello, Self…, about a woman in midlife reinventing herself, which led to her new book by the same name, available here.

On the personal side, Patricia, describes herself as a woman, lover of life, mother, grandmother, career professional and message artist; AND in that order! Her goal is to continue inspiring others, of any age, to START NOW creating and expanding their Runway to Success.

She believes that life is a gift, the way we wrap it is our choice.

Connect with Patricia:

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Nairika Cornett | Quinlan Visual Arts Center

May 12, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Nairika Cornett | Quinlan Visual Arts Center

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The Transformative Power of Art: Appreciating Art’s Range of Impact

If art were our mental diet, we’d be very healthy people. – Nairika Cornett

Nairika Cornett, Director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, joins host Phil Bonelli as our special guest on this segment of North Georgia Business Radio. She is a true advocate for the transformative power of art in education. Nairika emphasizes the role of early exposure to art in developing children’s problem-solving abilities, creativity, and memorization skills.

She and Phil also talk about the detrimental effects of removing the creative portion from education, highlighting the potential impact on teens’ mental well-being. Nairika’s passion for integrating the arts into education offers a compelling perspective on the critical role of art in shaping young minds and fostering well-rounded individuals.

Nairika also discusses how visual arts can create social change and foster community engagement, how art can be a unique and rewarding financial investment strategy, the role the Arts and Education play in India, and how cultural influences shape artistic interpretation.

If you’re an art lover, get excited! Did you know that The Quinlan offers an annual family membership (2 adults / 4 kids) for only $100 a year?

Membership includes invitations to all exhibition receptions, discounts on classes and camps, membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (over 1100 participating institutions), and so much more.

Highlights Of The Show

00:01:58 – The Mission of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Nairika shares the mission of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, which is to bring visual arts to the community through education, exhibition, and community engagement, emphasizing the role of art in community building.

00:03:29 – The Power of Art in Diversity and Emotion
The conversation delves into the power of art to connect communities, evoke emotions, and promote diversity by magnifying similarities rather than differences. Art is seen as a medium for reflecting the times we live in and creating hope for the future.

00:08:16 – Art’s Role in Education and Mental Development
Nairika discusses the importance of integrating art into education, particularly in the formative years, to develop problem-solving abilities, creativity, and overall mental formulation in children. The conversation emphasizes the well-rounded nature of education and the detrimental effects of removing art from the curriculum.

00:14:36 – The Interconnectedness of Art, Creativity, and Human Expression
The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of art, creativity, and human expression in various aspects of life, including design, education, and problem-solving. The conversation emphasizes the value of allowing children to be creative and the impact of art on mental development.

00:17:06 – The Importance of Art in Understanding Science
Nairika emphasizes the role of art in fostering creativity and tying together various aspects of education and life. She highlights the need to appreciate beauty and the connection between art and science.

00:19:20 – Cultural Differences in Art Appreciation
Nairika discusses the emphasis on education and art in India, considering it as a vital expression of being. She contrasts this with the debate in the US about the role of art in education.

00:21:37 – Engaging with the Quinlan
Nairika invites listeners to engage with the Quinlan through various opportunities like after-school classes, art camps, and membership benefits. She also introduces the young professional art committee and the events they organize.

00:27:56 – Importance of Early Engagement in Art
Nairika highlights the significance of engaging in art from a young age, emphasizing that art is a language and the earlier a person starts, the better. She discusses the capacity for learning creativity and the impact on childhood development.

00:31:35 – Membership Benefits and Events
Nairika shares the value of Quinlan membership, including access to 1300+ museums in North America. She also discusses the newly launched young professional art committee and the diverse events hosted by the Quinlan, such as ekphrasis and artist talks.

00:33:26 – The Value of Art in the Quinlan
Nairika discusses the exceptional works of art at the Quinlan, emphasizing the regionally focused nature of the collection. She also highlights the affordability of fine art pieces for sale, promoting them as timeless gifts for occasions like Mother’s Day.

00:34:11 – The Financial Investment of Art
Nairika and Phil delve into the concept of art as a financial investment, comparing it to investing in the stock market. They emphasize the importance of studying artists and purchasing pieces that appreciate in value, rather than solely based on personal taste.

00:36:45 – Favorite Artists and Their Impact
Nairika shares her admiration for Salvador Dali, citing his ability to depict the unseen and evoke imagination. Phil talks about his favorite local artist, Jonathan Kollick, and the historical significance of art in documenting culture and heritage.

00:39:39 – The Importance of Arts and Culture
Phil and Nairika emphasize the critical role of the arts in preserving history, culture, and personal connections. They urge listeners to appreciate and support local arts, highlighting the Quinlan as a place to experience and engage with the transformative power of art.

Lori Hamrick and April Rooks – Music As Medicine

May 5, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Lori Hamrick and April Rooks - Music As Medicine

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Harmonizing Body, Mind & Spirit: Music as Medicine for Patients and Kids

During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, we’re taking a deep dive into the unexpected world of music’s healing powers.

You won’t believe how vibrations and sound can impact the body. And it’s not just about entertainment or therapy. Discover a surprising frontier where music interacts with brains and bodies, pushing boundaries in ways you never imagined.

Our guests today are Lori Hamrick, a Certified Music Practitioner from the Live Therapeutic Music Department at Northeast Georgia Health System, and April Rooks, the founder of Amped Kids Foundation.

Lori’s expertise lies in utilizing music to create a calm environment for patients, funded by the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation,

Her work, funded by the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, aims to alleviate patients’ stress and improve their ability to handle medical intervention.

April’s passion for positively impacting the lives of foster and adopted youth through healing music programs is truly inspiring.

With over 20 years of experience in teaching vocal and piano lessons, April has witnessed the profound effects of music therapy on children, highlighting the therapeutic power of music in empowering individuals and fostering healing.

The profound role of music in mental health is evident in the transformative experiences shared by Lori and April. Music serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression and empowerment, particularly for children facing traumatic experiences. Music has the potential to foster resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being in individuals of all ages.

Connect With Lori and April:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-hamrick-2740bb17/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-rooks-a27b531b/

https://ampedkids.org/

https://www.instagram.com/ampedkids/

https://www.facebook.com/AMPEDKidsFoundation/

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/

https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://RichLifeAdvisors.com

https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors

https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX

Highlights Of The Show

0:02:09 – Live Therapeutic Music Program at Northeast Georgia Health System
Lori Hamrick discusses the Live Therapeutic Music Program, which aims to create a calm environment for patients using trained and certified music practitioners to respond to patients’ physical and emotional needs through music.

00:11:27 – The Healing Power of Music
April Rooks explains the mission of Amped Kids foundation to positively impact the lives of foster and adopted youth through healing music programs, such as free access to music lessons, instruments, and songwriting workshops.

00:13:45 – Music as a Tool for Emotional Resilience
April Rooks emphasizes the role of music in building emotional resilience in children by providing a platform for expressing emotions, creating a sense of safety and agency, and fostering confidence to navigate life’s challenges.

00:17:08 – The Power of Music in Healing
April and Lori discuss the power of music as a tool for expression and healing, particularly for children who have experienced trauma. They emphasize the importance of providing children with a sense of agency and control through music.

00:18:56 – Impact of Trauma on Children
The conversation delves into the devastating effects of trauma on children’s health and social development, as evidenced by studies such as the AcE studies. Early interventions through music therapy can help empower children and lead to positive outcomes such as higher graduation rates and reduced violence.

00:20:39 – The Humanities and Holistic Education
Lori highlights the importance of humanities education, suggesting a correlation between the defunding of arts in education and the rise of social ills. They discuss the value of a well-rounded education that includes music, arts, and physical activity to nurture holistic development.

00:25:53 – The Connection Between Music and Academics
The conversation explores the correlation between music education and academic success, citing the impact of music on cognitive development and learning. They emphasize the importance of incorporating music into education for well-rounded development.

00:30:51 – Supporting AMPED Kids
April shares ways for the community to support AMP Kids, including donations, volunteering as music instructors or songwriters, and spreading awareness through social media. They invite individuals to contribute to the organization’s mission of providing music therapy for children in need.

00:34:54 – The Power of Music Therapy
Lori and April discuss the impact of sound and electrical waves on our bodies, and the potential for music therapy to unlock memories and movement in patients with dementia and stroke victims.

00:36:49 – Music Therapy vs. Entertainment
The conversation delves into the distinction between music therapy and entertainment, emphasizing the therapeutic power of live music for non-responsive patients, including those with advanced dementia and stroke victims.

00:38:55 – The Healing Power of Music
The discussion highlights the transformative effect of music on patients, revealing how it can facilitate movement and evoke memories, ultimately showcasing the potential of music as a therapeutic tool.

00:39:39 – Embracing the Arts for Healing
Lori and April express excitement about the evolving societal openness to utilizing the arts for therapeutic purposes, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to explore new aspects of sound, vibrations, and healing through music.

From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

Cori McDougald, Meat and Potatoes Organizing

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Radio

From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

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From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, Episode 41)

On this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Cori McDougald, Founder and Owner of Meat and Potatoes Organizing. Cori shares her unique journey, from being an Olympic weightlifter to discovering her passion for professional organizing. She talks about the importance of creating functional and peaceful living spaces for busy individuals and families, highlighting how her personal experiences with her child’s sensory needs inspired her to start her business. Cori explains the comprehensive process of professional organizing, from consultation to project completion, emphasizing decluttering and optimizing spaces based on individual preferences. She also discusses the spectrum of clients she serves, from those who need one-time projects to others who benefit from ongoing support. Cori shares memorable projects, the geographical areas her team covers, and her goal to help more people transform their lives by decluttering and organizing their spaces.

The host for this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio was John Ray. The show is produced virtually by the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX®.

Cori McDougald, Founder and Owner, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

Cori started Meat & Potatoes Organizing because she wanted to help people get down to the basics in life—the meat & potatoes. Personally, she found so much freedom in downsizing, decluttering, and creating organization systems in her own life and she loves sharing this experience with others.

Call her crazy, but her favorite organization projects are garages & basements. (She also loves organizing all other parts of the home.) She grew up competing in Olympic weightlifting, and she absolutely LOVES lifting heavy objects and doing physical work. Anytime she can move and sweat, she is happy!

In her non-organizing time, she loves to hang out with her two boys, Thor & Magnus. Her husband Damon does security consulting (mostly from home now, thanks to Covid) and they enjoy skiing and snowboarding together in the winter. Her happy and licky dog, Jellybean, is her only little girl and by little, she means BIG, sweet, Doberman!

Meat & Potatoes Organizing

Meat & Potatoes Organizing is a women-owned and operated professional organizing company based in the Twin Cities Metro Area and has recently grown into the locations of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Brainerd, Minnesota; and Rochester, Minnesota. They are currently the largest team of experienced organizers in the Midwest and pride themselves on efficiency, honesty, integrity, and just plain ‘ole gettin’ sh!t done!

Their sole purpose is to partner with individuals, businesses, and government agencies to create functional and beautiful spaces. With a proven system for decluttering and organizing, Meat & Potatoes Organizing clients are guaranteed an organized space that will simplify their daily lives and reduce stress.

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