Video Section

Concerns and Optimism for Future
Frank Sander reflects on his concerns within the field, which include the tension of quality vs. quantity of the practice, the lack of studies of cost effectiveness, disappointments with the court system fees, and the difficulty of getting more young people/apprentices into the field. However, he's optimistic about the future of mediation.

In Their Voices: Video with Joyce Oddison
This article shares a video of Michael Lang interviewing Joyce Oddison about how to stay resilient through difficult times. 

Value-Based Mediation
Carrie Menkel-Meadow talks about her early experiences with Gary Friedman and their efforts to bring humanistic psychology to law. The value-based mediation process still informs her practice.

Concerns: Credentialing and Bridging Gaps between Mediators of Color with Other Mediators
Homer LaRue discusses his concerns of mediators not getting into the field because of the credentialing process, specifically persons of color not getting into the field, and bridging the gap between mediators of color and the "high-volume, high-quality case users".

Hopes for Future of Mediation
Margaret Shaw talks about what she hopes to see in the future for mediation: that mediation in schools will make a difference; certification regulations will form slowly, so as not to lose the flexibility of the field; that there will be an increased emphasis on collaboration in society.

Gender and Culture in Mediation
Nina Meierding explains putting theory to practice regarding studies of gender and culture in mediation. She describes being sensitive and respectful of diverse thought processes and communication methods.

Evaluative Approach
Zena Zumeta explains the difficulties she sees with using an evaluative approach. However, she sees how it can be useful in a dispute where there is a power imbalance.

Mediators not Making Big Enough Difference
Bernard Mayer explains that his biggest concern is that mediators are not making a big enough difference in larger, current conflicts. He offers two reasons for this.

Arbitration Conversation No. 8: Prof. Richard Frankel of Drexel University School of Law
In this episode of the Arbitration Conversation Amy interviews Prof. Richard Frankel, Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Federal Litigation and Appeals Clinic at the Drexel University Thomas Klein School of Law.

Start in Mediation
Maxine Baker-Jackson describes that coming into mediation was a natural.

Working with People Who Don't Want to Negotiate
Roger Fisher explains that when one party doesn't want to negotiate, talk to others around them to find out their motivations, interests, concerns, and worries.

Demonstrating Reflective Practice
Michael Lang describes an account where he was teaching reflective practice, a practice that enables mediators to be more aware of their own methods and why they are using them.

Advice to Aspiring Mediators
Marvin Johnson provides advice he would give to those wanting to come into the field: one must like people, have flexibility and patience, timing and intuition.

Conflict Management in Other Countries
John Paul Lederach continues to describe in detail how he observed partiality as a resource, not an obstacle in Latin America and the Middle East. Partiality meant being part of the network, being an insider, and someone to be trusted.

Are Mediators Neutral?
Carrie Menkel-Meadow discusses how mediators are not neutral on many issues but the goal is to be non-biased.

Mediation Skillset is Essential For Our Survival
Kenneth Cloke discusses the significance of mediation and how the world needs to learn these skills in order for us to survive as a species.

Successful Mediation Techniques in Complex Disputes
Joe Stulberg shares how great mediators he's observed are very analytical and have a sense of pragmatic creativity.

Problem Solving vs. Transformative Mediation
Chris Moore talks about mediators who are problem solvers and those who attempt to transform the relationships and moral views of the parties; Moore's position is somewhere in the middle.

Managing Conflict at Home During COVID-19
This links to a free course for practitioners, or to show to their clients as a resource, for resolving home conflict during the quarantine.

Field Combined Law and Social Work
Jay Folberg describes early on in the field when he, as a lawyer, collaborated with psychologists and social workers and they learned from each other.

Support Tools for Video Conferencing During ODR
There are a wide range of concepts which fall within ODR.

Mediation Past, Present, and Future
Howard Bellman speaks of how the mediation field has become more mainstream, though it's original intention was to be more radical and counter-culture. He believes the field will continue to grow.

Teaching to Mediate
Margaret Shaw describes an effective way of teaching mediation. It involves classroom learning as well as shadowing experienced mediators to gain an understanding of the sense of process and flow.

Cultural Sensitivity While Training
Nina Meierding discusses her approach to mediation training in other countries. This involves being culturally sensitive, not imposing the Western model as it may not be useful for other cultures and their ways of problem-solving.

Essence of Mediation
Chris Moore shares a piece of a Robert Frost poem which he thinks represents the essence of mediation: finding a common good among people with different interests and different needs.

Eye of the Storm Leadership
This is a video introduction to "Eye of the Storm Leadership" by Peter Adler, Ph.D. - 150 Ideas, Stories, Quotes, and Excercises On The Art and Politics of Managing Human Conflicts. See the book and complete video at www.eyeofthestormleadership.com

Tips for Divorcing Couples - Videos 2 through 5
We decided to bring experts together who can provide some tips on how to deal with the stress of not only COVID-19 but the stress of going through a divorce or separation during these unprecedented times.

Why I Became A Mediator
Carrie Menkel-Meadow talks about how winning law suits did not bring about the change had hoped for. There was a lot of resistance. She realized that negotiating consensual agreements was the way to get lasting results.

Participatory Democracy is Motivation to Mediate
Bernie Mayer describes his motivation as a mediator which involves promoting participatory democracy, empowering people to control the outcomes of the crises in their own lives.

Divorce & Managing Anxiety during COVID-19 - Video
We decided to bring experts together who can provide some tips on how to deal with the stress of not only COVID-19 but the stress of going through a divorce or separation during these unprecedented times.

Mediation vs. Arbitration
Tom Stipanowich talks about the arbitration process being taken out of contracts while being replaced with mediation or litigation processes.

Humor, Rapport, and Experience
Sid Lezak describes how he uses humor to lighten the mood of parties coming in and help them focus on what is in their best interests. He also talks about his vast experience and how his responses can be somewhat automatic.

Transcending Mediation Models
Don Saposnek describes how different mediation models, while they may have different qualities and values, are often blended together by experienced mediators.

CRS in Battle of Wounded Knee
Richard Salem describes agency cutbacks as Community Relations Service was preventing violence in the Battle of Wounded Knee.

Transformative Mediation For All Cases?
Joe Folger believes that the purpose of mediation is to give people voice and choice and moments of recognition are powerful and just as important as getting settlement.

Mediating Families Are Closer Post-Divorce
Joan Kelly describes a research finding which concluded that families who mediated during the divorce had father's who were significantly more involved in their children's lives twelve years post-mediation.

Narrow v. Broad Problem Definition
Leonard Riskin explains narrow and broad problem definitions by a giving an example of settling a case where there was a breech of a business contract. A narrow problem definition sees a legal process whereas a broad problem definition allows more room for thinking about other causes of the conflict.

Mediation and Leadership with Philosophies
Peter Adler discusses mediation as a form of leadership. He also talks about his philosophy of when circumstance meets person: one can be a leader or a follower depending on their capabilities and values within that circumstance.

Asking Questions Instead of Giving Opinions
Michael Lewis talks about argument prevention by asking questions instead of giving opinions within a discussion.

Skills of Successful Mediators
Linda Singer talks about how senior mediators achieve success: listening skills, gaining trust, discovering peoples' interests, spending the time with people, building relationships.

Interview with Jeff Krivis
New interview with mediation leader and author Jeff Krivis by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's new "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society" video series.

Interview with Don Saposnek
This is a new interview with Don Saposnek, long-time leader in the field of divorce mediation and best supporting the interests of children in divorce, by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's new "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society" video series.

Interview with John Ford: The Future of Workplace Mediation
This is an interview by Dr. Clare Fowler, current Mediate.com Managing Editor, with John Ford, the first Mediate.com Managing Editor and a well-known HR and workplace mediation specialist.

Resolving Pressing Issues in Divorce Mediation (video)
This video on resolving pressing issues at the beginning a divorce mediation is from Jim Melamed's 15-hour "Mediating Divorce Agreement" course available at Mediate.com University.

John Lewis Speech and Interview
From April 2006: Video of Congressman John Lewis, long-time Georgia representative and national civil rights leader, receiving the ABA Dispute Resolution Section's Lifetime Achievement Award at the Section's annual meeting in Atlanta. See both John Lewis' powerful presentation and Mediate.com's following interview.

Old Dissolution Model Was Damaging
Constance Ahrons discusses the pre-joint-cutody model for the relationship between Ex-spouses. The cultural norm was to have no relationship, because that meant that the ex-spouses where hanging on.

Introducing Clients to Zoom Videoconferencing
This video can be sent to clients who will be meeting online, familiarizing them with the process, and discussing confidentiality concerns.

Negotiation is Replacing Litigation
Randy Lowry discusses how some have been resistant to mediation education, but how it has been successful in changing legal processes and preventing litigation.

Setting Up a New Zoom Account for Mediators
This video discusses Zoom settings for mediators, designed to establish rapport and confidentiality.

Early Views of Field
Sid Lezak talks about how he viewed the field when he first started out. It was like a 'religion' for him and any opposition or criticism made him even more dedicated to the practice and advocacy of mediation.

Crash Course in Remote Management - Video
This is a video designed to help managers resolve conflicts and support employees while working remotely.

Reflective Practice: In Their Voices Video Conversation Project - Interview with Sue Bronson
Mediator Sue Bronson doesn't rest upon the familiar, but takes what she knows and applies it in new innovative ways. In this 44 minute video, Sue and Michael Lang discuss screening techniques.

Laila and Tara Ollapally Interview - Mediation in India
This is an interview with Laila and Tara Ollapally discussing the history and present state of mediation in India, and what opportunities they see over the next 10 years.

Interview with Ken Cloke
This is a new interview of mediation leader and author Ken Cloke by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's new "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society" video series.

Reflective Practice: In Their Voices Video Conversation Project - Interview with Howard Herman
Howard Herman and Michael Lang discuss the benefits of reflective practice and its impact on the quality of mediation practice.

Interview with Howard Gadlin
This is a new interview of Howard Gadlin, long-time leading Ombudsman at UCLA and the National Institute of Health (NIH), by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's video series "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society."

Reflective Practice: In Their Voices Video Conversation Project
As I wrote "The Guide to Reflective Practice in Conflict Resolution," I wondered whether I could include the voices and perspectives of others — not simply through quotations and citations.  I wanted more depth and detail. The result is this "In Their Voices Video Conversation Project."

Reflective Practice: In Their Voices Video Conversation Project - Interview with Tammy Lenski
From her articles and blogs, Mediator Tammy Lenski is well-known throughout the mediation community. In this 1 hour video, Tammy and Michael Lang discuss excellence in practice and how to become a great mediator.

Stephen Kotev Interview - The Importance of Safety
This is an interview with Stephen Kotev by Clare Fowler discussing strategies for safety in mediation.

Interview with Bruce Edwards - The Future of Mediation and Mediation in India
This is a new interview of Bruce Edwards by Mediate.com's Managing Editor, Dr. Clare Fowler. Mr. Edwards discusses the growth in the field of mediation generally and the growth of mediation in India specifically.

Being Neutral is a Myth
Terry Wakeen explains that she believes being neutral is a myth. She still upholds her ethical duty, however, to not force her opinions and judgments on the parties.

Interview with Nina Meierding
New interview with Nina Meierding by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's new "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society" video series.

Charlie Young Interview - Mediation in Schools and Prisons
This is an interview with Charlie Young by Clare Fowler discussing how mediation principles can be applied in schools and prisons.

Challenges of Institutionalizing Mediation
Frank Sander talks about the challenges institutionalization presents: trying to build on what's good without impairing the quality of the practice, becoming part of the court system without courts taking over mediation.

The Perfect Mediation (humor video)
The Perfect Mediation is a 4 minute video showing how easy mediation can sometimes be. Be sure to to check out all of our continuing education offerings at Mediate.com University.

Authenticity in Relationships Increases Chance of Peace-Building
John Paul Lederach speaks of the importance of authenticity when building relationships with parties. In his book, he poses a challenge to those who respond "we don't have a voice" in answering the question of why the peace process has been inauthentic.

Views on Future of Mediation
Randy Lowry speaks of the developments in the mediation field he foresees: more educational programs in schools, more institutions, more agencies practicing mediation, growth of programs, program expansion at Pepperdine, contribution to medical field.

Mediation Training Academy (humor video)
This tongue in cheek video shows two instructors at "The Mediation Academy" discussing mediation fee arrangements and 12 steps to avoid mediator emotional co-dependency. Be sure to to check out all of our continuing education offerings at Mediate.com University.

Resolve-O-Matic (humor video)
Join Chip Rose and Don Saposnek for their tongue-in-check infomercial for Resolve-O-Matic. Hear about all of the many benefits and how Resolve-O-Matic will change your life for the better.

When a Moment of Genius Struck
Marvin Johnson talks about a specific case he was asked to mediate - he was able to settle when others felt it was an impossibility. From the outcome, he felt a "moment of genius".

Background: Family and Religious Influences
David Hoffman describes how his family background contributed to his social values and his tendency to be conflict avoidant.

Ombudsman vs. Mediator
Howard Gadlin discusses the difference between a mediator's role and an ombudsman's role. Ombudsman uses mediation as a tool, but their role is to assist a group of people within an organization to identify the organization's policies and regulations that are causing internal conflict, then make recommendations.

Ability to Mediate Cases Involving Domestic Violence
Clarence Cramer shares his disagreement with those who say that domestic violence cases cannot be mediated.

Changing Lawyers' Understanding of Resolving Disputes
Leonard Riskin saw certain unahappiness in law schools that he linked to the adversarial process of settling disputes. Instead of a win-lose scenario, he attempted to help lawyers see and use mediation as a way to open their minds to a more positive process that would satisfy parties' underlying interests and needs.

Mediators Biases
Nina Meierding discusses the evolving state of bias in mediating. She emphasizes the importance of the mediator being aware of his/her own biases and gives examples of her own biases in divorce cases.

Objective of Mediation
Chip Rose's perspective is that the objective of mediation is to assist parties in being collaborative, using a client-centered approach. Attorney mediators coming into the field might have a different objective.

How Mediation Started, How it's Different
Stephen Erickson shares his view on how mediation came about and its benefits compared to the adversarial process.

Mediating the Skokie-Nazi Conflict
Richard Salem briefly discusses mediating the Skokie-Nazi conflict through the organization CRS (Community Relations Service).

Multi-partiality: An Effective Position for Mediators in Resolving Disputes
Chris Moore explains partiality, neutrality and multi-partiality, the latter being the goal of a mediator's position. He explains multi-partiality within contexts of spousal abuse mediation and exploitation within a third world country.

Building Breakthroughs: Video Interview with Louise Phipps Senft
By creating a space for change, Louise helps people get back on track so they can work more successfully with their advisors.

What Success is in Mediation
Howard Bellman describes what he does to be successful in resolving a dispute. He uses the term "(doing) just enough" to end in a settlement.

First Mediation was Riot in Rochester
Bill Lincoln describes his effectiveness in his first mediation experience, helping to quell a riot in Rochester.

Moments of Genius
Margaret Shaw describes what is happening in a mediation when she feels "in the groove" of mediating. For her, this feeling comes from feeling connected with clients, having a deep understanding of what the issue is, being aware and knowing intuitively where to go next.

Relative Lack of Minorities in Field
Marvin Johnson speaks to why he believes there is a lack of people of color in the mediation profession. He claims much of it has to do with organizations not being welcoming.

Lesley Cook Interview - Neurodiversity in Mediation
This is an interview with Dr. Lesley Cook discussing the importance of understanding your neurodiverse clients in the educational, family, and workplace fields.

Mediation as a Force for Social Change
Howard Gadlin discusses his view of the mediation field early on. He felt that his interest in activist issues went along with the field, by using it as a force for social change, addressing questions of justice, and making democracy more meaningful and participatory.

Should Court Mediators Be Lawyers?
Frank Sander discusses how ironically, there has been an ongoing battle within the court system of whether or not mediators need to be lawyers to practice within the courts. Sander voted they didn't need to be lawyers, which was the majority opinion.

What a Himalayan Adventure Taught Me About Connection and Dialogue
Join Henry as he shares his Himalayan motorcycle adventure through pictures and video as well as what he learned about identity, connection, and dialogue.

Interview with Peter Adler
This is a new interview with public policy mediation leader Peter Adler by Robert Benjamin as part of Mediate's new "The Future of Mediation and Negotiation in Our Culture, Politics and Society" video series.

John Helie: Awarding His Legacy
Colin Rule introduces John Helie at an awards luncheon. John Helie then accepts the award and discusses the dispute resolution field.

The Risks of the Increase in Mediation Specializations
Peter Adler speaks of the negatives that come with the increase of specializations in the mediation field; mediation will become more rigid, rule-bound, and will develop professional castes and classes.

Initial Attraction to Mediation
James Coben describes his initial attraction to mediation which he saw as a much more rational and effective system of solving problems rather than attempting to solve them through the court.

Ideal Qualities of an Effective Mediator
Michael Lang describes some of the qualities a mediator should possess: self-awareness, knowledge of theories and literature, and continual self-education.

John Helie: ACR Award and Words of Wisdom
John Helie receives the ACR Mary Parker Follett award. The introduction discusses the history of the mediation field and the part that John Helie played. In his acceptance speech, John shares his wisdom with those just entering the field and those who are long-term mediators.

Developing Intuition in Mediation
Peter Adler describes the art of mediation and how it takes a development of intuition to recognize what a mediator should say and when he/she should say it in a mediation session.

Mediation as Performance Art
Chip Rose describes the art of mediation and how mediators can use different styles to increase their effectiveness.

Attraction to Client Self-Determination
Chip Rose discusses his inspiration for starting out in mediation; the process allowed people to have control of their lives.

Moments of Genius
Donald Saposnek details the moments when he feels the most effective and competent while mediating. He uses the basketball analogy of being 'in the zone' by strategic maneuvering.

Mediating With Intuition
Howard Bellman talks about mediating in stressful circumstances where politics, personality, and/or emotions are high. Gifted mediators combine talent and training to be able to handle those situations in an intuitive way.

Awareness of Unaddressed Race/Ethnic Issues in Field
Marvin Johnson describes what he has tried to do to increase awareness about race and minorities in the field: hold workshops, talk about his experiences, and write about it.