Non-Billable Hours

About Non-Billable Hours

Welcome to the podcast about being a lawyer that has nothing to do with the practice of law. Join us, won’t you? The Legal Stuff (because obviously): This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. This is a podcast by a lawyer, for lawyers. But I am not *your* lawyer. I’m also not your therapist, your finance professional, or your personal life coach. Nothing in this podcast should be considered legal advice, and any suggestions or recommendations that you decide to follow through with... those are on you my friend. This podcast is meant to be a place where we can talk openly and candidly about life as lawyers, but at the end of the day, you are the one making your own decisions. Perhaps we can help you make some better ones. We are not liable for any choices you make. But you probably already knew that. Theme Song: Jessie Reid- Madgrical (Artlist)

Publisher

odetteansell

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jul 2024

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

46 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   From Harvard to Big Law to Healing: A Lawyer’s Journey into Lightwork and AI

   What if the traits law school rewards the least are the ones that make you exceptional? Marcia Narine Weldon says the future of law belongs to lawyers who can think clearly, stay human, and build a life that is bigger than their title. In this conversation, Odette talks with Marcia about the unexpected path that took her from fearing math to building a 34-year legal career across big law, in-house leadership, academia, consulting, and her own practice. Marcia explains why she embraced business law despite once being anti-business, how a Harvard Law protester became the person employers and students now turn to for guidance, and why identity outside of work is not optional—it is strategic. You’ll discover: - Why Marcia believes lawyers should stop treating “I’m a lawyer” like a personality - How acting lessons, speed reading, and improv can make you a stronger litigator - The real reason she brought light work, breath work, meditation, and body-based tools into legal coaching - How she helps lawyers, compliance leaders, and executives handle stress before it turns into burnout - Why AI is useful as a sparring partner, but dangerous when lawyers don’t know the substance well enough to check it Marcia Narine Weldon is a lawyer, educator, and founder of Illuminating Wisdom, where she blends legal strategy with wellness, leadership, and light work. She also works directly with AI models and engineers to help shape how the technology is used in legal practice. Perfect for anyone who wants to stay relevant, resilient, and fully human in a profession that is changing fast. You can find her here: https://www.illuminatingwisdom.com/

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Lawyer turned Mediator Discusses Balance, Burnout, and Finding Meaning Outside of your Job

   Host Odette speaks with Paul Lo Presti, a former civil litigator turned mediator and arbitrator, about a 30+ year legal career. They discuss career transitions, the business of law, mentorship, the impact of virtual practice on training and mediation, and the importance of work–life balance. Paul shares lessons from litigation, the value of preparation and respect, his shift into mediation, and how interests like running, golf, cooking and philanthropy kept him grounded while building a meaningful professional life.

3. 

   17 Sept 2026

   Why Bay Street Felt Broken From the Inside, With "Black on Bay Street" Author, Dr. Hadiya Roderique

   The legal hiring system is rigged for similarity, not talent - and Dr. Hadiya Roderique, J.D./Ph.D. has lived (and studied) that reality. Odette sits down with Hadiya, a self-described recovering lawyer, journalist, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and the writer behind the viral article, "Black on Bay Street". Hadiya reflects on when she realized the legal path she was on was not built for her, and why the hiring process she encountered felt less like meritocracy and more like a test of class, race, and belonging. You’ll discover: 💼 why OCI and in-firm interviews often reward “do I want to have a drink with this person?” over job-relevant skill 📰 how a single article turned into a searing personal essay about race, law, and survival 🚺 what it was like being the only Black woman in her firm 📚 why she left Bay Street, tried grad school, then found her way into writing, journalism, and teaching 👀 how sexism, racism, and parental expectations shape who gets to stay, advance, and be seen as “competent” 🏒 Hadiya's latest book/tv obsession (and future area of expertise?) Dr. Hadiya Roderique and Odette talk candidly about ambition, burnout, the myth of the ideal worker, and why so many talented women are pushed to choose between a full life and a legal career. Find Hadiya here: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/acm/hadiya-roderique/

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

35,641

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

14 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

37

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

0