The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi

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Episodes

190

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Trial lawyers can be real people, too—and this podcast proves it. The Velvet Hammer™ is back, and this time, Karen Koehler isn’t going it alone. Known for her fearless advocacy, bold storytelling, and, yes, even the occasional backwards dress moment, Karen is teaming up with Mo Hamoudi, a lawyer, poet, and storyteller whose empathy and resilience add a whole new dynamic to the show. Together, they’re pulling back the curtain on trial law, diving into bold topics, heartfelt stories, and the messy, hilarious moments that make trial lawyers human. This is an unscripted, raw, and fun take on life inside—and outside—the courtroom.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 2221 min

The Verdict - Part 2

Season 6, Episode 22The Verdict Part 2Can expert witness testimony overcome decades-old missing records?In Part 2 of this trial breakdown, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi discuss the expert witnesses, courtroom strategy, and pivotal testimony that helped establish liability in a childhood sexual abuse case involving institutional failures and destroyed records. From former child welfare professionals to a trauma psychologist whose testimony stopped the courtroom cold, they explain how expert testimony helped the jury understand what happened, what should have happened, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

June 9, 2026Episode 2128 min

The Verdict - Part 1

The verdict is in. Karen and Mo talk about the case and how they feel after the jury has made its decision. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

May 27, 2026Episode 2020 min

Waiting For The Verdict

The trial ends, the courtroom empties, and then comes the part nobody romanticizes: waiting for the verdict. After weeks of jury selection, motions, testimony, and closing arguments, we’re left staring at the one thing we can’t influence anymore. The jury takes a Memorial Day weekend pause, and that small delay turns into a magnifying glass on stress, control, and the way trial work gets under your skin.Karen and Mo describe their feelings as they wait. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

May 20, 2026Episode 1919 min

The Perils Of Overcommitment

Karen asks Mo and Mike about professional and personal commitments and how they affect our lives. Do you find you overcommit in your life? Listen to our conclusions. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

May 13, 2026Episode 1819 min

The start of a trial

Episode 18: The start of a trialIn this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd talk about Karen and Mo starting a new trial. What goes through their heads as they prepare and as the trial begins.🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer. Watch full episodes on YouTubeFollow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com 🔥 New episodes every WednesdaySubscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

May 6, 2026Episode 1728 min

Lawyer Burnout and How It Can Affect Clients

Episode 17: Lawyer Burnout and How It Can Affect ClientsThis is Part 3 of a three-part series on mental and physical health for trial lawyers.In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd have an honest conversation about lawyer burnout, mental health, substance abuse culture in the legal profession, and the dangerous reality of the “just keep going” mentality. Karen reflects on years of pushing through exhaustion while leading a law firm during the pandemic. Mo describes burnout as becoming untethered from yourself, losing meaning, and operating without purpose. Mike explains how burnout disconnects people from the things they once loved and how quickly that spiral can affect judgment, work, and relationships. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

April 29, 2026Episode 1621 min

Mental Health and Burnout in Trial Law

Episode 16: Mental Health and Burnout in Trial LawThis is Part 2 of a three-part series on mental and physical health for trial lawyers.Trial lawyers are trained to push through. Keep going. Don’t show weakness. So what happens when the pressure starts to build?In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd take on something most lawyers avoid discussing: burnout is real, and pretending it isn’t can cost you more than your case. Mo shares how close he’s come to burning out and why he stopped hiding it, even when it’s been used against him. Karen pushes back on the culture of law itself, calling it egotistical, performative, and disconnected from being human. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review telling us how you manage stress when the pressure doesn’t let up. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

April 22, 2026Episode 1533 min

The Need to Take Care of Yourself in the Practice of Law

Season 6, Episode 15: The need to take care of yourself in the practice of lawThis is Part 1 of a three-part series on mental and physical health for trial lawyers.Karen, Mo, and Mike discuss the need for mental and physical health and how to manage it in your practice. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

April 15, 2026Episode 1422 min

Lemon Pound cake and Afroman

Episode 14Karen, Mo and Mike discuss the Afroman trial.🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State. Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer. Watch full episodes on YouTubeFollow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com 🔥 New episodes every WednesdaySubscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

April 8, 2026Episode 1323 min

Why AI is not your lawyer

Karen, Mo and Mike discuss the urge to use the internet instead of using a lawyer and the pitfalls that can arise. Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ PodcastHosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason. Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.New episodes every Wednesday.The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.Podcast Hub:https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.comKaren Koehlerhttps://karenkoehler.comhttps://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/Mo Hamoudihttps://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/Stritmatter Lawhttps://www.stritmatter.com

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