The Women's Advocate

Hosted by Sarah Nichols

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Sep 2026

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About the show

The Women's Advocate is hosted by civil rights attorney Sarah Nichols where she discusses how women can negotiate and support each other to close the wage gap.

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52 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 5337 min

Trial by Fire: From Fighting Fires to Trial Advocacy with Maria Bourn

For our latest session, we had the opportunity to speak with a guest we have longed admired, the bold and powerful Maria Bourn. We discuss Maria's journey from fighting fires to fighting for justice in the courtroom, how COVID-19 changed the practice of law, the surprises that come up in trial and the cases that have had the greatest impact on her career. She also discusses how challenging traditional expectations of women in the legal profession and staying true to herself has shaped the way she advocates for her clients.

July 22, 2026Episode 5242 min

Building Community through Moms in Tech with Darci Groves

For our latest session, we had the opportunity to speak with Darci Groves, co-founder of Moms in Tech, a community we have long admired. Darci shares the story behind building a global network for moms in the tech industry, the challenges of overcoming isolation as a mom in tech, and the importance of connection and volunteer-driven engagement in sustaining a meaningful community. She also discusses how Moms in Tech continues to evolve alongside the industry, creating opportunities for support, growth, and dreaming big.

April 8, 2026Episode 5140 min

Actionable Tools for Galactic Equal Pay with Claire Wasserman

For our latest session, we got the opportunity to speak with a guest we have long admired: the powerfully empathetic, action-minded Claire Wasserman. We discuss Claire's journey of channeling her anger at persistent corporate misogyny and the importance of financial empowerment for women – forces that played a key role in her founding of Ladies Get Paid. Claire further shares her inspiring story of getting sued by a group of men's rights activists (and turning those lemons into money). We also talk about the power of empathy in connecting to community and in negotiating effectively. Claire discusses her findings regarding the activation of fight / flight / freeze / fawn nervous system responses in women who are feeling stuck in their careers – and how to overcome them. Tune in for transformative life and career insights!

March 2, 2026Episode 5027 min

Shifting Power with Moxie

In this week's episode, the inimitable Gloria Allred walks us through key elements of how she helps victims and survivors of sexual assault fight for justice. She also talks about how powerful it is to be free from the yoke of needing to be liked, the egregious contexts in which women are criticized for not smiling, and her strategy of shifting fear from victims to perpetrators. Gloria further shares insights on diffusing conflict and making strategic choices in our fights for justice. We hope you enjoy!

January 12, 2026Episode 4946 min

Taking the Plunge

Some of us crushed on boy bands as teenagers. Our guest Rachel Pusey, however, recalls crushing on California's first female Chief Justice (in a lovely, inspired, non-romantic manner of course). On this episode of The Women's Advocate , Rachel and Sarah talk about Rachel's beautiful, evolving path through the law – a journey that has taken Rachel from representing employees to supporting employers, and, most recently, to a reinvigorated passion for employment law as a mediator. Together, we dive into the challenge and payoff of making bold career leaps, centering human connection in our work, and practicing emotional intelligence both at work and beyond. We further discuss the power of mediation as an alternative form of legal resolution that can help all the parties find common ground and reach agreements. Enjoy!

November 12, 2025Episode 4854 min

Living a Juicy Life with Allison Tibbs

"When you're a coach, your life is the curriculum." This week, Allison Tibbs tells us about how her vision of becoming a corner-office media executive transformed into a mission of helping women lead excellent careers and reframe their health and wellness as tools – not additional exhausting to-dos – for their success and happiness. Allison and Sarah discuss how Allison's openness about her experiences coming back from burnout, career changes, health struggles, and more have empowered women to admit and seek support in navigating their own struggles.

October 16, 2025Episode 4741 min

The (Von)Rockstar of Estate Planning

Deidre shares her own powerful journey of navigating many big life changes at once as she dives into the challenges of being a woman and mother, leaving a job, her battle with cancer, divorce, and ultimate decision to found Von Rock Law. Deidre and Sarah discuss how these experiences have been a strength to Deidre as she has centered her award-winning trust and estate law practice around kindness and empathy for clients going through and planning for major life changes. The pair sing the praises of the beauty of San Francisco, engaging in the community outside of work, choosing the people you work with, and finding love.

August 7, 2025Episode 4644 min

Springing Forward with Compassion

In this week's episode, Sarah and ERISA litigation superstar Cassie Springer-Ayeni discuss the ins and outs of applying for disability benefits and appealing benefit denials. The ladies talk about the power of storytelling, treating people as more than their disability, why it can be so hard for folks to plan for or admit that they may have a long-term disability, and why it is ultimately so important to do so for yourself and your loved ones. Cassie and Sarah also discuss the difference between an employer claiming to support employees versus the policies and actions that make this a reality. As a bonus, tune in to hear Sarah and Cassie talk about how to make networking fun, advice for starting your own law firm, and the beauty of building a business that truly supports humans.

July 1, 2025Episode 4542 min

Small Firm, Big Energy: Packing a Punch with AI

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Carolyn Elefant – nationally recognized civil rights and energy attorney, longtime solo practitioner, and the force behind MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog for small firm lawyers. Carolyn has spent her career challenging extractive energy practices, defending community rights, and empowering lawyers, especially women, to take bold steps in building independent, values-driven practices. Together, Sarah and Carolyn talk about Carolyn 's recent amicus brief in Perkins Coie v. United States. Carolyn rallied hundreds of small firms to defend the constitutional right to counsel. Carolyn also reflects on the advantages solos have, the fun she's having experimenting with AI, and why success looks different, and freer, when you build it on your own terms.

June 18, 2025Episode 4440 min

Moving Billions with Light Energy

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Leti McNeill Light - Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSF and Co-Founder and President of SIGAP - a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy. With nearly 25 years of experience across top universities and transformative fundraising initiatives, Leti shares what it means to lead with intention, curiosity, and care. Together, Sarah and Leti unpack the real work of philanthropy: building power, cultivating options, and creating space for meaningful change - whether in a lab, a boardroom, or your own home. Leti shares candid reflections on managing large teams, sustaining energy as a leader, and her personal commitment to move billions in philanthropic giving during her lifetime. They also explore how women can find their voice in philanthropic spaces professionally, personally, and collectively.