the mediation podcast

Douglas Spoors is an attorney, mediator, trainer, and founder of the Institute for Mixed Method Mediation and the author of Mixed Method Mediation: A Hybrid Approach to Conflict Resolution. He currently serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Education/ADR Manager for the Navy Exchange Service Command in Virginia where he designs and provides training to over 13,000 associates world-wide. Douglas is Chair of the Outreach Sub-Committee for the Mediators Beyond Borders International, Climate Change Policy Project and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Mediation Association. In 2019, he received the Ambassador for Peace in Conflict Resolution Award for his contribution in the field of mediation. Douglas says "It’s not about who is right or wrong, it’s about problem solving and finding meaningful solutions".

Nancy Radford is accredited in Civil & Commercial, Workplace & Employment, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and International Online Mediation, as well as having additional training in restorative facilitation, vulnerable adults, and community mediation. She is a qualified trainer and coach offering conflict coaching, early intervention and training in conflict management and communication skills. She recently won a national mediation award for setting up an Online CPD programme preparing mediators to work online during the pandemic. Prior to going into full time peace-making, Nancy was a researcher, a midwife, a director in a successful family business, a manager, consultant and trainer in public, private & third sector. Nancy says “I like to make myself redundant as a mediator by leaving a legacy instead of a hole”.

Nicky Perfect's 30 year career in the London Metropolitan Police Force culminated with her being selected as one of a handful of specialised hostage negotiators for the UK and has equipped her with incredible facilitation mediation and coaching skills. Nicky describes how she negotiated her way through high level trauma situations and how she still uses this experience and expertise in her current coaching and other business ventures. It's a fabulous listen with wonderful insights. I think you will agree Nicky is an absolute inspiration.

Bob Oberstein has been resolving conflicts for over 50 years. He’s represented both employees and employers in the private and public sectors. In recognition of his service Bob was awarded the U.S. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Director's Award for lifetime achievement in promoting positive Labour Management Relations. Bob told me his blood type is B positive so positivity literally runs through his veins and he approaches life and mediation with huge optimism. He says there are "no problems only infinite possibilities". I learnt a great deal from Bob and found his positivity infectious. I think you will too!

Karis Nafte is a pet custody specialist and accredited family mediator. She helps people make fair educated decisions about custody of their pets during divorce. Known for her humane and effective approach with animals, Karis is also a well-respected trainer and dog behaviour consultant with 25 years of experience. She works in collaboration with mediators and attorneys worldwide, and offers regular webinars to educate divorce professionals about pets and the impact of their owners separating. Karis says, animals are not children. They are not possessions. They fall into their own unique category during divorce where they should be seen as individual animals with their own needs.

Karis lives in Capetown with her husband, daughter, four dogs and three cats.