In this episode, Brenda and Jordan sit down with Kris Bonn, managing partner at Bonn Law, to talk about his unique journey from criminal defense to personal injury and medical malpractice law. Kris opens up about his early career, high-stakes trials, the evolution of his family’s practice, and how small-town roots influence big legal wins. They also explore the importance of collaboration between firms, using tech to improve case management, and how competitive drive fuels strong client advocacy.

Key Takeaways:

[1:01] Kris shares his background and how his practice in Belleville grew from his father’s original firm.
[3:18] The firm’s evolution: from real estate and criminal law to personal injury and medical malpractice.
[5:07] Kris’s transition from Bay Street to criminal defense, and eventually to personal injury law.
[7:13] How criminal defense shaped his courtroom confidence and cross-examination skills.
[10:15] Two major medical malpractice trials: the cases, the prep, and the outcomes.
[14:48] Kris reflects on how his business education and love of competition led him to law.
[21:49] The value of collegiality and mutual respect among opposing counsel.
[23:15] Why collaboration among lawyers can mean better outcomes for clients and how OTLA fosters that.
[26:31] How Kris modernized firm operations with systems, technology, and eventually AI.
[30:45] Why AI is becoming a game changer in summarizing medical records and file management.
[33:01] Major shifts in personal injury law: benefit cutbacks and increased difficulty in auto collision claims.
[35:40] The role of diversification and why criminal defense remains vital for firm stability.
[36:52] Memorable small-town cases: hitting cows, ATV crashes, and even an encounter with 60 Minutes!
[45:09] Key takeaways for lawyers and owners following a Court of Appeal case that changed liability law.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

To learn more about Kris:

Kris: Website

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda Agnew and Jordan Asraf catch up with Charlie Johnstone, the new President and CEO of Variety - the Children’s Charity of Ontario. They talk about his first few months on the job, how inclusion and community are driving everything forward, and why his experience running events like the Royal Winter Fair and Honda Indy helped him hit the ground running. They also dig into the importance of creating real partnerships, building sustainable programs, and making space for everyone—on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:

[1:01] Charlie introduces himself and shares his background leading events like the Honda Indy and Royal Winter Fair.
[2:36] The 37th Lieutenant Governor Games: 400 kids, 15 schools, and a ton of heart.
[5:10] From motorsports to goats to kids, Charlie talks about the levels of emotion he’s witnessed in each role.
[7:33] Inclusion in action: Kids of all abilities playing together, no special treatment—just fun.
[8:29] Brenda shares how inclusive sports like sitting volleyball can level the playing field.
[10:00] How exposure to disability at a young age builds empathy and lifelong friendships.
[12:01] A story about Brenda’s son and his best friend shows the power of unconditional friendship.
[13:58] Variety offers immersive programming experiences for corporate team-building—and the impact goes both ways.
[16:01] Not all donations are created equal: Why real partnerships matter more than photo ops.
[20:18] Plans to scale Variety’s programs into more communities through sustainable, collaborative partnerships.
[25:00] What is Variety? A look inside their 76,000 sq ft accessible facility with 6,000 members.
[27:16] “I found family at Variety” - Charlie shares the emotional impact on members.
[31:41] Inclusion is for parents, too. Charlie talks about how friendships form on the sidelines and build community.
[36:49] Facility highlights: pools, gyms, meeting spaces, tournaments, and full accessibility.
[38:00] Scaling sustainably: Why Charlie would rather do fewer events and do them right.
[43:10] “Do good work with good people for a good reason” - Charlie’s personal mission.
[45:00] Bonus round: Butter tarts (no raisins), dogs over cats, and why he’s all about the forest.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

To learn more about Charlie: Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin

Brenda welcomes her friend Kristy Dickinson, a rare disease patient, advocate, and founder of Kristy Dickinson Consulting. Together, they chat about the challenges of patient advocacy, the importance of lived experience in healthcare, and how systemic barriers often force patients and caregivers to become their own strongest advocates. They discuss the impact of delayed diagnoses, the need for a cultural shift in the medical field, and how healthcare professionals can work collaboratively with patients for better outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

[1:01] Brenda introduces guest Kristy Dickinson and her extensive work in patient advocacy.

[4:53] Kristy shares her seven-year journey to a rare disease diagnosis and the constant advocacy required even with a treatment plan in place.

[5:29] The healthcare system isn't designed for people who don't fit the "standard" medical profile, leading to significant delays in diagnosis and care.

[8:32] Brenda and Kristy discuss how patient concerns are often dismissed, leading to worse outcomes.

[13:34] How advocacy can prevent medical errors and why systemic changes are needed to prioritize patient voices.

[16:48] The burden of advocacy: how patients and caregivers are forced to navigate a complex system, often without support.

[20:00] The importance of keeping medical records and using data to advocate for proper care.

[22:47] The need for cultural shifts in medicine and why healthcare is ultimately a “people business.”

[25:34] The healthcare system’s lack of focus on patient experience and accountability.

[30:00] How systemic barriers discourage patients from seeking care and lead to missed diagnoses.

[37:31] The unseen consequences: how past negative medical experiences lead people to avoid seeking care when they truly need it.

[45:00] The role of lawsuits in driving healthcare improvements and ensuring accountability.

[49:58] Recognizing the expertise of patient advocates and the growing role of Chief Patient Officers in healthcare organizations.

Mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about the work we do at Gluckstein Lawyers, please visit Gluckstein Lawyers.

To learn more about Kristy:

Kristy Dickinson: Website | LinkedIn

Gluckstein Lawyers on Twitter

Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

Gluckstein Lawyers on Instagram

Gluckstein Lawyers on YouTube

Gluckstein Lawyers on Linkedin