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

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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

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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

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Brenda Agnew is back, this time co-hosting with Charles Gluckstein as they sit down with Chris Clifford and Ted Bergeron, the founding partners of Bergeron Clifford LLP. In this episode, they chat about how legal practices are evolving, touching on how technology, diversification, and the challenges of life after COVID have shaped their approach. From growing their firms and embracing data-driven decisions to expanding into new practice areas, it’s all about staying client-focused. They also chat about the importance of mentorship, firm culture, and how tools like AI are transforming the way lawyers work.

Key Takeaways:

[3:50] The founding story of Bergeron Clifford and how it has adapted in the past 25 years, including their early focus on motor vehicle accident litigation.

[6:05] The shift from generalist to specialist legal practices and the impact of Ontario’s insurance reforms.

[9:55] The COVID-19’s pandemic’s effect on motor vehicle cases and the shift to other practice areas like medical malpractice, sexual abuse litigation, and class actions.

[12:42] Leveraging technology and data analytics to streamline operations and drive decisions in legal practices.

[16:44] Balancing expansion, profitability, and client care, including factors like geographic location and practice areas.

[22:10] Managing passion projects and cases with a focus on sustainability and justice.

[30:49] Post-COVID client interactions and the growing role of technology, including remote signatures and Zoom meetings.

[36:37] Addressing staff management challenges, training young lawyers, and maintaining firm culture in a hybrid work environment.

[45:24] The future of embracing AI, trial technology, and evolving client needs while retaining human judgment and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Bergeron Clifford LLP: Visit Website

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Gluckstein Lawyers on Facebook

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Brenda Agnew is joined by Linda O'Brien, a lawyer with Gluckstein Lawyers, to discuss the world of personal injury law. Linda breaks down the complexities of personal injury cases, from medical malpractice to sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents, and more. Brenda and Linda delve into the different tiers of personal injury law firms, the importance of specialization, and why clients should do their homework when choosing a lawyer. They also address some of the challenges in the legal marketing world and emphasize the importance of putting the client’s well-being first.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Linda explains what personal injury law covers, from medical malpractice to motor vehicle accidents and sexual abuse cases.

[4:02] Understanding the tiers within personal injury law firms: Low-tier firms vs. specialized top-tier firms.

[6:06] The importance of expertise in handling specific types of cases.

[7:51] Brenda and Linda discuss why clients should be cautious about firms with big marketing budgets and the importance of doing research.

[10:00] The issue of law firms taking on cases outside their area of expertise.

[13:51] Why the legal industry needs to prioritize client care over monetary gain.

[16:47] The challenges of being a lawyer in personal injury law and how firms should prioritize clients' needs.

[20:17] Addressing the negative perceptions of personal injury lawyers and the "ambulance chaser" stereotype.

[25:00] The significance of community involvement and genuine advocacy in personal injury law.

[29:46] How clients should trust their gut and do their due diligence when hiring a lawyer.

[35:00] The responsibility lawyers have to serve clients with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Linda O’Brien

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Brenda Agnew, your host, is joined by Diana Harris, Gluckstein Lawyers' intake coordinator, and her sister Suzanne Coleman, the founder of Horse&Hands. Suzanne introduces us to Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL), a transformative therapy that uses horses to help individuals reconnect with their authentic selves. In this episode, they discuss how horses provide healing support to trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual abuse, by fostering trust, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. Suzanne shares her journey, the incredible wisdom of horses, and the remarkable transformations she's witnessed.

Key Takeaways:

[2:41] Understanding equine experiential learning: What is equine-guided education, and how does it work?

[4:57] How horses feel and respond to human energy through their heightened sensitivity.

[6:13] The electromagnetic field of a horse's heart is five times greater than that of humans.

[7:18] The benefits of horses in emotional and physical healing.

[8:00] How horses communicate and reflect emotions through their body language.

[9:21] Horses mirror what we need to know about ourselves to heal.

[13:02] Suzanne explains her role as a facilitator and shares the incredible benefits she's witnessed.

[16:20] Why this type of therapy is invaluable for trauma survivors, including Gluckstein clients.

[18:20] How people can find equine-assisted therapy programs near them.

[20:38] Suzanne’s personal journey: What inspired her to pursue this work.

[23:36] The horses choose the client. Suzanne cares for six rescued horses who are integral to her work.

[30:21] This therapy welcomes people of all ages and walks of life.

[35:04] Some clients have managed to get equine therapy categorized under leisure therapy for insurance coverage.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

To learn more about Suzanne:

Suzanne Coleman’s Website: Horse&Hands

Horse Spirit Connections: Horse Spirit Connections – Find practitioners across Canada.

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Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes Jan Marin to today’s episode to discuss Fertility Negligence claims. This medical area lacks regulation due to its recent prevalence in the last decade when many families began considering Fertility Clinics’ assistance in having children. Jan discusses the many risks involved in this area, sharing many valuable examples of families dramatically affected by mistakes committed by Fertility Clinics.

Key Takeaways:

[1:41] Jan explains how she became interested in Fertility Negligence.

[4:40] What is Fertility Negligence from a malpractice perspective? Jan shares some examples of Fertility Negligence.

[9:58] Jan shares her concern about continually receiving calls from clients who suffered from Fertility Negligence.

[10:59] How do families first discover a problem that leads to Fertility negligence?

[16:46] Often victims of Fertility Negligence hear: ‘Just adopt’, and it is simply not that easy; Jan explains why.

[19:26] What change does Jan hope to see to prevent Fertility Negligence from happening? Jan discusses a few factors.

[21:57] There is no regulation over the work done by Embriologists.

[23:03] Jan talks about the importance of mandatory error reporting.

[24:08] There is a need for an Organization that can accredit Fertility Clinics.

[27:33] Does the Government have any involvement in regulating Fertility Clinics?

[32:21] We need advocates to make the necessary changes in the Fertility area.

[34:07] Jan addresses the layers of complexity in explaining to your child that they are not biologically yours due to a medical malpraxis.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Learn more about Jan Marin

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Brenda Agnew, your host, welcomes two incredible guests: Kevin Rempel and Dana Parsons.

Kevin is a Canadian Paralympian, Hero Mindset Speaker, Workshop & Team Building Facilitator.

Kevin has surmounted incredible life challenges to reach the Olympic podium and now brings his powerful message of hope and resilience to audiences through his speaking and writing. He is a 2013 World Champion and 2014 Sochi Paralympic bronze medalist in sled hockey with an incredible story of overcoming tremendous adversity. Dana Parsons is the owner and CEO of Wright Rehab where Kevin is about to begin his new program designed to help people who’ve faced traumatic accidents find their way to a new, fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

[2:54] Dana shares how she met Kevin and the project they share today.

[6:14] Kevin talks about his motivation to help others overcome traumatic experiences.

[10:01] Brenda, Kevin, and Dana discuss the power of sharing our experiences with those who go through similar situations.

[12:14] Kevin talks about the mental health struggle when overcoming a traumatic accident.

[16:47] How does Kevin meet people where they are at?

[18:06] Kevin shares the importance of knowing what you must let go to improve.

[20:12] Brenda talks about transitions and embracing that life will not be the same.

[25:30] Finding opportunity in struggles is the key to growing and learning.

[30:04] Kevin shares one of his most significant life lessons.

[31:40] Dana clarifies who can benefit from Kevin’s program and explains what the program is about.

[34:47] Kevin’s program can be covered through insurance.

[35:25] Kevin talks to those interested in one-on-one coaching with him.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Learn more about Kevin Rempel and Dana Parsons.

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