Non-Billable Hours

Host Odette interviews Erin Gerner about her journey from big law and in-house roles to founding Powerhouse Lawyers and launching the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast. Erin shares candid stories about burnout, motherhood, and the moment she chose a different path.
The episode focuses on practical lessons for female lawyers: give yourself permission to pivot, start messy and iterate, seek community and mentorship, and take the first step toward a more intentional professional life.
 
Find Erin here:
https://www.eringerner.com/

Public defender Andrea Diaz shares her journey from a background in philosophy and studying law at UC Irvine Law School to working in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, finding creative balance through watercolouring, writing and illustrating a children’s book (Jury Trial ABC), and training for triathlons. She also has a family of her own!
She discusses self-care, the importance of hobbies for high-stress careers, talking to children about grief, and how small daily practices can lead to meaningful, cumulative change.
Find Andrea on instagram at @afternoon_recesshttps://afternoon-recess.com/

After a high-pressure career in mergers and acquisitions and a subsequent burnout during the pandemic, Marie Sirois left law to rebuild her life in Costa Rica. She now blends neuroscience-backed coaching with practical strategies to help high-achieving professionals set boundaries, reduce burnout, and regain their evenings and wellbeing.
In this episode Marie shares her journey from corporate law and government crisis work to coaching, the role of subconscious beliefs in career choices, and how moving abroad changed her family's perspective on work and life.
Find Marie here:
https://mariesirois.com/

Criminal defense attorney Sim Peter reflects on over a decade in the courtroom, the burnout that pushed him to step back, and the family-first move from the United States to Canada that transformed his priorities.
He discusses the importance of the presumption of innocence, the pressure of defending clients, retraining to practice in Canada, and how time away helped him rediscover purpose — plus two very fun side projects he's been working on.
Sim's story will inspire you, make you laugh, and remind you that sometimes, a pause to step back and look at the whole picture may just be the reignition you need.

 
In this episode, Odette sits down with the dynamic Heather Reese — a personal injury lawyer, model, and content creator — to have a powerful conversation about breaking barriers and embracing every facet of your identity. Come join as we talk about the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated profession, why passions and hobbies outside of your job make you a better advocate, and how Heather navigates it all while balancing a busy life outside of her practice.
This episode is a look at what it means to be a multi-dimensional professional in today’s world — where passion, purpose, and professionalism can all exist in the same person.
Find Heather on instagram at: @heather_rxoxo

Please consider giving us a rating and a comment! It helps this small podcast grow so we can keep on providing more valuable content! :) 
In this episode of the Non-Billable Hours podcast, host Odette sits down with Brandy Wilson Edwards, a dynamic attorney and motivational speaker from Texas. Brandy shares her journey from aspiring prosecutor to becoming a wellness advocate and certified yoga instructor while maintaining a busy legal practice. She discusses the importance of having a life outside the realm of law, finding fulfillment, and embracing multiple passions.
The conversation navigates through the challenges of avoiding burnout, redefining success in the legal profession, and pursuing personal development. Brandy highlights the significance of having a mantra—"Be strong and courageous."—and how turning tragic experiences into positive growth has shaped her path.
Remember that life extends beyond profession, and we are all more than our jobs and careers.
Full video episode on YouTube!Find Brandy here:https://www.brandywilsonedwards.com/

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, we welcome Aman Costigan, a former lawyer and law firm partner who has transformed into a life strategist and co-host of the podcast Marriage with Intention. Aman candidly shares her journey from law school to practicing law and eventually becoming a partner, only to realize that success didn't equate to happiness. She discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to seek change and take back control of her life.
Aman is a trailblazer and multi-passionate woman. She’s a Life Strategist for Couples teaching driven couples how to design the life they said "I Do" to with intentional life planning.
She's also the co-host of the Marriage with Intention Podcast with her husband, a Vision Board and Goal Setting Workshop Leader, Yoga Teacher to Lawyers, and former lawyer and law firm partner. She’s a boy mom of 2 and personal development nerd. 
Listeners will gain insight into Aman's transition from legal practice to entrepreneurship, where she now focuses on helping couples design their lives with intention. Aman's story highlights the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and integrating passions and self-care into daily life. She also shares her experiences as a yoga teacher for lawyers and emphasizes the critical role of slowing down and being present to truly appreciate life's journey.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a significant career change or seeking inspiration to live a more intentional and fulfilled life. Join the conversation and discover how Aman continues to bring her unique perspective and skills from law into her new path, creating a life that truly resonates with her values and aspirations.
Aman's Website: https://www.amancostigan.com/
Aman's Instagram: @amancostigan
Aman's Podcast: "Marriage With Intention" - linked in her website above

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, Odette welcomes Katharine Brickman- Miller, a fellow Western Law alumna with a unique professional journey. Despite not practicing law for four years, Katharine shares how her diverse experiences ultimately made her a better lawyer. Join the insightful conversation about breaking stereotypes in the legal field and redefining success beyond traditional Bay Street expectations. She recounts how working in policy and exploring the cannabis industry's regulatory landscape gave her valuable skills and expertise.
Odette and Katharine discuss the pressures of returning to law (internal? external? both?), the changing nature of the legal profession, and the importance of open-mindedness and resilience in building a fulfilling career. Katharine emphasizes that success isn't always a straight path and shares her experience of eventually finding her niche. This episode provides inspiration for those questioning their career paths, reminding listeners that opportunities might lie in the most unexpected places.
Enjoy a fun, candid discussion about the realities of the legal profession, the importance of supporting one another, and the personal triumphs along the way. Whether you're a lawyer, aspiring lawyer, or simply interested in intriguing career stories, this episode is for you!
full video episodes can be found on our YouTube at NonBillableHoursPod

In this episode of Non-Billable Hours, host Odette welcomes the brilliant and hilarious Maleeha Akhtar, a Canadian technology lawyer, who shares her unexpected journey into the legal field. Maleeha discusses her path from business school to law, the challenges of breaking into a predominantly male industry, and how she combines her love for technology and the law with a newfound love for taking care of herself in all ways!
Maleeha candidly shares personal insights into the importance of mentorship, diversity, and maintaining mental health in a demanding career. 
Join Odette and Maleeha as they unravel the realities of the legal profession as two first generation lawyers trying to figure it all out!

Join Odette as she welcomes Yana Banzen, a former litigator turned yoga instructor, to discuss her incredible journey of transformation. In this episode, Yana shares her story of leaving a high-pressure legal career to embrace a life focused on wellness and self-discovery. She opens up about the challenges faced, from career burnout to health scares, and how yoga became the catalyst for profound personal change.
Through candid conversations, Odette and Yana explore themes of responsibility, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Yana's story highlights the power of following one's intuition, breaking away from the traditional paths, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking encouragement to explore new paths, embrace vulnerability, and prioritize mental and physical well-being. Whether you're stuck in a stressful career or simply curious about the transformative power of yoga, Yana's insights offer a refreshing perspective on living a life true to oneself.Find Yana here:
https://www.chiroyoga.ca/