Best Tom Spiggle Podcasts (2025)

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How Will the Overturn of the Chevron Doctrine Impact Employment Law and Federal Agencies? 17:49

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1+ y ago17:49

17:49

The Chevron Doctrine, a legal precedent for nearly half a century, was recently overturned in a monumental Supreme Court decision. This ruling could radically alter how federal regulations are interpreted and enforced, significantly affecting employment law. The Chevron Doctrine, rooted in the landmark case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources…

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Is Pursuing Your Employment Case Worth It? 9:17

1+ y ago9:17

9:17

When grappling with job loss or a toxic work environment, you likely wonder, "Do I have a case? Should I talk to a lawyer? Fired? Afraid You Might Be?, the latest book from podcast host Tom Spiggle, is your comprehensive guide for navigating employment law issues. In this episode, Tom walks you through how to get the most out of the first section o…

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Fired? Afraid You Might Be?: Your Resource for Answers, Options, and Next Steps 12:38

1+ y ago12:38

12:38

Are you looking for a guide with insight, options, and next steps to help you through a sticky employment situation? Maybe you've been fired recently, or you're afraid you'll be fired and need help. Tom Spiggle, founder of The Spiggle Law Firm and host of this podcast, has written the book to help you determine your next steps and weigh your option…

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Avoiding Pitfalls in Federal Sector Litigation: How to Prepare for an EEOC Judge 23:54

1+ y ago23:54

23:54

Getting to the point where an EEOC judge is assigned to your case is a significant milestone in federal sector litigation. What happens next? Louise Ryder, a senior attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, is here to continue our series on navigating federal sector litigation. The EEOC process is complex and laden with procedural requirements that requi…

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The Fork in the Road: Choosing Between a Final Agency Decision or an EEOC Hearing 19:50

1+ y ago19:50

19:50

This episode continues our series on federal sector litigation. Today's focus is understanding the fork in the road after the investigative phase. Learn more about your options at this stage of the process. After receiving the report of investigation (ROI), you have two options: request a Final Agency Decision (FAD) or opt for a hearing before the …

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A Guide to Protections and Accommodations Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act 14:45

1+ y ago14:45

14:45

How did a recent WNBA game inspire an episode about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act? Zachary Aman, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, was watching a WNBA game when an injury report graphic splashed across the screen. He saw the usual ailments—Achilles tendons, knee injuries—but then something caught his eye. Nestled amidst the injuries are tw…

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Workplace Harassment: Updated Guidance from the EEOC 11:26

1+ y ago11:26

11:26

Workplace harassment is an issue that affects countless individuals daily, imparting a significant emotional and psychological toll. While many may recognize the discomfort and unease caused by certain behaviors, discerning whether such actions are illegal can be challenging. Samantha Vanterpool Rucker, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins …

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Understanding Your ROI: A Guide to the EEO Report of Investigation 22:13

1+ y ago22:13

22:13

You're a federal sector employee who has filed your complaint with the EEO. You receive your Report of Investigation (ROI). Now what? What exactly is an ROI, and what should you do next? Louise Ryder, an expert in federal sector employment law with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins us to explain the role of the ROI and provide strategic insight for those…

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Short-Term and Long-Term Disability: What You Need to Know 17:17

1+ y ago17:17

17:17

Attorney Jessica Greer, from The Spiggle Law firm, joins Tom to guide us through the tangled web of short and long-term disability benefits. These benefits are often provided by employers as part of their benefits packages, but navigating them can be quite challenging. Tom and Jessica explore the differences between short and long-term disability, …

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Understanding The Critical Steps in the Formal EEO Complaint Stage 39:28

1+ y ago39:28

39:28

Louise Ryder returns to the podcast to walk us through the critical steps in the formal EEO complaint process. Louise shares her insight for crafting a compelling formal complaint, the strategic significance of naming witnesses, and what you can expect from the investigator's report. We'll also cover how to handle objections, the advantages of a wr…

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What Recent WNBA Salary Negotiations Teach Us about Negotiation Salaries to Severance Agreements 20:21

1+ y ago20:21

20:21

The disparity in salaries between NBA and WNBA players has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Understanding the intricacies of negotiation, whether for salary, benefits, or severance agreements, is crucial for employees in any profession. We can gain valuable insights into negotiation strategies applicable in various professional contexts by drawing…

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A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the EEO Federal Sector Litigation Process 32:03

1+ y ago32:03

32:03

Navigating the EEO process, particularly in the federal sector, can feel daunting. Many employees are ill-prepared for the time-intensive and potentially financially draining aspects of pursuing legal action. This episode addresses those very concerns with clarity, depth, and considerations for your next step. Michael Ludwig, a Senior Attorney at T…

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Consequences and Cost of Missing Your Deposition 10:24

1+ y ago10:24

10:24

Don't miss your deposition. That's the bottom line. What happens, and what are the consequences when you miss your deposition? Tom and Ross Fodera, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, walk you through potential consequences and pitfalls to avoid when it comes to depositions and other critical legal appointments. They are discussing Wade v. Auto …

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Mediation Strategies and Legal Insights for Federal Employees 48:50

1+ y ago48:50

48:50

How can mediation benefit federal employees in resolving disputes? What challenges do federal employees face when initiating an EEO process for discrimination claims? What do federal employees need to know when considering legal action against a federal agency? These are just a few questions Tom and his guest, Louise Ryder, a senior attorney with T…

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What is Sovereign Immunity, and How Does it Impact Employment Law? 10:56

1+ y ago10:56

10:56

What is Sovereign Immunity, and how could it impact your claim against a government entity? Ross Fodera, an attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom to discuss the complicated topic of sovereign immunity as it relates to discrimination and retaliation claims with government entities. They look at the recent Dupree vs. Owens case, a decision fr…

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Dartmouth Men's Basketball: How Would Unionization Impact College Sports? 12:10

1+ y ago12:10

12:10

How will the Dartmouth men's basketball team's move toward unionization affect college sports? College sports are witnessing a significant transformation as student-athletes begin to assert their rights in unprecedented ways. From NIL (name, image, likeness) rights to the recent vote by the Dartmouth men's basketball team to unionize, the landscape…

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How are Recent Court Decisions Impacting Diversity Slate Initiatives? 11:16

1+ y ago11:16

11:16

How are recent court decisions impacting diversity slate initiatives? Valerie Teachout, a Senior Attorney with The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom to discuss how recent court decisions might impact DEI initiatives. They explore the potential legal risks associated with DEI initiatives, particularly in light of the legal scrutiny they face. While the mo…

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The EEOC's Mission to Reach Underserved Communities 16:31

2y ago16:31

16:31

What is the EEOC's Reach Initiative, and how will it empower vulnerable workers and underserved communities? Senior Attorney Samantha Vanterpool Rucker joins Tom to discuss the EEOC's (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) proactive efforts to reach and empower underserved communities. The REACH program acknowledges and addresses the unique need…

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What is the difference between "At-Will" and "Right to Work" 8:04

2y ago8:04

8:04

What is the difference between "At-Will" and "Right to Work," and what does it mean for you, the employee? In employment law, two terms often need clarification: "at-will employment" and "right-to-work" states. In this episode, Tom clearly defines both terms and explains how they impact the legal landscape of employment. What is an At-Will State? A…

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Filing a Charge with the EEOC While Still Employed 14:47

2y ago14:47

14:47

Can you file a charge with EEOC while still employed? What happens when you do? Things can get complicated in the workplace when you've filed a charge with EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) while still employed. It can also be a strategic move, as you will learn in this episode. Reporting issues to HR or filing a charge with the EEOC c…

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The Impact of AI on Hiring Practices: Balancing Innovation, Privacy, and Discriminatory Risks 12:24

2y ago12:24

12:24

What are the potential risks for job seekers and employers when Artificial Intelligence (AI) is incorporated into the hiring process? Senior Paralegal Erin Shatsiek joins Tom to discuss the pros, cons, and legal considerations surrounding the use of AI in the hiring process. With the rapid advancements in technology, it's crucial to understand the …

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What You Need to Know about the Wage Transparency Law in Washington, DC 10:31

2y ago10:31

10:31

What do employers and employees need to know about Washington, DC's new wage transparency law? Valerie Teachout, an attorney at The Spiggle Law Firm, joins us to discuss the key points of the wage transparency law recently signed by Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser. The new law requires that any employers in the district with at least one employ…

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AI in the Law: Pitfalls and Precautions for Courtroom Use 17:45

2y ago17:45

17:45

Did you know that an attorney landed in hot water for submitting a legal brief containing non-existent cases generated by an AI language model? Chat GPT's hallucinations, which included fake case citations and entirely non-existent opinions, led to serious consequences for the attorney. It's a powerful reminder of the limitations and potential risk…

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When is Your Employer Required to Allow You to Bring a Lawyer to a Meeting at Your Office? 12:40

2y ago12:40

12:40

Can you bring a lawyer to your meeting with HR? When must your employer allow you to bring a lawyer to a meeting? This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the litigation process in an employment law case and seeking insights into protecting their rights. These meetings with HR can often feel like a legal interrogation, with the employee in a v…

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Understanding the EEOC Complaint Process: A Conversation with Attorney Michael Ludwig 17:08

2y ago17:08

17:08

What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and what role does it play in workplace discrimination cases? Attorney Mike Ludwig, from The Spiggle Law Firm, joins Tom Spiggle to discuss discrimination under Title VII and the EEOC. Mike explains the role of the EEOC, a federal administrative body that specializes in addressing cases re…

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You Can Bring a Successful Claim Against Your Employer in an At-Will State 7:11

2y ago7:11

7:11

At-will employment is a widely misunderstood concept that often leads people to believe they have no legal recourse against employers. However, this mistaken belief can prevent individuals from seeking the legal help they need to address unfair employment practices. In this episode, Tom dispels the myths and explores the legal rights of employees i…

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Winning "He Said, She Said" Cases: How to Craft a Compelling Narrative 11:00

2y ago11:00

11:00

One of the biggest misconceptions that keeps individuals from seeking legal help in employment cases is the belief that "he said, she said" cases can't be won. It's a common assumption that without concrete evidence or witnesses, it's impossible to prove misconduct in the workplace. Tom debunks this fallacy and shares strategies for pursuing these …

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Specialized Aspects of Workplace Law: Workers' Comp and Disability Cases 11:12

2y ago11:12

11:12

What do you do when your employment case goes beyond discrimination or wrongful termination? Who should you hire when your case crosses over into specialized areas of employment law like workers' comp or disability? If an injury occurs in the workplace, it falls under workers' compensation laws. This is a highly specialized area of law and usually …

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Deploying the Discovery Letter: A Tactical Alternative to the Demand Letter in Employment Law Cases 11:58

2y ago11:58

11:58

You're fired up and ready to go tooth and nail after your former employer, but is that the best strategy? Will it get you the best possible outcome? Strategic choices can make all the difference in the outcome of your employment-related case. In previous episodes, Tom has talked about the role of the demand letter in litigation. In this episode, yo…

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What Happens After Summary Judgment: Understanding the Trial and Appeals Process in Private Sector Litigation 26:42

2y ago26:42

26:42

You've made it through summary judgment; now what? This episode wraps up our series on the litigation process in the private sector. Previous episodes have covered the steps of the litigation process, from filing the complaint to the answer, the motions to dismiss, and the discovery process. Now, Tom will guide us through the final steps of the pro…

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The High Stakes of Summary Judgment: What You Need to Understand as a Plaintiff 20:42

2y ago20:42

20:42

Summary judgment is a critical procedural tool in the litigation process, allowing either party, typically the defendant, to seek a ruling in their favor based on the merits of the case. In this episode, Tom breaks down the textbook definition and the practical realities of the summary judgment stage in the litigation process for an employment law …

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The Art of Mediation with D. Margeaux Thomas: Strategies for Successful Dispute Resolution 37:43

2y ago37:43

37:43

When you find yourself entangled in an employment law case, navigating the litigation process can be incredibly daunting. The anxiety of facing a courtroom battle, the financial stress of a drawn-out legal fight, and the emotional toll of workplace disputes make it natural to seek alternative dispute resolution methods. Mediation can be a more empo…

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The Discovery Process Pt 2: The Ins and Outs of Depositions in Litigation 24:32

2y ago24:32

24:32

What are depositions, and how do they impact the trajectory of a case? Depositions are the high-stakes phase of the litigation process. Learn why they have the power to make or break a case and how to prepare for the most favorable outcome. In the legal context, depositions are when both sides in a lawsuit can take oral testimony from relevant witn…

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The Discovery Process Pt 1: Preparing for the Paper Discovery 24:32

2y ago24:32

24:32

If you find yourself in federal court, where a significant number of employment lawsuits end up, the first thing that will happen is there are some disclosures you will have to make to the other side. This is part of the discovery process, and we're breaking that process down for you into a couple of podcast episodes. Tom explains the paper discove…

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Understanding the Motion to Dismiss and How it Can Impact Your Case 13:43

2y ago13:43

13:43

What does a motion to dismiss mean for you and your employment case? Is it a cause for panic? A motion to dismiss is a potential hurdle that plaintiffs face as defendants seek to have their case entirely or partially dismissed. Receiving a motion to dismiss is not uncommon in litigation, occurring about 25% of the time. Sometimes, defendants may ha…

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When to Say Yes: Understanding Motions to Extend Time in Litigation 15:59

2y ago15:59

15:59

What should you do when the defendant requests an extension of the deadline to respond to your complaint? Your initial reaction might be frustration or even anger. But, as Tom explains, this is a common occurrence and often happens as a matter of course. In this episode, Tom guides you through the intricate details of motions to extend time, provid…

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Answering the Complaint 16:36

2y ago16:36

16:36

We continue our series breaking down each stage of a civil court case in this episode. Tom highlights the importance of understanding the language used in court, which often seems foreign to those who aren't familiar with legal procedures. He emphasizes the need to familiarize yourself with legal terms such as "complaint" and "answer" to effectivel…

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From Filing to Serving: Your Guide to Serving the Complaint in Your Employment Lawsuit 17:28

2y ago17:28

17:28

You've filed the complaint for your employment lawsuit. What happens next? The process of serving the complaint is your gateway to alerting the defendant to the lawsuit and ensuring they understand the gravity of the situation. Understanding this step and its proper execution is absolutely vital to the outcome of your case. In this episode, Tom exp…

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Steps in the Litigation Process: Filing the Complaint 13:42

2y ago13:42

13:42

You've exhausted all other options for your employment case, with mediation proving unsuccessful and a positive outcome seeming out of reach. Now what! At this point, the next logical step is to proceed to court. This is the first episode in our series created to walk you step by step through the litigation process. The focus of this episode is the…

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Understanding Employment Law Claims: Exploring the Non-Administrative Filing Requirements 21:14

2y ago21:14

21:14

Does your claim require an administrative filing, or can you skip that step and go straight to court with your employment case? Losing a job or fearing termination can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. The complexity of employment law only adds to the confusion of navigating the administrative process, deadlines, and the potential repercuss…

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Understanding Litigation in Employment Law: What Does Litigation Really Mean? 7:47

2y ago7:47

7:47

The term "litigation" might start your stomach churning as you picture your employment case being tried before a jury in a mahogany courtroom as the opposing lawyer hammers you with questions on the witness stand. Before your imagination gets too carried away, listen to this episode. Tom is going to address misconceptions and break down what litiga…

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Protecting Your Reputation: Keeping Employment Disputes Private 19:08

2y ago19:08

19:08

Tom addresses a common fear surrounding employment disputes in this episode - Privacy. Specifically, he addresses the fear of prospective employers finding out about past employment disputes and how it might impact your career prospects. Many professionals and high-income individuals don't want to be labeled as someone who sues their employers, as …

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Letting Go, Starting Fresh: Embracing a New Path Towards Purpose and Fulfillment with Angie Colee 41:57

2+ y ago41:57

41:57

How do you get fired from a job that you've already left? We have the "one-woman bomb squad," Angie Colee joining us for this episode! Angie shares that story and many more experiences since starting her own business. Angie's story resonates with many of us who have faced challenges, setbacks, and the fear of the unknown after getting fired or deci…

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The Power of the Demand Letter: Choosing the Right Recipient for Maximum Impact 18:30

2+ y ago18:30

18:30

What is the crucial first step in asserting your rights as an employee when facing unfair termination or harassment at work? Crafting an effective demand letter is where you start. In this episode, we'll unravel the core elements of the demand letter. From laying out the facts to emphasizing the violations of the law, we discuss how to make your ca…

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Understanding the Roles of Your Legal Team and How They Impact Your Bill 19:23

2+ y ago19:23

19:23

Who is on your legal team, and what are they doing? From attorneys to paralegals and legal assistants, Tom unravels the distinct roles and responsibilities of each member of your legal team and how they impact your bill. You'll gain a deeper understanding of what each team member actually does and how they work together to advocate on your behalf. …

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Put a Pin in It: Taking Time to Prioritize and Strategize Your Legal Battle After Being Fired 13:39

2+ y ago13:39

13:39

From wrongful termination to workplace harassment, the trauma of these experiences can take their toll on you mentally and emotionally. You might be fired up and ready to seek justice immediately. But Tom encourages a different approach - the strategic use of time. He emphasizes the importance of stepping away from the legal issue momentarily, allo…

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Navigating the Mediation Process to Resolve Workplace Disputes Pt 4 27:15

2+ y ago27:15

27:15

We are wrapping up our series on mediation with a deep dive into how private mediation typically works. Private mediation involves hiring a professional mediator to assist in reaching a settlement. Tom provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanics of a private mediation session. He explains how private mediators, often retired judges or experi…

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Navigating the Mediation Process to Resolve Workplace Disputes Pt 3 - Mediation Before a Judge 21:31

2+ y ago21:31

21:31

We are exploring the key differences between mediation before an administrative body and mediation before a judge in this episode of the podcast. This is the third episode in our series about Navigating the Mediation Process to Resolve Workplace Disputes. Tom explains the role of the magistrate or judge in the federal court system and highlights th…

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Navigating the Mediation Process to Resolve Workplace Disputes Pt 2 17:32

2+ y ago17:32

17:32

In Part 2 of our series on navigating the mediation process, Tom is sharing essential tips to set you up for a successful mediation or negotiation experience before an administrative body. If you have a sexual harassment case or disability discrimination, you're going to have to file before one of these administrative bodies before you can file in …

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Navigating the Mediation Process to Resolve Workplace Disputes Pt 1 19:45

2+ y ago19:45

19:45

What is mediation, and how does it work? Welcome to part one of our three-part series on navigating mediation to resolve workplace disputes. In this first episode, you will learn about the foundations and the essential aspects that are common in a variety of mediations. Tom gives an extensive overview of the process and what to expect at each stage…