Preparing for Trial

The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast

The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Preparing for Trial
Jan 07, 2026 Season 6 Episode 1
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi

Episode 1: Preparing for Trial 

Season six opens with Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd discussing the emotional and physical shift that happens when a trial is coming. The sleep changes. The aggression sharpens. The energy spikes. 

Karen talks candidly about how her body knows a trial is coming before her brain catches up, why she sleeps less, gets spicier, and becomes laser-focused weeks in advance. Mo breaks down how he prepares without overpreparing, why living inside the story matters more than scripts, and how artistic instincts shape trial work. Mike brings the jury perspective, including how lawyer dynamics and confidence land in the room.

They dig into overpreparing versus trusting your instincts, why some lawyers isolate, and others stay fully engaged in life, how antagonistic defense counsel can fuel preparation, and why juries need time to earn the fight. 

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Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.

Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.

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