How do you respond when someone insults you? In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd explore how their childhood experiences with insults shape their adult mechanisms.

Karen reflects on her mother’s “eye for an eye” parenting style, which shaped her fighter mentality. She shares how that mindset evolved into a professional strength, turning insults into strategy and sometimes using others’ underestimations to her advantage in the courtroom.

Mike's story takes a darker turn as he recounts a traumatic childhood incident where his father encouraged him to fight older bullies but then stood by watching as he was overwhelmed and beaten. This formative experience instilled both a protective instinct and a readiness to project strength when challenged.

As an immigrant child facing racial and cultural taunts, Mo developed yet another approach. Rather than immediate retaliation, he adopted a philosophy of patience: "Time is my vengeance." His chilling anecdote about confronting someone who had wronged a friend demonstrates how calm, measured responses can sometimes be more impactful than heated reactions.

It all raises the question: maybe “sticks and stones” got it wrong. Bones heal, but words seem to leave a mark that lasts.

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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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