Judgemental - a psychologist and a lawyer walk into a bar cover art

Judgemental - a psychologist and a lawyer walk into a bar

Judgemental - a psychologist and a lawyer walk into a bar

By: Greg Smith and Kate Connors
Listen for free

About this listen

 An analysis of all things psychosocial risk, from psychological studies to legal proceedings and case law. Biological Sciences Economics Management Management & Leadership Philosophy Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Mitigating vicarious trauma – in conversation with Amy Nicholas

    Mitigating vicarious trauma – in conversation with Amy Nicholas
    Jun 27 2025
    Each year, the month of June is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about PTSD, a condition that can arise from various traumatic experiences, not just combat or obvious traumatic events. In this episode of the Judgemental Podcast, Kate and Greg recognise PTSD Awareness month by delving into the complexity of vicarious trauma – one of the twelve psychosocial risks. To help navigate this important conversation, they’re joined in the virtual bar by Amy Nicholas, author of the 2023 Churchill Fellowship-sponsored report, “Mitigating Vicarious Trauma: Adopting an Occupational Safety Approach.” Amy’s groundbreaking work draws on insights from leading global practitioners and academics who are dedicated to understanding, preventing, and responding to the harm associated with exposure to traumatic content.Together, Kate, Greg, and Amy unpack the report’s key findings, including:• The distinct “pathways” through which vicarious trauma can cause harm• The protective factors that organisations must intentionally design for• Practical work design controls and real-world case studies that offer hope and directionAs always, there’s a moment for the legal lens to come into focus—this time exploring the evolving landscape of codes of practice, regulation, and legislation surrounding psychosocial hazards in the workplace.So whether you're sipping a hot chocolate, a calming tea, or something a little stronger, pull up a seat in the virtual bar and join Kate, Greg, and Amy for a thoughtful, timely, and important conversation. Connect with us:LinkedIn – Kate ConnorsLinkedIn – Greg SmithLinkedIn – Amy NicolasLinkedIn – EMLLinkedIn – Mutual Benefits Program Resources:Mitigating vicarious trauma: adopting an occupational safety approachSafeWork NSW v Marist Youth Care Limited [2024] NSWDC74Elemental Psychology & Coaching websiteGreg Smith – Safety Books Proving Safety and Paper SafeEML websiteEML Psychosocial resources – Mutual Benefitshttps://www.eml.com.au/news-community/latest-news/reduce-psychosocial-risks-in-workplaces/ Follow Judgemental: A psychologist and a lawyer walk into a barSpotifyAppleAmazonYoutubeBe sure to subscribe, leave us a review or send us a message. This podcast series is proudly sponsored by EML. As Australia’s largest personal injury claims provider, EML provide services to the workers compensation, life insurance and CTP personal injury markets. For over 110-years, the EML Group has proudly helped people get their lives back after a workplace injury or illness.The Mutual Benefits program reinvests a portion of EML profits into innovative products, tools, initiatives and services that are designed to improve outcomes for employers, injured workers, and the communities we support.​Click here for the free resources available within the Mutual Benefit program to support psychosocial risk management in the workplace.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Reasonable management action within workers compensation systems

    Reasonable management action within workers compensation systems
    Jun 24 2025
    In the third and final episode of the reasonable management action deep dive, the Judgemental team are joined by Erica Thuijs, Greg’s colleague and an expert in employer’s liability and workers compensation. In this episode, Erica, Kate and Greg take the discussion straight into the workplace to explore the nuances of the various workers compensation jurisdictions in Australia, whilst examining the key considerations for employers. Concepts such as ‘reasonableness’, ‘fairness’ and ‘harshness’ are reviewed from a multitude of angles – encompassing legal, psychological and safety considerations for the workplace.With the varied and somewhat opposing legal vs psychological frameworks in the mix, it’s another episode designed to nurture ponderings and reflections in the wonderful world of psychosocial risk. Grab a drink and join Kate, Greg and Erica at the bar. Connect with us:LinkedIn – Kate ConnorsLinkedIn – Greg SmithLinkedIn – Erica ThijsLinkedIn – EMLLinkedIn – Mutual Benefits Program Resources:District court of Western Australia, Suleski -v- Pilbara Iron Company (Services) Pty Ltd, 17 August 2018High Court of Australia, Comcare v Martin [2016] HCA 43 (9 November 2016)Livingston, Jackson & Priestley (2021) Root causes analysis: Literature reviewDr Ivan Pupulidy and Crista Vesel - Human and Organisational PotentialElemental Psychology & Coaching websiteGreg Smith – Safety Books Proving Safety and Paper SafeEML websiteEML Psychosocial resources – Mutual Benefitshttps://www.eml.com.au/news-community/latest-news/reduce-psychosocial-risks-in-workplaces/ Follow Judgemental: A psychologist and a lawyer walk into a barSpotifyAppleAmazonYoutubeBe sure to subscribe, leave us a review or send us a message. This podcast series is proudly sponsored by EML. As Australia’s largest personal injury claims provider, EML provide services to the workers compensation, life insurance and CTP personal injury markets. For over 110-years, the EML Group has proudly helped people get their lives back after a workplace injury or illness.The Mutual Benefits program reinvests a portion of EML profits into innovative products, tools, initiatives and services that are designed to improve outcomes for employers, injured workers, and the communities we support.​Click here for the free resources available within the Mutual Benefit program to support psychosocial risk management in the workplace.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Reasonable management action – A discussion about a FairWork Commission decision

    Reasonable management action – A discussion about a FairWork Commission decision
    Jun 11 2025
    In this much-anticipated deep dive, the Judgemental team unpacks the complexities of “reasonable management action” through the lens of a fascinating 2014 Fair Work Commission case. The episode centres on an application to stop workplace bullying—brought not by a subordinate, but by a manager who claimed her team was targeting her with unreasonable bullying allegations and that she lacked support from higher management.This case raises compelling questions about what constitutes unreasonable behaviour, how bullying is defined in a legal context, and the broader implications for psychosocial risk and workplace health and safety.As always, Greg brings his sharp legal analysis, while Kate explores the psychological dimensions, offering listeners a rich, multidimensional perspective. With their contrasting yet complementary viewpoints, this episode is sure to spark thoughtful reflection on the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics and psychosocial risk.Grab a drink and settle in for another episode at the bar! Connect with us:LinkedIn – Kate ConnorsLinkedIn – Greg SmithLinkedIn – EMLLinkedIn – Mutual Benefits Program Resources:Fair Work Commission Decision websiteElemental Psychology & Coaching websiteGreg Smith – Safety Books Proving Safety and Paper SafeEML websiteEML Psychosocial resources – Mutual Benefitshttps://www.eml.com.au/news-community/latest-news/reduce-psychosocial-risks-in-workplaces/ Follow Judgemental: A psychologist and a lawyer walk into a barSpotifyAppleAmazonYoutubeBe sure to subscribe, leave us a review or send us a message. This podcast series is proudly sponsored by EML. As Australia’s largest personal injury claims provider, EML provide services to the workers compensation, life insurance and CTP personal injury markets. For over 110-years, the EML Group has proudly helped people get their lives back after a workplace injury or illness.The Mutual Benefits program reinvests a portion of EML profits into innovative products, tools, initiatives and services that are designed to improve outcomes for employers, injured workers, and the communities we support.​Click here for the free resources available within the Mutual Benefit program to support psychosocial risk management in the workplace.
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
No reviews yet