TL; DR:
- Family law attorneys Dawn Smith and Kristen Files, partners of Atlanta-based Smith & Files LLC, host “Untying the Knots”
- Season one offers practical advice and resources to families navigating crisis
- Episode Themes: co-parenting, intimate partner violence, myths about marriage and divorce, support systems and financial safety after divorce
- The 10-episode series launched July 1 with new episodes weekly through September 2
- Special guests include Chief Judge Christopher Brasher, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stolarski and Historian and Marriage Expert Stephanie Coontz
FRQNCY Media’s commitment to bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the podcast industry hit a new milestone this month with the launch of “Untying the Knots,” a new series by family law attorneys Dawn Smith and Kristen Files.
For Smith and Files, the endeavor was a natural extension of their partnership as co-owners of the Atlanta-based family law practice Smith & Files LLC. The firm specializes in areas such as adoption, child custody, divorce and domestic violence.
The attorneys, both podcast enthusiasts, thought of the idea after realizing there might be value in sharing the advice and epiphanies that frequently resulted from conversations with clients, family therapists and their own families. Smith and Files brought their vision to FRQNCY whose team helped to refine the idea through its research-driven podcast development process. The team then ushered them through production from start to finish.
“So many of us carry family trauma – whether we’re products of divorce, have been through divorce or have suffered from another form of family trauma,” said FRQNCY founder and CEO Michelle Khouri. “The moment FRQNCY’s content strategy team met Dawn and Kristen, we knew they had something important to bring to our world. I believe wholeheartedly in ‘Untying the Knots’ ability to help its listeners heal and avoid further trauma.”
“I believe wholeheartedly in ‘Untying the Knots’ ability to help its listeners heal and avoid further trauma.”
Michelle Khouri, CEO and Founder, FRQNCY Media
The pilot season will feature 10 episodes, with the first debuting Wednesday, July 1. Episodes will be released weekly through September 2.
Speaking from Experience
Each episode features issues the two have faced daily in their practice or personal lives. Smith and Files offer listeners practical advice and tangible resources punctuated by their own experiences as well as those of their guests.
Both hosts come from families of divorce. Smith herself, a mother of two young adult boys, is divorced and since remarried. Files co-parents her teenage with her ex, who is engaged to be married.
“Our personal stories are unique and give us great perspective to help those going through challenging times.” said Files. “We believe family impacts everything, and we want to use our knowledge to help others be intentional about how to walk through the crises they’re experiencing, but with more compassion and empathy.”
“Our personal stories are unique and give us great perspective to help those going through challenging times.”
Kristen Files, Co-Host, “Untying the Knots”
Smith and Files also promise straight talk and interesting stories. “We will tell you about what we’ve been through and how that has influenced us,” added Smith. “We want to help our listeners avoid some of the mistakes we’ve seen our clients make, certainly the mistakes we’ve made and the mistakes our parents made. We want to be a resource as families navigate the difficulties that come with untying the knots.”
Timely Debut
When the idea of “Untying the Knots” first emerged, Smith and Files had no idea how timely it would be. The hosts were entering into production when COVID-19 hit, but instead of allowing the pandemic to slow their pace, they recognized the increased value the show would have.
“We were not only addressing issues that were becoming more prevalent because of COVID-19, such as divorce and domestic abuse, but also providing an avenue for those in need to receive counsel without having to walk through our doors,” said Smith.
“We were not only addressing issues that were becoming more prevalent because of COVID-19, such as divorce and domestic abuse, but also providing an avenue for those in need to receive counsel without having to walk through our doors.”
Dawn Smith, Co-Host, “Untying the Knots”
“This show would not be what it is today without the FRQNCY team,” added Files. “When the pandemic hit, they did not miss a beat. Together we revisited every aspect of the show, from our content strategy to our recording process. They were nimble, encouraging and made sure we felt comfortable with any changes that needed to be made. They supported us in finding the right tone and in making sure our content remained relevant. We always felt supported and equipped.”
As part of their desire to be responsive to the times, Smith and Files were able to add a bonus episode to the series titled, “Dawn and Kristen Talk about Race,” in the days following the death of George Floyd.
“Untying the Knots” is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. To learn more, visit www.smithfileslaw.com/podcast.
With the release of “Untying the Knots,” Smith & Files now join the ranks of other FRQNCY collaborators, such as Diane von Furstenberg, The Coca-Cola Company, SalesLoft, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., FRQNCY also produces Khouri’s The Cultured Podcast.
About Smith & Files, LLC
Dawn Smith and Kristen Files are pleased to announce the formation of Smith & Files, LLC; a law firm continuing to provide excellence for families undergoing transitions. Dawn Smith and Kristen Files bring decades of experience to the issues facing today’s families. Their breadth of experience and perspective allow Smith & Files to craft and achieve smart solutions that fit each client’s situation. Their experience as Georgia attorneys has allowed them the opportunity to represent spouses, partners, mothers and fathers facing issues from divorce to child custody to domestic violence.
The partnership of Smith & Files, as named partners of different races, is regrettably rare to nonexistent in the Atlanta legal community, yet long overdue. The establishment of Smith & Files comes after hard work, uncomfortable conversations and a commitment to model for women and the legal world how we can all work to break down barriers of access and equality.
FRQNCY Media is the audio production company for Jane Goodall, Diane von Furstenburg, Coca-Cola, and small businesses alike. FRQNCY is a one-in-a-million blend of innovation, passion, and joy. We offer tailored audio production support including integrated services that take (super-skilled) care of content strategy, market research, production, editing, and marketing.