Since its launch in February 2022, the Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast has become a must-listen for professionals in the wills and probate sector. With over 50 episodes and 7,500+ downloads, it continues to deliver insights from industry experts and explore pressing issues in estate planning, probate, client experience, and beyond. Here’s a look back at some of the most compelling episodes from 2024.
Navigating Bereavement and Estate Administration
The annual Bereavement Index was the focus of one of November’s standout episodes, with Aleks Tomczyk, co-founder and managing director of Exizent, providing a “state of the nation” analysis. The report highlighted key trends impacting bereaved families, the legal profession, and financial services, offering crucial insights into improving client experiences and the speed of administration.
Charlotte Toogood, Legal Services Director at Kings Court Trust, also joined the podcast to share her 16 years of expertise in estate administration. With contentious probate on the rise, she discussed how practitioners can better guide families to prevent or constructively resolve disputes.
A Landmark Probate Dispute Case
In October, Bernadette Baker and Kate Harris from Birketts’ Private Wealth Dispute Team unpacked the complex Leonard v Leonard case. The episode delved into the challenges of blended families, the validity of multiple wills, and the role of health considerations in probate disputes, providing a masterclass in navigating high-stakes inheritance cases.
Tech and Compliance in Wills and Probate
Tim Hewson of LegalWills brought an international perspective to September’s episodes, sharing how his Canadian-based technology company is reshaping will writing and estate planning across North America. Meanwhile, Gavin Ball of HiveRisk tackled the critical topic of anti-money laundering compliance, offering practical advice for firms grappling with regulatory requirements.
Legacy Giving and Its Growing Importance
Legacy giving took centre stage in August, with Lucinda Frostick of Remember a Charity and Chris Millward from Princess Alice Hospice discussing the vital role of legacies in supporting charities. As this revenue stream becomes increasingly critical, their insights underscored the importance of fostering a culture of giving.
The Great Wealth Transfer and Mental Health in Law
May featured two standout episodes. In the first, Arken Group CEO Dave Newick discussed “The Great Wealth Transfer”, as baby boomers prepare to pass down unprecedented levels of wealth. The profession’s preparedness for this monumental shift was a central theme.
The month also included a Mental Health Awareness Week special, uniting experts across private client, family law, and conveyancing. Michael Culver, Marc Etherington, and Laura Burkinshaw shared candid reflections on mental health challenges in the legal sector, highlighting the need for cultural change and support.
Digital Assets and Team Dynamics
Dylan O’Brien, founder of BePrepared, joined in April to tackle the growing challenge of managing digital assets in estate planning. His insights into global differences and the hurdles posed by platforms like Google and Apple provided valuable guidance for practitioners.
Dan Temple of Cobalt Human Solutions also appeared to discuss creating high-performing teams in legal settings. Drawing on his military background, Temple emphasized the importance of trust and accountability in fostering team success.
Podcast Highlights by the Numbers
The Today’s Wills and Probate Podcast continues to grow as an invaluable resource:
- Launched: February 2022
- Episodes: 50+
- Downloads: 7,500+
- Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more
The podcast is a natural extension of Today’s Wills and Probate’s broader platform, which boasts 45,000 monthly page views, a weekly newsletter reaching over 6,300 subscribers, and strong social media engagement with nearly 9,000 followers.
Stay tuned in 2025 for even more engaging episodes as the podcast builds on this year’s success.
