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Michelle May O’Neil, Senior Shareholder at OWLawyers®, recently appeared on The Determined Society with Shawn French—a milestone moment in her legal career and a standout episode for the podcast. Known for hosting transformative conversations with leading figures in personal development, the podcast has featured influential entrepreneurs and professionals across various industries. Ms. O’Neil’s inclusion reflects her leadership in family law and the broader relevance of her voice in today’s cultural and legal discussions.
Ms. O’Neil’s nearly hour-long conversation with Mr. French was unlike anything the podcast has hosted. As Mr. French expands his platform to include trending and socially relevant topics, the discussion with Ms. O’Neil served as a bold and timely shift. Both engaged deeply in high-profile legal stories and broader societal issues, with Ms. O’Neil offering candid, thought-provoking insights shaped by decades of courtroom experience. Although the conversation ran long, they only scratched the surface of the topics they had prepared, and the dynamic nature of the exchange left a lasting impression.
During the episode, Ms. O’Neil explained how family law intersects with nearly every other legal practice area. In divorce cases, financial matters, real estate, custody disputes, and business issues can emerge. This overlap gives her work range and complexity, often requiring a diverse legal background. That versatility came through clearly as the conversation turned to recent headlines.
One topic that stood out was the situation involving Kanye West and Bianca Censori. Ms. O’Neil raised concerns about media stunts, control dynamics, and potential signs of psychological abuse. She emphasized how controlling behavior, especially in high-profile relationships, can mask deeper issues. Ms. O’Neil pointed to the language Kanye has used publicly and questioned whether Bianca might be facing unseen pressures—financial or otherwise. She acknowledged that much remains unknown and speculated that their public appearances could also be attempts to deflect attention from other matters.
The discussion expanded to draw comparisons with the high-profile legal drama surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs. Ms. O’Neil described the Diddy trial as “the trial of the modern era,” with its sheer scale and implications for multiple lives. She underscored the importance of defense lawyers in preserving constitutional rights and maintaining the balance of power within the justice system. According to Ms. O’Neil, no matter the accusations, every defendant is entitled to a proper legal defense to ensure that trials remain fair and credible.
Ms. O’Neil also spoke about the challenges of being a lawyer—professionally, emotionally, and ethically. She shared how her role in court is to advocate for her client’s story, regardless of her personal beliefs, provided the case aligns with her boundaries. As she put it, her job is to be the conduit for her client’s perspective, not her own.
Another significant part of the discussion centered on the media and its influence on public opinion. Ms. O’Neil drew a clear line between journalism and marketing, pointing out how today’s news often functions more like advertising, driven by salacious language and engagement metrics. She traced the shift back to the 2008 financial crash when traditional authority figures in marketing lost credibility and consumers turned to digital platforms for information. Now, with TikTok and podcasts dominating the information landscape, understanding how narratives are shaped is critical.
Finally, the podcast touched on leadership in America and the possibility of a woman president. Ms. O’Neil argued that the country is ready for a female leader who can balance strength, authenticity, and family life. However, she also acknowledged the barriers—particularly the constant scrutiny of a 24/7 media cycle—that may discourage capable candidates from entering politics.
Attorney Michelle May O’Neil’s appearance on The Determined Society with Shawn French podcast was a testament to her influence in family law and an opportunity to explore complex, current issues through a legal lens. Her confident, informed commentary brought clarity to high-profile events while highlighting the critical role attorneys play in today’s legal and cultural climate.