WIRTW #782: the 'lights' edition

I've always loved Christmas lights.

Maybe it’s because, growing up Jewish, we never decked out our house each December with strings of twinkling bulbs. So as an adult, one of my favorite nights of the entire year is the evening my family piles into the car and cruises around to take in the neighborhood displays. It's simple, it's cozy, and it never fails to make me smile.

Two houses just up the street from me perfectly capture the annual holiday condundrm:

🎄 Do you prefer "A" — the full Clark Griswold experience, with tens of thousands of lights, glowing inflatables, and enough wattage to be seen from the ISS?

🎄 Or "B" — the Hallmark Movie/Norman Rockwell classic, with warm white lights, clean lines, and understated charm?

While I absolutely appreciate the effort and awe of the Griswold approach (seriously, that's dedication!), my heart leans toward the quieter, timeless elegance of the Hallmark version.

So, I'm curious: which christmas-lights team are you on—A or B? And more importantly … why?

'Tis the season for strong opinions on holiday lighting. 

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WIRTW #781: the 'EEOC' edition

"The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is expected to rescind guidance that addresses harassment based on gender identity. Should we remove mentions of gender identity from our anti-harassment policy?"

An HR professional recently asked that question to HR Dive.

Let me answer it as succinctly as possible: NO!!!

Or, if you prefer, let me rephrase question for clarity: "The EEOC says, 'Don't follow the law.' I'm confused. Shouldn't they be telling us the opposite?"

No matter what the EEOC now wants employers to believe, the law has not changed. Title VII's prohibition on sex discrimination still includes discrimination based on transgender status. And because sex discrimination includes sexual harassment, it remains unlawful—legally, unquestionably, unequivocally—to harass an employee because they are transgender. The Supreme Court has already said this. Courts across the country have said this. The EEOC does not get to rewrite that reality by pretending otherwise.

But even if we play along with the EEOC's fiction for a moment, the law is a floor, not a ceiling. Nothing stops employers from choosing to protect their workers because it's the right thing to do. Your workplace policies should reflect your values, your culture, and your commitment to treating employees with respect—not the bare minimum that a politicized agency thinks it can get away with. Protecting transgender employees from harassment isn't only lawful. It's moral. It's responsible. It's who good employers are.

And frankly, the EEOC should be ashamed of itself. The agency charged with enforcing civil rights laws is now encouraging employers to ignore them. That isn't guidance; it's abandonment. Employers deserve clarity, not political gamesmanship.

So, no, do not remove gender identity from your anti-harassment policy. Keep it there. Keep following the actual law. And keep doing what the EEOC, apparently, won't: protecting all employees.

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WIRTW #780: the 'breakup' edition

"You deserve someone who loves you for who you are, not who they want you to be."

That's the heart of this week's episode of The Norah & Dad Show.

Norah got dumped, and we talk all about it:

• "Fake boundaries" (like rules about what she can wear, who she can hang out with, and how many drinks she's allowed)
• One-sided codependency (not her)
• Why being single in college is freeing
• And how two parents ended up on an emergency highway run to triage her mental health.

It's part heartbreak, part humor, and part masterclass in learning to walk away from unhealthy dynamics.

If you're raising (or working with) young adults, I think you'll get a lot out of this conversation. Here's a short preview.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, in your browser, or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you enjoy it, please like, review, and subscribe—it truly helps!

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #779: the 'fell in love with a band' edition

On August 10, 2001, I fell in love with a band.

I was at the Beachland Ballroom with my college roommate, who was in town visiting. He'd heard about an up-and-coming two-piece calling themselves The White Stripes and suggested we check them out.

When the first few chords of Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground crashed through the speakers, I was hooked — instantly.

From that moment, with the raw, simple thunder of Jack and Meg White, something clicked. It was love at first note, and I fell hard. I've since passed that love on to my daughter, Norah, with whom I share a deep musical kinship (and to whom I proudly gave impeccable taste in music).

This Saturday, The White Stripes will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And it feels not just appropriate, but inevitable. They didn't just ride a trend — they created one. As the Hall itself notes, they "reinvigorated rock & roll by returning it to its primal blues roots, proving that a duo with unique style could captivate."

That night at the Beachland changed how I heard music. I was lucky enough to see The White Stripes live four times before they disbanded, and Jack many more times across his various projects. I even had an unforgettable chance encounter with him in the House of Blues' Foundation Room before a Raconteurs show.

But that first show is etched. It was the beginning of a relationship that forever changed how I listen.

When their induction happens — with or without the notoriously reclusive Meg, with or without an on-stage reunion — I'll be thinking of that August night at the Beachland. I'll be thinking about how a two-piece from Detroit rewrote what live rock could feel like. And I'll be thinking about sharing that sound with my daughter, and what it means to pass that love on.

Read more about the band and their induction:

• The White Stripes join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame − their primal sound reflects Detroit's industrial roots — via The Conversation
  
• Meg White's Drumming Spoke Louder Than Words — via The New York Times
• It's Long Past Time to Give Meg White Her Respect — via Rolling Stone
• Conan O'Brien To Join White Stripes Reunion? — via Alternative Nation

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WIRTW #778: the 'a$$hole' edition

On this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show, Norah and I play a few rounds of "Am I the A--hole" — inspired by my purge of our garage that resulted in all Norah's unused pet-fish gear ending up in a dumpster. (And, yes, we both agree that in this story, I am, in fact, the a--hole). We then dive into some recent, and ghastlier, stories from the AITA subreddit. 

We also discuss the fairness (or lack thereof) of exams, get an update on Norah's sorority pledging, and run down our visit to see Grandmom and Grandpop in Philly over fall break.

You will find the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, on our website, or through your favorite podcast app. And if you enjoy it, please like, review, and subscribe—it really helps us grow!

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #777: the 'no kings' edition

* Image by Nathaniel Currier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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WIRTW #776: the 'secret diner' edition

Every now and then, I like to take this space and go hyper-local, to highlight something that makes my corner of Northeast Ohio special. Today, that something is Vino di Luca, a new restaurant in Olmsted Falls.

If you're a Cleveland-area foodie, the name Luca Sema probably rings a bell. His other restaurant, Luca West, has long been one of my favorites and is arguably one of the very best spots in Greater Cleveland. So I had little doubt that Vino Di Luca would be something special.

Vino di Luca sits in the heart of downtown Olmsted Falls, in a beautifully restored century-old building that used to house The Olde Wine Cellar. The cozy yet contemporary transformation is stunning. The space doubles as a restaurant and wine shop, and it somehow manages to make both feel seamless.

The menu is built around Italian small plates and pastas. We like to start with the polpetta (housemade meatballs) and a salad, then dig into their pastas — maybe the white truffle and ricotta-stuffed sacchetti, the orecchiette with shrimp, or the gnocchi with fresh mozzarella and spicy tomato sauce. Each dish feels both elevated, comforting, and delicious. Much of the menu is naturally gluten free, including the polpetta, and all pasta dishes can be made gluten free upon request.

And then there's the wine.

Because Vino di Luca also functions as a retail shop, the prices are retail, which means you can enjoy an incredible bottle without the restaurant markup. The selection leans Italian (which makes sense given the menu), but there's plenty of California, French, and even the occasional Portuguese bottle mixed in. Every label is thoughtfully chosen and genuinely good. There's also a full bar with a craft cocktail menu if you're not in the mood for wine.

If you go, and the weather cooperates, grab a table on the back porch overlooking the Rocky River. It's peaceful, scenic, and one of those hidden gems that makes you appreciate where you live.

So, if you find yourself southwest of Cleveland, do yourself a favor and stop into Vino di Luca. Order a few plates, open a bottle of something interesting, and settle in. It's the kind of place that reminds you why dining out — and supporting local — is such a joy.

Cheers!

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WIRTW #775: the 'kindness' edition

What's wrong with kindness?

When I was a kid, I was taught: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

I disagree. Words can wound. They can demean. They can normalize cruelty and strip people of dignity. That's not strength, but weakness dressed up as bravado.

This week I was reminded of the choice we face every day in how we use our words. In a series of since-deleted comments to my LinkedIn post about the illegality of calling Black employees "monkeys," someone proudly declared:

➡️ that calling others "monkeys" is just free speech,
➡️ that he can call "whoever he wants a monkey,"
➡️ and that anyone who challenges that is undermining his freedom.

Technically, he's right: the First Amendment protects his right to say it. But here's the important part: free speech is not free of consequences, nor is it free of responsibility.

Which brings me back to my question: what's wrong with kindness?

Kindness invites connection.
Kindness builds trust.
Kindness strengthens communities and workplaces.
Kindness takes less effort than cruelty.
Kindness is the simpler, stronger choice.

Cruelty may get you attention, but kindness earns you respect.

So maybe the real question isn't "What am I free to say?" but "How will my words define me?" and "What impact will my words have on the people who hear them?"

None of us should want to be remembered for the insults we hurled, but for the kindness we offered.

The same is true at work. Cultures built on cruelty don't last. They burn people out, drive away talent, and create environments where fear replaces trust.

On the other hand, cultures built on kindness endure. They attract people who want to contribute, they foster collaboration, and they create workplaces where employees feel valued and respected. Kindness isn't just a moral choice, it's the smart business strategy that sustains organizations.

Choose kindness. Always.

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WIRTW #774: the 'daughter' edition

Yesterday was National Daughters Day, not to be confused with National Transfer Money to Your Daughter's Account Day (Oct. 6), International Daughters' Day (Sept. 28), Father-Daughter Day (Oct. 12), or National Son and Daughter Day (also Sept. 28).

I happen to host a podcast with my daughter — The Norah and Dad Show. We just released our 55th episode, covering our recent visit during Parents Weekend at her university. We discuss: dining, shopping, soccer, and an absolutely awful homecoming football game, the difference between "speech pathology" and "speech therapy," the meaning of community service, and why I canceled our Hulu subscription.

Here's a quick clip to whet your appetite.

You'll find the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, on our website, or through your favorite podcast app. And if you enjoy it, please like, review, and subscribe—it really helps us grow!

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WIRTW #773: the 'free speech' edition

"Whoever would overthrow the Liberty of a Nation, must begin by subduing the Freeness of Speech; a Thing terrible to Publick Traytors."

— Benjamin Franklin, The New-England Courant, July 9, 1722.

"If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable."
— U.S. Supreme Court, Texas v. Johnson (1989).

"The Thought Police would get him just the same. He had committed — would still have committed, even if he had never set pen to paper — the essential crime that contained all others in itself. Thoughtcrime, they called it. Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed for ever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you."
— George Orwell, 1984.

"Free speech is neither a privilege nor a partisan luxury. It's the oxygen of democracy. Without it, elections are hollow, dissent is branded illegitimate, or worse, and truth becomes whatever those in power decree. History shows that silencing speech is both the path by which authoritarians rise and the tool by which they endure."
— Jon Hyman, September 18, 2025.

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WIRTW #772: the 'drooly zerberts' edition

On this week's episode of The Norah and Dad Show, I check in with Norah as she kicks off her sophomore year of college. We talk about her experiences pledging a sorority, balancing two jobs, navigating classes, and how the dorm food is holding up.

It's a fun conversation about growth, responsibility, and finding your footing in year two of college life.

Below is a quick clip to whet your appetite.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, on our website, or through your favorite podcast app. And if you enjoy it, please like, review, and subscribe—it really helps us grow!

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WIRTW #771: the 'americana' edition

Should out to the best band in the land, Old 97's. On Wednesday they will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Americana Awards & Honors in Nashville. This honor is so well earned. They are an alt-Americana pioneer who have been making great music with the same lineup since 1994. In my humble opinion, this is also long overdue. 

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WIRTW #770: the 'season 4' edition

This week marks the launch of season 4(!) of The Norah and Dad Show podcast.

Norah and I chat about our summer, which included a trip to Boston + a trip to Peniche, and her getting settled in for her sophomore year away at college. It also included some unwanted visitors getting to know Norah a little too well (which you can hear all about in the clip below).

As an aside, we had a great summer having Norah home. It is different having an adult-aged child, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know my daughter as an adult and developing a different type of relationship with her. 10/10. Highly recommended.

You can listen to this full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, Overcast, the web, and everywhere else you get your podcasts. And while you're there, hit the subscribe button to make sure you get new episodes delivered to you when they drop every other Tuesday.

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

WIRTW #769: the 'slavery' edition

Donald Trump wants to make slavery great again.

In a rant on Truth Social, he fumed: "The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was… We are not going to allow this to happen.… This Country cannot be WOKE, because WOKE IS BROKE."

I can't believe I have to write this, but yes, slavery really was THAT BAD. Worse than bad. It was a centuries-long system of forced labor, racial terrorism, family separation, rape, murder, and dehumanization. It was chattel slavery—the commodification of human beings—on a scale unmatched in the Western world. It was, without exaggeration, the greatest moral stain on American history. Saying otherwise only displays your ignorance and bigotry.

Read the rest of this post at my Authoritarian Alarm Substack. (And while you're there, don't forget to subscribe.)

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WIRTW #768: the 'Peniche' edition

If you find yourself traveling through Portugal, don't overlook Peniche. This coastal town—set on a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic—is the westernmost city in continental Europe. Peniche is best known for four things: fishing, scenic vistas, surfing, and its long, wide, beautiful beaches. It also happens to be one of my favorite places in the world. 

Just an hour north of Lisbon and two hours south of Porto, Peniche makes an ideal stopover for a few days of relaxation between the two (as we did on our first trip to Portugal) or a beach vacation in its own right (as we did on our most recent visit).

Here are my suggestions for the top 7 things to do in and around Peniche:

1. Take a day trip to Berlenga Island: Hop on a boat to this stunning nature reserve, a UNESCO biosphere reserve,  for hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the 17th-century São João Baptista fort.

2. Wander the medieval streets of Óbidos: Step back in time in this charming walled town, known for its cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses, and ginja, cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.

3. Walk the rugged trail to Ilha do Papôa: Explore this small, rocky island connected by a narrow land bridge, offering stunning views, dramatic cliffs, and a touch of wild isolation just steps from town.

4. Catch world-class waves at Supertubos Beach: Peniche’s legendary surf spot known for its powerful barrels and international surf competitions. It's also much calmer in the summer, and there are dozens of surf schools that will teach any beginner. (Or, just walk the beach and watch others tempt the surf.)

5. Visit the Fort of Peniche: Explore this historic fortress-turned-political-prison that now serves as a powerful museum of Portugal's resistance to dictatorship.

6. Stroll the scenic cliffs at Cabo Carvoeiro: Marvel at dramatic ocean views and unique rock formations at Peniche’s westernmost point, which is even better when the sun is setting.

7. Explore the open-air art of Buddha Eden: 25 minutes from Peniche, you can stroll through acres of peaceful gardens filled with giant Buddha statues, contemporary sculptures, beautiful flora, and peacocks (so many peacocks) in Europe's largest Asian garden.

Bonus tip: Drive five minutes north up the coast along Baleal Beach, and eat brunch or lunch at Tugo's. The sandwiches and salads are the best around and the chill vibe blends well with the beach-town atmosphere. Ask for Hugo and tell him that Jon from Ohio sent you.

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WIRTW #767: the 'cerveja' edition

When part of your business involves providing legal representation to craft breweries, even vacation means finding a beer garden where you can sit, relax, and sample the local brews.

Saúde to Letaria, a craft brewery tucked inside Óbidos, Portugal—a 12th-century walled town that feels straight out of a fairytale. The beer was excellent, and the quiet beer garden offered the perfect escape from the bustle of a crowded summer weekend in this popular tourist hub.

If you ever find yourself there, don't skip the ginja, a sour cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups and sold all over town. It's as fun as it is delicious.

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WIRTW #766: the 'empathy' edition

Forty years ago this week, the world came together. On July 13, 1985, Live Aid united millions across borders—not out of politics, but out of compassion. No cynicism. No culture wars. Just humanity responding to suffering.

Can you imagine that happening today?

In a time when empathy is mocked as weakness and "America First" is used to justify indifference, we need to remember what real leadership—and real decency—looks like.

Over at my Substack, I share what Live Aid teaches us about the power of compassion—and why rediscovering it may be our best hope against rising authoritarianism.

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WIRTW #765: the 'It's a Bird… It's a Plane…' edition

Superman is an undocumented immigrant who punches Nazis. And if that makes him "woke," then maybe we need more woke heroes.

MAGAworld is melting down over James Gunn's Superman reboot because Gunn says that its a story about "immigrants and basic human kindness." Kellyanne Conway called it a woke lecture. Jesse Watters said his cape should say “MS13.”

Let's be clear: Superman has always been political.

• Created by two Jewish kids in 1938.
• A refugee from a dying planet.
• The Champion of the oppressed.
• A symbol of anti-fascism, decency, and justice.

If you think Superman is too political or too woke, you're not only misunderstanding him. You're also siding with the fascists he was created to punch.

I just wrote a full Substack piece digging into Superman's immigrant roots, his Jewish allegory, and why calling him "superwoke" completely misses the point. 

🧵 Read the full post here.
📬 And if you're not already subscribed to my Authoritarian Alarm Substack, what are you waiting for? Subscribe here.

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WIRTW #764: the 'substack' edition

Introducing Authoritarian Alarm: 

A New Home for a Critical Conversation

For the past 18+ years, I've written about the intersection of law, policy, and the American workplace. But more and more, the news I feel compelled to cover—and the commentary I'm driven to write—has expanded far beyond employment law and HR drama.

Because the truth is, something much bigger is happening in this country.

America today barely resembles the nation it claims to be. In our institutions, our politics, and even our public discourse, we're beginning to mirror the authoritarianism we've spent the last 249 years claiming to oppose. We're becoming what the Founding Fathers created this country to resist.

So I've launched something new: Authoritarian Alarm—a Substack newsletter dedicated to tracking America’s quickening slide into authoritarianism. My first post is now available: We've become everything we've fought against for 249 years.

If you've valued my perspective on these issues before, I hope you'll join me there. Subscribe, share, and help me sound the alarm.

Because silence is complicity.
And democracy doesn't defend itself.

—

👉 Subscribe now for free to Authoritarian Alarm: https://jonhyman.substack.com

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WIRTW #763: the 'shiny and new' edition

Our new website is live!

I am excited to share that Wickens Herzer Panza has officially launched a completely redesigned website.

Our goal was simple: make it faster and easier to find our insights, resources, and people—while showcasing our depth and agility.

Our new site features a clean, modern design, along with refreshed and expanded content:

• Attorney Bios – Experience, focus areas, fun facts, and direct contact details.

• Practice Area & Industry Pages – Plain-language overviews of how we solve problems for businesses like yours.

• News & Alerts – Timely articles, case analyses, and thought leadership geared toward business owners and entrepreneurs.

• Firm Insights – Events, community involvement, and the culture that drives our client service.

Our refreshed branding—Big Firm Ability; Small Firm Agility—features prominently on the new home page. This isn't marketing rhetoric; it's who we are:

• Big Firm Ability – Seasoned lawyers, multi-disciplinary teams, and the bench strength to handle sophisticated transactions, complex litigation, and strategic planning.

• Small Firm Agility – Direct access to decision-makers, responsive service, and customized solutions delivered at the pace a business demands.

Massive shoutout to PaperStreet Web Design for knocking our new website out of the park!

Check out the new WickensLaw.com and let me know what you think. If you've got questions about how we can help you or your business, just grab my contact info right from the site.

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