The Ombuds Blog: Ombuds Launches New Podcast: Ombuddy

February 26, 2026

Ombuds Launches New Podcast: Ombuddy

A new podcast, "Ombuddy," hosted by Brooke Wichmann, spotlights the people and pathways behind Organizational Ombuds work. The show features conversations with Ombuds about what drew them to the role, formative moments in their practice, and the ideas that sustain them. Blending professional reflection with a relaxed format, Ombuddy aims to bring greater visibility to the work often done quietly and behind the scenes.

The inaugural episode features Tracey Brandt, Ombuds at Dartmouth College since 2022. Brandt discusses how her 15 years as a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation inform her Ombuds practice, particularly her focus on emotional literacy, grief, and loss in the workplace. The conversation explores how transitions, conflict, and experiences of loss shape workplace well-being and how Ombuds can support individuals navigating those challenges. (Spotify.)

1 comment:

Brooke W.2/26/2026 5:25 PM
Thanks for sharing, Tom!
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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany/Austria -- Ombudspersonen and Ombudsleute

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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