Counsel Brew

What happens when we trade case law for cancer care? You get one of the richest, most human conversations we’ve ever brewed. This week on Counsel Brew, we branch out beyond the courtroom and into the clinic with Dr. Richard Hall—a thoracic oncologist whose life’s work is treating lung cancer and supporting patients through some of their toughest moments. A proud Texan and graduate of Texas A&M...

This week’s brew is bold and unforgettable—just like our guest, Brittany K. Barnett. Brittany’s journey is anything but typical. From CPA and corporate attorney to nationally recognized author, advocate, and “freedom architect,” she’s dedicated her life to unlocking hope and rewriting futures. In this episode, we dive into: ➤ How her mother’s incarceration shaped her path and ultimately ignited he...

Shawn Tuma has been fighting cyber villains since before “cybersecurity” was even a thing. As Co-Chair of Spencer Fane’s Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice, he’s the guy companies call when the unthinkable happens—whether it’s ransomware, data theft, or an IT guy whose credentials include “brother of a cousin.” In this fantastic episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Shawn and explore th...

In this episode, we sit down with Jane McBride—lawyer-turned-coach, corporate counsel whisperer, and believer in making bold career shifts before burnout steeps in. A true New Yorker who cut her teeth at NYU Law and in the corporate trenches of big firm life, Jane eventually traded Manhattan’s Village streets for the California coast. After years as a general counsel for a real estate company—and...

In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Brandon Dean, President of AVIO Consulting, euphonium enthusiast, startup veteran, and self-proclaimed maven of coffee precision. But before he was leading a specialized IT services and systems integration firm helping companies accelerate their digital evolution, Brandon was a band kid, a drum major, and a flat-white fan in the making. Brandon’s e...

In this episode of Counsel Brew , we sit down with Steve Fretzin—legal business coach, host of the Be That Lawyer podcast, author, entrepreneur, and recovering sweetened coffee drinker turned black coffee purist. Steve opens up about his personal path from his childhood marked by adversity to building a career focused on helping lawyers step out of their comfort zones and build the kind of success...

In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sip and savor the inspiring journey of Tina Young, founder and CEO of Marketwave, a purpose-driven marketing agency that proves branding starts from the inside out. From intern to agency founder, Tina’s path is steeped in bold decisions. She shares how early career risks, big-idea pitches, and a deep belief in Conscious Capitalism® shaped the agency she leads to...

Stephanie Almeter didn’t just grow up wanting to be a lawyer—she knew she would be one. Fast forward to today, she’s a seasoned trial lawyer, former President of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association, and a fierce advocate for mentorship and community among women in law. In this episode, we sip and chat with Stephanie about the realities of being an attorney—her journey through the courtroom trench...

In this powerful and refreshingly real episode, we sit down with Ty Bradshaw—trainer, coach, and all-around motivator—to pour over what it actually takes to grow stronger in body, mind, and life. From 4:45 a.m. workouts to relationship check-ins, Ty reminds us that real growth doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from showing up, again and again, in the messy middle. Whether he’s talking fitness,...

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with the radiant Claire Darr—executive coach, public speaker, former corporate attorney, and (fun fact) competitive dancer—to sip some tea (literally and figuratively) and dive deep into the art of personal and professional growth. Claire’s favorite brew? A good cup of tea—the perfect symbol for her coaching philosophy: warm,...

What do you get when you mix legal strategy, gaming culture, and fan-first innovation? Lavell Juan. In this episode, we sit down with the attorney-turned-founder of Brag House—the platform bringing fans into the game, both literally and virtually, across esports, traditional sports, and everything in between. All powered by a strong cup of Bustelo, of course. ☕ After practicing law for ten years,...

Get ready for a flavorful episode as Counsel Brew sits down with the incredible woman behind Asian Mint, Chef Nikky Phinyawatana! A Thai Texan with a passion for bold flavors, meaningful connections, and entrepreneurial grit, Nikky shares her journey from Bangkok to Boston to Dallas, carving out a space as one of DFW’s most beloved restaurateurs. Nikky’s journey to badassery wasn’t just about perf...

In this episode of Counsel Brew , we’re thrilled to sit down with Whitney Harvey—a powerhouse attorney, coach, and advocate for self-development. From navigating the evolving legal landscape to embracing personal transformation, Whitney shares thought-provoking insights on purpose, authenticity, and the art of self-advocacy. We dive into how generational experiences shape both personal and profess...

What happens when you grow up in an athletic household, with a high school coach for a dad and two sisters who played at the collegiate level, too? You don’t just play the game—you live it. And if you’re Sam Erger, you take that passion and turn it into a career shaping the next generation of athletes. In this fun, real, and inspiring episode of Counsel Brew , we sit down with SMU Women’s Volleyba...

In Episode 24 of Counsel Brew , we’re uncorking an extraordinary story—one that blends legal brilliance, mentorship, and a touch of vineyard magic. Meet Rebecca Greenan, an attorney turned vintner, whose journey has taken her from shaping legal minds to cultivating grapevines at Las Huertas de Tejas, a vineyard that honors her Spanish and Irish roots. Rebecca has spent years mentoring law students...

What do you get when you mix an artist’s soul, a lawyer’s brain, and a deep appreciation for both ballet and a well-brewed coffee? You get Craig Carpenter—IP attorney, tech whiz, and all-around fascinating human. Craig’s career journey started with med school daydreams (because who hasn’t considered it at least once?), took a hard left into the LSAT, and eventually landed in the world of intellect...

“Break girls of perfect.” That’s what Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX), is determined to do. In this episode, Jennifer joins Counsel Brew to share her inspiring journey of leadership, community impact, and her lifelong passion for empowering young girls. From her college days at Texas A&M to leading one of the most dynamic Girl Scout councils in the natio...

Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a connector, a conversation starter, and, let’s be honest, an energy booster. When our guest, Jolene Levin, isn’t reimagining education spaces, she’s enjoying her cold brew. Coffee not only fuels her creativity but serves as a reminder of the connections that drive her passion. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of creative space.  From u...

On this episode of Counsel Brew , Shereen and Nicola are joined by the powerhouse coach Erin Gerner, whose mission is to help female lawyers break up with burnout and fall back in love with their lives. Erin opens up about her journey from being drained by her legal career to becoming a coach who empowers women to not just survive, but thrive. So, what’s Erin’s secret sauce? Helping female attorne...

As we wrap up 2024, we are raising our mugs to toast an incredible first year of Counsel Brew ! What started as a small idea has brewed into something we couldn’t have imagined—and it’s all thanks to you, our amazing listeners. In this Counsel Brew Short, we reflect on our journey so far, relive some of the funniest, most inspiring moments from the first 20 episodes, and share a sneak peek of what...

This week on Counsel Brew , we’re serving up a tall glass of investigative prowess with a side of storytelling brilliance, courtesy of Mark Curriden. A lawyer turned legal journalist (and allegedly not a fan of writing—ironic, right?), Mark has spent three decades chasing stories, uncovering scandals, and narrating them with a captivating energy that makes you forget you ever Googled “what is fede...

In this episode of Counsel Brew , we sit down with Claire Powell, the bold and dynamic City Manager of Lewisville, Texas. Claire's inspiring journey from city attorney to local government leader is a testament to the power of following your passions—even when they take you into uncharted territory. Claire's story is packed with courage, authenticity, and resilience. From pivoting from la...

For anyone who’s ever wandered through a Tuesday Morning, there’s usually a fond story—maybe it’s a favorite find, a fantastic deal, or a memory of a shopping trip with your parent. In this episode of Counsel Brew , we’re joined by Jenny Gray, the former general counsel of Tuesday Morning, who reflects on guiding a beloved brand through its toughest times. Jenny shares her journey through the comp...

On this episode of Counsel Brew , we’re honored to share the wisdom and vibrant stories of Jeff Joyce, a seasoned business and trial lawyer from Houston, Texas, who leads his own practice, the Joyce Law Firm, PLLC. Jeff’s legacy in law is built on dedication, humor, and a deep respect for the unique journey of every client.  Every story has its brew, and for Jeff, it’s a meticulously crafted Venti...

Some stories are just too fun to leave on the cutting room floor. As we celebrate Nicola’s favorite month, October, we’re sharing a little extra something special. On a recent trip to San Antonio, Nicola stumbled upon a coffee shop with a spooky surprise—two coffins on the front door! We couldn’t resist giving this clip its own spotlight.  Cozy up with your favorite brew and enjoy this spooktacula...