Podcast
Counsel Brew
Hosted by Shereen El Domeiri & Nicola Hobeiche · EN
Welcome to Counsel Brew, with your co-hosts Shereen El Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, two fully brewed badass lawyers who blazed their own trails from courtroom to boardroom and beyond. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy our enlightening conversations with amazing guests who share their journeys and bring invaluable wisdom on navigating, defining, and finding success in life. These compelling narratives of forging distinctive paths will provide the recipe for creating success on your terms and inspire you to embark on your own path to badassery.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Write Your Own Soundtrack - Sterling Miller
Feb 2701:07:33Tap to summarizeSterling Miller knew he wanted to be a lawyer when he pulled the lawyer card while playing Life.That early realization turned into a remarkable legal career spanning private practice, in-house roles at American Airlines and Sabre, and ultimately General Counsel positions at Travelocity, Sabre, and Marketo. Today, he serves as COO, General Counsel, and Senior Counsel at Hilgers PLLC and is still very much in the game of life.Fueled by black coffee and Diet Coke (alternating, unapologetically caffeinated), Sterling has become widely known for something beyond his GC titles: his writing. In 2014, he launched Ten Things You Need to Know as In-House Counsel after realizing there was little practical, digestible guidance written specifically for in-house lawyers. What began as advice shared with younger lawyers over drinks quickly evolved into one of the most followed and respected in-house resources in the profession.The formula is straightforward and effective: take complex issues and distill them into ten things you actually need to know. That approach didn’t just build a following; it led to multiple books, including The Productive In-House Lawyer: Tips, Hacks, and the Art of Getting Things Done, where Sterling dives into time management, focus, and how to operate at a high level without burning out.In this episode, Sterling talks about what it really takes to build a career with momentum. Not in a motivational-poster way — but in a practical, unglamorous, “raise your hand for the hard stuff” way. Want to be General Counsel? Volunteer for the budget work. Build the board deck. Learn how the business actually runs. Don’t just be technically strong. Be indispensable.He also reflects on how in-house has evolved. What was once seen as a quieter alternative to law firm life is now a destination role. But he’s clear about the tradeoffs and the importance of real training early in your career. Being in-house isn’t easier. It’s different. And leadership requires more than legal acumen — it requires business judgment, credibility, and trust.And because no career is one-dimensional, Sterling has also played in a band called Big Wheel (guitar, bass, harmonica, piano), writes cookbooks, devours history podcasts, and builds Halloween displays ambitious enough to require multiple storage units.Through it all, one theme keeps surfacing: persistence.If you know what you want, move toward it.If someone helped you along the way, pay it back.And if you’re going to do something — whether it’s writing a blog, leading a legal department, or learning a new instrument — commit to it.👉 Listen now! Find Sterling at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlinglmiller/Check out his Blog: Ten Things You Need to Know as In-House Counsel at https://tenthings.blog/Find links Sterling’s Books at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlinglmiller/details/publications/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →A Thousand Yards - Alana Matthews
Feb 1301:14:57Tap to summarizeThis episode is fueled by a lot of coffee.We’re joined by Alana Matthews, former BigLaw litigator, trailblazing sports executive, and founder & CEO of Alautus. She’s a woman who runs on instinct, grit, and an impressive amount of caffeine. The girl whose mother cut her hair short and snuck her onto a boys’ hockey team at age seven has never waited for permission since.After graduating from law school, Alana began her career in BigLaw litigation, but a Google search for “how to become a general manager” led her to buy a $150 hockey history book from what looked like a sketchy website with a single “buy now” button. The book was written by the Dallas Stars’ COO. Six months later, she was hired.Alana spent over eight years with the Dallas Stars, rising to Executive Vice President of Business Operations and General Counsel and becoming the youngest GC in major league sports. From leading operations through COVID to navigating the pressure of a Stanley Cup run, her career has been built in high-stakes environments where preparation, confidence, and endurance matter.Today, Alana is channeling that same energy into Alautus, a women’s personalized clothing company born from her own experience returning to work as a new mother and executive when finding clothing that actually fit, functioned, and felt powerful proved harder than it should have been.Building Alautus hasn’t exactly been all glitz and glamour — more like pallets of fabric overtaking her garage and costly trial-and-error moments — but a 15-espresso train ride across Italy to meet her fabric supplier is the kind of caffeine-fueled highlight we respect.☕️ Favorite BrewBlack coffee (almond milk optional), British tea from heirloom cups, and Italian espresso—sometimes in quantities that raise eyebrows (but who’s counting?)This episode is about stamina, instinct, and backing yourself even before you feel “ready.”“Go for it.”👉 Listen now.Find Alana at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-c-matthews-82257839/Learn more about Alautus at https://alautus.com/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Madam President - Vicki Blanton
Jan 3000:57:08Tap to summarize☕ This week on Counsel Brew, we’re joined by Vicki Blanton, Assistant VP and Senior Legal Counsel of Tax and Benefits at AT&T, Adjunct Professor at SMU Dedman School of Law, and immediate past President of the Dallas Bar Association. Vicki’s career spans some of the most complex in-house environments in the country, touching approximately $150B in plan assets and impacting millions of employees, retirees, and beneficiaries worldwide. But what anchors this conversation isn’t the scale of the work; it’s how she thinks about responsibility, presence, and leadership over time. For Vicki, there isn’t a single summit to reach. Every day is a peak, and each one asks something different of you.Over coffee, properly served, with intention, Vicki reflects on a formative childhood memory of sitting quietly with her grandparents in the early morning hours, listening as they talked and shared a cup together. That memory became her blueprint for connection. Coffee, like leadership, isn’t about speed or efficiency; it’s about attention, ritual, and making space.As she reflects on her time leading the Dallas Bar, Vicki talks about stewardship rather than accomplishment: guiding a large and diverse legal community through reemergence, honoring tradition while allowing it to evolve. Her approach—old school in a new way—shaped programming that emphasized connection and belonging, including reimagining a long-standing gathering into a more conversational, welcoming space. Our conversation feels fitting for the close of a chapter. And, of course, don’t miss out on hearing about Vicki’s longtime love of parades and her firsthand experience as a balloon handler in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And yes—she’s a fellow Mustang! 👉 Listen nowFind Vicki at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickidblanton/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →One-Vote Revolution - The Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn
Jan 1601:21:06Tap to summarizeSome guests command the room without ever raising their voice. They make you sit up straighter, rethink your posture, and question whether your coffee order is sufficiently ambitious. In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down and debrief with The Honorable Judge Barbara Lynn (Ret.) who takes us from her early days in Florida—pushing past stage fright and finding her voice—to becoming one of the most respected federal judges in the country. She embodies what it means to lead with courage, wit, and unwavering conviction.We start with her early inspirations: Perry Mason, debate kid enthusiast, and a childhood dream of firefighting. As a young woman, she landed at the University of Virginia during the first year women were admitted (a 22:1 men-to-women ratio). Then comes the legendary story of how she became the first woman inducted into the Jefferson Literary & Debating Society…a moment that set the tone for a lifetime of firsts guided by her passion, grit, and an unshakable refusal to accept “that’s just how it is.” She says it best: “There really is no door you can’t open… you just have to be courageous enough to put your hand on the door handle.”Judge Lynn takes us behind the bench, tracing the journey from the phone call that set it all in motion (courtesy of Congressman Martin Frost) to her Valentine’s Day swearing-in in 2000.” She opens up about the shift from advocate to judge, the surprises of day one, and the courtroom moments that are equal parts profound and hilarious.Yes, that “stupid shit” story makes an appearance along with the now-famous Chauncey case (guns, perjury, and a baby-daddy reveal!). Life after the bench hasn’t slowed her down. These days, she’s mediating, consulting, traveling, and enjoying the joy of being slightly less canon-compliant. And through it all, Judge Lynn’s favorite compliment remains simple and telling: “You were well prepared.” And every great conversation deserves a lightning round, and Judge Lynn’s doesn’t miss. Picture speed dating meets the federal bench with quick questions, clever answers, and a dose of brilliance between the laughs.Judge Lynn may be retired from the bench, but she’s still teaching the rest of us how to lead. Be true to your values. Be courageous. And if you want something—ASK FOR IT!👉 Listen now: Find Barbara at https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-m-g-lynn/And learn more about Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann at https://www.lynnllp.com/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Looking Back, Brewing Forward
Jan 300:32:46Tap to summarizeA New Year at Counsel Brew Time really does fly when you’re having fun.In this New Year reflection, we’re looking back on the stories, sips, and moments that shaped Counsel Brew in 2025—and sharing what we’re brewing next as we head into 2026.Happy New Year from Counsel Brew! 🍻In this special year-end reflection episode, we’re looking back on a year that flew by—and gave us so much more than we expected.✨ 2025 Highlights:24 episodes, 25 incredible guests, and countless stories of reinvention, resilience, and bold next chaptersSampling brews inspired by our guests (yes, coffee still reigns supreme ☕)A road trip sparked by one of our favorite super fans—proof this community is real and growingPlenty of laughter, a few tears, and some unforgettable “stupid sh*t” moments along the wayAs we look ahead, we’re dreaming bigger in 2026—more engagement with you, more conversations sparked on social, more road trips, and expanding Counsel Brew beyond our usual borders.So grab your favorite brew, reflect on what you built this past year, and dream a little about what’s next. And if you’re ringing in the New Year with us in your ears, we hope this episode leaves you inspired, entertained, and ready to create your own next chapter.🎧 Cheers to 2026—and thanks for being part of the Counsel Brew community.Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Mama's in a Meeting - Jenny & Sharon King
Dec 1201:11:47Tap to summarizeAt its core, this episode is about legacy with intention. Sharon and Jenny King — a mother–daughter duo built on service, strategy, and grit — show how generational leadership is passed down when lived into and shaped together. Their story is a masterclass in intergenerational badassery. Sharon came of age in turbulent 1960s Atlanta, stumbled into a dream job at a legendary department store, and got pulled into community work by a woman who simply said, “Would you help me?” That one yes became decades of impact:mentoring low-income girls in Atlanta housing projectsbuilding out women’s programming at the YWCArunning nonprofits across the Southeast and Southwestgoing toe-to-toe with big corporations and even testifying before federal regulatorsbecoming a fierce advocate for early childhood education and economic equityFast forward a generation, and Jenny is the child who didn’t play school or doctor; instead she pretended to go to work. She grew up in pews and boardrooms at First Presbyterian, watching her mom organize, strategize, and raise money without the job title or paycheck to match. Now, Jenny’s the connector-in-chief:pulling together civic leaders, donors, and policy thinkersserving on boards from Head Start to public schoolsorganizing MLK oratory competitions that launch young voices onto national stageshelping parents, refugees, and first-gen families navigate public education and opportunityAnd when you get these two in a room? You get wisdom, humor, and a master class in intergenerational power with purpose.In this episode, we talk about:Why Jenny kept “King” in 1991 and what a credit card addressed to “Mrs. John Smith” had to do with it.Child care deserts and why underpaid early childhood educators aren’t a women’s issue; they’re a business issue, a family issue, and frankly, a democracy issue.How to build multicultural school communities where 20+ languages are spoken and “everyone is welcome” is not a slogan — it’s operating procedure.Why collaboration is hard, communication breaks down, and how Jenny somehow always spots the crack in the foundation before anyone else.How three generations of King women have passed the baton.Because it’s Counsel Brew, we of course talk brews:Sharon: A chamomile-and-sweetener ritual that hits in any season.Jenny: Half-and-half coffee with a hazelnut pod. Zero guilt.👉 Listen now: Find Sharon at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonking5/Find Jenny at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykingmpa/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Calibrated for Impact - Ann Sheu
Nov 2801:00:42Tap to summarizeAnn Sheu is what happens when intentional living meets elite execution. A speaker, entrepreneur, and Certified EOS Implementer, Ann helps founders at work and families at home craft a shared vision, communicate better, and actually enjoy the life they’re building together.After earning three degrees from SMU and building a successful career in law, Ann realized that success without alignment wasn’t enough. When she and her husband — both high performers — tried to run their marriage like a business, their therapist was quick to advise, “Ooh, don’t do that.” That moment became the spark for Mpowered Journey, where Ann took everything she’d learned from business, law, and leadership to help other couples and families find purpose, clarity, and connection without losing themselves in the process.Brew of Choice: Water 💧because clarity is her caffeine.In this episode, we sip water with Ann and dive into: 💡 Her leap from the law to coaching and how she found her true calling 🏡 The story behind Mpowered Journey and the art of intentional family leadership ⚖️ Lessons in purpose, partnership, and ditching “perfect” for aligned 🎤 How she built a career around impact with one mindset shift at a time ☀️ Her honest perspective on building a thriving marriage, raising a family, and still making space for herselfAnn’s story is equal parts heart, strategy, and humor. Proof that you can design a life that performs as well as it feels. Whether you’re a lawyer, a leader, or someone just trying to keep your family calendar from imploding, this episode will leave you inspired to lead your own Mpowered Journey.👉 Listen nowFind Ann at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncsheu/Check out MPowered Journey at https://www.mpoweredjourney.com/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send us Fan Mail Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Dream It. Make It. Amplify It. - Brad Pritchett
Nov 700:58:38Tap to summarizeFeaturing Brad Pritchett, Chief Experience Officer at the Dallas Museum of ArtIf there’s one person redefining how Dallas connects with culture, it’s Brad Pritchett. As the Chief Experience Officer at the Dallas Museum of Art, Brad isn’t just curating exhibits; he’s curating connection. With his trademark blend of creativity, candor, and charm, he’s turning one of the city’s most storied institutions into a living, breathing experience that invites everyone in.His path here wasn’t exactly linear, and that’s part of what makes it brilliant. From growing up in a Southern Baptist home to performing on cruise ships, from television correspondent to community advocate, Brad’s story is about becoming who you really are, even when that means rewriting your own script.In this episode of Counsel Brew, Brad opens up about authenticity, transformation, and finding joy in the work that moves you. He shares what it means to lead with empathy and imagination, and how art can be both a mirror and a megaphone for community. We talk about Dallas’ thriving arts scene, his passion for making the DMA accessible to everyone, and yes, his unapologetic love for fall décor and a perfectly crafted pecan cortado.Brad reminds us that art isn’t confined to galleries; it’s found in the stories we tell, the spaces we create, and the courage it takes to live out loud.So pour your brew (bonus points if has a hint of Fall flavor) and join us for a conversation with the man who Dreams it, Makes it, and Amplifies it, one bold, beautiful idea at a time.👉 Listen nowFind Brad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-pritchett-108042b/Visit the Dallas Museum of Art at https://dma.org/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send a text Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Rainbow Unicorn - Susan Wetzel
Oct 2401:12:06Tap to summarizeIf there’s anyone who proves that planning is a form of art, it’s Susan Wetzel. Whether she’s mapping out her one-, five-, or ten-year goals, or guiding clients through the legal maze of mergers and acquisitions, Susan doesn’t wing it, she designs it. Every decision, every move, every cup of tea.Her brew of choice? Ginger turmeric tea for its bold, balanced, and quietly powerful impact, much like her approach to leadership and life.In this episode of Counsel Brew, Susan walks us through how she builds a career and a life by design. From her habit of printing every draft before she hits send (even emails!) to her meticulous approach to long-term planning, Susan shows us that being intentional doesn’t mean being rigid…It means making room for what matters most.She also shares her deep commitment to the American Heart Association, where she channels her leadership beyond the boardroom, advocating for stronger, healthier communities with the same energy and focus she brings to her work.And because life’s not all paper and plans, Susan lets us peek behind the scenes where Halloween and costumes reign supreme. From full-on costumes to an enthusiasm that could give the neighborhood kids a run for their candy, she reminds us that joy isn’t just something to schedule in; it’s something to celebrate.This episode is for the planners, the thinkers, and anyone who finds peace in a well-organized stack of paper, a perfectly steeped cup of tea, and a great costume idea waiting in the wings.👉 Listen now Find Susan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-wetzel-b277337/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send a text Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
Transcribe →Carrying Miss Daisy Louise - Chad Ruback
Oct 1001:07:33Tap to summarizeWhen your guest shows up in a white top hat and jokingly calls himself “the fun appellate lawyer,” you know you’re in for a great conversation.For our 40th episode, we’re raising a mug to Chad Ruback — appellate attorney, on-air legal commentator, and all-around class act who somehow balances professionalism with a sharp sense of humor.Chad shares his path from his family’s jewelry business in Kansas City to building a respected solo appellate practice in Texas. Along the way, he’s learned that showing up — with curiosity, consistency, and the occasional top hat — can take you a long way in both law and life.He’s thoughtful, funny, and the kind of person who remembers everyone’s name and story — a rare gift in any profession.And we couldn’t share this episode without a nod to Daisy Louise, Chad’s beloved dog who made frequent cameos and left an even bigger mark. She’s gone now, but her presence (and her timing) live on in our hearts — and this episode. 🐾So grab your favorite brew and join us for this light-hearted episode — a conversation with the appellate lawyer who proves you can be serious about the law without taking yourself too seriously.Find Chad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/appeal/& more info about his Law Practice at https://appeal.pro/Message us at hello@counselbrew.com Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrewhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Send a text Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.
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