Counsel Brew

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 that actually feels good. Beyond the coaching and podcasting, Steve is someone who values authenticity, believes deeply in the power of meaningful connection (and a good dad joke), and knows that transformation often starts with a single bold decision.

He shares not one, but two life-changing lightbulb moments: surviving a plane crash that shifted his entire perspective and working with a coach who called out the gaps in his game and helped him level up so profoundly, he knew he had to share that magic with others. That moment was the spark that launched his business and set him on a path to help lawyers do the same.

From caffeinated clarity to sweaty paddle tennis matches, Steve brews up plenty of insight as we talk about why consistency is the secret sauce, how business development doesn’t have to feel icky, and his dream of taking his podcast on the road.

🎧 Pour a cup and press play.

Find Steve Fretzin at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/

Grab a mug and tune into the Be That Lawyer podcast at fretzin.com

Order Steve’s book: BE THAT LAWYER: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT

Follow Be That Lawyer at  https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/

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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 today—one where culture fuels connection and profit follows purpose.

We talk about the courage to “do it scared,” what it means to lead with emotional intelligence, and why building a brand people believe in starts by focusing on what matters internally.

And what fuels this kind of boldness?
 ☕ Two dirty chais, every morning. Not just for the caffeine—Tina loves the feeling of that warm cup in hand and the ritual of stretching it out as long as she can. It’s her way of starting the day grounded, intentional, and ready to lead.

Whether you're launching a business, building a brand, or rewriting your next chapter, Tina’s story is the caffeinated courage you didn’t know you needed.

🎧 Pour a cup and press play.

👉 Listen now: 

Find Tina Young at:  linkedin.com/in/tinayoungmarketwave

Learn more about Marketwave here: https://marketwave.biz/

Follow Marketwave at  @marketwaveagency

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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 trenches, the emotional toll of criminal cases, and the lessons she wishes she knew a decade ago about business development. We also explore her love for courthouses as architectural gems, her pandemic-era bar service revelations, and her dream of one day working at a winery (us, too!).

✨ Highlights include:

• The power of mentorship, especially across generations
• Building a book of business: what she’d do differently (and what worked)
• How Dallas women lawyers show up for each other, time and time again
• Her future aspirations—and why a vineyard might be calling 🍷

Whether you’re deep into your legal career or just learning the ropes, this one’s packed with relatable reflections, career gems, and some hearty laughs.

☕ Stephanie’s brew of choice: Bold coffee with real flavor—her hometown San Antonio Blend is Best.

🎙️ Listen in, share with a colleague, and tell us—what courthouse has your heart?

🎧 Listen now 

Find Stephanie at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-almeter/

More about Dallas Women Lawyer’s Association here: https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/

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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, faith, or family, Ty brings the kind of perspective that makes you want to pause... and then sprint forward.

And as we honor Mental Health Awareness Month this May, this conversation is a timely reminder that strength isn't just physical—it's deeply emotional and relational, too.

We dig into everything from the emotional weight of self-validation to why strong relationships are foundational. It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about honoring the process one relationship at a time.

In this episode, we get into:

• Why the “middle” matters
•  The power of in-person connection in a digital world
• Why self-care, flexibility, and the occasional coffee ritual are lifelines

Whether you're building a business, a body, or a better version of yourself—this conversation will make you think, laugh, and maybe even reevaluate your morning routine. Ty doesn’t just train people—he transforms perspectives. 

☕ And Ty’s favorite brew? He keeps it real with a French press, Summer Moon’s “Half Moon” on the go, and a serious love for H-E-B’s Texas Pecan blend. Now that’s peak Texas energy.

Find Ty at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-bradshaw-424536256

 @ ty_bradshaw_coaching

Link to Ty and Sharon's podcast about sex in marriage: 

https://youtu.be/ZSFro1FcL4M?si=crHVp4WvReTN8IUy

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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, grounding, and infused with intention. 🍵

Before founding Claire Darr Transformational Living, Claire spent nearly two decades excelling as a corporate attorney, executive search consultant, and Managing Director in legal recruiting. Her rich legal background at prestigious firms like Haynes and Boone, and leadership roles at Newhouse + Noblin, gave her firsthand insight into the high-pressure professional world. Today, she empowers high-profile professionals to escape overwhelm and create abundant, joy-filled lives with ease.

Together, we explore:

🍵 Why tea is Claire’s daily ritual for mindfulness and balance
 🍵 How embracing imperfection makes podcasting—and life—more authentic
 🍵 The journey from the courtroom to the coaching room
 🍵 The power of storytelling, self-acceptance, and authentic personal branding
 🍵 How humor, competitive dancing, and public speaking all fuel personal growth
 🍵 Why professional success should include happiness, not just hustle

Claire reminds us that transformation isn’t about reinventing yourself—it's about expanding into who you were always meant to be. And sometimes, you really just need a good cup of tea, a pep talk, and permission to sparkle.

Find Claire at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-hetherington-darr

 @iamclairedarr

Website: www.clairedarr.com

The Yes…And Podcast with Claire Darr: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,Youtube and all major platforms.

Find her book All Out Impact the Book:  https://a.co/d/eWHa3XB

Book a call with Claire: https://calendly.com/clairehdarr/exhausted-to-energized-121-strategy-call

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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, Lavell swapped legal briefs for bold ventures—launching a string of wins in the startup world before founding Brag House, a next-gen media tech company connecting Gen Z with big brands through gaming, social engagement, and AI-powered personalization.

Oh, and did we mention? Brag House is now publicly traded on NASDAQ under the cheekily perfect ticker symbol: TBH. (To be honest… that’s genius.)

🎧 In this episode, we dive into:

• ⚖️ Lavell’s legal skills — total cheat code. They leveled him up in the startup game—boss moves, sharp plays, no skips.
  
  
• 🎮 How Brag House is flipping the script — putting casual gamers, real connections, and Gen Z energy at the center of it all
  
  
• 🤖 The role of AI in shaping personalized, next-gen digital engagement
  
  
• 🌍 Why mentorship, representation, and lived experience matter in business (and life)
  
  

🤣 The Stupid Sh*t Segment:
 Pure My Cousin Vinny energy—accents optional, hilarity guaranteed.

Why you should listen:
 This convo is equal parts heart, hustle, and hilarity—perfect for the dreamers, doers, and disruptors navigating identity, innovation, and bold ideas.

🎧 Listen now 

Find Lavell at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavell-juan-bh/

 @thebraghouse

Learn more about Brag House at https://www.braghouse.com/

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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 perfecting the perfect Pad Thai—it was about resilience, vision, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of food to bring people together. Born and raised in Bangkok, she grew up surrounded by vibrant flavors, family recipes, and the hustle of a city that never sleeps. Her love for food and business led her to Babson College, where she studied entrepreneurship and marketing before taking a leap into the culinary world. But the real test came when she turned a dream into reality, launching Asian Mint in 2004 with a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a fusion of modern and traditional Thai flavors.

In this episode, we dish on:

• The fusion of culture, food, and entrepreneurship that shaped Chef Nikky’s culinary empire
• Her early days in Bangkok and the moment she knew she was destined for the kitchen
• The grit, challenges, and game-changing moments that built her into the entrepreneur she is today
• The art of building a restaurant family and the lessons learned from years in the industry
• Travel, mentorship, and the power of food to create unforgettable experiences
• And of course—her favorite brew! Chef Nikky spills the tea on the comforting drinks that fuel her creativity and bring her back to her roots.

From her award-winning cookbook to her signature sauces to her commitment to mentorship, Chef Nikky isn’t just serving up incredible dishes—she’s creating a movement. As the president of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and a leader in the Texas restaurant scene, she’s paving the way for the next generation of badass women in food and business.

Order some Asian Mint and tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, laughter, and a few delicious surprises along the way!

Press play and join the feast!

Find Chef Nikky at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefnikky/

 @chefnikkyofficial 

Learn more about Asian Mint at https://asianmint.com/ 

and follow  https://www.instagram.com/asianmint/

Pick up a copy of her book Thai Food and Travel With Chef Nikky: Easy Thai Recipes to Feed Your Soul at her restaurants or on Amazon

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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 professional growth, the critical role instinct plays in decision-making, and how workplace culture influences career fulfillment. Whitney offers a powerful reminder: trust your intuition, embrace self-promotion, prioritize recovery, and make time to celebrate your wins. Curiosity, after all, is the gateway to self-discovery and confidence.

Whitney also introduces us to her initiative, The Self-Coached Lawyer, created to empower attorneys to take control of their careers and mental well-being. She’s bringing this message to organizations to help build supportive communities—an essential effort as the legal profession continues to reckon with burnout, substance abuse, and the toll of chronic stress.

As her programs gain momentum, Whitney is reconnecting with her original passion for criminal law while setting her sights on even bigger stages. With a tour in the works, you won’t want to miss what’s next for this inspiring leader.

And of course, no Counsel Brew episode is complete without a chat about our favorite brews and the lighthearted moments that help us keep going.

Grab Your Brew & Tune In!
Pour yourself a cup of your favorite brew and join us for a conversation filled with insight, laughter, and the kind of wisdom you didn’t know you needed. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support keeps Counsel Brew going strong! ☕🎙️

Find Whitney at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyharvey/

Learn more about The Self Coached Lawyer www.theselfcoachedlawyer.com and follow  @theselfcoachedlawyer 

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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 Volleyball Head Coach Sam Erger to talk about her journey from player to play-caller, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she juggles leading a Division I team while also raising a family. Since taking the helm at SMU, Sam has transformed the women’s volleyball program into a powerhouse. With her relentless drive, deep passion for the sport, and commitment to her players, she has helped elevate the team’s performance, culture, and competitive edge and has set new records. 

Inside the Huddle with Coach Erger:

🏐 Big Family, Big Dreams – How growing up in a sports-loving, five-sibling household set the foundation for her career.
🏐 From Player to Coach – The mindset shift, what she appreciates now that she didn’t as a player, and why it’s way more than X’s and O’s.
🏐Defining Success is holistic - It’s not just about your profession.

🏐 The Coaching Balancing Act – Juggling a demanding job, raising a family, and still making time for personal growth.
🏐 Coach-Player Dynamics – Appreciating that your players help you grow, too.

🏐 Women in Coaching – Why it’s about hiring the best person for the job, period.
🏐 The Future of the Game – What excites her most about where women’s volleyball is headed.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be Counsel Brew without a coffee chat! ☕ Coach Erger is a true coffee lover—she wakes up thinking about it, goes to bed dreaming of it, and has officially cracked the code for the perfect home brew: Nespresso Americano-style, Fairlife milk for that creamy balance, and caramel macchiato monk fruit sweetener for just the right touch of flavor. (And if you claim to love black coffee? She’s calling BS.)

If you’re a sports fan, coach, parent, athlete, SMU student or alum, or just someone who loves a great story about passion, leadership, and chasing your dreams, this behind-the-scenes episode is one you don’t want to miss. 

💙 Support Coach Erger and the SMU Women’s Volleyball team by purchasing your season tickets. Pony Up! 

Find Coach Erger at: @sam_erger 

Learn more about SMU Women’s Volleyball here:  https://smumustangs.com/sports/womens-volleyball

Follow SMU Women’s Volleyball at  @smuvolleyball

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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 and young attorneys, bringing warmth, wisdom, and a legendary smile to every room she enters. As an Director at SMU and assistant dean at UNT, she made law school feel less like an episode of Suits and more like a place where students could thrive. But now? She’s swapped legal briefs for wine barrels and built a modern hacienda-style retreat where hospitality flows as freely as the wine.

In this episode, we chat about:
🍷 Rebecca’s journey from legal education to vineyard ownership
☕ Her love for black coffee, iced tea, and the fine art of the French press
🏡 The story behind her modern hacienda-style retreat 
🛫 Why we’re already planning a trip (and designing matching “Oh, La LAW” shirts)

Growing up with a rock hound for a father, Rebecca learned to see the beauty hidden beneath the surface—whether in nature, history, or people. From leading law students into public service to navigating the social movements of the 1960s, her story is one of resilience, passion, and reinvention.

And let’s talk about this vineyard! She and her husband planted 4,400 vines, partnered with a Texas Hill Country winemaker, and even took a deep dive into Spain’s La Rioja region for research (because what’s a vineyard without a little wine-fueled homework?). With pecan trees, a nod to her childhood, and a vineyard logo featuring an Irish triskelion, Las Huertas de Tejas is a labor of love, heritage, and adventure.

So grab your favorite brew—be it coffee, tea, or a full-bodied red—and join us for a conversation as rich as a well-aged Cabernet. 🍷

👉 Listen now:

Find Rebecca at: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-greenan-40972410

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.