Counsel Brew

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 intellectual property, technology, and commercial transactions. He’s been in the trenches—think sorting case files in a storage unit—before climbing his way up to handling major legal matters. Along the way, he’s embraced his inner “nerd,” found his niche in tech law, and learned the power of mentorship (because no one survives the legal world alone).

But law is just one part of Craig’s story. Coming from a family of artists and architects, he somehow ended up in law school—but don’t worry, his creative streak never left. Whether he’s designing digital graphics, capturing stunning photography, or serving on the board of the Texas Ballet Theater (yes, really), Craig proves that life is better when you make space for both logic and creativity.

And then, there’s his coffee situation. His brew of choice is a personality test in disguise: Cold brew means business, iced latte means he’s in a good mood but still ready to work. Either way, caffeine is non-negotiable.

Tune in for a mix of career insights, laughs, and some truly fantastic stupid shit stories. Craig’s path to badassery is anything but ordinary, and you might just walk away inspired to embrace your own unconventional journey (preferably with a cold brew in hand).

Find Craig at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigccarpenter/

Learn more about Baker Hostetler here: https://www.bakerlaw.com/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

“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 nation, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart.

In this episode, Jennifer reflects on how her love for nonprofit work began early in her life and how it ultimately guided her to where she is today. She shares the transformative impact of the $15M STEM Center of Excellence, a 92-acre campus designed to prepare girls for success in the future workforce, and discusses her vision for Girl Scouts as a platform for cultivating leadership, addressing mental health challenges, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Jennifer also speaks passionately about the importance of empowering young girls to dream big and lead boldly, noting that many women CEOs started as Girl Scouts. As a proud member of a three-generation family of Girl Scouts, she discusses the legacy of the organization and her commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Jennifer’s personal side shines in this episode as she shares how her close-knit group of college friends, who still tailgate together using a shared old bus, have kept her grounded and supported through life’s ups and downs. She also reveals her favorite Girl Scout cookies, playfully counts how many green outfits she owns, and talks about how her brew of choice—Diet Coke—fuels her busy days.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of leadership, community, and the unwavering mission of the Girl Scouts to inspire future generations. Jennifer’s passion for creating a sense of belonging and building an inclusive future for girls will leave you feeling inspired and motivated…and craving those amazing Girl Scout cookies. 

Find Jennifer at linkedin.com/in/jenniferbartkowski

Learn more about the Northeast Texas Girl Scouts here: 

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 unconventional beginnings to pioneering innovative school designs, Jolene shares her story of breaking the mold—literally. Instead of churning out thousands of identical chairs, she focused on impact-driven designs that foster movement, better acoustics, and inclusivity. Her designs transformed classrooms into environments where all students can thrive.

Jolene reveals how Pinterest was the impetus to her life-changing opportunity in the U.S. and gets real about how she got to Texas as fast she could, embracing culture shock and the challenges of scaling a business abroad.

Her journey, from the highs of securing groundbreaking orders to the lows of losing her company, exemplifies perseverance, resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your mission.

This episode dives into the emotional and professional journey of building something extraordinary, navigating uncharted waters as a female entrepreneur, and finding the courage to rebuild after adversity. Tune in to hear how Jolene’s story is inspiring a new wave of leaders to embrace grit, creativity, and the power of transformative design.

Find Jolene at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolenelevin/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 attorneys kick burnout to the curb while rediscovering clarity—whether in their careers, health, or relationships. From associates to partners and law firm owners, Erin is guiding women to create practices that don’t just look good on paper but feel good, too (and yes, they leave room for a life outside the office).

Erin’s mantra is simple: Empower women to show up as their best selves—in the courtroom, at home, and everywhere in between.

Her Powerhouse Lawyers Retreat offers a refreshing escape, where female attorneys hit pause, recharge, and connect with like-minded women. It’s a perfect mix of deep conversations, breakthroughs, and yes, some serious fun. And if you’re curious, Erin spills the tea (literally) on her vibrant online community, where women lawyers get resources, accountability, and plenty of unwavering support.

How does Erin unwind and recharge? By hitting the beach with a good book and listening to true crime podcasts. We love that combo.

And when Stupid Shit Happens, Erin embraces the humor and the lessons to be learned when life throws dumb stuff your way—especially when it’s self-inflicted.

So, grab your favorite brew (Erin’s go-to is a soothing cup of English breakfast tea), and join us for a conversation brimming with wisdom, wit, and a whole lot of heart.

Show Notes:
Find Erin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/

You can learn more about Powerhouse Lawyers at https://www.eringerner.com/powerhouselawyerscommunity 

You can also listen to Erin’s podcast Powerhouse Lawyers at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/powerhouse-lawyers/id1686603658 

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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’s coming in 2025.

Highlights from 2024:

☕ Celebrating 2,000 downloads (yes, we’re toasting venti-style).
☕ 20 incredible and inspiring badass guests.
☕ Snoop Dogg’s take on the “Stupid Sh** Segment” (fo shizzle).
☕ A pot-smelled candle designed to reduce courtroom drama.
☕ Awkward work moments that had us laughing out loud.
☕ Shereen’s fearless (but questionable) guest name pronunciations.
☕ Mastering Vegas survival tips—cash in your bra, anyone?

What’s Brewing for 2025:

✨ The CEO of Northeast Texas Girl Scouts on leadership that’s worth a badge of honor.
✨ A lawyer by day, an artist by passion-proving creativity and strategy go hand in hand. 
✨ An entrepreneur’s inspiring reinvention journey to achieve the American Dream.
✨ A May mental health series featuring courageous stories of resilience and growth.
✨ A powerhouse mom-and-daughter duo serving the Dallas community.
✨ A world-traveling chef.
✨ Even more laughter, badassery, and moments that’ll make you spit out your brew.

We can’t wait to bring you along for more inspiring, hilarious, and heartfelt conversations next year. 

Here’s to 2025!

Grab your favorite brew, tune in, and let’s keep celebrating badassery together. Cheers!

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Find Shereen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereeneldomeiri/

Find Nicola  at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-hobeiche-84699960

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 federalism.”

Mark’s career reads like a Hollywood legal drama. From his time as a national legal affairs writer for The Dallas Morning News, where he unearthed a tobacco scandal that landed Texas Attorney General Dan Morales in hot water, to his gripping book Contempt of Court: A Turn-of-the-Century Lynching That Launched a Hundred Years of Federalism (ABA Silver Gavel Award winner, by the way), Mark’s work is nothing short of legendary.

As the founder and senior editor of The Texas Lawbook and a correspondent for the Houston Chronicle and Dallas Business Journal, Mark knows how to find the facts, tell the story, and leave you thinking about it long after. And when he tells a story, it’s not just journalism—it’s a captivating performance. Picture this: a room full of people, Mark narrating by memory, his words powerful enough to make even the most distracted texter put down their phone.

But let’s talk brews. Mark’s choices? A unique pairing of Moose Drool beer (yes, that’s a real thing) and The Sea Hag coffee, which he orders from the southern tip of New Jersey. Clearly, Mark is as multi-faceted as his stories.

In this episode, we chat about his investigative reporting on death penalty cases, price-fixing scandals, and even the future of the American jury system. Plus, Mark explains why he prefers digging up facts over giving opinions and why his love of uncovering the truth keeps him coming back for more.

So, grab your Moose Drool or coffee, and settle in for an episode filled with intrigue, inspiration, and a hefty dose of storytelling magic.

Author of Contempt of Court: The Turn Of-The-Century Lynching That Launched 100 Years of Federalism. You can find his book here.

Find Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-curriden-9901992a/

You can learn more about The Texas Lawbook at https://texaslawbook.net/ 

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 law to city management, she shows how embracing change and staying true to yourself can open up unexpected doors. But her professional achievements are just the beginning—Claire’s personal passions are equally inspiring. She’s a baker extraordinaire (her legendary pie party might even tempt Mary Berry), a talented violinist, and a fearless explorer of international cuisines.

With humor and heart, Claire shares how these creative outlets fuel her leadership style and keep her grounded. She also gets candid about how vulnerability has shaped her success, from owning her “hot mess” moments to connecting deeply with others. And as for some “stupid shit,” Claire recalls a memorable and hilarious encounter with a bankruptcy client who had some very unexpected plans during their meeting.

Of course, we couldn’t let Claire leave without sharing her favorite brew—an iced latte that perfectly reflects her need for bold flavor and calm amidst a whirlwind life.

This episode is brimming with wisdom, laughs, and plenty of heart. Whether you're seeking inspiration to embrace life’s challenges or just want to know how to bake a pie that wows, this one's for you!

Find Claire at https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-powell-b318741/

You can learn more about the City of Lewisville at https://www.cityoflewisville.com/about-lewisville

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 company’s bankruptcy, revealing the personal and professional resilience it took to weather that storm. Her reflections are filled with gratitude for those in the trenches with her, along with insights into her evolving sense of purpose as she enters a new chapter of her career.

Jenny’s story isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s one that highlights the strength, humor, and loyalty that define her approach to both life and law. We trace her path from a little girl who dressed up as a lawyer for Halloween to becoming the powerhouse in-house counsel she is today. This episode has it all: laughter, honest revelations, and the inspiring wisdom of someone who truly knows what it means to bring her whole self to work.

Jenny’s secret to success? Embracing her authentic self—an approach that’s transformed not just her career but her relationships and outlook on life. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the heartfelt insights, or the unique industry tales, this episode offers a delightful blend of reflection, humor, and grit. So grab your favorite brew—coffee, tea, or Jenny’s trusty Diet Coke—and settle in for an inspiring conversation with one remarkable guest.

Find Jenny at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyfer-gray/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 Latte from Starbucks, no foam. This ritual—judging the barista’s skill by the cup’s weight—mirrors the care Jeff brings to his practice, from morning coffee to the courtroom.

Client relationships for Jeff are sacred, episodic partnerships—a series of connections built on mutual trust and respect. He knows the art of becoming part of a team with an ease that few can match. In a world where egos often cast shadows, Jeff’s approach is a shining example of how humility, loyalty, and genuine care elevate the practice of law into an art form.

And in true Día de Muertos fashion, we can’t forget the joy Jeff and his wife bring to their home, celebrating life’s beauty with their cherished holiday decor. From a Christmas room to a Halloween walk-in attic, their home is a sanctuary of celebration and warmth, complete with a 12-foot skeleton who stands vigil year-round, a cheerful guardian reminding all who pass that life must be celebrated.

This episode is an invitation to remember that every client, every case, every laugh, and every cherished holiday tradition is part of a vibrant tapestry that makes our journeys richer. Tune in to hear Jeff’s stories, insights, and reflections—a tribute to his legacy and to the beauty of honoring each step along the way.

Find Jeff a tlinkedin.com/in/jeffjoycehoustontriallawyer

You can learn more about the law firm at https://joycelawtx.com/ 

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

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 spooktacular Short. ☕👻


Find Shereen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereeneldomeiri/

Find Nicola  at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-hobeiche-84699960

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.