Grateful by Lady Law

Relationships

Grateful by Lady Law celebrates the meaning in human connections. Each episode will introduce different guests who have impacted the life of the host, Mandy Gruhlkey, in a profound way. The stories of how the host's and guests' lives connect will include themes of compassion, grief, addiction, recovery, success, and struggle - and many other aspects of the human experience. Guests will share their narratives of the influences over the course of their lives that made them who they are today.

The host of Grateful by Lady Law, Mandy Gruhlkey, grew up in a small town in Texas, never dreaming she would leave that town nor the state of Texas. A decision to follow a boy after she graduated from high school led her to Nebraska and started her on the path to meet many unique and inspiring people. The relationships she made over the years motivated her to earn her teaching degree, attend law school and become a successful practicing attorney who has experience in many areas of the law and has helped hundreds of people. The path from Texas to the courtroom was not an easy one, and Mandy has experienced many hardships along the way. Through them all, she has had the support, encouragement and love of friends, mentors, and unlikely acquaintances that have impressed upon her resilience and a drive to be always move forward.

Grateful By Lady Law - Trailer

Through the trials and tribulations in her life, Mandy Gruhlkey has become connected with many people who have provided her with words of encouragement and a helping hand. In Grateful by Lady Law, you will learn more about Mandy's journey from a small town in Texas to a successful attorney in Omaha, Nebraska and meet many of the people who have supported and motivated her along the way. This podcast is a celebration of human connection and encourages everyone to show gratitude for those who positively impact our lives.

45 Years in 45 Minutes

The first episode of Grateful by Lady Law is an introduction of the host, Mandy Gruhlkey. Mandy's path from a small town in Texas to courtrooms in Nebraska was not an easy one, but with the support and encouragement of many people she has connected with, she has become a successful attorney. Throughout her journey, Mandy has suffered great losses, had to make tough decisions and learned to lean on a support system of people from all walks of life. Grateful by Lady Law is a compilation of interviews of the people who helped make Mandy who she is today and a celebration of human connection.

Rick McFayden: Educator, Mentor, Friend

The first two episodes of Grateful by Lady Law contain interviews of two profound people in Mandy's life - Rick McFayden and Colin Mangrum.  Rick and Colin were both professors of Mandy's at different universities, and over time she has remained friends with both - and they are dear friends to each other.  The two educators have very different backgrounds and outlooks on life, but share a common thread of caring for education, their students, and the world around them. These two interviews are important because they demonstrate the vast array of people in Mandy’s life and illustrate how she has come to realize that we do not all have to agree on every issue to have deep connections and lifelong friendships.  

Mandy first met Rick while he was the Dean at Buena Vista University.   As he does with so many of his students, Rick encouraged Mandy to push herself to excel academically, advocating for her to attend law school and helping her to believe in herself.  After she graduated, Rick employed Mandy as an adjunct professor and continued to be a mentor to her.  Over the years, Rick has become a dear friend to Mandy, being there for her during times of grief, intense life events, and achievements. 

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel

Prof. Collin Mangrum - Dedicated Professor, Respected Legal Expert, and Cherished Supporter

Holly Jones: Strong Woman and Loyal Friend Who Lifts Up Those Around Her 

If a friend is a reflection of ourselves, being friends with Holly Jones is one of the greatest compliments a person can have. 

Holly is a genuine, loyal, dedicated friend, who exemplifies the epitome of making a beautiful life for yourself regardless of what obstacles stand in the way. Holly touches the lives of many with generosity, kindness, and by living life to its fullest.  First meeting over 20 years ago, Holly and Mandy have remained friends over the years because of their similar work ethics, values and support of strong women. 

Listening to this episode will motivate you to reach out to your friends and let them know how much you value them!  

Chris Lathrop - Courtroom Warrior and Loyal Friend

From being raised in a large family with a father as an attorney and a deeply caring mother, to his time in the US Marines then attending law school, Chris Lathrop has the solid foundation to be one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Nebraska.  Chris is a dedicated Public Defender in Sarpy County, Nebraska, spending much of his career defending some of the toughest defendants in high-profile cases.  Chris takes his work very seriously and has dedicated much of his current practice to problem-solving courts - courts designed to get to the root of the problem, often substance abuse or mental health, and give criminal defendants a second chance.  Chris has been a mentor to Mandy for the past 17 years and has been a role model to her both in and out of the courtroom.  

Judge Stephanie Hansen: A True Role Model – Persevering to be her best in work, fitness, family and friends

"Persevere through the pain" and "do your best to find the solution" are two overarching themes in the life of Judge Stephanie Hansen.  Repeatedly throughout her life, Judge Hansen has set goals, achieved them, then set the bar higher for herself.  She has incorporated the wisdom of a very special person in her life, her mother, in many of the decisions she has made, from deciding to become an attorney, to applying for a judgeship, to raising her two daughters, to pushing herself to achieve as a top-tier athlete.  Mandy first met Judge Hansen when they worked on opposite sides of the courtroom, but they became fast friends through a means that bonds many people - humor.  Judge Hansen has been a role model to Mandy over the years and a true friend through good times and bad.  

Francis Sillau: Passionate Advocate for Those with Disabilities

Francis ("Fran") and Mandy have been friends for years, first meeting in a Shakespeare class, then working together to develop a one-of-a-kind nonprofit theater company in Omaha, Nebraska - Circle Theatre. This discussion explores the world of theater, accessibility in the arts and the personal journey of Fran. Focusing on inclusion, creativity and storytelling, Fran highlights the joys of the theater and all that he has created while facing the challenges of his own disability.

Tracy Hightower-Henne: Using Her Law Degree as a Superpower to Help Others

Since graduating from law school, Tracy Hightower-Henne has been using her law degree as a superpower to help others who are wrongfully convicted, assist those who are seeking legal assistance in the most desperate times in their lives, and provide resources to make our community a better place to live. Tracy and Mandy first met when volunteering for the Nebraska Innocence Project. Their shared desire to provide legal services to those in need, as well as their similar family and life experiences, has cultivated a strong friendship between the two female attorneys.

Maggie Gruhlkey: Her Journey from the Big City to Becoming a Small Town Mayor

Maggie Gruhlkey was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. After meeting the love of her life, Dwayne Gruhlkey, she moved from the big city of Denver to small town Texas - Adrian, Texas, to be exact, population 126. Maggie adapted to small town living, raised three children, including Mandy, and eventually became the mayor of Adrian. Maggie shares stories of her life in the small town, the struggles and joys of being a small-town mayor, and the importance of family. Listen to a heartfelt conversation between mother and daughter and get a few laughs along the way.