Grateful by Lady Law

On this episode of Grateful by Lady Law, Mandy welcomes Dr. Carole Patrick, a distinguished community leader whose career embodies compassion, service, and strategic vision. With nearly two decades of friendship—beginning during Carole’s tenure as Dean of Buena Vista University in Council Bluffs and their work together on the Circle Theatre Board—Mandy reflects on the profound influence Carole has had on her life.Carole’s career is a testament to servant leadership. From championing vulnerable populations as Chief Development Officer at the Stephen Center to guiding the Visiting Nurse Association as its President and CEO, her work has consistently strengthened the fabric of the Omaha community.In this thoughtful and uplifting conversation, Mandy and Carole discuss leadership, mentorship, friendship, and the immense importance of meeting community needs with humility and heart. With academic credentials from Oxford University and a life spent lifting others, Carole exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose.

In this episode of Grateful by Lady Law, Mandy sits down with Marc McClure—a nationally respected safety expert whose work helps protect workers, businesses, and communities in some of the most high-risk environments. With deep expertise in OSHA, DOT, fall protection, excavations, emergency preparedness, and more, Marc shares what it really takes to keep people safe before, during, and after regulatory inspections.Marc also brings a unique perspective as a legal expert in civil litigation, where safety standards, compliance, and real-world practices often take center stage in the courtroom. Beyond the credentials, this conversation explores the human side of safety—how experience, preparation, and accountability intersect with gratitude, family, and perspective.A husband and father who has lived all over the world, Marc reflects on the lessons travel has taught him, his appreciation for grain elevators and Nebraska’s iconic sandhill cranes, and why gratitude plays such a vital role in both his professional work and personal life. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that safety isn’t just about regulations—it’s about people, purpose, and protecting what matters most.

In this episode, Mandy sits down with Liz Neeley, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Bar Association, whose leadership has shaped the way lawyers across the state learn, connect, and serve. With decades of experience in legal education, professional development, and organizational leadership, Liz offers a thoughtful, candid look at the evolving legal landscape in Nebraska. She discusses her passion for strengthening the legal community, promoting access to justice, and fostering civility and professionalism in every corner of the profession. From supporting new attorneys to navigating emerging challenges, Liz shares how the NSBA continues to innovate, uplift the bar, and ensure Nebraska lawyers have the tools they need to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner, a new lawyer finding your footing, or someone interested in the future of legal service, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the mission behind the Nebraska State Bar Association through the eyes of its dedicated Executive Director.   

Erin Fox is a powerhouse in the world of workers’ compensation law—a female attorney who has seen the system from every angle. Having practiced on both the defense and plaintiff sides, she brings unmatched insight to her advocacy for injured workers. Erin took a leap of faith to start her own firm, building it with perseverance, compassion, and a fierce commitment to justice. Outside the courtroom, Erin is a proud mother, devoted wife, and deeply loyal friend. In this episode, Erin shares how she balances business ownership with family life, what she’s learned from practicing on both sides of the bar, and why standing up for workers is more than a career—it’s a calling. 

In this powerful episode, Mandy sits down with Grover Wiley — a former professional boxer known for his fearless grit in the ring and now a respected contractor building his legacy outside of it. From trading punches under bright lights to laying foundations in the real world, Grover’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and relentless work ethic.  Grover opens up about the discipline forged through years of training, the transition from professional sports to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to keep showing up when no one’s watching. He shares raw insight into how honesty, hustle, and heart can carry you through every round — in life and in business.  If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to go from fighting opponents to fighting for your future, this is the episode for you. This isn't just about boxing or construction — it's about the unshakable mindset of a man who refuses to quit. 

When two people who believe there’s no such thing as coincidence cross paths, extraordinary things can unfold. Ashlee O'Malley, a dedicated real estate agent in the Omaha area, has spent years helping clients find not just houses—but homes. When she met Mandy, their connection went beyond the typical client-agent relationship. Both women were navigating the deep waters of grief, a shared experience that turned their journey to find Mandy’s “perfect” home into something far more meaningful. Along the way, signs from their loved ones seemed to gently guide their path, affirming they were exactly where they were meant to be.Ashlee’s unwavering commitment to helping Mandy reflects the grit, heart, and determination that have fueled her throughout her life. A passionate fitness enthusiast, devoted wife, and mother of four, you’ll be inspired by her determination—and reminded that some people are placed in our lives for a reason. Ashlee’s story is one of inspiration, perseverance—and perhaps just a little bit of magic.

Retired Judge Lawrence "Larry" Gender served as a Sarpy County Juvenile Court Judge for 28 years.  For almost 15 years, he was the project chair of the Nebraska Supreme Court statewide initiative, "Through the Eyes of the Child,” a cooperative effort involving local stakeholders who work to improve the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.  Over the years, Judge Gendler has made a positive impact on the lives of many, including Mandy Gruhlkey, as his courtroom was the first she practiced law in as a new attorney.  Mandy realized quickly that she and Judge Gendler were like-minded when it came to child welfare, and she learned and continues to learn many valuable lessons concerning compassion, collaboration, and professionalism from this treasured mentor.   A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. Check out other shows on the Hurrdat Media Network: https://hurrdatmedia.com/network/

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.  

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.  

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. 

"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.   

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.  

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!  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

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

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.  

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.