Best Susan Merrill Podcasts (2024)

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2 Samuel 3-5: Israel Becomes One Nation Under God...and David 31:55

1h ago31:55

31:55

Send us a Text Message. In 2 Samuel 2-3, David listens to God's plan for his nation but not everyone is on board. Joab and Abner start a civil war over their disagreement. After some bloodshed, Abner wants to switch teams and asks to join team David. David makes peace with him, hoping to reunite Israel as one nation. But, Joab is not on board with …

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2 Samuel 2-3:One Kingdom, Two Kings: David Fights to Unite 27:39

2h ago27:39

27:39

Send us a Text Message. 2 Samuel 2 begins well on David’s part, but for Israel, it’s what we have come to expect—messy. For the next 5 chapters, Israel will fight through the transition from Saul to David. Welcome to Season 10! Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog The Tribal Allotments of Israel Map The Old Testament Books The Ne…

1
Episode 132-My Return to Live Conferences 6:41

4h ago6:41

6:41

I was beginning to think that live conferences were in my rear view mirror...until I attended the Annual Education Conference of the National Association for Law Placement. It was my first live conference in over four years. And I was like a kid in a candy shop. While I've made a point of going to an occasional live event, especially in the last tw…

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2 Samuel Overview + 1: David Pays Tribute to Saul, the Source of His Tribulation 30:28

7d ago30:28

30:28

Send us a Text Message. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel are the story of Israel’s leadership transition from judges to the first 2 kings: Saul, who failed due to pride and disobedience, and David, a man after God’s heart. The 2 books were originally one book and are named after Samuel, the prophet God used to establish Israel’s monarchy. Most of 1 Samu…

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1 Samuel 30-31: Saul’s Fall from Sorcery to Suicide 33:28

22d ago33:28

33:28

Send us a Text Message. David is playing a dangerous game with a lot of moving parts. He is a mercenary soldier deceiving his employer, Achish who just happens to be in league with 4 other powerful Philistine leaders. At this time, Achish and their friends are attacking David’s people the Israelites. Achish believes David has been raiding the Israe…

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1 Samuel 28-29: Saul and the Medium of Endor 23:36

27d ago23:36

23:36

Send us a Text Message. For over a year, David bides his time with the Philistines. Living in Ziklag and raiding Canaanites instead of Israelites. Until a huge contingency of Philistines begins to form for a battle against the Israelites, Achish calls up David and his men to take part. Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog David's…

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Episode 131-Becoming Memorable with Merry Neitlich 37:23

16d ago37:23

37:23

We’ve talked a lot on this show about sales and marketing and how selling legal services is different than selling a product. That’s good news for those of us in the legal industry because many of us don’t like the thought of being a salesperson. Selling legal services is about relationships building. The challenge, however, is that clients general…

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1 Samuel 26-27: David Steals from Saul and Deceives Achish 31:30

29d ago31:30

31:30

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, David will face his 3rd and final test in the wilderness. This last test is a temptation, like the first, to avoid suffering. Specifically another temptation to kill Saul and end his torturous time in the wilderness. Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog David's Flight from Saul The Path to…

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Episode 130-Emotional Intelligence and EQ i-2.0 With Susan Schwartz 36:28

25d ago36:28

36:28

I've had a number of guests on this show speaking about leadership. A large part of this is that I'm very interested in the subject. But I also feel that this is a skill set that is often neglected in the legal profession. As lawyers, we learn a lot about our craft in law school and even more once we are in practice. As professionals, we are taught…

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1 Samuel 25: Abigail the Intelligent and Beautiful 30:29

1M ago30:29

30:29

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, two stories are going to take place: Samuel is going to die and David will have his second test in the wilderness. (The second test is the temptation to avenge himself.) David was anointed but not appointed king. As a threat to the current king, David was treated as a defector, an outlaw, resulting in disres…

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1 Samuel 24: David is Tested and Tempted in the Wilderness 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Send us a Text Message. In the next 3 episodes, while David is in the wilderness, he is going to have 3 tests. The first test is the temptation to avoid suffering. The second test is the temptation to avenge himself. The last test is a temptation, like the first, to avoid suffering. Will he pass all three? Thank you for being a part of the club. Sh…

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1 Samuel 22-23: Saul, the Priest-Killing King 28:27

2M ago28:27

28:27

Send us a Text Message. In 1 Samuel 22 and 23, David flees Saul, picking up 400 followers and his family along the way. King Saul searches for a mole and pursues David. Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog The Path to Good or Evil The Old Testament Books The New Testament Books Bible Timeline Contact Bible Book Club Like, comment…

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Episode 129-Law Firm Leadership with Kristi Royse 40:29

1M ago40:29

40:29

The practice of law has evolved a lot in the three decades since I graduated from law school. Technology has replace many monotonous functions and computers have replaced paper. The internet has revolutionized how legal research is done and how law firms market themselves. It has enabled remote work and interaction in a way that was unimaginable in…

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1 Samuel 20-21: Jonathan: David’s Friend of Faith, Hope, and Love 35:35

2M ago35:35

35:35

Send us a Text Message. In 1 Samuel 20 and 21, David is on the run from Saul a man who should love him. Saul is his wife’s father, his best friend Jonathan’s father, and his king, the king whom David loyally served and even risked his life for. And as you would expect, David is frustrated. Every military action he has taken has been to serve Israel…

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1 Samuel 18-19:God Provides People to Protect David 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Send us a Text Message. In 1 Samuel 18 and 19, David has been transformed overnight from a pesky inquisitive baby brother to a celebrated hero, honored court member, and soon-to-be royal family member. His resume will continue to grow as we read through the 1st and 2nd Samuel. But as David’s story builds, a contrasting subplot is being developed. T…

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Episode 128-Here Comes the Judge- the Honorable Paul Wilson (ret.) 48:15

2M ago48:15

48:15

For a long time, I’ve been meaning to invite a judge onto Counsel to Counsel to talk about judicial careers. Going on the bench is a logical next step for many litigators and I wanted to speak to a judge who could offer some practical wisdom on the subject. When I met Paul Wilson at an ABA conference in late 2022, I realized right away that I had a…

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1 Samuel 17: David Defends God, Defeats Goliath 26:37

3M ago26:37

26:37

Send us a Text Message. When we left Saul and David, Saul was suffering mentally from an evil spirit. David was summoned to soothe Saul’s nerves on the recommendation of a servant who said he played the lyre well and the Lord was with him. It worked; the music was soothing to Saul. Saul liked David and made him an armor bearer. And in 1 Samuel 17, …

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1 Samuel 16-17: God Sees What Man Can’t...the Heart. 29:33

3M ago29:33

29:33

Send us a Text Message. In 1 Samuel 16 and 17, the reign of Saul as king of Israel does not end overnight. It was a gradual process; much happened in between, with several lessons for us. Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog The Path to Good or Evil The Old Testament Books The New Testament Books Bible Timeline Contact Bible Book…

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Episode 127-Law Firm Operations and Launching Your Own Firm-With Diane Camacho 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

In the legal press and even in popular media, larger law firms tend to get a most of the attention. In truth, a high percentage of lawyers in the United States practice in firms that are under 20 attorneys. And many of those are solo practitioners or very small firms that have broken away from larger firms. While I know that there are many lawyers …

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1 Samuel 15: Saul Makes Excuses for Falling Short 28:39

3M ago28:39

28:39

Send us a Text Message. Even though Saul has been told that his descendants will not be king and that God has chosen another man to replace him, that person has not been revealed, and Saul is still the king. 1 Samuel 15 shows the door still open for Saul to redeem himself in some way in whatever days he has left. An opportunity to find favor with t…

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1 Samuel 13-14: The Fall of Saul 34:27

3M ago34:27

34:27

Send us a Text Message. In 1 Samuel 13 and 14, the Israelites are hopeful that Saul is the answer to the long-awaited promise made in Genesis. While it looks to them that Saul is the king--often called the "second Adam"--he is not. His fall comes fast. Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog The Old Testament Books The New Testament…

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Episode 126-Embracing Legal Technology with Colin Levy 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

When I graduated from law school in the late 1980s, there was no internet, no email, and fax machines were widely in use. I used a Dictaphone to generate correspondence and had an assistant to transcribe the tapes. While working remotely was possible because of the telephone, going into an office was the norm. In the intervening years, the rate of …

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1 Samuel 10-12: The Rise of King Saul 24:36

4M ago24:36

24:36

Send us a Text Message. In 1 Samuel 10, 11, and 12, our story has a back-and-forth feel like a game...a chess game. Each team now has a king. Team Israel has a king – Saul. Team God has a king – God and a voice -- Samuel. Let's study the rise of King Saul together. Thank you for being part of the club. Blog Bible Timeline Contact Bible Book Club Li…

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1 Samuel 8-10: Israel Finally Gets a King 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

Send us a Text Message. In the first seven chapters of 1 Samuel, we learn the story of Samuel himself. In the following six chapters, we learn of the first King of Israel, Saul. Israel once again is not satisfied by having the one true God as their king. They want a human ruler and so the search begins...and ends with Saul. Thank you for being a pa…

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1 Samuel 6+7: Philistines Deliver Golden Rats, Tumors, and a Lesson 30:58

4M ago30:58

30:58

Send us a Text Message. When we open today in 1 Samuel 6, the Israelites have lost the ark and are suffering without the presence of God. The Philistines have gained the ark but are suffering with the presence of God! Samuel is nowhere to be seen...yet. Thank you for being a part of the club. Show Notes Blog The Path to Good or Evil The Old Testame…

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Episode 125-James Grace on Financial Planning After the Bar 47:34

4M ago47:34

47:34

We talk a lot on this program about finding ways to build a more satisfying legal career. While many attorneys are drawn to the profession because they care about justice, they like the idea of becoming a trusted advisor, or they just enjoy the intellectual rigor of being an attorney, status and money are important too. But if you are like me, one …

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1 Samuel 4 + 5: Eli Falls and The Ark Takes a Tour of Terror 27:35

4M ago27:35

27:35

Send us a Text Message. Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of 1 Samuel, are part of what is called the ark narrative because they tell the story of the Philistine's victory over Israel and their possession of the ark of the covenant. Samuel is absent from these chapters. The focus is on the failure of Eli and his sons as spiritual leaders. The loss of th…

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1 Samuel 2 + 3: Hannah Sings, Samuel's Called, and Eli Can't Stop His Sinning Sons 32:19

4M ago32:19

32:19

Send us a Text Message. In chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of 1 Samuel, the story transitions from Hannah and the birth of her son Samuel who will be the future prophet and priest, to Eli, the current high priest. The story of Eli's wicked family is a sad contrast to Samuel's faithful family. Hophni and Phinehas are not qualified to lead the people. B…

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Episode 124-Lauren Rikleen on Social Justice and Defending American Democracy 40:16

4M ago40:16

40:16

In this episode, I speak with my first “threepeat” guest, Lauren Rikleen. This is Lauren’s third appearance on Counsel to Counsel. She was actually one of my first guests when I launched the show in 2018. In that episode, we spoke about success strategies for women and the work she has done on that issue. In the Spring of 2022,I invited Lauren back…

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1 Samuel Overview + 1: Hannah Cancels Persecution with Prayer 29:20

5M ago29:20

29:20

Send us a Text Message. In chapter 1 of the Book of 1 Samuel, we meet Hannah. At this point in her life, her husband is not enough to bring her joy. She is overwhelmed by her barrenness and prays to God in her distress. We see God provide Hannah with a blessing in the form of a son, whom she names Samuel. What Samuel becomes to Israel is where our …

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Ruth: How's Ruth's Genealogy Ends in the Christmas Story 18:25

5M ago18:25

18:25

Send us a Text Message. In this final episode from the Book of Ruth, we will bring Ruth’s story full circle back to Christmas because Ruth's genealogy leads to Christ. For those of you who have listened to all of season 8, the 4 regular episodes and 4 bonus Advent episodes, it is our prayer that the focus of these episodes on hope, love, faith, and…

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Ruth 4: Advent Bonus - Joy 14:43

5M ago14:43

14:43

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Ruth Advent series! We hope this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth Episode 4 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode. This is the fourth of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth that correspond to t…

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Ruth 4: The Seed is Planted 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

Send us a Text Message. In the Book of Ruth chapter 4, we will come to the climactic end of our story. We began the Book of Ruth with a story of famine and death. We will end the book of Ruth with a story of provision and birth. The book of Ruth is, above all else, a story of redemption. God is in the business of redeeming what was lost. Ruth Adven…

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Ruth 3: Advent Bonus - Faith 13:14

5M ago13:14

13:14

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Ruth Advent series! We hope that this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth 3 Episode 3 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode. This is the third of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth that correspon…

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Ruth 3: What Happens on the Floor, Stays on the Floor 36:09

5M ago36:09

36:09

Send us a Text Message. In chapter 3 of the Book of Ruth, Naomi plays matchmaker with a crazy plan to get Boaz’s attention. Naomi is beginning to see some hope in Ruth’s growing relationship with Boaz. But after months of Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s field nothing has happened. So Naomi comes up with a plan of her own. She instructs Ruth to get dressed …

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Episode 123-Setting Your 2024 Goals and Creating Your “To Don't" List with Jennifer Forester and Wendy Merrill 45:53

5M ago45:53

45:53

December is a great time to take stock, hit the reset button, and do some planning. With 2024 around the corner, I’ve been speaking with my clients about setting goals for the new year. I’m not talking about making New Year’s resolutions. It's important to understand that resolutions and goals are not the same. Resolutions often lack specificity an…

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Ruth 2: Advent Bonus - Love 12:08

6M ago12:08

12:08

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Ruth Advent series! We hope that this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth 2 Episode 2 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode. This is the second of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth that correspo…

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Ruth 2: Ruth Steps Out & Boaz Steps Up 29:37

6M ago29:37

29:37

Send us a Text Message. In chapter 2 of the Book of Ruth, Ruth meets Boaz. The chapter is loaded with five scenes–all conversations between the three main characters, Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Naomi and Ruth are settled in Bethlehem, but their situation is not good. They need to provide for themselves, but Naomi seems unable to help. Ruth must take ma…

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Ruth 1: Advent Bonus - Hope 11:00

6M ago11:00

11:00

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to the Ruth Advent series! We hope that this amazing story will make Advent come alive for you in a new way. We recommend you play Ruth 1 Episode 1 first to listen to the chapter and discussion before listening to this Advent Bonus episode. This is the first of four bonus episodes from the Book of Ruth that correspon…

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Episode 122-For the Sake of Your Mental Health, Stop Thinking (and Acting) Like a Lawyer 6:29

5M ago6:29

6:29

As attorneys, we share many qualities that make us effective in representing our clients. Our skepticism, aversion to risk, sense of urgency, competitiveness, and pessimism, can all be good for out clients. But when it comes to building a practice, advancing our careers, or taking on leadership roles, we are more effective when we remove our lawyer…

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Ruth 1: Sweet Naomi's Bitter Return 29:27

6M ago29:27

29:27

Send us a Text Message. The story in Ruth begins with Naomi and her family relocating to Moab from Bethlehem due to a famine in Israel, which is ironic given that Bethlehem means "house of bread." Naomi's husband, Elimelek, meaning "my God is king," reflects a connection to the final verse of Judges, stating that in those days, Israel had no king. …

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Judges 20-21: When Everyone Did as They Saw Fit 30:04

6M ago30:04

30:04

Send us a Text Message. In Judges 19-21, we witness a series of horrifying events that epitomize the moral decay in Israel during those dark days. The story unfolds as a street-level view of a nation where everyone does as they see fit. The Levite, who had shown a complete lack of compassion for his concubine, takes a gruesome turn. Upon returning …

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Judges 17-19: The Dark Days of Israel 29:42

6M ago29:42

29:42

Send us a Text Message. In Chapters 17-19 of the Book of Judges, we delve into the grim realities of a time when Israel had lost its moral compass. These chapters offer a street-level perspective on the chaotic lives of the people, each person living as they saw fit. We begin with the story of Micah, a man who attempted to manipulate God's favor th…

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Judges 15-16: Samson's Cycle of Retaliation and Revenge 29:25

7M ago29:25

29:25

Send us a Text Message. In this gripping episode, we dive into the intense narrative of Judges Chapters 15 and 16, which chronicles the relentless conflict between Samson and the Philistines. This cycle of revenge and retaliation begins with a shocking betrayal by Samson's new father-in-law, who gives his wife to a Philistine groomsman, inciting Sa…

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Episode 121-John Buckley on Building Your Executive Presence 51:33

6M ago51:33

51:33

It is axiomatic that if you want to have a successful legal career, you need to learn your craft. Most areas of legal practice require highly refined analytical abilities coupled with good judgment. For the most part, the first developmental task of any new lawyer is to learn how to practice law. But if you want to advance in your career, you need …

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Judges 13-14: Samson's Obsession with Self-Gratification 29:49

7M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we journey through Judges 13-14 exploring the brief mention of the last three minor judges: Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Their stories set the stage marked by the ominous phrase, "again, the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” giving way to our meeting of the final judge, Samson; the most famous, and ar…

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Judges 10-12: Jephthah the Outcast Judge 30:08

7M ago30:08

30:08

Send us a Text Message. In this podcast episode, we witness the Israelites caught in a familiar cycle of wrongdoing and crying out to God for help. Surprisingly, they appoint Jephthah, an outcast, as their leader. Jephthah's tale takes a sorrowful turn when, lacking knowledge of the covenantal history between God and the Israelites, he makes a rash…

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Episode 120-Scaling Your Law Firm with AI 39:03

7M ago39:03

39:03

Artificial Intelligence continues to be a big unknown in the legal space. It holds tremendous promise for streamlining the delivery of legal services and is already being deployed to expedite discovery, to help draft contracts, to assist with client intake, and to streamline many other functions that once required a lot more human labor. AI is now …

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Judges 8-10: Abimelek’s Ascent: The Son Who Killed to be King 28:40

7M ago28:40

28:40

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we meet Gideon's illegitimate son, Abimelek. Abimelek's rise to power is full of violence toward strangers and family alike. Abimelech cut a deal with the people of Shechem to become king. His first task was to assassinate his 70 brothers, except for one. The one who escaped, Jotham, appeared at Mount Gerizi…

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Judges 6-8:Gideon’s Fleeces and Flaws 33:29

8M ago33:29

33:29

Send us a Text Message. Chapter 6-8 of Judges describes the story of Gideon, a deeply flawed judge who really wanted to be king. Despite his flaws, Gideon was also a man of great faith who was used by God to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon's faith was put to the test when God called him to lead the Israelites to victory. Gideon w…

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