Bourbon of Proof

https://justiceteamnetwork.com This week on Bourbon of Proof, legal tech wizard Kenny Eliason joins Bob and Mauro straight from Las Vegas. He shares stories about getting the boot from law school and how it actually turned out to be the best plot twist in his career. He also drops knowledge on how AI and social media are shaking up the legal world and dives into how his company, Quilia, is turning law firms into productivity powerhouses. And if that weren't enough, Kenny has a very convincing argument for why driving from Vegas to LA is always better than flying... Buckle up!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Today on Bourbon of Proof, Bob and Mauro are joined by attorney, podcaster, and certified Kentucky expert Mikaela Dixon — Bob's former law clerk turned rising legal star. Mikaela hosts the Ladies in Law podcast, so she knows her way around a microphone (and a courtroom). The guys share stories from the Kentucky Derby and Mikaela proves she can hold her own when it comes to Bluegrass State trivia. She's not just sipping bourbon, ladies and gentlemen — she's serving facts!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com This time on Bourbon of Proof, Bob and Mauro welcome legal tech trailblazer Vivek Rao. He founded Foundation AI to solve a massive bottleneck law firms face daily: the flood of physical mail and email in legal workflows. He dives into the current capabilities of legal AI, how far automation has come, and answers the big question: how long until AI agents are doing everything for us? (it may be sooner than you think) Don't worry, it's not all business — once the whiskey starts flowing, Bob quizzes Vivek about his "pirate days" aboard a booze cruise in Portugal... Ahoy!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com This week on Bourbon of Proof, Bob and Mauro are joined by the incomparable Micki Love of CJ Advertising and Xcelerator Consulting. They dive into why data is the real MVP behind law firm growth, how AI-driven intake is changing the game, and why making clients repeat themselves might be the silent killer of your firm's reputation. They also tackle the hot topic of AI transparency—should firms disclose it? Should they use it as a selling point? And if all that weren't enough, there's Garrison Bros Whiskey Pecan Ice Cream in the mix!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com This week on Bourbon of Proof the guys welcome Joe Rodonis, a fitness coach and mental strength junkie who immediately questions how he ended up on a legal podcast. But Joe fits right in, flexing his muscles AND his mind as they dive into the psychology behind fitness, law, and the weird overlap between a bench press and a courtroom bench. Their chat gets philosophical, a little sweaty, and possibly competitive as Bob and Mauro settle things the only way that makes sense: a push-up contest. Grab your favorite bourbon-infused protein shake and join the reps, rants, and ridiculousness — LFG!!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com On this episode of Bourbon of Proof, lawyer-turned-producer Gary Raskin joins the guys to talk shop—Hollywood-style. From negotiating entertainment deals to carving out his own space in the industry, Gary knows how to hustle in a business built on dreams and contracts. He also spills the (bourbon-soaked) tea on being an early investor in Brother's Bond Bourbon and helping the brand grow into a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Mauro takes a long winter's nap mid-episode...

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this episode, Darren Fancher rolls in with gifts—cocktail kits from The Mixing Glass & Market in Costa Mesa, CA. This legal tech visionary joins Bob and Mauro to stir, sip, and spill the tea on his journey from Silicon Valley burnout to eventual startup success. He opens up about selling a company mid-COVID (party canceled), and how his latest venture, Bot Mediation, is settling disputes faster than you can say "calendar continuance." The guys also take a nostalgic detour into Bob's illustrious telemarketing days. Yes, folks, Bob once sold dreams… one phone call at a time.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com On this effervescent episode of Bourbon of Proof, the guys sip on something stronger while guest Colleen Joyce enjoys some bubbly (she's more Dom than Jim Beam). She shares how she built Lawyer.com from a startup to a legal tech powerhouse with a bold brand that she quite literally chased across the globe—including a wild trip to Greece to recruit none other than Lindsay Lohan to be the celebrity face of the company. Colleen discusses leading the AI charge in the legal space, what her company looked like at the beginning vs. today, and she and Bob even find time to create some hypothetical dream Euro vacations. All that while Mauro breaks down his conspiracy theories about Colombian hippos and L.A. parrots forming rogue empires... Settle in and enjoy!

On another "dry" episode of Bourbon of Proof, the guys sit down with attorney, trailblazer, and all-around badass Angel Reyes for a conversation over a delicious, alcohol-free gin alternative. Angel dives into stories about growing up in Puerto Rico, drops wisdom on navigating property tax madness in Texas vs. California, and explains why his firm lives by a "file first" mentality to fast-track justice! The crew also takes a nostalgic detour through Bob and Mauro's glory days on the baseball field (spoiler: neither of them is making the Hall of Fame) and Angel shares how a bold move—becoming the first legal advertiser on Univision—paid off in a big way. An episode full of stories about risk and resilience, pull up a chair and jump in!

In a rare twist, the whiskey stays corked as East Coast Lawyer Joe Volta joins Bob and Mauro for an alcohol-free episode of BOP (don't worry, the chaos remains intact). Joe gets real about his journey through addiction and recovery, "dishes" on his culinary past, and throws some shade at Bob's beloved Steelers in favor of his Ravens. He also drops wisdom on how to land and actually KEEP clients—and discusses his personal strategy of "firing himself." Meanwhile, Mauro admits he travels with a suspiciously thick pile of mail (bills? fan letters? expired Bed Bath & Beyond coupons?) and passionately ranks his favorite board games. This one's a sober reminder that the proof isn't always in the bourbon.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Jason Hennessey is no stranger to podcasts (he hosts one of his own)—though he's not usually sipping bourbon while recording. A legal entrepreneur who literally wrote the book on SEO, Jason joins Bob and Mauro to trace his wild journey from military life to mastering the digital marketing game. They debate when you're officially too old for YPO, revisit the dial-up days of early SEO, and even explore the seedy side of search—yes, we're talking porn and casino marketing. No combat training required—just pour a glass and press play!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Bob is joined by his favorite private eyes—and his longtime friends—Carlos and John Fernandez for a wild ride through the shadowy (and sometimes funny) world of private investigation. They dive into the brothers' early days on the PI scene staking out the counterfeit handbag market and another truly bizarre case involving a missing set of tires that somehow ended up in Mexico. Mauro shares a legendary (and highly questionable) scam for sneaking into concerts, and, because it wouldn't be a proper episode without it, he also takes a nap. Grab a glass—this is a fun one!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Bob and Mauro welcome Houston native, former Division One athlete, and legal eagle Evan Garcia—who once dreamed of being a sports agent before taking the courtroom by storm. Evan cracks open a bottle gifted to him by none other than Bob himself and it's a showstopper! Perhaps one of the finest pours in BOP history?? - High West's "The Prisoner." Evan shares the wild ride of uprooting his family to work with Bob Simon, and things get real as the gang dives into fatherhood, family values, and raising kids who don't turn into jerks. And just when you think it's all heartfelt and wholesome, Mauro brings it home with the legendary (and undeniably tragic) tale of Elvis Presley's final moments… on the toilet.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com This week on Bourbon of Proof, Bob and Mauro take on a bold challenge: can they convert tequila-loving trial lawyer Pratik Shah into a bourbon believer? Pratik brings the heat with insights on building a future-ready law firm, the evolving role of AI in legal tech, and what it's like to run EsquireTek. They cover everything from high-level litigation strategy and state-to-state law quirks to—you guessed it—sleepovers at your parents' house in your 40s. Oh, and did we mention Pratik is a founding member of Justice HQ AND a fellow Steelers fan? This episode blends brains, booze, and a bold look at the future of law. Enjoy!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Open Jar's Adam Warren pulls up a chair (and a few bottles of homegrown American whiskey) to chat with the guys about transforming lawyers into digital superstars. Covering everything from Adam's game-changing advertising agency, to his children's book A Bear with Pants, to the best chicken taco in Austin, TX, this episode is one wild ride. AND, Adam even gifts the guys with some swag that puts Mauro's now infamous $3 tin of cookies to shame! Pour yourself a glass and press play—this one's got flavor!

This ori-GIN-al episode of Bourbon of Proof swaps out bourbon for gin—but the spirit of the conversation is as bold as ever. Bob and Mauro trade sips and dive deep into the backstory of Steve Mehr, a true innovator who turned down high-paying job offers at a young age to forge his own path. Steve shares how he's scaled his firms by obsessing over data, integrations, automations, and AI—leveraging legal-tech products specifically built for lawyers to transform the way legal services are delivered. From rebranding Sweet James to "winning the space" multiple times, Steve opens up about why he still feels like there's something to prove, even at the top.

Twice named Ventura County Trial Lawyer of the Year (because once just wasn't enough), Trevor Quirk joins the guys for a conversation that's equal parts legal insight and community inspiration. Trevor's racked up some seriously impressive verdicts in court, but what really sets him apart is his big heart and even bigger drive to make the world a better place. The crew tackles the myth of the so-called "nuclear verdict" and how defendants often had every chance to settle for far less. They also reminisce about the time Bob crashed at Trevor's place during a trial — a week fueled by great whiskey, good strategy, and entirely too much Ben & Jerry's.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Step behind-the-scenes with two members of the Bourbon of Proof creative team: actor, producer, and social media legend Patrick Renna, and branding wizard and creative strategist Brandon Pearson from Studio 3 Marketing. Get an inside look at how they're elevating performance marketing in the legal space through compelling storytelling and a top-tier creative approach. From boosting rankings and reach to building a trusted, results-driven team, Patrick and Brandon share actionable insights for anyone looking to make their mark with impactful, branded video content. Join us as the guys enjoy some incredible pours and dive deep into what it really takes to rise above the noise and stand out in a crowded market.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Pop some Martinelli's and settle in for a rare (gasp!) alcohol-free episode of Bourbon of Proof as we toast with the ever-inspiring Ibiere Seck! We talk humanity in law, her unmatched passion for trial work, and her Jedi-level insights on jury selection. Ibiere also tackles the age-old conundrum: Can you be an incredible trial lawyer, a terrific spouse, an amazing parent, a dedicated civil servant… and still make your bed in the morning? (Spoiler Alert: She's probably doing all five before you've had your coffee.) From shaping legislation to mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers, Ibiere is all about IMPACT. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com AI is not just for turning humanity into slave batteries used to power the CPUs of our computer overlords - it is used for the optimization and efficiency of your practices, providing your clients with streamlined service allowing your firm to scale to new heights. On this episode Host Bob Simon and Co-Host Mauro Fiore welcome Viraj Bindra of Finch Legal. We delve into Viraj's origin story, he tells Bob and Mauro about how the lessons he learned regarding optimization and efficiency during his time at DoorDash are surprisingly applicable to his newest legal platform, and wow's them with his mixology skills, to quote Bob, "Holy s*** that's good." Cheers!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com What do Nuns, Pittsburgh Toilets, and industry disruptors have in common? In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon welcomes his two brothers and the patriarch of the family, Bob Simon Sr. We dive into the the past and explore how a tight-knit family relationship leads to purpose, partnership and hard won success. Oh, and co-host Mauro Fiore teaches us how to scam Catholic Schools.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this exciting episode of Bourbon of Proof, we sit down with the powerhouse trial lawyer Daniel Kramer to uncover his top strategies for jury selection, winning multimillion-dollar cases, and navigating the challenges of running a law firm. Get ready for behind-the-scenes secrets, courtroom wins, and an inside look at what it takes to become a true giant in the legal world! If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon welcomes Dr. Steven Ainbinder, who shares his incredible journey from a personal health crisis to creating MoveDocs. This revolutionary solution connects injured patients with top-tier physicians, improving medical outcomes and streamlining legal processes. Tune in to hear how this passionate expert is reshaping healthcare access and fast-tracking life-saving treatments!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com Toyota FOUGHT US TOOTH AND NAIL in a brutal sexual harassment case—before OCR, before automation, when legal battles meant drowning in paperwork. Now, nursing home abuse cases are a new war zone, but the real ENEMY? Private equity hiding behind shell games. How do you FIGHT BACK? Let's break it down with Dawn Smith on this episode of Bourbon of Proof. Beyond the courtroom, we dive into whiskey culture, high-stakes litigation, and unexpected adventures—from Austrian chocolate tastings to Hollywood legal battles. Pour yourself a glass and join us for this powerful conversation

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this captivating episode of Bourbon of Proof, Bob Simon sits down with Minh T. Nguyen, an extraordinary trial lawyer and the first Asian-American president of CAALA. Minh shares his emotional journey in law, from defending immigrant families to handling heart-wrenching cases in the courtroom. This episode uncovers the hidden struggles of valuing a life in legal battles, the challenges faced by immigrant families, and the power of mentorship in shaping a successful career. Plus, we'll enjoy some whiskey while reflecting on powerful, personal stories that you won't want to miss! If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.

Why did Deon Goldschmidt leave South Africa? It wasn't just a career move—it was a life-or-death decision. After a terrifying incident involving his kids, Deon knew it was time to start over. At 40, with no roots in the legal community, Deon moved to California and built a legal empire from scratch. From passing the bar to handling 500+ cases, this is his story of resilience, reinvention, and redemption. Buckle up—it's a wild ride. https://justiceteamnetwork.com

In this eye-opening episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon sits down with Jamie E. Wright, expert in managing multidimensional businesses and crisis communicator, to dive deep into the world of secret settlements. Jamie shares the truth about how these confidential agreements can affect clients, the ethical considerations at play, and why they often serve as a veil for deeper issues in the legal system. From bribery and emotional distress claims to the realities of negotiating behind closed doors, you'll get an exclusive look at what's really happening in the courtroom. Tune in for some jaw-dropping revelations about the world of legal settlements! https://justiceteamnetwork.com

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this episode, host Bob Simon welcomes Jonathan A. Abrams, the writer behind Juror No. 2, the Clint Eastwood-directed thriller making waves in Hollywood. They dive into the art of storytelling in law and film, the moral dilemmas of jury duty, and how a judge's request for help with a closing argument led to the creation of a major Warner Bros. film. Joining the conversation is Brian J. Philpott, a partner at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, specializing in intellectual property law. Brian shares insights on patent litigation, trademark enforcement, copyright issues, and how legal battles shape industries like tech, fashion, and entertainment. Along the way, they swap wild law school memories, discuss accurate legal depictions in media, and review a fine selection of bottles. Don't miss this blend of law, storytelling, intellectual property, and bourbon!

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon sits down with Chris Massaro, CEO of TSEG and a trailblazer in legal marketing, to uncover the ONE strategy that's giving elite lawyers the edge they need in court. Chris shares insights from over a decade of experience, revealing how problem-solving frameworks like 1-3-1 and a client-first mindset are revolutionizing trial success. From navigating the complexities of mass torts to staying ahead of legal trends, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom for attorneys aiming to dominate in the courtroom.

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this gripping episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon uncorks the extraordinary journey of Alex Limontes—a first-generation Cuban-American who turned his family's trauma into legal triumph. After Castro's regime seized his grandfather's grocery stores and forced their escape to America with nothing but hope, Alex channeled that resilience into dominating Indiana's courtroom battles. Discover how he rose from humble beginnings to become a Super Lawyer, AV-Rated Attorney, and fierce advocate for Indiana's underrepresented Hispanic community. From jury selection secrets to surviving earthquakes and bourbon-fueled depositions, Alex reveals how his family's fight for survival became the blueprint for his million-dollar legal empire. If you've ever doubted your roots could be your greatest strength, this episode will change your mind—and your mindset.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Bob Simon chats with Ryan Stygar about the rising challenges AI presents to the legal world. From deepfake scams preying on the unsuspecting to the terrifying possibility of AI-fueled misinformation igniting global crises, attorneys are stepping up to confront these new digital threats. Learn how the legal community is tackling these complex issues and what it means for trust and justice in an increasingly tech-dependent society. This is a conversation you won't want to miss! https://justiceteamnetwork.com

Want to know how to turn social media into a goldmine for your law firm? In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon sits down with Brian Riley and Austin Kurtz, two powerhouse personal injury attorneys, to reveal their proven playbook for dominating social media and 10Xing your firm's revenue. From overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there to building a brand that attracts high-value cases, they share the strategies that have transformed their practice. If you're tired of the traditional grind and ready to take control of your legal career, this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Let's go! https://justiceteamnetwork.com

https://justiceteamnetwork.com In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, host Bob Simon sits down with Eric Heath to dive into the secret behind building a law firm culture that commands success. They speak about mentorship, fostering community, and placing clients first for lasting impact. Navigating from pre-litigation challenges, empowering clients with respect and options, Eric opens up game-changing strategies. Whether you're a seasoned attorney or just starting, this conversation goes to show the building blocks of a successful law culture. Don't miss the lessons that can change your practice and mindset!

You think you know what it takes to make it as a trial lawyer? Think again. Ilya Lerma didn't just defy expectations—she obliterated them. They said she didn't have what it takes, but now she's dominating the courtroom, proving every doubter wrong in the most spectacular way. This isn't just a story about winning cases; it's about grit, guts, and the relentless pursuit of justice. In this video, we dive into how Ilya flipped the script and became a force to be reckoned with in the legal world. Buckle up—this is one you don't want to miss. https://justiceteamnetwork.com

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Bob Simon sits down with Jefferson Fisher to uncover his proven formula for achieving work-life balance. From mastering communication to setting intentional priorities, Fisher shares actionable insights on thriving in law, family, and beyond. Don't miss this powerful conversation packed with practical tips to redefine success and happiness! https://justiceteamnetwork.com

Discover how Walker Advertising is revolutionizing legal marketing in this exclusive interview. Learn how their innovative approach has helped lawyers nationwide capture more cases, handling over 30,000 calls weekly. Gain insights into the challenges faced by attorneys in the business side of law and how Walker's data-driven strategies are expanding market reach. Perfect for law firms looking to boost their marketing efforts and stay competitive in today's digital landscape.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Bob Simon sits down with Gabriela Cubeiro, VP of Marketing at AffiniPay and co-founder of CASEpeer, to uncover the #1 mistake lawyers make when running their own firms. Gabriela shares valuable insights on why lawyers often overlook the business side of their practice, and how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset is the key to driving profitability and long-term success. Whether you're just starting your own firm or looking to scale, this episode is packed with essential strategies to transform your legal practice into a thriving business. https://justiceteamnetwork.com/

In this powerful episode of Bourbon of Proof, Ben Adams takes on the corporate giants of Big Pharma, exposing the shocking truths behind the Johnson & Johnson asbestos scandal. Tune in as Ben reveals his bold legal strategies and the fight for justice in one of the most outrageous cover-ups in history. Don't miss this gripping discussion on holding corporations accountable. https://justiceteamnetwork.com/

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, we dive into the inspiring journey of Adam Juratovac, from legal expertise to viral success. Adam Juratovac is a California Employment Law Attorney who transitioned from football to law and then took the social media world by storm. Adam shares how his legal expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and viral content creation have reshaped his career, helping countless clients and entrepreneurs along the way. Tune in to discover the mindset and strategies behind Adam's rise to success! https://justiceteamnetwork.com/

In this latest episode of Bourbon of Proof, we're diving deep into the art of selling with my longtime friend Garrett Brown and his teaching partner, Colin Coggins. These two aren't just sales experts; they're changing the game at USC with their popular course, "Sales Mindset for Entrepreneurs," and they're the authors of The Unsold Mindset, a Wall Street Journal Bestseller. Garrett and Colin break down why the most effective salespeople aren't just about flashy tactics—they're about authenticity, self-awareness, and connecting on a human level. Lawyers, especially, need to understand this mindset since we're selling every day, whether it's convincing a jury or gaining a client's trust. Throughout the episode, Garrett and Colin share stories from their own journeys, including Garrett's story of meeting his wife and Mauro's hilarious attempt to pass as Persian on a date. If you're a lawyer, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to connect with people in a genuine way, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a fresh look at what it really means to "sell." Grab a glass and tune in!

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Bob Simon sits down with Paige Sparks to discuss her game-changing approach to employment law. Paige shares how she went viral by challenging traditional norms in the legal field, using bold strategies that not only disrupted the industry but also gained massive attention. She dives into her journey of navigating the viral content creation process, balancing personal and professional life, and her unique take on legal drama. Tune in to hear how Paige's viral strategy is redefining employment law!

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, we sit down with comedian Jeff Dye to explore his remarkable journey of sobriety and transformation. From navigating the challenges of life without alcohol to finding humor in his experiences, Jeff shares candid insights into his career and personal struggles. Join us as we dive into the intersections of law, life, and laughter, uncovering what it truly means to make a comeback—unfiltered and authentic.

In this Bourbon of Proof episode, we dive into the future of legal services with Jack Newton, CEO of Clio. Discover how technology, AI, and innovative case management solutions are transforming the legal world, making services more accessible, and challenging traditional law firm practices. Don't miss insights on building a legal tech empire, improving lawyer responsiveness, and navigating the rapid evolution of AI in law.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, we sit down with civil trial attorney Byron J. Abron, better known as BJ, to explore his inspiring journey from Compton to securing million-dollar verdicts in the courtroom. BJ shares his transition from representing corporations at a top defense firm to pursuing his true passion for helping injured individuals and their families. We dive into the challenges of law practice, the impact of community work, and we take an approach to blending fashion, whiskey, and legal battles.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, we sit down with Ray Mieszaniec, Co-Founder and COO of EvenUp, to discuss how he disrupted the legal tech industry and built a billion-dollar empire. Ray shares his inspiring journey, fueled by personal hardship, and how he used AI to revolutionize personal injury claims.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Jason Sanchez joins us to discuss how he passed the BAR exam & while raising a family.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Hunter Garnett joins us to discuss how he turned his passion into a profitable law firm.

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, Ashley Peinhardt joins us to discuss her experience on being the 1st female partner in a century-old firm.

In this episode from Bourbon of Proof, Mitri S. Shatara joins us to discuss how he manages up to 4,000 cases per month. Learn how!

In this episode of Bourbon of Proof, California's Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks out and discusses what led him to becoming Attorney General.