Bourbon of Proof - podcast cover

Bourbon of Proof

Welcome to Bourbon of Proof. This is a show where we talk to those who have made it in the legal profession and we do it over great conversations and spirits including bourbon, whiskey and scotch. It's either going to arrive at the station on time or go off the rails entirely. The series is about law and life, hosted by Bob Simon.
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Episodes

Bringing a FILE FIRST Mentality to INJURY LAW!!

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 fie...

Jul 09, 202544 min

Joe Volta's JOURNEY - Turning DEMONS into TRIUMPHS!!

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 sus...

Jul 02, 202533 min

From US Air Force MVP to Leading Expert on DIGITAL MARKETING!

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 marke...

Jun 25, 202556 min

PI for PI… Top-Tier PRIVATE INVESTIGATING Experts for PERSONAL INJURY Cases!!

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, ...

Jun 18, 202552 min

Uprooting life and MOVING CROSS COUNTRY to work with BOB SIMON!

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 fath...

Jun 11, 202542 min

Will AI TOOLS eventually REPLACE EMPLOYEES in Law Firms?!

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 ...

Jun 04, 202531 min

Open Jar is the MADISON AVENUE SOLUTION to legal marketing!

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 coo...

May 28, 20251 hr

Obsessing over INTEGRATIONS, AUTOMATIONS and AI with Steve Mehr!

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...

May 21, 202537 min

Affecting POSITIVE CHANGE in the COURTROOM and in the COMMUNITY

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 r...

May 14, 202542 min

Reframing how we think about BRANDING in the TikTok era with STUDIO 3 MARKETING!

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 s...

May 07, 20251 hr 11 min

MASTERING Jury Selection and BALANCING Work/Life

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 proba...

Apr 30, 202544 min

AI Changing the Landscape of the Legal Space with Finch Legal Founder

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 optimizat...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 14 min

Raising The Kings Of LA - Welcome to the Simon Family

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.

Apr 16, 20251 hr 3 min

How to Master Jury Selection Strategy with Daniel Kramer

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....

Apr 09, 202558 min

How One Doctor Used Science and Law to Save Lives with Steve Ainbinder

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!...

Apr 02, 202547 min

Toyota Tried to BURY a Sexual Harassment Case - Dawn Smith

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...

Mar 26, 202558 min

Immigrant’s LIFE Taken—This Lawyer Fought for Justice! with Minh Nguyen

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 successf...

Mar 19, 202554 min

How I Escaped From South Africa's Violence & Conquered California Law with Deon Goldschmidt

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...

Mar 12, 202537 min

Is Your Lawyer Hiding Something? The Truth About Settlements! with Jamie Wright

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...

Mar 05, 202550 min

Meet The Lawyer Who Wrote Juror #2 For Clint Eastwood with Jon Abrams and Brian Philpott

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 intellectua...

Feb 26, 20251 hr

The ONE Strategy Keeping Elite Lawyers Ahead in Court with Chris Masaro

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, t...

Feb 19, 202549 min

How My Family's Escape from Cuba Fueled My Law Success with Alex Limontes

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-Rat...

Feb 12, 202552 min

When AI Attacks: Lawyers Battle the New Threat with Ryan Stygar

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 wo...

Feb 05, 202536 min

The Social Media Playbook for Lawyers – 10X Your Law Firm’s Revenue

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 tr...

Jan 29, 202547 min

How to Build a Law Culture That Commands Success with Eric Heath

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 t...

Jan 22, 202538 min

Why Being Underestimated Is a Superpower with Ilya Lerma

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. B...

Jan 09, 202543 min

Jefferson Fisher's PROVEN Formula to Achieve WORK-LIFE Balance

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

Dec 18, 202430 min

Bourbon of Proof with with Special Guest David Goins

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.

Dec 11, 202441 min

The #1 Mistake Lawyers Make When Running Their Own Firm with Gabriela Cubeiro

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 wit...

Dec 04, 202441 min

Bourbon of Proof with with Special Guest Ben Adams

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/

Nov 27, 202435 min
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