Rewrite this but make sure the guest's name is spelled right, it should be Bennett Kirschner :

What does a trial lawyer have in common with a theater director? Almost everything.

In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Bennett Kirshner, founding artistic director of Intramural Theater in New Orleans, for a thoughtful conversation about performance, storytelling, identity, and the surprising connection between the courtroom and the stage.

Justin describes the suit as “the mask” he puts on before court, opening the door to a deeper discussion about the roles people play, the stories they tell, and what it takes to connect with an audience, a jury, or a client.

In this episode, Justin and Bennett explore:

The connection between trial lawyers and theater directors

How courtroom advocacy relies on storytelling and performance

The role of authenticity behind a professional persona

Why presentation, preparation, and audience awareness matter

The similarities between a courtroom, a stage, and everyday life

Bennett’s work with Intramural Theater in New Orleans

Whether you work in law, theater, business, or simply find yourself navigating different roles every day, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we present ourselves and connect with others.

Learn more about Bennett Kirshner and Intramural Theater:

https://intramuraltheater.org

What’s your “mask”? Share your answer in the comments.

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more conversations about law, leadership, creativity, and the people shaping New Orleans.

No one knows true fear like an entrepreneur the night before payroll.

That’s where this episode of Above the Legal Limit goes beyond a typical business conversation.

Host Justin Chopin sits down with Brandon Foreman, CEO of Family Resource Group Inc., for a candid discussion about entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and the pressure that comes with building and running a business.

Brandon shares the lessons that shaped his approach to business, including a mountain-climbing experience that changed the way he leads, the “How can I help?” mindset behind his company’s growth across seven cities, and the simple rule he lives by: “Never skip twice.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How a mountain-climbing experience changed Brandon’s leadership philosophy
• The “How can I help?” mindset behind Family Resource Group Inc.
• The 1-3-1 framework Brandon and Justin use to solve problems more efficiently
• Why client expectations and communication preferences are changing
• How Brandon manages the uncertainty and responsibility of running a business
• The meaning behind “Never skip twice”
• The advice from Brandon’s mother that became clear after reaching the top of a mountain

This conversation is for business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who has ever felt responsible for solving a problem no one else could handle.

Learn more about Brandon’s work:

https://familyresourcegroupinc.com

What is the loneliest part of running a business? Share your answer in the comments.

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more honest conversations about business, leadership, law, and entrepreneurship.

Can authenticity become New Orleans’ greatest economic advantage?

On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., for a candid conversation about the future of New Orleans and Louisiana.

Michael explains why the world is finally paying attention to what New Orleans has always done well, which industries are driving the state’s next phase of growth, and why the city’s “date NOLA, marry Dallas” reputation may soon be outdated.

In this episode, Justin and Michael discuss:

• The authenticity premium and why it matters in an age of AI-generated content
• Four industries shaping Louisiana’s economic future
• The changing relationship between New Orleans, Dallas, and other growing markets
• How artificial intelligence could influence the future of the city
• The challenges Louisiana must overcome to reach its full potential
• Michael’s thoughts on local culture, business, branding, and community

The conversation also includes candid stories about THC drinks, DUI podcast branding, and why Louisiana may be home to the best barbecue in America.

Whether you live in New Orleans, left Louisiana, or have never visited, this episode offers a compelling look at why more people are paying attention to the state’s future.

Learn more about Michael Hecht’s work at Greater New Orleans Inc.:

https://gnoinc.org

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more conversations about law, leadership, business, and the future of Louisiana.