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.

We’ve all said it: “F*ck cancer.” But saying it isn’t the same as doing something about it.

On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Phil Lorio, law partner and Cure Gala chairman, and Ryan Williams of the American Cancer Society in New Orleans for a candid conversation about what it really means to fight back against cancer.

The conversation goes beyond the hashtags and social media posts to highlight the people, programs, and personal experiences behind the fight.

In this episode:

· Why “f*ck cancer” is the starting point—not the finish

· The Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers

· The American Cancer Society’s volunteer driver program helping patients get to treatment

· Phil Lorio shares a deeply personal story about his late mother and a dream that changed his perspective

· Justin Chopin reflects on losing his aunt at MD Anderson and why this cause is personal

· A behind-the-scenes look at the Cure Gala, including an unforgettable bidding war

Whether you’ve lost someone to cancer, are fighting it yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to help, there’s a way to make a difference.

You don’t have to make a huge donation. Volunteer. Give $5. Share the message. Every bit of support matters.

📍 Cure Gala 2026

September 26, 2026

Mardi Gras World | New Orleans

👉 Learn more or donate: https://nolacurebydesign.org

What is it really like to be the person millions rely on when a hurricane is approaching?

In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, Justin Chopin sits down with WWL Chief Meteorologist Chris Franklin for an inside look at forecasting some of Louisiana's most dangerous storms and the responsibility that comes with keeping communities informed.

Chris shares what sets meteorologists apart from everyone else in the newsroom, why weather coverage creates a unique connection with viewers, and what it's like working through major events such as Hurricane Ida. He also reflects on Hurricane Michael and how that experience changed the way he communicates about storms—not only as a meteorologist, but as a father.

Whether you're fascinated by weather, live along the Gulf Coast, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at local television news, this conversation offers an honest perspective on forecasting, public trust, and serving the community when it matters most.

In this episode:

Why meteorologists have a unique relationship with their communities

Behind the scenes of hurricane coverage at WWL

What it was like reporting during Hurricane Ida

How Hurricane Michael changed Chris Franklin's perspective

The responsibility of communicating risk during severe weather

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers from across Louisiana and beyond.

🌐 Chopin Law Firm: https://www.chopinlawfirm.com/

🎙️ Above the Legal Limit: https://www.youtube.com/@abovethelegallimit

What does it really take to stay ethical in a profession built on pressure, competition, and high stakes?

In this After 5 AMA episode of Above The Legal Limit, Justin Chopin sits down with fellow attorney Phil for an unfiltered conversation about the ethical lines lawyers face throughout their careers.

From refusing questionable shortcuts and safeguarding client funds to navigating competitive pressure and knowing when to simply say "no," Justin and Phil share their perspectives on what it means to protect your reputation, your clients, and your career.

And because it's After 5, they're tackling your questions over a glass of 18-year Japanese whisky. 🥃

No scripts. No complicated legal jargon. Just two attorneys answering real questions and sharing stories from inside the legal profession.

💬 What would you ask an attorney after hours? Drop your questions in the comments—they could make it into a future AMA.

👍 Like the episode, subscribe to Above The Legal Limit, and turn on notifications for more conversations from inside the legal world.

What if acting is not just for the stage, but a powerful tool for navigating real life?

In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, Justin Chopin sits down with Anthony Bean, founder and artistic director of the Anthony Bean Community Theatre and Acting School, to explore how theater develops empathy, emotional awareness, creativity, and stronger communication.

Anthony explains why acting begins with understanding yourself: your emotions, your motivations, and the human experience you share with other people. That work does more than create stronger performers. It can help lawyers avoid sounding rehearsed in the courtroom, give leaders and speakers a more authentic presence, and help children build emotional range, discipline, confidence, and empathy.

Justin and Anthony also discuss the connection between acting and the practice of law, why a suit can become a kind of costume, the difference between performance and authenticity, and how protecting your peace can sustain creativity. Anthony shares the role theater can play in helping young people become more thoughtful, expressive, and connected human beings.

In this episode, we cover:

•Why acting is a practical tool for everyday life

•How theater teaches empathy and emotional intelligence

•What lawyers, leaders, speakers, and preachers can learn from acting

•Why authentic communication matters more than sounding rehearsed

•The relationship between creativity, peace of mind, and self-awareness

•How theater helps young people build confidence, discipline, and emotional range

•Anthony Bean’s work with the Anthony Bean Community Theatre and Acting School

Learn more about Anthony Bean’s programs at https://anthonybeantheater.com/

Subscribe to Above the Legal Limit for more conversations on law, business, leadership, creativity, and the work of building a meaningful life.

What should you REALLY know before trusting someone with your personal injury claim?

In this After 5 AMA episode of Above The Legal Limit, Justin Chopin pours a glass of Hibiki Japanese whisky and answers some of the questions people don't always know to ask after an accident.

From recognizing attorney red flags and questionable tactics to understanding whether you can fire your lawyer and why you should think twice before relying solely on the insurance company's doctor, nothing is off the table.

Justin breaks down the realities of personal injury claims, the attorney-client relationship, and what injured people should know when dealing with lawyers, doctors, and insurance companies.

No scripts. No complicated legal jargon. Just candid answers to real legal questions—After 5. 🥃