In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, hosts John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, welcome legendary performer, entrepreneur, and speaker Dave Raymond — best known as the original Philadelphia Phillies Phanatic.

National media outlets have dubbed Dave the Hero of Happiness, and for good reason. What began as a summer job at 21 years old became a 16-year run inside one of the most iconic mascots in sports history. But Dave didn’t stop there. He transformed that experience into a powerful entrepreneurial journey — building character-based businesses, consulting organizations on branding and storytelling, and eventually becoming an international keynote speaker and thought leader in happiness practice.

From Fortune 500 stages to features on HBO, The New York Times, and appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Dave now brings the same contagious energy that made the Phanatic legendary to audiences around the world. His message is simple but strategic: fun isn’t fluff — it’s a tool for transforming culture, strengthening connection, and improving performance.

The conversation dives into creativity, intellectual property battles, and the legal realities behind owning a character, while also exploring Dave’s deeply personal journey through loss, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Long before he studied the psychology of happiness, Dave was living it — engineering joy in stadiums, hospitals, and communities, even during some of the hardest seasons of his life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The origin story of the Philly Phanatic and why story matters more than costume
• What it’s really like performing as a professional mascot
• Why mascots are powerful tools for branding and community connection
• How copyright law impacts character ownership
• Lessons from high-profile intellectual property disputes
• Why fun is a serious leadership strategy
• How performance, resilience, and joy intersect
• Advice for young entrepreneurs on showing up, listening, and proving value

Hosts:

John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:

Dave Raymond — Speaker, Entrepreneur & Happiness Thought Leader

🔗 Speaker Website – https://daveraymondspeaks.com
📘 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveraymondspeaks/
📷 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dave.raymond.speaks/
🎓 Evolution of Happiness Course – https://daveraymondspeaks.com/happinesstraining/

Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for conversations at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, creativity, and real life.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, hosts John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, welcome entrepreneur, technologist, and private chef Dweh Toeque for a candid conversation about creativity, reinvention, and building businesses that actually reflect who you are.

Dweh shares his journey from culinary school and working under world-class chefs across Los Angeles, to tech sales and launching a free-speech focused social platform during COVID that has grown to nearly 200,000 users. Along the way, he talks about burnout, finding his purpose, and pivoting into new ventures that light him up.

The conversation also explores how Dweh built his premium barbecue brisket burger concept — selling out pop-ups, partnering with Airbnb Experiences, and turning customer feedback into a business model. They dive into how to define your ideal customer, develop pricing you can justify, and create genuine value that people will pay for.

Toward the end, John, Steve, and Dweh get into big-picture themes: the role of AI and robotics in society, the entrepreneurial mindset required to keep momentum, and Dweh’s vision for education, public policy, and long-term impact — including his goal to start a super PAC to influence policy once his business exits are complete.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Dweh transitioned from chef to tech founder
• What it took to launch and scale a social platform during a pandemic
• How to price and market a premium food experience people rave about
• Why knowing your perfect customer makes all the difference
• How to refine a business idea through testing and feedback
• Thoughts on AI, automation, and the future of work
• The value of entrepreneurship, flexibility, and lifelong learning
• Advice for young entrepreneurs with big ideas but no roadmap

Hosts:

John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:

Dweh Toeque — Entrepreneur & Private Chef
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdweh/
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGp6QfTNMFo
🍔 Airbnb Experiences: https://www.airbnb.com/services/6689291

Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube for honest conversations at the intersection of law, business, and life.
New episodes every other week — real stories, real lessons, straight talk.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, hosts John Fagerholm and Steve Cooper welcome longtime friend, attorney, and entrepreneur Jesse Rosenblatt for a wide-ranging conversation about reinvention, resilience, and building a life with intention.

With more than 20 years as an executive, creative strategist, and business and legal affairs consultant, Jesse has worked at the intersection of entertainment, media, and technology, helping accelerate ventures and close complex deals totaling over $5 billion. His career includes work with major companies such as Netflix, NBCUniversal, Facebook, Disney, Apple, Sony, Amazon, and Google, always focused on creating non-zero-sum outcomes where everyone wins.

But Jesse’s story goes far beyond big deals. He opens up about leaving traditional corporate paths, navigating entrepreneurial failures, and redefining success outside of titles and paychecks. The conversation explores how curiosity, stoicism, mentorship, and self-trust play a critical role in long-term fulfillment, especially for entrepreneurs and creatives.

John, Steve, and Jesse also dive into digital nomad life, the realities of entrepreneurship post-pandemic, and why valuing your time, energy, and environment may be the most important business decision you ever make. Along the way, Jesse shares how philanthropy and purpose-driven work remain central to his life, including his nonprofit Give Something Bike, which provides new bicycles to foster youth during the holidays.

The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on emerging technology, as Jesse discusses his role as COO of GEN-X, an NFT and Web3-focused community designed to onboard millions of Gen-Xers into Web3 through education, pop culture, and nostalgia.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why entrepreneurship often begins with dissatisfaction, not ambition
  
  
• How failure becomes a competitive advantage over time
  
  
• The mindset shift required when moving from employee to founder
  
  
• Why environment, location, and lifestyle matter more than people admit
  
  
• The dangers of DIY legal work and over-reliance on AI tools
  
  
• How mentorship shapes better decisions in business and life
  
  
• Why fulfillment, not just success, should be the real goal

Hosts:

John Fagerholm — Employment Defense Attorney
 🌐 defendmybiz.com

Steve Cooper — Comedian & Podcaster
 🌐 coopertalk.net

Guest:

Jesse Rosenblatt — Attorney, Entrepreneur & Coach
🌐 Legal & Consulting: jesserosenblatt.com
🌐 Coaching: coachmejesse.com

In the first Lawsuits and Lessons episode of 2026, host John Fagerholm and co-host Steve Cooper sit down with entrepreneur and marketer Stefan Fagerholm for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship that doesn’t start with lemonade stands.

Stefan shares how he transitioned from senior tech roles at Cedars-Sinai, Fox Studios, and EY into entrepreneurship, building businesses by focusing on efficiency, timing, and experience-driven growth. From scaling a 200K+ lifestyle brand to helping turn a niche hibachi concept into a national powerhouse, this episode explores what it really takes to bet on yourself and win.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lifelong calling to become a massive success
• How efficiency and time freedom can matter more than raw income
• The real strategy behind growing LifeHacksLA into a 200K+ influencer brand
• Why Stefan chose equity over consulting fees and how that decision paid off
• How Let’s Hibachi scaled from 3 cities to 30+ nationwide
• The biggest challenges of scaling people-heavy businesses
• Why experience, not product alone, drives modern customer loyalty
• Advice for entrepreneurs on delayed gratification and not quitting too early

Guest Spotlight: Stefan Fagerholm

Stefan Fagerholm is a marketing and technology entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience generating tens of thousands of customers and millions in revenue. After working in senior technology roles at Cedars-Sinai, Fox Studios, and EY, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, helping build three successful ventures:

• One of the top employer defense law firms in Los Angeles
• LifeHacksLA, a 200K+ lifestyle and experience-driven influencer brand
• Let’s Hibachi, now the #1 at-home hibachi catering company in the U.S.

He is also the author of The LAHacker Journal, a guide to hacking the best of Los Angeles through experiences, not just destinations.

📘 Book: The LAHacker Journal
🔗 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/169413475X

🔍 Learn more about Stefan:
Voyage LA Interview: https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-stefan-fagerholm-of-lifehacksla/

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need to be born an entrepreneur. You just need the courage to stop trading time for safety — and the patience to let your bets compound.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, sit down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Omar Hernandez, President of Global Urban Strategies.

Omar shares his powerful journey from growing up in Nickerson Gardens in South Central Los Angeles to serving in the U.S. Marines, earning his MBA from USC, and building a nationally respected consulting firm that has helped secure over $1 billion in grants for municipalities, school districts, and public agencies.

The conversation weaves together entrepreneurship, military discipline, marketing, government contracts, and the legal realities of running people-heavy businesses in California. Along the way, John and Omar unpack lessons on risk, hiring, prevailing wage laws, AI’s role in modern work, and what it really means to build something that outlives you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Omar Hernandez used the military as a launchpad to education and entrepreneurship
  
  
• Why entrepreneurship doesn’t shut off, even during holidays
  
  
• The realities of building and scaling a service-based business in California
  
  
• How Global Urban Strategies helps cities and businesses secure federal and state funding
  
  
• Common legal pitfalls in government contracts and prevailing wage work
  
  
• Why hiring slowly and intentionally can save businesses years of pain
  
  
• The human side of leadership, legacy, and transitioning ownership
  
  
• How AI can support work without replacing experience, nuance, or judgment
  
  
• Advice for young entrepreneurs who feel stuck or overwhelmed

Hosts:

John Fagerholm — Employment Defense Attorney & Business Advocate
Website: defendmybiz.com

Steve Cooper — Comedian & Veteran Podcaster
Website: coopertalk.net

Guest:

Omar Hernandez — President, Global Urban Strategies
 Website: www.global-urban.com

Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
Every other week, John and Steve break down real business stories, real legal risks, and real lessons entrepreneurs can actually use — with just enough humor to keep it human.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, joins co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, to welcome lifelong friend and financial advisor George Nelson.

George shares his remarkable story — from growing up in deep poverty, surrounded by addiction, instability, and hardship, to becoming a successful financial planner who now helps families across the country build lasting wealth. With honesty and insight, he reflects on the early experiences that shaped him, the moment he realized he wanted a different life, and the risks he took to build a career in finance.

The conversation spans entrepreneurship, wealth building, mindset, and the realities facing young people today. John and George break down modern financial challenges, the disappearing middle class, and how taxation and regulation affect the ability to build wealth — especially in states like California. They also explore practical tools like life insurance, estate leverage, and disciplined investing, with John sharing how he personally uses his whole life policy as an investment engine for real estate.

This episode is full of real talk, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable insight — especially for anyone who didn’t start life with a safety net but is determined to create one.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How George Nelson transformed a childhood shaped by poverty and addiction into a foundation for success
  
  
• Why early adversity can spark lifelong ambition
  
  
• George’s path from day trader to model to financial advisor
  
  
• The truth about term, universal, and whole life insurance
  
  
• How John uses his policy to fund real estate investments without banks
  
  
• Why saving even $50–$100 a month can change your entire financial future
  
  
• The disappearing middle class and why younger generations feel financially hopeless
  
  
• The difference between building wealth in California vs. other states
  
  
• How risk fuels entrepreneurship — and why fear can actually be productive
  
  
• The power of discipline, creativity, and self-belief when starting from nothing

Hosts:

John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:

George Nelson — Financial Advisor
 📩 [email protected]
 📩 [email protected]

Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for more real-world conversations about entrepreneurship, law, money, and the lessons that shape us.
New episodes drop every other week — tune in and learn while you laugh.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, joins co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, to sit down with lifelong entrepreneur Sean Tipton.

Sean shares his journey from a challenging childhood to building a multimillion-dollar healthcare company, and now, developing Oak Fire Ridge — a stunning social and sports club in Texas that blends hospitality, community, and design. Along the way, the conversation explores resilience, risk-taking, and the realities of building businesses that last.

The trio dives deep into entrepreneurship, law, and leadership — from founding Airrosti to navigating bureaucracy, managing legal challenges, and defining what true hospitality really means.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Sean Tipton turned early adversity into entrepreneurial drive
  
  
• The story behind Airrosti and its rise to industry success
  
  
• Why hospitality is more than service — it’s participation
  
  
• What makes Oak Fire Ridge a new model for social and sports clubs
  
  
• Legal insights on permits, liquor licenses, and business regulation
  
  
• Why risk and fear often fuel great entrepreneurs
  
  
• John’s take on bureaucracy in California vs. Texas business environments
  
  
• How empathy and integrity shape great legal partnerships

Hosts:
John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:
Sean Tipton — Entrepreneur and founder of Oak Fire Ridge
Website: oakfireridge.com

Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for more real-world stories of entrepreneurship, law, and leadership. Every other week, John and Steve bring the lessons — and the laughs — straight to your feed.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, welcome longtime entrepreneur and business partner Alexander Wilson.

From New York’s private school scene to launching legendary nightclub experiences and eventually building a Nike-sponsored youth basketball academy, Alexander shares how his early experiences in hospitality, entertainment, and networking shaped his unique approach to entrepreneurship. The conversation explores everything from his collaborations with music industry icons to his work helping young athletes develop both on and off the court — and how technology, NIL, and blockchain are changing the future of youth sports.

The trio also dive into deeper discussions on the balance between capitalism and socialism, the challenges of operating businesses in different states, and how mindset defines the modern entrepreneur.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Alexander turned New York nightlife connections into lasting business success
  
  
• The origins of his Nike-sponsored Proformance Hawaii basketball academy
  
  
• Why entrepreneurial skills from hospitality translate into sports and tech ventures
  
  
• How NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals are reshaping youth sports
  
  
• The role of AI and blockchain in future athlete scouting and sponsorship
  
  
• What socialism vs. capitalism means for business owners today
  
  
• Why California’s business environment differs from states like Texas
  
  
• John’s legal insights on ownership, regulation, and free market systems
  
  

If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or sports business enthusiast, subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes every other week — tune in for more real stories and legal lessons from the front lines of business.

Hosts:
John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:
Alexander Wilson — Founder of Proformance Hawaii and youth basketball entrepreneur
Website: proformancehawaii.com

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, dive deep into what it really takes to survive as an entrepreneur in today’s business climate.

With their guest postponed, John and Steve use the time to share real stories, legal lessons, and personal insights from decades of experience in business, law, and life. From childhood hustles and early entrepreneurial instincts to the impact of bad policy and costly lawsuits, this candid conversation reveals why so many California business owners are packing up and heading to Texas.

They also unpack a shocking sports scandal, explore the ripple effects of new “wage theft” laws, and discuss how legal overreach can crush small businesses — plus, what smart founders can do to protect themselves before it’s too late.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why entrepreneurship is often born, not made — and how John learned business from a young age
• How risk, money, and discipline separate successful founders from the rest
• The dangers of California’s “wage theft” law and why it punishes honest employers
• What business owners need to know about workers’ comp abuse and fraudulent claims
• How personal liability laws can expose owners — even when they’re incorporated
• Why Texas is the top state for business and California ranks last
• The best legal structure for your business: LLC, S-Corp, or something else
• Practical advice for new entrepreneurs on building legal protection early

Hosts:
John Fagerholm: defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper: coopertalk.net

Call to Action:
If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just curious about the intersection of law and leadership, subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every other week — and don’t miss the next episode featuring Mark Kreiner, the former Tapout CEO with stories from the wild side of business and branding.

In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, sit down with serial entrepreneur CR Celona — a visionary who helped pioneer influencer marketing with his company Speaker and now leads innovation in the AI-powered creative space.

John and Steve dive deep into CR’s journey from early tech startup successes to building CreatorUp, an AI-driven content platform partnered with Google, Harvard, and UCLA. They explore how risk tolerance fuels entrepreneurship, what lessons come from scaling too fast, and how to balance innovation with ethics in the era of AI. The conversation flows from startup war stories to legal insights on liability, employee risk, and even a timely discussion of how CTE and class actions shape today’s legal headlines.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How risk tolerance defines entrepreneurship — and why failure can be the best teacher
• The rise (and fall) of Speaker and what it taught about scaling responsibly
• How AI is transforming creative industries and where the legal gray areas lie
• What every startup founder should know about protecting their business legally
• When companies are liable for employee actions — and when they’re not
• Why mentorship, relationships, and trust matter more than transactions
• How to “give your lawyer carry” — and why early legal partnerships pay off

Hosts:
John Fagerholm: defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper: coopertalk.net

Guest:
CR Celona: Entrepreneur, AI innovator, and founder at CreatorUp — find him on LinkedIn or by searching “CR Celona” across platforms.

If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or just fascinated by where tech and law collide, subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes every other week — and if you enjoyed this one, share it with someone who loves smart conversation and startup stories with real-world legal lessons.