What if tennis didn’t have to be slow, quiet, individual, and hard for casual fans to follow?

In this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Josh sits down with J.Y. Aubone — Director of Player & Coach Relations and media host/commentator for Intennse Tennis— to discuss how a new league is trying to completely reinvent the sport of tennis.

This conversation goes far beyond just a new format. JY opens up about growing up in a tennis family, competing at a high level at Florida State University, walking away from the sport to work in finance, and eventually finding his way back through a startup league built around speed, energy, community, and entertainment.

Josh and JY dive into why traditional tennis has struggled to connect with modern audiences, why so many athletes burn out, and how Intennse is trying to create a more team-oriented and joyful experience for players and fans alike. They also discuss youth sports culture, athlete psychology, the pressure of professional tennis travel, the future of sports broadcasting, and the importance of building environments where competitors can actually thrive.

The episode also features behind-the-scenes insight into JY’s role as an Intennse commentator, how he prepares for broadcasts, and why storytelling matters in building a new sports league from the ground up.

Whether you’re a tennis fan, sports parent, entrepreneur, coach, athlete, or just someone interested in innovation and high performance, this is one of the most thoughtful and entertaining conversations yet on Sports ’N Torts.

• What exactly Intennse is and how it differs from traditional tennis
• Team-based co-ed tennis with substitutions and fast-paced scoring
• Why tennis may be losing casual fans
• The loneliness and burnout of traditional tennis culture
• Why “joy” may be returning to the court through team competition
• JY’s tennis journey from childhood through Florida State University
• Leaving tennis for a career in finance and returning to the sport
• Coaching professional tennis player Reilly Opelka
• The hidden grind of professional tennis life
• Youth sports burnout and how parents can better support young athletes
• Why unstructured play and time away from sports matter
• The mental fragility of elite athletes
• What separates great players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
• The future of sports broadcasting and commentary
• How JY prepares to call Intennse matches
• Why personality and storytelling matter in sports
• Pickleball vs tennis and what traditional tennis can learn from it

• “Tennis doesn’t have to be lonely.”
• “Joy is back on the court.”
• “Most tennis players love playing tennis… but don’t love watching it.”
• “The sport is not the most important thing in the world.”
• “You don’t get those highest highs without some horrific moments before.”
• “Athletes perform better when they feel supported, not just managed.”
• “We’re not trying to replace traditional tennis — we’re creating a different experience.”
• “What Intennse is building is closer to a sports entertainment experience than traditional tennis.”

JY discusses:

• Why athlete confidence is more fragile than a tennis racket
• What traditional tennis still gets wrong
• Why the best matches in tennis are often never shown on TV
• His thoughts on pickleball’s explosion
• Why tennis needs more personality and less gatekeeping
• The difference between playing not to lose and playing to win

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com

On this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein is joined by his longtime friend Marc Glickman for a full recap of their unforgettable 8 man golf trip to Pebble Beach Golf Links and the Monterey Peninsula for Marc and Mike Peckham's 50th Birthday. What starts as a conversation about bucket-list golf quickly turns into a hilarious and detailed breakdown of one of the most memorable sports weekends either of them has ever experienced.

The two relive every part of the trip — from TSA chaos during a government shutdown, to arriving at Pebble Beach for the first time, to walking the iconic 18th fairway after dark with beers in hand. They discuss the surreal feeling of standing on golf holes they had only seen on television, the unmatched beauty of the Pacific coastline, and the pressure of trying to actually play well on one of the most famous courses in the world.

Marc shares the story of his incredible opening round at Pebble Beach, including a front-nine 37, clutch bunker shots, and a closing birdie on the iconic 18th hole. The conversation also dives into the strategy, nerves, camaraderie, gambling, caddie advice, and mental battles that come with a true golf buddies trip.

The highlight of the episode comes during the group’s round at Poppy Hills Golf Course when Marc records the first hole-in-one of his life on the 11th hole — a perfectly struck 146-yard seven iron that disappeared into the cup. Josh and Marc relive the moment shot-by-shot, including the sprint to the green, the celebration that followed, and the legendary “hole-in-one tax” that carried into the evening.

The episode is part golf storytelling, part friendship documentary, and part celebration of why experiences like these matter. Whether you love golf, sports travel, or simply hearing friends relive a once-in-a-lifetime trip, this episode captures the joy, humor, and emotion of an unforgettable week.

• The crew’s chaotic travel day during the government shutdown
• First impressions arriving at Pebble Beach Golf Links
• Why Pebble Beach feels like “adult Disneyland”
• Walking the iconic 18th fairway after hours
• Staying directly beside the 1st tee box at Pebble
• Strategy and nerves before the opening tee shot
• Breaking down every memorable shot from the Pebble round
• The pressure of trying to play well on a bucket-list course
• Marc’s incredible front-nine 37 at Pebble Beach
• Favorite holes on the property, including 6, 7, 8, 17, and 18
• The famous cliffside approach shots that TV cannot properly capture
• Why caddie advice at Pebble is non-negotiable
• The legendary bunker saves and “Saddam” references throughout the round
• The match-play battle between the group
• Dinner and storytelling at The Tap Room
• Why Spyglass Hill Golf Course may secretly rival Pebble
• The beauty and history of Poppy Hills Golf Course
• Marc’s first-ever hole-in-one on the 11th hole at Poppy Hills
• Sprinting to the green after the ace
• The unwritten rule of buying drinks after a hole-in-one
• Why golf trips with lifelong friends become core memories

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www. jsteinlawfirm.com.

In this returning fan-favorite episode, Josh sits down with mediator Greg Parent for a wide-ranging conversation that blends law, life, and perspective in a way only Sports ‘N Torts can.

Greg pulls back the curtain on what really makes mediation work—not legal brilliance, but human connection, emotional intelligence, and preparation before anyone ever walks into the room. He shares why the best mediators act more like performers than negotiators, how “preconditioning” a case can make or break a mediation, and what lawyers get wrong about position statements.

But this episode goes far beyond the courtroom.

Greg opens up about his personal health transformation, losing over 60 pounds and challenging the stigma around weight-loss medication. He also reflects on fatherhood, the emotional weight of “final lasts” with kids heading off to college, and why being present as a parent matters more than anything in your career.

From courtside seats at Atlanta Hawks games to UNC vs. Georgia family rivalries, this episode is equal parts practical insight, humor, and real-life perspective.

If you’re a lawyer, parent, or just someone trying to do life a little better—this one hits home.

📝 Show Notes

🔹 Guest Introduction

Greg Parent returns to the podcast—award-winning mediator with Miles Mediation & Arbitration

Known across Atlanta’s legal community for his energy, authenticity, and results

UNC superfan, Hawks courtside regular, and self-proclaimed “people-first” mediator

⚖️ Mediation Masterclass: What Actually Works

Mediation is performance, not just negotiation

Greg compares mediators to rock stars and late-night hosts

The goal: make each client feel seen, heard, and understood immediately

You have 30 seconds to win trust

Especially with plaintiffs experiencing one of the worst days of their lives

Human connection > legal arguments

EQ over IQ

Lawyers already know the law

Mediators add value through perspective, communication, and emotional awareness

🔥 The “Preconditioning” Strategy (Game-Changer)

Borrowed from Greg’s Tesla analogy: prepare the “battery” before mediation

Key takeaway:

Talk to opposing counsel BEFORE mediation

Align expectations

Avoid “let’s just see where they’re at” mediations

Josh’s approach:

Inviting opposing counsel to lunch early in the case

Builds rapport → reduces friction → better outcomes

📄 What Makes a Great Mediation Statement?

What Greg actually wants:

Clear facts of the case

Unique issues or nuances

Client personality + challenges

Anything that impacts how he should approach the room

What he does NOT need:

20+ pages of legal exposition

Basic black-letter law

🧠 Inside the Mediator’s Mind

Greg can identify weaknesses instantly (“Achilles heel” analogy)

But the real skill is finding common ground, not exploiting weaknesses

Transparency builds trust—even when delivering tough messages

⚖️ Mediation vs. Arbitration

Mediation: facilitator (assistant coach)

Arbitration: decision-maker (judge)

In mediation, the lawyer always has final say—mediator guides, not decides

💪 Greg’s Health Transformation

Lost 60+ pounds (263 → ~201)

Uses Tirzepatide + disciplined lifestyle changes

Tracks nutrition, lifts weights, plays pickleball, stays active

Key mindset shift:

Addressing stigma around weight-loss medications

Comparing it to addiction recovery—both deserve support, not judgment

👔 Evolution of the Mediator Look

Transition from suit-and-tie to more approachable style

Goal: reduce intimidation, especially for plaintiffs

“Be Mr. Rogers, not Gordon Gekko”

🎓 Mentorship & Giving Back

Greg embraces role as mentor (“Luke Skywalker to Yoda transition”)

Helps younger lawyers avoid common mistakes

Focus on professionalism, relationships, and long-term reputation

👨‍👧‍👦 Parenting & “The Final Lasts”

One of the most powerful parts of the episode:

Greg’s son at UNC, daughter heading to Georgia

Emotional reflection on final games, final seasons, final moments

Key quote takeaway:

“You don’t have to go to practice—you GET to go to practice.”

Importance of being present

Coaching, photographing, supporting kids

Perspective shift that changed everything

🏀 Sports, Life & Fun

UNC fandom vs. new Georgia household dynamics

Hawks courtside experiences and networking

Why shared experiences (sports, school, family) build stronger connections

🎯 Key Takeaways

Mediation is a people business first

Preconditioning a case is critical

Relationships reduce friction and improve outcomes

Authenticity beats transactional behavior

Success in law doesn’t mean missing life at home

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com.

In this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein sits down with Randy Kessler, one of Atlanta’s most respected family law attorneys, to unpack what it takes to build a 30+ year legal career rooted in reputation, relationships, and consistency.

Randy shares how he stumbled into family law early in his career and turned it into a thriving, specialized practice—long before specialization was common. The conversation explores everything from trial strategy and client psychology to media appearances, LinkedIn growth, and personal branding, along with the real-world realities of representing high-profile and celebrity clients.

They also dive into Randy’s unique approach to law firm culture—including building a mock courtroom inside his office, investing in client experience, and surrounding himself with smart lawyers to improve decision-making.

Along the way, Randy offers candid insight into:

• How lawyers are really “in sales” at every level
• Why authenticity and relationships drive referrals
• How to manage emotional clients in high-stakes cases
• The importance of professionalism (including his signature suit-and-tie approach)
• And why doing the right thing—even when it costs you—pays off in the long run

The episode blends legal strategy, business insights, and personal stories—including courtside Hawks experiences, media moments, and lessons learned from decades in practice.

• Randy’s early start and why family law “clicked”
• Finding a niche before specialization became common
• The reward of helping clients through the lowest moments of their lives
• “We see good people when they’re acting their worst.”

• Why office space still matters in a remote world
• Creating confidence and comfort for clients
• Building an in-office courtroom for trial preparation
• Using practice to make real court feel easier for clients

• Starting every case with a long-term plan: “Have a plan for the day after.”
• Balancing emotional clients with rational strategy
• Why “how you say things matters more than what you say”
• Encouraging clients to think beyond the litigation and into their future

• Using small gestures to create long-term outcomes
• The power of being reasonable—even in conflict
• Why “doing something extra” can pay dividends later
• The role of emotional intelligence in legal outcomes

• Why law is fundamentally a sales profession
• Building a practice through genuine relationships
• “People like sending business to their friends.”
• The importance of being accountable to referral sources

• How Randy became an early LinkedIn influencer
• The role of media in building authority and credibility
• Why consistency matters more than perfection
• Understanding that media often needs experts to validate their stories

• Best practices for dealing with press and public statements
• Why “no comment” can sometimes hurt more than help
• The importance of preparation and timing in public messaging
• Protecting client confidentiality in high-profile matters

• Why Randy still wears a suit and tie every day
• Leading by example within a firm
• The importance of presentation and first impressions
• “No one’s going to be upset at me for wearing a suit.”

• Hiring smart people to improve decision-making
• Creating a collaborative, team-based approach
• The value of checks and balances in client representation
• Why working multiple lawyers on fewer cases leads to better outcomes

• Teaching trial skills at Emory Law
• Learning from students as much as teaching them
• Writing books to simplify complex legal concepts
• “It’s not the knowledge of the law—it’s how you use it.”

• Courtside Hawks experiences and relationship-building
• Using sports and shared experiences to connect with clients
• The impact of memorable experiences on long-term relationships

• More nervous: courtroom > live TV
• Daily habit: walking for mental clarity
• Key trait for success: consistency
• Ongoing mindset: still learning, still improving

• Reputation compounds over time—but only if built intentionally
• Relationships—not marketing tactics—drive the best referrals
• Emotional intelligence is just as important as legal knowledge
• Consistency beats talent over the long run
• Professionalism still matters—even in a more casual world
• Success often comes from being in the right rooms—and being prepared when you are

As always, this podcast is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, Ga - www.jsteinlawfirm.com.

In this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein sits down with trial attorney Hector Rojas, Jr. partner at Morgan & Morgan in Atlanta, for a wide-ranging conversation on law, mindset, and personal growth.

Hector shares his journey from immigrating from Venezuela and growing up in Cobb County to becoming a trial lawyer handling serious injury and wrongful death cases. He opens up about his transition from insurance defense to plaintiff’s work, the realities of working inside one of the largest personal injury firms in the country, and how he quickly stepped into a leadership role running the firm’s Marietta office.

The conversation highlights Hector’s $19 million jury verdict—including the critical decision to turn down a $10 million pre-trial offer—and what it takes to bet on your case and your client. Beyond the courtroom, Hector discusses how endurance sports, including completing all six World Marathon Majors, have shaped his mindset, discipline, and approach to adversity.

The episode also touches on the cultural significance of Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic championship, the power of sports to unite, and the importance of building a personal brand as a modern trial lawyer.

• Hector’s upbringing in Marietta after immigrating from Venezuela
• Attending Campbell High School, Kennesaw State, and Georgia State Law
• Early career path and how networking led to key opportunities

• Starting out in insurance defense and learning how cases are evaluated
• Transitioning to Morgan & Morgan after a deposition encounter
• Why legal careers are rarely linear and how relationships drive opportunity

• Structure of one of the largest PI firms in the country
• Running the Marietta office and managing a team of attorneys and staff
• Breaking the “settlement mill” stereotype and focusing on litigation
• Requirement to try cases and building trial experience early

• Facts of the case involving a catastrophic crash and wrongful death
• Turning down a $10M pre-trial offer
• Client-focused decision making and risk evaluation
• Trial strategy, jury presentation, and key moments
• Verdict outcome and impact on Hector’s career and reputation

• Learning through long hours early in practice
• Developing confidence through repetition and experience
• Mentoring younger attorneys and building a team

• Differences between large firm marketing and individual branding
• Importance of social media and staying top-of-mind
• Community-based vs. mass marketing approaches

• Completing all six World Marathon Majors
• Training challenges while practicing law
• Mental vs. physical demands of marathon running
• Using running as a way to process grief and maintain focus

• Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic championship
• The emotional impact of sports on a country and community
• Why the tournament was bigger than baseball

• Careers are built through relationships, not resumes
• Trial experience is the ultimate differentiator in personal injury law
• Big results come from disciplined preparation and calculated risk
• Mental toughness—whether in trial or endurance sports—is a learned skill
• Building a personal brand is essential, regardless of firm size

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode of Sports ‘N Torts, host Joshua Stein sits down with former Georgia Tech and Denver Broncos NFL safety Nick Ferguson for a conversation that goes far beyond football.

From his journey as an undrafted player grinding his way to a 10-year NFL career, to his candid reflections on mental health, identity, and life after the game, Nick delivers a message that resonates with athletes, parents, and professionals alike.

This episode dives into the mental battles behind performance, the right way to raise young athletes, and the often overlooked challenges of transitioning when the game ends. Nick shares personal stories of adversity, including injury, loss, and career uncertainty, and how those moments shaped his purpose today—helping others navigate life’s toughest challenges.

Whether you’re raising kids in sports, building a career, or redefining yourself after a major life transition, this episode is packed with perspective, honesty, and inspiration.

• Nick’s unconventional path: CFL, NFL Europe, and finally the NFL
• Why career paths are never linear
• The importance of perseverance, sacrifice, and being ready when opportunity comes
• “Sometimes you have to make your own light when there isn’t one”

• The constant internal battle: you vs. you
• How athletes deal with pressure, injury, and uncertainty
• Personal adversity: injury + loss of a teammate at a pivotal life moment
• Why mental strength is learned, not innate
• Tools, habits, and mindset shifts to overcome dark periods

• What parents are getting wrong in youth sports today
• The dangers of early pressure, comparison, and living through your kids
• Why character and academics must come first
• Teaching kids:
  • How to compete
  • How to be great teammates
  • How to handle failure
  
  

👉 Key takeaway:

It’s not about winning—it’s about what they learn when they don’t

• The reality most people don’t see:
  • Loss of identity
  • Financial pressure
  • Family challenges
  
  
• Why many athletes struggle after retirement
• The importance of:
  • Support systems
  • Purpose beyond the game
  • Staying connected
  
  

👉 “Football was the outlet… and then suddenly it’s gone.”

• Why Nick initially hated the media—and what changed
• Transitioning into broadcasting and storytelling
• Choosing authenticity over negativity
• Using his platform to:
  • Educate
  • Inspire
  • Humanize athletes
  
  

• Why hard work still wins at the highest level
• The danger of complacency (in sports, career, and life)
• Learning from elite competitors like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning
• “What you do when no one is watching defines you”

• Success is not defined by money or status—it’s defined by impact
• Mental health is a lifelong process, not a one-time fix
• Kids need guidance, not pressure
• Identity should never be tied to just one thing
• Life is about learning, adjusting, and continuing to compete

This episode isn’t just for football fans.

It’s for:

• Parents raising young athletes
• Professionals dealing with pressure and identity
• Anyone navigating change, adversity, or reinvention

👉 If you’ve ever faced pressure, self-doubt, or a major life transition—this conversation will hit home.

Stay connected with Nick Ferguson and follow his work in media, mentorship, and storytelling:

• Instagram: @nickferguson_25
• → Insights on football, mindset, leadership, and life lessons

• YouTube: The Nick Ferg Show
• → Football breakdowns, commentary, and real conversations
• Podcast: Undrafted
• → Stories and lessons about overcoming adversity—not just in sports, but in life

• His personal site (nickferguson.co) features:
  • Speaking and media work
  • Background and career highlights
  
  

As always, this episode is powered by J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com

In this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein sits down with Atlanta business lawyer and entrepreneur Mitesh Patel, founder of Blue Sky Law. What starts as a conversation about business disputes quickly evolves into a deeper discussion about identity, risk, and the courage it takes to bet on yourself.

Mitesh shares his journey from growing up in a small Appalachian town in East Tennessee—where outdoor life and early responsibility shaped his mindset—to grinding through 50 cold calls a day as a recruiter, to ultimately finding his path in law. After gaining experience in Big Law and navigating a partnership split, Mitesh made the leap to start his own firm in 2020—proving that the hardest part of entrepreneurship isn’t the work, it’s the decision to begin.

Joshua and Mitesh explore the parallels in their own career paths, the realities of building and running boutique law firms, and the importance of relationships in growing a practice. They also dive into practical business law insights—from contracts and non-competes to the risks of relying on DIY legal solutions and AI-generated documents.

Whether you’re a lawyer considering going out on your own, a business owner navigating complex decisions, or someone thinking about taking a leap in your career, this episode is a powerful reminder: there’s no perfect time—just the decision to bet on yourself.

• Betting on Yourself: The hardest part of starting a firm isn’t the work—it’s making the decision to take the leap.
• From Rejection to Resilience: Making 50 cold calls a day built the foundation for business development and client relationships.
• Big Law Reality Check: High compensation comes with high demands—and often, misalignment with long-term goals.
• Partnership Lessons: Business partnerships can mirror personal relationships—and when they break down, the consequences can be significant.
• Building a Brand: Choosing the name “Blue Sky Law” reflects optimism, longevity, and a vision beyond the individual.
• Relationships Drive Business: High-level clients (CEOs, founders) rely on trusted referrals—not internet searches.
• AI & Legal Work: Tools like ChatGPT can be helpful, but often create more work when used improperly—especially for contracts.

• Handshake agreements may be valid—but are difficult to prove and enforce.
• Emails and texts can become evidence if no formal contract exists.
• Non-competes in Georgia are enforceable when properly structured (scope, geography, time).
• NDAs work—but only if enforced.
• Most disputes come down to two things: what was promised and what was paid.
• DIY contracts (LegalZoom/AI) often cost more to fix than doing it right the first time.

• “The hardest part of entrepreneurship isn’t starting—it’s deciding to start.”
• “If you train enough, you don’t think—you just act.”
• “Rejection builds toughness. Cold calling will either make you or break you.”
• “Most business disputes aren’t about what’s written—it’s about what’s missing.”

Mitesh Patel is the founder and principal of Blue Sky Law, an Atlanta-based firm focused on business law, mergers & acquisitions, governance, and partnership disputes. His clients range from growing companies to privately held businesses generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue.

• You’re a lawyer thinking about starting your own firm
• You want to understand how business disputes actually happen
• You’re interested in the intersection of law, business, and entrepreneurship
• You want practical, real-world legal insights without the jargon

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com.

MLB Opening Day is here and the annual Sports 'N Torts MLB/Braves preview is here to get you ready. Host Joshua Stein is joined once again by Josh Gernatt and Casey Collins for a wide-ranging, candid, and entertaining breakdown of the 2026 MLB season, with a focus on the Atlanta Braves. The crew dives into an unfortunate bearish outlook on the Braves, driven by mounting pitching injuries, roster uncertainty, and the fallout from Jurickson Profar’s suspension.

Despite concerns, there’s still optimism around a talented core featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies, along with intriguing developments like Drake Baldwin’s rise and a more flexible lineup under new manager Walt Weiss.

Beyond Atlanta, the conversation expands to:

• The Dodgers’ dominance and its impact on competitive balance in MLB
• Key league-wide storylines and offseason moves
• Early World Series predictions
• The growing popularity and impact of the World Baseball Classic, which captivated both fans and younger audiences

The episode blends analysis, humor, and real fan perspective—making it the perfect kickoff to the 2026 baseball season.

• A rare bearish outlook on the Braves heading into 2026
• Pitching concerns dominate:
  • Spencer Strider injury update
  • Ongoing rotation instability
  • Questions around depth and durability
  
  
• Chris Sale returns as the anchor of the rotation
• Bryce Elder’s role as a necessary innings-eater
• Emerging arm to watch: Didier Fuentes

• Transition from Brian Snitker to Walt Weiss
• Debate: continuity vs. fresh perspective
• Expect more:
  • Lineup rotation
  • Rest days for key players
  • Flexibility vs. traditional consistency
  
  

• Still projected as a top-tier lineup—if healthy
• Key players:
  • Ronald Acuña Jr. (MVP-level expectations)
  • Austin Riley (bounce-back candidate)
  • Matt Olson (consistent power bat)
  • Ozzie Albies (health = production)
  
  
• X-Factor: Michael Harris II
• Breakout potential: Drake Baldwin

• Suspension shakes roster construction
• Raises concerns about:
  • Front office decision-making
  • Clubhouse trust
  
  
• Long-term contract implications linger

• Potential team strength in 2026
• Key additions and returners:
  • Raisel Iglesias
  • Robert Suarez
  
  
• Strategy: multiple high-leverage arms vs. single closer

• New direct-to-consumer streaming model
• ~$100 season package option
• Shift away from traditional regional networks

• Dodgers remain the team to beat
• Heavy spending + deferred contracts raise concerns about:
  • Competitive balance
  • Potential future lockout
  
  
• Discussion of salary cap + floor

• Blue Jays, Mariners, Royals highlighted as contenders
• Mets, Phillies remain strong in NL East
• Yankees, Astros still in the mix

• Braves win total (88.5): Lean under
• HR & RBI projections:
  • Expect rebound from core hitters
  
  
• Division outlook:
  • Braves likely Wild Card contender
  
  
• World Series picks:
  • Dodgers vs. AL contender (Blue Jays / Mariners discussed)
  
  

• Introduction of Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system
• Mixed reactions:
  • Accuracy vs. tradition
  • Player-driven challenges
  
  
• Debate over impact on game flow and umpire role

• Massive success for the sport
• Increased engagement from:
  • Younger fans
  • Families
  
  
• Highlights:
  • Global pride and passion
  • Star players fully bought in
  
  
• Big takeaway:
• 👉 “Players playing for something bigger than contracts”

• Braves outlook: talented but uncertain
• MLB outlook: star-driven but structurally imbalanced
• WBC proves baseball’s global ceiling is higher than ever

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com.

In this special Podcastathon episode of Sports ‘N Torts, host Joshua Stein steps away from the usual sports, law and business conversations to spotlight an issue affecting millions of families: Alzheimer’s disease.

Josh is joined by his mother-in-law Bobbi Kelman, caregiver for her husband Howard Kelman, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019, and Dan Goerke, who lost his wife Denise to Alzheimer’s and now dedicates his time to supporting other families, like the Kelman's, through the Alzheimer’s Association.

Together, they share deeply personal stories about the realities of living with Alzheimer’s—from the early warning signs and the challenges of diagnosis to the emotional toll caregiving takes on families. The conversation also highlights the power of community, the importance of caregiver support, and the role of research and advocacy in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Listeners will also learn about the work of the Alzheimer’s Association, ongoing research advancements, and meaningful ways individuals can help support families affected by the disease.

This episode is part of Podcastathon, a global initiative where podcasts dedicate episodes to raising awareness and support for charitable causes.

This episode is part of Podcastathon, a worldwide initiative where podcasts dedicate episodes to charitable causes. For this conversation, Sports ‘N Torts is raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Caregiver for her husband Howard Kelman, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019. Bobbi shares the day-to-day realities of caregiving and the importance of patience, support, and staying present through the journey.

Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association and former caregiver to his wife Denise, who passed away from Alzheimer’s. Dan now helps other families navigating the disease and advocates for increased research funding and caregiver support.

• Subtle memory changes that first raised concern
• The long path many families face before receiving a diagnosis
• Differences in diagnostic tools such as PET scans and spinal fluid testing

• How Alzheimer’s changes family roles
• The emotional and physical toll caregiving can take
• Why caregivers need support and community

• The importance of humor and perspective
• Creating meaningful experiences through music, outings, and connection
• Why staying active can help Alzheimer’s patients maintain quality of life

• The value of respite care and companionship
• How caregiver support groups can make a difference
• The importance of accepting help from friends and family

• Funding critical research around the world
• Advocacy efforts that have increased research funding dramatically
• Education programs and caregiver resources

• The Walk to End Alzheimer’s
• Fundraising events and community involvement
• How listeners can make a difference

• 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease
• 45–50 million people worldwide are affected
• Nearly 20 million Americans are directly impacted when including caregivers
• The U.S. spends $384 billion annually on Alzheimer’s care, projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2050

Alzheimer’s Association

Website:

https://www.alz.org

24/7 Alzheimer’s Helpline

1-800-272-3900

The helpline is staffed by trained clinical professionals who can provide guidance, support, and resources for families and caregivers.

If this conversation moved you, consider:

• Donating to Alzheimer’s research
• Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
• Volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association
• Supporting caregivers in your own community

Every contribution—big or small—helps advance research and support families facing this disease.

“You can either laugh or cry. Laughing is so much better.”

“The biggest mistake caregivers make is thinking they can do it alone.”

“If we want to prevent or cure this disease, we need research—and research requires funding.”

Host: Joshua Stein

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March Madness has arrived.

In this annual Sports ’N Torts March Madness Preview, host Joshua Stein is joined by longtime friends and college basketball fans Laurence Kessler and Robert Unell to break down the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The group dives into the biggest tournament storylines, including the rise of SEC basketball, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on roster construction, and why it has become harder to identify the stars of college basketball compared to past eras.

The crew also spends time analyzing the Georgia Bulldogs’ tournament appearance as an 8-seed and their first-round matchup with Saint Louis, discussing expectations for Coach Mike White’s program and whether the Bulldogs can make a run.

Along the way, the conversation takes some entertaining detours — including debates about the most dangerous mascot in the tournament, trivia about where obscure schools are located, and the merits of different tournament host cities.

Finally, the group creates the official Sports ’N Torts bracket, with each host selecting a region winner before debating their way to a national champion.

Will analytics win the day?

Or will the bracket be decided by tacos in Tucson and mascot chaos?

Like every year… we’re about to find out.

• The crew opens the show celebrating the arrival of March Madness.
• Discussion of the sports calendar heating up with:
  • NCAA Tournament
  • MLB Opening Day
  • The Masters
  • World Baseball Classic.
  
  

• The SEC placed 10 teams in the NCAA Tournament.
• Discussion of how coaching, NIL money, and recruiting pipelines have strengthened the conference.

Topics discussed:

• Easier to rebuild basketball rosters quickly.
• Fewer roster spots make NIL more impactful.
• Mid-major stars transferring to blue-blood programs.
• Harder for fans to follow players year-to-year.

The hosts discuss the UGA program under Coach Mike White.

Key talking points:

• Back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
• Comparison of Mike White to Mark Richt (solid program builder).
• Importance of recruiting local Atlanta talent.
• Team depth and offensive firepower.

Key matchup factors:

• Saint Louis star Robbie Avila (“Milk Chamberlain”)
• Georgia’s offensive potential if the team gets hot
• Importance of winning the first game for program momentum.

Consensus prediction:

➡ Georgia wins the first round

➡ Likely matchup with Michigan in Round 2.

Discussion includes:

• 12 vs 5
• 11 vs 6

Takeaways:

• Upsets may be less common in the NIL era.
• Talent consolidation favors major programs.

The hosts debate the most dangerous mascots in the tournament.

Highlights include:

• Zippy the Kangaroo (Akron)
• Long Island Sharks
• BYU Cougars
• Saint Louis Billikens

Conclusion:

➡ Kangaroo vs Shark becomes the hypothetical mascot championship fight.

The hosts try to identify where certain schools are located, including:

• Queens University
• Siena
• McNeese
• Saint Mary’s

Mixed results… and plenty of laughs.

Each host selected a region winner.

Winner: UConn

Winner: Vanderbilt

Winner: Iowa State

Winner: Arizona

• Arizona
• Iowa State
• Vanderbilt
• UConn

National Championship:

🏆 UConn defeats Arizona

Prediction:

UConn builds a modern tournament dynasty with three titles in four years.

Josh also tested AI bracket predictions.

AI Final Four projection:

• Duke
• Houston
• Arizona
• Tennessee

Discussion:

• AI performs about the same as human brackets.
• True randomness still rules March Madness.

• 11-seed play-in teams have reached the Final Four.
• About 1–2 No. 1 seeds reach the Final Four each year.
• College basketball parity may actually be declining due to NIL.

The hosts celebrate the arrival of one of the best stretches in sports:

• March Madness
• Opening Day
• The Masters

And prepare to see whether the Sports ’N Torts bracket survives the first weekend.

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, GA - www.jsteinlawfirm.com