In this episode of The Pi Files, host Eric Peterson, licensed private investigator in California, sits down with Mario Morovic, CEO of Lounge Group, inside the speakeasy at Malarkey’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach.

Mario shares his family’s immigrant journey from Croatia and how his father’s work ethic shaped everything that followed—from opening a small neighborhood tavern to building one of Orange County’s most respected hospitality groups. With 16 bars and restaurants under his leadership, Mario pulls back the curtain on the real work behind the industry: long hours, calculated risk, hard lessons, and the responsibility of preserving community institutions.

The conversation explores:

• Growing up in a family-run bar and learning grit early

• Leaving banking to return to hospitality

• Scaling multiple concepts without chasing trends

• Preserving iconic venues while modernizing operations

• Labor challenges, lawsuits, and COVID’s impact on restaurants

• Building legacy businesses meant to outlast the owner

Recorded in one of Newport Beach’s most historic locations, this episode is an honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and the unseen work behind places people call home.

Support your local bars and restaurants.

In this episode of The P.I. Files, host Eric Peterson sits down with former UFC fighter turned entrepreneur Mike “Joker” Guymon for an inspiring and brutally honest conversation about life inside and outside the cage.Mike shares his journey from growing up in Southern California and finding refuge in sports, to becoming a professional fighter known for his toughness and charisma. But beyond the fights, Mike opens up about the personal challenges, health battles, and self-doubt that shaped his life — and how he transformed all of that into success after the octagon, building his own security company and thriving in business.This episode isn’t just about MMA — it’s about perseverance, mindset, and how to reinvent yourself when the spotlight fades. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to find your next chapter, Mike’s story will hit home.

If you’ve ever hit rock bottom, doubted yourself, or wondered how to start over — this episode will remind you what’s possible when you refuse to quit.🔔 Subscribe to The P.I. Files for more real stories from real people uncovering the truth behind the scenes.

On this episode of The PI Files, we’re joined by Efren Delgado, former FBI agent, executive protection specialist, and author of The Opposite Is True. From counterterrorism and espionage to exposing corrupt cops and city councils, Efren brings real-life stories that read like thrillers but with powerful takeaways about human behavior, justice, and personal strength.

We dive into what really motivates criminals, the danger of unchecked power, and why humility is the antidote. Whether you're in law enforcement, private security, or just curious about the truth behind the badge, this episode is packed with unforgettable insights that challenge conventional thinking.

Learn more about Efron at www.efrendelgado.com
Grab his book The Opposite Is True on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

On this episode of The PI Files, we sit down with Shaun Phillips—founder of Benchmark Injury Law and a personal injury attorney who's redefining what this industry looks like. Shaun isn’t just about winning cases, he’s about doing what’s right. From fighting corporate giants like JP Morgan Chase to helping injured clients rebuild their lives, Shaun shares how he built his firm around values: compassion, hard work, and relentless advocacy. We explore how personal injury law intersects with real trauma, misunderstood stereotypes, and complex legal systems and why empathy and ethics still matter in law. Whether you're an attorney, a potential client, or just curious about what it really takes to stand up for the injured, this episode brings clarity, candor, and impact.

Learn more about Shaun’s work at Benchmark Injury Law
Follow @BenchmarkInjuryLaw on social media.

In this gripping episode of The PI Files, we sit down with Terra Newell, the woman who ended the reign of terror of conman and abuser "Dirty John." But this isn’t just a retelling of a headline-making case. From a private investigator’s perspective, we explore how red flags were missed, the warning signs of manipulation and coercive control, and the psychological toll victims face when navigating abuse. Terra shares her experience not to relive trauma, but to help others recognize the danger before it’s too late. If you're a PI, survivor, or advocate, this episode is a must-listen.

What’s the worst thing you can do if you think your phone’s been hacked? In this episode, we sit down with cyber investigator Rory Montez, who shares a cautionary tale we hear far too often: people panic and erase the very evidence that could prove they were compromised. Rory explains why wiping your device is like swallowing the key to the safe and why that makes recovering crucial data nearly impossible. From using a Taco Bell wrapper as a quick DIY signal blocker to understanding the steps you should take when you suspect intrusion, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about protecting their digital life.

Welcome to Episode 3 of The PI Files!

In this episode, Eric Peterson, expert private investigator, sits down with Landis Williams, owner of Your Favorite Lenders, to uncover the hidden truths behind real estate, mortgage fraud, and the future of housing in Southern California.

What’s inside this episode?

• [07:36] The secret loophole: Unlocking hidden savings in divorce real estate loans (you could be leaving money on the table!).
• [05:22] Insider tales of crazy lending fraud – How people game the system and what investigators look for.
• [10:58] The future of housing in Southern California – Where the market is really heading.
• [29:48] Property taxes explained – The hidden costs that can shock homebuyers.

How does private investigation tie into all this? Mortgage fraud, real estate scams, and hidden financial risks are rampant—and private investigators play a key role in uncovering the truth. Whether it’s background checks on shady real estate partners, exposing fraudulent mortgage schemes, or finding hidden assets in divorce cases, this episode will open your eyes to how deep the rabbit hole goes.

If you’re a homebuyer, investor, or just love investigative stories, this one’s a must-watch!

Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT your biggest takeaway from this episode!

Join host Eric Peterson, expert private investigator, as he dives deep with Attorney Richard Ingle, a legal powerhouse in elder abuse and business law.

Whether you’re a business owner, caregiver, or just curious about the law, this episode will keep you hooked from start to finish.

In this episode Private Investigator Eric Peterson sits down with Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Christopher Markelz to discuss a variety of topics related to criminal defense, DMV issues, and CCW topics.