In this final episode of 2025, our host Danielle Laughlin reflects on a year that tested leadership, alignment, and resolve. As the first season of More Than Legal comes to a close, Danielle shares honest lessons from inside the business, the wins worth celebrating, and the moments that required difficult decisions.
From celebrating Sage Business Counsel’s 10th anniversary to launching a new media company and podcast, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build something meaningful while navigating burnout, personnel challenges, and values conflicts. Danielle also opens up about missed goals, including a book that did not ship this year, and why sometimes growth requires patience rather than pressure.
Looking ahead to 2026, Danielle outlines what listeners can expect next. More transparency. More behind-the-scenes insight. And a deeper focus on the theme that will define the next chapter: ethics over ego. She explores how business ethics shape culture, decision-making, and long-term success, especially when service, profit, and purpose are in tension.
This episode is a reminder that clarity comes from reflection, alignment requires courage, and leadership means doing the hard things even when they are uncomfortable.
In Part II, Danielle and Michelle move from Michelle’s personal journey into a bigger conversation about culture, education, and the future of capitalism. They unpack why young adults are increasingly skeptical of free markets, how fear-based narratives spread, and why business leaders cannot stay quiet if they want a free and thriving society.
Danielle and Michelle discuss:
How narratives in schools, media, and entertainment shifted culture away from capitalism over decades.
Why fear and resentment are powerful tools for pushing collectivist thinking.
The idea that business is not the problem, business is the solution, and why entrepreneurs are a threat to dictators.
Why 2026 is a critical year, including the 250th anniversary of the United States and the legacy of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations.
The upcoming Liberty Ventures and Principled Business events and ways to get involved, including Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Necker Island, and Prospera in Honduras.
This episode is a call to principled leadership. If you have a platform as a business owner, you have a responsibility to defend the ideas that made your success possible.
Connect with Michelle:
LinkedIn: Michelle Bernier
Instagram: soymichellebernier
In this episode of More Than Legal, Danielle talks with Michelle Bernier about growing up in Venezuela under socialism, how scarcity and propaganda shaped her early life, and the path that led her to liberty-focused communities in the United States. Michelle shares how entrepreneurship became her way to teach freedom and human flourishing, and why ideas are not abstract; they shape real lives and real businesses.
Michelle shares practical insights and stories about:
Growing up with restricted access to books and “forbidden” authors, and why regimes fear ideas.
Finding Students for Liberty by searching for leadership opportunities and learning pro-freedom principles through the community.
Using entrepreneurship to teach young people in vulnerable communities, and why business is a path to dignity.
Winning an entrepreneurship award, fundraising for her opportunity, and how that led to meeting Liberty Ventures founder Alexander McCobin.
The role of principled business is not just about profit, but about creating value that improves lives.
Whether you are building a business or building a life, this conversation is a reminder that liberty, ownership, and entrepreneurship are deeply connected and worth defending.
Connect with Michelle:
LinkedIn: Michelle Bernier
Instagram: soymichellebernier
In this episode of More Than Legal, producer Jeremiah Bennett turns the tables and interviews host Danielle Laughlin for a quick season one reflection. Danielle shares why she started the show, who it is for, and what she learned from the guests and conversations that shaped 2025. Together, they revisit the biggest themes of the year and how listeners can carry them into 2026.
Jeremiah and Danielle talk about:
Why More Than Legal exists and who it serves.
How purpose becomes clearer through action and hindsight.
Doing business on purpose, not only for profit.
Profitability lessons, including return on invested capital.
Culture and creativity as real drivers of long-term value.
Risk, mindset, and staying agile while building for legacy.
Why exit is not the end and what comes next matters.
One simple challenge for 2026: write the plan and execute.
If you are closing out the year and thinking about what is next, this episode will help you reflect, get clear, and lead forward with intention.
In this episode of More Than Legal, Danielle sits down with Tisha Morris, founder of Legacy Arts Law, to explore how creativity, intuition, and law can work hand in hand to build a lasting impact.
Tisha’s path is anything but traditional. After starting her career in bankruptcy law, she shifted into interior design, writing, and feng shui before returning to the legal world, this time on her own terms. Now, as an entertainment attorney and author, she helps creative entrepreneurs protect their art, their businesses, and their legacies.
With honesty and humor, Danielle and Tisha talk about:
The courage it takes to reinvent yourself and change career paths.
What it means to build a legal practice rooted in creativity and purpose.
The power of authenticity in both business and personal growth.
How to balance risk and intuition when making bold career moves.
Why building your “bridge” is better than jumping off a cliff.
Whether you’re a lawyer, a creative entrepreneur, or anyone standing at a crossroads, this conversation will inspire you to listen to your gut, follow your calling, and redefine what success looks like on your own terms.
Learn more about Tisha at www.LegacyArtsLaw.com.
In this episode of MoreThan Legal, Danielle sits down with Rayo Torres, an entrepreneur from Guadalajara, Mexico, now based in Marietta, Georgia. Rayo co-founded CargoSprint, a logistics tech company launched in 2012, and successfully led it through years of growth before her full exit in 2024.
With a background in business development and startup leadership, Rayo opens up about her journey as a founder, the lessons learned from building and scaling a tech company, and how she’s redefining success after stepping away from something she helped create.
Rayo brings a candid and inspiring perspective on:
What it really takes to build and lead a successful startup
How to prepare for growth, change, and an eventual exit
Balancing ambition with family, culture, and personal priorities
Finding purpose and confidence in the next chapter after success
Whether you’re a founder, a professional in transition, or someone chasing your next big idea, this episode offers valuable insight into resilience, reinvention, and what it means to keep growing personally and professionally.
In this episode of More Than Legal, Danielle sits down with Ray Godleski, founder and president of Southeast Wealth Partners, to discuss what it truly takes for business owners to protect and grow their wealth.
Native to Atlanta, Ray grew up around entrepreneurship. His mom worked as a Realtor for 40 years, and he carried that spirit into his own career. After playing college basketball and earning his business degree from Georgia State University, Ray became a CFP® professional and now works with clients across the country, licensed in more than 10 states.
Ray shares practical strategies and insights for:
Financial planning for solopreneurs and business owners.
How to get organized as a professional and stay on top of your finances.
Leveraging collateral opportunities with 401(k)s, stock, homes, and life insurance.
Estate planning tips every entrepreneur should know.
The trends shaping the future of financial planning and investing.
Whether you’re building a business or planning your next chapter, this conversation offers clarity, tools, and a mindset to help you turn hard work into long-term security.
Connect with Ray
Instagram: @financiallyray
YouTube – Financially Fluent Podcast
Disclaimer
This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult with a qualified tax professional, accountant, or legal advisor regarding your specific situation before
Before making any financial decisions. Investment advisory services are provided only in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Raised opinions are not based on the specific financial situation of any investor, so they may be unsuitable for some investors. The information on Financially Fluent does not constitute a solicitation of the sale or purchase of securities. You should consult a professional advisor before executing a security trade or taking any other action based on information contained in this program. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC,
Osaic Wealth is separately owned and or other entities, and or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
In this episode of More Than Legal, Danielle sits down with Donna Krache, a former CNN executive producer and award-winning journalist, to explore what really drives the news we consume and how stories are shaped behind the scenes.
With more than 30 years of experience in broadcast and digital journalism, including three Peabody Awards, teaching at Georgia State and Arizona State, and now serving as president of Krache Media
Donna brings a candid and insightful perspective on:
● The factors that influence how stories are told.
● Why media literacy matters more than ever in today’s information-saturated world.
● Her journey from CNN’s newsroom to teaching and consulting.
● What reinvention looks like in the second act of a career.
Whether you’re a business owner, a professional navigating change, or simply curious about how the media works behind the curtain, this conversation offers clarity, wisdom, and a few surprising truths.
What do acting, storytelling, and business ownership have in common? Everything, if you ask Molly Pass.
Danielle sits down with Molly, founder and CEO of Moon Trip Productions, a full-service photo and video company serving the greater North Georgia and Dallas/Fort Worth areas. Molly holds a Bachelor’s in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University and brings a unique perspective shaped by her background as an “unsuccessful child actor turned arguably alright regular actor.” That journey, paired with her passion for creativity, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, sets the stage for a conversation filled with wisdom and humor.
You’ll learn:
Why creativity is a powerful driver in business.
How storytelling shapes leadership and client connections.
What it takes to balance art, business, and entrepreneurship.
How to stay authentic while growing a brand.
When she’s not running Moon Trip Productions (which is rare), Molly enjoys concerts, charcuterie, and visiting her local comic book shop. In this episode, she shares how she blends artistry and strategy to build a business rooted in passion and vision.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative professional, or simply curious about the business of storytelling, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about success.
🔗 Connect with Molly :
Website: https://www.moontrip.space/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moontrip.mp4
What does football coaching have to do with building wealth and leading a business? Everything, if you ask Will Bearden.
Danielle dives into the mechancis of legacy building with Will who is the co-founder of PSA Wealth, a financial services firm built on the belief that true wealth is more than money. It’s health, family, legacy, and impact. In this episode, Will shares his journey from teaching geometry to coaching entrepreneurs through the complex playbook of finances, leadership, and life.
You’ll learn:
- Why the best leaders are still teachers at heart.
- How football strategy translates into business growth.
- How to build an advisory “dream team” that multiplies results.
- Why money alone won’t save you, but alignment, values, and health just might.
Whether you’re running a family-owned business or just trying to lead with more impact, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger about your business, your team, and your definition of success.
🔗 Connect with Will Bearden:Website: psawealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willbearden/
CRN202808-9129624 Will Bearden is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. (www.SIPC.org). PSA Wealth LLC is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC., or its affiliated companies. 1050 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Suite 1800, Atlanta, GA 30338. 404-432-8362.
In this episode, Danielle Laughlin welcomes Jill Edwards, a commercial lending expert with nearly 40 years of experience in the Atlanta banking industry. Jill shares hard-earned wisdom on how business owners can build trust with lenders, the role of strong financials, and how to leverage lines of credit effectively.
Together, they explore:
- What commercial lending really is—and isn’t
- How current economic conditions are shaping lending trends
- The do’s and don’ts of working with banks
- Why your personal credit still matters
- The difference between hard money and smart money
- How to avoid common financial pitfalls as your business scales
Whether you're a startup founder or running a $25M+ company, this episode offers clear, practical advice for securing the right kind of capital to grow your business responsibly.
Connect with Jill Edwards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-edwards-01605827/
In this buzzing episode of More Than Legal, we're taking flight into the surprisingly strategic world of honey bees — and how their hive mentality mirrors the behind-the-scenes magic of film production and business leadership. 🐝🎬
Our guest, Jeremiah Bennett, is an internationally acclaimed film and television producer with over 18 years of experience in the industry. As the Executive Producer and CEO at Glass Door Studios, Jeremiah has produced a multitude of award-winning indie films showcased in prestigious festivals worldwide. His notable productions include TLC's hit reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and critically acclaimed films like Hear Us, Crimes, Pap's Manifesto, and Crimes & Mister Meanors.
From storytelling that fuels growth to leadership that builds trust, this conversation explores how successful businesses (and film sets) thrive when every moving part knows its role and works toward a shared purpose. Think of it as your cinematic blueprint for building a brand that hums with intention — both creatively and operationally.
Whether you’re a founder, a filmmaker, or a team leader trying to align vision with execution, this episode delivers insights that are anything but surface-level.
Connect with Jeremiah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahbennett/
In this solo episode of More Than Legal, Danielle Laughlin takes us beyond the balance sheet and into the heartbeat of a business: its culture. With candor and clarity, she breaks down why these aren’t just abstract ideals—they’re the foundation of a high-performing, values-driven company.
You’ll learn:
- Why “ethos” shapes your entire organizational mindset
- How to align core values with actual behavior (and avoid the “corporate lies” trap)
- Why clear goals drive accountability and profitability
- What makes practices like SOPs critical—even when you’re still figuring things out
This episode is your reminder that culture is a strategic asset—one you can’t afford to ignore.
Got something to say? A guest to recommend? A topic suggestion? ➡️ Go to www.morethanlegalpodcast.com to suggest a topic or apply to be a guest.
In this episode of More Than Legal, host Danielle Laughlin sits down with Greg Crabtree to explore the foundational math every business owner needs to master. But don’t worry—this isn’t your average finance chat. From chicken farms to boardrooms, Greg’s journey proves that financial clarity isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about survival, legacy, and leading smarter.
Greg breaks down concepts like return on invested capital (ROIC), labor efficiency ratio (LER), and why most firms are running on fumes when they could be building real value. You'll learn how simple numbers (and honesty) can shift your mindset from “professional services” to “enterprise thinking.” If you’ve ever felt stuck in outdated billing models or unsure of your margins, this is your wake-up call—with a calculator and a mission.
Connect with Greg: Simple Numbers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-crabtree-simple-numbers/
In this episode, Danielle introduces the L.E.G.A.L. Process. This is her go-to framework for leaders navigating high-stakes decisions. Whether you're facing a major opportunity or a serious risk, this framework helps you assess next steps with clarity and intention.
Rooted in Danielle’s years of legal strategy and business advising, this episode blends mindset, method, and mentorship—with a few laughs along the way. If you're tired of defaulting to gut reactions and ego-driven decisions under pressure, this one's your blueprint for better thinking. By using common experiences to highlight the undercurrents of our thinking processes, Danielle helps cut through the stress of high pressured situations so you can remain calm and focused.
Download the free L.E.G.A.L. Process Guide here: https://morethanlegalpodcast.com/the-legal-process
Subscribe now and join Danielle as she digs deeper into the "why" behind business, and helps leaders like you do more than just stay out of legal trouble and instead make the choice to do more than the law requires and lead with purpose.
Got something to say? A guest to recommend? A topic that’s keeping you up at night? ➡️Go to www.morethanlegalpodcast.com to suggest a topic or apply to be a guest.
Welcome to the very first episode of More Than Legal! Your host, Danielle Laughlin, kicks things off with a raw, unfiltered dive into why this podcast exists, and why it matters more than ever. Danielle shares the deeply personal journey behind her decision to step into the spotlight (spoiler alert: she didn’t plan to), how being a lawyer, a mother, and an entrepreneur shaped her perspective, and why she believes it’s time for leaders to stop hiding behind contracts and start having the hard, human conversations.
This isn’t just a podcast about law, it’s about ethics, leadership, conscious decision-making, and asking the tough questions in a world that’s being flipped on its head by AI, economic uncertainty, and burnout culture.
Subscribe now and join Danielle as she digs deeper into the "why" behind business, and helps leaders like you do more than just stay out of legal trouble, but lead with purpose.
Got something to say? A guest to recommend? A topic that’s keeping you up at night?
➡️ Go to www.morethanlegalpodcast.com to suggest a topic or apply to be a guest.