Cut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb

Gregg M. Goldfarb

Welcome to "Cut to the Chase:" where we talk about compelling legal, regulatory and public interest information and news. Your host is Gregg Goldfarb, an attorney, entrepreneur, investor and activist.

  1. 3D AGO

    Holding Iran Accountable: The Sharmahd Family's Fight for Truth and Justice | Dylan Barket

    What happens when a man who speaks out against an authoritarian regime becomes a global target—and can justice reach across borders when governments are involved? In this gripping episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb sits down with attorney Dylan Barkett, who represents the family of Jamshid "Jimmy" Sharmahd in a groundbreaking lawsuit against the nation of Iran. What begins as a story of political activism quickly unfolds into a chilling international saga involving an assassination attempt in California, a shocking abduction, torture, and a death allegedly orchestrated by a foreign regime. Jimmy Sharmahd was an outspoken advocate for a free Iran. After surviving a targeted hit in Los Angeles, he was later kidnapped abroad and ultimately killed. His family is now fighting back—using the American legal system to seek accountability from a foreign government. Dylan Barkett takes listeners behind the scenes of what it means to pursue justice in cases involving state-sponsored violence, global politics, and unimaginable personal loss. This episode goes beyond legal theory. It's about courage, family, resilience, and the question of whether justice is possible when power operates on an international scale. What to expect in this episode: How Jimmy Sharmahd's activism made him a target of the Iranian regime The details of the assassination attempt in California (and how he narrowly survived) The shocking kidnapping and death that followed, and the evidence connecting it to Iran How families can use U.S. courts to pursue accountability against foreign governments What justice looks like when the defendant is an unresponsive nation-state The emotional toll on families fighting for recognition and truth Why symbolic court victories can still matter on the global stage   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Barket Lawyers: https://www.barketlawyers.com  Connect with Barket Lawyers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barketlawyers    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

    10 min
  2. FEB 11

    The Dirty Secrets Marketing Agencies Don't Want You to Know | John Rizvi | The Law Firm Growth Professor™

    When you hire a marketing agency for your law firm, how do you know you're going to get real results? In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb is joined by Florida patent attorney and author John Rizvi, widely known as The Patent Professor™ and The Law Firm Growth Professor™, to uncover the dirty secrets of legal marketing. From misleading metrics to branding mistakes that quietly drain budgets, John shares what most marketing agencies won't tell you. Starting with nothing more than a cell phone and a laptop in a spare bedroom, John built his intellectual property practice into an eight-figure firm with 60 employees. How? By cracking the code on branding, storytelling, and measurable marketing. In this candid conversation, John shares insights from his new book, "Dirty Secrets Marketing Agencies Use to Rip Lawyers Off". He explains why memorability beats logos, how niche branding actually works, and why "going viral" can be both a blessing and a trap. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to stand out in a crowded market, avoid costly marketing missteps, and build a brand that actually sticks. What to expect in this episode: Why most firms struggle with marketing (and where they go wrong) The branding strategy behind "The Patent Professor" and why names matter more than logos How split-testing and niche branding drive real client recall The risks and rewards of viral content and creative marketing Why authenticity and vulnerability outperform polished perfection The "dirty secrets" marketing agencies use, including vanity metrics and churn How to measure marketing success in dollars (not likes or views) The truth about AI in marketing and what it can (and can't) realistically do If you've ever questioned whether your marketing dollars are actually working, or wondered how some brands become unforgettable while others fade into the noise, this episode is for you!   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Watch John rap live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkRLck8QrIw&feature=youtu.be  Watch John's music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA2j5zsrKRI John Rizvi's Books: https://johnrizvi.com/#books  Listen to The Law Firm Growth Professor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-law-firm-growth-professor-podcast/id1802916747  Get a FREE COPY of "If You Brand It, They Will Come" by John Rizvi: https://www.thelawfirmgrowthprofessor.com/john-rizvi---free-copy-of-book  The Patent Professor: https://thepatentprofessor.com  The Law Firm Growth Professor: https://www.thelawfirmgrowthprofessor.com  Connect with John Rizvi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/floridapatentattorney    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

    37 min
  3. FEB 4

    How Trump's Policies Are Impacting Universities & Is Anti-Semitism Justifying the Policies? | CUNY Professor Kenneth Gold

    How are federal funding freezes and campus unrest impacting the future of academic research and student wellness? In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb is joined by longtime CUNY professor and former dean, Ken Gold, to unpack how changes to federal research funding, campus governance, and rising tensions around free speech and antisemitism are reshaping higher education. Drawing on decades of academic leadership, Ken offers a candid, firsthand look at what happens when research dollars are delayed, faculty morale fractures, and universities are forced to navigate political pressure, protest, and constitutional limits. This discussion goes beyond headlines to reveal how today's campus battles are quietly redefining institutional risk, innovation, and the future workforce.   What to expect in this episode: How frozen and delayed federal research funding is disrupting universities nationwide Why deprioritizing basic research could hurt innovation and much more The impact of long-term budget pressure on faculty hiring, recruitment, and institutional risk How universities are responding to antisemitism, campus protests, and free speech disputes The difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism (and why it matters) The role of faculty governance, public statements, and "no confidence" votes during crises Constitutional and regulatory challenges emerging from conflicting federal and local policies Why institutional memory and leadership experience matter more than ever in turbulent times   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Buy Ken's book, "The Forgotten Borough" by Kenneth Gold: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-forgotten-borough/9780231208611    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

    21 min
  4. JAN 28

    Why Staten Island Never Got a Subway & Update on NYC Congestion Pricing Impact | Kenneth Gold

    Ever wonder why Staten Island feels disconnected from the rest of New York City? The answer goes far deeper than geography… and it starts with transportation decisions made generations ago. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb is joined by historian and CUNY professor Kenneth Gold (aka Dr. Forgotten Borough) to explain why Staten Island never became part of New York City's subway system and how that absence continues to shape the borough's identity, politics, and daily life. From missed early opportunities and the rise of car culture to the realities of ferries and express buses, Ken explains how Staten Island became New York City's most isolated borough. The conversation also turns to the present, examining NYC's new congestion pricing plan and how it's already changing traffic patterns, commuter behavior, and the city's transportation future. This episode blends urban history with modern policy, revealing how infrastructure decisions ripple across decades–and why transportation remains one of the most powerful forces shaping New York City. What to expect in this episode: Why Staten Island never received a subway connection (and why it likely never will) How car culture reshaped Staten Island's development and political identity The truth behind ferry expansion and commuter transportation options Why Staten Islanders often feel "forgotten" by City Hall How congestion pricing is playing out in Manhattan so far The economic, environmental, and political impacts of congestion pricing What Staten Island's transportation story reveals about NYC's broader planning failures   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Buy Ken's book, "The Forgotten Borough" by Kenneth Gold: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-forgotten-borough/9780231208611    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

    17 min
  5. JAN 21

    Are Fast Food Chains Lying to You? Inside the Lawsuits Against Burger King, Arby's, Hardee's & More | Anthony Russo

    Ever wonder why fast food ads look so different from the food you get from the drive thru? You're not the only one feeling deceived. In fact, some consumers may actually be eligible for reimbursement. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb is joined by attorney Anthony Russo to expose how fast food giants may be misleading consumers through deceptive advertising. From burgers that appear up to 35% larger in ads to questionable ingredient and labeling claims, Russo breaks down the class action lawsuits targeting companies like Burger King, Arby's, Hardee's, and even major candy brands. This conversation exposes the most popular food styling tactics, the legal "eye test," and consumer protection laws that are holding corporations accountable. Whether you're curious about class actions, false advertising, or your rights as a consumer, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most high-profile lawsuits in fast food history. What to expect in this episode: Details on class action lawsuits against Burger King, Arby's, Hardee's, and others The "eye test" standard courts use to evaluate misleading advertising How food styling can become deceptive What class certification means and how consumers could be compensated Why most false advertising cases never make it to court How fast food lawsuits are reshaping consumer protection law How false advertising lawsuits could change the way food is sold in America Russo's work beyond fast food, including major mass tort cases like Suboxone litigation   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Visit Anthony Russo's website: https://therussofirm.com  Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-j-russo-jr-9124656    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

    30 min
  6. JAN 14

    When Prosecutors BREAK the RULES: Comey, Letitia James, and the DOJ | ft. Adam Klasfeld [Part 3]

    When prosecutorial appointments go wrong, grand juries malfunction, and politics seep into criminal law, the consequences can ripple far beyond a single case. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb is joined by investigative legal reporter Adam Klasfeld to unpack the legal chaos surrounding high-profile prosecutions tied to the Trump DOJ era. Part 3 of this conversation dives into the unraveling cases connected to James Comey and Letitia James, examining grand jury irregularities, unconstitutional prosecutor appointments, and allegations of selective and vindictive prosecution. From botched DOJ tactics to politically charged public statements, Adam breaks down how procedural missteps may have fatally compromised cases before they ever reached trial. For lawyers, prosecutors, and anyone watching the justice system under a microscope, this conversation reveals how fragile legitimacy becomes when the legal process collides with political ambition—and why fixing these errors may be harder than exposing them. What to expect in this episode: How improperly appointed prosecutors can invalidate grand jury proceedings from the start Why the cases involving James Comey and Letitia James began to collapse under legal scrutiny The fallout from the unlawful appointment of Lindsay Halligan and its ripple effects How statutes of limitations may permanently block certain prosecutions from moving forward Why Letitia James's case raises serious questions about proportionality and federal priorities The role public statements and political pressure play in claims of selective prosecution Whether the DOJ can realistically revive cases without exposing deeper institutional failures   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Visit Adam Klasfeld's website: https://www.adamklasfeld.com Subscribe to All Rise News: https://www.allrisenews.com   This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

    12 min
  7. JAN 7

    TRUMP and EPSTEIN FILES? SHOCKING STORY | ft. Journalist Adam Klasfeld [Part 2]

    Two high-profile public figures face charges, but different outcomes in court?! In two decades covering the biggest trials in America, Adam Klasfeld reports that he has never seen a successful selective prosecution defense—except for a groundbreaking case currently underway that could shift that trend. As legal scrutiny intensifies over the handling of classified information, law firms and legal professionals are being forced to reflect on the complexities of selective prosecution, evidence management, and the impact of public perception on justice. These questions aren't just for politicians—they're crucial for those who must advise clients through criminal investigations, data protection controversies, and challenges related to discovery and legacy data. This week's episode features acclaimed investigative journalist Adam Klasfeld, founder of All Rise News, joining us to break down the Espionage Act cases involving Donald Trump and John Bolton.  In this episode, you will get an eye-opening exploration into how the Espionage Act works (beyond the headlines), what differentiates cases like Trump's and Bolton's, and the strategic hurdles legal teams face when allegations of selective or vindictive prosecution arise. We brought Adam Klasfeld onto the show because his reporting has provided rare, on-the-ground insight into the preliminary legal battles shaping these headlines—and what they mean for attorneys and firms tracking the shifting landscape of high-stakes criminal litigation. In Part 2 of this series, Gregg and Adam discuss: How Trump and Bolton's cases diverge—even under the same statute The government's claims about national defense information and alleged security breaches Judge appointments, prosecutorial independence, and political interference in high-profile cases The nuts and bolts of handling classified evidence, SCIF construction, and reviewing sensitive material What "selective prosecution" really looks like, and why it almost never succeeds The role of e-discovery and evidence preservation in modern criminal litigation Early legal maneuvers, defense strategies, and what to watch for as these cases develop   Key takeaways for law firms: Prepare your case files and evidence management workflows for deep scrutiny, especially in matters involving national security or public figures Assess the likelihood and risks of political interference in major prosecutions—document all case activity to protect against allegations of selective prosecution Understand the strategic importance of pretrial motions, especially in cases involving classified or legacy data Track emerging case law around vindictive prosecutions—it may shape the defense playbook in future headline cases If your legal team is thinking about how political winds and evidence handling influence outcomes, this episode will help you spot the unseen factors. Subscribe to keep up with the legal stories that matter—because knowing the "why" behind big cases might just make the difference in yours.   Resources: Visit Adam Klasfeld's website: https://www.adamklasfeld.com  Subscribe to All Rise News: https://www.allrisenews.com

    12 min
5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Cut to the Chase:" where we talk about compelling legal, regulatory and public interest information and news. Your host is Gregg Goldfarb, an attorney, entrepreneur, investor and activist.