More Than Legal

Danielle Laughlin
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Business
  • Updated Bimonthly

More Than Legal unpacks the truth behind power, profit, and purpose in business. Hosted by Danielle Laughlin, an expert business strategist and attorney, each episode blends legal insight with real-world stories to help founders, creators, and investors make smarter, more ethical decisions that build legacies instead of chasing short-term wins. Music credit: Cinematic Suspense Series Ep. 009 by Sasha Ende (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Image credit: ForeverStruck, AL Gawlik Photography

  1. Jun 2

    Using Business to Tell Stories That Matter

    Coury Deeb is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated filmmaker with 20+ years of work spanning 30 countries and 30 states. He co-owns Nadus Studios, Kentucky’s first sound stage campus, and has built a career around stories that do more than move people emotionally. They move people to act. In this episode of More Than Legal, Coury shares how filmmaking, business, purpose, and service come together in his work. From commercial projects to nonprofit storytelling, he explains why profit can be a powerful tool when it supports a mission bigger than itself. Coury shares insights on: Using business as a platform to tell stories that matter Why commercial work can support purpose-driven work How nonprofit storytelling can help organizations build awareness and inspire action Why “profit is a tool” but should never become the mission Protecting culture and values while building a creative business Finding purpose in work that serves others Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative professional, nonprofit leader, or business owner, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful work is not just about what you build. It is about who you serve, what you stand for, and the impact your work creates.

    39 min

  2. May 19

    The AI Revolution in Film Has Already Started

    Alex Lugo is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, software engineer, and the Co-founder and CEO of FilmPro, an AI-powered operating system for film productions. Born in Puerto Rico and raised between Los Angeles and Miami, Alex’s work is shaped by his multicultural roots and artistic heritage as the son of Daniel Lugo, an iconic Latin American film and television actor. He is an alumnus of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, the founder of Vitruvian Films, and a technologist who built his engineering career at Goldman Sachs and Square, specializing in backend systems and AI integration. Today, through FilmPro, Alex is reimagining the future of filmmaking by building technology that empowers storytellers while protecting the human creativity at the heart of every great story. His journey brings together the worlds of performance, production, engineering, entrepreneurship, and AI in a way that makes this conversation both timely and deeply personal. Alex shares practical strategies and insights for:  Building at the Intersection of Art and Technology: How Alex’s background in acting, filmmaking, software engineering, and AI shaped the creation of FilmPro.  Understanding the Power of Pre-Production: Why the planning phase of filmmaking is one of the most critical parts of bringing a story to life. Using AI to Empower Creatives: How FilmPro helps filmmakers with storyboards, shot lists, concept art, schedules, budgets, call sheets, and team collaboration without removing the human element.  Protecting Human Creativity in an AI World: Why Alex believes the future of filmmaking still depends on artists, directors, actors, and creative teams working together.  Getting a “PhD in Your Vision”: Why directors and founders must deeply understand their vision, then learn how to communicate it clearly to the people helping bring it to life. Choosing a Non-Traditional Path: How Alex’s path from performance and film into software engineering gave him a unique perspective on creative problem-solving. The Entrepreneurial Opportunity of AI: Why Alex believes there has never been a better time to build something of your own and use emerging tools to bring your ideas into the world. Leading With Ethics and Intention: Why business leaders, creatives, and technologists must have serious conversations about how AI is used across industries. Whether you are a filmmaker trying to bring your next project to life, a founder building from zero to one, or a creative professional wondering where AI fits into your future, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical look at what is possible when technology supports human imagination. Alex reminds us that the future of AI does not have to be about replacement. It can be about empowerment, collaboration, and helping more people build the stories, businesses, and creative futures they once thought were out of reach.

    36 min

  3. May 5

    The "Gas Pedal" Secret: Why Your Business Isn't Growing (and How to Fix It).

    Patrick K. Currie is an accountant who doesn't look, act, or think like a traditional "penny-pincher". His journey wasn't a straight line to success; it was a path of discovery that included losing a full university scholarship, switching majors from computer engineering to music education, and finally finding his calling in accounting. Today, as the co-founder of Jaje Financial, Patrick has spent over a decade helping small businesses and nonprofits manage budgets as large as $150 million. He believes that accounting shouldn't be a "dream killer" or a cost center, but a strategic engine that empowers entrepreneurs to build their dreams with clarity and courage. Patrick shares practical strategies and insights for: The Power of the "Critical Four": Why every business owner must master Revenue, Gross Profit, Net Profit, and Cash to truly understand their company's health. Identifying Your Business "Gas Pedal": How to find the specific actions and relationships that predictably drive growth when you're ready to scale . The Courage to Do Hard Things: Moving past the "grind" to find the bravery needed to make difficult decisions in the right moments . Speeding Up the Discovery Process: Lessons learned from a non-traditional career path on how to help others find their "trade" and purpose faster . The Danger of the Entrepreneurial "Echo Chamber": How to filter out immature "Instagram millionaire" advice and align with values-based professionals . Reframing Imposter Syndrome: Why being a "rookie" is actually a strategic advantage when building a business from the ground up . Financial Maturity vs. Personal Maturity: Understanding that being good at making money doesn't always mean you're ready to manage capital, and how to bridge that gap . Whether you are a founder navigating a cash-flow crisis or a visionary looking for a "values-aligned" partner, this conversation serves as a roadmap for operational excellence. Patrick challenges us to stop "doom scrolling" and start our days with inspiration, reminding us that time is short and the opportunity to build something meaningful is always now.

    58 min

  4. Apr 21

    The Power of One More Day: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments

    Cesar Perez is a Salvadoran immigrant who was on a meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. At the peak of his career with major film roles and a promising position at Cox Media, his life was violently reset during a holiday weekend. After a head-on collision with both a drunk driver and a semi truck, Cesar died multiple times at the scene and the hospital, facing an unimaginable recovery from brain injuries and shattered bones. Today, he shares how he rebuilt himself using broken pieces mended with love, patience, and hope. Cesar shares practical strategies and insights for: The process of acknowledging life-altering trauma and the journey of self-acceptance. Transforming extreme pain into a clear purpose to guide others through the darkness. Using the camera and storytelling as tools to anchor yourself during moments of anger and despair. The transformative power of forgiveness when facing the person who altered your destiny. The vital importance of a support network and unconditional parental love during rehabilitation. The habit of journaling as a method to heal the soul and find the story within the struggle. How to manage the loneliness and loss of identity that accompany deep crises. The strategy of tackling overwhelming goals by breaking them into small and attainable chunks. Whether you are a founder facing a business crisis or someone navigating a personal dark night, this conversation serves as a guide for resilience and the human spirit. Cesar challenges us to hold on for one more day and to recognize that even in our most fragmented moments, our lives have meaning and our souls have purpose. Connect with Cesar: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cesarperezdesign Book: Chase the Light (Available on Amazon) Personal Instagram: @cesar_perezfit Documentary Instagram: @chasethelight2026

    39 min

  5. Apr 7

    Building Wealth Outside the Traditional System

    In this episode of More Than Legal, we sit down with Brandon Hatton, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Conscious Wealth®, to explore what it really means to build, grow, and use wealth with intention, clarity, and purpose. Brandon shares his journey from working at Merrill Lynch, where success was measured by how much money you could make, to redefining his entire approach to wealth after experiencing the hidden costs of constant accumulation. Today, he helps founders, families, and high earners move from chasing more to aligning their capital with the impact they want to create. Together, we unpack how money influences identity, decision-making, and the way we live and lead. Brandon shares practical strategies and insights for: Defining what “enough” looks like and why it is the most important financial benchmark Shifting from accumulation to intentional wealth building Separating personal identity from net worth to reduce pressure and anxiety Making clearer, values-based financial decisions Understanding the hidden trade-offs of financial success Using capital as a tool for impact instead of a scoreboard Having the difficult but necessary conversations around wealth, expectations, and legacy Whether you are a founder, entrepreneur, or business owner, this conversation covers key topics like wealth strategy, investing with purpose, leadership, and building a life that aligns with your values. It will challenge how you think about money, success, and what it truly means to create long-term impact. Connect with Brandon: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@consciouswealth_ Website: https://consciouswealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonthatton/

    39 min

  6. Mar 24

    From Real Relationships to Real Revenue

    In this episode of More Than Legal, we sit down with Alexander McCobin, Founder and CEO of Liberty Ventures, a global network of investors, founders, and executives who believe in building businesses that create value while advancing the principles of capitalism and human flourishing, to explore what it really means to build a business rooted in principles, purpose, and long-term impact. Alexander shares his journey from leading global nonprofit initiatives like Students for Liberty and Conscious Capitalism to building Liberty Ventures, a network designed to connect values-aligned investors, founders, and business leaders. Together, we dive into how capitalism, when done right, can be a powerful force for good while still delivering strong financial returns. Alexander shares practical strategies and insights for: Building a values-driven business that balances purpose and profit. Understanding the connection between investors, founders, and aligned capital. Why relationships matter more than pitch decks in securing investment. Knowing when to take risks and how to develop true skin in the game as an entrepreneur. Navigating the difference between nonprofit and for-profit business models. Creating long-term impact through principled entrepreneurship and conscious capitalism. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or business leader, this conversation covers key topics like venture capital, startup growth, business strategy, leadership, and investing with purpose. It will challenge how you think about capitalism, risk, and the role your business can play in creating meaningful change. Connect with Alexander: Website: https://libertyventuresnetwork.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccobin/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccobin/

    43 min

  7. Mar 10

    Marketing That Converts: Attract the Right Customers

    In this episode of More Than Legal, Danielle sits down with Brian May, CEO of Daymark Interactive, to talk about what actually works in digital marketing and why many businesses struggle to attract the right customers online. Brian leads Daymark Interactive, a performance-driven digital marketing agency focused on paid media, reputation management, and provider visibility. He is also the creator of the Daymark Visibility Intelligence Platform, an AI-powered system that analyzes provider visibility, patient search demand, and digital reputation to help healthcare organizations identify where they may be losing revenue. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in digital marketing, Brian shares practical insights on targeting the right audience, avoiding wasted ad spend, and understanding the difference between impressions and real conversions. In this episode, we discuss: • Why having a website does not automatically bring customers. • The difference between branding, impressions, and conversions. • How keyword intent impacts marketing performance. • Why many businesses waste money on poorly targeted ads. • The importance of focusing on your most profitable services. • How internal processes can make good marketing look ineffective. • Why reputation and online reviews play a critical role in visibility. If you want a clearer understanding of how digital marketing actually drives growth, this episode offers practical insights that every business owner should hear. Connect with Brian:  On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmay/ Website: https://www.daymarkinteractive.com/

    45 min

  8. Feb 24

    The 2026 Business Reset: Build and Serve

    In this episode of More Than Legal, we kick off Season Two with a candid conversation about execution, clarity, and what it really means to build a principled business in an unpredictable world. After taking a short break between seasons, we reflect on major global shifts and why they matter to entrepreneurs. We share what we have been observing in the markets, in politics, and in business, and why 2026 is not the year for more talk. It is the year for execution. We also unpack a recent visit to Prospera in Roatan, Honduras, where a unique economic model is focused on freedom, innovation, and intentional governance. The experience sparked deeper thoughts about leadership, resource stewardship, and what happens when people are clear about where they are going and why. In this episode, we discuss: Why economic freedom and property rights matter to business owners. The difference between having a plan and actually executing it. Lessons from Prospera and what execution looks like in real time. Why clarity around your “where” and “why” attracts resources. How SAGE Business Counsel is approaching 2026 with a “Build and Serve” focus. Our core values and how they shape leadership, accountability, and ethical growth. We also share part of our founding story, from starting with limited resources to building a firm rooted in freedom, responsibility, and long-term thinking. If you are serious about building something meaningful this year, this episode will challenge you to get clear, take ownership, and execute with purpose.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

More Than Legal unpacks the truth behind power, profit, and purpose in business. Hosted by Danielle Laughlin, an expert business strategist and attorney, each episode blends legal insight with real-world stories to help founders, creators, and investors make smarter, more ethical decisions that build legacies instead of chasing short-term wins. Music credit: Cinematic Suspense Series Ep. 009 by Sasha Ende (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Image credit: ForeverStruck, AL Gawlik Photography

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Laughlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Danielle Laughlin
  • Show Website
    More Than Legal