January is the season of reinvention — new goals, new habits, and sometimes even a new haircut. But how much of that change is real, and how much is just cosmetic?

In this special, live-from-the-barbershop episode of Sports ’N Torts, host Joshua Stein welcomes back returning fan-favorite Alvaro Arauz of 3A Law Management for his third appearance on the show — and this time, Alvaro takes “new year, new you” literally with a live haircut during the recording.

As the scissors start cutting, the conversation digs into what real change actually looks like inside a law firm. From launching 13 new law firm startups across the U.S. and internationally, to helping burned-out lawyers rediscover clarity and purpose, Alvaro explains why emotional pain often sparks change — and why most lawyers fail to convert that moment into lasting systems.

In the final segment of the episode, attorney Nik Erramilli joins the conversation to share his own journey over the past year. Nik reflects on stepping into a highly specialized NIL-focused practice, how working with Alvaro helped him sharpen his strategy, and what intentional growth looks like for his firm in 2026. His perspective brings the episode full circle — moving from theory to a real-world example of purpose-driven practice building.

This episode blends philosophy, practicality, and humor — proving that sometimes the most meaningful transformations start with clarity, consistency, and the courage to do things differently.

Guest: Alvaro Arauz, 3A Law Management

Special Guest: Nik Erramilli

Host: Joshua Stein

Episode Theme: New Year, New You — Turning Emotional Resets into Real Change

Location: Recorded live from the barbershop

1. New Year, New Me — Fact or Fiction?
2. Why January triggers emotional resets, and why most lawyers mistake visible change for meaningful progress.
3. The Live Haircut Metaphor
4. How external change (like a haircut) mirrors internal commitment — and why clarity matters more than optics.
5. Launching Law Firms Like Startups
6. Alvaro breaks down lessons from launching 13 firms in January across the U.S. and six international markets.
7. Mindset Before Mechanics
8. A practical framework for diagnosing problems:
9. What’s the real issue?
10. What’s the obstacle?
11. What habits are sustaining it?
12. What’s the desired end goal?
13. The 7 January “Resolution Buckets” for Lawyers
14. Better clients
15. Better marketing
16. Stronger systems

In this annual Year in Review episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein continues a personal tradition—pausing before the calendar turns to reflect on the year that was. Guided by thoughtful questions from his wife Dana, the conversation feels less like an interview and more like a real check-in on family, work, and the moments that mattered most.

The episode touches on life at home with both kids now in high school, the pace of milestone moments, and the role youth sports played throughout the year—from travel baseball highs to the perspective gained by coaching instead of competing. The two also reflects on a year filled with music, travel, and shared experiences that helped create space outside of work.

Professionally, the focus stays on meaning rather than metrics: standout cases, growth within the firm, the satisfaction of mentoring, and why community-based relationships continue to matter more than traditional marketing. The episode closes with reflections on podcasting itself—why the conversations and connections outweigh downloads—and why taking time to reflect has become an annual priority.

This is a grounded, honest look back at a full year—before turning the page to what’s next.

• Why a year-in-review episode has become an annual tradition
• Life at home with both kids now in high school, including:
  • Prom, homecoming, and senior-year moments
  • College applications and tryouts
  
  
• Youth sports reflections:
  • Travel baseball season and Maccabi Games in Arizona
  • Coaching volleyball instead of playing
  • What sports continue to teach about patience, growth, and perspective
  
  
• Making time for fun and shared experiences:
  • Concerts including Pearl Jam and Zac Brown Band at the Sphere
  • A memorable Nashville trip
  
  
• Professional reflections:
  • Two cases that stood out for personal and professional reasons
  • The fulfillment that comes from mentoring and leadership
  
  
• Community-based marketing and connection:
  • Hosting golf tournaments
  • Sponsoring local high school teams
  • Staying connected through authentic outreach and video
  
  
• Podcast reflections:
  • Recording more than 50 episodes this year, including Last Call
  • Favorite conversations and meaningful feedback
  • Meeting many guests for the first time through the podcast
  • Why impact and relationships matter more than downloads
  • The creative fun of evolving episode cover art
  
  

In this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein sits down with Gracyn Tucker, a redshirt sophomore on the Georgia Tech softball team, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to compete at a high level—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

Gracyn pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day reality of being a Division I student-athlete, from 6 a.m. lifts and packed class schedules to managing injuries, nutrition, mental toughness, and expectations. She shares how she navigated the recruiting process, why academics matter just as much as athletics, and what parents often get wrong when it comes to youth sports.

The conversation goes far beyond softball. Gracyn reflects on leadership, failure, pressure, and mindset—including the mental framework she uses to recover from mistakes in high-stakes moments. She also talks candidly about NIL, the transfer portal, team culture, and why loving the game—not money or pressure—is essential to long-term success.

Finally, Gracyn discusses her growing interest in law and criminal defense, how a summer internship shaped her perspective, and why the skills she’s learning through sports will stay with her long after her playing days are over.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, young athlete, or professional thinking about leadership and discipline, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and wisdom well beyond Gracyn’s years.

• Gracyn’s journey from East Cobb youth softball to Georgia Tech
• The realities of being a redshirt athlete and balancing injuries with development
• Why multi-sport exposure matters (and when specialization goes too far)
• Travel ball vs. high school sports—and why high school memories still matter
• How college recruiting actually works (camps, showcases, social media, emails)
• The importance of academics in college athletics and recruiting decisions
• A real look at time management for student-athletes
• Nutrition, recovery, and the behind-the-scenes support systems at Georgia Tech
• Using technology and analytics (bat speed, exit velocity, pitch data) in softball
• Why mindset and process matter more than stats
• Leadership, team chemistry, and being a “culture carrier”
• The ORCA method for handling failure and bouncing back mentally
• How parents can help—or hurt their child’s athletic future
• Burnout, pressure, and why loving the game is non-negotiable
• NIL, the transfer portal, and how college sports culture is changing
• Lessons sports teach that translate directly to law, business, and life
• Gracyn’s interest in criminal law, public defense, and advocacy
• Rapid-fire fun: walk-up songs, superstitions, and game-day routines

This episode isn’t just about softball—it’s about discipline, resilience, leadership, and growth. Gracyn brings a thoughtful, mature perspective that will resonate with:

• Parents navigating youth and high school sports
• Student-athletes balancing big goals and real pressure
• Coaches focused on development and culture
• Professionals who see parallels between sports, law, and business

If you care about doing hard things the right way, this conversation is worth your time.

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

The New Year’s Day loss to Ole Miss turns College Football’s Last Call into a group therapy session as the guys process Georgia’s stunning Sugar Bowl collapse and the abrupt end of a season that felt destined for more.

Josh, Jason, and Laurence walk through the stages of grief—anger, bargaining, sadness, and depression—while breaking down exactly how Georgia let a fourth-quarter lead slip away. From questionable clock management and late-game defensive decisions to a baffling third-and-goal call, the conversation pulls no punches, even when it comes to Kirby Smart’s role in the loss.

The crew also gives full credit to Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambers, whose performance is described as generational, and debates whether Georgia simply ran into a perfect storm of injuries, missed execution, and bad timing. From there, the discussion expands to the rest of the College Football Playoff, including Miami’s win over Ohio State, Indiana’s demolition of Alabama, and what those games say about parity in the sport.

The episode closes with a deep dive into NIL, transfer portal chaos, roster retention, and whether the current playoff format—with long layoffs and first-round byes—is fundamentally broken. While the season ends with disappointment, the guys agree: Georgia is reloading, not rebuilding—and expectations for 2026 are already sky-high.

Opening & Reactions

• New Year’s Day Sugar Bowl fallout: “What just happened?”
• The stages of grief after Georgia’s fourth-quarter collapse
• Why this loss feels different from past playoff exits

Georgia vs. Ole Miss Breakdown

• Self-inflicted wounds and missed opportunities
• Late-game clock management and red-zone decisions
• Criticism—and defense—of Kirby Smart’s in-game calls
• Defensive breakdowns and the inability to get pressure
• The fake punt confusion and execution issues

Trinidad Chambers’ Performance

• A generational playoff game
• Comparisons to Cam Newton, Tim Tebow, and Joe Burrow
• Why mobile quarterbacks continue to challenge Georgia’s defense

Injuries & Personnel Impact

• Missing Drew Bobo, Jordan Hall, and Gabe Harris
• Offensive line struggles and protection breakdowns
• Zachariah Branch’s impact and legacy at Georgia

College Football Playoff Reactions

• Miami knocking off Ohio State
• Indiana’s shocking domination of Alabama
• Is Indiana the team of destiny?
• Thoughts on Carson Beck, Oregon, and the remaining field

Coaching & Program Conversations

• Lane Kiffin’s absence and Pete Golding’s influence
• Ryan Day and Ohio State under the microscope
• Kalen DeBoer’s roller-coaster tenure at Alabama

NIL & Transfer Portal Chaos

• Tampering concerns and behind-the-scenes recruiting
• Why coaches are re-recruiting their own rosters
• Proposed guardrails for NIL and transfer rules
• One-time transfer vs. sit-out proposals

Playoff Format Debate

• Are first-round byes actually a disadvantage?
• Layoffs vs. momentum
• Should the playoff calendar be restructured?

Looking Ahead

• Georgia’s roster retention and portal outlook
• Why the Bulldogs should be a preseason top-two team in 2026
• Heisman predictions and early optimism for next season

Closing

• A decision to sign off until the 2026 season
• Gratitude for listeners and the season that was

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury...

Joshua sits down with Tyson Mutrix—founder of Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers and creator of Maximum Lawyer—to talk shop on building a law firm you actually enjoy running. They trace the origins and growth of the Maximum Lawyer podcast and community, dig into how live events evolved (including a behind-the-scenes “Zapathon” pivot), and unpack practical ops habits: ruthless calendaring, office-hours cadences, shrinking meetings, and shielding your inbox with an EA. Tyson explains why his firm moved back to a pre-lit / lit model, how “topgrading” cut headcount while boosting profits, and the KPIs he cares about most (average fee, duration, revenue/profit per employee, qualified leads vs. leads). They close with community-based marketing ROI, why the Chiefs catch hate, and Tyson’s optimistic take on Mizzou football. Mutrux

• Why preparation beats nerves—on trials, coaching kids’ soccer, and podcasting.
• Georgia–Mizzou talk, SEC fit, stadium upgrades, and realignment vibes. Mutrux

• Started the podcast in 2016; 800+ episodes and counting.
• Built a thriving Facebook community (~7k lawyers), an annual MaxLawCon, and a paid Guild.
• Programming shift: long-form Tuesday interviews vs. tips/hacks released on Saturdays (from live Wednesday Guild shows). Mutrux

• People come for community—design longer breaks and shorter talks (20 mins; longer only for keynotes).
• Day-two attrition is real; adjust programming accordingly.
• “Zapathon” case study: agenda bombed in hour one → split by skill level → best version of the event.
• NYC mastermind curveball: AC outage → rooftop relocation—act fast, don’t freeze. Mutrux

• Live by the calendar (even date night).
• Three daily “office hours” (8:45/12:45/3:45, 15 minutes) to cut interruptions.
• EA triages email; Tyson doesn’t live in his inbox.
• Tool tip: “Inbox When Ready for Gmail” Chrome extension to hide your inbox until you’re ready. Mutrux

• From ~30 to ~17 staff by hiring only A-players (“topgrading”), reducing redundancies, and measuring what matters.
• Tried pods → moved back to pre-lit and lit teams for role clarity and efficiency.
• Exercise: “If we could only keep eight people, who are they?”—reveals true A-players.
• Profit > headcount; revenue per employee and profit per employee beat vanity metrics. Mutrux

• Average fee (bellwether metric).
• Case duration (how long matters → cash flow & throughput).
• Leads vs. qualified leads vs. signed cases (spot conversion or targeting issues).
• Revenue/Profit per employee (efficiency over size).
• Role-specific KPIs: e.g., receptionist average call time, attorney callbacks ≤ 2/week to resolve issues earlier in the pipeline.
• Framework to set KPIs: Purpose → Skills/Traits → Functional Accountabilities → KPIs. Mutrux

• Hard to track like PPC—start “holistic”: dollars + time value + staff time across events; measure total leads/cases attributed to community efforts.
• Improve tracking over time with unique numbers/QRs/URLs.
• Intangible upside counts: local goodwill, “top-of-mind” effect, and personal fulfillment. Mutrux

• Conferences: people leave early; drinking’s down; health-conscious habits rising.
• Chiefs “villain arc”: winning breeds envy; Swift/Kelce hype didn’t help.
• Mizzou prediction corner—win out and make noise.

As always, this episode is powered by the J.

The College Football Playoff has arrived, and the boys are officially on the clock. With a quiet on-field weekend behind them, the crew dives headfirst into the madness of the new 12-team playoff format, breaking down every matchup, upset possibility, and storyline that matters.

They react to a polarizing Heisman ceremony, debate whether the award has lost its shine, and unpack the chaos surrounding the transfer portal—especially the alarming churn among five-star quarterbacks. From coaching scandals and carousel shockers to NIL reality checks and recruiting myths, nothing is off limits.

Then it’s bracket time. The guys run the entire playoff from first round through the national championship, highlighting sucker bets, road environments, coaching mismatches, and why Georgia looks built for another January run. Along the way, they disagree loudly, laugh often, and somehow still all land on the same national champion.

If you want playoff context, honest takes, and a roadmap to Miami—this is the episode.

• A rare quiet college football weekend
• Army–Navy delivers as always
• Heisman ceremony reactions (and boredom levels)
• Transfer portal season officially underway

• Unexpected scandal shakes Michigan
• When “hold my beer” moments go too far
• Why today’s carousel feels more unhinged than ever
• Coaching exits, rumors, and the NFL wildcard

• Was the winner deserving—or just inevitable?
• Has the Heisman lost its prestige?
• Voter groupthink and media narratives
• The Diego Pavia subplot (and meme culture fallout)
• Why this award no longer feels like must-watch TV

• Shocking stat: almost every recent five-star QB has transferred
• What this says about development vs. instant gratification
• NIL expectations vs. long-term growth
• Why patience may actually be the rarest trait in college football

• NIL money, brand deals, and unintended consequences
• Why “getting paid” doesn’t always mean getting better
• The TJ Finley phenomenon and portal fatigue
• What quarterbacks should be prioritizing

First Round

• Alabama vs. Oklahoma (Friday night chaos)
• Oregon’s path and the “sucker bet” debate
• Miami vs. Texas A&M at Kyle Field
• Ole Miss vs. Tulane (or “No Lane vs. Two Lane”)

Quarterfinals

• Why some paths are dramatically easier than others
• Buy-week advantages—and whether they actually matter

Semifinals

• Georgia’s defensive evolution
• Ohio State vs. Miami: scriptwriting vs. substance
• Oregon’s staying power

National Championship Prediction

• Georgia vs. Oregon
• Kirby Smart vs. Dan Lanning
• Why the Dogs look built for another title run

• Why this playoff format is already exposing flaws
• SEC vs. Big Ten narratives incoming
• What to watch closely as the games unfold
• Adjustments guaranteed (because opinions are flexible)

🔥 Consensus Pick: Georgia wins the National Championship

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, Josh sits down with Michael Thompson, a rising star in Georgia’s legal community and a double-Dawg with deep UGA roots. Fresh off a weekend together at the SEC Championship, Josh and Michael dive into a wide-ranging conversation—law, golf, mentorship, building a practice, and, of course, the brand-new 12-team College Football Playoff.

Michael shares how growing up in northeast Georgia, studying agriculture at UGA, and working his way through college as a bartender shaped his work ethic and approach to clients. He talks openly about losing his father while in school, discovering his passion for law through a Congressional Ag Fellowship in Washington, and the professional growth he experienced clerking for both plaintiff lawyers and appellate judges.

The episode digs deep into Michael’s transition from insurance defense to high-stakes plaintiff litigation at the MacArthur Law Firm—what he learned, what surprised him, and why he believes excellence and integrity will always have a place despite Georgia’s new tort reform landscape.

Michael also gives candid advice for young lawyers finding their footing, including how to create your identity in a law firm, how to work with partners, how to learn by doing, and how to build a career through relationships and service.

Finally, the guys break down the brand-new 12-team playoff bracket—who got lucky, who should be nervous, and why Georgia fans still feel some PTSD from the Alabama rivalry despite finally getting over the hump on Saturday.

A fun, insightful, high-energy episode with one of the sharpest young lawyers in the state.

• Josh and Michael reflect on their weekend together at the SEC Championship.
• Celebrating finally beating Alabama and the emotional history that comes with the matchup.
• How the expanded 12-team playoff changes the meaning of conference championships.
• Comparing fan bases, stadium environments, and the chaos of college football weekends

• Growing up in northeast Georgia and playing competitive golf in high school.
• Studying Agribusiness at UGA — why he switched from engineering, how the ag program gave him real-world tools, and how agriculture influences most Georgia businesses.
• How an Ag Congressional Fellowship in Washington, D.C. sparked his interest in law and policy.
• Choosing to stay in Athens for law school (a theme listeners know all too well).

• The challenge of adjusting to law-school-style writing.
• The importance of learning from practitioners early—clerking with Billy Jones, Carl Varnado, and Judge Ellington.
• How writing briefs for real lawyers reshaped his exam performance and legal thinking.
• Why experience outside the classroom matters more than students realize.

• Why beginning in insurance defense teaches discipline, procedure, and volume-based case management.
• Working under Duke Groover and handling a wide range of cases—from auto torts to business litigation.
• Learning how partners develop business, how client relationships work, and what it takes to earn trust.
• How watching senior partners manage files helped Michael understand the business side of law.

• How a conversation with Jessica and Nate Edmonds opened the door to the MacArthur Law Firm.
• What changed immediately when he switched sides—more pressure, but more...

The boys are riding high after a dominant Georgia win over Alabama in the SEC Championship, celebrating in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and reliving a day full of tailgates, arguments about departure times, and meeting loyal listeners. The crew breaks down an all-around A+ performance by Georgia—special teams magic, suffocating defense, depth everywhere, and a poised outing from SEC Championship MVP Gunner Stockton.

They also unpack the chaos across college football: Duke shockingly winning the ACC, Texas Tech pounding BYU twice, Ohio State looking shaky in a pillow fight, and the playoff committee unveiling the first 12-team postseason. The guys agree the committee mostly got it right—but torches are lit for Tulane and James Madison making the field over far better teams.

There’s also a spirited rant against Notre Dame for opting out of their bowl game (“a total pussoir move”), a Heisman reset, Keno strategy lessons from Elbow Room, and the Belt-to-Ass movement officially becoming a 2025 cultural phenomenon.

Another fun, fast, beer-soaked episode reflecting on a truly great weekend to be a Georgia Bulldog.

• Georgia knocks off Alabama 28–7 to win another SEC Championship.
• The crew recounts a perfect game-day experience: elite tailgate, Mercedes-Benz rocking, and meeting fans of the show.
• Internal drama: Laurence and Jason fight over departure times (and the math behind them).
• Early turning point: block punt → TD, tip-drill interception → TD.
• No nerves from the hosts—Georgia controlled the game wire-to-wire.

• Defense stole the show:
  • Held Alabama to –3 yards rushing.
  • Ty Simpson overwhelmed by relentless pressure.
  • Young stars (Ellis Robinson, KJ Bolden, Quintavious Johnson) flashed elite talent.
  
  
• Offense efficient & poised:
  • Gunner Stockton: 75% completions, 3 TDs, no turnovers.
  • Mike Bobo’s play-calling gets praise, especially using hidden pieces like Rod Robinson and Malachi Toliver.
  
  
• Special Teams Difference-Makers:
  • Cole Spear’s block punt.
  • Brett Thorson repeatedly flipped the field.
  
  

• Hosts caught only the end at Elbow Room over pizza & pitchers.
• Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza’s bizarre postgame interview becomes immediate meme-material.

• Two matchups this season, two blowouts — BYU rightfully excluded from the playoff.

• Duke (7–5 entering the game!) upsets Virginia in OT.
• The ACC “could not have screwed up their tiebreaker format worse.”

1. 1. Indiana
   2. Ohio State
   3. Georgia
   4. Texas Tech
   
   

• 5–10: Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Miami

• Tulane blown out by Ole Miss by 35.
• Tulane also lost by double digits to UTSA.
• JMU offers little competitive value.
• Better options existed (Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Texas).
• Committee forced to include a G5 team—but should require a minimum ranking threshold.

• Georgia will play January 1st in the...