On this powerful episode of The Truth Hurts Show, Brian and Makan are joined by legendary founders Kass and Mike Lazerow, whose journey spans billion-dollar exits, devastating losses, and a mission to uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs. Together they built Buddy Media, sold to Salesforce for nearly $1B, and now lead a $400M venture fund investing in dreamers and doers. But behind the numbers is a story of family, resilience, and hard-won lessons from the trenches. They talk trauma, teamwork, radical transparency, and why building a company is the “best kind of hell.” If you’re building anything — or rebuilding yourself — this episode will light a fire under you. This is legacy leadership, startup war stories, and real talk for anyone chasing greatness. Kass and Mike's Links: Website: https://kassandmike.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike Follow US! YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome Kass and Mike! 02:21 – The Journey of Buddy Media 04:40 – Early Ventures and Lessons Learned 11:48 – The Birth of Buddy Media 18:17 – Scaling and Success of Buddy Media 22:21 – Acquisition by Salesforce 28:48 – Family Dynamics and Personal Reflections 29:20 – Entrepreneurial Traits 30:15 – Balancing Family and Business 30:38 – Investing in Startups and Deal Flow 37:16 – Operational Strategies and Cheat Codes 44:39 – Focus and Prioritization in Business 50:32 – Humility and Giving Back 01:02:58 – The Value of Failure 01:03:10 – Hiring Cheat Codes: Athletes, Vets, and Moms 01:03:50 – The Importance of Team Sports 01:04:40 – The Reality of Entrepreneurship 01:07:15 – Generational Workforce Concerns 01:09:46 – The Role of Money and Family 01:10:29 – Meeting Maha and Building Relationships 01:22:17 – Advice for Entrepreneurs 01:28:45 – Where to Find Us Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this wild and unforgettable episode of The Truth Hurts Show, Brian and Makan reunite with fashion icon Cosmo, the legendary Melrose stylist, designer, and larger-than-life queen behind LA’s most outrageous fashion comeback. Cosmo takes us deep into his four-decade journey from building a cult-following boutique on Melrose to partying with Chyna the wrestler, surviving near-death addiction, and becoming a viral star thanks to Soft White Underbelly. From Studio 54 energy to tragic alleyways and finally to social media stardom and a Vegas residency, Cosmo doesn’t hold back. Hear how Shaquille O’Neal, Erykah Badu, Jason Derulo, and a mystery wrestling queen helped keep her dream alive — and why Melrose will never die as long as Cosmo is breathing (and selling glitter jumpsuits). This is fashion, fame, sobriety, and survival… Cosmo style. Cosmo's Links: Website: https://cosmoanddonato.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmosglamsquad/ Follow US! YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome Cosmo! 02:05 Cosmo's Melrose Journey 02:32 Life at Flasher and Cosmos 03:17 Partying Like a Rockstar 06:16 Drag Shows 13:45 Rehab and Recovery 17:29 Return to Melrose 22:42 Pandemic Struggles and Celebrity Clients 30:47 Soft White Underbelly 33:09 Overcoming Addiction: A Journey Through Various Struggles 36:21 The Viral Moment: From Underbelly to Social Media Stardom 39:09 A New Chapter: From Viral Sensation to Las Vegas Residency 44:52 Family Ties: Reuniting with My Twin Brother 53:32 New Fashion Trends to Look Out For 01:02:59 Future Plans and Exciting Opportunities Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this explosive episode of The Truth Hurts Show, Brian and Makan sit down with veteran family law attorney David Pisarra, who has spent 27 years in the courtroom witnessing the emotional and financial destruction caused by modern divorce. David pulls no punches as he exposes how the legal system is tilted against men and explains the terrifying power of the “Silver Bullet”—a legal maneuver that can strip a father of his home, kids, and rights without a shred of physical evidence. From shocking real-life cases (including one where a client’s dogs were euthanized out of spite) to controversial insights about gender dynamics in divorce, David shares hard truths that most lawyers are too afraid to say out loud. He also introduces Dad’s Law School, his initiative to empower fathers navigating custody battles with real-world strategies and support. Whether you're married, divorced, or thinking about starting a family—this episode is your wake-up call. Buckle up, because the truth hurts... and this time, it cuts deep. David's Links: Website: https://dadslawschool.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadslawschool/ Follow US! Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if everything you thought you knew about your brain... was a lie? In this mind-altering episode of the Truth Hurts Show, Brian and Makan sit down with Bizzie Gold, founder of Break Method and creator of brain pattern mapping technology that’s helping people uncover hidden trauma, decode mental health symptoms, and even predict PTSD, intrusive thoughts, and failed relationships—all from a 200-question psychological blueprint. We dive deep into: - The brain's self-deception engine - Why most marriages collapse and how to fix them - Whether 70% of women are actually cheating (and why!) - How AI and the government could weaponize your mental patterns - Why empathy, trauma, and CEO success often stem from the same place - And the dangerous reason why complacent marriages last the longest This episode is a masterclass in emotional rewiring, childhood programming, and building stronger relationships—backed by real science and blunt truth. Ready to uncover your true brain pattern? Use code TRUTH at the link below for 20% off the full Break Method program. https://bizziegold.com/break-method-program Bizzie's Links: https://bizziegold.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizziegold/ Follow US! Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Bizzie! 01:07 The Journey to Brain Mapping 04:29 Hypnotherapy and Accessing Trauma 11:29 Understanding Brain Pattern Mapping 39:27 The Role of Brain Patterns in Relationships 46:37 Transforming Abusive Relationships 47:39 Understanding Brain Pattern Types 48:06 Switches in Behavior 49:56 Observing Social Cues 51:04 Balancing Career and Relationships 53:03 Empathy and Self-Deception 01:09:56 The Break Method Explained 01:14:18 The Impact of Fear on Success 01:25:42 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jason Votrobek went from a small-town kid watching drug smugglers to building a $4 million/month pain pill empire—and it all came crashing down. In this jaw-dropping episode of the Truth Hurts Show, Jason walks Brian and Makan through everything: smuggling kilos in dive tanks, bribing law enforcement, surviving juvenile and federal prison, laundering money through real estate, and the inside story of how Purdue Pharma, the DEA, and corruption shaped America's opioid crisis. From near-death encounters in The Bahamas to winning against the feds in court (twice!), Jason's story is unlike anything you've ever heard. Buckle up—this one is wild. 🚨🚨 Guest Links - Jason Votrobek🚨🚨 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/8upjay/ Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Jason! 01:43 Jason's Journey 06:21 Early Involvement in Crime 07:13 Surviving Juvenile Prison 14:33 Navigating Prison Life 17:38 Back to the Streets 20:17 Rising in the Drug Trade 27:46 Smuggling Across Borders 34:22 Street Code and Snitching 35:52 Challenges in the Bahamas 36:50 Bahamas Drug Operations 39:00 Smuggling Techniques 43:13 Cali Cartel Connection 57:58 Law Enforcement Corruption 01:00:14 Prison Survival Tips 01:03:17 Smuggling Operations in The Bahamas 01:04:25 A Close Call with Danger 01:07:29 Deciding to Quit the Drug Trade 01:08:30 Money Laundering Tactics 01:13:39 The Pain Clinic Business 01:28:25 Legal Troubles and Trials 01:29:08 Life After Prison 01:33:17 Reflections and Future Plans Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this powerhouse episode of the Truth Hurts Show, host Brian Goldstein and new co-host Makan Mostafavi sit down with global communications strategist Maha Abouelenein to unpack the shocking mindset differences between millionaires and billionaires, the long game of networking, and the real currency of value creation. Maha shares her story of moving to Egypt with zero network or Arabic skills — and becoming a business partner to one of the most powerful billionaires in the Middle East. 🤯 They dive deep into how billionaires protect their time, build legacy-driven networks, and operate on a level most people never even see. Maha also reveals powerful lessons from her bestselling book, “The 7 Rules of Self-Reliance,” including how to build confidence through action and why adding value first is the most overlooked superpower in business. 🔥 This episode is a masterclass in mindset, strategy, and self-reinvention. Key points covered: - Millionaire vs. Billionaire Mindset: What really separates them - The secret power of strategic humility - How to rebuild your network at ANY age - The long-game mindset behind billionaire relationships - Why flashy wealth is insecurity in disguise - Networking tips for introverts and high-performers - How Maha helped launch Netflix & Google in the Middle East - Building a global brand when no one knows your name - Why “confidence” is overrated — and action is everything If you’ve ever wondered how billionaires actually think, how to network without being slimy, or how to reinvent yourself in a foreign country with nothing but grit, this is the episode for you. 💡 🚨🚨 Guest Links - Maha 🚨🚨 Buy Her Book: https://a.co/d/fAY6GWN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahagaber/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-abouelenein Follow US! YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Maha! 00:40 Maha's Journey into Communications 01:46 Life in Egypt and Career Beginnings 03:12 Working for a Billionaire 08:02 Building a Communications Empire 10:03 Networking Tips and Strategies 21:01 Differences in Wealth Culture 25:51 Long Flights and Painful Journeys 26:19 Working with High-Profile Clients 26:41 Strategic Communications and Branding 27:43 Dubai's Growing Tech Scene 30:02 Business Opportunities in Saudi Arabia 30:39 Challenges of International Business 31:55 The Inspiration Behind the Book 33:30 Seven Rules of Self-Reliance 36:48 The Importance of Storytelling 39:01 Building Long-Term Relationships 46:14 Crazy Stories and Unexpected Roles 50:14 Conclusion and Where to Find More Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Imagine your “hobby” is catching online predators. That’s the reality for the Big Bad Wolf, who’s caught over 300 creeps in just 2 years. From decoy chats and sting operations to courtroom drama and emotional burnout, this episode pulls back the curtain on the underground predator-catching world—and the dangerous gap law enforcement is leaving behind. We talk: - How he builds cases without baiting - The psychology of predators - The most disturbing catches - Why parental complacency is fueling this epidemic - And how YOU can protect your kids One of the most intense—and important—episodes we've ever done. You’ll laugh, cringe, and walk away thinking a whole lot deeper about your kid’s phone. 🚨 If you’re a parent, this one’s mandatory viewing. 🚨 🚨🚨 Guest Links - Big Bad Wolf 🚨🚨 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbad_wolf1983 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigBadWolf83 Email: BlackBiden83@gmail.com (mailto:BlackBiden83@gmail.com) (for volunteering or support) Follow US! YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome Back! 01:08 Big Bad Wolf's Background and Motivation 01:38 The Hunt Begins 02:39 Catching Creeps: Methods and Challenges 05:19 Parental Advice and Red Flags 18:41 Legal Battles and Convictions 23:15 Legal Loopholes and Challenges 24:24 Vigilante Misconceptions 24:58 Predator Catching Tactics 26:12 Law Enforcement Collaboration 27:41 Psychology of Predators 29:54 Confrontations and Escapes 40:12 Raising Awareness and Support 47:39 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Truth Hurts Show, Brian Goldstein and Makan Mostafavi welcome back elite asset protection attorney Blake Harris for a deep dive into the REAL strategies the wealthy use to shield their wealth from lawsuits, divorces, and the U.S. legal system. Blake breaks down exactly how offshore trusts work, why places like the Cook Islands are legal goldmines for protection, and why your LLC structure isn’t enough. From real estate loopholes to crypto custody to asset diversification across borders — this episode is packed with powerful tools you can implement to protect your future. Whether you're a real estate investor, crypto holder, or high-net-worth entrepreneur, Blake’s blueprint could be the difference between keeping your wealth or losing it in court.💼⚖️ Key Points Covered: - How Offshore Trusts Legally Protect Your Assets - Why the Cook Islands Are the #1 Jurisdiction for Asset Safety - Crypto, Real Estate, Stocks: How to Structure & Shield Your Holdings - Why LLCs Alone Won’t Save You - The REAL Cost of Fighting a Lawsuit (and Why Prevention Wins) - How to Sleep at Night Knowing Your Wealth is Safe - What Net Worth You Need to Start - Poor Man’s Asset Protection Tips That Actually Work - Why Bluff Strategies (Like Fake Liens) Can Land You in Jail - What Swiss Banks Offer That U.S. Banks Don’t 🚨↘️ Blake's Links ↙️🚨 Instagram: www.instagram.com/blakeharrislaw YouTube: @blakeharrislaw https://blakeharrislaw.com Follow US! YouTube:  @TruthHurtsShow  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCK4BDP3ldCEWSEkEflhNppQ) Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this gripping episode of the Truth Hurts Show, Brian Goldstein and co-host Makan Mostafavi sit down with retired law enforcement officer John Mattingly, who spent 21 years policing one of the most dangerous cities in America. John doesn’t hold back as he exposes the realities of inner-city violence, government-funded programs that fail, and the mental toll officers face every day. He opens up about the broken relationship between cops and communities—and what both sides are getting wrong. From watching a child walk barefoot through the projects at 2AM, to breaking down inhumane policies masked as reform, John gives an uncensored look at policing that most people will never see. Brian and Makan dive deep into what it means to lead under pressure, how to think critically in high-stress situations, and what the public needs to understand about compliance, consent, accountability, and survival—both for cops and civilians. This episode isn't about taking sides. It's about facing the harsh truths of a broken system—and asking the questions that actually move the conversation forward. 🚨 John's Links 🚨 https://linktr.ee/john_mattingly Follow US! YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome John! 02:38 Growing Up in Portland, Kentucky 04:35 Joining the Police Force 06:00 Challenges in Policing and Community Programs 09:58 Law Enforcement and Public Trust 15:18 Traffic Stops and Public Interaction 25:20 Media Influence and Public Perception 31:47 Critical Thinking in Policing 32:46 The Importance of Listening 33:44 Handling High-Stress Situations 35:03 Dealing with Trauma and Stress 37:21 Balancing Work and Personal Life 43:13 Self-Defense and Legal Considerations 58:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From teen felon to combat Marine to real estate millionaire, Austin Hancock’s story is anything but ordinary. In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Truth Hurts Show, hosts Brian Goldstein and Makan Mostafavi sit down with Austin to unpack one of the most unbelievable transformation stories we've ever heard. At 17, Austin faced two felony charges. A year later, he was carrying a belt-fed machine gun in Iraq. By 30, he was building million-dollar homes—only to walk away from it all after losing $65,000 on a single deal and nearly losing himself in the process. This episode dives deep into: - Why entrepreneurship was harder than war - The truth about PTSD—and how many vets are suffering silently - How Austin’s wife slept alone for months so he could save their family - The dirty secrets of luxury real estate that no one talks about - How flipping “sh*tbox” houses brought more peace than building mansions - Why success without peace is just another prison - Austin doesn’t hold back—and neither do Brian and Makan. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, veteran, or someone fighting your way out of a dark place, this one will hit you right in the gut. 🚨 Austin's Links 🚨 Website: https://austinhancock.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin.hancock1 Follow US! YouTube: @TruthHurtsShow Brian's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangoldphd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briangoldphd Makan's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makan_mostafavi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makanmostafavi Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Austin! 01:12 Early Life and Troubled Youth 02:44 Military Service and Deployment 13:05 Post-Military Career and Real Estate Beginnings 20:31 Challenges and Lessons in Real Estate 24:48 Financial Education and Real Estate Strategies 35:47 Real Estate Strategies and Double Closing 36:35 Lessons from Remodeling for Friends and Family 37:04 Transitioning from Building to Flipping 38:23 Navigating the Real Estate Market in 2020 and Beyond 39:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Southern California 41:38 Building a Real Estate Empire in Oklahoma 43:11 Moving to San Diego and Lifestyle Changes 43:37 The Importance of a Supportive Network 48:33 Materialism vs. Experiences 58:55 Real Estate Advice for 2025 01:08:12 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.