How Independent Bookstores are Building Community & Promoting Banned Books in Florida | Mitchell Kaplan
Cut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
Release Date: 02/05/2025
Cut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
Can Mexico hold American gun makers accountable for cross-border violence? In this week’s Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg welcomes Jonathan Lowy, an attorney and Founder/President of Global Action on Gun Violence. Jon is here to unpack the groundbreaking Supreme Court case Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson. Jon explains how guns trafficked from US gun dealers are fueling cartel violence in Mexico and how US legal protections shield the gun industry from accountability. Jonathan breaks down what the Court’s 9-0 ruling really means, why the door isn’t closed for future...
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Think the biggest cybersecurity threat to your business comes from hackers outside the building? Think again. In this week’s Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg welcomes Jason Costain, Founder of Javloc and former Head of Fraud Prevention at a major UK bank, to explore the hidden cybersecurity risks facing law firms and small businesses today. Jason explains modern cybersecurity in simple terms, covering everything from internal fraud and employee mistakes to new tools like biometric ID and AI. Discover why law firms need more than just basic IT security to protect client money, how to be ready...
info_outlineCut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
How can everyday people become startup investors? How can business owners secure funding without giving up control, relying on traditional banks, or chasing venture capital? Today’s guest has the solution! In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg is joined by Jonny Price, President of Wefunder, to explore the rise of investment crowdfunding and how Wefunder is making it more accessible to people like you and me. Jonny shares how platforms like WeFunder differ from Kickstarter and GoFundMe, how founders can raise capital from their communities, and how regular people can invest in...
info_outlineCut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
What do music and corporate leadership have in common? From classical and jazz bassist to consulting for Fortune 500 companies, today’s guest is here to explain why “culture is the bass”—the foundation that sets the tone for everything in business. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg welcomes Gerald Leonard—renowned culture change consultant, author, TEDx speaker, and professional bassist—for a dynamic conversation that weaves the worlds of music and corporate leadership. Drawing on his unique background as a CEO and C-IQ Coach, Gerald shares how the discipline of...
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What happens when a “nobody” stands up to a dictator and his regime? In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg speaks with Zimbabwean activist, author, and pastor, Evan Mawarire. Evan is a courage speaker, movement builder, and changemaker inspiring nations around the world to stand up to injustice and end poverty and corruption. He’s also the courageous voice behind Zimbabwe’s #ThisFlag movement. What started as a heartfelt video in his church office became a nationwide call to action against corruption, violence, and dictatorship. Evan opens up about the emotional toll of...
info_outlineCut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
Bridging the gap between law school and real-world practice, immersive legal internships are becoming essential for law firms looking to attract, train, and retain top legal talent. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg welcomes back Adam Rossen, a standout criminal defense attorney in South Florida, to shine a spotlight on his highly sought-after legal internship program. Adam shares candid insights about his immersive 12-week program, highlights the competitive selection process, and discusses what sets the Rossen Law Firm's approach apart from other “just hangout”...
info_outlineCut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
What if the real solution to homelessness isn’t more shelters—but a complete rethink of how we treat the crisis? Joining Gregg to talk about it is Ron Book—Lawyer, Lobbyist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee & Chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. This incredible organization has created what is considered the “National Best Practice Model” for ending homelessness. In this episode of Cut to the Chase, Ron gives us some “compassionate tough love” as he reveals how Miami-Dade went from over 8,000 people living on the streets to less than 900. He breaks down Miami-Dade’s approach...
info_outlineCut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
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info_outlineCut To The Chase: Podcast Hosted by Gregg Goldfarb
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info_outlineHow are book lovers combatting censorship in Florida? What does it take to thrive as a bookstore in the digital age? Today’s guest is tackling those questions and much more!
In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg chats with Mitchell Kaplan, a co-founder of Books & Books and the Miami Book Fair. Together, they explore the evolution of Miami from the turbulent days of the early 80s to its current cultural renaissance.
Mitchell shares his journey from law school dropout to successful entrepreneur, opening a bookstore against the backdrop of a struggling Miami. In this discussion, you’ll discover the keys to survival in the book industry amidst the rise of large chain stores and digital transformation. He also shines light on the importance of community engagement and cultural preservation in all communities.
Plus, Mitchell shares his thoughts on combating book censorship, fostering a love of reading, and maintaining an independent spirit in a rapidly changing world.
What to expect in this episode:
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Survival of Independent Bookstores: How Books & Books thrived against chains and Amazon by prioritizing ambiance, service, and community.
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Cultural Evolution in Miami: Learn about Miami’s transformation from crisis to a thriving cultural and literary hub.
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Community as the Core: Hosting 400–600 events annually, Books & Books fosters literary culture through author engagements and its Literary Foundation.
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Combating Book Censorship in Florida: How Mitchell champions academic freedom, highlighting National Banned Book Week’s role in resisting book bans.
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Diversification and Adaptation: Beyond books, Mitchell turns literature into film and shares insights from his podcast journey.
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Upcoming and Noteworthy Reads: Mitchell teases exciting new releases from South Florida authors like Dave Barry, Carl Hiaasen, and Brad Meltzer.
Key Actionable Takeaways for Business Owners:
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Emphasize community engagement to build loyalty and support.
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Cultivate a unique ambiance and personalized service to differentiate from larger competitors.
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Embrace diversifying offerings and adapt to digital landscapes to stay relevant. You can always try exploring related ventures (similar to films for bookstores).
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Reinforce identity by upholding values like opposing censorship or unethical practices.
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Nurture strong, long-term client and staff relationships to enhance loyalty and brand strength.
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Support your local bookstores, authors, and filmmakers!
Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to The Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!
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Resources:
- Visit the Books and Books website: https://shop.booksandbooks.com
- Connect with Mitchell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-kaplan-10a442a
- Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellakaplan
- Listen to The Literary Life with Mitchell Kaplan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-literary-life-with-mitchell-kaplan/id1433854266
- The Mazur Kaplan Company: https://www.mazurkaplan.com
- Chapman Partnership: https://chapmanpartnership.org
This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.