Next Chapter Podcasts’ “Targeted” Set to Premiere March 26
In a media landscape saturated with exposés, political thrillers, and true crime sensations, a new podcast is setting itself apart by delving into real-life stories of individuals whose lives have been upended by powerful forces. “Targeted,” a gripping new video podcast from Next Chapter Podcasts, is premiering on March 26. Hosted by Zach Abramowitz, a former M&A attorney turned strategist and media entrepreneur, the series will shed light on the mechanisms of modern-day targeting—ranging from financial sanctions to orchestrated smear campaigns.
Abramowitz, whose career has spanned legal advisory and high-level corporate strategy, brings a sharp analytical approach to each episode. “Once you go down the ‘targeting’ rabbit hole, there’s no going back,” he said in a statement. “I was shocked to learn how easy it is to do this to an ordinary person, and the scale of the damage it can do to their life.”
From Whistleblowers to Political Strategists: The Voices of “Targeted”
Each episode of “Targeted” unpacks a different case, with firsthand interviews from those who have faced the full force of reputational, financial, and legal takedowns. Season one features a diverse lineup, including Jonathan Taylor, a whistleblower who faced retaliation after exposing corporate misconduct, and Pavel Ivlev, a Russian lawyer forced into exile, and Nathan Law, a pro-democracy activist still facing risks today.
One of the most devastating tools in modern power struggles is the smear campaign—a carefully orchestrated effort to destroy an individual’s reputation through media manipulation, misinformation, and legal entanglements. These campaigns often begin in obscure corners of the internet, gaining traction before being picked up by mainstream outlets, lending credibility to dubious claims. The targeted individuals are frequently left without a clear path to redemption, trapped in a cycle where refuting falsehoods only amplifies them further.
“Once your name is associated with scandal, it doesn’t matter whether the allegations hold up—perception becomes reality,” explains Abramowitz. “It’s a phenomenon that is difficult to counter, and most people don’t have the resources to fight back.”
These tactics have been deployed against politicians, business executives, activists, and even private individuals caught in contentious disputes. Whether through anonymous leaks, strategic lawsuits, or coordinated online attacks, the consequences are often devastating.
One such case examined in “Targeted” is that of commodities investor Gaurav Srivastava. Following a business dispute with a sanctioned oil trader, Srivastava found himself at the center of an aggressive media campaign that accused him of fraud. What began as a niche business disagreement rapidly escalated into a public relations nightmare, with accusations spreading rapidly online and in mainstream financial media. Srivastava’s experience highlights how easily a professional dispute can transform into a full-blown reputational crisis—one that spills over into personal life, affecting family and community standing.
Unpacking the Power Playbook
“Targeted” doesn’t just spotlight individual cases; it also examines the tools and tactics used to dismantle reputations. Each episode will feature expert analysis from legal, financial, and media specialists who will break down how sanctions, red notices, and disinformation campaigns are weaponized. The podcast aims to offer more than just compelling storytelling—it seeks to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of the opaque systems that can be leveraged against individuals with little recourse.
As the podcast’s host, Abramowitz brings his legal background to bear on these cases, dissecting the strategies behind the attacks and revealing their broader implications. “When you look past the headlines, you see how disturbingly easy it is to manufacture a narrative,” he notes. “And once it takes hold, fighting back is nearly impossible.”
Where to Listen
“Targeted” will be available as a video podcast on YouTube and in audio form on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. For those intrigued by the intersection of power, law, and media manipulation, this series promises to be an essential listen.
In an era where misinformation spreads at breakneck speed, “Targeted” serves as both a warning and a call to action. As Srivastava’s story demonstrates, the question is no longer “Can this happen to me?” but rather “What happens when it does?”.
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