Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche
What happens when your Uber driver gets pulled over while you're in the backseat? How do OnlyFans creators incorporate an LLC to remain anonymous? How can you fight ICE without getting off the couch? Welcome to Brief Recess, hosted by everyone's favorite TikTok lawyer Michael Foote and his best friend Mélissa Malebranche. Together they break down crazy news stories, share hilarious anecdotes from criminal court, answer pressing legal questions from callers, and teach listeners how to short-circuit democracy to effect real change in their communities. Tune in! Or we'll see you in court.
Episodes
Michael and Mélissa discuss the Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis, a viral video of a delivery driver avoiding ICE, Mariah Carey, and an interview with former Ru Paul's Drag Race contestant, Yuhua Hamasaki.
Links:
acaciacenter.org
acaciacenter.org/defendkids
immigrantdefenseproject.org/know-your-rights-with-ice
piecesbar.com
@yuhuahamasaki on Instagram
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael and Mélissa talk about a Getty Art Museum curator’s conspiracy to receive stolen goods, Trans rights, the controversial Chiles v. Salazar, and (ugh) J.K. Rowling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael joins Hannah & Patia from The Knife to discuss the murder trial of Bricen Rivers. In July of 2024, 22-year-old Lauren Johansen was found dead in the trunk of her own car. Her ex-boyfriend, Bricen Rivers, is now charged with capital murder. Lauren’s father is fighting to change the system that ignored the warning signs and allowed Rivers to be released on bail. We speak about the case and how the criminal justice s...
Michael and Mélissa talk to Karen and Georgia from My Favorite Murder about everything from the state of immigration in America, to the superiority of boxed mac and cheese.
Episode originally aired on My Favorite Murder on November 6, 2025.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael and Mélissa debate real vs. fake Christmas trees, discuss the headlines on mass shootings and the Epstein files, and interview NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher about his current run for Congress and the burning issues facing New Yorkers.
This episode discusses sensitive topics. If you, or someone you know, are a victim of sexual abuse please call 800.656.HOPE (4673) or text HOPE to 64673.
Links:
www.handsoff...
Michael and Mélissa recap their Thanksgiving break, offer advice on different methods to be an ally for those threatened by ICE, and interview Walter Masterson about his satirical videos and political pranks.
This episode discusses sensitive topics. If you, or someone you know, are a victim of sexual abuse please call 800.656.HOPE (4673) or text HOPE to 64673.
Links & References:
https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/i...
Michael and Mélissa talk about political violence, paths to citizenship for DACA folks and interview director Seth Porges (Class Action Park) about Mélissa’s favorite dangerous waterpark.
Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brief Recess wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full video episodes every Thursday on the Brief Recess YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/...
Michael and Mélissa talk about landmark case People v. Jonathan Schmitz, how Enron ruined Mélissa’s legal career and if you can leave all of your money to your pet in your will.
Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brief Recess wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full video episodes every Thursday on the Brief Recess YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Brie...
Michael and Mélissa talk about weight and race discrimination at work, and interview body positivity activist Anna Snapp.
Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brief Recess wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full video episodes every Thursday on the Brief Recess YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Briefrecess
Find Michael on Instagram @dept_of_redundancy_dept or T...
Michael and Mélissa talk about the Diddy trial, special immigration juvenile status and interview Congressman Robert Garcia.
Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brief Recess wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full video episodes every Thursday on the Brief Recess YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@Briefrecess
Find Michael on Instagram @dept_of_redundancy_dept or TikT...
The American legal system. Blindfolded, overworked and still running on fax machines. Hosted by attorney Michael Foote and his best friend, writer Mélissa Malebranche, Brief Recess breaks down all the legal happenings of the week. From wild courtroom moments to breaking Supreme Court decisions, Michael and Mélissa are your trusted advisors in all things legal.
Brief Recess is a new weekly podcast from Exactly Right Me...
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