The Bravo Docket

The Bravo Docket

Welcome to The Bravo Docket, where reality TV drama meets the courtroom. Join Cesie and Angela, two attorneys with a passion for pop culture, as they dive into the juiciest lawsuits and legal battles in the world of Bravo. Each episode breaks down sensational legal disputes, making complex issues both engaging and accessible. Whether you're here for facts, fun, or Law 101, get ready to laugh, learn, and lawyer up with The Bravo Docket! Cesie is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York. Angela is admitted to the State Bars of Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. The podcast, the statements we make, whether in our own media or elsewhere, and any content we post are for entertainment purposes only and are not legal advice. By listening to the podcast you are not a client of Cesie, Angela, or The Docket, LLC. Any party consuming information provided by The Bravo Docket should consult a lawyer for legal advice. The podcast, our opinions, and our posts, are our own and are not associated with our past and/or current employers, Bravo TV, or any other television network. Follow us @thebravodocket on Instagram and email us at thebravodocket@gmail.com!

Episodes

October 8, 2025 51 mins

Legal Team, this week we’re stepping outside Bravo for a two-part deep dive into the world of Mormonism, polygamy, and Sister Wives. We’re unpacking the origins of polygamy within the LDS Church, how it’s treated under modern law, and how Kody Brown and his wives managed to stay on TV despite its illegality. Next episode, we’ll dive into the Sister Wives lawsuits thems...

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Legal Team, this week we’re diving into Cardi B’s latest courtroom battle — a case simple in theory but overflowing with drama. From Emani Ellis’ flimsy claims and her lawyer’s chaotic tactics to Cardi’s raw, credible testimony that only strengthened her case, this trial had it all. With rare jury questions, a plaintiff who left empty-handed, and Cardi’s post-trial reminder that deep pockets don’t guarantee payouts, this o...

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September 24, 2025 45 mins

Welcome back, Legal Team! With Real Housewives of Salt Lake City back on our screens and Lisa Barlow’s lawsuits already stirring conversation, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit her legal saga. Over the past four years, Lisa and John Barlow have faced multiple lawsuits, and in this replay we’re breaking down each case, the hurdles they’ve faced, and where things stand now. Let’s just say Henry and Jack might wan...

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September 17, 2025 77 mins

Trigger Warning: Discussion of abuse.  


Denise Richards cannot seem to catch a break when it comes to the men in her life. In this episode, we’re breaking down her messy divorce from Aaron Phypers and his long list of lawsuits, including one for misrepresenting he could cure cancer. Let's just say, his “healing through frequencies” routine is falling apart and we see right through his tabloid interviews. ...

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September 10, 2025 65 mins

Legal team, today we’re switching things up and diving into the strange, controversial world of lie detector tests. From their 1920s origins and ties to Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth to infamous pop culture moments and why most courts won’t accept them as evidence, we’re unpacking the history, science, and drama behind the lie detector test — including its recent cameo on RHOC.  


What’s on the docket?  

  • RHOC’s ...
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Legal team, welcome to part 2 of our Next Gen NYC breakdown. From Charlie Zakkor’s bankruptcy and Ava Dash’s eviction drama to Damon Dash’s lawsuits, we’re diving into the mess of money and fame. Plus, updates on Ariana Biermann’s DUI, Kim, Kroy and Brielle and Kandi Burruss’s headline-making podcast guest. 

 

What’s on the docket? 

  • Charlie Zakkor’s bankruptcy and what it all means 
  • Details of Ava Dash’s eviction 
  • ...
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Legal Team, today we’re diving into the wild legal web surrounding Bravo’s newest hit, Next Gen NYC. From SEC investigations to shocking criminal allegations, the cast’s off-screen drama might just rival what’s happening on screen. Buckle up—this is only the beginning, and we’ll be back with even more in part two.  


What’s on the docket?   

  • Next Gen NYC show overview and cast highlights ...
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Legal Team, this week we’re diving into the infamous McBee Dynasty, where family drama meets federal crime. From Steve Sr. and Christy’s messy divorce and accusations of hidden assets, to Galyna’s rise from housekeeper to CFO, the McBees’ empire is tangled in lawsuits and shady money moves. Now, with Steve Sr. pleading guilty to crop insurance fraud and facing sentencing in September 2025, the dynasty’s future hangs in the...

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August 13, 2025 71 mins

Legal Team, we’re wrapping our multi-part deep dive into the Tommy Manzo federal trial with the last round of witnesses, closing arguments, and the verdict. From explosive insider accounts to unexpected character testimony, this episode brings the trial to a dramatic close. We also break down the jury’s decision, Manzo’s sentencing, and Lexi’s candid reflections in the aftermath. 


What’s on the docket? 

  • Key tes...
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August 6, 2025 31 mins

Trigger Warning: Discussion of violence.


We’re back in the courtroom for part two of the Tommy Manzo trial, Legal Team, and diving straight into pivotal witness testimony. First up: Louis Spagnola, a police lieutenant and lifelong friend of Tommy, who sheds light on Manzo’s reaction to Dina’s new relationship and the lengths he allegedly went to dig up dirt on David Cantin. Then, we hear from David himself, as he rec...

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July 30, 2025 81 mins

Trigger Warning: Discussion of violence and domestic violence.  


Legal Team, we're kicking off our multi-part deep dive into the federal trial of Tommy Manzo—and yes, we have the full trial transcripts. This episode covers the opening statements from both sides, a refresher on the Manzo family's tangled history, and chilling testimony from the trial’s first witness, Dina Manzo. From mob ties and wedding trades at the ...

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July 23, 2025 48 mins

Legal Team, before we dive into the Tommy Manzo federal trial transcript (we’ve already recorded two episodes and only made it through opening statements and the testimony of Dina and David Cantin), we wanted to refresh your memory on the Manzo family’s complicated legal history. We re-listened to our own episode and were shocked all over again by the sequence of events and the nature of the crimes. From alleged mob connec...

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July 16, 2025 55 mins

Legal Team, with Real Housewives of Orange County back on air, we’re turning our attention to the OG from the OC, Vicki Gunvalson, and the financial elder abuse lawsuit she’s now facing. The case, which Vicki now says she wants to take to trial, involves claims of financial elder abuse tied to annuity and life insurance sales, raising serious questions about what was promised, what was delivered, and what the law says abou...

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Legal Team, we’re back with part two of our Chrisley trial coverage. This week, we’re focusing on the witness testimonies that helped seal Todd and Julie’s fate. From Nanny Faye’s “I don’t know” strategy to the producers behind Chrisley Knows Best, and the bombshells dropped by Todd’s former business partner Mark Braddock, it’s a lineup of drama, deception, and damning receipts. Plus, what Lindsay Chrisley had to say on th...

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The Chrisleys are officially free—and there’s still so much to unpack. Legal Team, we’re diving back into the case with brand-new insight now that we finally have the full trial transcripts. We break down what Todd and Julie were convicted of, the prosecution’s case themes, and the defense’s arguments for their innocence. Plus, what Trump’s pardon really means, the timeline of events from conviction to release, and who els...

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Legal Team, this week we’re breaking down Real Housewives of Atlanta star Brittany Eady’s lawsuit against Bravo. From her past in the insurance world to her time as a video vixen and reality star, Brittany’s background is as layered as her legal claims. We get into the details of the lawsuit, why the filing location in New York raises eyebrows, and how this case draws striking parallels to Leah McSweeney’s. Plus, a look at...

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Since we're all suffering from RHONJ withdrawals this year, we’re turning our attention to updates in Caroline Manzo's lawsuit against Bravo. Since we last discussed this case, Caroline has amended her complaint, drawing unexpected legal parallels to Leah McSweeney’s case. We break down the original and updated filings, Bravo’s motion to dismiss, and the tricky jurisdictional and first amendment issues Caroline is facing. 

...

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Legal Team, the ladies are back together and catching up on several cases from the Vanderpump Rules and Valley universe. We break down the ongoing legal mess between Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Rachel Leviss including house disputes, lawsuits, anti-SLAPP motions, and discovery drama. We also check in on Faith Stowers’ lawsuit against NBCUniversal and why it’s now heading to arbitration. And finally, we touch on a bizar...

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June 4, 2025 97 mins

Legal Team, this week we’re replaying a timely episode following the news that President Trump has pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, leading to their release from prison. At the top of the episode, we break down what a presidential pardon actually means—and what it doesn’t. Then we dive into the Chrisleys’ dramatic fall from grace. Todd and Julie, stars of Chrisley Knows Best, were convicted of fraudulently obtaining milli...

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Legal Team, this week Cesie’s flying solo while Angela’s in trial, and we’re diving deep into the highly requested divorce drama between Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman from Real Housewives of Atlanta. We break down the sealed (then unsealed, then sealed again?!) court records, go through their petitions which include Drew’s claims of infidelity, and Ralph’s motion for sanctions against Drew for allegedly violating Court ord...

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