Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

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.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 1 hr 13 min
Nolan Wells Investigation & Racism in America (w. Alaina Bamfield)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Boston, picky eaters, the latest evidence in the Nolan Wells investigation, and a deep interview with standup comic, Alaina Bamfield, whose recently released special discusses being a survivor of the disgraced USA women's gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Links: Alaina Bamfield's debut special, Untouchable: youtube.com/watch?v=mzigeuasz2I instagram.com/alainabamfield See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 23 · 1 hr 11 min
LATEST ICE NEWS: The Cocktail Episode We All Need (w. Ben Hopkins)
Michael and Mélissa discuss how the FIFA World Cup is finally over, the recent ICE shootings in America, and then a hard, fun pivot with our guest, Ben Hopkins (@benhopkinsbenhopkins) who is social media's favorite bartender and teaches us how to make some cocktails while we get tipsy and play games on this special Summer Staycation episode! 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. If you want to drink along with us check out Ben’s recipes that he made in this episode: Brief Recess 1.5oz London Dry Gin (we used Fort Hamilton which is the best but i know we can't promo brands) 1oz Blanc Vermouth .5oz Bitter Bianco *stir* .5oz Coconut Water, Lift ice to incorporate Lime Twist! Mélissa's Daiquiri 2 oz - Clairin 1oz - Lime Juice .75oz Simple Syrup 7-8 dashes - Peychaud's Bitters (if making at home 3d from a regular bottle will do!) Shake hard till there is frost on the outside of the tin, double strain into a chilled martini glass. Goodbye Ladybug Juice XXX 420 One glass of room temperature Kim Crawford Chardonnay Two fingers of warm, old Southern Comfort Combine, best enjoyed in a closet See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 16 · 54 min
Epstein: Will a Blue Wave Midterm Finally Bring Justice to His Survivors?
Michael and Mélissa discuss online dating from their single days, Robert Kardashian defending OJ Simpson, and a deep dive into Jeffrey Epstein, debating how a blue wave in the midterms could affect criminal investigations and the NYT determination into the cause of Epstein's death. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 9 · 59 min
Taylor Swift's Wedding Backlash w. Charlie Goldensohn
Michael and Mélissa discuss World Cup vs. Wimbledon, the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding, a 4th of July weekend recap, and a deep dive interview with former White House staffer and communications expert, Charlie Goldensohn @chez.chuck, about the progressive wave of election results that swept NYC. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 2 · 1 hr 12 min
Red, White & Sue: Patagonia v. Pattie Gonia
Michael and Mélissa discuss cities they love to hate, the America 250 debacle, Jeff the Giant Fern and other A-list celebs, and do a deep dive into a fascinating trademark infringement lawsuit between Patagonia and drag queen Pattie Gonia. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 25 · 1 hr 12 min
Luigi Mangione Shocking Trial Twist We Learn LIVE
Michael and Mélissa discuss Michael's invite to the Juneteenth cookout, Michael Jackson, Candace Owens, Erika Kirk, the Reflecting Pool saga, all the viral World Cup moments, the Tartan Army of Scotland, and do a deep dive into the twists and turns of the Luigi Mangione murder trial coming up. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 18 · 1 hr 4 min
Knicks, Knockouts, and Congressional Callouts (w. NY-12 candidate Laura Dunn)
Michael and Mélissa discuss the Knicks winning the NBA Finals, the World Cup, the UFC 250 event at the White House for Trump's birthday, the Epstein Files Situation Room secret recording, and interview congressional candidate for New York's 12th District, Laura Dunn. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Links: lauradunnforcongress.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 11 · 56 min
Pride Month Special: Conversion Therapy Is Abuse
Happy Pride month from Brief Recess! For more of your favorite LGBTQ+ content, check out the Outspoken Network from iHeartPodcasts. Michael and Mélissa discuss protecting LGBTQ+ youth amid federal restrictions on gender-affirming care, and cover the Supreme Court's 2026 ruling Chiles v. Salazar. The decision reversed Colorado's ban on "conversion therapy," which is a disturbing and dangerous blow to the LGBTQ+ community. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Links: CenterLink GLAAD Outright International The Trevor Project SAGE Guide to Anti-LGBTQ Online Hate and Disinformation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 4 · 58 min
60 Minutes/Bari Weiss TEA & the CECOT Segment She Tried to Kill
Michael and Mélissa discuss some sexy neighbor drama, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and do a deep dive into 60 Minutes, Bari Weiss, and the story she pulled from air covering El Salvador's infamous prison, CECOT. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 21 · 56 min
You Asked for it: The ALYSSA Episode!
Michael and Mélissa discuss people who don't have an inner monologue, Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction overturned and all the latest plot twists, and interview their bestie, Alyssa, who defends all her wild stories. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 14 · 55 min
JPMorgan: Sex, Lies, and HR Scandals
Michael and Mélissa discuss therapy, self loathing, Haitian culture, Hantavirus and how much they despise cruises, and do a deep dive into the crazy plot twists in the JPMorgan sexual harassment lawsuit that took over the internet. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 7 · 1 hr 18 min
Transracialism: We Have Questions...Still (w. Dr. Rebecca Tuvel)
Michael and Mélissa discuss whether or not they want to have kids, a woman who sent thousands of lemons to her ex, our awful healthcare system, disappointment with celebs who attended the Jeff Bezos sponsored Met Gala, Tucker Carlson's wild NYT interview, and an in-depth interview with Dr. Rebecca Tuvel about what it means to be transracial. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 30 · 1 hr 6 min
The Latest (Fake) Assassination Attempt & How to Fix the Justice System (w. Emily Galvin Almanza)
Michael and Mélissa discuss the first time they got high, the latest SUPER real shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump's unhinged 60 Minutes interview, Kash Patel might not have his job at the end of the week, and an interview with Emily Galvin Almanza who explains tangible ways to reduce crime and fix our criminal justice system. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Episode Links: Emily Galvin Almanza's book & website Partners for Justice @partnersforjustice @galvinalmanza See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 23 · 1 hr 13 min
SantaCon: From Burning Man Founders to Federal Fraudsters (w. filmmaker Seth Porges)
Michael and Mélissa discuss their birthdays, Mélissa's run-in with a former boss, Pam Bondi skipping her subpoena, bubble-wand-gate with Lindsey Graham, and an in-depth interview with documentary filmmaker, Seth Porges, who directed the upcoming documentary, SantaCon. Seth shares SantaCon's original ties to Burning Man and discusses the recent news surrounding the arrest of SantaCon’s latest leader, Stefan Pildes, on alleged federal fraud. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Episode Links: SantaCon documentary Seth Porges, Director + Producer www.nsvrc.org/find-help/ rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 16 · 1 hr 4 min
From Heaven to Hell: Trump vs. Pope Leo
Michael and Mélissa discuss online reports that they are married, hobo-sexuals, Trump publicly attacking Pope Leo, Trump's post of an image depicting himself as Jesus that he claims is a doctor, Melania Trump's speech about Epstein, and a deep dive into Viktor Orbán's historic loss in the Hungarian elections. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Episode Links: The Price of a Vote Documentary https://www.deakciokozosseg.hu/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 9 · 1 hr 15 min
The Mount Rushmore of D.C. Chaos: Trump, Bondi, Noem, Patel
Michael and Mélissa discuss AirBnB complaints, Trump's insane weekend spawning calls from across the aisle to invoke the 25th Amendment, Kristi Noem's husband, Pam Bondi's firing, hacking Kash Patel, and a deep dive into a viral attempted murder trial between a husband and wife in Hawaii that plays out like a season of The White Lotus. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Episode Links: https://www.girasoltexas.org/donate.html https://www.girasolnola.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 2 · 1 hr 2 min
Afroman Teaches Us How to Eat Lemon Pound Cake & Win in Court (w. Afroman)
Michael and Mélissa discuss nuns doing podcasts, a record number of republicans retiring before midterms, Americans loving their gasoline, AI fruit soap opera sex, and interview Afroman to hear all the spicy details about getting sued by the police for defamation, winning in court, and his viral hit song: Lemon Pound Cake. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 26 · 1 hr 17 min
Epstein Files: Down the Rabbit Hole (w. Dr. Leslie Dobson)
Michael and Mélissa discuss soup, trans-racialism, ICE agents at airports, Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season getting canceled, that time Michael cried on the floor of Mélissa's office, and interview clinical forensic psychologist, Dr. Leslie Dobson, digging for the truth behind conspiracy theories related to Jeffrey Epstein's death, autopsy report, and other DOJ file dumps. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Links from this episode: https://www.justice.gov/epstein https://drlesliedobson.com/ https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/ https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/ https://timtebowfoundation.org/stories/tim-tebow-supports-bipartisan-renewed-hope-act-2026 https://drlesliedobson.com/the-friend-cleanse-book/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 19 · 1 hr 18 min
From Runway to Reality Check: The ANTM Exposé (w. Cycle 2 winner Yoanna Margaret)
Michael and Mélissa discuss cleaning lady cam girls, Fiona the hippo, Punch the monkey, trending kid's toy NeeDoh, and interview America's Next Top Model Cycle 2 winner, Yoanna Margaret, who reveals her truth and reflects on her experience with the show. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. Links from this episode: Yoanna Margaret IG @yomania Yoanna Margaret TikTok @yomania02 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 12 · 1 hr 22 min
Kid Rock, RFK Jr. and the Tony Soprano of PORN (w. Boomer Banks)
Michael and Mélissa discuss a wild RFK Jr. and Kid Rock workout video, Kristi Noem's demise, how planking foreshadowed the collapse of society, and interview adult film star and DJ, Boomer Banks, about race, addiction, and the porn industry. 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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche

Nolan Wells Investigation & Racism in America (w. Alaina Bamfield)

LATEST ICE NEWS: The Cocktail Episode We All Need (w. Ben Hopkins)

Epstein: Will a Blue Wave Midterm Finally Bring Justice to His Survivors?

Taylor Swift's Wedding Backlash w. Charlie Goldensohn

Red, White & Sue: Patagonia v. Pattie Gonia

Luigi Mangione Shocking Trial Twist We Learn LIVE

Knicks, Knockouts, and Congressional Callouts (w. NY-12 candidate Laura Dunn)

Pride Month Special: Conversion Therapy Is Abuse

60 Minutes/Bari Weiss TEA & the CECOT Segment She Tried to Kill

You Asked for it: The ALYSSA Episode!

JPMorgan: Sex, Lies, and HR Scandals

Transracialism: We Have Questions...Still (w. Dr. Rebecca Tuvel)

The Latest (Fake) Assassination Attempt & How to Fix the Justice System (w. Emily Galvin Almanza)

SantaCon: From Burning Man Founders to Federal Fraudsters (w. filmmaker Seth Porges)

From Heaven to Hell: Trump vs. Pope Leo

The Mount Rushmore of D.C. Chaos: Trump, Bondi, Noem, Patel

Afroman Teaches Us How to Eat Lemon Pound Cake & Win in Court (w. Afroman)

Epstein Files: Down the Rabbit Hole (w. Dr. Leslie Dobson)

From Runway to Reality Check: The ANTM Exposé (w. Cycle 2 winner Yoanna Margaret)

Kid Rock, RFK Jr. and the Tony Soprano of PORN (w. Boomer Banks)