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

Michael and Mélissa discuss their weird melatonin dreams, deportation flights, Trump calling for the Insurrection Act in Minneapolis, and all the ways to prepare a Last Will and Testament. 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.

Yuhua Hamasaki, a dynamic drag performer and RuPaul's Drag Race alum, shares her journey from struggle to stardom. She dives into the vibrant energy of her Friday night shows at Pieces Bar, highlighting the eclectic audience that fuels her performances. Yuhua also reflects on her time on Drag Race, discussing valuable lessons in confidence and representation as an Asian drag artist. Plus, she reveals the healing power of drag and how it evolved into a fulfilling career. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with humor and heart!

Join the hosts as they dive into a curator's conspiracy at the Getty Art Museum, exploring art law and repatriation issues. They tackle the alarming implications of conversion therapy, discussing its psychological damage and the importance of supporting trans individuals. Conversations also touch on identity politics sparked by an encounter with a bouncer and the complexity of separating art from an artist like J.K. Rowling. Plus, insights on self-driving car laws and navigating the tricky waters of NDAs make for a lively discussion!

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 system failed to protect Lauren. Episode originally aired on The Knife on November 20, 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.handsoffnyc.com  www.erikbottcher.com gmhc.org ryanwhite.hrsa.gov linktr.ee/michael_foote See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/immigration-dashboard https://linktr.ee/michael_footehttps://immigrationjustice.us/ https://www.climatedefiance.org/ https://waltermasterson.com/ https://www.safepassage.org/https://www.instagram.com/communityselfdefensecoalition/?hl=en https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/@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.

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/@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.

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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche. Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.