Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche
Brief Recess is a legal podcast hosted by TikTok lawyer Michael Foote and his best friend Mélissa Malebranche. They break down crazy news stories, share hilarious anecdotes from criminal court, answer pressing legal questions from callers, and teach listeners how to effect real change in their communities.
Episodes
When Lethal Injection Fails & the Cornell 7 (w. Professor Corinna Lain)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Paranormal Activity on Broadway, the Cornell 7, Nolan Wells updates, and sit down with Professor Corinna Lain to discuss Tennessee's recent failed lethal injection of Death Row inmate Christa Pike. 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 o
ICYMI: Michael Was on Ghosted! by Roz Hernandez
This episode originally aired on Ghosted on March 2, 2026. This week, Ghosted! court is in session as Roz welcomes the terrifyingly brilliant Michael Foote, Esq. It’s time for ghosts, giggles, AND gavels as the two discuss lawsuits involving plaintiffs of a paranormal persuasion PLUS Michael shares his personal experiences with the paranormal. Find Michael on Instagram @Michael_Foote__ or Ti
Seriously, What is Going On with Mitch McConnell (w. Clay Aiken)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Mitch McConnell's last stand and Michael's drunk DMs to celebrities, before sitting down with Clay Aiken to discuss dad life, his new album, and what it was like coming out as gay in 2008. Brief Recess is a 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 R
Lindsay Clancy Mistrial: What Happens Now? (w. Liza Treyger)
Michael Foote is joining the cast of NBC’s The Traitors: New Blood! Michael and Mélissa discuss the Lindsay Clancy mistrial, Trump's lies about where he was on September 11th, and we sit down with the hilarious Liza Treyger to discuss her stand up comedy career and her podcast, TMU: an SVU Pod. Brief Recess is a weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brief Recess wherev
Trump Isn't Friends With Dolly Parton or George Washington (w. Hannah Solow)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Dolly Parton, Trump's unhinged AI posts, Lake America, data centers, and sit down with our favorite Boop, Hannah Solow, to talk about being a Broadway understudy on “Oh, Mary!” 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 Bri
From Reality TV to the Republican Party (w. Suzanne Lambert)
Michael and Mélissa discuss representation in Hollywood, Republicans Sean Duffy and Rachel Campos, and their journey from hooking up on reality tv to becoming the hypocritical moral authority, drunk Cameos, and sit down with the hilarious and fearless Suzanne Lambert to discuss MAGA makeup and her hilarious social videos. Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media.
Karoline Leaves It + Epstein Updates (w. Congressman Garcia)
Michael Foote is joining the cast of NBC’s The Traitors: New Blood! Michael and Mélissa discuss Karoline Leavitt resigning after Trump's decoy flight, recent lynchings in Mississippi, and sit down with Congressman Robert Garcia for a deep dive interview breaking down the latest updates from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and new avenues of pursuit since Todd Blanche took over as At
Michael Foote Joins The Traitors: New Blood! + Lindsay Clancy (w. Bryan Safi)
Michael Foote is joining the cast of NBC’s The Traitors: New Blood! After months of keeping it secret, Michael and Mélissa Malebranche can finally talk about the big announcement. They also dive into the Lindsay Clancy trial and online sleuth theories before sitting down with Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, and writer Bryan Safi for a hilarious conversation about his one-man Off-B
The Best Criminal Defense (w. Mr. Keep You Outta Jail, Kaetan Mazza)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Mélissa's killer green sauce, Mitch McConnell's eternity leave, and sit down with the internet's other favorite lawyer, Kaetan Mazza, a.k.a. Mr. Keep You Outta Jail, breaking down common legal misconceptions and criminal defense strategies when dealing with the justice system. Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brie
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
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 E
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
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
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 ev
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
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
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 dangerou
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
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 Bri
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 ever
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 E
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
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&
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
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 E
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.
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. B
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 f
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 ep
Technical Difficulties on Death Row (w. Corinna Barrett Lain)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Mélissa's opinions on Heated Rivalry, trans-racialism and identity politics sudoku, and an in-depth interview with law professor and author, Corinna Barrett Lain, about the many technical difficulties involved with performing lethal injections on death row inmates. Brief Recess is a new weekly legal podcast from Exactly Right Media. Follow Brief Rece
Nazi-Looted Art FOUND in a Property Listing (w. Kira from The Art Revival)
Michael and Mélissa discuss that time Michael was a witness to a stabbing in Times Square, Nazi-looted artwork found in a property listing, whether female-only spaces are discriminatory, and interview Kira from The Art Revival. 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
Diva! Conspiracy Girlies! (w. Karen Kilgariff + Martha Kelly)
Michael and Karen discuss conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, TMZ, Savannah Guthrie, and Kurt Cobain, along with viral moments from the Pam Bondi hearing, and an interview with Martha Kelly from Euphoria and Fallout. 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
Motion To De-Fur (w. PETA’s Ashley Byrne)
Michael and Mélissa discuss Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, the Clinton's heading to Congress, getting older (and that's ok), and interview Ashley Byrne from PETA. 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://w
Don Lemon on ICE and the Latest Epstein File Drop
Michael and Mélissa discuss nuns teaching sex-ed, Groundhog Day conspiracies, Kristi Noem, Don Lemon, ICE, and the latest Epstein File drop. 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 Mi
Midwest Nice, Leave the ICE
Michael and Mélissa discuss the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis, whistleblower reports on a leaked ICE memo, plastic surgery, and astronaut arrests. 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
If I Murder My Family Can I Still Get My Inheritance?
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!&n
We Could All Be Renee Good (w. Yuhua Hamasaki)
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.orgacaciacenter.org/defendkidsimmigrantdefenseproject.org/know-your-rights-with-icepiecesbar.com @yuhuahamasaki on InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Conversion Therapy Might Be Back
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.
ICYMI: Michael Was on The Knife
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
ICYMI: We Were on My Favorite Murder
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.
Demon Twink Off with NYC Councilman Erik Bottcher
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 HO
Walter Masterson and MAGA Trolling 101
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:/
The World’s Deadliest Water Park (w. Seth Porges)
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 YouTub
The Gay Panic Defense is Ridiculous
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!
How to Survive the Skinny Girl Apocalypse (w. Anna Snapp)
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 Inst
ICE Abuses and Accountability… Finally (w. Congressman Robert Garcia)
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 Instagr
Introducing: Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche
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 w
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