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 TikTok @Michael_Foote_ and Mélissa on both as @MelissaMalebranche.

Got legal questions? Email briefrecess@exactlyrightmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Media. Premieres Thursday, November 13. Follow Brief Recess wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

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 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_foote
https://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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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

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://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/immigration-dashboard 

https://www.peta.org/donate/ways-to-support-peta/gifts-of-property/donate-fur/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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.acluohio.org/press-releases/aclu-ohio-releases-legal-memo-rights-immigrant-students-ohio-schools/

https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Legal-Defense-Fund/Legal-Issues/Navigating-ICE-Presence-in-School-and-Healthcare-Facilities 

https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/protecting-children-schools-against-immigration-enforcement#item-4913

https://linktr.ee/michael_foote

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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://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:

cgrs.uclawsf.edu/
www.handsontwincities.org
www.doinggoodtogether.org/
https://iimn.org/
www.projectfine.org/
www.youthlinkmn.org/our-story/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/nyregion/dog-lawyer.html 
https://www.peta.org/donate/ways-to-support-peta/gifts-of-property/donate-fur/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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://theartrevival.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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 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 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:

iibayarea.org 
https://www.lrcl.org/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.