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

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.

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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.

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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 

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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/

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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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.