What happens when your co-host leaves, disagrees about monetization, or claims ownership of your show?

In this week’s episode, Gordon Firemark shares true stories from real podcasters who learned the hard way that partnerships without paperwork can be a recipe for conflict, takedowns, and lost opportunity.

You’ll hear three scenarios where a podcast prenup could’ve saved the show—and get the tools to create your own agreement, whether you’re co-hosting, co-producing, or collaborating in any way.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How podcast partnerships fall apart—and why
• What a podcast prenup (a co-host/collaboration agreement) actually does
• What clauses you must include: ownership, revenue, exits, control, and more
• Why a prenup is smart even if things feel great now
• Where to get the planning guide and legal templates to make it easy

Resources Mentioned:

🎁 Download the free Podcast Prenup Planning Guide. http://podcastprenup.com

📝 Get co-host, co-production, and other podcast legal templates. ttp://podcastlawforms.com

🎓 See a free sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters. ttps://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

#podcastprenup #podcastlaw #podcastcontracts #cohostagreement #podcastpartnership #thepodcastlawyer #legitpodcastpro #podcastdrama #creatorslaw #podcasttemplate

Your guest agreed to be on your podcast… but did they actually give you legal permission to publish, edit, and promote that content?

In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark shares three urgent case studies where podcasters were forced to remove episodes, refund sponsors, or defend themselves against legal threats—all because they didn’t use a proper guest release.

These stories show just how fast things can go sideways—and what you can do to avoid the fallout.

What You’ll Learn:

Why “implied” permission is not enough

How to make guest consent irrevocable

What to include in your release if you’re using AI audio tools

How to protect yourself from post-publication demands

Where to get a free, lawyer-drafted guest release template

Links and Resources:

Free Guest Release Template → http://podcastrelease.com

Free sample lesson: Easy Legal for Podcasters → https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

Legal Templates and Contracts for Podcasters → https://podcastlawforms.com

Call to Action:

If you’re publishing interviews and you don’t have signed guest releases, you’re gambling with your content. Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Download the free template and protect your podcast now.

Disclaimers may seem like a minor detail, but in today’s content landscape, they’re anything but optional. In this episode, Gordon Firemark—The Podcast Lawyer™—explains why every podcaster needs a well-crafted disclaimer (or more than one), what different types of disclaimers exist, where and how to use them, and how to write them in clear, understandable language.

You’ll learn:

• What a disclaimer actually is—and isn’t
• Why disclaimers matter more than ever in 2025
• The difference between disclaimers, disclosures, and TOS
• How one disclaimer probably isn’t enough
• Where to place your disclaimers for max impact
• Sample language to get you started

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Disclaimer Guide: http://gordonfiremark.com/disclaimerguide
• Free sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters: https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
• Legal forms & templates for podcasters: https://podcastlawforms.com

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review, share it with your podcasting friends, and follow Legit Podcast Pro for more legal and business strategies to help you grow and protect your podcast.

If your podcast has outgrown its name, shifted focus, or needs a new look to better connect with your audience, a rebrand might be in your future.

In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark (The Podcast Lawyer™) walks you through:

• When to consider rebranding—and when to hold off
• The 7 steps for a smooth transition
• The legal steps to take before you hit “publish”
• Real-world examples of rebrands gone wrong
• Tips for keeping your audience engaged during a transition

Resources Mentioned:

• FREE Trademark Registration Guide: http://podcasttrademark.com
• Secret Video (free lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters): http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
• Legal Templates: http://podcastlawforms.com

Brand deals can be a powerful way to grow and monetize your podcast—but only if you do them right. In this episode, Gordon Firemark breaks down the essentials of brand partnership agreements, including red flags, real-world horror stories, and strategies for long-term success.

You’ll learn:

• How vague contract language can sabotage your show
• Why exclusivity and brand control must be limited
• What rights to protect when brands reuse your content
• What affiliate partnerships require to be both legal and profitable
• How to structure long-term brand deals that reward you for performance

Resources & Links:

Free Brand Deal Checklist: https://branddealchecklist.com

Free sample lesson from Easy Legal for Podcasters: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

Sponsorship & brand deal templates: https://podcastlawforms.com

Podcast audio version: https://LegitPodcastPro.captivate.fm

Legal Survival Guide book: http://podcastlawbook.com

Don’t launch your podcast without THIS document!

A Podcast Prenup™ is a must-have for anyone working with collaborators on a podcast—co-hosts, editors, producers, marketers, you name it. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, breaks down what a Podcast Prenup™ is, why it’s vital, and what goes into one.

• Watch my secret video with a sample lesson from inside Easy Legal for Podcasters™: http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup
• Free Podcast Prenup™ Planning Guide: https://podcastprenup.com
• Get my lawyer-drafted Podcast Prenup™ templates and forms here: https://podcastlawforms.com
• Get My Book - The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers' Legal Survival Guide! http://podcastlawbook.com
• Subscribe on YouTube for more tips: http://youtube.com/gfiremark?sub_confirmation=1

#PodcastPrenup #PodcastLawyer #PodcastContracts #EasyLegalForPodcasters #PodcastingTips #LegalForPodcasters #PodcastBusiness

New tariffs, rising inflation, and a looming recession? Creators, listen up. This economic shakeup could hit your income harder than you think—but it’s not all doom and gloom. In this special episode of Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, breaks down how these macroeconomic forces will affect creators like you and what you should be doing to prepare.

* Want free legal & business training for podcasters?

Watch now: http://podcastertraining.com

* FREE Sample Lesson & Secret Video for Podcasters:

http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

* Get my lawyer-drafted forms & templates:

http://podcastlawforms.com

#creatorlaw #podcastlaw #creatoreconomy #tariffs #recession #influencermarketing #digitalcreator #contentcreatorlife #legitpodcastpro

This week on Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, walks you through a legal checklist of podcast network agreements. Learn what rights to protect, what red flags to avoid, and why you shouldn't blindly accept “we’ll pay you when we get paid” as a payment structure. This episode gives you the clarity and confidence to review any podcast network offer and negotiate from a place of strength.

Free Resource:
Get Gordon’s on-demand legal training for podcasters at http://podcastertraining.com

Many podcasters struggle to grow their audience, make money, or protect their brand—often because they’re making one or more big mistakes. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, reveals the 5 most common podcasting mistakes that could be holding you back from the influence, impact, and income you deserve. More importantly, he shares practical fixes you can apply right away to get on the right track.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

* The #1 mindset mistake podcasters make that keeps them from real success

* How legal missteps can cost you control over your podcast

* Why "hoping for growth" isn’t a strategy—and what to do instead

* How to start monetizing sooner—even with a small audience

* The legal essentials every podcaster should have in place

Resources Mentioned:

* Free Secret Video: How to Level Up Your Podcast Success
https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

* Free on-demand Training: Podcast Growth & Profit – Mastering the Fundamentals, Avoiding Common Mistakes
https://podcastertraining.com

* Podcast Legal Forms & Contracts
https://podcastlawforms.com

* The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producers’ Legal Survival Guide
http://podcastlawbook.com

Connect with Gordon Firemark:

* Website: https://gordonfiremark.com

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/gordonfiremark

* LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/gfiremark

* Facebook: https://facebook.com/podcastlaw

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

In this episode of Legit Podcast Pro, Gordon Firemark dives into the crucial topic of contracts for creators. Learn about the five essential contracts every podcaster, YouTuber, and online content creator should have to protect their work and avoid legal pitfalls.

Key Points Covered:

• Collaboration Agreement: Why you need a written agreement when working with co-hosts or partners.
• Independent Contractor Agreement: How to properly hire freelancers and protect your intellectual property.
• Guest Release Agreement: Securing permission to use your guests' content and avoid future disputes.
• Location Release Agreement: The importance of getting permission to film or record on location.
• Website Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: Protecting yourself and your users online.
• Real world examples of what happens when creators don't have these contracts in place.
• Where you can find easy to use contract templates.

Resources:

• Easy Legal Forms and Templates for Podcasters: https://podcastlawforms.com
• Easy Legal Forms and Templates (overall) https://easylegaltemplates.com

Connect with Gordon Firemark:

• Website: https://firemark.com/

Keywords:

Podcast contracts, creator contracts, legal agreements, independent contractor agreement, guest release, location release, terms of service, privacy policy, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer, podcast law, YouTube law, content creator law