What happens when your Uber driver gets pulled over while you're in the backseat? How do OnlyFans creators incorporate an LLC to remain anonymous? How can you fight ICE without getting off the couch?
Welcome to Brief Recess, hosted by everyone's favorite TikTok lawyer Michael Foote and his best friend Mélissa Malebranche. Together they break down crazy news stories, share hilarious anecdotes from criminal court, answer pressing legal questions from callers, and teach listeners how to short-circuit democracy to effect real change in their communities.
Tune in! Or we'll see you in court.
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
ICYMI: Michael Was on Ghosted! by Roz Hernandez
#13 trending · Government
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 t
Oct 1 57 min
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, a
Sep 24 1 h 00 min
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
Sep 17 1 h 20 min
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
Sep 3 1 h 15 min
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 hypocri
Aug 27 1 h 29 min
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
Aug 20 1 h 04 min
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 anno
Aug 13 1 h 15 min
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. M
Aug 6 53 min
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 re
Jul 30 1 h 13 min
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 (@benhopki
Jul 23 1 h 11 min
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 i
Jul 16 54 min
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 H
Jul 9 59 min
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 trademar
Jul 2 1 h 12 min
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 mome
Jun 25 1 h 12 min
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
Jun 18 1 h 04 min
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 protecti
Jun 11 56 min
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 cov
Jun 4 58 min
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 bes
May 21 56 min
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 JP
May 14 55 min
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
May 7 1 h 18 min
Chart trend
Position in the Government chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#15#29JulAugSepOct
#2
all-time peak
11
days in the top 3 since Nov 2025
Chart positions
Where Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 4, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
UPDATE: Mélissa heard my feedback and those “I hear you, I’m following along” sounds are so much better. Big improvement!
It’s a fun podcast and I like how it feels like a casual conversation about what’s going on in their lives and current events. My only complaint is the constant “mh-hmmm’ and ‘uh-huh’ Mélissa says while Michael is talking. Every once in a while sure but it’s too much and is distracting. Sometime I just skip the episode if it’s too much. If they could reel that in the podcast would be much better.
YayGadget · Aug 2026
If you appreciate getting the honest low down on all the latest outrages and going’s ons, then you will love Melissa and Michael. They are both real, thoughtful, and hilarious ☺️💕
Madame Lexy · Aug 2026
I’ve been a listener ever since Michael announced it on the DYNAR podcast. I feel like I can never wait until Thursdays to hear these two hash out the latest insanities from the algorithms and the administration. Their chemistry is unmatched, and somehow, they manage to squeeze in thoughtful discussions on legal and social issues in between contagious fits of laughter.
Roughcollie2018 · Aug 2026
You two consistently brighten my day. I LOL often 😂. I learn a lot and I feel good during and after (and before!?). People like you two and CJ bring the hope! Thank you!!
Katherine N-J · Jul 2026
I’m glad they’ve found their footing, and the legal stuff is so interesting! Often wrong about the political/policy details of issues which is a little painful from my place inside of it in DC but I know a mic gives you confidence. Maybe bring on more experts outside of entertainment
larbb · Aug 2026
I deleted social media and use this to keep me informed on progressive news and issues. The content is great and I value both hosts perspectives. I have trouble getting through every episode because of repeated conversations (animal fur, plastic surgery, etc), interrupting one another and the vibes being off between the hosts. It just is not landing for me.
sarahh f · May 2026
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Brief Recess: A Legal Podcast with Michael Foote & Mélissa Malebranche, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
