My Lawyer Friend Podcast

This week Anne and Brittany kick off the 5 Part Landlord-Tenant Series: I'm Suing My Landlord... Here's Why (Toxic Ash & Palisades Fire) in Part 1 of the Series. After the Palisades Fire in California, Anne’s landlord told her to simply wipe away the toxic ash that covered not just the outside—but the inside of her home. Instead of letting it slide, Anne is taking legal action and bringing you along for every step of the process.In this episode, Anne shares what it was like being evacuated during the fire, returning to a home covered in ash, and her decision to fight back. She breaks down her (AND YOUR) legal rights as a tenant, what landlords are actually responsible for, and how she’s navigating her first litigation case since law school. If you’ve ever rented—or dealt with a bad landlord—this is a real-time look at what standing your ground actually looks like.🎧 Spotify: Search "My Lawyer Friend"📺 YouTube: / @mylawyerfriendpod 🎙️ Apple Podcasts & everywhere you listenFollow us:🌐 Website: mylawyerfriendpodcast.com📩 Substack: mylawyerfriend.substack.com📱 Instagram & TikTok: @mylawyerfriend.podcast | @mylawyerfriendpodcast👩‍⚖️ Anne Easton: Entertainment & corporate attorney | Blakemore Law | blakemore-law.com💼 Brittany Ledford: Serial entrepreneur & your business buddyCredits:Host, Producer, Creator: Anne EastonCo-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany LedfordProduction Services: Will Edmiston and The Village LAEditor: Larry LaneProducer: Keenan O'Keefe-EastonDisclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.#TenantRights #BadLandlord #Lawsuit #ToxicAsh #CaliforniaFires #WildfireAftermath #KnowYourRights #LegalAdvice #RentersRights #EvacuationStory #RealLifeCase #HousingIssues #FireDamage #Justice #LegalJourney

What does it actually take to get a film off the ground — legally, creatively, and professionally?Miles Alva is an independent film producer and studio executive whose award-winning films have been distributed by Disney, 20th Century Fox, Amazon, and Netflix. Most recently, he produced the A24 film Misty Green, written and directed by Chris Rock. In this episode, Anne sits down with Miles to break down the legal essentials every filmmaker needs to know — from the moment that great script lands in your hands — and to pull back the curtain on what it really means to build a career in Hollywood.What we cover:The key legal steps every filmmaker should take at inception: incorporation, media insurance, and shopping agreementsWhat "piercing the corporate veil" means and why paying your taxes on a production entity actually mattersChain of title — what it is, why every distributor will require it, and what happens when a lawyer gets it wrongThe CAMA collection account: what it does and why the language in those agreements is criticalWhat production attorneys actually do, and when you need in-house versus outside counselHow Miles broke into the industry — community college to USC film school to A24Misty Green: the star-studded cast, the Chris Rock you haven't seen before, and why Cannes is the targetThe Netflix/Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition conversation — and what it means for independent producersABOUT MILES ALVA Miles Alva is an independent film producer and studio executive based in Los Angeles. His award-winning films have been showcased at prestigious festivals and distributed by major studios including Disney, 20th Century Fox, Amazon, and Netflix. Most recently, he produced Misty Green for A24, written and directed by Chris Rock, starring Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, Rosalind Elazar, Anna Kendrick, Anthony Anderson, Busta Rhymes, Topher Grace, and Alexandra Shipp.LINKS:Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts: https://mylawyerfriendpodcast.com/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyLawyerFriendPodFollow MLF on Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcastFollow MLF on TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcastSubstack: https://mylawyerfriend.substack.com/My Lawyer Friend is hosted by Anne Easton, entertainment and corporate attorney, and Brittany Ledford, serial entrepreneur. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

What does it look like to sit at the intersection of Hollywood finance, guild compliance, and a deeply intentional inner life?Heather Heukrodt has spent her career managing the financial infrastructure of major productions — ensuring writers, crew, and talent actually receive what they negotiated, even when the bureaucracy makes that harder than it should be. As Head of Production Finance at Boat Rocker Media, she operates inside one of the most complex roles in Hollywood. She's also the founder of Luminary Soul, an energy and sound healing practice helping high-achieving women break through the blocks that ambition alone can't fix.In this episode, Anne sits down with Heather to talk through what production finance actually does, what WGA compliance looks like from the inside, and the conversation about masculine/feminine polarity that nobody is having at the office. This one moves between the boardroom and the soul — with zero apology.What we cover:What production finance actually does and why it matters to every person on a productionWGA compliance from the inside: what it means to genuinely want to pay people correctlyWhen the machine makes it hard to be honest — bureaucracy, silos, and the reality of big productionsHow a production finance executive became a certified energy healerThe masculine/feminine polarity conversation that high-achieving women need to haveWhat it means for a man to be a true pillar — and why strong women need that more, not lessThe inner work that ambition alone can't replaceABOUT HEATHER HEUKRODTHeather Heukrodt is Head of Production Finance at Boat Rocker Media, one of the leading independent entertainment studios in the world, with credits spanning scripted drama, unscripted, animation, and documentary. With years of experience managing the financial infrastructure of major productions, Heather brings a rare combination of technical precision and industry fluency to one of the most complex roles in Hollywood.She is also the founder of Luminary Soul, an energy and sound healing practice dedicated to helping high-achieving leaders and healers break through self-sabotage and align with their highest vision. Her work integrates intuitive energy healing, chakra work, and somatic practices to support clients in transformation that goes deeper than strategy.🔗 Learn more about Luminary Soul: https://www.luminary-soul.com 📲 Instagram: @_luminarysoul | @heukrodtLINKS:Boat Rocker Media: https://www.boatrocker.comSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts: https://mylawyerfriendpodcast.com/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyLawyerFriendPodFollow MLF on Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcastFollow MLF on TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcastSubstack: https://mylawyerfriend.substack.com/My Lawyer Friend is hosted by Anne Easton, entertainment and corporate attorney, and Brittany Ledford, serial entrepreneur. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

What does it actually cost to not have a lawyer when you sign a music deal?For songwriter and artist Parker Ainsworth, the answer was steep: a low flat fee for a song he wrote for a major motion picture — with performance royalties only, no mechanical rights, no sync income, no publishing revenue. And then the production company flipped his publishing to Concord.In this episode, Anne and Brittany sit down with Parker to talk through exactly what happened, what he didn't know when he signed, and what he wishes he'd asked for. This one isn't hypothetical — it's a real deal with real consequences, and it's more common than you think.Whether you're a musician, a filmmaker, a content creator, or anyone who's ever been handed a contract and told "it's standard" — this episode is for you.Parker is also a student of Somatic Experiencing, trained in the tradition of founder Peter Levine, and is pursuing a path toward psychology with a focus on somatic healing, and we get into an insightful discussion about these teachings.**What we cover:**- What a work-for-hire clause actually means and why it costs you more than the upfront fee- The royalties you're giving up when you sign without negotiating — performance, mechanical, sync, and publishing- What the industry standard actually looks like (hint: $2,500 for a major film theme is not it)- The one clause that would have changed everything for Parker- How to know when you need an entertainment attorney before you sign**Resource:** Download our Read Before You Sign guide, the first in the Series, specifically tailored for musicians, at the link below — it breaks down the key clauses every musician needs to understand before signing anything and includes negotiation scripts, red-flag clause explainers, and a step-by-step guide to reviewing your own deals. Get it at the link below.---**LINKS:**- Read Before You Sign: Musicians ($37): https://mylawyerfriend.gumroad.com/l/rbys-musicians- Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts through our website: https://mylawyerfriendpodcast.com/- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyLawyerFriendPod- Follow MLF on Instagram: @mylawerfriend.podcast- Follow MLF on TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast- Substack: https://mylawyerfriend.substack.com/---My Lawyer Friend is hosted by Anne Easton, entertainment and corporate attorney, and Brittany Ledford, serial entrepreneur. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

AI is everywhere — in your business, your contracts, and your daily life. But should you let it replace your lawyer? Short answer: robots need limitations.In this episode, entertainment attorney Anne Easton and serial entrepreneur Brittany Ledford break down how to actually use AI the right way — for research, first drafts, and efficiency — without getting yourself into legal trouble. They cover which contracts you can handle on your own (with a little AI help), which ones absolutely need an attorney's eyes, and the red-flag clauses that AI will never catch on its own. Plus, they dig into the real consequences when things go wrong — like attorneys getting sanctioned for submitting AI-generated briefs with fake case law.AI is your assistant. Your attorney is your strategy.---What We Cover- How attorneys (including Anne) actually use AI in their practice every day- The golden rule: AI for efficiency, your attorney for strategy- Contracts you can handle yourself vs. contracts that need a lawyer every time- Red-flag clauses AI won't catch — indemnification, favored nations, personal exposure- Real cases of AI-generated legal briefs with made-up citations- Why AI doesn't know what it doesn't know (and neither do you)- New laws on deepfakes and AI-generated content that every content creator and business owner needs to know- Why you can't copyright AI-generated work without significant human input (we don’t discuss this on the podcast but it’s in the GUIDE [see below]).---Free & Paid Resources**FREE: AI + Your Attorney Checklist**Your quick-start guide to using AI the right way in your business and contracts. Includes a do/don't checklist, a breakdown of which contracts need attorney review, and key red-flag clauses to watch for.→ Download free at mylawyerfriendpodcast.com (link in bio)**FULL GUIDE: AI + Your Attorney — The Complete Breakdown ($47)**Go deeper with clause-by-clause breakdowns, negotiation scripts for common scenarios, an expanded red-flag clause table, the latest AI and deepfake legislation affecting content creators and businesses, and AI copyright rules every entrepreneur needs to understand.→ Available at mylawyerfriendpodcast.com---Listen & Watch**Spotify:** Search "My Lawyer Friend" or visit the link in our bio**YouTube:** Watch the full episode on the My Lawyer Friend YouTube channel — we'd love to see you there**Apple Podcasts & everywhere you listen to podcasts**---Connect With Us**Website:** mylawyerfriendpodcast.com**Substack:** Subscribe for legal templates, negotiation scripts, and resources we don't share anywhere else**Instagram & TikTok:** @mylawyerfriend.podcast; @mylawyerfriendpodcast**Anne Easton:** Entertainment & corporate attorney (your lawyer friend) | Blakemore Law | blakemore-law.com**Brittany Ledford:** Serial entrepreneur & your business buddy---Credits:- Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton- Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford- Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu- Producer: Jake Easton IV- Editor: Todd Wiseman- Producer: Keenan O'Keefe-Easton---*Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.*---**New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear this. **

Episode 4 Overview: Is a prenup the ultimate romantic gesture or a total buzzkill? This week, just in time for Valentine’s Day, your favourite lawyer friend, Anne Easton, and business buddy, Brittany Ledford, are joined by a very special guest: Julia Rodgers, CEO and founder of HelloPrenup.We’re diving deep into "The Business of Love and Law" to demystify why prenuptial agreements are actually a powerful tool for communication and financial clarity. From protecting your creative assets to the unsexy (but essential) reality of taxes, we’re breaking down how to navigate these big conversations without losing the spark. Whether you’re engaged, already married, or just curious about how law and love intersect, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice.Listen Now: Tune in for an enlightening conversation that reframes legal protections as an act of partnership. Don't miss this episode as we explore how to build a solid foundation for your relationship while keeping your professional and personal interests secure!Want More Resources? — Go check out our new guides that will now supplement each episode, found either on our website or on our Substack - My Lawyer Friend: Resources. Where to Find Us:Subscribe to My Lawyer Friend Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcast TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast Website: mylawyerfriendpodcast.com Substack: https://substack.com/@mylawyerfriend? Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Do you have questions about prenups or how to bring them up with a partner? Share your feedback and experiences with us on social media or through our website. Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for Episode 5!Credits:Host, Producer, Creator: Anne EastonCo-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany LedfordSpecial Guest: Julia Rodgers, CEO of HelloPrenupProduction Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise HuProducer: Jake Easton IVEditor: Todd WisemanProducer: Keenan O'Keefe-Easton

Hosts: Anne Easton & Brittany LedfordEpisode 3 Overview: Ever felt a little spooked by a Non-Disclosure Agreement? You’re not alone. This week, your favorite lawyer friend, Anne, business buddy, Brittany Ledford, are pulling back the curtain on NDAs. We’re dissecting exactly what’s in those tiny fonts, what you can (and definitely can’t) say, and why they aren’t nearly as scary as they seem.But it’s not all legal jargon! After we tackle the contracts, we’re shifting gears to the real "big picture" work-life balance for women in high functioning positions. Join us for a conversation that bridges the gap between legal expertise and everyday practicality.Listen Now:Tune in for an engaging conversation that pushes the boundaries of conventional work definitions while exploring new ways to focus and thrive in our professional lives. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that combines legal insights with fresh perspectives on productivity!Where to Find Us: - Subscribe to My Lawyer Friend Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content:Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcastTikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcastWebsite: mylawyerfriendpodcast.comJoin the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Ask questions and share your feedback and experiences with us on social media or through our website.Next Episode Preview:Stay tuned for Episode 4.Thank you for listening to My Lawyer Friend Podcast! Your support means everything to us. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast if you enjoyed the episode!Credits:- Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton- Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford- Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu- Producer: Jake Easton IV- Editor: Todd Wiseman- Producer: Keenan O'Keefe-Easton

Hosts: Anne Easton & Brittany Ledford  Guest: Leah LevyEpisode Overview: In this enlightening second episode of My Lawyer Friend Podcast, hosts Anne Easton and Brittany Ledford welcome special guest Leah Levy from The KINN*. Leah introduces us to her revolutionary concept of "noodling," a term that definitely isn't what you might think. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of the gig economy, discussing critical issues like the distinction between independent contractors and employees, as well as the pervasive challenge of worker misclassification.*After a moment of reflection, our guest revisited her comments, recognizing that her initial description of The KINN didn’t fully capture the essence of it, and she shared a more considered description she feels it deserves: The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. The organization runs a tailored business accelerator program for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top-pier LA-based community of entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. Guest Biography:Leah Levy began her career amongst like-minded creators and private membership clubs, where she honed her skills in fostering connections and cultivating collaborative environments. When it became time for Leah to grow, she left the private club space to embrace a position at The KINN, a community-driven collaboration workspace that aligns with her passion for mission-driven work centered on conscious living, health, and wellness, and her revolutionary noodling concept falls squarely within those ideals. What You’ll Learn:  - The difference between independent contractors and employees - The complexities and implications of worker misclassification - Leah’s innovative idea of "noodling" and its surprising similarities to the Do Not Disturb feature on your iPhone - How "noodling" can transform the way we understand focus and productivity in our work livesEpisode Highlights:  - Leah Levy explains the concept of "noodling" and its relevance in the context of today's work environment.- A discussion on the rights and protections of independent contractors versus those of employees.- Insights from Leah and the hosts on how a better understanding of these concepts can empower workers and employers alike.- Fun banter that links the concept of noodling to modern technology and our everyday lives.Listen Now:Tune in for an engaging conversation that pushes the boundaries of conventional work definitions while exploring new ways to focus and thrive in our professional lives. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that combines legal insights with fresh perspectives on productivity!Where to Find Us: - Subscribe to My Lawyer Friend Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content:Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcastTikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcastWebsite: mylawyerfriendpodcast.com Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Ask questions and share your feedback and experiences with us on social media or through our website. What are your views on "noodling" and its impact on work-life balance? How do you navigate the gig economy? Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for Episode 3, which we will be releasing in the new year (so glad we’re putting 2025 behind us!).Thank you for listening to My Lawyer Friend Podcast! Your support means everything to us. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast if you enjoyed the episode!Credits: - Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton - Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford - Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu - Producer: Jake Easton IV - Editor: Todd Wiseman - Producer: Keenan O'Keefe-Easton

Hosts: - Anne Easton (Host and Producer)- Brittany Ledford (Co-Host and Producer)Summary:In our very first episode, we’re thrilled to introduce ourselves and share the origins of "My Lawyer Friend Podcast"! Join Anne Easton, your friendly neighborhood lawyer, and Brittany Ledford, your trusted business confidante, as we embark on this journey together to demystify the legal field. We believe that everyone should have access to legal knowledge without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. Whether you're curious about a specific legal topic or just looking for some light-hearted conversation, this podcast aims to bridge the gap between legal expertise and everyday practicality.We'll discuss not only the ins and outs of legal matters, but also explore fun, relatable topics that connect with our listeners’ lives. Together, we’ll create a space where questions are welcomed and knowledge is shared.Key Highlights:- Meet your hosts and learn about our individual backgrounds.- Discover the inspiration behind "My Lawyer Friend Podcast" and our vision of making the law accessible.- Explore what you can expect in future episodes, including a mix of legal discussions and engaging lifestyle topics. Credits:- Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton- Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford- Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu- Editor: Todd Wiseman- Producer: Jake Easton IVJoin Us!We invite you to tune in, learn, and have a bit of fun with us. Subscribe now so you won’t miss any upcoming episodes! Connect with Us:- Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcast- TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast- YouTube: @mylawyerfriendpod- www.mylawyerfriendpodcast.comThank you for being part of our first episode. We can’t wait to start this adventure with you!Release Date: December 10, 2025