

Gavel Gavel
Thomas Smith
Gavel Gavel is the podcast that takes you inside the courtroom! Comedian Thomas Smith asks questions and cracks jokes while real legal experts with actual trial experience provide unique analysis.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2026 • 52min
Lively v. Baldoni 52 - Baldoni Streisands Nicepool
GG53 - Wayfarer v. Lively 18 Your honor they might have made fun of me possibly and that has to be against the law.

Jan 7, 2026 • 48min
Lively v. Baldoni 51 - The Last Straw... OR IS IT
GG52 - Wayfarer v. Lively 17 We're back on our Blake beat. Together we can finish this effing complaint (and the attachment)

Jan 1, 2026 • 52min
U.S. v. Dunn 1 - Assault with a Deli Weapon
It's a new Gavel Gavel trial! We are excited to announce that we will be producing a totally new full trial re-enactment working from our EXCLUSIVE access to the transcript of the federal prosecution of Sean Dunn, better known to the world as the "Sandwich Guy" after being federally charged for assaulting a CBP officer with a fully-loaded 12-inch Subway sandwich on the streets of DC. But before we get to the meat of 2025's Trial of the Century, legal sandwich artist Matt Cameron is here to slice up everything you need to know. From Dunn's notably underreported motive to the significance of the date and location of the alleged assault to a shot-by-shot analysis of the only known video of the incident, we've got this one wrapped. U.S. v. Dunn docket Sean Dunn's GoFundMe Video of Sean Dunn throwing a Subway sandwich at a uniformed CBP agent near 14th and U in Washington DC on August 10, 2025 U.S. v. Dunn complaint (filed 8/13/25) Sensationalized video of Dunn's arrest in his house by a swarm of federal agents posted on the official White House X account (8/14/25)

9 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 26min
BONUS! Dale Wheatley Brings Actual Filmmaking Experience to the Lively-Baldoni Conversation
Dale Wheatley, a seasoned filmmaker with Hollywood experience, joins the discussion to shed light on the ongoing Lively v Baldoni legal saga. He analyzes problematic moments from the set of 'It Ends With Us,' including inappropriate on-set banter and directing failures. Dale delves into the complexities of legal PR versus filmmaking realities and offers insights into creative conflicts involving Blake Lively. He emphasizes the importance of protecting a director’s cut and critiques the ego-driven issues leading to public fallout.

Dec 15, 2025 • 46min
Lively v. Baldoni 50 - Maybe Sony Just Isn't That Into You, Man
Wayfarer v. Lively 16 - It's the last sub-chunk of the November mega-chunk and there's some fun stuff in here! Baldoni and Heath cannot tell when people are obviously lying to them, and also we get some previously unseen Jones/Abel texts!

Dec 9, 2025 • 48min
Lively v. Baldoni 49 - The Biggest Telling on Themselves Yet
Wayfarer v. Lively 15 - It's here, baby! The most massive self-own. Can't wait for you to hear it.

7 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 44min
Lively v. Baldoni 48 - Blake Bamboozles Baldoni at Book Bonanza
The hosts dive into the dramatic Book Bonanza incident where Blake allegedly stole a movie file, stirring up controversy. They analyze audience test results, cautioning about small sample sizes. The conversation shifts to editor reassignments and the confusion surrounding Baldoni's involvement. Health issues come into play, impacting production timelines. They also discuss the public's reaction to Baldoni's exclusion and dissect a clip from Book Bonanza, revealing it was just an early screening. Lastly, they touch on Sony's internal reactions and producer credit disputes.

5 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 45min
Lively v. Baldoni 47 - How Weird, Sony Also Thinks Baldoni and Heath Are the Problem
The hosts dive into the complex legal battle between Wayfarer and Lively, highlighting the confusion around key dates and missing evidence. They explore Sony's surprising stance on Lively's approval rights and the implications of credit placements. The discussion takes a turn as they dissect accusations of extortion and contradictions in narratives. Insights from test screenings reveal Baldoni's rising optimism, while concerns about censorship emerge with reports of editors being restricted from viewing certain cuts. Themes of paranoia and sexism are also thoughtfully examined.

8 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 47min
Lively v. Baldoni 46 - Hey Look, It's Textbook Retaliation By Baldoni Revealed In His Own Lawsuit
The hosts dive into the tangled web of Wayfarer v. Lively, unraveling the Baldoni complaint. They discuss how textual obfuscation creates confusion, likening it to 'spaghetti.' Tensions rise as they uncover potential retaliation in Bay Area texts. Hear insights on the clash of workplace standards and the urgent need for Hollywood reforms post-MeToo. The interplay between Sony and Wayfarer reveals interesting power dynamics, as the hosts break down contractual maneuvers and evidence gaps in the case.

10 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
Lively v. Baldoni 45 - FINE. If I Can't Sexually Harass While Making a Movie Then I Don't Even Want to DO IT
Blake Lively's behind-the-scenes demands for a film production spark intriguing discussions about creative control and safety. The hosts analyze her calls for an A-list producer, the use of stunt doubles for sensitive scenes, and provisions for young actors. They dive into the complexities of contract negotiations and perceived power dynamics, highlighting how women's contributions can be misinterpreted. Lively's editing involvement and the responses to her demands reveal a deeper layer of the filmmaking process, blending artistry with advocacy.


