

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

Dec 15, 2025 • 26min
BONUS! Dale Wheatley Brings Actual Filmmaking Experience to the Lively-Baldoni Conversation
Happy Holidays normies! Here's the first half of this interview, but you'll need to join as a member to get the second half of our conversation! --- Dale Wheatley joins the pod in this special bonus episode to share his insights as a filmmaker and industry professional watching the Lively v Baldoni case (and associated lawsuits) unfold, and we dig into many of the places where the set for It Ends With Us went wrong. In the patron-only segment, we chat about Dale's own experience with a Hollywood lawsuit, in which he and his colleagues sued Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire to free the film they made back in the 1990s, Don's Plum. Catch Dale and his partner Angela on YouTube for daily livestreams! Check out Free Don's Plum where you can purchase signed copies of Dale's memoir, Too Real The Making and Epic Unmaking of Don's Plum, Vanity Fair (12/12/2016) Support the show, get rid of ads, and get bonus stuff over on patreon.com/gavelpod!

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.

10 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 56min
Lively v. Baldoni 44 - Can I Get Your Autograph on This Nudity Rider
The hosts dive into the intriguing controversy over an unsigned nudity rider and its implications. They dissect a birth video dispute, highlighting privacy violations and uninvited trailer intrusions. Discussions on the definition of 'intimate' filming spark debate, while the analysis of timeline errors undermines allegations against Lively. The hosts also explore crucial employer obligations regarding harassment claims and the implications of sarcasm as retaliation. Packed with legal insights, this conversation navigates the murky waters of consent and contract nuances.

9 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
Lively v. Baldoni 43 - But the Intimacy Coordinator Said You Have to Make Out With Me Right Now
Thomas and Lydia dive into the controversy surrounding Wayfair v. Lively, focusing on the chaos of intimacy coordination on set. They unpack crucial points from Lively's complaint, including alleged graphic scenes added without consent. The duo critiques Baldoni's claims about meetings with the intimacy coordinator and the validity of his notes. Tensions rise as they explore the dynamics of consent and the implications of personal disclosures on set. Expect intriguing insights on boundaries and the intricate dance of performance and respect.

5 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 49min
Lively v. Baldoni 42 - That's One Hot Matcha
Dive into the quirky legal drama where Justin Baldoni finds himself challenged by Blake Lively’s relentless demands. The hosts dissect Baldoni's hesitant stance on edits and the mysterious 17-point list from Lively’s team. They tackle the controversial presence of an intimacy coordinator and the improvised nature of intimate scenes. Conflicting accounts unravel the tension behind the birthing scene, sparking debates about privacy and accountability. Grab your popcorn for this lively courtroom showdown!


