Opening Arguments: A Podcast Review

I've been listening to the podcast Opening Arguments for years, and have been a Patreon subscriber for a year or two now. The current hosts are Thomas Smith, who started the podcast, and Matt Cameron. Thomas is a comedian, so he brings a relatable, "everyman" perspective to the show. Matt Cameron is an immigration attorney, offering deep expertise—especially valuable this year, with immigration frequently in the news. I also appreciate the guest hosts: Lydia Smith (Thomas's wife) and Jenessa Seymour, who steps in when Thomas takes a break.

The content of the podcast varies week to week. Sometimes it covers current events—like the case of Kilmar Rego Garcia, who was illegally deported to El Salvador. During that period, Matt Cameron's insights into the immigration system were especially helpful. The podcast also explores legal history. A recent episode on the history of Miranda rights was particularly interesting; I learned that Miranda even represented himself pro bono before the Supreme Court. The show does a great job of making complex legal topics accessible and engaging.

Opening Arguments has had a complicated history. About three years ago, the hosts were Thomas Smith and Andrew Torres. While they seemed close on the podcast, it later emerged that there were serious issues behind the scenes, now the subject of a lawsuit. During that time, Thomas lost access to the podcast for about a year. It's great to have him back now, and the show feels revitalized.

If you're looking for a podcast that covers the law and current legal events in detail, I highly recommend Opening Arguments. I listen to every episode—something I can't say for any other podcast.

Cover image credit: Opening Arguments podcast logo (used under fair use for review purposes)