It's Over. It's Finally Fucking Over.
Added 2024-05-05 01:49:07 +0000 UTCBig announcement! Finally.
Heads up, if you're a new listener or just here for the law pod, you may want to skip. Or listen at your own risk.
tl;dr: Smith v. Torrez is settled. Andrew is out of the company. Permanently and completely. I have not signed any NDA.
Comments
Was a patron for years. Bailed when Andrew did his shit, but I'm really happy to be able to come back for Thomas.
Seth Swanson
2024-08-06 19:39:52 +0000 UTCLikewise.
Margot Bauman
2024-05-15 21:24:53 +0000 UTCWoohoo!!
Margot Bauman
2024-05-15 21:22:21 +0000 UTCI hope she had the sense to get a written contract! 😜
Margot Bauman
2024-05-15 21:13:02 +0000 UTCI was a patron for years before everything went down and am now back.
Make Orwell Fiction Again
2024-05-11 05:56:16 +0000 UTCQED!
Opening Arguments
2024-05-11 03:32:36 +0000 UTCThere was post, I believe by Andrew, in the early days of the fiasco offering refunds of historical Patreon contributions. I considered asking for that, but ultimately didn't because I lacked the initiative and wasn't sure what the actual impact would be on the eventual fate of the business and your finances (if the refunds were split 50/50). Did any of those refunds ever get sent? How would it have affected the case if a lot of people had requested that and they were granted?
DDashevsky
2024-05-11 03:30:50 +0000 UTCI’m glad you didn’t sign an nda! The legal system is traumatizing on its own not including the extreme financial strain😓
Kameron Jackson
2024-05-09 15:45:21 +0000 UTCCongratulations Thomas! I am sure you are going to get a large influx of new patrons, such as myself. I’ve been waiting.
Larry Singer
2024-05-08 20:36:12 +0000 UTCI was a long-time patron forever ago. Stopped supporting at some point but I'm happy to be back now. I am so sorry for what Andrew and everyone else put you through. I hope you'll be back in Europe at some point and I can give you a hug. :(
Csaba Daday
2024-05-07 20:27:54 +0000 UTCI am very happy that my pause in patreon donations during the last year actually had a meaningful impact. It's so reassuring to hear that the legal system actually has some element of fairness and doesn't automatically side with the guy with the legal degree from Harvard. I will say however, main reason for pausing my support was not because I sided with Thomas but simply because I thought the podcast got worse and was no longer deserving of my cash. When Thomas took it back I was immediately reminded why I used to enjoy his commentary and so I resumed my support. I do respect the huge amount of research and effort Andrew put into the show but he was badly mistaken thinking that was single reason for its success. Again, I'm glad simply voting with my wallet actually changed things for the better. That is pretty cool to see.
Alex Spurling
2024-05-07 14:13:30 +0000 UTCCongratulations Thomas and Lydia. Its clear this was a shit time and I'm so glad for you that's over. Increasing my tier today in honor of your work and win!
Classic libtard
2024-05-07 14:04:31 +0000 UTCIʼm looking forward to seeing more episodes without a legal cloud hanging over the show.
Baltakatei
2024-05-07 09:27:51 +0000 UTChi five fellow australian!
lauren
2024-05-07 06:40:13 +0000 UTCAny chance we might have a return of pop law with Morgan Stringer?
Civil Politics Radio dot com (Fridays at 6pm EST on Valley Free Radio)
2024-05-07 04:08:43 +0000 UTCThis announcement makes me so happy and at the same time disgusted that that piece of shit could do any of this. I stopped listening to OA as soon as the truth came out and immediately became a patron of Dear Old Dads (which i love and i have no kids!) and was very happy to come back and join as a patron when you got the show back with the babysitter. The show is SO MUCH BETTER now! Matt is awesome! Can't imagine the damage this has done to you but I really hope that things can improve for you and your family going foward. I've gone back through all the old OA episodes and marked them all as played because it makes me sick to even think of that jerk let alone hear his voice. Onwards and upwards.
Denise Iglesias
2024-05-07 04:06:56 +0000 UTCi started listening about 6 months ago before Thomas took the show back - I had no idea any of it was going on I was just a student looking for legal analysis i could listen to in the mornings without feeling like i’m listening to a class lecture. As I have stayed, I have learned (obviously) and spent a lot of time wondering how I felt as someone who began listening without Thomas being involved (but obviously stayed as the show with Thomas has been great). I can say that this has sold me, not necessarily in the facts argued but in the morals and values of the people behind this content. Listening to you speak about how you could have easily ended the worst time of your life if you signed an NDA, but refusing to do so struck me. We process through speaking about these things and sharing in experiences with our communities, and to try and take that in order to protect a public persona is haunting. I’m glad that you preserved your ability to speak freely and clearly about your experiences and what you have gone through.
K
2024-05-07 01:12:18 +0000 UTCAlso did you notice how without Thomas, Pandrew isn't remotely funny, like at all. Hah hah, Liz! That was a good one! Now it is my turn to banter. You should laugh now.
Bald Weasels Scrotal Manscaping
2024-05-07 00:32:48 +0000 UTCCome to r/OpenArgs, we're mostly great! The arseholes mostly stick to the r/OpeningArguments side of the tracks and are easy to block when they cross over. Also we get to play T3BE!
Sam Johnson
2024-05-06 23:40:53 +0000 UTCThank FSM that's over. I have no idea what to make of Liz Dye appearing on Legal Eagle - I skip those episodes. But I know *exactly* what to make of this: Matt is a real find. He is not trying to be the comedian, and yet he is funnier than Andrew ever was. You are 100% right about Yvette: once that motion was granted, Torrez was toast. I cheered when I read it. For the record, I unsubscribed when Andrew stole the show, I did not listen to a single episode from your one-man announcement until TTTPB, and subbed again immediately. During the interim I subbed to SIO and WTW. Thomas, your ninja skill is choosing guests and co-hosts. You fucked up once. So, where do we find the gofundme to match your donation to CAN?
Guy Chapman, the Solutions Archaeologist
2024-05-06 23:37:16 +0000 UTCr/openargs is better but not immune 🫠
Lydia Smith
2024-05-06 23:02:59 +0000 UTCGreat news. We chose wisely... Not that we needed the outcome to know that. One thing that's been bugging me is this; when a right-wing toolbag has to pay for (in their case, always self-inflicted) legal shenanigans, they yell "come and see the violence inherent in the cultural Marxist Frankfurt School feminazi authoritarian libby liberal libbity libs" and use the whole mess as a fundraising opportunity. When a leftist gets genuinely fucked over, why don't we (the audience community) do that? The fundraising I mean. Should we do that? How would we do it?
Bald Weasels Scrotal Manscaping
2024-05-06 22:43:52 +0000 UTCAs an Australian, I also really appreciated "toolbag"
Bald Weasels Scrotal Manscaping
2024-05-06 22:35:37 +0000 UTCI would totally contribute
Bald Weasels Scrotal Manscaping
2024-05-06 22:33:59 +0000 UTCIs there another subreddit just for talking about non-Pandrew-related stuff? I don't really get to engage with other listeners because I'm not on any socials & Patreon is kind of garbage. But I also definitely don't want to see a bunch of posts from assholes because I will just ragescroll probably..
Bald Weasels Scrotal Manscaping
2024-05-06 22:30:31 +0000 UTCI'm honestly trying! Thanks for the support ❤️
Lydia Smith
2024-05-06 22:18:27 +0000 UTCI originally subbed 1 week before everything went down, and I'm glad to say I resubbed today. I'm a lot happier with the T+M lineup than any before it, to the point where I actually listen to every episode (before it was 1-2 a week). As an aside to Thomas / Lydia, I'd honestly just stay away from /r/openingarguments for the forseeable future. The people arguing most vehemently there (tarlin, brucesky, sweet_dee, and Teresa) do not have your best interests at heart and their goal is to bait you into getting angry so they can play the victim. I understand wanting to rebut disinformation but I don't think they're going to change their minds. The best thing you can do is keep putting out great content <3
Ding Dong, the Pest is Gone
2024-05-06 21:51:09 +0000 UTCalso: shoutout to the throwback use of 'toolbag'. love it.
lauren
2024-05-06 17:59:25 +0000 UTCas a patron who ditched, switched and returned, I am so glad this onslaught is over for you guys. and although I'm so sorry that no-NDA cost you so fucking much, I'm grateful you held back against it. firstly as a patron of this programme and other ethical podcasts (the transparency is valuable to me), but also because of how often NDAs are used to perpetuate and silence sexual abuse - that really fucking needs to stop. you guys are amazing. I hope you're able to get some support with the inevitable grieving that begins now and thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️
lauren
2024-05-06 17:52:55 +0000 UTCLong time listener, first time patron in celebration. Congratulations! I had my own experience with lying morally-bankrupt biz partners, and it didn't end as well for me, I lost my business to bad guys, and they sunk it within months. Heartbreak, financial devestation, and bad feels that took almost two decades to let go of. I'm also a JD who is so disillusioned with the current SCOTUS that I'm happy to not be a practicing lawyer. I can't even, so to speak. But I am that much more grateful for lawyers like Matt, who haven't lost their humanity in practicing law. I'm really looking forward to listening now that your shackles are free. Keep it up and best wishes for ongoing happiness and satisfaction with what you're accomplishing.
WorkForBetterPrepForTrouble
2024-05-06 17:25:12 +0000 UTCI, as I assume many others, immediately unsubscribed when i heard your story. And I immediately RE-subscribed when I heard your first episode back announcing your triumph. This is even more amazing news, I'm so excited to get back to listening to and promoting my absolute favorite podcast. Without sharing too much, I want you to know that I empathize greatly with your story and as you no-doubt have heard a million times by now, you're not alone. I love OA, I love you, and I love anticipating every new episode. Keep up the amazing work. The show is so good with Matt and I have to say I think it might be even better. Cheers!
Quick update, Ovechkin is only 26 goals from The Record
2024-05-06 16:46:24 +0000 UTCHell yeah, this all needed to be said, and none of it was over the top in any kind of inappropriate way , you simply went through a terrible thing and you get the sensation that you’re being mean and really you’re just describing reality and I’m glad you released this 20 minute Thomas rant
Austin Enverba
2024-05-06 15:49:27 +0000 UTCThis is totally possible now!
Opening Arguments
2024-05-06 14:39:49 +0000 UTCWould love to see live Q &A monthly YouTube shows come back!
Here for the memes
2024-05-06 14:39:00 +0000 UTCGreat resolution Thomas - it was such a sad time...I am so glad I left the show then am so glad to be back! Matt is great, and you are great. Thank you for fighting!
The Rule Against Poopiturdities
2024-05-06 14:30:56 +0000 UTCIn my line of law, confidentiality clauses are virtually standard in any release and settlement agreement. i never thought much about them, but this is one case where i can see why someone would accept a reduced settlement sum in order to have the ability to speak about what happened, because that is almost as necessary as the money. sometimes settlements don't occur if confidentiality/nda is not agreed to, so i have to think AT knew absolutely he would lose at trial and lose more money, and when you lose at trial, you never get confidentiality. so this is a huge win and i hope you get some recompense for your time, trouble and costs.
Jeanie Jean Jean
2024-05-06 12:19:23 +0000 UTCCongratulations! The podcast is so much better now, onwards and upwards!
Adam
2024-05-06 10:53:10 +0000 UTCCongratulations! Very happy to hear and I hope this next year is so much better for ya
Baba Corva
2024-05-06 04:55:06 +0000 UTCWow, Thomas, you've been through it. I had no idea to what extent, let alone that your family was burdened so profoundly. That makes me hate AT even more. I dropped this cold when that article came out and was distraught since this podcast inspired me to start supporting creators and was a huuuuuge hit of dopamine every time an episode dropped. I love learning about the law. Other podcasts offer good insights, but this one teaches in a way others simply don't and I love that it's accessible to a larger swath of people now. You and Matt bring much friendlier energy than AT ever did. He rubbed me wrong sometimes. Seemed to overtalk you a lot and treated you like a prop/platform. Part of the appeal, then and much more so now, is feeling like I'm learning about the law *with* you. It's like hanging out with nerdy friends! Seven figures, though. Holy crap. Please start some sort of crowdfunding if there's no prohibition against it? I suspect lots of folks want to slip you a few extra bucks. Myself included. I don't have much, but that sacrifice deserves recognition. Also as another neurodivergent person who's experienced assault in context of a trusting relationship...dang, you sounded totally credible to me in that earlier recording, you've always come across as credible, and my heart broke hearing that because it takes A LOT to push a person into that kind of rawness. Showing that, especially as a man in this society, was so brave. Thank you for doing that. Thank you for fighting. Thank you practicing what you preach and for continuing to provide amazing content here and elsewhere! I love hearing you on DoD too. <3 You could have crawled into the shadows and no one would have blamed you, but you fought. That's awesome. Especially the NDA part. You deserve a fucking medal.
Minnow & blossom
2024-05-06 04:06:24 +0000 UTC💯
KeepingThePlatesSpinning
2024-05-06 03:28:35 +0000 UTCCongratulations!
Myk the tango-dancing skeptic
2024-05-06 00:46:34 +0000 UTCCongratulations Thomas and Lydia!
William Evan Barnes
2024-05-05 23:43:52 +0000 UTCSo proud of you, Thomas. This was unbelievably and unknowable hard and I'm so happy it's over. Please take your time telling your story and recovering ❤️
Lexy
2024-05-05 22:53:01 +0000 UTC+100 to all the joy, gratitude, and appreciation above for this outcome and Thomas and Lydia's perseverance, integrity, and fortitude through all of this (even though you never should have been put through it in the first place). Just wanted to say I'm immediately upping my patreon tier in response to this, now that I know for sure it will all go to the right people! (p.s. In unrelated, I already left a late-to-the-party comment enthusing about Matt being a public interest lawyer under the post where he was first introduced, but finding out here that we get childfree representation as well!?! The good news doesn't stop!)
Patreonymous
2024-05-05 22:22:03 +0000 UTCIs this… is this what catharsis feels like?! At least a little taste of justice??? Small $ patron here but glad I left when I did and came back when I did. Let’s fucking goooooooooooooooooo
David Larsen
2024-05-05 20:19:35 +0000 UTCAs always I won't be commenting on the past history of OA, but I will just say this much: the law can be a shield or it can be a sword, and I am so happy to see this chapter close for Thomas and Lydia after these many long months of facing down the pointy end. They have been a joy to work all the way through, and I can readily confirm that whatever good feelings you may already have about their individual and collective character, perseverance, and overall good nature you can go ahead and triple those. I have also come to see that they are exceptional parents to their children, and as someone who has never felt that call I can't possibly imagine handling responsibilities so much more important than any podcast with such grace and teamwork throughout the massive strain of this daily uncertainty. For my part, I also want to say that I am more excited than ever to be a part of this thing. I have never seen a community quite like the one that has formed around OA and I have so appreciated the warm welcomes, encouragement, and good-faith suggestions for improvement as we continue to build the plane while we fly it.
Matt Cameron
2024-05-05 19:58:22 +0000 UTCOA is literally the podcast that got me into listening to podcasts. I've been listening since 2018. I've never supported a podcast on Patreon before -- until Thomas returned as host on this one. I subscribed here then and intend to maintain my support. Thomas, wow, you and Lydia have sacrificed a lot for this. I hope that it turns out to be a worthwhile investment and that you get some of those attorney's fees back. I hope this community values your work. I suspected at the time I started my Patreon subscription that it might help with Thomas's case, and I'm glad to know I played a part, however small, in that. After Thomas was pushed out, I looked for other legal podcasts. I tried them all. None really hit the mark. Thomas and Matt, you two have, just a little while in to this, made what is my #1 listen each week. I've been inspired both to support a podcast on Patreon for the first time, AND to sideload Garamond onto my Kobo ebook reader. So this is just a thank you to both of you for what you've gone through and what you do for us.
John
2024-05-05 18:48:15 +0000 UTCI’m soooo sorry you guys had to go through all of this horribleness. If it helps at all, the pods you’ve been putting out w Matt are like SO MUCH better (I had slightly stopped listening to OA before all the shit happened bc AT rubbed me the wrong way a bit), and I listen to all of it. Matt and Casey are a fantastic match to your hosting/interviewing skills. It’s been really great to listen to! I hope you guys have clear skies from here on out- you deserve it!
Maris
2024-05-05 18:33:54 +0000 UTCVery happy for you to have this over and vindicated in your favor
Jeanie Jean Jean
2024-05-05 18:25:11 +0000 UTCGlad you've got the good-ish resolution. I hate that you've had to go so far into debt but here's hoping you come out smelling like roses.
Timothy Thayer
2024-05-05 18:02:59 +0000 UTCIs there a way we can help you out with the debt? Maybe something with lower fees than Patreon where we could contribute directly?
Archer
2024-05-05 16:56:20 +0000 UTCHey man, I got a dollar and some photos of Seany Cash in nothing but feathered shoulder pads. That’s gotta cover like… half of the debt, right?
Robert Zellers
2024-05-05 16:40:35 +0000 UTCI’m so happy for you, Thomas and Lydia!! I’ve been Team Thomas since day 1 and only restarted my Patreon once I knew you were back. Matt is such a great guy. I’m so happy you found him and he chose to co host with you. Casey and him have brought a positive and fresh air to OA. Again, I’m so happy for you!!
Sarah, losing her mind with 2 wild puppies
2024-05-05 16:39:29 +0000 UTCFor my own part, I am glad you stuck it out. I was resigned to never getting a straight accounting of wtf happened, and I was preemptively disappointed about that. (Although I would never have asked you to borrow 7 figures over it, holy shit) I look forward to hearing the story, when you are ready.
ADHDProgrammer
2024-05-05 16:04:12 +0000 UTCSo very happy for you and your family! As a lawyer who works on the civil access to justice crisis, I know how civil legal problems can have a profound, long lasting, negative impact on lives that is often downplayed or ignored. I am so sorry you had this negative experience with the justice system and that you had to sacrifice your financial wellbeing to fight. But I am beyond happy that you prevailed. OA got me through some extremely tough years at law school. I’m glad to have it back in my life, and it is better than ever.
Democratize the Law
2024-05-05 16:02:57 +0000 UTCGreat news. What's the status of the Opening Argument Foundation, and the donations that went to that?
I've put too way to much thought in to my patreon name, and this is what you get
2024-05-05 15:40:29 +0000 UTCCongratulations! I'm glad stopping my support until you were back helped your case. The show is better than ever and Matt is fantastic. Thanks Matt for stepping up to help Thomas.
Sammi Scoop
2024-05-05 15:22:39 +0000 UTCWell done Thomas! Glad at least this part of the universe is back to the way it should be.
Richard Stifle
2024-05-05 15:07:27 +0000 UTCSo proud of you and Lydia. Thank you for fighting. I see you both.
SlightlyAskewSince1982
2024-05-05 14:56:26 +0000 UTCCongratulations y'all!
Dominick Pollastro
2024-05-05 14:37:57 +0000 UTCExcellent news! When (and only if) you're able to dish on the details without causing undue anguish to yourself, I'd love to hear the whole story.
Wordorigins.org
2024-05-05 14:34:26 +0000 UTCReally happy for you Thomas. Can't wait to hear what you have to tell us, I know it's important to you to get your side of the story out.
I am a philosophical hole
2024-05-05 14:17:56 +0000 UTCCongrats! Is it possible for Thomas to recover attorneys’ fees from Andrew? Not familiar with California law regarding fee awards.
John Weinberg
2024-05-05 14:07:32 +0000 UTCFantastic news! In the hopes that the future will involve live shows again, consider the Philly Basement Bar reopened for business (and yes, I'll still source vegan cheesesteaks for ya).
Philly Basement Bar is back open, and isn't taking this shit lying down.
2024-05-05 13:54:33 +0000 UTCHoly shit! Congrats to you and Lydia! You deserve this!
Shannon Klakowicz
2024-05-05 13:49:51 +0000 UTCCONGRATULATIONS!!!! Holy crap this is such great news. Thomas, Lydia, and Matt, I really appreciate and admire your ethics and temerity. I know this may be tough given the money situation, but I hope that Thomas and Lydia and kids can take a vacation or do something fun without this looming. You deserve it!!
can I get a CHEE-HOOOOO
2024-05-05 13:47:47 +0000 UTCCongratulations Thomas & Lydia !!! .
I aim to Misbehave
2024-05-05 13:47:01 +0000 UTCCongratulations! I love this podcast. It has been very helpful, especially through the trump years to gain perspective. It was painful when your former cohost’s actions came to light. If he had gotten help and apologized in a sincere way, I was ready to give him space to be better. Instead he ended up being a huge disappointment. I dropped being a Patreon and stopped listening to the show. Had no idea if it would help the situation. I just didn’t want to support that. I really missed the show, and when I found out you have taken over being host again, it was a beautiful bright hopeful day. I am sorry you and your family have gone through this, but I am glad you did. You were seen as the little guy in this fight and you still won. I am listening to the episode now, and just heard you say that those of use who left did make a difference. I am happy to have helped in my little way and mildly pissed that that is what was necessary for justice to have noticed. Congradulations on winning something that any three year old could have probably parsed in a few minutes. It is ok for you to be bitter. I will not speak for anyone else, but I am little bitter that this was an obvious outcome, and I did not have to go through any of what you did. Warm smiles and happier days to all of the OA team.
Meridaandmouse
2024-05-05 13:24:06 +0000 UTCThomas! Thank all that is good. It was so good to hear your voice say it is over! I was so lost without OA, I just recently found out that OA was back and I am all caught up as soon as I saw that you were back at the helm I started listening, and for the first time Joined Patreon and gave to a podcast, I don't have much but I gave what I could, and I am so happy I did. I really did miss you. I am ActuallyAutistic and I get where you come from with with the panic attack thing. I wish I could take some of it for you. Anyway Happy to to have you back. and FYI Matt's voice is way smoother and nicer to listen to than AT's ever was! just say'n.
Autistic Dilettante
2024-05-05 12:04:42 +0000 UTCCongratulations, and apologies. I supported the podcast during the Torres time and should have done my homework better. Glad other did their due diligence, and glad you won. I’m going to check out this CAN thing as well.
J. Zachary Pike, author of Orconomics and other funny fantasy books
2024-05-05 10:54:53 +0000 UTCI've only been awake five minutes but it seems that today is shaping up to be a pretty good day. The clouds have parted, the sun is shining, and the future is bright. Congratulations Thomas, Matt, Lydia, and the team.
Congress- the opposite of PROgress
2024-05-05 10:30:06 +0000 UTC🥳🥳🥳
IS SHE TALKING ABOUT ME
2024-05-05 10:29:32 +0000 UTCGood for you not signing that NDA! Abusers weaponize silence to control the narrative and cause further damage.
That Julia Person
2024-05-05 10:15:15 +0000 UTCYeah, that was about the tipping point for me to. Before that, there was a lot that felt unclear, confusing and up in the air. It seemed like maybe Andrew could be rehabilitated. That apology was weird enough that I flipped from "don't do anything rash until it's more clear" to "nah, I'm out for now. This isn't net-fun any more. Maybe I'll come back if I learn more".
ADHDProgrammer
2024-05-05 07:05:37 +0000 UTCFUCK YEAH!!! Congratulations! I’m so glad this nightmare is finally over.
Kait from Seattle
2024-05-05 06:37:53 +0000 UTCGlad to hear it, very happy that you were able to win and get things resolved on your terms. Sorry it had to take so much time and money. OA is dead, long live OA
I have nothing BUT contempt for this court
2024-05-05 06:27:56 +0000 UTCI could not be happier for you and Lydia if I tried!!! Glad to see that this chapter is behind you! And that your relationship with each grew from strength to strength!!! Sending all the loves from downunder!
SonWinks
2024-05-05 05:58:36 +0000 UTCI cannot possibly understand how hard this must have been for you and Lydia. After my favourite podcast blew up 15 months ago I haven't been able to let it go that this terrible thing happened and was still happening to you. And I just like listening to this thing. I'm so glad that this is over for you.
Sam Johnson
2024-05-05 05:50:54 +0000 UTCCongratulations, Thomas and Lydia. Your new OA pod with Matt and Casey is such a pleasure for your listeners. I hope you two have a much more peaceful life going forward.
Kristen Leist
2024-05-05 05:50:16 +0000 UTCI understand completely planting your feet on the ground and staring down possible destruction because you could NOT stand to let an injustice pass. Just because it wouldn’t be RIGHT. I’m so glad that you were able to hold on and that the betrayal of people you thought were friends didn’t break you, like it probably felt like it might.
Totally A Real Human Person
2024-05-05 05:49:40 +0000 UTCFuck Yeah! "Holding Hands NOT in Bankruptcy Court While Doing Flirty Eyes - the Thomas and Lydia Story" is a great, if painfully won outcome. So happy to hear that all of us who came back on board when you returned were a help in this fantastic outcome. Love to you, Lydia, and the family 💜
Cicada's sing to hide existential dread at their short lives
2024-05-05 05:43:19 +0000 UTCCongratulations! I’m so glad there was at least some semblance of justice in this case.
NightOwl1090
2024-05-05 05:31:05 +0000 UTCThanks for the update, Thomas. So happy for you!
Tim Fisher
2024-05-05 05:28:42 +0000 UTCI’m so glad for you
Mockingbird Nation
2024-05-05 05:17:46 +0000 UTCGood. Evening. Things definitely appear to have evened out some, where before they were out of balance. Let some more evening be in your future!
I am a philosophical hole
2024-05-05 04:56:17 +0000 UTCCongratulations, Thomas and Lydia! I'm so happy for both of you!
hanareadsalot
2024-05-05 04:53:31 +0000 UTCCongrats Thomas :D
The Dinosaur Dave, Lego Streamer
2024-05-05 04:52:57 +0000 UTCSo glad it’s over! So glad you didn’t sign that NDA, Thomas! Let Andrew float away, like a turd down the drain. Flush him and be free! xoxoxo to you and Lydia.
Cilantro
2024-05-05 04:51:52 +0000 UTCYaaaaaaaaay! Congrats. But also it fucking sucks that it had to come to this point.
Tea Jay Kay
2024-05-05 04:46:45 +0000 UTCAwesome to hear there's a happy ending to this saga. Congrats! <3
Liam Appelbe
2024-05-05 04:45:17 +0000 UTCCongrats Thomas and Lydia! So happy that you can put some of this behind you and focus on the future and your kiddos.
Katie Byrum
2024-05-05 04:40:12 +0000 UTCSo happy to hear this news! And again, I’m so happy to have OA in my own life again. I really feel like I did not have the right perspective on the news in the last year, and so happy to have you and Matt hashing it out for me. I feel smarter again, and more than ever!!
Colbin Erdahl
2024-05-05 04:39:13 +0000 UTCWord cannot express how happy I am for you Thomas. You went through hell and came out on top. I cannot imagine the pain and difficulties you had to endure. Much love to you and yours.
Brandon in Chicago
2024-05-05 04:28:07 +0000 UTCGlad to hear it's over. I've lived long enough to be upset a few times in my life that someone I thought shared my values apparently didn't. But at least this time the right person prevailed. Great personal cost notwithstanding... Good luck with the show going forward. I've appreciated having it back since it 'relaunched.'
Tyler Holsonback
2024-05-05 04:11:15 +0000 UTCCongrats Mr Smith! Upping my pledge, use it for good!
Pavel Matushkin
2024-05-05 04:10:33 +0000 UTCCongrats Thomas, Lydia, Matt (and anyone else associated with the 'new' OA!! This is awesome news!!
Does Matt Cameron Have a Document Addiction
2024-05-05 03:52:31 +0000 UTCI’m so glad you kept fighting and didn’t give up when it was probably easy to do so. Sometimes doing the right thing is the right thing. Congratulations.
If cis people are so great then why don’t they have a Siberian Orchestra
2024-05-05 03:34:11 +0000 UTCWhen everything broke loose, I had no idea about WTF was going down. As soon as I heard Andrew’s “statement” / apology where he threw you under the bus I knew I was done with him. I don’t remember HOW I heard you were back. But I’m so glad you are back , I hope we patrons can help you out of this stupid hole he dug. All the best, Sir.
Satanmat
2024-05-05 03:33:00 +0000 UTCCongrats!!
Kevin Duff
2024-05-05 03:31:41 +0000 UTCI’m so very pleased to see this update. I’m so heartbroken for you and your family that had to go through this. You are a good and decent person and it’s wonderful when the outcome of our legal system mirrors the truth of reality. Continued good luck with this podcast - I’m a huge fan and FWIW, I enjoy this era more than the AT era.
Chris S.
2024-05-05 03:27:44 +0000 UTCFucking yes!
Steve is the word, is the word that you heard
2024-05-05 03:22:48 +0000 UTCNot only did you win the case, you're now producing a higher quality, more informative and entertaining show with a smarter lawyer who has real integrity. I know it was pure hell and I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I never doubted that you were in the right, and am glad to say I unsubscribed and didn't listen to a single AT episode because how he handled this was so clearly evil and wrong.
BlueBomber
2024-05-05 03:20:28 +0000 UTCBro, when OA popped back in my feed, after you won, I was pissed, cause I thought it was an AT joint still. There are probably former Patrons who don't realize you won. Matt is wittier, smarter and more down to earth and humble than AT. Matt's approach is 'this ain't rocket science, I can explain it'. None of the AT pomposity. Also, Matt has a superhero day job!
We can feed everybody
2024-05-05 03:16:55 +0000 UTCCongratulations, Thomas. Sincerely. I'm so very glad that you're done with that AND can tell your side of things without being silenced. I look forward to hearing whatever you choose to reveal.
Gary Henderson
2024-05-05 03:10:26 +0000 UTCThis truly makes my heart so happy to hear. I’m sad Andrew turned out to be someone other than what I thought when I first started listening to OA. I generally looked forward to every episode, more so than any other podcast. I was so depressed when everything all went down and OA was basically gone. I’ve never been more excited to become a Patreon member than when I realized Thomas Smith OA was back.
Noah Suess
2024-05-05 03:08:43 +0000 UTCI knew it was time to bail on OA when AT found time in his oh-so-sincere apology recording to state how disappointed he was in the person he was supposed to be apologizing to. After locking him out of access to a 50/50 partnership. That he promised to take time to make things right and then mere days later had a new co-host and intro theme just cemented my resolve. I'm overjoyed that Thomas is back being an expert law communicator, and I think Matt is pretty amazing too. OA is in it's best iteration right now and I'm proud to be a patron again.
Mike Lilley
2024-05-05 03:03:42 +0000 UTCCongratulations!!
Aminah
2024-05-05 03:00:09 +0000 UTCHugs to you, Thomas. I'm so happy for you, but heartbroken at the same time. I was expecting a celebratory, exhuberant tone. Your defeated, subdued tone and your display of vulnerability made my heart break for you. I'm proud to have recognized which side of this battle to support and to have been a tiny part of financially supporting you. Best of luck for continued success. ❤️
Deanna T.
2024-05-05 02:59:00 +0000 UTCCongratulations guys.
Despairing Radical
2024-05-05 02:56:50 +0000 UTCSo happy for you, Thomas. I've been a listener and supporter for a long time. Left as soon as everything happened last year and came back as soon as you took it back. Thank you for making good stuff and putting it into the world. Sorry this has royally fucked up over a year of your life and tossed you into an unbelievable amount of debt, but glad you have it back.
Will
2024-05-05 02:54:02 +0000 UTCAwesome! Congratulations Thomas. I left OA when Andrew took over, not only to support Thomas but also... Fuck Andrew. Let's not put a pin in that. I hope his mornings from here on out are not fantastic.
Shad Riley
2024-05-05 02:53:30 +0000 UTCCongratulations! If you ever do an explainer of all this somewhere, please stress that ethical lawyers will not avoid written business agreements with clients because we are *ethically obligated* to have the agreement in writing under MRPC 1.8(a). It is a huge red flag for a lawyer to avoid putting things in writing because written agreements are intended to remove uncertainty about whether the lawyer is acting in his own best interests or a client's.
Dr. Clerk
2024-05-05 02:53:00 +0000 UTCCan you and Matt and whoever else please get some formal contracts going between whoever needs some formal contracts
Fort Teaser
2024-05-05 02:50:55 +0000 UTCCongrats! Glad to hear this is over, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next now that this major stressor is gone from your life.
Scott Seligman
2024-05-05 02:50:32 +0000 UTCCongratulations! Having just had a baby myself the month before all this started last year I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for the whole family having to deal with this while also taking care of an infant and the other kids! So glad this is finally over and the healing can begin. I'm also loving the show with Matt and I'm looking forward to seeing what's to come now that this is finally over!
How many of the ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion are CEOs
2024-05-05 02:48:56 +0000 UTCCongratulations! I love Matt. Peace and love to you and your family.
Rebecca Bikfasy
2024-05-05 02:39:53 +0000 UTCOne of the patrons who left and came back. I was so upset when everything happened, and am so happy to hear this news.
Wishing every Clarence Thomas a very God rest his soul
2024-05-05 02:39:46 +0000 UTCAndrew is a good lawsplainer if you don't care about his moral shortcomings, but Liz was/is dead weight. Listening to her and Andrew really made me appreciate what Thomas brings to a legal podcast.
Gmork
2024-05-05 02:38:29 +0000 UTCI was hoping this post was coming when I saw that Andrew joined the Law & Chaos podcast. My assumption is that was Andrew and Liz’s play from the beginning. Andrew couldn’t do anything that competed against the interest of OA while in the lawsuit. I think AT knew he wasn’t long for the OA world, so spent hostile takeover time with him and Liz getting a subset of OA fans on board with them, then to jump ship when he was divested. The speed with which Liz bounced once the monitor was appointed and then starting her own podcast the next business day had me sus for a while. Andrew joined up with her the instant the OA business was settled. Had to have been a plan in the works for sometime.
Corey Helwig
2024-05-05 02:33:00 +0000 UTCThanks for validating the decision to return. The background on Matt's involvement is eye-opening. What a fucking treasure.
Jon C
2024-05-05 02:32:08 +0000 UTCFantastic news! The future of OA is in the best possible hands
James Hamblin
2024-05-05 02:29:32 +0000 UTCSeems like as good a time as any to throw out what a great co-host Matt is. For all his faults, Andrew was a great lawsplainer and I thought he'd be tough to replace. But Matt is easily as good and (I think) funnier. Lightning quick wit w a Leslie Nielson style deadpan.
Gmork
2024-05-05 02:28:52 +0000 UTCCongratulations! I'm so glad it's done.
Viceroy
2024-05-05 02:28:10 +0000 UTCIt's not at all lost on me how Andrew on OA purported to be the 'good guy' fighting the good fight - against corrupt power. But then when he thought he had power, he chose to do what he chose to do. I can't take anyone seriously who tries to criticise someone like Trump when they turn around and make it clear that given power and money, they'd apparently choose the corrupt route also. Meanwhile, Matt is a lawyer who saw what was happening and chose what was right. Hell yeah he chose a side, good people choose sides. I am so happy the horror is over for you Thomas, and I am also so happy for my own selfish reasons that it's over because OA is a much better podcast for it. It's better both on a surface level of content but also on a deep level; when OA criticises people and systems for being wrong, OA BELIEVES in it too. It's not a paycheck, it's not an easy goal (calling trump dumb isn't that hard). It's really really inspiring. Something tough I have learned since 2016 as a very privileged person is that it sort of doesn' t matter how much someone says they're a good guy... if their actions aren't good, we don't have to gaslight ourselves or doubt ourselves. It's inspiring that your family is your rock, it's inspiring that you make a great podcast, it's inspiring that you made it right. So thank you. I missed OA a lot when you were removed because I immediately stopped listening and I have been so delighted to come back and join patreon even. Matt is absolutely outstanding, the two of you agre great together. It's incredible what you've built despite what you have had to endure.
Jess C
2024-05-05 02:25:43 +0000 UTCHELL YEAH, THOMAS!!!!
Bear The Bull
2024-05-05 02:25:25 +0000 UTCFLIPPEN A!!!! THIS IS SO GREAT!!!!!!
Jeremy Smith
2024-05-05 02:24:08 +0000 UTCI knew it was going to go to him if there was any justice but it’s still SUCH a relief. I can’t wait to hear the whole story when you are ready. (I haven’t gotten to listen yet but I had to comment bc whew)
Lisa S
2024-05-05 02:22:58 +0000 UTCI'm here for the long haul. Take your time and if you feel like talking we're here to listen
Jenney Dowd
2024-05-05 02:19:18 +0000 UTCHoly fuck Thomas, congratulations! Fantastic news!
Rachel gets a little hungry sometimes
2024-05-05 02:18:41 +0000 UTCHell to the fucking yeah! My heart is bursting with joy but also full of empathy and gratitude for what this all took from you and everyone else to make happen. Incredibly impressive how much volume and quality podcasting you've been doing with all this in background, and looking forward to see where it takes you and Lydia from here. Hoping you can find peace and healing now that this is behind you. 🤟
Isaac
2024-05-05 02:15:25 +0000 UTCOmg "Good evening" LOL 💀
Lydia Smith
2024-05-05 02:15:25 +0000 UTCFina-fucking-ly. I’ve been wanting to support you on DoD, but when i heard your call to action here, I jumped into action. I’m happy to be part of the solution. 🥳🥳
Alyssa Goldensohn
2024-05-05 02:15:03 +0000 UTCI cant explain how ecstatic i was when you took the pod back! I love Matt and you two make it your own its as if there never was an *insert ex-co-host asshole crap lawyer here* keep it up!
NSaneAtheist
2024-05-05 02:13:30 +0000 UTCCongrats Thomas! Very happy for you!!!
Everything Important
2024-05-05 02:13:16 +0000 UTCCongratulations, glad to hear!!
Bluviolet
2024-05-05 02:12:26 +0000 UTCYES!!! Please tell us that part of the settlement is AT returning funds made in that horrible year AND some portion of your legal bills. I mean holy fuck, if not our systems are so broken. Three cheers for Thomas, Lidia, and Matt! Hi-hip horray!!! 🎉🥂
Shelley S.
2024-05-05 02:12:23 +0000 UTCI saw the profile picture on Facebook change to remove his name and I wondered if there had been some development. Great to hear it's over and you can put this behind you!
Graydon Armstrong
2024-05-05 02:08:18 +0000 UTCcongratulations!!!!!!!!!!
thoperSought
2024-05-05 02:04:08 +0000 UTCYEAH! Glad you're finally rid of that little shitweasel.
Mike B
2024-05-05 02:00:57 +0000 UTCGreat
John of the bankruptcy pirates
2024-05-05 02:00:35 +0000 UTCI’m so happy to hear that. It must have been so hard on you.
Andrew W
2024-05-05 02:00:34 +0000 UTCFucking relief!
Apprentice57
2024-05-05 02:00:27 +0000 UTCThat is great! I know that it had to be emotionally draining. You deserved to win the case.
Libby Arnold
2024-05-05 01:58:17 +0000 UTCCongratulations!
Stormy Decisis says visit sharebannedbooks.com
2024-05-05 01:58:00 +0000 UTCOHHELLYES!!! I joined as a Patron to prove that you, Thomas, had the numbers behind you. (And I’m sticking around!) I know it’s been horrible, and we don’t even know most if it, but you definitely deserve the win!!
Pigeon
2024-05-05 01:57:43 +0000 UTCCongrats, and good riddance!
Bob Cobourn
2024-05-05 01:56:33 +0000 UTCGlad it’s over.
Inquiring Raven
2024-05-05 01:53:30 +0000 UTCThat's awesome!
Grant Cosper
2024-05-05 01:52:59 +0000 UTCCongrats!!
Tiffany W.
2024-05-05 01:52:50 +0000 UTCSo so glad you are finally free Thomas!! It’s been such a long hard road, congratulations!
M. D. Nova
2024-05-05 01:52:25 +0000 UTCSo happy to hear it, Thomas. I'm glad you saved my favorite podcast. I know legal stuff sucked, but you won and you deserved it.
Eric Lehmann
2024-05-05 01:51:16 +0000 UTCCongratulations!
William Yeske
2024-05-05 01:51:09 +0000 UTCOmg yay so happy for you Thomas! That was hell so Glad its done
NSaneAtheist
2024-05-05 01:51:02 +0000 UTCCongratulations! Long, long road😘
Kathryn Koldehoff
2024-05-05 01:51:00 +0000 UTCHOLY SHIT YES
Audrey Arnett
2024-05-05 01:50:31 +0000 UTC
