The great legal analysis coupled with the humor is podcast gold!

So many outlets provide "analysis" based on feelings and limited facts - not this one. This podcast thoroughly explores the various facets of problems with deep and thorough research and expertise. It is, by far, the most useful podcast I have listened to.

This is an excellent law podcast. I think what makes these episodes so good is that it's hosted by both a lawyer and a non-lawyer. Although Thomas learns more every week, he's essentially at the level of most audience members and can slow down the conversation and ask Andrew to clarify his points when needed. The "Thomas Takes The Bar Exam" segment is also an excellent addition to the show - it's a great way to interact with the audience as well as demonstrate how difficult the bar questions are. Excellent show, excellent team.

It was great to hear two lawyers having a discussion without boorish Thomas asking his first grade level questions, bad jokes and self pity.

Shame they all can't be like this!

Only a few episodes in and I'm hooked. Very informative and entertaining. One of the staples for an inquisitive, skeptical podcast listener. P.S. Thomas, that gorgeous face needs to be on a video medium! 😊

Growing up, I was the kid who wanted to be a lawyer when others wanted to be things like firefighters and bananas (one kid wanted to be a banana...I don't know why). I loved studying law, and wanted to one day be a lawyer and fight for the rights of people everywhere. I wanted to stand up for those who needed help, and wanted to fight to ensure equality.

I was highly outspoken in high school regarding the law and I was one of those people who was right at the front of pointing out the hypocrisy of allowing "Warriors for Christ" but no other religious groups to meet during school hours (or even on school grounds)...and this was in the late 90s.

Sadly, mental health issues got in the way, and my dreams went down the toilet. I stopped studying law and politics, and just kind of "meh"'d my way through stuff.

Thomas and Andrew have rekindled my love for studying law and politics, and I cannot thank them enough for this podcast.

The BAR exam questions are by far the best part of this podcast and show how ambiguous the law can seem at times. As is his nature, Thomas always asks the best questions and improves the understanding of the material for the layperson.

That the two hosts wear their politics on their sleeves is a credit to their integrity, and an asset for the audience. So grateful to have found OA!

I love how carefully Thomas and Andrew think about legal issues and how kindly--but eagerly--they puncture the bubbles of liberal hopes that maybe there will just be "This One Weird Legal Loophole" to solve a complex, stubborn problem.

Found it hard to listen to.

But a teeny, tiny bit. Mostly, occasionally. Then sometimes way way way more scary.

I understand that Thomas uses podcasts as his main source of income, but they bring up the patreon WAY too much. Reading the names of the people who donate is the most tedious part of the episode. The content they provide for $20 a month is just rediculous.

Every show gives great insights on the law - both general and current "in the news" stories. The hosts are brutally honest even when the legal answers aren't what they would prefer.

This lawyer and his layman interview and editor give a great analysis of current laws and issues, as well as reviewing ongoing legal issues that are not well understood. They often correct the news channels on points about legislation, and try to give a no spin appoach to the law. Highly recommended!

This show provides great information about legal topics. If our news channels were not staged the way they are, small segments that lack substantial information. This podcast would be a great addition to them. The listener would leave a lot smarter and able to make a better decision about the topics at hand.

An excellent show on law, and its relevance in common culture

Do not take listening advice from a podcast review

I have followed this podcast since it started and enjoy it more and more. The two protaganists make for a good balance of entertainment and information. They will probably be glad to know a non-liberal does like their show.

Real talk: don't take legal advice from a podcast, but DO get legal info and arguments to help shut down your lame "friend" from elementary school who uses #MAGA without irony (on Facebook, no less).

Legalities in the US are horrifically complex, and this podcast aims to explain the current legal issues in a relevant way. For a layperson who wants to be more informed in politics and society, this is a great tool. Plus it's entertaining as well.

Each installment is incredibly informative and interesting. I feel like I've learned tons of useful info I wouldn't have known had I not discovered this podcast. Thomas and Andrew are very funny and keep the show entertaining and well-paced.

A gem since the very first episode. Gives the historical and legal background you need to understand our very complicated world, while being very entertaining at the same time.

This podcast discusses issues in the news, but with the real legal issues covered by lawyers asking other experts in their fields. Different than the arguments posed by your typical "Uncle Frank" whether he is Conservative OR Liberal leaning. This is a well-done and entertaining podcast.

Boom.

You learn a lot, and it's a lot of fun

This show helps give it's listeners a real leg up when trying to understand legal news. I've learned more from it than probably any other podcast. Love the skepticism and honest look they give most things.

This is the best, and most entertaining law related podcast I have ever listened to. Now the fact that it is the only law related podcast I've ever listened to shouldn't ruin the standing my first staement has. Thomas and Andrew are amazing at what they do. I appreciate the laymen type questions asked and the thoughtful but educated responses given. Eventually I'll get chosen as one of the Thomas Takes the Bar Exam question winners too...

This show is a great, unbiased view of legal matters you read about in the news (and legal matters you DON'T read about in the news). The hosts have a clear bias, but they're open about it and approach questions from a legal point of view rather than an ideological point of view.

This show has quickly become my favorite podcast.... Andrew (the lawyer guy) is so smart and informative and his law student Thomas is so funny and quick witted and he's doing surprisingly well on the bar exam

Best legal-themed podcast out there... at least until I start my own. This is designed for people who haven't studied law but want to understand it. The hosts are super duper smart and entertaining. Also if you donate on Patreon, you get access to bonus episodes where they make fun of lawyer movies.

Great podcast! Andrew Torrez is a great communicator, and Thomas Smith asks the questions I would ask were I in the conversation. The content is educational with a healthy dose of humor. Also, if you're listening on your iPhone, try the podcast at half speed. It sounds like two drunk uncles talking politics at a barbecue.

I'd normally find legalspeak difficult to comprehend. Thankfully, Thomas provides a nice everyman couterbalance to Andrew's expertise. Between them, they provide an informative, relevant, and easy to understand deconstruction of our current legislative system as well as the precedents that laid the foundation for it. Highly recommended for anyone who has recently uttered the phrase, "Can he really do that?"

Very levelheaded analysis and fun podcast on the law.

Insightful, funny, informative, and timely. I've become a supporter of the cast - it's that good.

As the 148th reviewer, I'm not surprised there's only 5 star reviews. The podcast is the meeting of the minds!

I've always been intrigued by the law and questions of ethics and 'culpibility'. Your show is THE MOST FASCINATING PODCAST that I have ever listened to. I'm nearly 70 and am thrilled that the questions that I would ask regarding how the legal process plays out are all asked and then I can find out the 'real answers'. Thank you so much.

It's really funny and you learn a lot.

This is worth going back and binge listening from the start. High production quality from the first episode.

Awesome if you want to expand your knowledge with a little bit of law. Thomas makes it eay to follow along and Andrew gived very nuanced explanations of current events.

Finally a place to dig into complex legal and political issues in a way that is easy to understand. Listen, I know you shouldn't take legal advice from a podcast, but take podcast advice from a review. LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST (and if you didn't read that in Eli Bostnick's voice, you're not the review reader I thought you were).

Andrew and Thomas break the legal system done in an unprecedented way. Listen...learn....be merry.

I think I'm going to start taking advice from a podcast

Andrew and Thomas are a great pairing as hosts of this show. One day, I'll be a patron because this show leaves you wanting more.

Very informational and entertaining!

This podcast provides a service I only subconsciously knew I needed! I've tried to read court decisions before but never knew enough to put them in the context of the larger picture. Andrew does just that with a huge amount of relevant detail, history and expertise. Thomas frequently asks questions that I am asking in my own mind. My only criticism: many reviewers have complimented the humor and quips given during the discussion. I personally don't find them terribly funny but instead somewhat of a distraction. However, this is still my new favorite podcast. Keep up the good work, guys!

Andrew is a lawyer, and hearing his explanations of laws and their histories is very interesting. Thomas always seems to ask the questions that occur to me in real-time (it's almost freaky). Even though the 2016 election is over, the episode about Hilary Clinton's e-mails was great (OA13). It includes analysis of prior cases that related to the same statute that Clinton was accused of violating, and can inform on the topic of Edward Snowden's leak about the government's mass collection of phone call metadata too.

Do yourself a favor and check these guys out!

I learn a lot from this podcast. Thomas and Andrew are a great team.

Another excellent podcast from Thomas Smith. In this one, Thomas is the facilitator to get out the brilliance and knowledge of Andrew Torrez in bite-sized nuggets. I love this podcast. I feel guilty for not supporting it monetarily, at least yet; I'm sure the bonus content is worth it for those who do and I will envy them until a day when I can join them.

I'm obsessed with this podcast. I'm a pre-law student starting law school in the fall of 2017, and every time I listen to this podcast I'm reminded of why I love the law. Even if this wasn't my area of study, I would still love this podcast. It's comforting to know I can receive information about current issues that's honest, relevant, and well researched. Keep up the fantastic work!

Andrew might not make this claim, but I sure will!

Understanding the law doesn't have to be difficult, and making fun of the law could not be more difficult. It's a dry subject.

Andrew and Thomas help you learn, and Andrew even helps you find humor in published judicial opinions. Weirdo.

Thanks for making this show, I really like it.

Andrew and Thomas really work well together to make the subject of law endlessly interesting and entertaining, while providing eye opening insights and very practical tips for various legal scenarios.

That being said, don't take legal advice from a podcast!

Andrew Torrez is incredibly entertaining, engaging, and very informative. Okay, Thomas Smith is okay too.... No, really, the hosts are a great combination making for an entertaining podcast that delivers great insights into the U.S. legal system. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I ask you to smell the defendant. "

I've been listening to Thomas' other podcasts and really found the discussions on Opening Arguments to be thought provoking and interesting. The legal world is dense and often times obtuse yet it literally dictates so much of our daily lives. Andrew Torrez demystifies the world of law and can offer great analytical breakdown of the issues at play.

I'll keep listening, keep it up!

This is a fantastic podcast i would recommend to anyone. The legal insight and witty banter are a delight. The historical context of issues we are still dealing with in our daily lives is something i very much appreciate. I'm so glad Tom and Andrew got together to make this podcast!

Informative, funny, just an amazing podcast. Add one more to my week.

Whether you realize it or not, we all have an Opening Arguments-size hole in our hearts.

You can try to fill it with sin and vice, but only Opening Arguments will perfectly fill that void.

A nice combination of casual and expertise.

My wife thought the NFL discussion was boring, so I sued her and won!

Thomas Smith has changed the podcasting landscape forever. Amazing show, as is every podcast blessed with his presence.

Engaging and enjoyable podcast. Well done!

Thomas is the perfect host for the engaging, intellectual and interesting topics that can be very bland. Mr. Torrez articulate and clear style of communication draws the listener into subjects we all think we know but in reality don't.

A great place to go for analysis of Supreme Court decisions and general misunderstandings about the legal process . They'll address the questions you are asking and the questions you didn't know enough to ask.

NEED MORE STARS!⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟🌟🌟⭐️🌟🌟

Funny. Informative. Topical. But the rest of this review will have to wait for another episode!

Absorbing deep dives into law and its historical context, and sometimes it's even hysterical.

What a great, new podcast! Thomas asks great questions, and Andrew strikes a perfect balance between keeping it interesting and relevant while also providing a degree of precision. The listener comes away understanding both the nuance and the import of each issue.

On the opening subject, Bush v Gore, I remember that election night vividly. For me, the story began when CNN, without comment at first, removed 25 Gore electoral votes from a corner graphic while its on-air people were discussing other matters. What the heck is going on, I wondered. We would all soon find out...

The main reason I became a patron to Atheistically Speaking was because of The interviews with Andrew Torrez.

I find there discussions to be so entertaining, It left me wanting more and more. I am excited to listen to the 8 and will try to become a patron to this podcast as well.

It is very interesting and I can't wait to see more topics.

Amazing show. Seasoned podcaster + practicing lawyer= amazingly well-reasoned discussions. Thanks Thomas and Andrew for professionalizing the conversation conversation.

Great show, keep it up!

More great podcasting content by Thomas!!

How does he find the time? I heard Andrew on the other podcast and had to check this out immediately! All the legal stuff you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!

History, law, politics are soooooo boring... Until now! I have renewed interest in topics I never knew were even a thing, much less intriguing things. So yeah, check it out!

I appreciate the information that Thomas and Andrew share. I've found that the lawyers I know are reluctant to talk to about anything law related because, seemingly regardless of our level of friendship, I am trying to get free legal information. Thanks to Andrew for being to honest and clear.

It took me all day to write this review. The show's cool I guess.

Thomas has once again expanded his podcasting empire with a wonderful and engaging show

If you're a fan of law podcasts, this show will become part of your must listen list!

Andrew Torrez's unparalleled ability to explain wordy law topics paired with Thomas Smith's X factor is a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love these 2 together and can't wait for every, next- episode. 🙌🏾💯

"Opening Arguments" is a great concept with two fantastic hosts.

I'm so glad this podcast happened! Andrew was one of favorite guests on Atheistically Speaking and their conversations are always fantastic. I'm thrilled to now be guaranteed future conversations from this amazing duo! :)

Very enjoyable.

If you are interested in hearing outstanding commentary on important relevant-to-the-times legal debates, this podcast is for you. Even if you never thought you were interested in discussions of court cases, you owe it to yourself to give this podcast a try. The chemistry between Tom and Andrew is great and their discussion builds off of each other in such an interesting and artful way. It truly is a one of a kind podcast.

Great start with an in depth look back at Bush v. Gore. Thomas continues his string of hit podcasts and the addition of Andrew Torrez brings balance and insight. Hope the interest is sustainable.

Torrez and smith offer perfect sides to a well balanced show with a magical ability to make not only the law, but it's stories and characters, fascinating.

Torrez is knowledgable, personable, funny and insightful with an ab ability to make the complex understood and relatable.

Smith, asks poignant questions, bringing the laymen's voice and a much needed balance to Torrez's expansive knowledge.

Whether you've got a pesky legal question you've always wanted answered, you love the law, or you just love great stories. This podcast is for you!

This rule of thumb for creating a good movie/TV show/video seems to be Andrew and Thomas' modus operandi. Every episode is FILLED with information. The pair have good chemistry, as you can tell from the "proto" version of this show on Atheistically Speaking. Highly recommended!

I love this new show. Very informative, and very entertaining! Keep it up guys!

Interesting topics so far, Thomas' quips give the show extra flavor for those who think law is boring. Highly recommended!

This is my new favorite podcast! Thomas and Andrew work so well together to make the topics they cover both interesting and understandable for people like me that have no law background. If you are interested in history, politics, legal topics, or just want to know more about how the system works; I HIGHLY recommend this podcast. The hosts make it feel like you are listening to a discussion between your own friends. Thomas does an amazing job of playing the part of the audience by asking questions and keeping the discussion at the level the average person can understand. Andrew is an incredible resource as a highly accomplished lawyer, but he does not ever seem arrogant or inaccessible. He feels like someone you could have a great time hanging out with and he is amazing at presenting complicated legal information in a way that everyone can understand and also keeps it interesting, I'd always like to keep hearing more about the topics covered. I especially like the episodes covereing the 2000 Bush v Gore election and Supreme court case. I cant say enough good things about the podcast and I am excited to hear more in the future!

Opening arguments to me is like kimchi tacos. I didn't know I wanted it; I didn't want to want it. But I have it now, and I couldn't be happier. Thomas and Andrew discuss legal topics that I never knew could be so interesting and present them in a digestible, enjoyable way. Keep it up guys.

So wonderful so far I have devoured the Bush/Gore 2000 election and the NFL apocalypse. Wow I remember that election and now feel I know 10 times more, so great Andrew and Thomas are great together. Sometimes I will be thinking a question and it will come from Thomas. The NFL is not my cup of tea but learning how the players are handled with contracts and being paid was a real shock to me. Had a great conversation with my friends who were quite impressed with what I had to add to the conversation....I am waiting expectantly for many more episodes. Keep up the good work Thomas and Andrew!

Thomas and Andrew are great! This show is funny, informative, and thought-provoking.

not a dry legal analysis, but a lively and really thoughtful discussion of the intercession of legal issues and culture. Two excellent hosts who engage in delightful conversation. Definitely a permanent place at the top of my playlist

I've been a Thomas Smith fan for a little over a year now, and loved the episodes of Atheistically Speaking where Andrew Torrez was a guest. Their conversations are fascinating, so having a podcast dedicated JUST to these conversations is just fantastic! I've listened to the first six episodes and enjoyed them very much and just downloaded the 7th. Really happy to add this to my podcast lineup!

This show is informative, topical, and couldn't be hosted by two nicer guys. I've been in since the inception of the podcast and absolutely love all of the content posted.

This is a great podcast if you are interested in a variety of legal issues. Andrew's analysis is spot on and the podcast has a great sense of humor. Legal issues are broken down in a way that is digestible and interesting even for the non-lawyer.

atheistically speaking is my favorite podcast, comedy shoeshine is a close second, and now, with this, Thomas will most likely claim another of my top 3 placements..bravo sir.

Great minds and great fun collide in this great podcast. Thomas keeps the show going at a great pace and Andrew brings out the knowledge everyone needs to hear! I've been a big supporter on Patreon and now am happy to see it here on iTunes. You won't regret downloading this show.

Really enjoy both the content and style. Informative and intelligent without being overbearing, Thomas and Andrew do a great job breaking down the legal questions that impact our daily lives.