Most creators treat “collaboration” as a casual, friendly word.

But legally?

A collaboration is a partnership — with all the risk, responsibility, and liability that partnerships carry.

In this episode, Gordon Firemark — The Podcast Lawyer™ — unpacks the biggest myths about collaborations and explains why so many creator relationships blow up when the paperwork doesn’t match the actual relationship.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most projects creators call “collabs” are actually producer–talent relationships

• A real cautionary tale of a show that collapsed because the parties used the wrong agreement

• How collaborations legally function like partnerships, including:

– joint and several liability

– tax obligations

– operational complexity

– difficulty terminating cleanly

• The difference between collaborations, partnerships, joint ventures, and co-productions

• Why “no partnership or joint venture” clauses in collaborations create contradictions

• The risk of relying on AI-generated contracts

• When collaboration does make sense, and how to structure it safely

Join the free Legit Podcast Pro community:

https://legitpodcastpro.com

Join the waitlist for the next Legal Protection Workshop for Podcasters:

http://podcastlaw.net

More creator resources:

• Legal forms & templates: https://podcastlawforms.com

• Training library: https://easylegalforpodcasters.com

…

The creator-to-media-company roadmap no one else is teaching.

Most podcasters and YouTubers stay small because they keep making content instead of building a business around it. In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, breaks down the real, practical path creators follow when they scale from “one show” to a full-blown media enterprise — including the five creator media business models, the step-by-step expansion path, and the legal/business infrastructure required to grow without losing control of your IP.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why some creators level up fast while others plateau

• The 5 types of creator-driven media companies

• The step-by-step roadmap from flagship show to full media business

• How to build assets, IP, and revenue streams that last

• Why legal and business structure is the critical (and often missing) early step

• How to set yourself up to add shows, build a team, create products, and scale safely

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Free sample lesson (the “secret video”): http://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

Easy Legal for Podcasters program: http://easylegalforpodcasters.com

Podcast contracts, releases, and legal templates: http://podcastlawforms.com

Join the Legit Podcast Pro community: http://legitpodcastpro.com

When you record guests on your podcast, you’re capturing their performance — and that means you need their permission to record, publish and use or re-use it. In this episode, Gordon breaks down everything you need to know about podcast guest releases, including what clauses they should include, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make it part of your professional workflow.

In this episode:

What a guest release actually does

Why verbal or email consent isn’t legally safe

The six must-have clauses that protect your show

How to address AI use and repurposing rights

How to automate releases in your booking process

Real-world examples from Gordon’s legal experience

The simple system to stay protected and stress-free

Takeaway:

Every serious podcaster needs a written guest release for every interview. It’s not just a legal formality — it’s the foundation of your creative freedom.

Mentioned Resources:

• Free Podcast Guest Release Template – http://podcastrelease.com

• Easy Legal for Podcasters Program – https://easylegalforpodcasters.com

• Legit Podcast Pro Community – https://legitpodcastpro.com

Call to Action:

Grab your free guest release template today at http://podcastrelease.com

and start protecting your content before you hit “record.”

The Truth About Using Music in Your Content (and Staying Legal)

Show Notes:

Music can elevate your content—or end your channel.

In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, breaks down how to use music safely in your podcasts and videos.

You’ll Learn:

Why music is protected from the moment it’s created

The two rights you need to license (composition & recording)

Why fair use rarely applies

Legal, affordable options for using music

Real-world examples of creators who learned the hard way

Takeaways:

Don’t risk your podcast or channel by using music without permission.

Licensing is easier, cheaper, and safer than fighting takedowns.

Resources & Links:

Join the free community: https://legitpodcastpro.com

Download the Sample License Request Letter: https://firemark.com/licenserequest

Legal templates for podcasters: https://podcastlawforms.com

Collaborations can be a dream—or a disaster.

In this episode, Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™, counts down the top 5 legal mistakes creators make when teaming up, and how to prevent them.

You’ll Learn:

Why handshake deals and DMs aren’t enough

How to divide ownership, credit, and revenue fairly

Why you should plan your exit before you need one

The importance of protecting your shared brand and trademarks

Simple steps to stay professional and keep relationships intact

Takeaways:

Always get written agreements.

Define ownership, revenue, and responsibilities clearly.

Plan for the breakup before it happens.

File trademarks early to protect your brand.

Links & Resources:

Podcast Prenup™ Planning Guide: http://podcastprenup.com

Collaboration Agreement Templates: https://podcastlawforms.com

Free Sample Lesson: https://gordonfiremark.com/levelup

Full Easy Legal for Podcasters Program: https://easylegalforpodcasters.com

Disclaimer: Educational purposes only—this is not legal advice.

“Fair use” is one of the most misunderstood concepts in media law — and it’s getting even murkier as creators test the limits on YouTube, podcasts, and social platforms. In this episode, Gordon Firemark explains what fair use really means, breaks down the four factors courts use to decide, and unpacks how creators can stay on the right side of the law.

He also discusses the ironic twist in the ongoing Ethan Klein lawsuits, where one of the biggest defenders of fair use is now arguing that many “lazy reaction” creators are crossing the line into infringement — a battle that could reshape how courts view fair use in the creator economy.

What You’ll Learn:

• What “fair use” actually protects — and what it doesn’t

• The real meaning of “transformation” under copyright law

• How much is too much — understanding “amount and substantiality”

• Why algorithms and platforms don’t care about fair use

• How to respond to DMCA takedown notices safely

• How professional creators handle permission and licensing

Mentioned in This Episode:

• H3H3 Productions v. Hosseinzadeh — landmark fair use case

• Equals Three v. Jukin Media — commentary vs. clip reuse

• New lawsuits by Ethan Klein challenging “lazy reaction” videos

Connect and Continue the Conversation:

Join the free Legit Podcast Pro Membership Group — a community for serious creators who want to grow their shows and businesses safely and confidently.

It’s where you’ll find me (Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™) answering questions, sharing insights, and helping creators just like you stay legit.

Join now at http://LegitPodcastPro.com.