What does it actually cost to not have a lawyer when you sign a music deal?

For songwriter and artist Parker Ainsworth, the answer was steep: a low flat fee for a song he wrote for a major motion picture — with performance royalties only, no mechanical rights, no sync income, no publishing revenue. And then the production company flipped his publishing to Concord.

In this episode, Anne and Brittany sit down with Parker to talk through exactly what happened, what he didn't know when he signed, and what he wishes he'd asked for. This one isn't hypothetical — it's a real deal with real consequences, and it's more common than you think.

Whether you're a musician, a filmmaker, a content creator, or anyone who's ever been handed a contract and told "it's standard" — this episode is for you.

Parker is also a student of Somatic Experiencing, trained in the tradition of founder Peter Levine, and is pursuing a path toward psychology with a focus on somatic healing, and we get into an insightful discussion about these teachings.

**What we cover:**

- What a work-for-hire clause actually means and why it costs you more than the upfront fee

- The royalties you're giving up when you sign without negotiating — performance, mechanical, sync, and publishing

- What the industry standard actually looks like (hint: $2,500 for a major film theme is not it)

- The one clause that would have changed everything for Parker

- How to know when you need an entertainment attorney before you sign

**Resource:** Download our Read Before You Sign guide, the first in the Series, specifically tailored for musicians, at the link below — it breaks down the key clauses every musician needs to understand before signing anything and includes negotiation scripts, red-flag clause explainers, and a step-by-step guide to reviewing your own deals. Get it at the link below.

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**LINKS:**

- Read Before You Sign: Musicians ($37): https://mylawyerfriend.gumroad.com/l/rbys-musicians

- Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts through our website: https://mylawyerfriendpodcast.com/

- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyLawyerFriendPod

- Follow MLF on Instagram: @mylawerfriend.podcast

- Follow MLF on TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast

- Substack: https://mylawyerfriend.substack.com/

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My Lawyer Friend is hosted by Anne Easton, entertainment and corporate attorney, and Brittany Ledford, serial entrepreneur. New episodes drop every other Wednesday. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

AI is everywhere — in your business, your contracts, and your daily life. But should you let it replace your lawyer? Short answer: robots need limitations.

In this episode, entertainment attorney Anne Easton and serial entrepreneur Brittany Ledford break down how to actually use AI the right way — for research, first drafts, and efficiency — without getting yourself into legal trouble. They cover which contracts you can handle on your own (with a little AI help), which ones absolutely need an attorney's eyes, and the red-flag clauses that AI will never catch on its own. Plus, they dig into the real consequences when things go wrong — like attorneys getting sanctioned for submitting AI-generated briefs with fake case law.

AI is your assistant. Your attorney is your strategy.

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What We Cover

- How attorneys (including Anne) actually use AI in their practice every day

- The golden rule: AI for efficiency, your attorney for strategy

- Contracts you can handle yourself vs. contracts that need a lawyer every time

- Red-flag clauses AI won't catch — indemnification, favored nations, personal exposure

- Real cases of AI-generated legal briefs with made-up citations

- Why AI doesn't know what it doesn't know (and neither do you)

- New laws on deepfakes and AI-generated content that every content creator and business owner needs to know

- Why you can't copyright AI-generated work without significant human input (we don’t discuss this on the podcast but it’s in the GUIDE [see below]).

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Free & Paid Resources

**FREE: AI + Your Attorney Checklist**

Your quick-start guide to using AI the right way in your business and contracts. Includes a do/don't checklist, a breakdown of which contracts need attorney review, and key red-flag clauses to watch for.

→ Download free at mylawyerfriendpodcast.com (link in bio)

**FULL GUIDE: AI + Your Attorney — The Complete Breakdown ($47)**

Go deeper with clause-by-clause breakdowns, negotiation scripts for common scenarios, an expanded red-flag clause table, the latest AI and deepfake legislation affecting content creators and businesses, and AI copyright rules every entrepreneur needs to understand.

→ Available at mylawyerfriendpodcast.com

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Listen & Watch

**Spotify:** Search "My Lawyer Friend" or visit the link in our bio

**YouTube:** Watch the full episode on the My Lawyer Friend YouTube channel — we'd love to see you there

**Apple Podcasts & everywhere you listen to podcasts**

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Connect With Us

**Website:** mylawyerfriendpodcast.com

**Substack:** Subscribe for legal templates, negotiation scripts, and resources we don't share anywhere else

**Instagram & TikTok:** @mylawyerfriend.podcast; @mylawyerfriendpodcast

**Anne Easton:** Entertainment & corporate attorney (your lawyer friend) | Blakemore Law | blakemore-law.com

**Brittany Ledford:** Serial entrepreneur & your business buddy

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Credits:

- Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton

- Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford

- Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu

- Producer: Jake Easton IV

- Editor: Todd Wiseman

- Producer: Keenan...

Episode 4 Overview: Is a prenup the ultimate romantic gesture or a total buzzkill? This week, just in time for Valentine’s Day, your favourite lawyer friend, Anne Easton, and business buddy, Brittany Ledford, are joined by a very special guest: Julia Rodgers, CEO and founder of HelloPrenup.

We’re diving deep into "The Business of Love and Law" to demystify why prenuptial agreements are actually a powerful tool for communication and financial clarity. From protecting your creative assets to the unsexy (but essential) reality of taxes, we’re breaking down how to navigate these big conversations without losing the spark. Whether you’re engaged, already married, or just curious about how law and love intersect, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice.

Listen Now: Tune in for an enlightening conversation that reframes legal protections as an act of partnership. Don't miss this episode as we explore how to build a solid foundation for your relationship while keeping your professional and personal interests secure!

Want More Resources? — Go check out our new guides that will now supplement each episode, found either on our website or on our Substack - My Lawyer Friend: Resources.

Where to Find Us:

1. Subscribe to My Lawyer Friend Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.
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4. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content:
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7. Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcast
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10. TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast
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13. Website: mylawyerfriendpodcast.com
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Substack: https://substack.com/@mylawyerfriend?

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Do you have questions about prenups or how to bring them up with a partner? Share your feedback and experiences with us on social media or through our website.

Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for Episode 5!

Credits:

1. Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton

Hosts: Anne Easton & Brittany Ledford

Episode 3 Overview:

Ever felt a little spooked by a Non-Disclosure Agreement? You’re not alone. This week, your favorite lawyer friend, Anne, business buddy, Brittany Ledford, are pulling back the curtain on NDAs. We’re dissecting exactly what’s in those tiny fonts, what you can (and definitely can’t) say, and why they aren’t nearly as scary as they seem.

But it’s not all legal jargon! After we tackle the contracts, we’re shifting gears to the real "big picture" work-life balance for women in high functioning positions. Join us for a conversation that bridges the gap between legal expertise and everyday practicality.

Listen Now:

Tune in for an engaging conversation that pushes the boundaries of conventional work definitions while exploring new ways to focus and thrive in our professional lives. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that combines legal insights with fresh perspectives on productivity!

Where to Find Us:

- Subscribe to My Lawyer Friend Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content:

Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcast

TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast

Website: mylawyerfriendpodcast.com

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Ask questions and share your feedback and experiences with us on social media or through our website.

Next Episode Preview:

Stay tuned for Episode 4.

Thank you for listening to My Lawyer Friend Podcast! Your support means everything to us. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast if you enjoyed the episode!

Credits:

- Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton

- Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford

- Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu

- Producer: Jake Easton IV

- Editor: Todd Wiseman

- Producer: Keenan O'Keefe-Easton

Hosts: Anne Easton & Brittany Ledford

Guest: Leah Levy

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening second episode of My Lawyer Friend Podcast, hosts Anne Easton and Brittany Ledford welcome special guest Leah Levy from The KINN*. Leah introduces us to her revolutionary concept of "noodling," a term that definitely isn't what you might think. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of the gig economy, discussing critical issues like the distinction between independent contractors and employees, as well as the pervasive challenge of worker misclassification.

*After a moment of reflection, our guest revisited her comments, recognizing that her initial description of The KINN didn’t fully capture the essence of it, and she shared a more considered description she feels it deserves:

The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. The organization runs a tailored business accelerator program for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top-pier LA-based community of entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors.

Guest Biography:

Leah Levy began her career amongst like-minded creators and private membership clubs, where she honed her skills in fostering connections and cultivating collaborative environments. When it became time for Leah to grow, she left the private club space to embrace a position at The KINN, a community-driven collaboration workspace that aligns with her passion for mission-driven work centered on conscious living, health, and wellness, and her revolutionary noodling concept falls squarely within those ideals.

What You’ll Learn:

- The difference between independent contractors and employees

- The complexities and implications of worker misclassification

- Leah’s innovative idea of "noodling" and its surprising similarities to the Do Not Disturb feature on your iPhone

- How "noodling" can transform the way we understand focus and productivity in our work lives

Episode Highlights:

- Leah Levy explains the concept of "noodling" and its relevance in the context of today's work environment.

- A discussion on the rights and protections of independent contractors versus those of employees.

- Insights from Leah and the hosts on how a better understanding of these concepts can empower workers and employers alike.

- Fun banter that links the concept of noodling to modern technology and our everyday lives.

Listen Now:

Tune in for an engaging conversation that pushes the boundaries of conventional work definitions while exploring new ways to focus and thrive in our professional lives. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that combines legal insights with fresh perspectives on productivity!

Where to Find Us:

- Subscribe to My Lawyer Friend Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content:

Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcast

TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast

Website: mylawyerfriendpodcast.com

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Ask questions and share your feedback and experiences with us on social media or through our website. What are your views on "noodling" and its impact on work-life balance? How do you navigate the gig economy?

Next Episode Preview:

Stay tuned for Episode 3, which we will be releasing in the new year (so glad we’re putting 2025 behind us!).

Thank you for listening to...

Hosts:

- Anne Easton (Host and Producer)

- Brittany Ledford (Co-Host and Producer)

Summary:

In our very first episode, we’re thrilled to introduce ourselves and share the origins of "My Lawyer Friend Podcast"! Join Anne Easton, your friendly neighborhood lawyer, and Brittany Ledford, your trusted business confidante, as we embark on this journey together to demystify the legal field.

We believe that everyone should have access to legal knowledge without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. Whether you're curious about a specific legal topic or just looking for some light-hearted conversation, this podcast aims to bridge the gap between legal expertise and everyday practicality.

We'll discuss not only the ins and outs of legal matters, but also explore fun, relatable topics that connect with our listeners’ lives. Together, we’ll create a space where questions are welcomed and knowledge is shared.

Key Highlights:

- Meet your hosts and learn about our individual backgrounds.

- Discover the inspiration behind "My Lawyer Friend Podcast" and our vision of making the law accessible.

- Explore what you can expect in future episodes, including a mix of legal discussions and engaging lifestyle topics.

Credits:

- Host, Producer, Creator: Anne Easton

- Co-Host, Producer, Creator: Brittany Ledford

- Production Services: Reasonable Volume for the services of Julie Carli and Elise Hu

- Editor: Todd Wiseman

- Producer: Jake Easton IV

Join Us!

We invite you to tune in, learn, and have a bit of fun with us. Subscribe now so you won’t miss any upcoming episodes!

Connect with Us:

- Instagram: @mylawyerfriend.podcast

- TikTok: @mylawyerfriendpodcast

- YouTube: @mylawyerfriendpod

- www.mylawyerfriendpodcast.com

Thank you for being part of our first episode. We can’t wait to start this adventure with you!

Release Date: December 10, 2025