Shows
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 48 | Sacred Simplicity: Breaking Down Pope Francis's Final WishesIn this episode, we turn our attention to the humble and profound final wishes of Pope Francis. The late pontiff’s will, recently made public, reveals a strikingly simple request: to be buried in an unadorned grave beneath St. Mary Major Basilica, with only his papal name—Franciscus—etched in Latin. Unlike many of his predecessors, Pope Francis chose not to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, reflecting a life and legacy rooted in humility.Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski discuss what Pope Francis’s approach to estate planning tells us about values, purpose, and how thoughtful...2025-06-0622 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 47 | PART II: Simultaneous Death and the Law, what Gene Hackman's story teaches usIn Part 2 of our deep dive into the Gene Hackman estate planning story, Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski return to discuss new developments that have emerged over the past month—and the critical legal lessons they reveal. This episode explores the real-life consequences of unclear wills, DIY estate planning, and the importance of precise legal language. Christine and Kristine break down how a poorly worded will led to years of litigation, why even slight deviations in phrasing can open the door to legal challenges, and how probate can expose private details to the public.They also revisit th...2025-05-0931 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 46 | No Will, Big Problems: What We Can Learn from Anne Heche's EstateIn this episode of Law & Pop Culture, attorneys Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski unpack the estate planning issues that arose after actress Anne Heche’s unexpected death. With no will in place, her estate became the center of a legal battle between her son and former partner, raising important questions about guardianship, probate, and family dynamics.Christine and Kristine explore how a lack of planning can complicate even a modest estate and share insights on how others can avoid similar challenges. Whether you're interested in celebrity news or want to learn more about protecting your own legacy, th...2025-04-2519 min
Let's Talk LocalBehind the Ballot with Elizabeth MatusElizabeth Matus isn’t running for City Council in District 5 because she’s looking for something to do—her resume is already full! She’s stepping up because she believes Pleasant Grove deserves more, and she’s ready to help make that happen. A lifelong resident, Elizabeth’s connection to the community runs deep, and her passion for making it better is what’s driving her campaign. Her story is one we think a lot of people will relate to, and we’re excited to share it as part of our Behind the Ballot series. Stay tuned to learn more!2025-04-1913 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 45 | Simultaneous Death and the Law: What Gene Hackman’s Story Teaches UsIn this episode of Law & Pop Culture, hosts Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski reflect on the heartbreaking and unexpected death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs at their Santa Fe home. While the cause remains unknown at the time of recording, the hosts discuss the possible implications of simultaneous deaths — not just emotionally, but legally.As estate planning attorneys, Christine and Kristine explore how tragic real-life events like this tie into laws like the Uniform Simultaneous Death Act and why including specific clauses in wills and trusts is so im...2025-04-1124 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 44 | Graffiti or Fine Art? The Legal Battle Over Street Art and Property RightsIn this episode, Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski are joined by the firm's senior Real Estate Attorney, Brayndi Grassi, to dive into the fascinating intersection of estate planning, real estate, and art law, focusing on graffiti and artists' rights. They discuss two abandoned properties in Los Angeles that have become covered in graffiti and explore the legal implications of property owners removing street art.The conversation revisits the landmark 5Pointz case in New York, where graffiti artists successfully sued a developer for destroying their work, winning $6.75 million in damages under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA). This...2025-03-2718 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 43 | The Billionaire's Estate Battle—Rupert Murdoch's Trust & the Future of His Empire In this episode, Christine Matus and Kristine Carranceja-Gurski break down the high-stakes estate planning moves behind media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s multi-billion-dollar trust. As the legendary tycoon steps back, what happens next for his vast media empire? We explore how strategic estate planning can shape the future of family businesses, avoid power struggles, and protect legacies—whether you’re a billionaire or not. Tune in for legal insights, pop culture intrigue, and estate planning lessons from one of the world’s most powerful families! Thanks for listening, to learn more about The Matus Law Group head to our websit...2025-02-2822 min
MALDITO DIARIOEP1 ¿Quién soy? / Mujeres Chigonas Antes de abrir espacio a las voces de mujeres que inspiran, quiero tomar un momento para compartir la mía. Contarles quién soy, de dónde vengo y qué caminos me han traído hasta aquí. Porque cada historia que elijo contar en este espacio tiene un significado profundo para mí, y antes de presentarlas, quiero que sepan por qué. Soy el resultado de experiencias que me han sacudido, de luchas que me han transformado y de una vida que, con todo y sus cicatrices, sigo eligiendo vivir con intensidad. Este episodio es una carta abierta sobre mi historia...2025-02-1050 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 42 | The Estate Law Implications in P. Diddy's Troubling CaseIn this episode, Christine and Kristine are joined by our Real Estate attorney Brayndi Grassi who has a background in Music Law, and lead paralegal Jo-Ellen Wlazlowski who is a hip-hop and true crime aficionado in addition to her legal knowledge. The conversation delves into P. Diddy's branding tactics, his tumultuous legal history, and how royalties and asset management play out in high-profile cases. They even touch on the estate planning implications for music royalties and intellectual property rights, offering valuable insights for listeners interested in protecting their legacies. Tune in for an engaging blend of pop cu...2024-12-1244 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 41 | The Importance of Trusts: Matthew Perry's Estate Part 2In this episode, we are revisiting the topic discussed in our 36th episode: Matthew Perry's estate plan. Christine and Kristine discuss the updates that have come up with his case after his sudden passing and the benefits of setting up a Trust instead of just having a Last Will & Testament. It is clear that Perry had expert guidance and he is one of the celebrities who gets a 10/10 on our Estate Planning scale: he had a Trust in place. Listen to the full episode to learn more about the takeaways you can apply to your own Estate Plan. 2024-12-0128 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 40 | The Menendez BrothersIn this gripping episode of Law & Pop Culture, Christine and Kristine take a deep dive into the notorious Menendez brothers case, exploring the estate planning implications and legal complexities behind the crime. The 1989 murders of entertainment executive Jose Menendez and his wife Kitty shocked the nation, but the estate planning issues that surfaced in the aftermath raised questions about family dynamics, inheritance laws, and criminal liability in estate cases.We examine how the Menendez brothers’ motive was linked to their inheritance, and the subsequent legal debates surrounding their eligibility to inherit their parents' estate after their conviction. We...2024-11-0724 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 39 | The Missing Will: Aretha Franklin's EstateIn this episode of Law & Pop Culture, Christine and Kristine delve into the intricate and dramatic saga of Aretha Franklin’s estate. Five years after the Queen of Soul’s passing, the battle over her estimated $18 million estate nears resolution. The episode explores the complexities and legal challenges posed by the discovery of two wills: a handwritten 2014 document found under a couch cushion and a more formal 2010 versionWe'll discuss how the 2014 will, authenticated by a Michigan jury in 2023, sparked a bitter dispute among Franklin's four sons, each vying for their share of her legacy. She explains the...2024-06-1323 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 38 | Endless Estate Battles: PrinceIn this episode of Law & Pop Culture, we go back to a topic we've already discussed but this time with the latest updates. In January 2024 a new lawsuit was filed by L. Londell McMillan and Charles Spicer, managers of Prince Legacy LLC, the holding company that oversees half of Prince's estate. This lawsuit alleges that four of Prince's family members attempted to remove the company from his Estate, let's remember the battle for his estate began back in 2016 when he passed without a will, and his $156 million inheritance was to be distributed among his 6 half-siblings. During the episode we...2024-03-1322 min
Let's Discuss. A Pop Culture and Law Podcast.Episode 37 | Updates are Essential: Kobe Bryant's EstateWelcome to Law & Pop Culture, a podcast in which we talk about the trials and tribulations of celebrity Estate Planning. In this compelling episode, attorneys Kristine Carranceja-Gurski and Christine Matus delve into the crucial importance of keeping estate plans up to date. Focused on the untimely passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, the episode uncovers the challenges faced by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, due to the absence of provisions for their youngest daughter in his estate plan. We dissect the legal complexities that ensued, shedding light on the court process Vanessa had to navigate to ensure her daughter's rightful...2024-02-2822 min