Episode 14: What Had Happened Was

In Season 2, Episode 14 of the Direct Examination podcast, titled “What Had Happened Was,” co-host Amber Fulmer makes her triumphant return alongside Dayne Phillips and Joseph Bias after a two-week absence.

Amber explains where she’s been—graduating from the SC Bar Leadership Academy in Rock Hill and traveling to Orange County, California for a relocation case. She also officially announces her pregnancy, with the baby due in October (“#PInThePod”). The hosts discuss SC Lawyers Weekly featuring former guest Chad McGowan’s brewery on its front cover, share their summer reading and watch lists (Just Mercy, Chernobyl, Billions, Veep), debate zombie apocalypse survival strategies, and reflect on their favorite Season 2 guests.

Key Topics Covered

  • Amber’s Return & Absence Explained: Recounting her SC Bar Leadership Academy graduation, traveling to California for a relocation case, and her “West Coast Burger Tour” (In-N-Out vs. Whataburger).

  • Baby Announcement (“#PInThePod”): Amber officially announces she is expecting a baby in October and discusses gender predictions.

  • Legal Remedy Brewing Feature: Recognizing SC Lawyers Weekly featuring former guest Chad McGowan’s brewery on its front cover.

  • Pop Culture & Summer Reading: Book recommendations (Just Mercy, The Godfather, Extreme Ownership) and TV picks (Chernobyl, Billions, Veep, The Lonely Island).

  • Bar Exam Advice & Zombie Apocalypse: Practical advice for test-takers and hilarious debate on zombie apocalypse survival plans.

  • Season 2 Retrospective: Reflecting on favorite Season 2 guests, including Jack Swerling, Chad McGowan, and the law student panel.

Transcript

Amber Fulmer: Welcome, y’all, to the Direct Examination podcast! I’m Amber Fulmer, and it’s good to be back!

Dayne Phillips: I’m Dayne Phillips.

Joseph Bias: And I’m Joseph Bias! Amber, it’s like we don’t recognize you anymore! How are you?

Amber Fulmer: Burnt! You have a lobster lawyer sitting at the table today!

Joseph Bias: You’ve been gone for a while. Where have you been?

Amber Fulmer: Two weeks ago, I was at the SC Bar Leadership Academy final session in Rock Hill and graduation. Then last week, I was appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in a relocation case and had to fly out to Orange County, California! I can verify that the plane landing in California has a lot more bounce! On the way back, I did the West Coast Burger Tour—In-N-Out and Whataburger!

Joseph Bias: But more importantly, there’s a big announcement!

Amber Fulmer: Yes! There is going to be a new co-host joining the podcast—I’m having a baby in October! #PInThePod!

Dayne Phillips: The power of the pod!

Dayne Phillips: Speaking of former guests, did you see the front page of South Carolina Lawyers Weekly? They featured Chad McGowan and Legal Remedy Brewing!

Joseph Bias: We’re trendsetters! We featured them before the paper did!

Joseph Bias: What is everyone reading or watching this summer?

Amber Fulmer: I’ve been reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, The Godfather by Mario Puzo, The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton, and I’m watching Chernobyl on HBO. And if anyone is complaining about the Game of Thrones finale, get over it! Three of my Golden Girls are dead and not coming back!

Dayne Phillips: I’m listening to the audiobook Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, and watching Billions on Showtime and Succession on HBO.

Joseph Bias: I’ve been watching The Lonely Island: The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience on Netflix and finishing up the final season of Veep on HBO.

Joseph Bias: What’s your one-sentence bar exam advice?

Amber Fulmer: Pick up the phone and call someone for help when you don’t know what you’re doing, and purge your mind between sections—once a section is done, forget it and move on!

Joseph Bias: What is your zombie apocalypse survival plan?

Amber Fulmer: If it’s bloodborne, I’m heading to our family retreat in Montana where the zombies freeze in the winter!

Dayne Phillips: I’m finding a group of people where I’m the most intelligent, assuming a leadership position, and surrounding myself with people willing to die for me!

Brendy McNair: I’m stealing a boat and heading straight to Fort Sumter!

Joseph Bias: What was your favorite Season 2 guest?

Amber Fulmer: Jack Swerling! Hearing his stories about Pee Wee Gaskins was amazing.

Dayne Phillips: Chad McGowan. He represents the true entrepreneurial spirit of what this podcast is all about.

Joseph Bias: The law students! They brought us Tiramisu cookies and great energy.

Joseph Bias: Thank you all for listening! Follow us @SCLawPod on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, Joseph @JosephPBias, Dayne @SCCrimLawyer, and Amber @actredjudicata. Don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on iTunes! See y’all next week!