Episode List
COJ #168 - The Questions about Becky, Egg Lady and Supreme Court in the Murdaugh Case No One Is Asking...
Today's Spivey v. Boyd/Williams hearing is available to all on our YouTube channel. Or Join LUNASHARK Premium to Join Our Hosts for all the context and community. But first... Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland break down the stunning oral arguments in Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction appeal before the South Carolina Supreme Court — and they have a lot of questions about the questions that weren't asked. The team dissects how the justices appeared to do the defense's heavy lifting, going hard on Judge Newman's evidentiary decisions and the state's case while going easy on Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin. Plus, Buster Murdaugh quietly settles his federal defamation lawsuit against Warner Brothers and Mandy shares her raw frustration after her motion to quash a deposition in the Parker case was denied, sparking a fierce conversation about First Amendment rights, discovery abuse, and why journalists shouldn't be harassed by untrustworthy lawyers who’s clients don’t like their deeds exposed for the world to see. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️Episode References Eric Bland on CourtTV’s “Opening Statements with Julie Grant” 🎞️ “Ex-clerk of court linked to Murdaugh trial pleads guilty to charges, won’t serve prison time” - WIS10, Dec 8, 2025 📰 “Murdaugh jurors share piece of evidence that ‘sealed the deal’ in murder conviction” - Today Show, March 6, 2023 📰 “Son of Alex Murdaugh settles federal defamation lawsuit against Warner Bros.” - The Post and Courier, Feb 11, 2026 📰 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COJ #167 - Journalist Matt Shaer On The Truths Found Between Entertainment & Justice
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sit down with Matth Shaer, the journalist and co-founder of Campside Media behind some of the most compelling true crime podcasts of the past decade - Over My Dead Body, Suspect, and Origin Stories. Matt opens up about the evolution of true crime podcasting, from his early days working with Wondery to building Campside Media, and the ethical tightrope walk of turning real tragedies into narrative entertainment. Matt brings a unique perspective on building audience trust while maintaining journalistic integrity. He shares why some stories deserve to be told, what makes a case podcast-worthy beyond just being shocking, and how storytelling can actually drive real criminal justice reform. Plus, don’t forget Alex Murdaugh's Supreme Court appeal hearing happens this Wednesday at 9:30 AM ET - and we'll be watching live with Premium Members and re-broadcasting to YouTube. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Meet Matt Shaer and give Over My Dead Body, Suspect, Origin Stories a listen 🎧 “Matthew Shaer Still Believes in Podcasts” - Columbia Journalism Review, Sept 3, 2025 📰 “Legal Academic World Shaken by Shooting Death of FSU Professor” - The Wall Street Journal, July 21, 2014 📰 20/20’s "Meddler or Murderer?" episode - Jan 2, 2026 on Disney+/Hulu 🎞️ “'Pity and disgust': Woman deceived by Colorado dentist who poisoned his wife discusses trial, aftermath” - ABC News, Sept 19, 2025 📰 “The False Promise of DNA Testing” - The Atlantic, June 2016 📰 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COJ #166 - Stand Your Ground (But Only If We Like You): When the Attorney General Picks and Chooses
Today we need to address alarming developments in press freedom as independent journalists, including Don Lemon, face federal charges for violating the FACE Act of 1994. Then Liz reintroduces a case we covered on True Sunlight #134 involving Anijah Yarnell, who claimed self-defense after shooting Michael Pennington in 2020. However, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson unusually appealed the decision—contrasting sharply with Wilson's public opposition to charge others like Weldon Boyd and Bradley Williams. Then we’re sharing an excerpt from Liz and Mandy’s recent appearance on Laura Richard’s Crime Analyst Podcast (Episode 303). Richards, Matney, and Farrell emphasize the critical role of independent journalism and sustained public pressure in preventing cases from being swept away. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Crime Analyst Ep 303 On YouTube Crime Analyst Ep. 303 Audio: Mica Francis: Analyzing the Federal Charges Against John Paul Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell “Journalist Don Lemon charged with federal civil rights crimes after covering anti-ICE church protest” - AP News, Updated Jan 30, 2026 📰 “Horry County murder case ruled Stand Your Ground being appealed. What we know” - Myrtle Beach Sun News, Jan 13, 2026 📰 “Man charged in shooting outside Columbia Planned Parenthood files ‘stand your ground’ defense” - WIS10, Jan 29, 2026 📰 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COJ #165 - Due Process on Trial: Weaponized Complaints From The State Bar to Feds Executing Curbside ‘Justice’
In this episode, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland confront a troubling throughline connecting professional discipline, prosecutorial discretion, and the rapid erosion of constitutional norms. Eric recounts a chilling professional reality: an SC Bar disciplinary investigation triggered by harsh—but truthful—excise of free speech, while far more serious attorney misconduct across South Carolina goes untouched. From there, the discussion turns to newly filed deposition testimony, and the hosts break down how witness narratives can subtly “evolve” under pressure. The final segment widens the lens to the streets of Minnesota, as the team grapples with the fatal shooting of American Nurse Alex Pretti and the alarming normalization of armed federal agents operating without transparency, judicial warrants, or visible identification. At its core, this episode asks a sobering question: What happens when the systems designed to protect justice instead punish those who challenge abuse? The answer... is why journalism, courts, and public scrutiny matter now more than ever. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Lawyer & Judicial Discipline Overview from SC ODC ⚖️ Explainer: Immigration Removal Proceedings and Expanded Mandatory Detention in the U.S. - National Immigration Forum, July 28, 2025 📰 “In Battle for Evidence, Minnesota Sues Feds Over Fatal Border Patrol Shooting” - Wall Street Journal, Updated Jan 25, 2026 📰 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
COJ #164 - Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Maggie Freleng on The Objectivity Lie and Criminal Justice Reform
Maggie Freleng, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, joins Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell to discuss her career trajectory, starting from her early days in journalism to her work on the pivotal "Suave" podcast. She shares insights on the Maura Murray case, which she investigated, and the impact of true crime podcasts on public perception and law enforcement. In this compelling episode, Freleng—creator of the acclaimed "Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County" podcast—discusses her journey from aspiring travel blogger to leading voice in wrongful conviction journalism. We’re exploring the fascinating dichotomy between accountability journalism and innocence work, with Liz Farrell describing it as "two batteries facing different directions" pressuring the justice system to function properly. Freleng, Matney, and Farrell use their platforms to shine light on cases lost in darkness—whether due to corruption, negligence, or systemic failures.Follow Maggie Freleng on Instagram and stream Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County now.☕ Cups Up! ⚖️Episode References Meet Maggie Freleng, 2022 Pulitzer Prize Winner for the Suave Podcast Give Maggie a follow on Instagram, TikTok, or Substack Bone Valley Season 3 Timeline in Maura Murray’s Disappearance Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc Julie K Brown’s Newly Launched Substack COJ Episode 123 with Darrell Burton “Teacher’s Pet criticism from judges misplaced” - The Australian, Sept 1, 2022 Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Premium Members also get access to all new bonus episodes, video episodes, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/ Quince - Hungry Root - Bombas Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn Find us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/ Mandy Matney on Instagram | Liz Farrell on Instagram | Eric Bland on Instagram YouTube | TIKTOK *** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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