Best Talk Lit Get Hit Podcasts (2025)

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credence by penelope douglas 1:41:04

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11d ago1:41:04

1:41:04

in amongst a sea of mafia romance, shrek smut and interplanetary interlopers, one book has revealed itself to us time and time again. perhaps more requested than any other book we’ve ever read on the podcast, this month, for the theme of “pearl-clutching smut” we are reading credence by penelope douglas. vulnerable and unloved, seventeen year old t…

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COJ #142 - Cookies Confidential: JAMS CEO Kimberly Taylor Chats Contracts & Compromise From The World of Mediation and Arbitration 1:02:02

3d ago1:02:02

1:02:02

If you find yourself involved in the civil justice system, you don’t have to go to trial. Alternatives like mediation or arbitration can offer faster, less adversarial paths to resolution without airing out all your business to the public. But, they’re not the best option for every case — like everything with our justice system, there’s a lot of nu…

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COJ #141 - State Files Savage Clapback To Murderer Alex Murdaugh’s Appeal + Nancy Mace Enters The Chat 57:15

10d ago57:15

57:15

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland have read the 182-page response filed Friday evening by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office in Alex Murdaugh’s appellate case and it is BEYOND fiery. Prosecutors pulled no punches when deconstructing every single one of Team Murdaugh’s intellectually dishonest a…

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COJ #140 - A Cup of Resilience With Author Kate Moore: Unearthing The Unstoppable Voice & Inspiring Life of Elizabeth Packard 58:07

17d ago58:07

58:07

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell welcome author Kate Moore to discuss her book "The Woman They Could Not Silence," which chronicles Elizabeth Packard's journey being held captive within an insane asylum in the 1860’s. Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Moore aimed to explore the historical silencing of women labeled as "mad." Sh…

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COJ #139 - The Impact of Victims’ Voices in Bryan Kohberger Case + SC Cops Threaten Journalist In Quest for Information on Miscarriage Arrest 56:32

24d ago56:32

56:32

Investigative journalists⁠ ⁠Mandy Matney⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Liz Farrell⁠⁠ — and attorney⁠ ⁠Eric Bland⁠⁠ — discuss the power of victim impact statements in the Bryan Kohberger case. Kohberger was charged in 2022 shortly after the horrific killings of four Idaho college students, whom he stabbed to death while they slept. His victims’ loved ones used the power …

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COJ #138 - Claims of Citizen’s Arrest And Other Absurd Developments… + Who Is Fishing for a New Murdaugh Trial? 1:05:05

1M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Investigative journalists and True Sunlight Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — and attorney Eric Bland — (reluctantly) discuss the latest (and perhaps most pathetic and reaching) strategy from Dick Harpootlian in his quest to get Alex Murdaugh’s murder charge overturned. Cousin Eddie’s text messages to Alex! Messages that literally don…

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talk lit with us 3 - responding to bookish hot takes from our listeners 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

this episode we once again sent out a signal begging for your hot takes, grievances and deepest secrets in the hopes of inserting ourselves into your personal lives and become the agony aunts you never knew you needed. you well and truly delivered and we have lots to dig into: the highs and lows of study and tbr piles books where the mc is an autho…

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COJ #137 - Celebrating Stephen Smith’s Legacy + Stand Your Ground, Citizens’ Arrest and Should Weldon Boyd Be Worried? 1:00:12

1M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Investigative journalists and True Sunlight Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — and attorney Eric Bland — are back at it, discussing the latest in crime, corruption and the courts. In today’s episode Mandy and Eric share an update in the Stephen Smith case, plus their stories from the very successful walk held over the weekend in Hampto…

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Who Killed Stephen Smith? Ten Years With Hope But Without Answers... 1:28:42

2M ago1:28:42

1:28:42

We’re taking a break from Cup of Justice to bring you a special Premium episode of Soundbites, typically reserved for LUNASHARK Premium Members. Today’s episode is dedicated to the tragic and perplexing case of Stephen Smith. This episode, from journalist Beth Braden, librarian Kate Thomas, and producer Sam Berlin, aims to review "what we knew and …

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babel by r. f. kuang 56:45

2M ago56:45

56:45

grab your plaid blazers, light a candle, and cue the rainymood.com soundtrack - we’re diving headfirst into the moody, mesmerising world of Babel by R. F. Kuang. in this episode, we explore the rich layers of dark academia (think crumpled parchment and candle-lit libraries) while unpacking the novel’s powerful themes of colonialism, racism, languag…

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COJ #136 - Sarah Turney of ‘Voices for Justice’ on the Disappearance of Her Sister and the Power of True Crime Media 1:09:19

2M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell of True Sunlight Podcast sit down with Sarah Turney, the creator of “Voices for Justice” podcast, to talk about the latest in her sister’s case and Sarah’s fight for answers. In 2001, Alissa Turney was just 17 years old when she disappeared on her last day of junior year in Phoenix, Arizona. Sa…

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COJ #135 - Attention Attorney General Alan Wilson: Daughter of Sara-Lynn Moore Colucci Ready to Fight After Judge Frees Her Mother’s Alleged Killer 1:05:28

2M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

A week after the shocking dismissal of Michael Colucci’s 10-year-old murder charge because of prosecutorial misconduct on the behalf of SLED and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Bishop Venters — the daughter of Sara-Lynn Moore Colucci, whom Michael is accused of strangling to death in May 2015 — says she’s ready to fight for a new tria…

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bonus chapter: 50 1:30:39

2M ago1:30:39

1:30:39

we’ve been reading and recording talk lit, get hit podcast since November 2022 and we’ve hit the milestone of releasing 50 episodes! we’re shocked and delighted to have so many hours of podcast episode released for you (and let’s face it, us) to listen to and enjoy. we’ve picked out some of our favourite bits from the 50 episodes gone by - things t…

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COJ #134 - Horrific Details of SC Legislator’s Arrest in Pedophilia Case Should Be Turning Point + Michael Colucci Retrial 1:02:30

2M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Investigative journalists and co-hosts of True Sunlight Podcast Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland discuss the heinous details contained in court documents about what suspended South Carolina Representative RJ May has been accused of doing and why it was important for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to get so graphic. Over the course o…

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COJ #133 - How Old Men Attorneys Hurt the System, the Colucci Murder Retrial + JP Miller’s Wedding 59:08

2M ago59:08

59:08

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland —talk about the retrial of murder suspect Michael Colucci, who is accused of strangling his wife Sara-Lynn Moore Colucci 10 years ago in Summerville, South Carolina, and how the age and health of his high-profile (and high-cost) attorney contributed to the constant trial…

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magnolia parks by jessa hastings 53:27

3M ago53:27

53:27

this episode, we wade into the emotionally unstable, couture-drenched world of Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings… and, well, we have some thoughts. if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to witness a slow-motion relationship implosion between two wildly codependent people—while surrounded by designer fashion, public spats that feel like a highschool…

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COJ #132 - The Price of Protection: When Insurance Fails, Bonds Break & Justice Is a Joke 1:02:14

3M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

This week we're diving into some of the most frustrating systems many Americans face, starting with healthcare. Liz joins us from Rhode Island and shares a harrowing family emergency and the implications of her uncle’s hospital stay... The conversation pivots to the striking similarities between the healthcare system and the South Carolina bond sys…

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COJ #131 - Righteous Gemstones x COJ: The Churchy Business Crossover with Actor Valyn Hall 54:53

3M ago54:53

54:53

Join us for a very special episode of "Cup of Justice" as investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell chat with the incredibly talented actor, Valyn Hall, best known for her unforgettable role as Aunt Tiffany in HBO's The Righteous Gemstones. In this insightful and hilarious conversation, we dive deep into Valyn's experiences both on and…

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bonus chapter: sunrise on the reaping by suzanne collins 32:07

3M ago32:07

32:07

if you can understand what we're saying through the tears, then in this episode you will find a heartfelt and nostaliga-tinged chat about Suzanne Collins's latest release, Sunrise on the Reaping. we talk all about Panem's 50th Hunger Games (the second Quarter Quell!), things that made us cry, Haymitch's role in the games, our favourite quotes, fan …

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COJ #130 - Felonious Clerks (...allegedly), Birthday Parties, and Justice on Display (or Not...) 59:38

3M ago59:38

59:38

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland unpack the continued fallout from the Alex Murdaugh trial, and the four new felony charges for former Clerk of Court, Becky Hill. They dissect the charges against Hill, clarifying that she faces misconduct, obstruction and perjury allegations... but not for jury tamperin…

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COJ #129 - Police Can’t Stop Lying in Coverup of Scott Spivey Investigation + Is South Carolina the Wild, Wild West? 1:05:19

3M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland pull back the curtain on disturbing issues in Horry County, South Carolina. Our team narrows focus to Weldon Boyd's troubling narrative, detailing how Boyd admittedly followed Scott Spivey before the fatal shooting. The hosts dissect the circumstances, questioning the ap…

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yellowface by r. f. kuang 1:01:01

3M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Athena Liu had everything Juniper Hayward wanted... and then she died. and so begins the story for Juniper 'June' Hayward, our completely despicable and unhinged (white) protagonist who can't. stop. lying. in this month's episode, we dig into Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. we talk about books written about influencers in the age of influencers, the mur…

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COJ #128 - ‘My Heart Was Broken’: Scott Spivey’s Mom, Sister Fight for Justice Amid Epic Law Enforcement Betrayal 1:09:04

4M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

In September 2023, highly connected North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, businessman Weldon Boyd and his friend Bradley Williams shot 33-year-old Scott Spivey to death on a rural road. From the very start, Horry County Police Department seemed to go to great lengths to paint Spivey as the aggressor and Boyd and Williams as merely victims who had no …

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Bonus Episode: LUNASHARK Premium Preview - Behind the Scenes, Getting In Front Of Legal Literacy, and All The Tea... 1:06:08

4M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

As we are focused on hearings in Houston, TX and Franklin, TN plus tracking developments in Horry County, SC and supporting the scripted series in ATL this week... we're tabling COJ and bringing you a special LUNASHARK Premium Preview Bonus Episode! From David’s Corruption Watchlist, Beth’s Soundbites, Girl Talk with Liz and Mandy, and all the grea…

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COJ #127 - No Repercussions for Judge Carmen Mullen, Judicial Committee Rules + The Shocking Phone Calls Sending Horry County Spiraling 53:13

4M ago53:13

53:13

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland cover a lot of ground in this latest episode, starting with the death of Pope Francis, a religious leader who routinely called for justice and spoke out against hypocrisy. What will the future of the church look like now? Also on the show, Alex Murdaugh’s co-conspirator …

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bonus chapter: bridget jones's diary (movie) 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

If you were alive in the 2000s you knew three things: Renee Zellweger is a horrifically misguided casting choice for our British icon Bridget Jones The character Bridget Jones is roughly the size of a house Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are hot After reading and discussing Bridget Jones’s Diary for a previous podcast episode, we decided it’s only fair…

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COJ #126 - Russell Laffitte FINALLY Admits Defeat With Guilty Plea + What’s Behind Angie Solomon’s ‘Murder for Hire’ Arrest? 1:01:27

4M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland get a dose of breaking news mid-episode when the warrant for Angie Solomon’s “murder for hire” arrest comes in, raising all-new questions. In 2020, Angie’s 18-year-old son Grant was killed in a strange set of circumstances while outside a gym while his father, Aaron Solo…

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COJ #125 - What Happened To Alex Murdaugh’s Roadside Shooting Case? + Why Buster Murdaugh’s Latest Move Hurts His Case + Latest On Hulu Murdaugh Show 1:04:18

5M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland — (3:21) talk about the big reveal this past week of A-List Hollywood actor Jason Clarke in full costume as Alex Murdaugh. Clarke, who stars in the upcoming Hulu production based on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast — now True Sunlight Podcast — was seen filming in Atlanta an…

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bridget jones's diary by helen fielding 1:12:13

5M ago1:12:13

1:12:13

this episode we are taking a dive into the diary that defined a generation! for our April book and the theme "haha that's so funny", we're talking about Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding. we spend some time cringing at our own adolescent diary entries and talk feminism, fad diets and try to decide if this novel is a depressing glimpse into th…

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COJ #124 - Is ‘White Lotus’ Plot Inspired By Alex Murdaugh? + Something Is Happening In Stephen Smith Case… 1:05:04

5M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland — think they know where the finale for the third season of “White Lotus” is headed … (01:42) let’s just say things are seeming mighty familiar there. (22:09) Speaking of the Murdaugh family … on today’s episode Mandy, Liz and Eric also dive into Buster Murdaugh’s latest …

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COJ #123 - Betrayed by the Two Systems of Justice: Jailhouse Snitches, Hidden Evidence, and Darryl Burton's Wrongful Conviction 1:02:31

5M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Cup of Justice, journalist Mandy Matney and attorney Eric Bland sit down with Darryl Burton, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent almost a lifetime – – in prison before finally being exonerated. Darryl shares his harrowing journey from a young man in inner-city St. Louis to facing a capi…

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bonus chapter: anti-intellectualism - the decline of deep reads 25:37

5M ago25:37

25:37

welcome to our latest talk lit, get hit bonus chapter! in this episode we attempt to disentangle our thoughts and feelings on the supposed rise of anti-intellectualism in the literary world. we discuss the modern manifestations of this ancient concept - trope titles, simplistic narratives, audiobooks vs physical books, social media echo chamber dri…

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COJ #122 - Slaying Dragons and The Price of Truth: Julie K Brown on Exposing Epstein and Inspiring a Generation of Journalists 1:04:28

5M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

In this powerful episode, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sit down with the legendary investigative journalist Julie K. Brown, the reporter whose groundbreaking work exposed the horrific crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. Listen as Mandy and Liz recount their early inspiration from Julie's tenacious reporting on Epstein at a time bef…

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COJ #121 - Unaccredited and Unaccountable: Inside the JP Miller Case & The System That Protects Predators 58:39

6M ago58:39

58:39

In this gripping episode of Cup of Justice... investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — dive deep into the second Jane Doe lawsuit against JP Miller, revealing shocking details of alleged sexual abuse in an unaccredited religious school. The lawsuit details how Miller's father, Wayne Miller, mishandled the in…

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the housemaid by freida mcfadden 55:40

6M ago55:40

55:40

join us for our first shift at the winchester's mansion. this episode we put up a big, fat, "help wanted" sign and sent out a plea for books centred around the perspectives of maids, butlers, groundskeepers, governesses, and any all of the domestic service staff who keep the wheels turning and whose eyes see all... in this episode we discuss nina w…

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COJ #120 - Pastor Disaster: JP Miller Makes Mockery of Court System + What to Expect in Rape Case Against Him 58:13

6M ago58:13

58:13

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Mandy and David’s visit to the Hulu set of the Murdaugh TV show in Atlanta right as filming starts. Also on the show Myrtle Beach Pastor John-Paul Miller makes a mockery of the court system. Why isn’t anyone stopping him? Plus, Mandy and Liz talk about what…

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COJ #119 - Another Rich SC Lawyer Tries to Beg His Way Out of a Prison Sentence + JP Miller Brings More Drama to the Courtroom 1:02:13

6M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Mandy and David’s trip to Charleston for yet another federal sentencing hearing of a rich South Carolina attorney. This time it was for Hilton Head attorney Peter Strauss, whose license to practice is on interim suspension... as of Monday, February 24, 2025…

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COJ #118 - Thrice Accused Rapist Bowen Turner Arrested For 3rd Time In 3 Years + What Does It Mean to Believe Nancy Mace? 1:05:20

6M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Bowen Turner’s return to jail after allegedly day-drinking at a public golf course last week. South Carolina’s thrice-accused rapist — and the crowned prince of trying to buy his way out of accountability — is once again being accused of violating the terms…

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COJ #117 - The Power of Pettiness, Diss Tracks and Why Russell Laffitte Is Now a Double-’Doofus’ 1:05:36

6M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Get ready for a jam-packed episode where we dive deep into the ridiculous, the infuriating, and the downright fascinating! This week, we're covering it all, from the bizarre energy of the Super Bowl to the petty world of legal filings and everything in between. Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk a…

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the spanish love deception by elena armas 1:09:55

6M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

over the last few years, our tastes have changed and our minds have been opened to the likes of bride by ali hazlewood and the hating game by sally thorne. this month we are reading the spanish love deception by elena armas. we talk tropes like workplace romance, one bed, enemies to lovers and big man x tiny woman. we also discuss disney adults, ma…

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COJ #116 - Attorney Regina Ward On Restraining Orders, Mica Francis & Coercive Control + Church Member’s Legal Clapback at JP Miller 1:10:15

7M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sat down with Mica Francis’ divorce attorney Regina Ward of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to talk about Mica’s case and the dozens of lawsuits JP Miller has now filed against protesters and content creators. In the interview, Regina talked about Mica’s request for a restraining order against JP…

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COJ #115 - Magistrate Court 101: Why We’re Worried About The Latest Battle In The Justice For Mica Movement 1:10:35

7M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell get a lesson in all things Magistrate Court from co-host attorney Eric Bland. After Myrtle Beach Pastor JP Miller files more than a dozen complaints against protesters and creators seeking Justice for Mica, we were left scratching our heads but not at all surprised. What is JP up to and why did…

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talk lit with us 2 - responding to bookish hot takes from our listeners 29:06

7M ago29:06

29:06

in this episode, we once again weigh in on your hot takes and unpopular opinions and dish out some unexpected life advice. we dig into the Goodreads vs Storygraph debate and also discuss the latest Booktok-island bombshell (Fabel) and its recent AI roasting controversy. the internet's faves like Colleen Hoover, Sally Rooney and SJM'S A Court of Tho…

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COJ #114 - Lt. Misty Carausu, the Inspiring Investigator from Netflix’s ‘American Nightmare’ on Doing the Most 1:12:27

7M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Just over a year ago, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell from “True Sunlight Podcast,” watched the hit Netflix documentary “American Nightmare” about Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, the California couple who were immediately dubbed “LIARS” by police — and the media — after reporting a home invasion and the subsequent kidnapping …

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COJ #113 - Why Cory Fleming Wasn’t Biggest Loser in Nautilus Case + Can Mica Francis’ Family Still Sue for Her Death? 1:06:26

7M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland talk about the horrors of the Los Angeles wildfires and how Big Insurance, as well as systemic failures in government preparation have made a catastrophic situation even worse. Closer to home, the three talk about the success of Luna Shark's billboard blitz in the hopes …

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atomic habits by james clear 1:11:15

7M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

in this podcast episode we are starting the year fresh and making brazen attempts to overhaul our lives and identities. our podcast book selection for January 2025 is Atomic Habits by James Clear. this is a book that promises to 'reveal practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones and master the tiny beha…

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COJ #112 - Will Cory Fleming FINALLY Set Fire to the System in Court This Week? + What the Lively-Baldoni Feud Says About Treatment of Women 1:03:23

8M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — and attorney Eric Bland — are BACK and ready to take on the New Year. This 112th episode of COJ covers a range of topics, starting with a look back at the holidays. Premium members get a special discussion on Liz's snow day adventures, Mandy's aversion to winter, and Eric's past commuting woe…

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bonus chapter: life and death by stephenie meyer 1:40:23

8M ago1:40:23

1:40:23

this episode we are bringing the cringe and chaos of a work christmas party to talk lit, get hit podcast for our annual “talk lit, get lit” drinking and podcasting extravaganza. for our last bonus chapter of the year, we are discussing none other than life and death by Stephenie Meyer. the booktok twilight renaissance continues as we pull apart the…

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COJ #111 - Our 2024 Year In Review - From Murdaugh to Mica, Guests to Gavels, Courtrooms to Quarrels... 54:59

8M ago54:59

54:59

We celebrate another year for the record books with excerpts from episodes throughout the year. Case highlights, amazing special guests and SOOO much insight from co-hosts Eric Bland, Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell . Investigative Journalist Mandy Matney, reporter Beth Braden, our resident librarian Kate Thomas and our producer David take a moment to…

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COJ #110 - Cups Up from Hollywood! + Alex Murdaugh’s Long List of Grievances + Cory Fleming’s First Prison Photo Is Out 55:36

8M ago55:36

55:36

Live from Hollywood! This week attorney Eric Bland asks investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell about their visit to to 'La La Land' and the writers’ room of Hulu’s upcoming scripted series based on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast. As always, there was a lot to talk about (including Eric’s connection to the Luigi Mangione case?!). Last …