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 woes in Philadelphia…and we’ll touch on the dangers of public transportation in New York.

This week Alex Murdaugh’s best friend and co-conspirator Cory Fleming is back in federal court for the Nautilus case … but why? What defense could he possibly offer the insurance company that says Alex and Cory swindled them out of $3.8 million in the Satterfield scheme? Last week, Alex ended Nautilus’ claim against him with a confession of judgment worth $14.8 million … meaning, things could get really bad for Cory. And yet he’s still going for it. We also delve into the confusing aspects of the case, such as the role of the insurance companies and their handling of the initial claim and the potential for other co-conspirators to be revealed, especially if Cory Fleming or Alex Murdaugh provides testimony.

Finally, the hosts shift gears to discuss the controversy surrounding Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, including Lively's initial complaint and Baldoni's defamation lawsuit. We’ll dive into where the three land on who “the bad guy” is here.

Plus, Sandy Smith plans to increase the reward in the search for her son’s killers as more people take notice of the Stephen Smith billboards that LUNASHARK has funded throughout South Carolina. More to come on that and a new event planned for July soon so stay tuned!

🥽 Let's Dive In... 🦈

Episode Resources

The New York Times’ Dec 21, 2024 article at the center of Justin Baldoni’s libel lawsuit

“Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation” NBC News, Dec 22, 2024

“Blake Lively accuses movie director of smear campaign to ‘destroy’ her” - Court TV, Jan 3, 2025

Mandy’s Instagram post on Stephen Smith Billboards!

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Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/

What We're Buying...

Eric Bland's New Book!!! - Mandy's Book in Paperback!! - Marcia Clark's New Book - Amanda Knox's New Book - Tamron Hall's New Book - Erin Lee Carr's Book

Peloton - onepeloton.com Find your push. Find your power with Peloton at onepeloton.com.

Here's a link to some of our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn

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Twitter.com/mandymatney | Twitter.com/elizfarrell | Twitter.com/theericbland

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*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.

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Controversial thoughts: How to get Omega-3 without Rancid Fish Oil and why Linoleic acid makes you Fat.