
Cup Of Justice
We all want to drink from the same Cup of Justice... and it starts with learning about our legal system.With tales from the newsroom and the courtroom, co-hosts Mandy Matney, Liz Farrell and Eric Bland invite you to gain knowledge, insight, and tools to hold public agencies and officials accountable. Beginning as bonus episodes to the Murdaugh Murders Podcast with analysis of the trials of Alex Murdaugh and co-conspirators, Cup of Justice launched as its own show in January of 2023 and debuted at #1 on Apple its very first day and continues to be a top rated pod globally.Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell from the #1 global hit True Sunlight (formerly Murdaugh Murders Podcast) and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland take a hard look at everything from the state of news to important cases around the world. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM Mandy and Liz are two of the most driven and talented investigative journalists who are revolutionizing how news is derived and delivered. Join them as they pull at threads and chase down leads to get the story straight. THE LAW With the expertise of Eric Bland, we empower listeners to understand their legal system in an entertaining format while providing tools to hold agencies and public figures accountable in order to give voice to victims and change those systems for the better. JUSTICE SYSTEMS We know that our justice systems are intimidating, but we will all encounter it at one point. Together, our hosts create the perfect trifecta of legal expertise, journalistic integrity and a fire lit to expose the truth wherever it leads. Learn more about our hosts and mission at http://CupofJusticePod.com Support Our Podcast at: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP*** 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! ***Find us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ | https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/YouTube*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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.
Latest episodes

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 1min
COJ #23 Justice for Stephen Smith: We’re Finally Moving In the Right Direction
Well, y’all, this was a BIG week.Right after our last Cup of Justice episode was published, Eric’s law firm Bland Richter announced they will be representing Sandy Smith in her mission to finally get answers about Stephen’s death.Within a day of announcing this partnership, SLED chief Mark Keel called Eric and told him that his agency believes that Stephen was NOT hit by a car but rather was murdered and that SLED is devoting more resources to finding out who killed Stephen.I cannot express how emotional and bittersweet it has been this past week. I’m so happy for Sandy, Stephanie, the Smith family and everyone who knew and loved Stephen in that they finally have a fighting chance at getting some answers. But this took FAR TOO LONG. No family should have to work this hard to get law enforcement to acknowledge the truth about how their loved one died. Now that we’re here, though, we’re ready to see some much-deserved JUSTICE for Stephen Smith.So lets get into it...We'd like to thank Better Help for sponsoring this episode.And a big shout out to Rabia and Ellyn Solve the Case - Mandy recently sat down with this amazing duo and we'll be sharing parts of that interview with the COJ audience soon. We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Find us on social media: Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericbland https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ YouTube Support Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27 *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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

Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 2min
COJ #22: Getting Answers about Stephen Smith’s Murder and How to Solve Cold Cases
In BREAKING NEWS - Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter have been retained by Sandy Smith to help her get Justice for Stephen. Mandy joins Sandy and Eric in a press Conference today, Monday March 20th at 8:30am on the Bland Richter Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/blandrichter Now that Alex Murdaugh will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murders of Maggie and Paul, it’s time to put the focus on getting answers in the Stephen Smith case.For almost eight years, Sandy Smith has fought to get answers about her son’s murder. Whether or not Alex Murdaugh had anything to do with Stephen Smith’s death, the Murdaugh name is connected to the case in some way.Our greatest hope right now is that the momentum from the murder trial and the powerhouse duo of Bland & Richter encourages people to come out of the shadows to finally speak up and say what they know about Stephen’s murder in 2015.In this episode, we talk about the reasoning behind the exhumation and how private exhumations work. Smith's family believes he was murdered, and they want an unbiased look at his body and an accurate determination of his cause of death based on facts. At the date of this release the Go Fund Me has raised over $61,000. We also catch up on Russell Laffitte’s attempt to use Alex Murdaugh’s witness stand exoneration as grounds for a new trial. And we take a look at ways community members can help get answers in cold cases.Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland — talk about the next steps in the Smith case and how people can get answers in cases that have gone cold.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP Find us on social media: Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericbland https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ YouTube Support Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27 Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400 *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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

Mar 13, 2023 • 1h 11min
COJ #21: Randy Murdaugh Hits the Reset Button and Russell Laffitte Has Bills to Pay
One week after Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life for killing his wife and son, Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland — take a look at the questions surrounding a juror’s connections to a witness, the problems with the judicial selection process in South Carolina and the need for reform and Russell Laffitte’s overdue bills.It’s been over a week since Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for killing his wife and son, and there hasn’t been a break in the news.On Monday, federal Judge Richard Gergel denied Russell Laffitte’s motion for a new trial. Now his case moves to the appeals phase, which Russell will go through without the help of his original attorneys Bart Daniel and Matt Austin because on Thursday Bart and Matt filed a motion to dump Russell. Apparently Alex’s co-conspirator hasn’t paid the balance of his legal bill at Nelson Mullins.According to our amazing co-host Eric Bland, Russell will be sentenced in May or June of this year and, after reading Judge Gergel’s scathing order Monday, we’re all expecting he’ll receive a significant punishment. We have a really interesting show for you today. We talked about the unwarranted criticism surrounding James the Juror and his connection to the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, Dick Harpootlian’s Good Ole Boy fragility and the need for judicial reform in this state.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP Find us on social media: Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericbland https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ YouTube Support Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27 Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400 *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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

Mar 6, 2023 • 1h 2min
COJ #20: The Monster Alex Murdaugh Became; The best, worst and pettiest moments of the murder trial
After convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh received two consecutive life sentences from Judge Clifton Newman on Friday, Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell met up with everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland at the Justice Mobile in Walterboro, South Carolina, where they shared their thoughts — and their emotions — about the final moments of the six-week trial, where the state’s good ole boys got their first major wakeup call.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP Find us on social media: Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericbland https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ YouTube Support Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27 Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400 *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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

Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 24min
COJ #19: Trapping the Bear: Alex Murdaugh’s Big Lies Finally Do Him In
After five weeks of friends, family members, employees and colleagues identifying Alex Murdaugh as the third voice on the kennel video, Alex concocts a whole new story about where he was when Maggie and Paul were murdered. Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland — discuss how Alex retrofitted his latest alibi to evidence and testimony from the past five weeks of trial. They also talk about the major public corruption that Alex revealed in his testimony. We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOESUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcPFind us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/YouTubeSupport Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 18min
COJ #18: Modern Day Monster - The Most Damning Evidence Against Alex Murdaugh
The prosecution has rested its case against Alex Murdaugh and the evidence is damning. But will it be enough to overcome whatever the defense has planned in response? Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland take a look at the bigger picture of Alex’s guilt and whether the state’s case will hold up.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOESUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcPFind us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/YouTubeSupport Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 8min
COJ #17: Under Pressure: The Jury Finally Meets the Real Alex Murdaugh
During a week of high stakes testimony, the jury got its first real look at the massive financial pressure Alex Murdaugh was under at the time of Maggie’s and Paul’s murders.Witness after witness attested to Murdaugh’s manipulations and deceit, as well as the lies he told about his alibi. Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland — discuss the most damning moments during Week Three and what it could mean for Alex’s future.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOESUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcPFind us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/YouTubeSupport Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 13min
COJ #16: ‘Dear Creighton’: Connecting the Dots on Alex Murdaugh’s Frame of Mind
Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland discuss the biggest moments so far in the trial against Alex Murdaugh, which is now entering its third week. Join the conversation as the three explore the most damning evidence against Alex what the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office needs to do if they want the jury to understand where Alex’s mind was on the day he allegedly killed his wife and son.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOESUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcPFind us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/YouTubeSupport Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 22min
COJ #15: Alex Murdaugh's Double Homicide Trial - How We See It Different From The "Experts"
We’re one week into South Carolina’s double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh and so far it’s been jam-packed with shocking revelations from the state and the usual drama from the defense.Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland share their thoughts on why newcomers to the case seem to be buying into the act from Team Murdaugh, how Dick and Jim might be coming off to the jury and why all three Cup of Justice co-hosts are more convinced than ever that the evidence is pointing to Alex Murdaugh.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOESUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcPFind us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/YouTubeSupport Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 14min
Cup of Justice 14: The Most Aggressive Form of the Truth: Dick and Jim Push the Limits in Latest Motion
*Originally Published As Bonus to Murdaugh Murders Podcast, January 23, 2022.Murdaugh Murders Podcast co-hosts Mandy Matney, Liz Farrell and everyone’s favorite attorney Eric Bland take a hard look at Dick and Jim’s last-minute attempt to stop a blood spatter expert from testifying against Alex Murdaugh this week.Also, they talk about the weaponization of the South Carolina Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the extraordinary greed threatening the Beach family settlement and whether anyone can get away with murder these days.We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. What questions do y’all have for us? Email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll do our best to answer your questions in these bonus episodes.Listen to the show that started it all: the Murdaugh Murders Podcast wherever you get your pods.Consider joining our MMP Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOESUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcPFind us on social media:Twitter.com/mandymatney - Twitter.com/elizfarrell - Twitter.com/theericblandhttps://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/YouTubeSupport Our Podcast: http://bit.ly/3j9DA27Please consider sharing your support by leaving a review on Apple at the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice bonus 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices