True Sunlight

By: Luna Shark
  • Summary

  • Previously known as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight is the intersection of True Crime, journalism and systematic corruption. Celebrated journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are taking their style of reporting beyond Alex Murdaugh and his co-conspirators. We expose the truth wherever it leads giving voice to victims like Mica Francis, Sara Lynn Colucci, and Christa Gilley, while still pursuing justice for all the victims you've met so far like Stephen Smith, Dallas Stoller, and others. True Sunlight is the antithesis of True crime. True Sunlight values accuracy over "access journalism". True Sunlight is shed with empathy — not exploitation. True Sunlight was created as a matter of public service — not just entertainment. While the name of the podcast has changed, our mission, values and team have not. We are simply expanding our horizons while continuing to shine a much needed bright light on crime and corruption wherever it appears. Ranked #1 and #2 globally in 2021 and 2023 respectively as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight provides unmatched insight into the crimes and criminals exposed on MMP and dives deep into new instances of where crime meets corruption across the US. We empower listeners to understand their legal and judicial systems through investigative journalism while providing tools to hold agencies and public figures accountable in order to change those systems for the better. Listen on any streaming service or visit TrueSunlight.com to learn more. Premium Members also get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. And for those just wanting ad-free listening without all the other great content, we now offer ad-free listening on Apple Podcast through a subscription to Luna Shark Plus on the Apple Podcasts App. And we also offer access to exclusive video content through our new YouTube Premiere subscription. Check out our new Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ 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/3KBM For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ instagram.com/truesunlightpod/ Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia
    © 2024 Luna Shark Productions, LLC
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Episodes
  • COJ #73 - Justice for Mica: With FBI Raid, JP Miller’s World Comes Crumbling Down
    Nov 7 2024
    Justice for Mica Miller is percolating six months and more than 20 episodes after investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell began reporting her the death and what her life looked like in the leadup to it. On Friday, the FBI finally moved in on Mica’s husband... Myrtle Beach Pastor JP Miller, who stands accused of harassing, stalking and coercively controlling her during their marriage. For more than five hours, around two dozen federal agents searched his house and left with computers and boxes of alleged evidence. On this deep dive episode, Mandy, Liz and reporter Beth Braden — talk about how the raid unfolded and what happens next. Days after the raid, JP’s church, Solid Rock At Market Common, appears to have shut its doors for good... What is JP doing with all the church’s assets...? Look like a fire-sale to commemorate the occasion. Plus, updates in the Bowen Turner case and the terms of his parole. And what is happening to Christa Bauer Gilley’s kids now that their father, Lee Gilley, is out on bond after being charged with their mother’s murder? Episode Resources SC Supreme Court order denying Myra Crosby’s request “Houston man accused in wife’s death considered fleeing, family says” - Houston Chronicle GoFundMe for Christa Bauer Gilley Interstate Domestic Violence Statute 1118. Prosecutions Under 18 U.S.C. § 2261(a)(1) Beth Braden’s Nov 1 Post on X about FBI Raid Liz Farrell’s Nov 1 Post on X about Items Removed Mica’s List + Law Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. Premium Members also get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. What We're Buying... Hungry Root - https://hungryroot.com/mandy to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.. Hungry Root is the easiest way to eat healthy. They send you fresh, high-quality groceries, simple, delicious recipes, and essential supplements. Task Rabbit - Use promo code "mandy" at https://www.taskrabbit.com/ for 15% off your task. Task Rabbit connects you with skilled Taskers to help with cleaning, moving, furniture assembly, home repairs, and more. 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 And a special thank you to our other amazing sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer! *** 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! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • TSP #72 - Bowen Turner Release Day: How a Prosecutor Helped The Thrice Accused Rapist Avoid Accountability
    Oct 31 2024
    Thrice accused rapist Bowen Turner is getting out of prison on Halloween, and in this episode, journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell warn the women of South Carolina while explaining who is responsible for the systemic failure that led to Turner’s swift release. Did Assistant Solicitor Kevin Hope fail when he agreed to the plea sentence for Turner’s resisting arrest charge? Did Bowen change? How is Bowen Turner getting out of prison? This wildly important episode focuses on the Bowen Turner case, highlighting a series of alleged failures within the South Carolina justice system that allowed a man accused of multiple rapes to be released from prison AGAIN. We also explore similar instances of alleged bias in the justice system, specifically towards men from privileged backgrounds, and compare Turner’s treatment to other, often less privileged, individuals involved in confrontations with law enforcement. We also critique the use of the Youthful Offender Act (YOA) in Turner’s case, questioning its applicability given the seriousness of the charges and the apparent lack of rehabilitation effort on Turner’s part…. The team also sheds light on the most recent news on Myrtle Beach pastor JP Miller and Solid Rock church in their rebranding efforts after Mica Francis' death. Episode Resources 'Brock Turner released from jail' - CNN 'What happened to US low-cost carrier AirTran Airways?' - Simple Flying Youthful Offenders Act Code of Law Dash Cam: Thrice Accused Rapist Bowen Turner Arrested AGAIN After DUI Crash True Sunlight 67 Episode GoFundMe for Christa Bauer Gilley Women's Healthcare in Texas Hilton Head Man Sentenced to 10 Years For Stealing Purse Man Sentenced in Lexington County For Burglary Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. Premium Members also get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. What We're Buying... Hungry Root - https://hungryroot.com/mandy to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.. Hungry Root is the easiest way to eat healthy. They send you fresh, high-quality groceries, simple, delicious recipes, and essential supplements. Task Rabbit - Use promo code "mandy" at https://www.taskrabbit.com/ for 15% off your task. Task Rabbit connects you with skilled Taskers to help with cleaning, moving, furniture assembly, home repairs, and more. 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 And a special thank you to our other amazing sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer! *** 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! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • TSP #71 - Top 10 Systemic Failures That Benefited Bowen Turner + The Big Suicide Lie and the Christa Bauer Gilley Case
    Oct 24 2024
    Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell begin their look into the Oct. 7 death of 38-year-old Christa Bauer Gilley in Texas and the arrest of her husband, Lee Gilley, who initially told investigators that Christa died by suicide after an argument they had. Christa, who was nine weeks pregnant at the time of her death, was strangled to death according to investigators. It’s yet another instance in which a woman’s cause of death is presented to law enforcement as a suicide when evidence points to homicide. Mandy and Liz consider whether this is a new trend or something that has existed for generations and it’s taken until now to see through the Big Suicide Lie from spouses and romantic partners. Also on the show, the Top 10 Systemic Failures that have benefitted thrice-accused rapist Bowen Turner who is due to be released from prison on Halloween — including his latest quickie appearance in court where he was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to resisting arrest earlier this year. Remember that ride to jail? When Bowen asked the state trooper to take him to his grandmother’s house because he didn’t believe White boys should go to jail? Plus updates in Buster Murdaugh’s defamation case and the Mallory Beach civil conspiracy case. Please consider supporting the GoFundMe for Christa Bauer Gilley children. Any money raised beyond the immediate needs of the family will go directly to Christa's children to help provide for their futures. gofund.me/041c0f9a Episode Resources The State v. Bowen G. Turner (In re: Victim C.B.) Overview Bowen Turner Victim Appeal Hearing - 9/10/24 H.R.4250 - PRESS Act Law & Crime's article on Christa Gilley’s murder Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. Premium Members also get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. What We're Buying... Hungry Root - https://hungryroot.com/mandy to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.. Hungry Root is the easiest way to eat healthy. They send you fresh, high-quality groceries, simple, delicious recipes, and essential supplements. Task Rabbit - Use promo code "mandy" at https://www.taskrabbit.com/ for 15% off your task. Task Rabbit connects you with skilled Taskers to help with cleaning, moving, furniture assembly, home repairs, and more. 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 And a special thank you to our other amazing sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer! *** 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! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins

Featured Article: The Best True Crime Podcasts of All Time


If you’re fascinated by true crime, you're not alone. The genre is among the most popular in audio today, with true crime podcasts climbing the charts, consistently drawing in new listeners and earning high ratings. When carefully crafted, true crime offers so much more than just a quick shock or thrill: these listens are created with a sense of empathy and interest that highlight the full spectrum of human nature. Find a new case to unravel.

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Love so much but lately…

I have been listening for multiple years now and you’ve really all done an incredible job providing real and trustworthy information. And on top of all the Murdaugh madness— you’ve exposed so much of the corruption evident in our legal system— not just So Carolina. I truly love Liz’s brain and how she connects dots and sees around corners—- I’m so impressed at her intelligence and the impact she’s making.

I’m sharing this small nugget of negative feedback because I believe you all deserve (and I believe - appreciate) a trend I’ve been hearing from your podcasts lately. Lately, so much of the beginning of the episode is focused on Mandy’s journey
About her book and also the surrounding accolades/ outcomes from that effort. I can easily just fast forward thru that commentary l, that feels like it lasts sometimes 3 mins up to 8 or 9 mins long.
I 100% support women achieving big things—- congratulations! I think there could be a better balance of the content. Thank you for listening!

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Love how dedicated she is.

I wish everyone would shut up about her voice. I am easily distracted and she keeps me listening and paying attention her voice is not bad! So stop hating. She is amazing at what she does and gets so much info I’m hooked! Keep up the awesome work!

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Great Podcat

The local podcasts on the Murdaugh case are much more interesting than the national coverage.

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Complicated lives

This story is very sad but also pretty complicated and there’s a lot more to come I’m sure.
This podcast does a really good job of explaining the background and why it matters.
It’s helpful that the chapters deal with each death so that the connections become clearer, and later chapters update each part of each story. There are a lot of plates to keep spinning.
Thank you for doing such great reporting.

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Real journalism that isn’t pandering

Mandy does a great job of giving the details. I think her voice is great!

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Well done podcast

Story is unbelievable, research is top notch & podcast is well put together. This is true reporting & journalism so I’m not expecting a Morgan Freeman type of performance here; I’m expecting compelling & accurate reporting on the facts & that’s what you get here.

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Love this podcast!

Murder ✅
Drugs ✅
Scandal ✅
It starts out slow in this ever growing scandal. Love that they are finally weeding out corruption in the court system and exposing these crooks. It's sad the system is so slow.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible Investigative Journalism But...

I want to say the positives first:
This podcast is fantastic and I really appreciate all of the investigative efforts Mandy and the team have put forth into exposing the truth. I live in South Carolina and have for 20 years, and it is shocking to have this level of detail and deep rooted corruption exposed after many many years. Thank you for being a pillar of truth and doing incredible Investigative Journalism not just for the victims and their families, but also for the discourse surrounding SC politics and law enforcement.
The negatives: I've been following this podcast since day one, and after the first few episodes, Mandy would take a moment to criticize those who had to just point out how her voice sounded. I get it, it's frustrating when you have such a compelling story and all of this evidence and the thing that people point out is your voice. But now that I have been a weekly listener for over a year, I have to agree with the critics. In many cases it's not about what you're saying it's about how you were saying it. And Mandy, although incredibly passionate, has a very distracting delivery with the story. There is just way too much inflection rises and drops in one sentence, every sentence, for 45 minutes. I have listened to Mandy talk in interviews and she does not talk like this on a regular basis, only when reading a scripted story for the podcast. it's distracting and it takes me longer to finish the episode because I have to pause it - my head hurts. And as the podcast has developed with more traction, her delivery has gotten worse - I think she does it in an effort to make important key notes and stress the important part of the story or that sentence? But if you put that inflection on every sentence and stress that everything is important, then by that logic nothing is more important than the other.

I want to hopefully point out to Mandy that while some people are great at the investigation portion of the story, I think Liz's stage presence is better suited for the delivery , aka the story telling. AND THAT'S OKAY. Please don't let the haters take away from the phenomenal job you and the team you have done - but it's important to recognize that your audience is telling you that you're delivery and storytelling is not getting through to them and you are losing key people that you want listening to your podcast. It is incredibly distracting. You have addressed it many times that people need to stop commenting on your voice, but it's your speaking style that is just very distracting and is frustrating. Don't lose the audience because of something small like that. Thank you for all you've done, keep it up.

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crying 😢

I feel like I did after I read The Deathly Hallows. The song is adding a layer of emotion as well. 😭😭😭

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Great podcast!!

Just when I thought I watched everything possible to get me well informed, this podcast knocks it out of the park!!

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