Make It Make Sense, Alabama

This episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama introduces SHOW Baldwin, a nonprofit in Baldwin County created by mothers of children with disabilities who saw firsthand the lack of accessible resources in their community.What started as a simple effort to raise money for a child’s wheelchair quickly evolved into a full organization focused on inclusive events, equipment access, and direct family support. SHOW Baldwin now provides adaptive programming, a medical equipment lending library, and monthly support for families in need.The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as the group shares the story of Heather Hestand, a founding member of SHOW Baldwin who was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer. The episode highlights the harsh financial realities faced by families raising children with disabilities and the overwhelming uncertainty surrounding long-term care.Through community-driven fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe and an upcoming Gratitude Gala, the organization is working to secure financial stability for Heather’s daughter’s future.The episode ultimately exposes a larger issue. Alabama families are often left to build their own support systems due to gaps in accessibility, affordability, and resource awareness.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we sit down with Democratic candidate Clyde Jones, who is running for U.S. Congress in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.Jones brings a background in military service, community leadership, and advocacy. In this conversation, we break down the real issues affecting Alabamians right now. Healthcare costs, workers’ rights, immigration enforcement, and the growing divide in politics.We also get into campaign accountability, corporate money in politics, and what it actually takes to create change at the federal level.Whether you agree or disagree, this is the kind of conversation voters need to hear.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction + Clyde Jones Background03:18 Why Some Candidates Avoid Accountability06:17 Top Issues in Alabama District 110:17 Immigration Enforcement & Labor Impact14:14 Rising Costs, Housing, and Insurance Crisis18:05 Corporate Money in Politics & Term Limits22:28 Accountability, Transparency & Insider Trading29:12 Political Division & Public Discourse39:39 “Unpopular” Policy Positions Explained48:59 Rapid Fire Questions54:24 Final Message to VotersSUPPORT OUR WORKIf you’ve been following our work, you already know this isn’t just a podcast.We are actively investigating cases, reviewing records, and working with families who are still looking for answers. That work takes time, resources, and support.If you want to be part of what we’re building at Murder Creek Media, here are a few ways you can help:- Support the show directly: murdercreekmedia.com/donate- Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it- Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming nextEvery share, every listen, and every dollar goes back into the work.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we take a closer look at a case involving 71-year-old Nolan Keel of Foley, Alabama, who was arrested during an early morning walk in April 2024.According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Keel was stopped for walking in the roadway and later arrested for disorderly conduct. Keel disputes that version of events.Using the incident report, applicable Alabama law, and body camera footage obtained through his attorney, we walk through what happened, what deputies documented, and what can be seen on video.This episode also includes an interview with Keel, where he shares his experience and how the arrest impacted him. As always, we’re laying out the information so you can review it for yourself and draw your own conclusions.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:13 Overview of the case02:00 Details of the stop04:18 Incident report breakdown07:06 Alabama pedestrian laws09:39 ID laws and context11:52 Police body camera footage31:31 Initial reactions to the footage58:19 Interview with Nolan Keel01:33:37 Closing discussion

Why are Alabama power bills so high? Why does the Alabama Public Service Commission keep avoiding transparency? And what really happened with the legislation that expanded the PSC?In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Jeff Ramsey, Democratic candidate for the Alabama Public Service Commission, union electrician, small business owner, and project manager, for one of the most detailed conversations yet about utility regulation in Alabama.They get into Alabama Power profits, PSC transparency, solar penalties, Stockton solar controversy, data centers, rate cases, backroom politics, working class issues, and why so many Alabamians feel like they are paying more while getting less.If you’ve been trying to understand why your power bill keeps climbing and why the system feels rigged, this episode is for you.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:11 Meet Jeff Ramsey + Why He’s Running05:29 Why Alabama Power Bills Are So High08:16 PSC Expansion Bill Explained12:28 Transparency, Backroom Deals & Accountability19:03 Solar, Data Centers & Stockton Controversy33:04 Alabama Power Profits, Efficiency & Rate Structure40:24 Why People-First Bills Keep Failing46:05 Rate Cases, Rate Hikes & How the System Works49:13 “We’re Not Mad Enough”54:35 What Jeff Would Do Differently01:03:59 Working Class Politics & “Dirt Road Democrat”01:16:01 Final Takeaway. “There’s Got to Be a Better Way”

In this Beyond the Pod episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi take listeners behind the scenes to discuss real-time developments, political conversations, and investigative work happening outside the main episodes.This episode covers:• A major update in the Tony Quince case and the pending decision before the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals• Allegations of wrongful conviction and multiple witness recantations• The debate surrounding Baldwin County accountability Facebook groups• Transparency, anonymous posts, and public trust in local government• A newly appointed judgeship and questions surrounding the appointment• Rapid-moving Alabama Public Service Commission legislation

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, hosts Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Matt Gentry, Cullman County Sheriff and candidate for the Alabama Public Service Commission, to discuss rising power bills, utility regulation, and what the PSC actually does.Gentry shares his background in law enforcement, why he’s running for the Alabama Public Service Commission, and what he believes is driving high electricity costs across Alabama. The conversation also explores PSC transparency, live streaming meetings, campaign contributions, solar farms, data centers, and proposed legislation including Senate Bill 360 and House Bill 475.We also discuss how PSC decisions affect everyday Alabamians. From energy rates and natural gas to trucking regulations and infrastructure. Gentry outlines his stance on utility oversight, government accountability, and protecting ratepayers.Topics Covered:• Alabama Public Service Commission explained• Why Alabama power bills are rising• PSC transparency and public accountability• Solar farms and data centers in Alabama• Senate Bill 360 and House Bill 475• Campaign finance and utility PAC money• Energy policy and ratepayer protection• What the PSC regulates in Alabama

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, hosts Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Brent Woodall, Republican candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 2, to discuss the growing controversy surrounding the PSC, Alabama power rates, and proposed legislation that could reshape how commissioners are selected.The Alabama Public Service Commission regulates utilities that impact nearly every household in the state. That includes electricity providers, rate structures, and long-term infrastructure decisions that directly affect monthly power bills. Recent reports showing Alabama among the highest electricity rates in the country have sparked renewed scrutiny of the PSC and calls for transparency, public hearings, and structural reform.Woodall, a former Chief of Staff at the Alabama Public Service Commission and former prosecutor with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office, explains how the PSC operates behind the scenes, what commissioners actually do, and why some lawmakers are proposing major changes.This conversation covers:• Alabama Public Service Commission responsibilities• Alabama electricity rates and utility regulation• PSC transparency and public hearings• Proposed legislation affecting PSC elections• Appointed vs elected commissioners• Utility monopolies and ratepayer advocacy• Campaign finance concerns and utility influence• Why PSC decisions affect every Alabama resident• Voter turnout and statewide PSC elections• What changes candidates say are neededIf you’ve ever wondered why your power bill keeps rising, who regulates utility companies in Alabama, or how the Public Service Commission affects your daily life, this episode breaks it down in plain language.

Human trafficking is often talked about as something that happens somewhere else. Another country. Another state. To someone else’s community.But the reality is far different.In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we sit down with Allana Chris and Genna Van Varden of The Little Tree Project, a nonprofit working directly with survivors of human trafficking and alongside law enforcement agencies across the state.Together, we break down what trafficking actually looks like in real life, not just the version portrayed in movies. From coercion and manipulation to the role of open source intelligence and community awareness, this conversation offers a closer look at how exploitation happens and why it often goes unnoticed.We also talk about common misconceptions, warning signs the public should be aware of, and what to do if you suspect someone may be a victim.This is a heavy topic, but it’s one that deserves attention.

In Beyond the Pod, Neeli and Whitney take you behind the scenes of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, breaking down what doesn’t always make it into the final cut and what’s actively unfolding in real time.This episode covers:• The developing allegations tied to Daphne High School and the response from parents and media• A major new tip in the Brittany Wood case and how it was handled with law enforcement• What it actually looks like to investigate leads, approach witnesses, and navigate boundaries• A call for volunteers and an update on active Murder Creek Media casesSome conversations are messy. Some stories are still developing. But this is the reality of investigative work.

Alabama’s prison system is under national scrutiny, and some say it’s becoming the incarceration capital of the world.In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we sit down with gubernatorial candidate Dr. Will Boyd to break down the biggest issues facing Alabamians today, including prison reform, parole failures, education funding, and the ongoing debate over an Alabama lottery.From firsthand discussions about wrongful convictions and prison conditions to policy proposals that could reshape the state’s future, this conversation dives deep into the systems impacting justice, education, and opportunity across Alabama.Dr. Boyd outlines his plan to overhaul the prison system, expand Medicaid, and address what he calls the state’s biggest issue: the lack of a fair shot for everyday people.This is one of the most unfiltered conversations we’ve had about Alabama’s justice system and what comes next.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with retired Rear Admiral and former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis for a candid conversation about veteran mental health, government accountability, and the controversy surrounding his removal from office.Davis reflects on his military and public service career, the challenges he says Alabama veterans continue to face, and why he believed mental health and long-term care needed urgent attention during his time as commissioner. He also discusses the ethics complaint he says he was required by law to file, the allegations that followed, and why he believes his firing was an act of retaliation.The conversation goes beyond one man’s story. It digs into larger concerns about how Alabama handles mental health funding, the role of political influence in state agencies, the barriers facing reform, and why so many people are afraid to speak out.This is a wide-ranging episode about veterans, ethics, power, and what accountability should actually look like in Alabama.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi and Neeli Faulkner speak with Beth Robley about her years-long fight to obtain custody of her niece through Alabama’s child welfare system. Beth alleges Alabama DHR denied family placement, overlooked serious concerns, applied standards inconsistently, and blocked meaningful intervention as the case moved toward adoption. This conversation examines custody disputes, relative placement, due process, and growing concerns about how Alabama DHR handles child welfare cases across the state.

What happens after the uniform comes off, and why are so many veterans left to navigate that transition alone?In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Marine veteran Patrick Jump, co-founder and president of Warrior Legacy Ranch in Baldwin County, Alabama. Patrick shares how his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, his transition into civilian life, and the lasting impact of trauma shaped his mission to create a space where veterans and first responders can reconnect, heal, and find support through community.The conversation explores veteran suicide, the gaps in traditional support systems, the power of peer connection, and Patrick’s vision for Warrior Legacy Ranch as a place built by veterans, for veterans. They also discuss accountability, authentic leadership, and what real support for veterans should actually look like in Alabama.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is a production of Murder Creek Media.

Pastor Dean Odle joins Make It Make Sense, Alabama for a wide ranging conversation that connects the dots between ballot access, party power, and the issues Odle says the state keeps trying to shove to the side.Odle, a minister from Opelika and former statewide Republican candidate, walks through the challenge that knocked him off the 2026 ballot. He explains what he was told by party leadership, how the process played out behind the scenes, and why he believes it wasn’t really about a rule at all.We also talk about the moment this podcast was born. A frustrated drive home from Montgomery after the DHR State Board meeting, and the decision to stop watching families get brushed off and start documenting what’s happening. From there, we get into Alabama’s child welfare crisis, why HB464 matters, and how lack of oversight and due process can change someone’s life overnight.This episode includes political opinions, personal claims, and discussion of disturbing allegations. We encourage listeners to review public records, verify information, and come to their own conclusions.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi and Neeli Faulkner sit down with special education and civil rights attorney James Gallini of The Gallini Group to unpack two bills moving through the Alabama Legislature: HB7, which has already passed the House, and its Senate companion, SB31.Both bills expand the legal definition of what qualifies as a “terrorist threat,” increase penalties, and require school principals to involve law enforcement when certain conduct is alleged. They also create a minimum one-year suspension tied to a charge, not necessarily a conviction. Gallini explains how broad language like “reasonable perception” can shift discipline decisions inside schools, and why students with disabilities, including those with IEPs and 504 plans, may be especially vulnerable to misinterpretation and over-punishment. He walks through how school discipline and juvenile court proceedings can stack consequences, and why existing special education safeguards do not undo the damage caused by arrest, stigma, or time out of the classroom.We also examine the larger system behind this conversation. The shortage of appropriate placements for students with complex needs. The pressure on schools without regional support programs. And the policy choices that shape how districts respond when behaviors escalate.If you are a parent, educator, or advocate in Alabama, this is a conversation worth hearing. Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this Candidate Conversations episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, hosts Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Chad “Chig” Martin, a Democratic candidate for governor.Chig shares his path from a blue-collar upbringing in Enterprise to building Thunder Industrial Supply, then launching Alabama’s first hemp dispensary, Honeysuckle Hemp Company. He lays out what he calls a citizens-driven movement, powered by small-dollar donations and volunteers. He argues Alabama needs less party-line politics and more problem solving that puts everyday people first.The conversation covers big-picture priorities and specific proposals. Economic development and workforce training. Healthcare access and funding ideas, including a gambling-based revenue concept aimed at lowering costs and supporting rural hospitals. Prison reform through trade programs, parole and recidivism, and concerns about contracting and accountability inside the correctional system. Environmental protections, land use, and local pushback on major industrial projects, including carbon pipeline storage plans. Plus the political reality of campaign finance, media influence, and why voters across the state are paying closer attention than they used to.This episode is part of our ongoing Candidate Conversations series, where we give voters space to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. It contains personal opinions and perspectives shared by our guest. Statements made during this conversation reflect the views of the speaker and have not been independently verified by Make It Make Sense, Alabama or Murder Creek Media. We are not endorsing any candidate or position. This interview is presented so listeners can hear directly from the guest and are encouraged to consult primary sources, public records, and multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this Candidate Conversations episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Austin Sidwell, an America First Republican candidate running for Congress in Alabama’s First Congressional District.Sidwell is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a Major in the United States Air Force, where he trained as an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue pilot and deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He also holds a law degree from Faulkner University and an MBA from Liberty University. He says he is running as a non career politician focused on restoring accountability, fiscal discipline, and conservative leadership in Washington.The conversation moves from the big picture to what South Alabama is feeling right now including a rising cost of living, wage pressure on small businesses, distrust in institutions, and the gap between citizens and the systems meant to serve them. Sidwell shares how he views “the establishment,” why he supports term limits, and what he would prioritize around economic freedom, energy independence, and national security.Neeli and Whitney also press into topics voters are actively debating. His alignment with President Trump, where he disagrees, congressional stock trading and transparency, immigration enforcement and humanity, and how he thinks about the tradeoffs between security and personal freedoms. They close with what he wants voters to remember most: that he is running to serve South Alabama, and wants to stay accessible to constituents if elected.This episode is part of our ongoing Candidate Conversations series, where we give voters space to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. It contains personal opinions and perspectives shared by our guest. Statements made during this conversation reflect the views of the speaker and have not been independently verified by Make It Make Sense, Alabama or Murder Creek Media. We are not endorsing any candidate or position. Listeners are encouraged to consult primary sources, public records, and multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with JaMel Jermaine Brown. He is a Montgomery based pastor, community activist, and Democratic candidate for Alabama governor in 2026. Brown is also the pastor of House of Chosen. He founded the JaMel J. Brown Foundation and hosts The JaMel Brown Show.Brown describes himself as a conservative Democrat, or what he also calls an independent Democrat. He argues for a blend of labor and economic reforms alongside socially conservative positions. We talk through his core priorities, including fully legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, establishing a lottery and expanding gambling, a 32 hour work week, criminal justice reform focused on nonviolent offenses and sentencing, and a public safety model that supports law enforcement while demanding stronger training, mental health resources, and accountability.We also discuss one of the most talked about parts of Brown’s public persona. His social media presence is extremely active, and it can draw strong reactions. In this conversation, he explains why he believes authenticity matters more than fitting the traditional expectations of how a candidate “should” look or sound.This episode is part of our ongoing Candidate Conversations series, where we give voters space to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. It contains personal opinions and perspectives shared by our guest. Statements made during this conversation reflect the views of the speaker and have not been independently verified by Make It Make Sense, Alabama or Murder Creek Media. We are not endorsing any candidate or position. This interview is presented so listeners can hear directly from the guest and are encouraged to consult primary sources, public records, and multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Jeremy and Heather Clark, the husband and wife team behind C.4 Cattle Company and Vets to Cowboys in Grand Bay, Alabama.What started as a way to feed their special needs son clean, tolerable food grew into a working cattle operation. It also grew into a nonprofit mission. Vets to Cowboys focuses on bridging a real gap in Alabama agriculture. An older generation of farmers is aging out, too many family farms are disappearing, and first generation landowners often have no clear path to learn the basics safely and sustainably.Jeremy, a retired Army veteran, and Heather, with a background in healthcare and animal husbandry, explain what mentorship looks like in practice. They walk through the “blueprint” they wish they had. Soil studies before cattle. Fence and handling systems before buying animals. Rotational grazing, local networks, and why organizations like the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association matter even for people who do not own cattle yet.This conversation is about more than cattle. It’s about food, land, workforce, veteran transition, and what it takes to keep Alabama’s country roots alive while helping people build something real.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this Candidate Conversations episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Jodie Minor, a Carrollton native, retired U.S. Army officer, and candidate for Alabama State Senate District 21.Jodie shares the personal losses that shaped him, including the murder of his father when he was a child, and how those experiences pushed him toward public service. He walks through his career path from Army intelligence to becoming an officer, two combat tours in Iraq, and his time on Capitol Hill as an Army Congressional Fellow. He also discusses serving as Human Capital Director at the White House National Security Council under both the Biden and Trump administrations, and why he chose to step away in early 2025 to return home and focus on Alabama communities.The conversation digs into what Jodie calls the difference between “audio and video” in government: what’s said publicly versus what policy actually does. Together, they unpack school choice and public education funding, the closure of Pickens County Medical Center during the 2020 pandemic and what it has meant for rural families, and why hospital access is tied to economic survival in small counties.They also connect the dots between rising utility costs, PAC influence, and the push to change the Alabama Public Service Commission from an elected body to an appointed one. Neeli and Whitney keep it grounded in how these decisions hit real families, from monthly bills to poverty being criminalized.This episode is part of our ongoing Candidate Conversations series, where we give voters space to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. It contains personal opinions and perspectives shared by our guest. Statements made during this conversation reflect the views of the speaker and have not been independently verified by Make It Make Sense, Alabama or Murder Creek Media. We are not endorsing any candidate or position. This interview is presented so listeners can hear directly from the guest and are encouraged to consult primary sources, public records, and multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner sits down with Kaycee Cavender, Republican candidate for Alabama House District 40, which covers Cleburne County and parts of Calhoun County.Cavender is a small business owner, homeschool mother of four, and longtime grassroots advocate. In this conversation, she discusses her background in legal advocacy, her work to license midwives in Alabama, and her role in health freedom legislation including HB 12 and the Alabama Right to Refuse Act.The discussion also covers rural infrastructure concerns, property and grocery taxes, education policy, school choice, disability accommodations in testing, and the role of campaign finance in state politics.As with all Candidate Conversations episodes, this interview is presented to inform voters about a candidate’s positions in her own words. Make It Make Sense, Alabama provides a platform for candidates across the political spectrum. Views expressed by guests are their own.Listen on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Visit murdercreekmedia.com/makeitmakesensealabama for links and episode resources.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi and Neeli Faulkner sit down with Ken McFeeters, a Republican candidate for Governor of Alabama in the 2026 race. McFeeters is an insurance agency owner, former president of the Mid Alabama Republican Club, and a 2024 GOP primary candidate for Alabama’s 6th Congressional District who now describes his campaign as a grassroots, outsider push for “local control” and a reset in governance.McFeeters shares what he says pulled him from political involvement into running for office, including his views on COVID era shutdowns and government authority. He lays out his core priorities for Alabama: food independence, education reform, and what he calls a top to bottom rethink of the medical system. He also discusses property taxes, the role of state government under the Alabama Constitution, and why he believes a “virtuous population” is essential to long term freedom and economic growth.The conversation also touches on Alabama election culture and political fundraising, plus McFeeters’ recent public challenge to Tommy Tuberville’s residency claims, which he argues should be examined under Alabama’s residency requirements for governor. McFeeters explains his unconventional campaign strategy, including taking his message directly to the public with a bike pulled campaign sign, and he closes with the headline he wants voters to remember.This episode is part of our ongoing Candidate Conversations series, where we give voters space to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. It contains personal opinions and perspectives shared by our guest. Statements made during this conversation reflect the views of the speaker and have not been independently verified by Make It Make Sense, Alabama or Murder Creek Media. We are not endorsing any candidate or position. This interview is presented so listeners can hear directly from the guest and are encouraged to consult primary sources, public records, and multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we sit down with JR Bowling, a candidate for Alabama State Senate District 4.JR is a North Alabama native with a background in agriculture and manufacturing and decades of experience as a volunteer firefighter. He describes himself as a political outsider. Not because he lacks experience, but because his path into politics came through public service, not party leadership or career ambition.Our conversation begins with who JR is outside of campaigning. His work history. His family. And the values shaped by growing up in the fire service. From there, we talk about the moment that pushed him to run for office. An annexation bill that raised deeper questions for him about representation, discretion, and who state government is really serving.We discuss issues JR says he hears repeatedly from voters. Difficulty reaching elected officials. Legislation moving too quickly and without clarity. Decisions that appear to be made before public debate ever happens. He shares why transparency, accessibility, and clearly written laws matter to him, especially when those laws affect families, children, and basic quality of life.The conversation also touches on DHR concerns raised by parents across the state, the long term impact of Alabama’s gas tax, and the influence of money in politics. JR explains his opposition to HB445, his support for medical cannabis, and why he believes safer alternatives should be part of any serious conversation about public health and the opioid crisis.This episode is part of our ongoing Candidate Conversations series, where we give voters space to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. It contains personal opinions and perspectives shared by our guest. Statements made during this conversation reflect the views of the speaker and have not been independently verified by Make It Make Sense, Alabama or Murder Creek Media. We are not endorsing any candidate or position. This interview is presented so listeners can hear directly from the guest and are encouraged to consult primary sources, public records, and multiple viewpoints when forming their own conclusions.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is produced by Murder Creek Media. To learn more about our work or listen to other episodes, visit murdercreekmedia.com.

In this Candidate Conversations episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we sit down with Dale Deas. He is a cardiac surgeon and biomedical engineer running in Alabama’s 2026 Republican U.S. Senate primary.Deas shares his path from medicine to politics. He details allegations of retaliation and whistleblower suppression after raising concerns about patient care, hospital consolidation, and corporate influence in healthcare. He explains why he believes federal and institutional accountability has failed. And why he says those failures affect everyday Alabamians.We also discuss his campaign priorities. Healthcare reform. Whistleblower protections. Teacher pay. Grocery taxes. And his pledge to reject corporate PAC money in favor of a people powered campaign.This conversation includes serious allegations and personal claims made by our guest. These claims have not been independently verified and are shared so listeners can hear his perspective in full. We encourage listeners to review primary sources and do their own research.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is a project of Murder Creek Media. Learn more at murdercreekmedia.com.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi and Neeli Faulkner sit down with Latoya Garrett, an Alabama mom who has spent nearly a decade fighting to reunite her family after what she describes as a false child abuse allegation that spiraled into years of separation, turnover, and trauma.Latoya also explains why her case became even more complicated after her children were placed with relatives out of state. She shares how she first learned about Alabama's McClendon standard in family court. She describes it as a high burden that can keep reunification out of reach even after a parent's circumstances improve, and even when a child is old enough to clearly voice where they want to live.This conversation includes personal allegations and claims related to ongoing child welfare and family court issues. It is shared for public interest and discussion, and reflects the perspective and experiences of the guest.Make It Make Sense, Alabama is a Murder Creek Media podcast focused on accountability, justice, and clarity around the issues that shape life in Alabama. Follow along and find listening links at murdercreekmedia.com/makeitmakesensealabama.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Elijah Davidson, a candidate for Alabama House District 95, for a wide ranging conversation about what voters are dealing with right now. Cost of living. Taxes. Housing. Political accountability. And the frustrations people feel when elected officials are hard to reach once they’re in office.Davidson shares how he got into politics through his high school Turning Point USA chapter, later working for former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and how volunteering with local charities shaped his views on poverty, pregnancy support, and state level policy decisions. The conversation moves through his platform priorities. Ending the grocery tax, tightening state spending, pushing for term limits, and increasing transparency around how representatives vote and how accessible they are to constituents.Neeli and Whitney also press on what accountability should look like in practice, what voters can do when they feel ignored, and why younger candidates say the “good old boy” system keeps people locked out. It’s a direct conversation about power. Who has it. Who doesn’t. And what it would take to change that in Alabama.Learn more about the candidate: davidsonfordistrict95.comThis episode discusses political viewpoints and policy proposals shared by the guest. It is presented for public interest and civic discussion, and does not constitute an endorsement.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi sits down with Jimmy Fuson, a South Alabama parent advocate who has been fighting to reunite with his daughter, Billyana, after she was taken into custody by Alabama Department of Human Resources. Commonly referred to as DHR in Alabama, the agency functions as the state’s child welfare authority, similar to Child Protective Services, or CPS, in other states.The conversation also explores Jimmy’s advocacy beyond his own case. He explains the idea behind “Billyana’s Bill,” a proposal aimed at creating third party oversight for complaints and increasing accountability in the system. He outlines additional reforms he believes Alabama should consider including due process protections, body cameras for DHR investigations, and expanding access to CASA support for families.This episode discusses allegations and personal claims related to ongoing child welfare cases. It is shared for public interest and discussion, and reflects the perspectives and experiences of the individuals speaking. Submit tips and story leads in Alabama. [email protected].

What happens when a public agency can tell you “trust us,” while keeping the evidence locked away? In the first episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi explain the Alabama Open Records Act through one of the most contested categories in the state: police body camera footage. They break down how open records requests are supposed to work, what exemptions agencies rely on, and how court decisions and recent legislative changes have tightened access over time.Their guest, attorney C.C. Moreno, joins the show to discuss her federal lawsuit against the City of Orange Beach after the city refused to release body camera footage connected to a reported incident at a public building on Labor Day weekend 2024. The conversation digs into why transparency matters, especially in cases involving power, public safety, and accountability.Guest C.C. Moreno is the Managing Partner of The Moreno Law Group, PLLC. Practicing since 2018, with a focus on real estate and personal litigation, C.C.’s recent work has increasingly centered on what happens when the official story doesn’t match the footage - because C.C. says that in Alabama and beyond, body cameras are supposed to protect the public, not the narrative.Submit tips and story leads in Alabama. [email protected].