This week on Make It Make Sense Alabama, Whitney and Neeli sit down with John Mills, a retired U.S. Navy pilot and constitutional conservative running for Congress in Alabama's newly drawn First District. John shares his path from enlisting at 17 to a 26-year Navy career, his award-winning work in emergency management during Gulf Coast hurricanes, and how that experience shapes his views on disaster preparedness today. The conversation turns to election integrity, where John discusses his work with Dr. Douglas Frank and Mike Lindell, hand-counting initiatives in Mobile, and his concerns about voter rolls, while Whitney shares an update on her own contested school board election. They also dig into America First policy issues affecting the Gulf Coast, including shrimp imports and CO2 carbon capture legislation, before wrapping up with a rapid-fire round covering everything from Waffle House orders to term limits.

00:00 Welcome to Make It Make Sense Alabama

01:09 Meet John Mills: Navy pilot turned Congressional candidate

02:02 Catching up on other District One candidates

06:47 Emergency management: the Millington evacuation and Florida's Professional of the Year award

14:20 Whitney's contested election and the road to election integrity work

18:10 Hand-counting ballots and concerns about voter rolls

19:52 Building county-by-county election integrity teams

30:50 Career politicians, Trump's endorsement, and District One's split

32:22 America First: shrimp imports and USAID concerns

33:39 CO2 carbon capture and eminent domain in Alabama

35:32 Republic vs. democracy: John's constitutionalist philosophy

38:16 Engaging younger voters

40:34 Campaign priorities: faith, family, freedom

43:59 Rapid-fire round begins

54:32 Endorsements and closing thoughts

56:34 Election date reminder and sign-off

Make It Make Sense, Alabama is a production of Murder Creek Media, an independent investigative journalism organization focused on accountability, justice, transparency, and stories that deserve a closer look.

If you'd like to support our work, every contribution helps us continue filing public records requests, obtaining documents, and producing independent investigations.

❤️ Support our work:⁠https://murdercreekmedia.com/donate⁠

📧 Send tips or story ideas:⁠[email protected]⁠

Follow, subscribe, and share the show to help us bring power back to the people.

We're back... and we've got a lot to talk about.

In this special Yap Session, Neeli and Whitney sit down to catch up on everything that's been happening behind the scenes at Murder Creek Media. From why episodes have been delayed to the investigative projects currently in the works, this is an unfiltered conversation about where we've been, where we're headed, and why we're more committed than ever to holding power accountable.

We discuss the overwhelming number of tips coming into our inboxes, what's next for Make It Make Sense, Alabama, the upcoming Murder in Mobile County investigative series, and our newest long-form reporting project, Tony Crony. We also talk about the importance of citizen tips, why transparency matters, and how everyday Alabamians can help bring accountability back to government.

If you've been wondering what we've been up to... this one's for you.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome back! Where have we been?
01:00 How you can support Murder Creek Media
03:00 Why every tip matters (and please don't send us riddles)
07:10 New developments in Alabama DHR coverage
09:05 Murder in Mobile County update
10:20 The future of Make It Make Sense, Alabama
13:55 Introducing the Tony Crony investigative series
18:15 Why context matters in investigative journalism
22:05 Why investigative reporting isn't free
24:40 Bringing power back to the people
27:50 Help us investigate. Send your tips

Make It Make Sense, Alabama is a production of Murder Creek Media, an independent investigative journalism organization focused on accountability, justice, transparency, and stories that deserve a closer look.

If you'd like to support our work, every contribution helps us continue filing public records requests, obtaining documents, and producing independent investigations.

❤️ Support our work:
https://murdercreekmedia.com/donate

📧 Send tips or story ideas:
[email protected]

Follow, subscribe, and share the show to help us bring power back to the people.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, we continue our look at Alabama's child welfare system by speaking with Baldwin County mother Lindsey Barrios, who shares her experience navigating DHR, family court, and a custody battle that has now stretched on for years.

Lindsey walks us through the timeline leading up to the removal of her children, including two separate custody disputes, allegations that she says she wasn't informed of until months later, and evidence she believes should have changed the course of her case.

We also talk about broader questions surrounding due process in Alabama dependency proceedings, the role of mandatory reporting, proposed legislation that sought to expand parents' rights, and why many families say they struggle to receive meaningful explanations once DHR becomes involved.

As with every episode in this series, the statements made by Lindsey Barrios reflect her personal account and allegations regarding her case.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Meet Lindsey Barrios
03:20 Two Custody Battles Collide
08:10 The Journal That Raised Questions
12:05 DHR Arrives to Remove the Children
14:40 The 72-Hour Hearing
17:30 Learning the Allegations Months Later
20:05 A Five-Year Court Battle
22:00 Due Process and Alabama Law
26:00 HB 464 and Parents' Rights
30:20 Lindsey's Message to Lawmakers
31:00 Closing

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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:13 Overview of the case

02:00 Details of the stop

04:18 Incident report breakdown

07:06 Alabama pedestrian laws

09:39 ID laws and context

11:52 Police body camera footage

31:31 Initial reactions to the footage

58:19 Interview with Nolan Keel

01:33:37 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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 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 needed

If 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.