Media Kit
This media kit offers a complete overview of our podcast, including advertising opportunities and partnership options. We value your interest in partnering with us to amplify the reach and impact of our investigative stories.
Skeptical
About Skeptical
Skeptical is an investigative true-crime podcast created and hosted by Neeli Faulkner, examining the possibility of wrongful conviction in violent criminal cases. Each season follows Neeli's journey as she meticulously unravels the stories behind controversial cases, revealing new evidence and overlooked details through thorough investigation and compelling storytelling.
Season 1 focuses on a single case, exploring the complexities of the justice system and the human lives caught in its web. The season is composed of 10 full episodes, each lasting between 45 to 60 minutes, plus additional episodes featuring interviews with former exonerees and 10 bonus episodes that offer additional insights and interviews to premium subscribers. The narrative is driven by Neeli's dedication to uncovering the truth, engaging listeners in the pursuit of justice.
Skeptical's regular season is free to listen to and is supported by its listeners through donations and partnerships. You can support the show by becoming a subscriber on Spotify or by purchasing exclusive Skeptical merchandise (coming soon).
Sensitive Content Warning
Skeptical includes detailed descriptions of violent crime scenes, including murder, and discusses topics that may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly children. Sensitive content such as graphic depictions of violence, discussions of traumatic events, and references to disturbing subject matter are integral to the storytelling. Individual content warnings are provided in the show notes for each episode.
Independent Production
Skeptical is an independent podcast, created and produced by Neeli with the help of the dedicated team at Murder Creek Media. Without backing from any production studio or corporate entity, we have the freedom to explore cases thoroughly and tell the stories that matter most. While this independence allows for creative control, it also means that we rely heavily on listener support to keep the show going.
The podcast is currently funded by donations from listeners, merchandise sales, and occasional ad or affiliate revenue. Your support not only sustains Skeptical but also enables us to continue our in-depth investigations and storytelling.
Upcoming Seasons
Skeptical originally launched in July 2018, captivating listeners with its ten-episode exploration of a controversial case. Since then, new evidence has come to light that dramatically alters the understanding of the case, raising new questions about the subject’s guilt or innocence. As a result, Neeli and the Murder Creek Media team are in the process of rewriting Season 1 to include this crucial information.
The reimagined Season 1 will not only feature the updated narrative but also include bonus episodes where producers discuss each episode in detail and provide additional insights. In addition, interviews with exonerees will offer listeners a deeper understanding of the justice system. Premium subscribers will have access to extended audio interviews, offering even more exclusive content.
Meanwhile, Season 2 is in active development, with a new case currently under investigation. Slated for release in early 2025, Season 2 will consist of ten regular episodes, along with ten “insider” episodes where producers offer additional commentary and insights, as well as additional episodes featuring former exonerees to held shed light on injustices within our criminal justice system.
To stay informed about the release of the reimagined Season 1 and the upcoming Season 2, subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app or sign up for our newsletter. Premium subscribers will enjoy early access to new episodes and exclusive content, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of our latest investigations.
Meet the Host
Neeli Faulkner is the founder of Murder Creek Media and the senior producer and host of the acclaimed investigative true-crime podcast, Skeptical. With a passion for justice and a meticulous eye for detail, Neeli has dedicated her career to uncovering the truth behind wrongful convictions and giving a voice to those who have been silenced.
Neeli graduated summa cum laude from Columbia Southern University
with a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems and Cybersecurity. She is a proud member of Omega Nu Lambda and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Her background in investigation and her drive to seek justice make her an invaluable asset in the world of true crime journalism.
Neeli's mission is to uncover the truth and seek justice for those who have been wrongfully convicted. Through thorough investigations, empathetic storytelling, and community engagement, she aims to make a difference in the legal system and in the lives of those affected by wrongful convictions.
Where to Listen
Skeptical Podcast is available on multiple platforms, making it easy for you to tune in from wherever you are. Choose your preferred platform and join us as we delve into compelling investigations and uncover the truth behind wrongful convictions.
Listener Reviews
Skeptical was the first podcast I ever listened to and it got me hooked on the genre.
Leslie Wells
OMG on the edge of my seat each and every episode! Neeli does a fantastic job covering all the bases and providing complete information.
Danielle Hutto
Not a huge crime podcast person, but this podcast caught my attention from the jump and had me begging for more.
Carrie Morrow
The first season was captivating and held me at the end of my seat while listening. Each episode made you question more and more what was actually the truth.
Kaitlin Norris
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the effectiveness of my ad measured?
We provide detailed reports on ad performance, including download numbers, listener demographics, and engagement metrics. This ensures you can measure the return on investment (ROI) for your campaign.
Can I get a sample of how my ad will sound?
Yes, we offer ad samples upon request. This allows you to hear how your message will be presented within our podcast.
What is a CPM rate, and how it is used to calculate advertising costs?
CPM stands for "Cost Per Mille," where "Mille" is Latin for thousand. It refers to the cost an advertiser pays per 1,000 impressions (or listens) of an ad on our podcast. For example, if the CPM rate is $30, and your ad receives 10,000 impressions in one month, the total cost would be $300 for that month.
To calculate the total amount owed to Murder Creek Media, we multiple the CPM rate by the number of thousands of impressions your ad receives. This straightforward calculation ensures that advertising costs are directly linked to the number of listeners who hear your ad on Skeptical.
Do you provide analytics on how many listens an episode receives?
Yes, we provide a detailed 30-day analytics report to show how many listens an episode received during that month. This data is sourced directly from Spotify, our podcast hosting platform, ensuring accuracy and transparency. These insights are valuable for advertisers to gauge the reach and effectiveness of their ads on the podcast.
What types of ads do you offer?
We offer both host-read ads and pre-recorded scripted ads. Host-read ads are integrated naturally into our episodes, providing a personal endorsement that resonates well with our audience.
How long does an ad placement last?
Ad placements are typically for the duration of the episode’s lifecycle. Your ad will remain in the episode indefinitely unless otherwise specified in the agreement.
Can I sponsor multiple episodes or series?
Absolutely! We offer discounts and special rates for multi-episode or season-long sponsorships. Please contact us to discuss custom packages.
What is the demographic profile of the Skeptical audience?
Our audience primarily consists of individuals aged 35-55, with a strong interest in true crime, investigative journalism, and social justice. We can provide more detailed demographic insights upon request to help tailor your advertising strategy.
What types of businesses are ideal for advertising on Skeptical?
Skeptical podcast is a great platform for businesses that align with our audience's interests and values. Ideal advertisers include companies in the true crime, legal services, mental health, publishing, and investigative journalism industries. Additionally, businesses offering products and services related to technology, cybersecurity, education, and social justice will find our listeners highly engaged and receptive. We're also open to partnering with organizations focused on advocacy, non-profits, and ethical brands that resonate with our mission.
What are the content guidelines for ads on Skeptical?
We maintain high standards for the content we accept for advertising. Ads should align with the values of our show and be relevant to our audience. We do not accept ads for products or services that conflict with the ethical standards of our investigative work.
What is the process for getting an ad approved and placed on the podcast?
Once you submit your ad content, our team will review it to ensure it aligns with our brand and audience. After approval, we'll schedule it for placement in the agreed-upon episode(s). We work closely with you throughout the process to ensure everything runs smoothly.
How are payments processed for advertising on Skeptical?
Payments are typically processed on a monthly basis after the ad run. We accept various payment methods and will provide a detailed invoice for your records.
Partner Pricing
$20 CPM
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Can be host-read or pre-produced
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Maximum 15 seconds
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Occurs within first 30 seconds of episode
Pre-Roll Ads
$30 CPM
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Can be host-read or pre-produced
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Maximum 60 seconds
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Occurs at the mid point of the episode
Mid-Roll Ads
$15 CPM
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Can be host-read or pre-produced
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Maximum 15 seconds
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Occurs during the last 30 seconds of the episode