Skeptical is an investigative true crime podcast created and hosted by Neeli Faulkner, which examines 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.

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Season 1 is presented in two parts, both of which focus on the case of State of Alabama v. Daniel Benjamin Blan, a man convicted of the 1994 murder of his adoptive father, Mike Bernos. Mike, a beloved teacher and coach at Verbena High School, was found murdered in his Rockford, Alabama home in July of 1994. Daniel has always maintained his innocence, asserting that he was wrongfully convicted based solely on circumstantial evidence, with no physical evidence presented at trial.

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Over two decades later, Neeli began reinvestigating the case, interviewing witnesses, jurors, attorneys, and law enforcement agents, which led to the discovery of new evidence. This evidence is now part of Daniel's post-conviction appeals, giving new hope to a case many thought closed.

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Part 1 of Season 1 features seven episodes that dig deep into the original investigation, trial, and conviction, while Part 2, set to air in November 2024, buildings toward a gripping finale that listeners won't see coming.

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With a total of 10 full episodes, each running around 30 to 45 minutes, plus 10 bonus episodes offering additional insights and interviews, Skeptical brings listeners on a compelling journey through the complexities of the justice system and the human lives affected by it. Driven by Neeli's dedication to uncovering the truth, the podcast engages listeners in the pursuit of justice.

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Skeptical is free to listen to and is supported by its audience through donations and partnerships. You can support the show by subscribing on any podcast platform or by making a small donation.

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.

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.

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The podcast is currently funded by donations from listeners, merchandise sales, and occasional ad revenue. Your support not only sustains Skeptical but also enables us to continue our in-depth investigations and storytelling.

Skeptical first launched in July 2018, captivating listeners with a ten-episode exploration of Daniel's controversial case. Since its initial release, new evidence has surfaced that dramatically alters the understanding of the case, raising new questions about Daniel’s guilt or innocence. In light of these revelations, Neeli and the Murder Creek Media team have reimagined and updated Season 1 to include this critical information, which began airing on October 1, 2024.

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Meanwhile, Season 2 is actively in development, centered around a new case that is currently under investigation. Scheduled for release in early 2025, Season 2 will feature at least ten main episodes, each diving into the intricacies of the case, along with ten “insider” episodes offering exclusive commentary and insights from the production team.

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To stay updated on the reimagined Season 1 and the upcoming Season 2, subscribe to Skeptical on your favorite podcast platform or sign up for our newsletter. Premium subscribers receive early access to episodes and exclusive content, ensuring you’re always first in line for our latest discoveries.

For media inquiries or to learn more about Skeptical, please feel free to download our full press kit. The kit includes detailed information about the podcast, high-resolution images, logos, and more.

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Click here to access the Skeptical Press Kit via Dropbox.