Skeptical is a 12-episode serial podcast created and hosted by Neeli Faulkner that investigates the possibility of wrongful conviction in violent criminal cases. Each season focuses on one case, combining meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and powerful storytelling to uncover overlooked truths and raise critical questions about justice.

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Season 1 explores the case of State of Alabama v. Daniel Benjamin Blan and his co-defendant Tony Quince. Blan was convicted of murdering his adoptive father, Mike Bernos - a beloved teacher and coach at Verbena High School - was found stabbed to death in his Rockford, Alabama home. Despite no physical evidence tying Blan to the crime, he was convicted based on circumstantial testimony alone. Blan has always maintained his innocence.

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Over two decades later, host Neeli Faulkner began reinvestigating the case, uncovering new witnesses, overlooked evidence, and serious gaps in the original investigation. This new evidence is now part of Blan and Quince's post-conviction appeals.

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Each episode runs between 30-60 minutes, and the series is accompanied by bonus content under the Beyond the Pod series - offering deeper insights, interviews, and updates as the investigation continues.

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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 mid 2025, Season 2 will feature at least 10 main episodes, each diving into the intricacies of the case, along with 10 “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.