COJ #167 - Journalist Matt Shaer On The Truths Found Between Entertainment & Justice

Investigative journalists ⁠⁠Mandy Matney⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠Liz Farrell⁠⁠ sit down with Matth Shaer, the journalist and co-founder of Campside Media behind some of the most compelling true crime podcasts of the past decade - Over My Dead Body, Suspect, and Origin Stories.

Matt opens up about the evolution of true crime podcasting, from his early days working with Wondery to building Campside Media, and the ethical tightrope walk of turning real tragedies into narrative entertainment. 

Matt brings a unique perspective on building audience trust while maintaining journalistic integrity. He shares why some stories deserve to be told, what makes a case podcast-worthy beyond just being shocking, and how storytelling can actually drive real criminal justice reform.

Plus, don’t forget Alex Murdaugh's Supreme Court appeal hearing happens this Wednesday at 9:30 AM ET - and we'll be watching live with Premium Members and re-broadcasting to YouTube.

☕ Cups Up! ⚖️

Episode References

Meet Matt Shaer and give Over My Dead Body, Suspect, Origin Stories a listen 🎧

“Matthew Shaer Still Believes in Podcasts” - Columbia Journalism Review, Sept 3, 2025 📰

“Legal Academic World Shaken by Shooting Death of FSU Professor” - The Wall Street Journal, July 21, 2014 📰

20/20’s "Meddler or Murderer?" episode - Jan 2, 2026 on Disney+/Hulu 🎞️

“'Pity and disgust': Woman deceived by Colorado dentist who poisoned his wife discusses trial, aftermath” - ABC News, Sept 19, 2025 📰

“The False Promise of DNA Testing” - The Atlantic, June 2016 📰

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

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