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:
tips@murdercreekmedia.com

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.