In this Beyond the Pod episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi take listeners behind the scenes to discuss real-time developments, political conversations, and investigative work happening outside the main episodes.

This episode covers:

• A major update in the Tony Quince case and the pending decision before the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals• Allegations of wrongful conviction and multiple witness recantations• The debate surrounding Baldwin County accountability Facebook groups• Transparency, anonymous posts, and public trust in local government• A newly appointed judgeship and questions surrounding the appointment• Rapid-moving Alabama Public Service Commission legislation

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, hosts Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Matt Gentry, Cullman County Sheriff and candidate for the Alabama Public Service Commission, to discuss rising power bills, utility regulation, and what the PSC actually does.

Gentry shares his background in law enforcement, why he’s running for the Alabama Public Service Commission, and what he believes is driving high electricity costs across Alabama. The conversation also explores PSC transparency, live streaming meetings, campaign contributions, solar farms, data centers, and proposed legislation including Senate Bill 360 and House Bill 475.

We also discuss how PSC decisions affect everyday Alabamians. From energy rates and natural gas to trucking regulations and infrastructure. Gentry outlines his stance on utility oversight, government accountability, and protecting ratepayers.

Topics Covered:
• Alabama Public Service Commission explained• Why Alabama power bills are rising• PSC transparency and public accountability• Solar farms and data centers in Alabama• Senate Bill 360 and House Bill 475• Campaign finance and utility PAC money• Energy policy and ratepayer protection• What the PSC regulates in Alabama

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, hosts Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Brent Woodall, Republican candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 2, to discuss the growing controversy surrounding the PSC, Alabama power rates, and proposed legislation that could reshape how commissioners are selected.

The Alabama Public Service Commission regulates utilities that impact nearly every household in the state. That includes electricity providers, rate structures, and long-term infrastructure decisions that directly affect monthly power bills. Recent reports showing Alabama among the highest electricity rates in the country have sparked renewed scrutiny of the PSC and calls for transparency, public hearings, and structural reform.

Woodall, a former Chief of Staff at the Alabama Public Service Commission and former prosecutor with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office, explains how the PSC operates behind the scenes, what commissioners actually do, and why some lawmakers are proposing major changes.

This conversation covers:
• Alabama Public Service Commission responsibilities• Alabama electricity rates and utility regulation• PSC transparency and public hearings• Proposed legislation affecting PSC elections• Appointed vs elected commissioners• Utility monopolies and ratepayer advocacy• Campaign finance concerns and utility influence• Why PSC decisions affect every Alabama resident• Voter turnout and statewide PSC elections• What changes candidates say are needed

If you’ve ever wondered why your power bill keeps rising, who regulates utility companies in Alabama, or how the Public Service Commission affects your daily life, this episode breaks it down in plain language.