Mandy Matney Bio, Age, Height, Salary, Net Worth Fitsnews, Murdaugh Murders Podcast
Mandy Matney, born on August 26, 1990, is an American journalist, podcaster, and author renowned for her investigative work on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast (now True Sunlight) and her book Blood on Their Hands: Murder, Corruption, and the Fall of the Murdaugh Dynasty.

A University of Kansas journalism graduate, she has worked for newspapers in Missouri, Illinois, and South Carolina, including The Island Packet and FITSNews.
Matney’s coverage of the Murdaugh family’s crimes, starting with a 2019 boat crash, catapulted her to fame, earning her the South Carolina Press Association’s 2017 First Place Award for Social Media and a global following. As CEO of Luna Shark Media, she continues to expose corruption through podcasts like True Sunlight and Cup of Justice.
Early Life and Family
Mandy Matney was born in Shawnee, Kansas, to her parents, whose names are not publicly disclosed. She experienced a profound loss when her older brother, Michael, died on December 11, 1997, at age nine, when Mandy was seven. She described him as “witty, fearless, talented, brilliant, and kind” in a 2021 tribute marking the 24th anniversary of his death. Matney graduated from the University of Kansas in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications, emphasizing news and information. Her college activities included Delta Gamma, the Editorial Board of The University Daily Kansan, and running/exercise. In 2016, at age 26, she was diagnosed with skin cancer, a result of teenage tanning bed use, and now advocates for skin cancer screenings.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Mandy Matney |
Date of Birth | August 26, 1990 |
Age (as of 2025) | 34 years |
Birthplace | Shawnee, Kansas, USA |
Nationality | American |
Siblings | Michael (brother, deceased 1997) |
Education | B.S. in Journalism, University of Kansas (2012) |
Physical Attributes
Mandy Matney stands at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and maintains an active lifestyle, including running, which she pursued during college. Her approachable demeanor and Kansas roots resonate with her audience, complementing her mission-driven journalism.
Physical Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Height | 5’4” (163 cm) |
Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Blue |
Personal Life: Husband and Relationships
Mandy Matney is married to David Moses, her former fiancé and now husband, as of 2022. They met on Facebook in 2018, went on their first date at the Old Fort Pub in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and traveled to nine countries in their first year together. David, a marketing and production professional, produces Matney’s podcasts and serves as COO of Luna Shark Media. The couple lives in Hilton Head with their dogs, Luna and Joe Pesky. Matney values privacy, focusing public discussions on her work and advocacy for victims.[](https://murdaughmurderspodcast.com/the-team)[](https://www.bookpage.com/interviews/journalist-mandy-matney-discusses-reporting-on-alex-murdaugh-a-man-who-destroys-everyone-in-his-wake/)
Personal Details | Information |
---|---|
Marital Status | Married to David Moses (2022) |
Children | None |
Pets | Luna and Joe Pesky (dogs) |
Career Journey
Mandy Matney’s journalism career began at the University of Kansas, where she was a columnist, opinion editor, and copy editor for The University Daily Kansan (2010-2012). She interned at the Mid-America Regional Council (2011-2012) and worked as a student assistant at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association (2009) and Goldblatt Tool Company (2008). After graduating in 2012, she served as managing editor at the Waynesville Daily Guide in Missouri (2012-2014) and digital/news editor at the Danville Commercial News in Illinois (2014-2016).
In 2016, Matney joined The Island Packet in Bluffton, South Carolina, as a digital projects reporter, earning the South Carolina Press Association’s 2017 First Place Award for Individual Use of Social Media. She became a real-time news editor before leaving in 2019 due to conflicts with an editor over her Murdaugh coverage. In 2020, she joined FITSNews as news director, focusing on Lowcountry reporting. Her coverage of the 2019 Mallory Beach boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh sparked the Murdaugh Murders Podcast (launched June 2021), which became the #1 podcast globally in 2021. Renamed True Sunlight in 2023, it expanded to other true crime stories, joined by Cup of Justice (#1 in February 2023). Matney founded Luna Shark Media, where she serves as CEO, and executive produces a Hulu series based on her podcast, starring Patricia Arquette, set for 2025. Her 2023 book, Blood on Their Hands, details the Murdaugh saga and her investigative journey. )
Career Highlights | Details |
---|---|
Education | B.S. Journalism, University of Kansas (2012) |
Early Roles | Waynesville Daily Guide (2012-2014), Danville Commercial News (2014-2016) |
The Island Packet | Digital Projects Reporter (2016-2019), Real-Time News Editor |
FITSNews | News Director (2020-present) |
Podcasts | Murdaugh Murders (2021-2023), True Sunlight (2023-present), Cup of Justice (2023-present) |
Book | Blood on Their Hands (2023) |
Awards | South Carolina Press Association First Place for Social Media (2017) |
2025 Projects | Hulu’s Murdaugh Murders series (executive producer) |
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mandy Matney’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, up from $1 million in 2022, driven by her podcast success, book sales, and Hulu deal. Her annual salary at FITSNews is approximately $70,000, supplemented by podcast revenue ($100,000-$200,000 annually) and book royalties ($50,000-$100,000). Luna Shark Media’s growth, with sponsorships and premium subscriptions, boosts her income.
Financial Details | Information |
---|---|
Net Worth (2025) | $1.5 million (estimated) |
Annual Salary | $70,000 (FITSNews) + podcast/book revenue |
Income Sources | Journalism, podcasting, book royalties, Hulu deal |
Famous Works and Achievements
Matney’s Murdaugh Murders Podcast (2021-2023) topped Apple Podcasts in 2021, earning a top 10 spot for best new podcasts. Renamed True Sunlight, it continues to expose corruption, while Cup of Justice debuted at #1 in 2023. Her book, Blood on Their Hands (November 2023), is a bestseller, praised by the Atlanta Journal Constitution for its depth. She won the South Carolina Press Association’s 2017 First Place Award for Social Media. Matney’s reporting on the Murdaugh family, starting with the 2019 Mallory Beach boat crash, led to global scrutiny of the “good old boy” system, with fans on X lauding her as a “truth-seeker” (@TrueCrimeFan).
2025 Updates
In 2025, Matney is executive producing a Hulu scripted series based on Murdaugh Murders, starring Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke, set to premiere later this year. True Sunlight and Cup of Justice continue to release weekly episodes, covering cases like the Mica Francis murder. Luna Shark Media is expanding with new investigative projects, and Matney is exploring a second book. She remains a vocal advocate for victims, speaking at events like the University of South Carolina’s “An Evening of True Sunlight” (2023).
Social Media Presence
Mandy Matney is active on Instagram (@mandy_matney) and X (@Mandy_Matney), with 150,000 and 50,000 followers, respectively. She shares updates on her podcasts, book, and advocacy work, engaging with fans and victims’ families. Her posts often highlight her dogs, Luna and Joe Pesky, and her Hilton Head lifestyle.
Platform | Handle | Followers (2025) |
---|---|---|
@mandy_matney | 150,000 | |
X | @Mandy_Matney | 50,000 |
Fun Facts
- Inspiration: Inspired by Sarah Koenig’s Serial and Netflix’s Making a Murderer.
- Health Advocacy: Survived skin cancer in 2016 and promotes screenings.
- Hobbies: Running, beach life, and spending time with her dogs, Luna and Joe Pesky.
- First Podcast: Recorded at her kitchen table with David Moses during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Challenges: Faced online harassment for her “vocal fry” but persisted with her podcast.
- Community Focus: Emphasizes local journalism’s role in accountability.
FAQs About Mandy Matney
1. Who is Mandy Matney?
Mandy Matney is an American journalist, podcaster, and author known for Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight, and Blood on Their Hands.
2. How old is Mandy Matney?
As of 2025, Mandy Matney is 34 years old, born on August 26, 1990.
3. Is Mandy Matney married?
Yes, she is married to David Moses as of 2022.
4. What is Mandy Matney’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million in 2025.
5. What are Mandy Matney’s most famous works?
She’s known for Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight, Cup of Justice, and Blood on Their Hands.
6. What are Mandy Matney’s 2025 projects?
She’s executive producing a Hulu series based on Murdaugh Murders and expanding Luna Shark Media.
7. Has Mandy Matney won any awards?
Yes, she won the South Carolina Press Association’s 2017 First Place Award for Social Media.
Conclusion
Mandy Matney’s relentless pursuit of truth has made her a leading voice in investigative journalism. From the Murdaugh Murders Podcast to True Sunlight and her bestseller Blood on Their Hands, she exposes corruption and advocates for victims. Her 2025 Hulu series and ongoing podcasts solidify her influence. Follow her on Instagram or X for updates. For more journalist biographies, visit CelebsWiki.info.
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