By: Alex Rivers
Date: April 20, 2017
Stop whatever you’re currently engaged in and download all seven episodes of the S-Town podcast right now. Seriously. You might just want to park your kids in front of a screen for a while, grab some headphones, and push any guilt about parenting to the side — it’s that captivating.
I binged the entire S-Town podcast in roughly 48 hours, which might speak volumes about my self-discipline. During that time, I was completely oblivious to whether I had showered or if my kids had eaten. I was lost in a world that centers around Woodstock, Alabama. A listener mentioned that diving into this podcast is akin to stepping into a novel — and they were spot on. It’s a real-life story filled with elements of potential murder, a brilliant yet eccentric clockmaker with secrets, hidden treasure, and an ending that will leave you reeling. Trust me, I learned quite a bit.
The central figure, John B. McLemore, is deeply disillusioned with his hometown of Woodstock, yet he can’t seem to leave. According to the podcast’s description, he reaches out to a producer named Brian, asking him to investigate a wealthy family’s son who is rumored to have committed murder. But things take a turn when another person winds up dead, leading to a bitter feud, a treasure hunt, and the unraveling of one man’s enigmatic life.
What’s even better? It’s free!
Produced by the creators of Serial and This American Life, I genuinely felt like Brian Reed became a close friend during my seven-hour journey through this bizarre tale. His storytelling brought the town to life in a relatable and humorous way, making me feel as though I was navigating John B. McLemore’s intricate world, visiting a tattoo shop, or piecing together the astonishing connections between the locals.
Having grown up in a small town with its own peculiar characters and unresolved mysteries, I found the producers did an excellent job uncovering the cultural, socioeconomic, and racial complexities of a Southern small town. This podcast has ignited a desire in me to visit Woodstock one day — did I mention I’m slightly obsessed with this story?
I won’t spoil any details, as experiencing each twist and turn is essential. There was a moment when I literally had to pause the podcast to pick my jaw up off the floor. I highly recommend sharing this journey with someone else so you can both process the emotional rollercoaster; otherwise, you might end up being that friend who won’t stop nudging people to listen.
Variety reported that the S-Town podcast achieved over 10 million downloads in just four days. Once you start, it’s no mystery why.
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In summary, the S-Town podcast is an enthralling exploration of life in a small Southern town, blending elements of mystery, humor, and reality. This engaging narrative will leave you eagerly anticipating every twist and turn.