Serial certainly made a name on the podcast scene, mostly being dubbed as the best true crime podcast. That is why people were anticipating the next move of the people behind the podcast. Then, they released S-Town Podcast, which is nothing like the true crime podcast everyone expected it to be. Even the people who created it did not expect how it would turn out at first. S-Town started as a form of an email to “This American Life” in 2012. They received a message where a guy claimed that a murder happened in a town in Alabama, and the alleged murderer had been bragging about it. The small hometown is Woodstock, Alabama – also referred to as Sh– town by the email sender, John B. McLemore.
A year after sending emails, Brian Reed, the podcast host, and his team traveled to Woodstock to investigate the crime. Instead of a criminal investigation (which turned out to be nothing, by the way), Reed had started a friendship with McLemore, and his fascination grew over him.
Who Was McLemore?
McLemore was a horologist, a person who dealt with everything old timepiece related. More than that, in the first episode, we get to learn more about what kind of person he is and his love and hate for the place he is in. Their conversations about the Astrolabe that McLemore has done, a maze he built where he got lost sometimes, and everything else showed his quirky personality. At the same time, the great narration gives this a nice push.
In the very first episode, Reed wondered why he was still there at the place. Then came the second episode, where at the end, it was revealed that McLemore took his own life. So suddenly, the podcast turned out to be a 7 episode eulogy on McLemore and an exploration of humanity and life itself.
What Is Great About S-Town Podcast?
There is a lot to unpack on the story, and the podcast has become larger than itself. The funny thing was it was meant to be a true crime podcast, but it turned out to be, as cliche as it sounds, an exploration of life and how it is meant to live. Throughout the podcast, McLemore’s death opened up the stories of the people of Woodstock, but most especially his. The podcast was a refreshing story that some might deem as sad and poetic, but I will say it has given me life lessons I will cherish and carry with me.
Reed’s way of capturing the heart of the people certainly worked while he talked about McLemore’s life, most especially. There is an in-depth exploration of how rich his life was, as well as the other people in the town. Showing us how reality is for the people of Woodstock. Reed was never judgemental and full of understanding and sensitivity towards the people he talked about, regardless of what kind of person they were. Some called the S-Town Podcast a “fascinating study in humanity,” and I could not agree more.
What Is Not?
Some debate whether the story should be available for everyone to listen to or not. The story was exceptional in its own right and has always felt that way. But some may argue that McLemore’s death and the pain were exploited for glamor, and the podcast had been too invasive. They mostly say that the podcast has taken advantage of McLemore’s death and glorified it. In my opinion, Reed was able to convey his narration with sensitivity to the people involved, especially McLemore. Another debate is the exploration of McLemore’s life.
Some give criticism to the fact that the podcast outed him and has mentioned his sexuality as being queer. They believe that this information should no longer be examined or talked about at all since it is his private life, after all.
Final Thoughts About S-Town Podcast
S-Town is probably one of my favorite podcasts of all time. The complication of life has been explored in a way that you will learn a lot of things through the podcast. It is a podcast that I may not always come back to. But I will hold it dearly in my heart. It has been a pleasure to listen to the podcast that struck the hearts of so many people. I hope you will give it a try. Check out the S-Town podcast!
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