What was it like living in 1979 in Atlanta? You would think that it must be peaceful, and it was until it wasn’t. Reporters would remind the people where your kids are and if they had gotten home at 10 PM. The people in the area were bombarded with news of the disappearance of black kids during this time. The Atlanta Monster Podcast talks about the Atlanta child murders and its known and alleged perpetrator, Wayne Williams.
The host and journalist Payne Lindsey started his in-depth investigation through Atlanta Monster Podcast with the purpose of giving light to this “solved” case. Back in 1979, over 25 children and some adults, all African American, were reported to go missing. Which happened within two years. When Wayne Williams was convicted of two murders, they deemed that he had done all of the remaining ones. The cases were disregarded and closed.
Lindsey wanted to prove if Williams was guilty or innocent of other crimes that were never answered or looked into. The cases were over three decades ago, and Lindsey claims he got intrigued by the subject due to having a “dark secret” of the place. Was he able to provide a compelling story and answer the question he was trying to solve? Some may agree, and some may not. 
Why You Should Listen To The Atlanta Monster Podcast?
Regardless of whether people’s perception of the Atlanta Monsters Podcast was well-executed or not. No one can deny that Lindsey is a great narrator and host. He is well known for hosting his debut podcast, Up and Vanished. Where the podcast helped solve the case it was focusing on. He started as a documentary filmmaker and ventured upon podcasting, and Atlanta Monsters is his sophomore podcast. One admirable thing in the podcast is his drive to answer the question he is trying to answer.
In the podcast, you would feel the intention and eagerness to know the truth about this heavy case without being biased. Lindsey’s heart is in the right place when he narrates the stories. He talked to several people, such as family members, involved officers, and many others that may have had a say in the case. Lindsey was able to talk to Williams himself regarding his case. Another great thing to love about Atlanta Monsters was the thorough breakdown of the racial tension in Atlanta during the mentioned time. All victims were African-American, and most of them were children. Hence, an investigation into whether this may be racially motivated was touched upon and pondered. Politics were also a factor where people tried to solve the case so they could solve it and not give the area a bad reputation. Different views from people in the area had different opinions, and the podcast sheds light on the possibility.
Drawback Of The Podcast
Some were certainly critical of the podcast’s direction, and I understand their sentiments. To start off, the podcast provided repeated information throughout the whole project. Some believe the show had no direction in the first place, and it has lost its route since it explored too many conspiracy theories. When listening to the podcast, you will notice the long, drawn-out interviews and narration that may seem unnecessary.
It seems like there were filler stories on some of the episodes that would not have added much information or relevance to the story. Another issue is the podcast’s sources which seemed to not be too credible. But led to many unreliable theories that may not have any basis. People were disappointed that the podcast had so much potential in its promising early episodes but had ultimately lost its direction. Even though I enjoyed the podcast, I believe and feel this way, too.
Also Read: S-Town Podcast Review
Final Thoughts
Atlanta Monsters certainly did yield positive and negative reactions from the listeners. Ultimately, I believe the podcast is still a great listen. Even though it may not be the best true crime podcast out there. The podcast’s perspective gave us a glimpse and reminder of the case that had shocked the nation in its own time. It is saddening that most victims were not given the justice. They deserved when their cases were closed, just like that. Whether the podcast has made its purpose will still depend on the listener, and you can still try it. Check out the Atlanta Monsters and see for yourself.
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