5 beautifully crafted podcasts you have never heard of
I’m constantly hitting up friends and colleagues for podcast recommendations, but my quest often finds me trolling through the Top Shows and Binge-worthy list for inspiration and finding little, so I thought I would share my list of hidden gems, found far off the beaten track. I hope they brighten your day as much as they did mine.
Lost in Larrimah
Perhaps the most authentic endorsement I can give is that Lost in Larrimah is the only podcast I have ever listened to twice (in fact I’ve listened to it 4 times). Centred on the disappearance of local man Paddy Moriarty from a tiny remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, the podcast captures the essence of the outback in a manner that is funny, intimate and absolutely captivating. Told by young journalists Kylie Stevenson and Caroline Graham, the story is rich and beautifully odd. The production is good without being slick and the characters of Larrimah are given the freedom to shine and take the story on many unexpected twists and turns. Whether it’s the pie wars, the mystery of the missing train or the infamous donkey penis incident, the town’s history will surprise and delight.
While the quest to understand more about Paddy’s disappearance is given the time and respect it deserves, it is the many stories, conflicts and tall tales that sit around it that make this podcast so magical. You will go in expecting true crime and leave in love with a tiny town with a pink pub, one-eyed crocodile and more personality than a gameshow host convention.
The Enforcer
Billed as the “the last great mafia story”, The Enforcer tells the story of hitman Anthony Salvatore Luciano Raimondi in his own words. This includes, but is not limited to becoming a made man, being locked up for life, only to end up a sniper in the Vietnam war, dealings with many recognisable mafia legends, involvement in the famous Lufthansa heist and a plot to assassinate the pope. Phew…
While this should most likely be filed under tall tales, rather than a factual recount, Raimondi is captivating in his telling. From the East-coast mobster accent to the many slang terms and euphemisms, The Enforcer will have you feeling like an extra in Goodfellas. While the story is well produced and edited, the hosts are more of a distraction than an asset and it’s a good thing they have limited their airtime and given Raimondi star billing.
If you like to get lost in the telling of an incredible story and are willing to step over a few plot holes and duck a healthy dose of self-promotion, it will take some self-control not to consume this 10 part podcast in a single sitting.
The Nobody Zone
This riveting documentary podcast from Ireland’s RTE profiles one of the most incredible stories you have never heard of. Telling the story of homeless Irishman Kieran Patrick Kelly, who is accused of committing somewhere between 13–31 murders over a 60 year period. This is not your standard serial killer tale and is littered with discoveries, twists and half-truths, driven by many competing agendas.
While Kelly himself is a compelling character, it is the personalities that surround him that keeps this story fresh and unpredictable. Perhaps the most bizarre of these is ex-cop and author Geoff Platt, who brought the story back into the headlines with his 2015 book with allegations of a Home Office cover-up. Platt himself is a deeply troubled soul, compulsive liar and probably worthy of his own podcast.
Kelly’s origin story is a rich and harrowing one, immersing the listener in the man’s distorted sense of reality and seemingly easy transition from homeless alcoholic to prolific serial killer. While the content is often uncomfortable to hear, it is equally fascinating.
The journalist and presenter talents are exceptional and are complemented by flawless production and a well-constructed soundtrack. The work that has gone into this podcast shows and the result is a stunning example of the craft.
Who the hell is Hamish?
This understated gem of a podcast tells the story of serial conman Hamish Watson through the voices and stories of his many victims. Vile narcissist Watson weasels his way into their lives and leaves a trail of heartbreak, regret and financial ruin in his wake. While the full extent of his crimes may never be fully known, a conservative estimate of his swindles tops 7 million dollars.
Hosted by Australian journalist Greg Bearup, the story is well researched and flows in a way that will build empathy for the victims, a hatred for the perpetrator and frustration with a system that has allowed him to operate for many years without a conviction. The podcast ran concurrent to legal proceedings, creating real suspense and ultimately some closure, which is an increasingly rare feature of the true-crime genre.
The production quality is good and the host has the casual appeal of a close friend telling you a story, but the real star here is the editing. There is an enormous amount of information served up here but is structured in a way that unfolds effortlessly and strikes the perfect balance between informing and entertaining.
Dust — Flight 008
Flight 008 is the second series of Dust and in my view far superior to the first. The podcast tells the story of an ANA flight that departs Tokyo and arrives in San Fransisco 20 years into the future, one seat at a time. Each 20–30 minute episode explores the experience of a single passenger, told in the first person in real-time.
It’s easy to underestimate the difficulty of the task that Flight 008 sets itself, as it executes so well. Exposition, character development and compelling storytelling are expertly delivered in all 11 episodes, so it’s no surprise that the writer list reads like a who’s who of sci-fi, including, Nancy Kress, Daniel H. Wilson, Ken Liu and Charles Yu.
The exceptional writing is complemented by first-class production and performances by Hollywood talent like Danny Trejo, Calista Flockhart and Alfred Molina. This podcast is one of the shining examples of the emerging fiction genre and will entertain while exploring important issues like technology, the environment and relationships. Stunning!
I hope this list will make your next walk, ride or gym session a little more enjoyable.
