I don't know really how to express how much I've enjoyed this series. Not only for the story, but for the way it's told. It's expertly composed into a compelling ride through the life of people living in a world so different from my own. Yet still captures an authentic slice of the human experience. A different team with the same recordings couldn't have created S-Town as the Serial have. Though not the happiest of stories, I feel like my views have been widened and my empathy for other humans deepened for having listened to this series. And for the bad reviews because you have to subscribe to NYT to listen to the whole series, know that it's worth every penny and you're supporting truly talented journalists.

I allowed Brian Reed’s superb podcast to wash over me for a week, chapter by chapter, descending deeper and deeper into the fascinating, tragic, and paradoxical world of John B. By the last chapter, I was profoundly moved, a feeling half ill and sad for a man not known to me personally, and yet his brilliance, profanity, atheism, sexual conflict, and rage against the horrors of modern man imbued his chapter with greatness and one never better portrayed in the contemporary American novel. Like life’s work as a horologist, time ticked by loudly, cruelly, and joyfully for John B. Despite the wrenching emotional pain under wish he labored he delivered a salient message: to cherish the days we have and not to waste them. This was a beautifully crafted tale, delivered with strong emotional heft. Rest in peace, John B.

You can only listen to the first 2 episodes then you’re forced to subscribe to the New York Times. Don’t waste your time.

I was told by my aunt to listen to this podcast, so I decided to. The premise of the podcast is a little misleading; at least at the time I listened to it. The first 2-2.5 episodes are so intriguing and good! The remaining episodes just become boring, dumb, and just takes it in a vastly different direction than the precedent that was previously set. It’s really not that good, I couldn’t recommend this to a single person on the planet.

Still reeling, my heart is both heavy and full of wonder. I want a hug. Mostly tho, I am compelled to drive thousands of miles to deliver them ala “Free Mom Hugs” style to the many beautifully complex individuals in this story. I also want to stand in those woods, see that creek, witness the majesty so artfully described by the focus of this pod. Brian and the Pod Team need to know this is a masterpiece of dichotomies.

Something about this podcast left me feeling so sad for someone feeling so utterly alone. He obviously had gifted so many on earth in his lifetime and now with his passing was gifting us all. I will hold myself back from speaking of social ills that plagued our dear friend as not to spoil the story, though many of his friends illuminations of them broke my heart. To want closeness and connection with other human beings and love and being afraid of vulnerability can be one’s downfall.

Before the monetization changes, I was a huge fan of this podcast. I understand why the changes needed to happen, and why they came in this format. However, it feels super scummy to take episodes that were free before and lock them behind a payout. Bryan Reeds’ podcasts are fantastic, but this retroactive change made me unfollow every feed of them. Episode 6 of this podcast was literally a comfort zone for me. An episode I could listen and relate to that made things better. Until this model changes, to at least unblock previously free content, I will never support a Serial podcast again. I’m just one voice, but I just want to communicate my feelings on the matter.

“Life is tedious and brief.” 🥺 One of the best podcasts I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to, and one that I have listened to over & over again. It’s cup-filling and wholesome, but also one of the most heartbreaking stories I’ve ever heard. I find myself coming back to this one in times when I need to know that there are/were other people out there who care about the world and the environment, or who just keep up with ALL the world events. A brilliant man who should have had a lot better life but stuck around bc he bore the responsibility of everything around him! I sure do wish that I could have had the pleasure of meeting John B. Macklemore, and sit down with him and listen to him talk for hours. His life was definitely not in vain, and ever since listening to this for the very first time, I have a piece of John B. with me everywhere I go. Thank you for this production, but I hate that it’s subscriber only now. I wish that wasn’t the case

Every aspect of this podcast – from the narration, characters, music/scoring, poignancy – is just an absolute storytelling masterpiece. I listen to it at least once a year I would say, and I am never less than fully compelled and moved. It is something that Brian Reed and all the team should be very proud of. It is a gem and privilege that we were introduced not only to the person that was John B McLemore, but also horology and so much more. I can’t believe I randomly was going through my podcasts (I never read podcast reviews??) only to be alerted to the fact that Tyler Goodson was killed by cops from another reviewer! I just read several news articles and …how horribly sad. I do wonder if the family will allow a follow up podcast about the years since, though with the legal issues it may not be feasible. Either way, I have recommended this podcast to many people and it has never disappointed. I will continue to listen to it and be moved. It’s later than you think. Update: shocked by the reviewers complaining about a paywall. Journalism IS NOT FREE, especially good journalism. Instead of complaining you once got it for free and now don’t, consider it a one-time gift. That’s what it was. Journalists have to be paid for their work. The way a company can continue to do that is via subscriptions. We get so much from them, as a society. Everyone should pick their favorite outlet/s and pay a subscription to support them.

I think this was my favorite serial podcast ever. Beautiful story. Beautifully told. I would make a sweet movie.