Podcast Summary: Gone South – Season 5 Introduction

Podcast: Gone South
Host: Audacy Podcasts (Written and hosted by Jed Lipinski)
Episode: Introducing Gone South, Season 5
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

The introduction to Season 5 of “Gone South” marks a pivotal shift in the podcast’s focus—from crime reporting in the American South to a broader, more nuanced exploration of the region’s myths, scandals, and enduring power structures. Host Jed Lipinski sets the stage for a season of deeply reported, narrative-driven stories, enriched by conversations with diverse voices, including journalists, historians, musicians, and those personally touched by the South's complex history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A New Scope for Season 5

• The podcast expands beyond crime to “deeply reported, narrative driven stories” (00:05).
• Episodes will incorporate multiple perspectives: “conversations with journalists, historians, musicians and people who've lived these stories firsthand.” (00:09)
• The season aims to “dig into the myths, scandals and power structures that still shape the south—and in a lot of ways, the country itself.” (00:14)

2. Signature Topics and Storytelling Approach

• Episode Standalones: Each episode stands alone as a unique narrative but collectively paints a holistic picture of the South’s identity. (00:22)
• Featured Stories:
  • “Re-examining the cultural meaning of the Alamo”
  • “Tracing the family history of Alex Murdaugh”
  • “Investigating the federal indictment of New Orleans’s former mayor” (00:17–00:22)
• The series will consist of “40 new episodes released weekly” (00:28).

3. The Enduring Relevance of History

• The season seeks to serve listeners “who want to understand how history lingers and why it still matters now.” (00:32)
• Emphasis on understanding the ongoing impact of historical events and power dynamics in shaping the present.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the new direction:
  • "For our new season, we're widening the lens through deeply reported, narrative driven stories and conversations..."
    — Host (00:05)
• On the overarching aim:
  • "We're digging into the myths, scandals and power structures that still shape the south and in a lot of ways, the country itself."
    — Host (00:14)
• On storytelling:
  • "Each episode stands alone. But together they paint a picture of what this region really is and how it came to be."
    — Host (00:22)
• On the show's audience:
  • "Gone South is a show for people who want to understand how history lingers and why it still matters now."
    — Host (00:32)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 – 00:05: Introduction to the podcast’s history and new expansiveness for Season 5.
• 00:09: Emphasis on interviews with varied guests—journalists, historians, musicians, eyewitnesses.
• 00:14 – 00:22: Season’s focus on myths, scandals, power, and notable case studies (Alamo, Murdaugh, New Orleans’s former mayor).
• 00:28: Announcement of “40 new episodes released weekly.”
• 00:32: Summing up the enduring significance of history in the South.

Summary Flow

This introductory episode sets an ambitious tone for “Gone South” Season 5, promising an immersive, multifaceted look at the Southern United States. Moving from strictly crime-focused stories to wider cultural investigations, the podcast is poised to examine how the South’s history, power structures, and narratives resonate far beyond state lines. With a fresh structure of weekly standalone episodes and expert storytelling, listeners are encouraged to consider not only how the region came to be but why its history continues to matter.

For listeners intrigued by the history, mystery, and contemporary resonance of the American South, this season offers essential listening.