Gone South: Season 4, Episode 40 – An Interview with Jed Lipinski

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Introduction

In the milestone 40th episode of Gone South Season 4, executive producer Lloyd Lochridge takes a departure from the usual format to interview the show's creator, Jed Lipinski. This reflective episode delves into the origins, creative processes, and personal experiences that have shaped Gone South into the compelling true crime podcast it is today.

Genesis of Gone South

Jed Lipinski begins by sharing his journalistic background, which laid the foundation for the podcast. Having worked as a freelancer in New York City and later at the Times Picayune in New Orleans, Lipinski's transition from print journalism to documentary filmmaking marked a pivotal shift in his storytelling approach.

[04:19] Jed Lipinski: "I was a crime reporter. And all that kind of led me to write this story that then became The Pharmacist, which was a Netflix documentary I've mentioned probably too many times in Gone South."

The idea for Gone South crystallized when a DEA agent introduced Lipinski to Skip Sewell, who recounted the unsolved murder of Margaret Coon in St. Tammany Parish. Recognizing the depth and intrigue of the story, Lipinski envisioned it as a podcast narrative, inspired by the immersive audio storytelling of podcasts like The Clearing.

Embracing the Podcast Medium

Lipinski explains that the podcast medium offered a unique opportunity to tell stories with limited archival footage, allowing for a more intimate and accessible narrative.

[05:28] Jed Lipinski: "I figured, wow, maybe I can tell this as a podcast. And that's how it all started. Because the Margaret Coons story didn't work as a documentary."

Transitioning from documentaries, Lipinski found podcasting restored the intimacy he cherished from his print journalism days. Unlike the intimidating setup of documentary interviews, podcasts allowed for more relaxed and open conversations.

[09:34] Jed Lipinski: "It restored the intimacy that I'd experienced and really liked about journalism because people are just more open, they're more honest, they're more comfortable, they're more relaxed."

Evolving the Show's Format

Initially adopting a limited series approach, Gone South primarily focused on single, intricate stories. However, Season 4 saw a significant shift to a weekly format, expanding the number of stories covered.

[10:03] Jed Lipinski: "In a limited series show, you're kind of limited to the People who are in that story, you're boxed in. People will take you down like a rabbit hole."

This transition allowed the podcast to explore a broader array of narratives, tapping into listener recommendations and uncovering lesser-known stories that might otherwise remain untold.

Approach to Storytelling

A defining characteristic of Gone South is Lipinski's reluctance to insert his own opinions into the narratives. Instead, he positions himself as a facilitator, letting the individuals involved tell their own stories.

[12:26] Jed Lipinski: "I have a compulsion to write stories. That's kind of how I think. That's how I understand the world, I think, is through stories."

This method ensures that the stories remain authentic and centered around the experiences of those directly involved, fostering a deeper connection between the listener and the narrative.

Fascination with Human Nature Over Crime

Unlike many true crime shows that focus primarily on the perpetrators, Gone South emphasizes understanding the motivations and human elements behind each story. Lipinski expresses a profound interest in the decisions people make, whether they're committing crimes or striving for justice.

[13:41] Jed Lipinski: "I'm always wondering, why did that person do that? I have a deep, deep interest and obsession with the decisions that people make."

This approach not only enriches the storytelling but also offers listeners a nuanced perspective on the complexities of human behavior.

Balancing Dark Narratives with Positive Protagonists

Acknowledging the potential emotional toll of recounting harrowing crime stories, Lipinski emphasizes the importance of highlighting protagonists who counterbalance the darkness.

[15:24] Jed Lipinski: "It leaves you with a kind of hopeless, empty feeling. But I also, you know, in terms of things that we discovered, or I discovered in this show, in this season in particular, it's that often the darker the story, the darker the villain in a story, the lighter and the better the protagonist has to be to fight that evil."

By focusing on individuals who embody compassion and resilience, Gone South provides a hopeful counterpoint to the often grim nature of true crime narratives.

Building Trust with Southern Communities

Despite being a Northerner from Concord, Massachusetts, Lipinski shares that he has cultivated a deep affection for the South, which is evident in his interactions with interviewees. While initial skepticism exists due to regional differences, Lipinski’s genuine interest and respectful approach have enabled him to build strong rapport with Southerners.

[25:06] Jed Lipinski: "I totally get it. ... But I know that you are fascinated with the south and are a big admirer of Southerners. I think that they can detect that and can tell that you don't have any bad intentions and that you're really interested in hearing a story."

This mutual respect and understanding have been pivotal in gaining access to sensitive stories and fostering open dialogues with interview subjects.

The Importance of Storytelling in the South

Lipinski reflects on the rich storytelling tradition in the South, noting that while Southerners may excel at storytelling, he is merely an admirer striving to honor and share their narratives.

[28:43] Jed Lipinski: "There is something about people from the south that enables them to tell really good stories. ... It's been this enormous privilege for me, and it's something I hope I can continue doing."

This admiration underscores the podcast’s commitment to preserving and highlighting Southern stories with authenticity and respect.

Listener Connection and Impact

Understanding the inherently private nature of podcasts, Lipinski articulates his vision of creating a bridge between the listener and the stories being told. He likens himself to a "switchboard operator," facilitating a connection that allows listeners to empathize and understand perspectives they might never encounter otherwise.

[30:51] Jed Lipinski: "Maybe they're in Australia ... giving them a window into this person's life in Louisiana ... That’s what we offer in the show."

This thoughtful approach ensures that listeners, whether local or global, can engage deeply with the stories, fostering a sense of connection and empathy.

Conclusion

As Season 4 of Gone South concludes, this introspective episode with Jed Lipinski offers listeners a comprehensive look into the heart and soul of the podcast. From its journalistic roots and passion for storytelling to the delicate balance of exploring dark narratives with hopeful protagonists, Gone South stands as a testament to thoughtful, compassionate true crime storytelling. Lipinski's dedication to honoring Southern narratives and his genuine curiosity about human nature continue to set Gone South apart in the crowded landscape of true crime podcasts.

Final Thoughts from Jed Lipinski

In his closing remarks, Lipinski extends heartfelt gratitude to his team, including Lloyd Lochridge and his brother Tommy, as well as the listeners who have supported the show through their recommendations and unwavering commitment.

[32:39] Jed Lipinski: "Couldn't have done it without either one of you. ... I really appreciate those and most of all just grateful to you for listening and supporting the show."

This heartfelt acknowledgment encapsulates the community-driven spirit that has been instrumental in Gone South's enduring success.