Behind the Scenes of Noble: An In-Depth Exploration

Episode: BONUS: Behind the Scenes of Noble
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: Matt Scherr
Guest: Sean Revive
Podcast: Noble by Wavland

Introduction

In the bonus episode, "Behind the Scenes of Noble," Matt Scherr engages in a comprehensive conversation with Sean Revive, the writer and host of the acclaimed podcast Noble. This episode offers listeners an exclusive peek into the creation and intricacies of the Noble series, unraveling the journalistic journey behind one of the American South's most perplexing and haunting cases.

Discovering the Story

Sean Revive recounts how the Noble case first captured his attention about a decade ago when he moved to Atlanta. An initial encounter with a news snippet about the discovery of over 300 bodies on a property in Noble, Georgia, planted the seed for what would become a landmark investigative project.

Sean Revive [02:26]: "Sometime around the time I moved to Atlanta, about 10 years ago, I saw a snippet of a news story that mentioned 300 bodies found in a property in Northwest Georgia. And it's just one of those stories that I think every journalist who lives in or around Atlanta has on the radar."

Despite its intriguing nature, Sean initially hesitated to pursue the story, deeming it too complex due to the multitude of people involved and the elusive nature of key figures like Brent Marsh, the operator of the crematory at the center of the case.

Sean Revive [03:01]: "It involves a lot of people, and it involved a person who was very reluctant to give interviews. And it just seemed like too complicated."

Investigative Approach and Challenges

Sean delves into his methodical approach to uncovering the truth, starting with extensive Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to gather pertinent records from various agencies. Building a comprehensive list of names was crucial, with one of the first significant contacts being McCracken Poston, a prominent defense lawyer associated with the case.

Sean Revive [03:36]: "First, I wanted to get a lot of records. So I put in a bunch of Freedom of Information act requests to any agency I could think of that was involved."

Meeting with Poston galvanized Sean's commitment to the project, leading to numerous interactions and interviews essential for piecing together the narrative.

A significant challenge Sean highlights is the passage of time—22 years since the initial discovery. Memory reliability and the emotional toll on individuals recalling traumatic events posed hurdles in obtaining accurate and heartfelt accounts.

Sean Revive [10:52]: "There's always trouble with memory, trying to get people to go back to sort of go back emotionally to the way they were feeling 22 years ago."

Central Figure: Brent Marsh

At the heart of the investigation is Brent Marsh, the young and respected operator of the crematory. Sean emphasizes the complexity of Marsh's character, noting his deep-rooted respect within the community and the disbelief surrounding his potential involvement in such a macabre discovery.

Sean Revive [07:24]: "Brent Marsh, really young man who took over the crematory business from his father and his family, had been in the area for many years, has a really incredible, very positive history in the area. You know, everybody knew them, everybody respected them."

Securing an interview with Marsh proved to be one of the foremost challenges, given his elusive nature outside courtrooms. Sean outlines the exhaustive efforts undertaken to reach him, including reaching out to his lawyers, family members, and even writing letters, all while maintaining respect and sensitivity.

Sean Revive [12:44]: "Talking to Brent Marsh was one of our top priorities for sure, because we knew he was so elusive, but he was at the center of the case."

The Essence of Noble: Beyond True Crime

Matt Scherr probes the classification of Noble within the true crime genre. Sean provides a nuanced perspective, acknowledging that while Noble is grounded in true events and involves criminal elements, it diverges from conventional true crime narratives.

Sean Revive [13:59]: "Yeah, in the most literal sense, in that it's true and involves a crime. There are some things about it that are very different than what you think of as true crime. There's no murder in it."

Noble distinguishes itself by involving thousands of affected individuals rather than a limited group, and by exploring the profound emotional and societal implications surrounding the mistreatment of the deceased. This broader impact redefines the boundaries of traditional true crime storytelling.

Exploring Deeper Themes: The Living and the Dead

A central theme Sean pursued in Noble is the profound connection between the living and the dead. He wrestles with understanding why society places such significant value on the treatment of the deceased, manifesting in rituals, respect, and emotional bonds.

Sean Revive [08:19]: "I wanted to understand why people care so much about the dead. ... why we respect dead bodies so much, why we have these ceremonies and traditions involving burial caskets."

The podcast delves into diverse reactions from individuals affected by the Noble case, highlighting how personal grief and collective memory intersect with societal norms regarding death and remembrance.

Crafting the Sense of Place

Noble thrives on its vivid portrayal of Northwest Georgia, a region markedly different from urban Atlanta. Sean emphasizes the importance of setting in the narrative, illustrating the rural landscape, tight-knit communities, and the pervasive sense of interconnectedness among residents.

Sean Revive [15:31]: "The more episodes you hear, the more you realize how connected everybody is. ... So there's no real way to be involved in it. Even if you're an investigator, a lawyer, there's no way to really be involved in the case without making it personal in some way."

This strong sense of place is achieved through in-depth character development and the exploration of local dynamics, making the setting almost a character in its own right within the podcast.

Transitioning from Print to Podcasting

Sean reflects on his journey from traditional journalism to podcasting, highlighting the differences in storytelling and audience engagement. Unlike print, podcasting allows for a more personal and immediate connection with listeners through vocal narration and intimate interviews.

Sean Revive [16:43]: "This podcast for the writing? I think it would have been different just because you want to sound like yourself. You want to sound like a human being when you're narrating."

He discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity and managing the technical aspects of audio storytelling, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with producers to create a compelling and sincere narrative.

Overcoming Reporting Challenges

Addressing the logistical and emotional difficulties of reporting on a case two decades old, Sean elaborates on the meticulous fact-checking process and the delicate balance of invoking past emotions without overwhelming the subjects of his interviews.

Sean Revive [10:52]: "Trying to get people to go back emotionally to the way they were feeling 22 years ago. I think it's tough for anyone to accurately put themselves back in that place."

Despite these challenges, the project benefited from ample documentation and the resilience of interviewees who could articulate their experiences with clarity and depth, even years later.

Reflections and Future Curiosity

As the series progresses, Sean shares his satisfaction with the answers uncovered throughout the investigation while acknowledging the lingering questions that continue to intrigue him.

Sean Revive [15:02]: "Yes, and I think those answers may come eventually, but I'm always curious to hear more, to learn more."

This openness to ongoing discovery underscores the evolving nature of the Noble narrative and Sean's commitment to thorough journalism.

Conclusion

In this behind-the-scenes episode, listeners gain invaluable insights into the creation of Noble, from the initial spark of interest to the intricate process of investigative storytelling. Sean Revive's dedication to uncovering the truth, coupled with his exploration of deeper human and societal themes, exemplifies the profound impact of thoughtful podcasting. As Noble continues to unravel the mysteries of one of Georgia's most haunting cases, this episode stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and meticulous journalism in bringing forgotten stories to light.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Revive [02:26]: "It's just one of those stories that I kept in my pile of stories because it's so unbelievable."

• Sean Revive [08:19]: "Why are people so enamored of people after they die?"

• Sean Revive [15:31]: "There's no real way to be involved in it without making it personal in some way."

• Sean Revive [17:54]: "I'm really proud. I can't wait for people to hear the last episode."

Final Thoughts

Behind the Scenes of Noble not only illuminates the complexities of producing a true crime podcast but also invites listeners to ponder the intricate relationships between community, memory, and the reverence of the deceased. Sean Revive's narrative journey enriches the Noble series, offering a layered understanding of the human condition amidst one of the South's most enigmatic cases.