I decided to tune into an episode of Lost Hills this week, admittedly intrigued by the episode’s title, “In the Shit,” and its promising settings including a pot farm and a “porn ranch.” Despite the provocative nature of the subject, the episode is not aesthetically alarming, and the story is approached in a calm, very journalistic fashion. The host delivers a steady, deliberate narrative, weaving together firsthand testimonies, archival recordings, and reflective commentary from the subjects, and others near to or involved in the story. The resulting atmosphere is charged with an urgency and tension that arises naturally, unforced, gimmick-free.
Musically, the episode’s soundscape is notably restrained. A minimalist score of threadbare midi ambiance gently builds during transitions, adding a hint of emotional depth during moments of reflection or escalating tension, yet the music never overpowers the spoken content. In a way the sparse musical approach makes room for the heavy seriousness of the subject matter, ensuring that attention remains fixed on the weighty personal accounts and the harsh reality of the actual events. There are occasional ambient sounds—like the distant wail of sirens or the subtle rumble of vehicle engines which further enhance the unsettling mood and evoke an atmosphere to help engage the listener, though the sounds are also used sparingly throughout the episode.
The episode is most reliant on the genuine, unscripted interviews, bridged by calm, objective narration. Listeners hear raw narratives from individuals who witnessed the events firsthand, including local community members, witnesses, and law enforcement officers. These various voices offer different perspectives of the story, working to deepen the narrative and heighten the interest of the listener. How often do you get to hear a story from all angles? There is also a good blend of archival audio, including real emergency dispatches and clips from local news stations that serve as secondary source material, adding credibility to the investigation and forging a sense of immediacy in the listener.
Please forgive the pun, but I would dare say that “In the Shit” is a solid demonstration of how Lost Hills and other true crime podcasts can expertly construct an investigation that is compelling, immersive, informative, and entertaining all at the same time.