The creator of the podcast that eclipsed Serial in downloads is coming to Melbourne.

S-Town is a podcast released in March by the team behind This American Life and Serial. It follows John B. McLemore, a clock restorer from Woodstock, Alabama. He wanted Brian Reed, a reporter for This American Life in New York City, to investigate a murder in his town. But by the end of episode two, everything changes. S-Town builds on the rich storytelling This American Life is know for.

With more than 40 million downloads, it has eclipsed Serial in popularity. Brian Reed, its co-creator and host, is coming to Melbourne to discuss the unlikely backstory and what has happened since.

The talk is on Wednesday July 26 at 7.30pm at the Athenaeum Theatre.