Lost in Larrimah

Kylie Stevenson and Caroline Graham created the Walkley Award-winning Lost in Larrimah podcast in 2018. The six-episode series published by The Australian is an evocative portrait of a town in crisis. Framed by the suspicious disappearance of Paddy Moriarty, 70, from the tiny town of Larrimah (population: 12), the scope of this investigative podcast is considerably broader, asking complex questions about what happens when a town is on the edge of extinction. 

In 2016, prior to Paddy’s disappearance, Kylie spent time in Larrimah and met the man at the centre of the story. As a consequence, Kylie had ongoing relationships with many of the town’s residents, who granted her and Caroline exclusive access to details, locations and records.

The podcast is more than true crime. The series is a deep, earnest dive into Larrimah’s history and a sincere tribute to a missing man, as well as the disappearing town he called home, and the way of life it represents.

Lost in Larrimah won several awards, including the 2018 Walkley Award for Radio/Audio Feature, and the 2018 NT Media Award for Best Current Affairs or Feature (TV/Radio). Judges commented that: “It feels like you are travelling from house to house, beer in hand, listening to the community describe the drama. This is a truly Territorian story and has been treated appropriately. Funny, enjoyable, alarming and true to the environment – this is in every sense – a well told Aussie yarn.”

Reviewers say Lost in Larrimah is notable for its narrative craft and offers an “intimate insight through raw, unguarded and charming interviews”. Podcast reviewer The Audit deemed it “one of the best-spun yarns of 2018”.

Kylie and Caroline went on to write a book Larrimah, published by Allen & Unwin in 2021.

What people are saying.

  • "One of the best-spun yarns of 2018. Their writing is some of the best we've heard - truly funny, alive with genuine feeling, and not a pompous true crime monologue in sight."

    — The Audit

  • “The mystery will have you gripped.”

    — Pedestrian TV

  • “Come for the promise of a missing-person expose, stay for the ear picture of humans whose sense of community hangs by a thread."

    — The Pod Piper

  • "Wry but haunting, think Fargo with Akubra hats. Best Australian narrative podcast ever. "

    — Ozziecrobar in The Guardian Australia

  • “The Northern Territory & Territorians in general defy description. Unique characters in a dangerously wild environment surrounded by a strangely sublime beauty. This podcast does a terrific job. A sad story at its core told with great Aussie humour depicted in a sensitive manner.”

    — CocoChic Clothing | Listener Review

  • “I listen to all things true crime and this podcast is a standout! Impeccably narrated and produced and a cracker of a story.”

    — HayHay79 | Listener review

  • “I really enjoyed this podcast. It’s so beautifully captured the character of small towns in Australia. It’s presented with the right amount of humour, questioning and seriousness.”

    —

    TheRoaringYogi | Listener review

  • “Compelling, beautifully narrated and excellent production.”

    — HanJohn85 | Listener review

  • “Like S-Town, but much better. Intimate insight though raw, unguarded, and charming interviews. A deep-dive into a bizarre but likeable community peppered with the macabre. Beautifully paced and well researched.”

    — Jack Morphett | Listener review