Hookergate Co-Creator Guy Kelly on Winning iHeartRadio’s Podcast Competition and Creating a True Crime Hit

September 18, 2024

In the crowded world of true crime podcasts, one show stands out not just for its content, but for the creative synergy that brought it to life. Hookergate, a docudrama podcast chronicling a forgotten scandal of the 1970s, has captivated listeners with its unique storytelling, gripping sound design, and compelling narrative arc.

The journey behind the podcast is equally fascinating, tracing its roots back to the musical upbringing of its co-creator, Guy Kelly, and the creative vision of writer and podcaster Lindsay Byron.

In this episode, we spoke with Guy about his journey from his Kentucky roots to becoming a graphic designer, musician, and successful podcast creator.

Tune in to learn the Hookergate story, the production process of creating a true crime series, how Guy scored the season, the elation of winning the iHeartRadio Next Great Podcast Competition, and more!

The Beginnings: Guy Kelly’s Musical Roots

Guy Kelly, the co-creator of Hookergate, grew up in a small town in Kentucky where music played a big role in his early life. His father, who often played guitar and sang to him, sparked Guy’s love for music at an early age.

Though Guy was introduced to piano lessons at five, he didn’t enjoy them at the time.

However, by the time he was a pre-teen, Guy had discovered his passion for guitar.

He began exploring rock music and hair metal bands, eventually transitioning to bass guitar.

At age 13, bands like Nirvana and Green Day inspired him to write his own music. This early exposure to creativity and expression laid the foundation for Guy’s future in music production.

As he got older, Guy joined local bands, performed at shows, and toured with groups like Your Black Star. These experiences gave him invaluable knowledge about life on the road and DIY music production.

Over time, he honed skills in audio production and sound design—talents that would later prove crucial when he entered the world of podcasting.

Working With Lindsay Byron: The Beginning of “Hookergate”

In 2021, Guy’s longtime friend Lindsay Byron presented him with an idea that would change everything. Known online as Lux ATL, Lindsay is a writer, podcaster, and former stripper with a PhD. The two friends had bonded over their love for art and music for over a decade.

During one of their conversations, Lindsay shared an intriguing story: a forgotten scandal from her hometown of Danville, Virginia.

It involved a truck stop brothel ring from the 1970s, and the local press had dubbed it “Hookergate,” echoing the infamous Watergate scandal.

The story had all the elements of a compelling narrative—corruption, crime, and a cover-up lost to history.

Lindsay’s excitement for the project was contagious. With her experience in storytelling and podcasting, she saw the potential for a docudrama series and enlisted Guy to help.

They entered the iHeartRadio Next Great Podcast competition by creating a 60-second trailer and a detailed pitch deck. Both quickly garnered attention.

Creating Hookergate: A DIY Approach

Hookergate became a passion project for Guy and Lindsay, built on years of creative experience. Guy’s background in music and sound production positioned him to take charge of the podcast’s sound design.

Inspired by Lindsay’s vision of “dark bluegrass” music, he crafted an original soundtrack that matched the podcast’s gritty, Southern Gothic vibe.

Guy composed distinct themes for different character groups, using specific sound elements to signal changes in the story. His approach echoed techniques used in film scoring.

Lindsay, with her background in podcasting and writing, led the effort in scripting and structuring the episodes. Her writing skills proved essential in crafting a cohesive story arc. She integrated dramatic reenactments, voice actors, and narration to breathe life into the historical scandal.

Lindsay’s dedication went even further when she scanned over 4,000 pages of federal court transcripts at the National Archives. This ensured the podcast’s accuracy and depth.

The Highs and Lows of Hookergate’s Production

The road to creating Hookergate wasn’t without its bumps. After winning the iHeartRadio competition, Guy and Lindsay had just two weeks to produce a full pilot episode.

With a limited budget and tight schedule, they leaned heavily on their DIY backgrounds.

Guy, using his Apple Logic Pro setup, pieced together Lindsay’s voiceovers, interviews, and added sound effects and original music that became the show’s hallmark.

The tight timeframe forced them to work tirelessly, often facing technical challenges and creative pressures.

The process stretched over nearly two years. From their initial victory in early 2022 to the release of the first season in March 2024, they overcame many hurdles.

Lindsay found out she was pregnant the day they won the competition, balancing her pregnancy with the intense research and writing needed for the show. Meanwhile, Guy managed his responsibilities as a graphic designer while also working as the podcast producer.

The Impact of Hookergate‘s Sound Design

One of the most standout aspects of Hookergate is its intricate sound design, a direct result of Guy’s musical background. His experience in bands and music production gave him a unique understanding of how to build atmosphere and tension through audio.

Each episode is thoughtfully scored with original music that captures the drama and emotion of the story.

Different character groups are introduced with distinct musical themes, helping listeners immediately identify who is speaking and what is happening.

This method not only enhances the listening experience but also reinforces the narrative structure.

Beyond music, Guy’s attention to sound effects—ranging from subtle ambient noises to vivid recreations of key events—added depth and authenticity to the podcast.

Listeners and critics have widely praised this meticulous approach, helping to elevate Hookergate from just another true crime series to an immersive experience.

Future Plans for Hookergate and Beyond

The success of Hookergate has opened many doors for both Guy and Lindsay. With the first season complete and still charting on true crime podcast lists, the pair is already hard at work on a second season.

They’ve also hinted at future projects, leveraging their creative chemistry and the lessons they’ve learned.

For Guy, this journey—from a small-town musician to a successful podcast creator—illustrates the power of following one’s creative roots.

His background in music, his design skills, and his passion for storytelling all played a part in creating a podcast that resonates with audiences worldwide.