Lewes-focused podcast attracts a global audience

We in Lewes the Podcast focuses on people in a small town in a small state. It’s not about sports or politics. Famous people aren’t interviewing other famous people. There’s no single topic like deep sea fishing or true crime.

Yet after the release of its 50th episode, the show is ranked in the top 25% of podcasts in the United States. It has listeners in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, but also California, Singapore, New Zealand and 44 other countries around the world.

No one is more shocked about the reception than its co-founders, Steve Esfandiari and Matt DiSabatino, and the host, Kevin McGuiness. “We had no idea what we were doing,” McGuiness said. “We assumed the audience would be local, friends and neighbors of the guests, or others who were interested in their story. That was the expectation. Small town, small state, niche audience.”

They interviewed locals who started nationally recognized businesses, beloved small business owners, educators, artists and inventors, as well as individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Every story was different, personal, but a common thread began to emerge — a collective affection for Lewes, genuine pride in the community and gratitude for the support the guests received.

“We clearly struck a chord,” McGuiness said. “At a time when there is so much negativity all around us, we were pumping a little oxygen into the positive and started attracting a bigger audience.”

Some listeners can’t find Lewes on a map or don’t know how to pronounce its name. But, they are interested in true stories about real people and a small town where differences in outlooks and public policy don’t always overwhelm a common tolerance and respect for one another. It might be a podcast about a small town in a small state, but interest in what’s happening in Lewes is becoming global.

Episode 50 is available now at at weinlewes.com and on major podcast platforms.