Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 104: Garden Party

MFM Minisode 495

Jul 6, 202630 minSummary

In this Minisode of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark dive into a collection of bizarre and captivating listener stories. The hosts begin by recounting the extraordinary tale of Dr. John R. Brinkley, a notorious 20th-century fraud who built an empire on the preposterous promise of curing ailments by transplanting goat testicles into patients. The discussion explores how Brinkley used his charisma and a massive, independent radio platform to manipulate public trust, evade medical regulations, and even launch political campaigns despite being exposed as a dangerous charlatan. The episode continues with a fascinating story from Peru about a grandmother who kept two ancient Incan skulls on her piano, only to be told by her staff that the spirits within were gossiping and arguing, leading to their eventual reburial. Finally, the hosts share humorous and harrowing memories of "trash parenting" experiences at major theme parks, ranging from a toddler being placed on an orca whale during a show to a child being accidentally left behind at Disneyland, highlighting the chaotic and often surreal nature of growing up in decades past.

539 - It Keeps Getting Ruined

Jul 2, 20261h 4mSummary

In episode 539, titled It Keeps Getting Ruined, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark open with a casual catch-up, sharing lighthearted stories about their recent travels, vacation experiences, and their fascination with current social media trends surrounding television shows. The conversation takes a serious turn as they share a notable true crime update regarding the sentencing of Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach murderer, reflecting on the grim reality of such cases. The main segment of the episode dives into a historical true crime narrative set in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War. The hosts explore the complex and violent story of Bathsheba Spooner and her husband, Joshua, a wealthy businessman in Brookfield, Massachusetts. The discussion details the couple’s unhappy, arranged marriage, the societal tensions of the time, and the introduction of a young Continental soldier named Ezra Ross. The story unfolds into a tale of an illicit affair, a desperate pregnancy, and a botched murder plot, highlighting how this case remains one of the earliest high-profile examples of true crime in American history.

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 103: Live At The Balboa Theatre in San Diego

Jul 1, 20261h 29mSummary

In this episode of My Favorite Murder, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark take listeners back to a 2018 live performance at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego. The hosts kick off the show with their signature banter, sharing stories about their travel experiences, local observations, and even their pre-show rituals. The conversation naturally transitions into a deep dive into true crime as Karen presents the gripping case of Betty Broderick. Karen details the transformation of Betty’s life from a dedicated, devout housewife in a high-status marriage to a woman unraveling under the pressures of a failing relationship. The discussion explores the complexities of Betty’s marriage to Dan Broderick, a successful medical malpractice attorney, and the series of escalating domestic conflicts that ultimately led to tragedy. Throughout the storytelling, the hosts maintain their conversational and reflective tone, analyzing the psychological aspects of the case while occasionally pausing to poke fun at their own past habits and the absurdity of 1980s lifestyle dynamics. The episode offers a compelling blend of dark history and personal reflection, characteristic of their long-running exploration of true crime stories.

MFM Minisode 494

Jun 29, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark dive into an engaging collection of listener stories and shared experiences. The hosts discuss the courageous activism of Romaine Patterson, who organized a peaceful, visually stunning demonstration using angel wings to shield mourners from hateful protesters at Matthew Shepard’s funeral. The conversation highlights the profound impact of artistic expression and creative resistance. The hosts also share heartwarming and humorous anecdotes sent in by listeners. One segment features a charming report from Petaluma about a great horned owl nesting in a downtown building, sparking a wider discussion about the beauty and connection found in small-town communities. Other listener confessions include a dramatic childhood tale of a faked illness that led to an unexpected medical discovery, a suspenseful story of a potential encounter at a Costco, a serendipitous retrieval of a lost fishing pole, and an unbelievable account of a listener’s father winning a burial plot in a radio contest. Throughout the episode, the hosts celebrate the resilience, kindness, and strange coincidences that connect their community, emphasizing the importance of staying safe and looking out for one another.

538 - 726 Demerits

Jun 25, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of My Favorite Murder, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark begin with a lighthearted discussion about the listener response to the historical chinstrap beards they encountered in previous research. The conversation leads to a new homework assignment, as the hosts decide to watch the 1985 film Witness to further explore the aesthetic and historical context of those specific facial hairstyles. The primary narrative of the episode centers on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as the Battle of the Greasy Grass. The hosts provide a compelling, condensed history of the Cheyenne warrior Buffalo Calf Road Woman. Through oral tradition, the episode highlights her bravery in battle, specifically during the Battle of the Rosebud, where she rescued her brother while under heavy fire. The discussion contrasts her legacy with that of George Armstrong Custer, examining his controversial military career, his penchant for self-mythologizing, and the systemic betrayals by the U.S. government against Native American tribes that ultimately led to the historic confrontation at Little Bighorn.

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 102: Decompressions

Jun 24, 20261h 49mSummary

In this episode, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark revisit their 2018 episode titled Decompressions. The conversation begins with a lighthearted look back at their earlier days of podcasting, touching on humorous topics like Karen’s childhood Montessori school experiences and their shared struggles with digital calendars and social media burnout. The hosts openly discuss the necessity of taking breaks and finding a balance in their personal lives, reflecting on how they navigate their work and downtime. The episode features an engaging "Podcast Recommendation Corner," where the hosts share shows they have been listening to, including true crime parodies and macabre storytelling podcasts. Additionally, the hosts read listener emails, including a surprise message from an actress on the show Godless, leading to a discussion about their mutual love for the series. Finally, the hosts shift gears to tackle some heavy true crime cases, specifically focusing on the unsettling history of the Beast of Jersey. This episode offers a candid, conversational mix of personal anecdotes, reflections on the evolution of true crime media, and the signature storytelling that defines the series.

MFM Minisode 493

Jun 22, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host another installment of their fan-favorite minisode series, reading a collection of listener-submitted stories. The episode blends lighthearted humor with suspenseful anecdotes, starting with a tale from a listener who discovered a terrifying, faceless doll hidden within the walls of a 1921 home during a renovation. The doll, nicknamed Trixie, became a fixture of the construction crew until she was eventually sealed back into the walls, waiting for a future homeowner to discover her. The hosts also explore a chaotic graduation party story involving a missing pet snake named Mrs. Alligator, which was eventually found in an air conditioning duct, and a heartwarming yet harrowing account of a young girl who saved her siblings from a house fire in 1939. Other highlights include a listener’s experience navigating life in Rome after a near-fatal accident and a humorous anecdote about a man using his best runway walk to avoid appearing threatening to women while walking home at night. The episode concludes with a story of mistaken identity involving a family who accidentally moved into the wrong house during a late-night trip.

537 - Live at the Paramount Theatre (Seattle Night 2)

Jun 18, 20261h 38mSummary

In this live episode recorded at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark share a lively evening of storytelling, audience interaction, and local observations. The hosts begin by reflecting on their tour experiences, including a humorous discussion about their favorite local eats, the challenges of hotel bathtubs, and a special appearance by an artist from the podcast’s creative community. They also take a moment to welcome new listeners, explaining the show’s unique blend of true crime and dark humor. Georgia leads the storytelling portion of the show, focusing on the bizarre and historic case of the McDonald siblings from early 20th-century Spokane. The narrative centers on the disappearance of a prominent real estate developer, William McNutt, after he becomes entangled with the four hell-raising McDonald siblings who ran a local boarding house. The story features a complex web of arson, questionable legal dealings, family secrets, and mysterious premonitions. The hosts navigate the twists and turns of this historical cold case with their trademark wit, turning a dark, historical mystery into an engaging and unpredictable discussion.

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 101: Live At The Majestic Theatre in Dallas

Jun 17, 20261h 53mSummary

In this episode of My Favorite Murder, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark travel back to 2017 to revisit a live show recorded at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas. The conversation begins with the hosts reflecting on the unique atmosphere of the venue and their humorous, candid experiences during their time in Texas, including an appreciation for local barbecue and their amusement with gas station culture. The episode features a mix of lighthearted personal anecdotes—ranging from hotel experiences and self-care rituals like massages to discussions about social media filters and personal style—alongside the introduction of a deep dive into true crime. Karen sets the stage for a compelling story regarding a historical cult in North Dallas, drawing information from archival magazine articles. As they revisit this earlier performance, the hosts offer a nostalgic look at their evolving dynamic, their shared obsession with true crime research, and the evolution of their podcasting journey. The episode perfectly captures the signature blend of humor, genuine connection, and gripping storytelling that has defined their series for years.

MFM Minisode 492

Jun 15, 202627 minSummary

In this minisode of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark share a collection of listener-submitted stories that range from the bizarre to the truly historic. The hosts dive into an array of childhood anecdotes, starting with a harrowing tale about a young girl at church camp who inadvertently brings a rabid bat into a swimming pool, leading to an arduous round of rabies vaccinations. The conversation then shifts to a listener’s childhood visit to Broadmore Hospital in the UK, where they unexpectedly found themselves in a room with infamous figures like Ronnie Cray and the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe. Other highlights include a listener’s surprising revelation that a former teacher later became a well-known comedic actor on a popular television series, and a touching story about a father who unknowingly befriended the Unibomber while running a small business. Finally, the hosts wrap up with a humorous and nostalgic account of a British father who used his children to help smuggle cigarettes across the border in exchange for fresh baguettes. It is a heartfelt and hilarious exploration of colorful childhoods and unexpected life encounters.