Podcast Title: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: 469 - Crochet Positive
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Summary

"Crochet Positive" delves into two compelling true crime narratives, intertwined with the hosts' signature humor and insightful commentary. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark explore the dubious career of Stephane Bergwa, a purported serial killer expert, and revisit the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963 in Britain. Throughout the episode, they dissect the intricacies of these cases, uncovering layers of deception and audacious criminal endeavors.

1. The Rise and Fall of Stephane Bergwa

[13:06] Georgia Hardstark:
Georgia introduces the main story, expressing her initial skepticism about the depth of the Stephane Bergwa narrative.

Origins and Early Career
Stephane Bergwa was born in 1953 to affluent parents in Paris. His early fascination with genre films led him to write for a crime zine and eventually launch his own film festival. However, his attempt to compete with his employer resulted in a failed festival and strained professional relationships.

Transition to the US and Personal Tragedy
Bergwa moved to the United States to break into Hollywood, where he claims to have fallen in love with a woman named Helene (or Eileen) Alain. Tragically, he alleges that Alain was brutally murdered around 1975, an event that supposedly fueled his obsession with serial killers. He later became the owner of the Third Eye bookstore in Paris, a hub for true crime enthusiasts, and authored over 70 true crime books, cementing his reputation.

Questioning Bergwa's Credibility
The Fourth Eye Corporation, an online community of web sleuths, began scrutinizing Bergwa's extensive career. They identified numerous inconsistencies in his accounts:

• Interviews with Serial Killers: Bergwa claims to have interviewed high-profile killers like John Gacy and Ed Kemper. However, real experts like John Douglas refute his claims, labeling him an impostor ([43:59]).
• Alain/Eileen's Murder: The sleuths found no records of a woman named Helene or Eileen Alain being murdered, casting doubt on Bergwa's personal tragedy ([44:13]).
• Plagiarism and Fabrication: While Bergwa didn't plagiarize directly, he appropriated others' life stories, presenting them as his own. An example includes misrepresenting Mickey Pistorius's traumatic experience ([43:59]).

Public Exposure and Downfall
In 2020, the Fourth Eye Corporation publicly debunked Bergwa's fabricated credentials and dubious stories through YouTube videos and media outreach. Bergwa's attempts to suppress these allegations only accelerated his decline. By 2025, he had lost credibility and retreated from the public eye, serving as a cautionary tale about deceit within the true crime community.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [43:59]: "Bourgoin is delusional and an imposter."
  (Referring to John Douglas's statement about Bergwa)
• Georgia Hardstark [29:31]: "I saw Stephane change when he had the killers in front of him. It was as if he was sitting across from his idols."
  (Carol Carringer on Bergwa's behavior during interviews)

2. The Great Train Robbery of 1963

[53:42] Georgia Hardstark:
Georgia transitions to another gripping tale from British history—the Great Train Robbery, detailing the largest rail heist of its time.

The Heist
On August 8, 1963, fifteen masked individuals orchestrated a daring robbery of a British mail train near Cheddington. Equipped with makeshift tools, the robbers subdued the train engineers, detached the high-value cargo car containing £2.5 million (equivalent to approximately $71 million today), and swiftly transferred the cash to waiting Land Rovers.

Investigation and Arrests
Scotland Yard's Flying Squad took charge of the case. Key evidence included fingerprints found on items like a bottle of ketchup and a Monopoly game, leading to the arrest of Roger Cordry and subsequently 11 others. The mastermind, Bruce Reynolds, evaded capture for years, inspiring media fascination.

Mystery of the Insider
An enduring mystery surrounds the heist: the identity of the insider who provided crucial information to the robbers. In 2014, through Gordon Goody's revelations in the documentary "A Tale of Two Thieves," investigators identified Patrick McKenna as the elusive collaborator. McKenna's unassuming persona and quiet life starkly contrasted his pivotal role in the heist, leaving many questions unanswered about his motives and the fate of the stolen money.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [75:19]: "We wanted to do something as spectacular as that. We wanted to draw our line in the sand."
  (Bruce Reynolds on the motivation behind the heist)
• Gordon Goody [81:05]: "The fact that Jack Mills getting hurt was my biggest regret. Nobody was going to get hurt. We were gentleman robbers."
  (Reflecting on the unintended violence during the robbery)

Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Great Train Robbery captivated the British public, symbolizing audacious criminal ingenuity. It has inspired numerous media portrayals and remains a benchmark in the annals of true crime. The lingering questions about the insider and the vast sum never fully recovered continue to intrigue enthusiasts and historians alike.

Conclusion

In Episode 469 - Crochet Positive, Karen and Georgia intertwine humor with meticulous exploration of intricate true crime stories. They illuminate the dangers of unchecked obsession and the allure of grandiose criminal endeavors. Through their engaging storytelling and critical analysis, listeners gain a profound understanding of the complexities within the true crime landscape.

Notable Closing Remarks:

• Karen Kilgariff [83:34]: "And this episode was mixed by Liana Squillace."
  (Acknowledging production team)
• Georgia Hardstark [84:07]: "Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook at myfavoritemurder.com."
  (Encouraging audience engagement)

Key Takeaways

• Skepticism in True Crime: The Stephane Bergwa case underscores the importance of verifying sources and credentials within the true crime community.
• Intricacies of High-Stakes Heists: The Great Train Robbery exemplifies the meticulous planning and unforeseen complications inherent in large-scale criminal operations.
• Enduring Fascination: Both stories highlight society's enduring fascination with crime, whether through the lens of deception or high-octane robberies.

Further Listening

For those intrigued by the Depths of Stephane Bergwa's deceit or the audacity of the Great Train Robbery, previous episodes covering related topics include:

• Episode 440: "I'm Michael Caine" – Discussing John Gerard Shaffer's story.
• Episode 242: "Spoilerama" – Covering George's story about Adam Walsh.
• Episode 39: "Kind of Loco" – Featuring Ed Kemper.
• Episode 446: "I'm Michael Caine" – The Hatton Garden jewel heist.
• Our Live Episode 110: Columbus, Ohio show covering Donald Harvey.

Stay tuned for more riveting true crime stories and analyses on My Favorite Murder. Remember to follow the podcast on your preferred platform and engage with the community for the latest updates and discussions.