My Favorite Murder Podcast Episode 491 - "Ye Olde 7-Eleven" Summary

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Introduction to Solo Episodes and Tour Plans (00:52 - 09:22)

In this episode, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark announce a shift towards solo episodes to accommodate their upcoming tour schedules. They express excitement about interacting directly with their audience through these individual segments.

• Georgia Hardstark (01:22): "So we're doing some solo episodes. I feel like we should just talk about it."

• Karen Kilgariff (01:36): "Reminder, these are free."

The hosts humorously discuss the logistics of their tour, highlighting limited ticket availability and the personal challenges of performing live.

• Georgia Hardstark (01:45): "Fucking going on tour. Yeah. Go to myfavoritemurder.com/live and get your tickets if you want them."

They also touch upon their decision to potentially cease touring post-tour, adding a playful tone to the announcement.

Introduction to the Solo Story: Philip Ashton's Survival (09:22 - 41:10)

Karen introduces the day’s main content—a solo narrative episode featuring the extraordinary survival story of Philip Ashton, a 19-year-old fisherman from Massachusetts who became a castaway in the early 18th century.

• Karen Kilgariff (09:32): "And this one especially is very, very thematically off target in a way, but very interesting."

Capture by Pirates (09:48 - 12:16)

Philip Ashton and his crew aboard the Milton are unexpectedly overtaken by a violent pirate named Edward Ned Lowe aboard the brigantine Rebecca.

• Georgia Hardstark (13:53): "So, according to a write-up by the New England Historical Society, 'Lowe had a reputation as a psychopath who mutilated, disemboweled, and decapitated his prisoners.'"

• Karen Kilgariff (13:47): "Lowe had a reputation as a psychopath who mutilated, disemboweled, and decapitated his prisoners."

Life as a Castaway (15:03 - 25:52)

Refusing to join the pirates, Philip is marooned on Roatan Island. The narrative details his harrowing survival tactics, including foraging for food, building shelter, and enduring constant threats from wildlife and the elements.

• Karen Kilgariff (15:33): "He's about status."

Philip grapples with loneliness and the physical toll of isolation, vividly describing encounters with dangerous wildlife and the psychological strain of solitude.

• Philip Ashton (Narrated by Karen) (20:57): "If I had eaten it, it would have been the death to me."

Encounters and Near-Deaths (26:07 - 35:30)

After nearly a year, Philip spots an Englishman escaping Spaniards but loses him to a violent storm. Later, he discovers an abandoned boat and embarks on a perilous journey to seek help, only to face another near-death experience when confronted by Spaniards.

• Karen Kilgariff (27:07): "I was very active in helping get the casks out of the boat and roll them up to the watering place."

• Georgia Hardstark (34:38): "Turn around, damn it."

Rescue and Return Home (35:30 - 37:07)

Philip is eventually rescued by British loggers who establish trust and aid his recovery. His return journey is marked by a miraculous encounter with the ship Diamond, captained by an acquaintance from his hometown.

• Philip Ashton (Narrated by Karen) (35:23): "This small quantity... threw my animal spirits into such a violent agitation."

• Karen Kilgariff (37:07): "This is nearly three full years after he was first taken prisoner by Ned Lowe."

Aftermath and Legacy (37:07 - 41:10)

Upon returning to Massachusetts, Philip publishes his memoirs, which detail his unbelievable survival story. Despite skepticism due to the popularity of Robinson Crusoe, his account remains largely accepted with corroborative elements.

• Philip Ashton (Narrated by Karen) (40:36): "I cannot take notice of the strange concurrence of divine providence..."

• Georgia Hardstark (41:01): "Wow. Great solo story."

Discussion and Reflections (41:10 - 41:54)

Karen and Georgia reflect on the remarkable tale of Philip Ashton, emphasizing his relentless spirit and the sheer luck that facilitated his survival.

• Georgia Hardstark (41:03): "Wow. Great solo story."

• Karen Kilgariff (41:10): "It's a fun jaunt, which is what we need sometimes."

They also humorously address the malevolent character of Ned Lowe, the pirate responsible for Philip's initial capture.

• Georgia Hardstark (40:56): "Make fun of my name again. Make fun of Ned."

• Karen Kilgariff (40:50): "Ned is pussy."

Conclusion

Episode 491 of My Favorite Murder delves into the true crime history of Philip Ashton, a castaway whose survival against insurmountable odds paints a vivid picture of resilience and fortune intertwined. Karen and Georgia’s engaging narration, coupled with their signature humor and insightful discussions, provide listeners with a captivating exploration of one man’s fight for survival in the early 18th century.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Kilgariff (09:32): "This one especially is very, very thematically off target in a way, but very interesting."

• Georgia Hardstark (13:53): "So, according to a write-up by the New England Historical Society..."

• Philip Ashton (20:57): "If I had eaten it, it would have been the death to me."

• Philip Ashton (35:23): "This small quantity... threw my animal spirits into such a violent agitation."

• Philip Ashton (40:36): "I cannot take notice of the strange concurrence of divine providence..."

For More Information:

• Email: hometowns@myfavoritemurdermail.com
• Follow on Instagram: @myfavoritemurder
• Listen on: iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or My Favorite Murder Website
• Watch on YouTube: Exactly Right’s YouTube page

Stay tuned for upcoming solo episodes and consider attending the live tour for an immersive My Favorite Murder experience!