My Favorite Murder – Episode 512: Best of the Year (Part I)
Released: December 25, 2025
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Overview
In this special “Best of the Year Quilt” episode, Karen and Georgia revisit two standout listener-favorite stories: Georgia recounts the life and crimes of Locusta, the infamous poisoner of ancient Rome, while Karen dives deep into the life, legacy, and mysterious disappearance of aviation icon Amelia Earhart. The episode blends rich historical storytelling with the hosts' signature banter and comedic insights. They also celebrate their holiday tradition of donating to charity, this year spotlighting Feeding America.
Key Segments & Timestamps
Charity and Holiday Tradition
- [03:51] Karen and Georgia share their holiday tradition of making charitable donations every December and announce a $10,000 gift to Feeding America.
“So today we're making our final donation of $10,000 to an organization called Feeding America.” – Georgia [03:58]
“Let's all find ways to look out for each other in the coming year.” – Georgia [04:32]
Segment 1: Locusta, the Poisoner of Rome
Storyteller: Georgia Hardstark
Begins: [07:54]
Introduction
- Georgia sets the stage by noting Locusta may be “history's first documented serial killer”, active during the early Roman Empire.
“This is the story of a woman some people describe as history’s first documented serial killer. This is the story of Locusta, the poisoner of Rome.” – Georgia [08:36/08:45]
- Locusta is introduced as a mysterious figure with scant historical records, but whose legend looms large.
Locusta’s Background and Era
- Born in Gaul (modern-day France/Belgium), possibly enslaved and brought to Rome via Caesar’s campaigns.
- Set against the context of the Roman Empire’s transition from republic to empire, “Pax Romana”, and the “bread and circuses” era.
“And this period, Locusta is born into the end of the Republic and the beginning of the Empire is the beginning of what's actually a pretty great fucking time to be a Roman citizen.” – Georgia [12:16]
- Discussion of class divides: opulence for citizens, suffering for the conquered.
Locusta’s Rise as a Poisoner
- Learned herb and poison lore, perhaps via her family.
- Formed a trio of “sorceresses,” became independently wealthy targeting Rome’s elite.
- Employed belladonna, arsenic, and bespoke concoctions; compared humorously with Sally from "Nightmare Before Christmas."
“She makes a name for herself. She’s hired by members of Rome’s elite to help them carry out assassinations in their various power struggles.” – Georgia [15:39]
- Multiple arrests skirted thanks to powerful clients.
The Poisonings of Claudius & Britannicus
- Hired by Agrippina to poison Emperor Claudius, enabling Nero’s rise (details: poisoned mushrooms, feather laced with toxins).
- Locusta briefly jailed, then freed by Nero—who employs her again to murder Britannicus, Claudius's son (attempted arsenic, successful belladonna in tainted water).
“Nero pardons Locusta and quickly hires her to kill 13-year-old Britannicus… He wants her to make his death appear to be of natural causes.” – Georgia [20:07]
- Aftermath: Britannicus buried quickly, but rain exposes telltale red skin—poisoning is suspected.
Locusta’s Legacy and Demise
- Rewarded by Nero: land, impunity for crimes, a school for poisoners.
“Nero rewards Locusta for securing the throne for him. He pays her, he gives her land, and he ultimately tasks her with opening up a school to teach other people to be poisoners. It's like a happy ending.” – Georgia [23:05]
- Rumored to have tested poisons on slaves and prisoners—fueling her reputation as a proto-serial killer.
- Following Nero’s death, new emperor Galba revokes her immunity. Locusta is executed (methods differ: strangling, burning, beasts).
“Galba accuses Locusta of killing more than 400 people and sentences her to death… The story always begins with her being marched through the streets of Rome in chains.” – Georgia [25:28]
Notable Discussion & Moments
- Comparisons to "Game of Thrones" intrigue.
- Musings on lost ancient knowledge (“Is that what’s in the Vatican secret library?” – Karen [15:02])
- Hosts’ self-deprecating jokes about attention spans and learning history.
Memorable Quotes
- “People just aren’t really paying attention, I feel like, back then.” – Georgia [21:51]
- “Nero rewards Locusta… tells her to open a poisoner’s school. That’s a happy ending!” – Karen [23:19, jokingly]
Segment 2: Amelia Earhart—Pioneering Aviatrix
Storyteller: Karen Kilgariff
Begins: [33:40]
Introduction & Context
- With Women’s History Month recently wrapping, Karen chooses to celebrate Amelia Earhart's life, not just the mystery of her disappearance.
“But because all the focus has been on how she died, the way she lived, including her many accomplishments and her advocacy, is often forgotten. So today, I’m gonna tell you the story of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart.” – Karen [34:24]
Early Life
- Born in Atchison, Kansas in 1897.
- Raised in a family of fluctuating fortune; father struggled with alcoholism, leading to frequent moves.
- Childhood marked by independence, tomboyishness, and daring (face-first sled story).
“That condemned tomboy method saved my life.” – Amelia Earhart (as quoted by Karen) [42:13]
- Documented as “the girl in brown who walks alone” in her yearbook [41:58], reflecting her sense of difference.
Adult Aspirations and Entry into Aviation
- As a teen, collected stories of women in non-traditional careers; aspired to break societal norms.
“She starts keeping a scrapbook with cutouts of women with successful careers… manifesting that future for herself.” – Karen [43:52]
- Dropped out of finishing school to serve wartime wounded in Canada; attends a flight exhibition (the “little red airplane said something to me” moment).
- First plane ride at 23; thrilling and revelatory.
“As soon as we left the ground, I knew I had to fly.” – Earhart (quoted by Karen) [47:24]
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
- Mentored by pioneering female pilot Netta Snook.
- Bought her own yellow biplane, “Canary”; set records, including altitude.
- Flying paused by family needs, but remained an advocate for women in aviation.
“She was obsessed with being a social worker… She took it as her role in life to act as an agent for social change for women.” – Karen quoting Susan Butler [51:01]
The Lindbergh Connection & Global Stardom
- Publisher George Putnam invites Amelia to become the first woman to cross the Atlantic (as passenger, 1928). Media dubs her “Lady Lindbergh.”
- Earhart considers her role on the flight unsatisfying (“The boys did all the flying. … Just baggage, like a sack of potatoes.” – Earhart, quoted by Karen) [56:47/56:52/56:58]
- Dedicates herself to proving her skills as a pilot: solo transatlantic flight in 1932, several U.S. speed and distance records.
“She also teases her dream of the future by saying, ‘maybe someday I’ll try it alone.’” – Karen [57:07]
Advocacy, Marriage, and Later Achievements
- Used fame to push for women’s empowerment, founds the Ninety-Nines (organization for women aviators), and campaigns for the Equal Rights Amendment.
- Keeps her own name in marriage, opts for personal liberty (“I cannot guarantee to endure… the confinement of even an attractive cage.” – Earhart to Putnam) [59:37]
- Launches a fashion line of flight wear for women.
The Final Flight & Disappearance
- Plans round-the-world flight in 1937; team gradually thins to just her and navigator Fred Noonan.
- Plane crashes on takeoff from Honolulu, repaired; eventually resumes trip from Miami.
- They complete 3/4 of the journey before vanishing en route to tiny Howland Island in the Pacific.
“She only has about half an hour of fuel left…” – Karen [74:33]
- Despite massive government and private search efforts, neither the plane nor the pilots are ever found.
- Discusses various theories: crash and sink, castaway on Nikumaroro island, capture during WWII, and coconut crab legend.
Closing Reflection on Earhart’s Legacy
- Throughout, Earhart’s independence, courage, and enduring advocacy for women’s rights are celebrated.
“It wasn't that Amelia was willful, rather that she was free. She was calm, fearless, cheerful in the face of life, and she attracted everybody. ... She believed that women should live lives rich in experience…” – Anthony Brandt, quoted by Karen [80:59/81:16]
- The hosts encourage listeners to remember Earhart for her vibrant life and impact—not just for the unsolved mystery.
Notable Quotes & Moments
On Poison and Power in Ancient Rome:
- “The billionaires don’t pay taxes and corporations run the fucking country. What? Where are we?” – Karen [13:34]
- “Why don’t we know it anymore? Is that what’s in the Vatican secret library?” – Karen [15:02]
- “Nero rewards Locusta for securing the throne for him... It's like a happy ending.” – Georgia [23:19, tongue-in-cheek]
On Amelia Earhart’s Character:
- “There should be no line between men and women so far as piloting is concerned.” – Earhart, quoted by Karen [56:29]
- “I cannot guarantee to endure at all times the confinement of even an attractive cage.” – Earhart, to her husband (wedding day letter) [59:37]
- “It wasn't that Amelia was willful, rather that she was free.” – Anthony Brandt, quoted by Karen [80:59]
Signature Banter
- “Get your own Vespa.” – Georgia [56:51, paralleled with Earhart’s insistence on pilot credit]
- “It's so wild… You would hope there’s an automated aspect to it.” – Hosts, about the cost and tech of Earhart’s final plane [69:35–69:39]
- “You know that if you rest, your momentum will slow… she’s still on that sled, still going under that horse-drawn carriage.” – Karen [71:47/72:00]
- “We’re open to correction always. Women should live free. It’s insane. Can you imagine?” – Hosts reflecting on Earhart’s legacy [81:32–81:38]
Final Thoughts
“Best of the Year (Part I)” is a richly entertaining tapestry of crime, history, and feminist commentary—showcasing Karen and Georgia’s blend of humor, warmth, and sharp research. The episode honors the women at its center for their impact on history—not just their notoriety or unsolved mysteries. Listeners are encouraged to look beyond headlines, embrace curiosity, and “stay sexy and don’t get murdered.”
Additional Segment Timestamps
- [07:54] Start of Locusta, the Poisoner of Rome
- [33:40] Start of Amelia Earhart’s story
Stay Sexy, and Don’t Get Murdered.