MFM Minisode 408

Summary

My Favorite Murder Minisode 408 Summary

In MFM Minisode 408, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into a series of compelling listener-submitted stories, mixing true crime elements with their signature humor. This episode features six standout tales, each bringing unique insights and heartfelt moments. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of each story, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for context.

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1. Lost in the Woods

Submitted by: Ryan Reynolds
Timestamp: [01:31]–[05:33]

Ryan Reynolds opens the episode with a harrowing account titled "Lost in the Woods." He recounts his father's unsettling experience in the Oregon wilderness, where during a dog search, his father was inadvertently left behind by friends. The friends hastily departed, leaving Ryan's father to fend for himself.

Key Points:

• Initial Abandonment: Ryan's father watched helplessly as three vehicles sped away, leaving him isolated with his backpack ([01:31]).
• Survival Struggles: As night fell, he navigated treacherous terrain, leading to exhaustion and disorientation ([02:46]).
• Delayed Rescue: It wasn't until three days later that mushroom foragers discovered him, highlighting a significant delay in search and rescue efforts ([03:16]).

Notable Quote:

• Karen: "Assholes." ([02:46])

Discussion & Safety Tips: Karen and Ryan express frustration towards the friends' negligence, emphasizing the importance of not splitting up in wilderness settings. They provide practical safety advice:

1. Stay Put: If lost, remain where you are to simplify rescue efforts ([04:20]).
2. Navigation Tools: Always carry reliable navigation aids like a compass or GPS ([04:53]).
3. Quality Clothing: Invest in moisture-wicking and insulating clothing to combat hypothermia ([05:01]).
4. Buddy System: Never hike alone; always use the buddy system to ensure mutual safety ([05:33]).
5. Headlamp: Essential for navigating in the dark ([05:48]).
6. 10 Essentials: Familiarize yourself with the 10 essential items for outdoor survival ([06:09]).

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2. Celebrity Encounter Lost on My Clueless Mum

Submitted by: Jodie
Timestamp: [07:26]–[12:25]

Jodie shares a delightful yet amusing story about her mother's unexpected encounter with the late Robin Williams. While attending a West End show in London, Jodie's mother enthusiastically speaks with a fellow attendee, only to realize too late that she was conversing with the famed comedian.

Key Points:

• Unrecognized Star: Jodie's mother didn't recognize Robin Williams, leading to a humorous revelation when another patron pointed it out ([08:31]).
• Anonymous Interaction: Robin Williams chose to blend into the audience, enjoying the performance incognito ([11:39]).

Notable Quote:

• Karen: "I love that he said he was from San Diego." ([11:43])

Discussion: Karen and Ryan reminisce about their own celebrity encounters, adding personal anecdotes to highlight the spontaneity and unpredictability of such meetings. They commend Jodie for sharing a story that underscores the impact of mental health openness, tying it back to Robin Williams' legacy.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan: "He's trying to keep the image." ([11:38])

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3. Lovable Crazy Neighbor Story

Submitted by: Andrea A.
Timestamp: [18:21]–[21:20]

Andrea introduces a heartwarming tale of her elderly neighbor, Camellia, and her late husband Bill. Their unconventional love story serves as an inspiration to Andrea's own children, who emulate their globetrotting lifestyle.

Key Points:

• Unique Meeting: Camellia and Bill met during a snowstorm in the 1970s by falsely claiming they had their suitcases switched on a bus ([18:59]).
• Enduring Love: Their relationship blossomed despite both being married to other people at the time, leading to a lifelong partnership ([20:16]).
• Legacy of Adventure: Their story motivates Andrea's children to pursue their passions and travel the world ([18:30]).

Notable Quote:

• Karen: "I do like that even though it sucks for those two people, for the two people they were married to." ([21:20])

Discussion: Karen and Ryan applaud Camellia's boldness and zest for life, reflecting on the importance of following one's heart despite societal norms. They also touch upon the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of happiness.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan: "You should see the clown chainsaw shit we've been held up to." ([33:55])

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4. Lake Powell Vacation Gone

Submitted by: Unknown
Timestamp: [21:30]–[27:34]

This story details a family's ill-fated vacation to Lake Powell, marked by unexpected weather disruptions and mechanical mishaps. Despite the challenges, the family remains resilient and learns valuable lessons from the ordeal.

Key Points:

• Trip Planning: The family embarked on a 12-hour drive to Lake Powell with high hopes of water skiing and camping ([21:30]).
• Sudden Storm: Upon arrival, an unforeseen summer storm wreaked havoc, causing tents to collapse and belongings to float away ([22:21]).
• Mechanical Failure: On the return journey, the boat trailer's brakes caught fire, yet Ryan's father managed to extinguish it using ice from a cooler ([24:57]).
• Resilience: The family salvaged what they could and continued their adventures, albeit with increased caution ([24:37]).

Notable Quote:

• Karen: "Stay sexy and don't camp next to a waterfall." ([25:35])

Discussion: Karen and Ryan empathize with the family's plight, highlighting the unpredictability of outdoor excursions. They emphasize the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of nature's challenges.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan: "I had something similar happened like a hurricane during a camping trip." ([25:35])

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5. Vintage Treasure

Submitted by: Shaylee
Timestamp: [27:34]–[29:51]

Shaylee recounts her serendipitous discovery of a $50 bill hidden in a vintage gold beaded skirt at a thrift shop in New Orleans. This lucky find adds an element of excitement to her treasure-hunting adventures.

Key Points:

• First Find: Upon trying on a beautiful skirt, Shaylee discovers a $50 bill in its pocket, dubbing it her "lucky skirt" ([27:34]).
• Enhanced Search: Motivated by her success, she becomes more meticulous in checking every pocket of clothing items in vintage stores ([28:15]).
• Emotional Impact: The discovery boosts her confidence and encourages her to continue exploring vintage shops ([28:22]).

Notable Quote:

• Ryan: "Cheers to obsession, stay sexy and always follow your heart." ([28:34])

Discussion: Karen and Ryan celebrate Shaylee's luck, sharing similar experiences of unexpected finds. They discuss the thrill of vintage shopping and the joy of uncovering hidden gems.

Notable Quote:

• Karen: "I gotta get out of here. Yeah, stay where you are." ([04:20])

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6. Halloween, Trash Mom

Submitted by: Janelle with a D.
Timestamp: [29:51]–[34:04]

Janelle narrates two unsettling Halloween experiences that led her to avoid haunted trails with her family. These stories blend elements of humor and fear, characteristic of the podcast's true crime comedy style.

Key Points:

• First Incident: During a haunted trail hike, a clown with a chainsaw startled both Janelle and her young child, leaving a lasting trauma ([30:01]).
• Second Incident: On a subsequent haunted trail, Janelle offered jello shots to a person in a scream costume, humorously questioning if she had inadvertently given alcohol to a minor ([30:56]).
• Reflection: Janelle appreciates the support and lessons learned from the MFM community, particularly regarding mental health ([31:20]).

Notable Quote:

• Karen: "They didn't realize." ([30:55])

Discussion: Karen and Ryan reflect on the intense nature of haunted attractions and the importance of considering children's sensitivities. They commend Janelle for her openness and resilience in overcoming these frightening experiences.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan: "What did you do as a parent that, like, you're still." ([32:32])

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Conclusion

MFM Minisode 408 masterfully intertwines gripping narratives with insightful discussions, offering listeners a blend of suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments. Karen and Georgia's adept storytelling and relatable commentary make each story resonate, whether it's survival in the wilderness, unexpected celebrity encounters, or the quirks of family vacations.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Karen: "This has been an exactly right production." ([34:13])

Listeners are encouraged to share their hometowns via myfavoritemurdermail.com and connect with the show on social media platforms.

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Key Takeaways:

• Preparedness is Crucial: Whether hiking or camping, being prepared can make the difference between life and death.
• Cherishing Unexpected Moments: From accidental encounters with celebrities to lucky finds in vintage shops, embracing life's surprises enriches our experiences.
• Resilience in Adversity: Families and individuals alike demonstrate incredible resilience when faced with unforeseen challenges.

Notable Quote to Remember:

• Ryan: "Don't give them any ammunition. With Lume, you can enjoy holiday gatherings without worrying about your body odor." ([16:32])

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's content.

Transcript

[Karen Kilgariff]

This is exactly right.

[Georgia Hardstark]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. With the price of just about everything going up during inflation, we thought we'd bring our prices down. So to help us, we brought in a reverse auctioneer, which is apparently a.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Georgia Hardstark]

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[United Airlines]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

New customers on first three month plan only. Taxes and fees.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Extra speed slower above 40 gigabytes.

[United Airlines]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

My savior.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hello and welcome to my favorite murder, the Minisode. Here we go.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Are you ready to hear some emails? You want to go first?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Sure. Okay. My first one's called Lost in the woods. Hey. MFM crew on minisode 402, y'all shared some great stories about getting lost in the woods, so I figured I'd share mine. A handful of years ago, my father and some friends were hanging out in the wilderness of Oregon when one of their dogs got away. The group split up and began searching for the dog. Once successful in the search, the crew all headed back to their cars, loaded into three different vehicles and took off. All of them except my father. He watched with disbelief as the three cars pulled away and headed down the mountain. With his backpack in one of the trunks, chasing them furiously waving his arms. No one noticed. According to my father, at first he was just annoyed and figured they'd realize any minute and turn around. As hours went by, he grew more and more frustrated and started walking down the road. Nighttime came quickly and in the dark he tripped and stumbled down a steep gully above a river. He fought hard to get back up the slope, but was so shaken up when he got back up he accidentally went in the wrong direction. So he's like doubling back. Flash forward to the next evening his friends first noticed he was left behind.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Assholes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The next evening?

[Karen Kilgariff]

That's insane.

[Ryan Reynolds]

They all lived on a compound together, so my jaw dropped when I first learned this detail. It's not like they all went to their own apartments and like, didn't notice. You know what I mean? Like, makes sense that they weren't like in the room with him so they wouldn't know.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Did they say what year this was or era?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I don't know, but it sounds very high.

[Karen Kilgariff]

This is as high as you can get.

[Ryan Reynolds]

His friends didn't call search and rescue until almost a full day after they had left him behind. Don't get me started here.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, I mean, for real, my father.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Was lost for three full days before he was found by mushroom foragers. So even after they realized he was gone, he was still fucking. They still couldn't find him. Right.

[Karen Kilgariff]

That's just the beginning of the problem.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Right. He was freezing cold, his cotton clothing soaked through, and he was surviving just on snow and thoughts of getting back to his family, like, because they took his fucking backpack too.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

My dad describes this experience as the scariest in his life, but he shares needing to get back to my nephew as what saved his life. Luckily, he survived with just a small bit of frostbite, but the PTSD from this harrowing experience will remain forever. My biggest reason I wanted to share this story is to share some tips to keep yourself safe outdoors. Oh, my father's close call does not deter me from being the outdoorsy woman I am. And nor should it you, if that's what you love. That's quite what we always say.

[Karen Kilgariff]

But also, what if someone heard this email was like, I'm never going outside again.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Never, never. Or I mean, I'd be like, I'm never having friends again.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Exactly. I'm never carpooling again.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Here are some tips. 1. If you find that you are turned around and unsure of which way is the correct way to go, do not keep moving. The closer you are to your last known location, the less complicated it is for Search and rescue to find you. They always say that, but it's like the natural thing to be like, I bet there's just down the street, like.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I gotta get out of here. Yeah, stay where you are.

[Ryan Reynolds]

2. Bring a navigation tool that has extended battery life like a Garmin in reach, a map and compass and some type of emergency beacon if you're going into particularly wild areas.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Wasn't his backpack in the car?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I think she means if you're lucky enough to have your possessions on you.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Still, this is all an argument to stay home for real.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Totally raising. I'm not taking any of this advice because I'm not going anywhere. 3. Invest in high quality Clothing. Cotton kills is a common saying in the outdoors world. It saturates with water easily and becomes very cold. Wool layers, synthetic fabrics and rain clothes are necessary. 4. Don't split up unless it is totally necessary. No one should be left behind. I live in Colorado and I often hear of groups leaving someone behind because they are holding the group back. Always use the buddy system.

[Karen Kilgariff]

What?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I don't know. Grandma's fucking holding us down. Yeah, let's leave her. We can really meet you at the top, Grandma. I think it's like that idea though of like, okay, buddy, we're just going to meet you at the top. Like that's a normal thing to think, right? Like someone's going slower. Don't do that.

[Karen Kilgariff]

You should test people before you're on a mountain. If they're like that in their personality. If they're. Because that is so self serving and insane.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

To just be like, hey, look, I'm trying to hike faster. I need to be moving faster. Yeah, go to hell.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. 5. Always bring a headlamp. 6. Learn about the 10 essentials and live by them.

[Karen Kilgariff]

The ones that were just given.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, I sure. That's a thing. Different thing. Stay sexy and hail Mushroom Foragers Anonymous.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, let's hear it from mushroom foragers right now.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well, that's who found the dad.

[Karen Kilgariff]

No, no, I know.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I've always heard that thing about wool though. Wool is the best material for. And it seems like, oh, it'd be too hot. But it's super breathable and it does good with moisture. What am I talking about? I just have heard that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. When you spill something on your couch.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, exactly. And then I'm like, oh, no, I'm trapped here. What if I don't ever dry off and I get couch rot? What are the 10 essentials? Stay positive.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Don't go in the fucking forest.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Look up at the top of the tree line.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. Wave at bears.

[Karen Kilgariff]

The thing that makes me crazy is people that talk about north, south, east and west, like anybody has some sort of. Like it's taught somewhere.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm okay at it if I'm in a city, like a big city, except for New York. I can't fucking do ejection. New York.

[Karen Kilgariff]

It's New York's tough.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. But like New York, I mean, L.A. i can do it, right?

[Karen Kilgariff]

You go like, where's the airport? That's south, right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Or I go, where's the valley? I don't want to go there. It's that way. You know what I mean?

[Karen Kilgariff]

As a Person who lives in the valley. How dare. Okay, here's my first one. And the subject line is celebrity encounter lost on my clueless mum. Hello, ladies. You know when people say Day one listener, do they mean they discovered your podcast sometime in the last few years and they went through and listened to the whole thing from episode one, or do they mean that they listened to episode one when there was only an episode one? I'm the former, having discovered your podcast sometime in 2021 and taking probably a year to catch up on all the old episodes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Wow.

[Karen Kilgariff]

What would you. What answer would you give?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I think when. I think Day one listeners identify as people who started listening from the very first episode when they found it in 2016. Like, when it came out.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Right.

[Ryan Reynolds]

But I like that one, too. I mean, that they. Let's think of it. Fucking. They should call themselves something.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, they should call themselves obsessive compulsive. I mean, I never think about that where it's like, there are hundreds of these fucking episodes. I mean, so if you like it, then you're like, oh, I'm here. But I actually.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, well, that's why we're doing rewind episodes.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, we're trying to make it easier for you. Cause we realize these are true problems in 2024 that are a real concern for everybody. Anyway, I like when an email starts off with like, can I get some stuff cleared up? Cause I'm confused.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I like that.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Maybe we'll name the second version after the person. Depending on how this email goes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Bingers.

[Karen Kilgariff]

We'll name it Jodiers. But anyway. Hi, I'm writing to you from the north of Denmark, where I live with my Danish husb. But I'm originally from the south of England. Those Vikings are still stealing the English girls away. That is the best. Okay, here's my story. When I was a kid, I was always at some sort of dancing, singing, drama, or piano lesson. As my dancing friends and I grew up, I lost interest in parentheses because I discovered boys and thought they wouldn't be interested in a dancer. And then it's the emoji of the little guy rolling his eyes, which is like, it's so sad to me that girls do that to themselves, where it's like, that's all they're interested in. Why wouldn't you understand that you are the cream of the crop?

[Ryan Reynolds]

But also, like, how sad to give up something you love because you think this boy is going to somehow make your life better than the thing that you love.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah. You think it's gonna up the odds of getting picked by some fucking idiot.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It doesn't matter.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, but they all went on to have great careers in the theater, on cruise ships, touring the world, etc. One such girl got her job as a chorus girl in the London West End stage version of the Producers. That's amazing. My mom and lots of the other dancing mums went to watch her in her West End debut. That is also for those moms. Yeah, she made it. That's. I mean, the West End in London. She made it. As my mom was sat in the audience waiting for the show to start, she got talking to the man next to her. He had an American accent, and asked my mom if she had seen the show yet. She excitedly told him that she knew one of the chorus girls.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, no.

[Karen Kilgariff]

She asked where he was from and he said, san Diego. Ooh, I've been there. Squealed my mom excitedly and tried to do a lock. I loved it. Regaling the stranger with stories of her travels. When the show started, my mom's friend poked my mom in the ribs and whispered, isn't that Robin Williams you're talking to?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, my God. I was going, nathan Lane, but wow. Oh, how do you not recognize.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Okay, she's a mum. There's a mom. It turned out, yes, it was indeed Robin Williams, but my mom had no idea who he was. That's hilarious. She'd never been good at staying awake during films and didn't really watch them all that much, so had somehow come to miss the entire career of the comedy Gene, one of the, like, biggest.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Stars of our time.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Of our time. I like to think that it was probably refreshing for him to be anonymous for five minutes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Like, not have to perform and be someone.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Just have a conversation with a lady.

[Ryan Reynolds]

With a British lady who's not gonna be like, guess who I talk to?

[Karen Kilgariff]

I think it's funny that he said he was from San Diego.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Where's he from?

[Karen Kilgariff]

The Bay Area.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's weird.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah. Maybe he was, like, born in San Diego. Or maybe he was just like, don't worry about it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Sure.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah. Like, he's trying to keep the image. We're back in the email now. Anyway, with Robin Williams in mind, it seems appropriate to thank you for your openness around mental health and all the wonderful donations you make to such worthy causes. Also for the laughs and education you have given me over the years. Keep up the good work, ladies, and love to the animals. Jody. She her.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Aw. Jodie. Jody, great email.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I mean, Jodie, thank you. Top to bottom. Just a delightful email. Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Like, it felt like a good conversation that we just had with Jodie. It was just one sided.

[Karen Kilgariff]

And Jody's in Denmark.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

The chances of us being able to have this conversation were so rare.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

And she made it happen. Also. Can I just do a quick brag? That one time when I was in. When I lived in San Francisco, I was at Green Apple Books, which is a bookstore in. Now, I can't remember what neighborhood it's in, but it's very well known. I feel like it's down near Fisherman's Wharf, but I'm probably wrong. Doesn't matter. Anyhow, it's this real cool old bookstore that kind of has like different levels and steps and the floor is wooden.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Is it next to Vesuvio?

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, it's in North Beach.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. That's in North Beach? Yes. That fucking amazing bookstore.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Oh, wait, no, no, that's not Skylight, but that's the City Lights. That's City Lights Books, I think Green Apple. It doesn't matter. It truly doesn't matter. No, keep it all in. Anyway, I'm walking there. I think I'm killing time before meeting people, before a show or something. And so I just go in and I'm walking. And I'm so positive I'm going to trip and fall because of these different little wooden steps that I'm just watching myself walk to walk toward the back. And I walk and then I walk until I see some feet in front of me and I realize, oh, someone is also walking toward me. And I look up and it's Robin Williams. And we are truly a foot away from each other like that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And you know, the same thing happened to me in a bookstore with Billy Bob Thornton, right? No, like we walked into each other.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Same exact thing.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

That's hilarious.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And then I look over and Angelina Jolie is there with him.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Are you lying?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I swear to fucking.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Doesn't that sound like a lie?

[Ryan Reynolds]

It does. It's one of my stories from like when I was like 19. When they were married.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes. When they were. They were the most in love people of all time. Yeah. Wow, that's hilarious.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Did he say anything to you?

[Karen Kilgariff]

He did a thing where I could because I just was like, what, like 19 years old, finally living in the big city, whatever. And so I just kind of was like. I'm sure I had that look on his face and he just gave me the little, like, cute smile. But he was also like. We were both kind of like, look down, people. Yeah. So we both just kept looking down and it Kind of, like, kept passing.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Cute.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Very sweet. Very sweet. And he used to sometimes come to comedy shows like the Fake Gallery, which is in east la, and he would come if, like, he knew someone in town and someone would be there. And so he would go and just go and sit in the audience so no one in the audience knew he was in the audience. He would kind of get there secretly at maybe back entrance or something and just watch the show. And people would be like, someone get him to do a set. And he didn't want to. He just wanted to watch.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Wow.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Which is very cool to me.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So amazing.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. On these cozy winter nights, it's hard not to feel grateful for the warmth of home and family.

[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

I mean, that kind of technology is pretty great for the prices that Simplisafe charges. The idea that there could be preventative measures taken and people could just be warned away and it would just be over. That's very comforting.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

Goodbye. Goodbye. This time of year means more time with family and friends, which means more judgment.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Karen Kilgariff]

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[Ryan Reynolds]

This one's called Lovable Crazy Neighbor Story. It starts all y'all. All y'all.

[Karen Kilgariff]

That's right.

[Ryan Reynolds]

There's a saying in the South. We don't hide our crazy. We parade it out on the front por give it a cocktail. Hell yeah. In that vein, life gave us our elderly neighbor Camelia. A true southern character. For their entire married lives, Camelia and her husband Bill live like paupers at home. Then used the money they saved to travel the globe. Ooh. Growing up with that example right next door, my own four kids are spending their 20s traveling and living all over the world as well.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Nice.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Amazing. Camelia has no filter. Never did. She will love you like nobody else and flat put you in your place when you need it. And at 90 now, if she wants to walk to the Mailbox in her underwear. She absolutely does.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Oh, why not? The freedoms.

[Ryan Reynolds]

My hands down. Favorite Camellia story was one day when I arranged for a group of boys from the local Baptist church to volunteer doing chores in her yard. The boys showed up, as did their pastor and assistant pastor. As the boys worked, we stood in the yard and chatted with the pastors. And I asked Camelia for permission to tell them the sweet story of how she and Bill met. The story goes that they were both in Colorado skiing in the early 70s. Her from Louisiana, him from Florida. A big snow fell, airports were closed, and the only way out was by bus, where the two of them were seated together and talked for hours. When she got back to Louisiana, Camelia called the bus line, lied, and said that she'd sat next to a man named Bill and their suitcases had gotten switched. It says it absolutely had not. She asked for his phone number to call him and rectify the situation. Wow.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Going for it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This being the 70s, they didn't give it a second thought.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Sure, here's the number.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, she called, they connected, started dating, got married, and were absolute soulmates until Bill died in 2018. As I retold this charming, if a bit impish tale, Camelia added, of course, we were both married to other people at the time. Lady, all bold, all caps. What? Right in front of the pastors, too?

[Karen Kilgariff]

Oh, that's right. She's at church.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, they're in the front yard with the boys doing the work at the yard with the Baptist.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Oh, that's right. That's right. Sorry.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's a completely different story. And not one I've necessarily related to the local Baptist preachers. Classic Camellia, though I have no doubt she'd set up that little booby trap and was just waiting to spring it on me. She's like, go ahead, tell the story.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, sure, I'd love for you to.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thanks for all. Two lovelies do, not the least of which is offering me a way to connect with my 30something daughter. Oh, and then her name is Mimi.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I know, Mimi.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Mimi.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Oh, that's a great email.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That was cute, right?

[Karen Kilgariff]

Also, it's kind of like, I do like that. Even though it sucks for those two people, for the two people they were married to.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Right.

[Karen Kilgariff]

But it's almost like it feels like Camelia was like, this is a once in a lifetime connection. This isn't nothing. I gotta go after it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. And like, there's no sitting idly by when you're in love. Wow. I mean, very cool. Unless you're in love with someone else at the same time. I mean, be married to them, but.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, figure it out.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You know, communicate, listen, be honest. Look, divorces happen.

[Karen Kilgariff]

It does. All right, we're on the side of divorce. The subject line of this email is Lake Powell vacation gone. Hi, MFM family, all the pleasantries. You know the drill in minisode 354. You made a call for vacations gone wrong. And I finally have a story worthy of sharing. Yes, growing up, we had a boat, which sounds bougie, but it was already old at the time in the story.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I love it. I love that thing of like. No, no, no, you don't.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Make no mistake, my dad's an expert water skier and my brother and I loved riding on a tube. So my mom had a great idea for a road trip from Denver to Lake Powell. A 12 hour drive, said boat, and finding a camping spot somewhere along the lakeshore. A similar trip to one my parents took pre kids with a then much newer boat and trailer. And then in parentheses, it says, this will be important later. I know my dad had dreams of my brother and I learning to water ski and love being on the lake as much as he did. Unfortunately, his dreams did not become a reality on this trip. We loved road trips and had all of the Disney soundtrack cassettes ready to go. That literally, that turns my stomach. The idea of like you're trapped in a car singing Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I agree. Unless it's the Little Mermaid soundtrack and then I'm there.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, I've told you that a million times. But Nora used to have, when she was like three, she had this little necklace and you touched the Ariel and it went ah. And my sister was like, that thing won't die. She's like, she touches it all the time. It's been around forever. She's like. She was like, found it. When nora was like 7 or 8 and touched it and it was still working. Like, we're back.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Okay.

[Karen Kilgariff]

We got to the lake and found a camping spot. Being the 90s, we had no phone or Internet to tell us the weather. But it was summer, so I'm sure my parents assumed it would be hot and dry and did not bother to actually check. We'd barely gotten our tents set up when clouds, wind and rain rolled in. We had two tents, my brother and I sharing one of those. It rained so much in a short time that a waterfall formed on the cliff behind our tents and created a river in the sand between where our two tents were set up.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh my God.

[Karen Kilgariff]

The wind was blowing so hard that my brother and I had to sit in the corners to keep the tent from blowing away. Being preteen kids, we were terrified that we were going to get blown away or taken out to the lake, never to be seen again. I'm sure my parents sat in their own tent, calm like only 90s parents could be. When it did stop raining, everything that was not in the boat or a tent was floating out on the lake, including all our food.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh no.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I guess we were able to save a night enough food because we camped the rest of the week. Despite what I am sure was a lot of complaining from my brother and I. If the rainstorm was not traumatic enough. On the drive home, the brakes of the boat trailer caught fire and once again my chill dad put the fire out with ice from a cooler.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Wow.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I have no idea how we drove home without breaks on the trailer. Seems pretty important to have. Yet once again only a 90s dad could not be worried about this. That was not the last camping trip my mom planned for us, but thankfully none were as eventful as this. I think we got rid of the boat not long after this trip as owning a boat in Colorado was pointless with so few lakes. Stay sexy and don't camp next to a waterfall. Andrea A. Yeah, they really did it. I love that idea of like here we are, summertime lake trip and immediately it's like hurricane.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I had something similar happened like a hurricane during a camping trip. But it was a camping trip for the rehab I had gone to at 13. They had like a, you know, like an AA event and there was like a hurricane in the middle of it. It was kind of cool though cause it was like all these people who were like trying to be self sufficient and they were able to like chase all down and like make everything better and like feel good about themselves instead of doing drugs.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, that's true. It was like true challenge. And then they had to let go and let God. Right, Because God was sending a hurricane.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's right. This time of year is packed with parties, shopping and family get togethers.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Now is not the time for a trip to the doctor's office. Which means that you might need to take a trip to the doctor's office.

[Ryan Reynolds]

With zocdoc, you can find and book the right doctor in minutes so you can get back to your holiday plans.

[Karen Kilgariff]

ZocDoc is a free app and website where you can search and compare high quality in network doctors. Choose the right one for your needs and click to instantly Book an appointment.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We're talking about in network appointments with more than 100,000 healthcare providers across every specialty, from mental health to dental health, eye care to skincare, and much more.

[Karen Kilgariff]

You can filter for doctors who take your insurance, are located nearby, and are highly rated by verified patients.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You can also see their actual appointment openings. Choose a time that works for you and click to instantly book a visit.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Plus, Zocdoc appointments happen fast, typically within just 24 to 72 hours of booking. You can even score same day appointments.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's so huge. I feel like I spend half my life trying to book, being on hold, calling the doctor's office, finally getting someone to make me an appointment. Then the appointment's in six freaking months and you just have to wait and remember that. Yeah, I spend so much time doing that and it's so frustrating. I love, love, love this service.

[Karen Kilgariff]

So stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to zocdoc.com murder to find and instantly book a top rated doctor today.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's Z O c d o c.com.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Murder zocdoc.com murder Goodbye.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This last one's short.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Okay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's called vintage treasure with a ton of exclamation marks. Guess what?

[Karen Kilgariff]

What?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm visiting New Orleans this week for the first time, and today I set out to find vintage clothing and thrift shops. My dream. I was listening to MFM walking from my hotel to my first destination. Not sure why I chose that shop. Just a feeling. When I arrived, I tried on a beautiful vintage gold beaded skirt and found a $50 bill in the pocket.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Literally, the first article of clothing I put my hand on this morning and it says day made.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes, mine too. That's the best.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Obviously. I bought it and designated it my lucky skirt.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I have been quite distracted the rest of today, checking every pocket in every store. Cheers to obsession, stay sexy and always follow your heart. To treasure. Love, Shaylee.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Shaylee. God damn it. Congratulations.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I have never, like, I've never stuck my hand in a pocket at like a vintage shop before.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, like just rifle through those.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That is kind of gross.

[Karen Kilgariff]

It is a little gross, but a lot of crumbs.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Vintage crumbs.

[Karen Kilgariff]

You gotta get in there. You gotta get those old weird lint balls to get your treasure.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Also the purse section. Go ahead and unzip those little pockets on the side.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yes.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Okay, everybody, we got this. There's been a couple tiktoks that I've seen with people that go, and they're like, this is the wallet I bought. And then unzip it and pull out like a weird old shopping list.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Or like, ooh, I love that. I've had that. Once I bought it and brought it home, but not when I was, like, trying stuff on for some reason.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yeah, yeah. Okay, so this last one is the subject line is Halloween, trash mom. And then in parentheses, it says, it's me. Hello to everyone's fingers and faces. Yay. Bold cut, Deep cut, day one.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yep.

[Karen Kilgariff]

And then it says, happy spooky Halloween, best friends. Here are a couple short stories about why I no longer go to haunted trails. We went on a haunted trail many years ago and took our children, who in hindsight were really too young. So sorry, I don't know what a haunted trail is. No, this feels regional.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Is it like a. It's either like a haunted hayride where it's like set up for, or it's like a trail in, like a hiking trail that everyone else is haunted. I'm gonna guess it's the first one.

[Karen Kilgariff]

It's set up.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Based on what this story is. It's set up, but I just think it's fascinating because I've never heard of this version of I've. Corn maze. Yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah. Haunted hayride. Yes.

[Karen Kilgariff]

This. No.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This one. You have to fucking walk in it. No.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Walk. And then. And then what?

[Ryan Reynolds]

And then what?

[Karen Kilgariff]

Well, we're about to find out. So their children are too young. Our son was probably around 5ish, question mark. @ the beginning of the hike. A clown ran out of the woods with a chainsaw, as they do. And me being the mom of the year, Trash mom, question mark, promptly shielded myself with my 5 year old. He was traumatized, I was traumatized. But we are all okay. He's 21 now and both are kids.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Give him a couple years. His brain's not even done forming. You don't know if he's gonna be okay. 21, please.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I love that. It's like only now can she tell this story. He's 21, right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Right. He's tiny. Tiny.

[Karen Kilgariff]

He made it. It says he's 21 now. And both our kids remind me of this to kick off Halloween season. And then it says thanks in parentheses. The second incident happened years later, when our kids were a more appropriate age. Our group knew we would have a long wait, so we brought various jello shots to sustain us adults. They were in little cups with lids so we could stash them in our pockets. This is important. Later, I promise. Our group got separated and I was walking with only one other friend. Suddenly I feel a presence behind me and slowly turn around to see a guy in a scream costume. With a shaky voice and a terrified look on my face, I say, hey, want a jello shot? To which he promptly says, cool, and grabs the shot and takes off.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, that was. You just made his night.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yep. I may have given alcohol to a minor, but I'll never know for. And then in parentheses, it says, I totally did. You did. Thank you both for being my constant companions and for all the wonderful lessons you've taught me, especially about mental health. Finally started therapy and she's a murderino.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yes. Yes. My psychiatrist told me that she's gotten murderinos in before.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Wow. Yeah, that, like, that way that she just told that made me feel very powerful. I don't know why. It was just kind of like a nice compliment. A nice compliment. And then, like, they're everywhere. It's amazing. Ssdgm. Danelle. And then it says, like, Janelle with a D. She her.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I love that. I feel like we want, like, parents. Okay, Please tell us your story, your stories of your trash parenting.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And I know you can't tell everyone cause you're embarrassed of them or they, like, make you look bad so you can be anonymous, but you can tell us.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes. And everybody and every other parent that thinks that everything they're doing is terrible and damaging or whatever. It's like. Especially somebody where it's like, you do you hold your child up as a human and Shield when they're five, report back when they're 21 and say, Listen, it's okay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

They're okay now.

[Karen Kilgariff]

They're fine.

[Ryan Reynolds]

What did you do as a parent that, like, you're still. You still cringe from. My mom always brings up dropping my brother as a baby or tripping and falling, like, onto my brother as a baby.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Yes. My mom did that too. She tripped on my high chair and we both went down and I got a cut on my. Still have it right there. Oh, yeah. Little cut on my head. Yeah. And she broke her arm.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, Jesus.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I know. It was a big deal.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Sunday. Those at my favorite murdermail.

[Karen Kilgariff]

And Danelle, that was the most delightful email. Amazing. Thank you for all of that. All of that vulnerability.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I feel like we need to send, like, a present or a trophy to the people who write letters that make us then ask for that theme. Ooh, yeah. Like, they're that good that we're like, yes, more of this.

[Karen Kilgariff]

I know. I feel like we should have done a lot more work on this show.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We've done enough.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Look, sorry. Look, we. Here's a trophy from our mouths.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We weren't fine when we were 21.

[Karen Kilgariff]

No.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You know, like, we're still suffering from that. I'm happy for your son, but, like, this is all we have.

[Karen Kilgariff]

You should see the clown chainsaw shit we've been held up to.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This is as much as we can do.

[Karen Kilgariff]

We're doing our best.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Extenuating circumstances.

[United Airlines]

Stay sexy.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Don't get murdered.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Goodbye, Elvis.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Do you want a cookie?

[Karen Kilgariff]

This has been an exactly right production.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Our senior producer is Alejandra Keck.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Our editor is Aristotle Acevedo.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This episode was mixed by Liana Squalacci.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Email your hometowns to myfavoritemurdermail.com and follow.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The show on Instagram and Facebook, @myfavoritemurder and on Twitter yfavmurder.

[Karen Kilgariff]

Goodbye.