**My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: MFM Minisode 433
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In MFM Minisode 433, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into a series of poignant and haunting true crime stories, shared by their dedicated listeners. This episode stands out as a tribute to significant historical events and personal tragedies, weaving together narratives that highlight both the darkness and resilience within communities.

Remembering the Oklahoma City Bombing

The episode opens with a heartfelt email from a listener marking the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

Karen Kilgariff [02:28]:
"Dear Karen and Georgia, my hometown was the victim of the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in US History, the Oklahoma City Bombing..."

Key Points:

• Event Details: On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh detonated a bomb at the Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people, including 19 children, and injuring over 600.
• Perpetrator's Motives: McVeigh, an army veteran, was driven by extremist views against government oppression, particularly following the ATF raid on Waco, Texas.
• Personal Connections: The listener shares a personal connection through their mother, who worked closely with the prosecution team that convicted McVeigh.
• Impact and Memory: Karen reflects on the profound loss and the importance of remembering the victims, encouraging listeners to visit the Memorial Museum to honor those lost.

Georgia Hardstark [05:07]:
"We've never covered it because it's just so horrific."

The hosts emphasize the severity of the event and the respect it demands, acknowledging that such a tragedy is beyond the typical true crime narrative often explored on their show.

Classic Hometown Stories

Transitioning from national tragedies, Karen and Georgia share "Classic Hometown" stories submitted by their listeners, offering a glimpse into unsettling yet personal experiences.

The Vice Principal's Dark Secret

A listener recounts a chilling story about their grandparents' high school vice principal, who eventually became a murderer.

Georgia Hardstark [05:38]:
"My aunt Cindy's high school graduation came up, which was memorable because a drunk guy got on stage, yelled multiple profanities, and mooned everyone."

Key Points:

• Initial Incident: During a high school graduation, an uninvited drunk individual caused chaos, leading to the vice principal physically subduing him.
• Vice Principal's Character: Despite the violent incident, the listener’s grandmother defended the vice principal, praising his dedication and integrity.
• Murder Revelation: Years later, it was revealed that the vice principal, driven by the stress of bureaucratic conflicts, murdered his former superintendent before being arrested and convicted.
• Aftermath: The story highlights the complexity of human behavior and the unexpected darkness that can lie beneath seemingly respectable individuals.

Karen Kilgariff [07:24]:
"What?"

The hosts express their shock and disbelief at the turn of events, underscoring the theme of hidden evil within everyday settings.

A Childhood Near-Death Experience

Another listener shares a harrowing childhood memory involving an attempted home invasion and a forgotten hot dog.

Georgia Hardstark [16:30]:
"My first one is called classic hometown from my grandparents. And it's definitely a classic."

Key Points:

• The Incident: As an eight-year-old, the listener and her cousins witness an intruder attempting to break into their house. In the chaos, she realizes she still holds a hot dog, which becomes a symbolic element of her fear.
• Emotional Trauma: The experience leaves a lasting impact, blending childhood innocence with the terror of real danger.
• Reflection: Karen and Georgia discuss the juxtaposition of such a benign object (a hot dog) in the context of a life-threatening situation, highlighting the randomness and surreal nature of traumatic memories.

Karen Kilgariff [19:47]:
"How do you eat a hot dog with a scared grip?"

This moment underscores the surreal and fragmented nature of traumatic memories, adding depth to the emotional narrative.

Great Grandma Marian: A Heroic Intruder Defense

A standout story in this episode is about Great Grandma Marian, a formidable woman who defends her home against an intruder.

Karen Kilgariff [23:23]:
"My great grandma, Grandma Marian lived on her own till she was 88 years old...one day she was in her kitchen when she heard a noise..."

Key Points:

• The Break-In: Grandma Marian confronts a man attempting to unplug her phone, initiating a violent defense.
• Heroic Actions: Without hesitation, she assaults the intruder, forcing him to flee and ensuring her safety.
• Impact on Family: This incident finally convinces her family to have her move in with them, highlighting her strength and independence.
• Legacy: Grandma Marian's story serves as an inspiring example of courage and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on her family and the listeners.

Georgia Hardstark [25:31]:
"And she didn't even fucking scream or think twice. She fucking. That's what you."

The hosts laud Grandma Marian's fearless behavior, emphasizing her role as a protector and a pillar of strength within her family.

Shitbag Sisters: Mischievous Prank Calls

The episode also features a lighthearted yet mischievous story titled "Shitbag Sisters," where sisters engage in prank calls that cause confusion and chaos.

Georgia Hardstark [26:16]:
"Much like many feral children left to their own devices growing up in the late 80s, early 90s, my sister Jenny and I would often pick up the phone and keep ourselves busy by making prank calls when we were bored."

Key Points:

• Prank Call Tactics: The sisters call random numbers from the phone book, impersonating legitimate companies to confuse recipients.
• Creative Mischief: One memorable prank involved leaving a message about leaving a bra in a man’s car, leading to bewildered responses.
• Impact on Others: They reflect on the potential consequences of their actions, wondering if they may have inadvertently caused marital issues or other disruptions.
• Nostalgia and Reflection: Georgia reminisces about the simplicity of past entertainment compared to today's digital distractions, highlighting a universal experience of childhood mischief.

Karen Kilgariff [30:27]:
"This is true shitbag behavior."

The candid admission of their mischievous past adds a humorous and relatable layer to the episode, showcasing the hosts' ability to balance dark topics with personal anecdotes.

Conclusion

MFM Minisode 433 is a compelling blend of true crime recollections and personal stories that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark adeptly navigate through each narrative, providing insightful commentary and emotional depth. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature, the lasting impact of trauma, and the enduring spirit of resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Kilgariff [02:28]:
  "Dear Karen and Georgia, my hometown was the victim of the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in US History, the Oklahoma City Bombing..."

• Georgia Hardstark [05:07]:
  "We've never covered it because it's just so horrific."

• Karen Kilgariff [07:24]:
  "What?"

• Georgia Hardstark [19:47]:
  "How do you eat a hot dog with a scared grip?"

• Georgia Hardstark [25:31]:
  "And she didn't even fucking scream or think twice. She fucking. That's what you."

• Karen Kilgariff [30:27]:
  "This is true shitbag behavior."

Memorable Moments:

• The emotional recounting of the Oklahoma City Bombing and its personal impacts.
• Grandma Marian's heroic defense against an intruder, showcasing fearless resilience.
• The mischievous yet nostalgic prank calls of the "Shitbag Sisters," blending humor with reflection.

Final Thoughts:

This minisode exemplifies the essence of My Favorite Murder—combining true crime with personal storytelling to engage and resonate with their audience. The hosts' genuine empathy and reflections add depth to each story, making MFM Minisode 433 a memorable and impactful episode for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.