My Favorite Murder Minisode 456 – Summary

Podcast: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: Minisode 456
Original Release: October 6, 2025
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark
Purpose: In their weekly minisode, Karen and Georgia read listener-submitted “hometown” stories—ranging from chilling to hilarious. In this episode, they feature tales of shadowy figures, disastrous apartment squatting, childhood encounters with true crime, near-abduction, Glasgow’s contradictory reputation, and a touching set of coincidences.

Main Theme

The episode’s main theme centers on the strange, spooky, and sometimes darkly comedic encounters listeners have experienced, ranging from supernatural phenomena to brushes with crime. Karen and Georgia’s trademark blend of empathy and humor is present throughout, as they riff on each story, offer commentary, and connect the tales back to broader themes within true crime and personal safety.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shadow Figures in Davis, California

• [02:01] Listener Story (Jose, Arturo & RuPaul the Chihuahua):
  • A Davis, CA couple shares a harrowing supernatural encounter while out walking their dog, RuPaul.
  • They see a “four foot tall shadow figure” on the Greenbelt—“darker than the surrounding shadows, like the blackest black.”
  • Their friend nonchalantly says, “Oh yeah, I used to see short shadow figures running across my backyard all the time.” ([04:14])
  • Google search connects the phenomenon to:
    • The 2023 Carlos Dominguez stabbings (the perpetrator claimed to be attacking “shape-shifting shadow figures”).
    • Urban legends about ghostly twin girls.
  • The couple now carries a giant flashlight and “sages the house...just in case.”
  • Memorable Moment:
    • Georgia reacts: “Short shadow figures are like a known entity? Goodbye. I’m moving.” ([04:17])
    • Karen adds the chilling twist of the real-life case: “It truly...it’s like they are witnessing that man who committed those horrible crimes. But other people are witnessing this perhaps as well.” ([06:17])

2. Nightmare Apartment Neighbor (Denver, CO)

• [06:45] Listener Story (Angie):
  • Angie recounts a chaotic first apartment in Denver after returning from California.
  • Red flags abound: the landlord admits the previous tenant (a heroin dealer) went back to prison.
  • A new neighbor, “Colin,” throws parties nightly, culminating in her overhearing, “I’ve never held a gun before” ([09:18]).
  • Angie attempts mediation, leaves a note—no response.
  • A wild birthday morning fight: “...the woman started shouting, ‘Fuck me, Colin,’ over and over again.” ([09:57])
  • Subsequently, management investigates after a guest rings all the intercoms, spreading blood.
  • Big twist: “Colin” is actually in Texas; a squatter had moved in, pretending to be him, drug use rampant, and once “played dead” in a sleeping bag when confronted by law enforcement.
  • Karen: “This guy at least has a creative mind. He’s got some great ideas, and he’s got some bad habits.” ([13:21])
  • Angie’s lesson: “Stay sexy and don’t fake your own death.”
  • Karen’s concluding take: “It’s all drug decision-making. You think what you’re doing makes perfect sense...I’m going to get away from the cops by literally playing dead.” ([13:57]-[14:10])

3. Childhood Friend Turned True Crime

• [15:57] Listener Story (Brooke Lynn):
  • From Florida, Brooke recounts befriending “Kate” in 4th grade—remembered for drama and stealing a Goosebumps book.
  • Years later, Brooke spots Kate’s mugshot online: “She’s been arrested for shooting and killing her boyfriend.” ([16:43])
  • The story highlights the “you’ve probably walked past a murderer and didn’t even know it” adage.
  • Karen and Georgia riff on the shock: “The Scholastic Book Fair is a sacred place. How dare you.” – Georgia ([16:51])
  • Moral: “Always say yes to the lip gloss. It could save your life.”

4. Almost-Abduction at the Mall Arcade

• [18:12] Listener Story (Jessica):
  • Classic 1990s mall scenario: mom says “don’t take candy from strangers” before leaving.
  • A man offers more tickets—young Jessica almost leaves with him, only stopped by her brother yelling: “Mom said no strangers!” ([19:39])
  • Jessica’s logic: “Mom said not to take candy from strangers. She said nothing about tickets.”
  • The would-be abductor flees when caught: “The guy ran like he was fucking kidnappered.” – Georgia ([20:54])
  • Karen’s analysis: “You’re parsing words. You’re trying to get kidnapped on a technicality.” ([20:18])

5. Glasgow: The Murder Capital with a Heart

• [23:20] Listener Story (unnamed, Glasgow):
  • Listener recounts her father being mugged after leaving a pub but, after requesting his bus fare, the mugger returns money so he can get home.
  • “You may not know this, but there was a time when Glasgow was simultaneously the murder capital of Europe and Europe’s friendliest city.” – Listener ([23:24])
  • Touchingly, the story transitions to her late father’s passing and the unexpected timing of her baby’s due date coinciding with his birthday.
  • “If that’s not a sign that your loved ones still look out for you, then I don’t know what is.” ([24:46])
  • Georgia: “That was perfect.”

6. Strange Coincidences & Signs (Celebrating a Lost Friend)

• [24:52] Listener Story (Zoe):
  • Listener’s mother organizes an impromptu wake for a friend, Rhonda, locating most of the old friend group—except one, Shirley.
  • Coincidentally, Shirley is celebrating her niece’s birthday in the same pub at the same time.
  • As they commemorate Rhonda, the waitress asks, “Did anyone call a cab for Rhonda?” ([26:10])
  • Chills as it’s noted another friend’s late husband was a cab driver, and this was exactly the kind of joke he and Rhonda would play.
  • Karen: “The fact that that friend was actually there. I really wish we got a little description of what her reaction was, because how weird would that be...” ([26:53])
  • Georgia: “I love coincidences.” ([26:51])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On urban legend overload:
  “How has it almost been ten years and this is the first we’re hearing about shadow figures in Davis, California? ...We don’t know every folk—or you know what I mean?” – Georgia ([05:57])

• On squatter shenanigans:
  “This guy at least has a creative mind. He’s got some great ideas, and he’s got some bad habits.” – Karen ([13:21])

  “It’s all drug decision-making. You think what you’re doing makes perfect sense...I’m going to get away from the cops by literally playing dead.” – Karen ([13:57]-[14:10])

• On fourth grade theft:
  “The Scholastic Book Fair is a sacred place. How dare you.” – Georgia ([16:51])

• On technicalities in kidnapping:
  “You’re parsing words. You’re trying to get kidnapped on a technicality. Please see the forest for the trees here.” – Karen ([20:18])

• Glasgow’s reputation:
  “You might get beaten and robbed, but we’ll at least get you home safely afterwards.” – Listener ([24:24])

• On spontaneous reunions and ghostly signs:
  “I love coincidences.” – Georgia ([26:51])

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Story Title | |-------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:51 | Start of Minisode / Hosts’ Welcome | | 02:01 | Shadow Figures in Davis, CA | | 06:45 | Apartment Squatter Saga (Denver, CO) | | 15:57 | Sitting Next to a Future Murderer | | 18:12 | Near-Abduction for Arcade Tickets | | 23:20 | Glasgow: Beaten, Mugged—But Still Friendly | | 24:52 | Coincidences at a Wake: Cab for Rhonda |

Tone and Language

The tone remains conversational, warm, and laced with dark humor—Karen and Georgia’s signature style. Their banter adds levity even to unsettling stories, and they express genuine empathy toward listeners’ harrowing or poignant experiences. Many memorable moments feature the duo’s quick wit and playfulness, particularly in their asides and interjections.

Overall Flow

• Opening: Karen and Georgia exchange greetings, then launch straight into the listener emails.
• Story Segments: Each “hometown” is read aloud (usually in full), followed by spirited commentary, jokes, and personal asides.
• Closing: After a final listener email, the hosts reiterate their catchphrase: “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered,” and encourage further submissions.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This minisode captures the quintessential MFM experience: candid readings of strange, scary, or touching listener-submitted stories, interspersed with host banter that ranges from empathetic to irreverently hilarious. Whether it’s shadowy apparitions in Davis, an epic squatter saga, old friendships turned tragic, or reminders that sometimes the universe delivers strange, meaningful coincidences, this episode is a reminder that truth is often stranger (and funnier) than fiction.

“Stay sexy and don’t get murdered.”