Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 55: "Let's Hear Your Podcast"

Introduction

In this episode of Rewind with Karen & Georgia, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark revisit and dissect their own past podcast episode number 55, originally aired on February 9, 2017. The duo delves into their early days of podcasting, reflecting on their growth, the challenges they faced, and the intriguing true crime stories they covered.

Reflecting on Episode 55's Intro

Karen and Georgia begin by listening to the original intro of episode 55, reminiscing about the awkward beginnings of their podcast. They humorously discuss their struggle to start the show, mentioning, “[02:06] Karen Kilgariff: Let’s hear your podcast after the colon of that would be Shut the fuck up Facebook. Or something along those lines.”

Critical Discussion on the Slender Man Documentary

A significant portion of their discussion centers around the Slender Man documentary directed by Julie Klausner. Both hosts express their disappointment and critique the documentary's approach to blending folklore with real-life tragedy. Georgia shares her thoughts, stating, “[05:18] I didn’t love it. The folklore of the Slender Man just wasn’t compelling to me; it was too focused on the real people's psychological issues.”

Karen adds her perspective on the fictional nature of Slender Man, contrasting it with traditional folklore, “[06:40] Slender man is the fakest of all of those… Because I never heard one hint or hair of Slender Man when I was growing up.”

Deep Dive into the Christine and Leah Papin Murder Case

Karen recounts the harrowing story of Christine and Leah Papin, two maids who brutally murdered their employers in France in 1933. She narrates the gruesome details of the crime scene, the ensuing police investigation, and the eventual trial. At [23:22], Karen vividly describes the scene: “[23:22] Georgie Hardstark: She just cracked her fingers. [23:23] Karen Kilgariff: Oh, yeah, that's me cracking my knuckles.”

The hosts explore the psychological dynamics between the sisters, introducing the concept of folie à deux—a shared psychosis influencing both individuals. Karen muses, “[47:03] They believe they also. One of the... that the defense psychologist suggests that they were going through something called hystero epilepsy.”

Examination of the Sam Shepard Case

Transitioning to another infamous case, Georgia presents the story of Dr. Sam Shepard, whose wife Marilyn was brutally murdered in 1954. The narrative covers the initial investigation, the trial, and the controversies surrounding Shepard's conviction. At [62:48], Karen points out inconsistencies in Shepard's account: “[62:48] Georgia Hardstark: So there's blood spatters on the watch, but not stains.”

They discuss the compelling but dubious evidence that led to Shepard's conviction, citing expert opinions that label the case as a potential wrongful imprisonment. Karen reflects, “[66:02] Georgia: So he loses that case…”

Analysis of Trial Proceedings and Psychological Assessments

The conversation delves into the trial dynamics, highlighting the media frenzy and the psychological evaluations of the accused. Georgia remarks on the flawed due process, “[75:47] Georgia Hardstark: He called the trial a mockery of justice and that Shepard shredding the 14th Amendment right to due process.”

They analyze the defense strategies and the improbabilities surrounding the evidence presented, questioning the reliability of the conviction.

The Complexity of Cold Cases and Unsolved Mysteries

Karen and Georgia grapple with the complexities of cold cases, emphasizing the perpetual uncertainty surrounding such mysteries. Karen states, “[54:26] Georgia Hardstark: I wish there was an update to this case because would we ever know the real reason…”

They express a desire for closure and the difficulties inherent in resolving historical cases with limited evidence.

Concluding Thoughts and Episode Retitling Discussion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on their personal and professional growth since the original airing of episode 55. They brainstorm potential new titles for the retrospective episode, considering options like "The Furniture Hour" and "Reel up in Arms." Karen humorously concludes, “[93:56] Karen Kilgariff: Ladies and gentlemen, stay sexy and don't get murdered.”

Notable Quotes

• Karen Kilgariff [02:06]: "Let’s hear your podcast after the colon of that would be Shut the fuck up Facebook. Or something along those lines."

• Georgia Hardstark [05:18]: "I didn’t love it. The folklore of the Slender Man just wasn’t compelling to me; it was too focused on the real people's psychological issues."

• Karen Kilgariff [06:40]: "Slender man is the fakest of all of those… Because I never heard one hint or hair of Slender Man when I was growing up."

• Georgia Hardstark [62:48]: "So there's blood spatters on the watch, but not stains."

• Karen Kilgariff [75:47]: "He called the trial a mockery of justice and that Shepard shredding the 14th Amendment right to due process."

• Karen Kilgariff [54:26]: "I wish there was an update to this case because would we ever know the real reason…"

• Karen Kilgariff [93:56]: "Ladies and gentlemen, stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Conclusion

This episode of Rewind with Karen & Georgia offers a compelling look back at their early podcasting days, intertwined with deep explorations of two notorious true crime cases. Through their candid discussions and humorous banter, Karen and Georgia provide both entertainment and insightful analysis, making this a must-listen for fans of the show and true crime enthusiasts alike.