My Favorite Murder: Rewind with Karen & Georgia – “72: Steven It Out”

Podcast: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 72: Steven It Out
Original Air Date: Nov 26, 2025
Original 72nd Episode Air Date: June 8, 2017 (Georgia’s Birthday)

Episode Overview

This “Rewind” episode features Karen and Georgia returning to their 72nd episode, “Steven It Out.” They layer new commentary and updates over the original, reflecting on favorite bits, sharing behind-the-scenes details, and providing recent true-crime updates. Key discussions include the story of Larry Eyler (the “Interstate Killer”), the notorious “Pillow Pyro” arsonist John Orr, nostalgia about early days of the podcast, and plenty of their classic witty banter.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Revisiting the 72nd Episode: Podcast Nostalgia

(02:09 – 06:00)

Karen and Georgia reminisce about the original episode, which first aired on Georgia’s 37th birthday in 2017. They joke about being “bad at podcasting” (03:03) and recall their dynamic early on.
Roles and Overwhelm: They discuss how they divided responsibilities based on what overwhelmed each of them—Karen handled the info email and podcast naming, Georgia managed merch and magazine subscriptions, joking about “Better Homes and Gardens” and “Popular Mechanics” (04:13).

Notable Quote:

“It’s funny how you and I both just get overwhelmed at different things, and so we do the thing that we’re not overwhelmed by…”
– Georgia (03:39)

2. Reflections on Family, Social Media, and Comedy

(05:15 – 08:00)

Georgia shares a story about her mother seeing a joking tweet (“the hardest job in the world is raising your mother”), and both hosts joke about their parents lurking online.
Reminiscing about Chicago in 2016, meeting family and enduring cold, including a memorable run-in with a sarcastic local who suggested, “You could Google it.”

3. Community Love & International Reach

(10:00 – 15:00)

The hosts celebrate hearing that a “Murderino” (fan) named Natalie Krug appeared on the Australian game show “The Chase,” citing their motto “Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered.” Karen and Georgia are thrilled by their show’s international impact, particularly in Australia.

Notable Quote:

“Our Australian listeners are the best. And we’re so lucky to have such a strong contingent down there… and the kind of people who would do that.”
– Karen (23:58)

4. TV and True Crime Banter

(16:00 – 21:00)

Karen and Georgia riff on recent binge watches—“Luther,” “Murder Book,” “Real Detectives,” “Occult Crimes,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and “Bob’s Burgers”—and discuss how pop culture intertwines with their comfort and moods.
They humorously dissect recommendations fans send, like the perennial “have you seen Luther?” exchanges.

5. Deep-Dive: The Interstate Killer – Larry Eyler

(27:40 – 65:00)
Georgia presents the primary case segment from the original ep, adding new research and updates.

Key Story Outline

Larry Eyler, aka the Interstate Killer, murdered at least 21 (possibly more) young men between 1982 and 1984, mostly hitchhikers across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
Eyler had a traumatic upbringing; reports cite severe parental instability and child abuse.
After failing to face consequences for an early, survived assault, bodies continued to be discovered across the Midwest, many showing signs of stabbing, mutilation, or ligature marks.
A turning point came when police found evidence in Eyler’s truck after stopping him with a bound man (35:02). However, due to procedural errors, critical evidence was excluded, and Eyler was released on bail—allowing him to kill again.
Eyler’s final arrest followed the discovery of victim Danny Bridges’ dismembered body (44:13). The involvement of police, speculated stings with teen sex workers, and possible accomplice (Dr. Robert David Little, a university library science chair) added layers of tragic complexity.
Eyler confessed to numerous murders but was ultimately convicted of Danny Bridges’ murder. He died of AIDS in prison in 1994, but posthumously provided details on other victims.
Updates: Recent identification of several John Doe victims through DNA and a National Geographic docuseries, Naming the Dead (“The Hitchhiker”).

Notable Quote:

“It’s just another one of those, like, a disenfranchised group of people are getting killed so nobody cares and it’s not a big deal to anyone except their families. So why prosecute hard?”
– Georgia (66:26)

Key Timestamps

Introduction of Larry Eyler’s crime spree: (28:30)
Procedural police error leading to more murders: (41:05)
Discovery of Danny Bridges’ remains: (44:13)
The Dr. Little accomplice theory: (50:55)
Legal aftermath and prosecution politics: (60:22–66:26)
Broader cultural context: Empathy, social change & dehumanization: (67:07–72:21)
Updates: Recent victim identifications and docuseries: (72:38)

6. Bonus Topic: The Pillow Pyro – John Orr

(77:01 – 114:26) Karen presents this case from the original episode, again with reflection and contemporary updates.

Key Story Outline

Through the '80s and early '90s, arsonist John Orr set thousands of fires in Southern California, many fatal, including the devastating Ole’s hardware store fire in Pasadena (1984) that killed four.
Orr’s pattern merged with his job; he was the chief arson investigator for Glendale Fire, often present at the very scenes he set.
Meticulous investigation by fire captain Marvin Casey and ATF’s Mike Matassa caught Orr after discovering his fingerprint on a homemade incendiary device, eventually matching prints through a city employee database.
Orr was found with detailed manuscripts describing crimes identical to his own, including sexual gratification from fire-setting and scenarios matching the real-life victims.
He is considered America’s worst serial arsonist, responsible for an estimated 2,000–10,000 fires. Despite overwhelming evidence, he maintains his innocence to this day.

Notable Quote:

“Before his arrest, the average number of brush fires in the hills above Glendale and Burbank was 67 a year. After his arrest, that number dropped to three.”
– Karen (105:00)

Key Timestamps

Description of the Ole’s hardware store fire: (81:00)
Discovery of the slow-burning incendiary device: (83:12)
The “arson investigator is the arsonist” reveal: (91:13)
Discovery of Orr’s incriminating manuscript: (99:50 – 101:54)
Discussion of psychopathy and mirror neurons: (105:20 – 109:01)
TV/Podcast updates and pop culture connections: (113:37)

7. Culture, Psychology, and Empathy

(67:07 – 72:21, 105:20 – 110:19)

Karen and Georgia talk through how dehumanization and social oppression set the groundwork for violence against marginalized groups, and how improved social empathy has changed crime response and cultural attitudes.
Karen offers a digestible breakdown of mirror neurons, anxiety as a survival mechanism, and the psychological research of psychopathy (“Psych2Go” videos).
They reflect on the change in societal empathy for LGBTQ+ people, the impact of jokes and language, and how this all relates to understanding crime victims and perpetrators.

Notable Quote:

“When you repress and oppress people and tell them that they can’t be who they are, the kind of things, the kind of psychological damage that that causes… it’s such a fucking heavy concept.”
– Karen (68:18)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Joking with Steven (the editor):
“Steven that out. Please.” (31:23)—the phrase “Steven it out” becomes their shorthand for cutting mistakes or tangents, inspiring the episode title and running jokes throughout.
On being bad at podcasting:
“We were bad at this podcast is because we couldn’t say the same things at the exact same time.”
– Karen (03:10)
Family therapy secrets:
“We made up a secret handshake, and then we hated the therapist together and everything was fine.”
– Georgia (14:30)
Birthday Levitation
“My birthday wish for myself. Learn to levitate.”
– Georgia (117:00), referencing an in-joke and classic fan meme.

True Crime & Pop Culture Crossovers

Pride in being referenced on international game shows (“The Chase” in Australia).
Reflection on how TV enhances mood (“Kimmy Schmidt,” “Bob’s Burgers”), and their tendency to communicate in “Simpsons” and “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” references.
Lively tangent about “Fargo," casting confusion, and the risks of being overconfident in one’s TV knowledge (52:50 – 56:33).
Discussion of forensic TV (Forensic Files), documentaries, and the new series Smoke (Apple TV, 2025) and docuseries like National Geographic’s Naming the Dead (2025).

Recent Updates & Listener Recommendations

Genetic genealogy led to the identification of several of Eyler’s previously unidentified victims in 2021 and 2023, covered in detail with encouragement to watch National Geographic’s “Naming the Dead” (73:45).
Podcast and TV recommendations:
- “firebug” podcast (2021) covers John Orr in detail.
- “Smoke” (Apple TV, 2025) dramatizes the Pillow Pyro story.

Notable Timestamps for Reference

Start of show/rewind premise: (02:02)
Discussion of Australian Murderino on “The Chase”: (10:00 – 15:00; revisit at 23:44)
Eyler case deep dive: (27:40 – 65:06)
Legal and social context discussion: (65:16 – 72:21)
Recent victim identifications: (72:38)
John Orr “Pillow Pyro” arsonist story: (77:01 – 114:26)
Reflections on podcast memories, memes, and levitation: (116:42 – 117:42)

Final Thoughts & Tone

The episode is classic MFM: grim true-crime stories wrapped in humor, tangents, and sincere empathy. Karen and Georgia blend laughter, social commentary, trauma awareness, and real crime reporting. Their conversational, wry tone is balanced with moments of seriousness, especially when addressing the suffering of marginalized victims and the failures of the justice system.

Episode End:

“Stay sexy, and don’t get murdered.”
– Georgia and Karen (118:46)

For Further Listening/Viewing

My Favorite Murder episode 72: “Steven It Out”
National Geographic’s “Naming the Dead: The Hitchhiker” (2025)
Apple TV+ “Smoke” (2025)
“Firebug” podcast (2021)
“The Return of Larry Eiler” by John Conroy (Chicago Reader, 1992)
“Fire Lover” by Joseph Wambaugh (book)

Stay sexy. Don’t get murdered.

My Favorite Murder: Rewind with Karen & Georgia – “72: Steven It Out”

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Revisiting the 72nd Episode: Podcast Nostalgia

(02:09 – 06:00)

Karen and Georgia reminisce about the original episode, which first aired on Georgia’s 37th birthday in 2017. They joke about being “bad at podcasting” (03:03) and recall their dynamic early on.
Roles and Overwhelm: They discuss how they divided responsibilities based on what overwhelmed each of them—Karen handled the info email and podcast naming, Georgia managed merch and magazine subscriptions, joking about “Better Homes and Gardens” and “Popular Mechanics” (04:13).

Notable Quote:

“It’s funny how you and I both just get overwhelmed at different things, and so we do the thing that we’re not overwhelmed by…”
– Georgia (03:39)

2. Reflections on Family, Social Media, and Comedy

(05:15 – 08:00)

Georgia shares a story about her mother seeing a joking tweet (“the hardest job in the world is raising your mother”), and both hosts joke about their parents lurking online.
Reminiscing about Chicago in 2016, meeting family and enduring cold, including a memorable run-in with a sarcastic local who suggested, “You could Google it.”

3. Community Love & International Reach

(10:00 – 15:00)

The hosts celebrate hearing that a “Murderino” (fan) named Natalie Krug appeared on the Australian game show “The Chase,” citing their motto “Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered.” Karen and Georgia are thrilled by their show’s international impact, particularly in Australia.

Notable Quote:

“Our Australian listeners are the best. And we’re so lucky to have such a strong contingent down there… and the kind of people who would do that.”
– Karen (23:58)

4. TV and True Crime Banter

(16:00 – 21:00)

Karen and Georgia riff on recent binge watches—“Luther,” “Murder Book,” “Real Detectives,” “Occult Crimes,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and “Bob’s Burgers”—and discuss how pop culture intertwines with their comfort and moods.
They humorously dissect recommendations fans send, like the perennial “have you seen Luther?” exchanges.

5. Deep-Dive: The Interstate Killer – Larry Eyler

(27:40 – 65:00)
Georgia presents the primary case segment from the original ep, adding new research and updates.

Key Story Outline

Larry Eyler, aka the Interstate Killer, murdered at least 21 (possibly more) young men between 1982 and 1984, mostly hitchhikers across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
Eyler had a traumatic upbringing; reports cite severe parental instability and child abuse.
After failing to face consequences for an early, survived assault, bodies continued to be discovered across the Midwest, many showing signs of stabbing, mutilation, or ligature marks.
A turning point came when police found evidence in Eyler’s truck after stopping him with a bound man (35:02). However, due to procedural errors, critical evidence was excluded, and Eyler was released on bail—allowing him to kill again.
Eyler’s final arrest followed the discovery of victim Danny Bridges’ dismembered body (44:13). The involvement of police, speculated stings with teen sex workers, and possible accomplice (Dr. Robert David Little, a university library science chair) added layers of tragic complexity.
Eyler confessed to numerous murders but was ultimately convicted of Danny Bridges’ murder. He died of AIDS in prison in 1994, but posthumously provided details on other victims.
Updates: Recent identification of several John Doe victims through DNA and a National Geographic docuseries, Naming the Dead (“The Hitchhiker”).

Notable Quote:

“It’s just another one of those, like, a disenfranchised group of people are getting killed so nobody cares and it’s not a big deal to anyone except their families. So why prosecute hard?”
– Georgia (66:26)

Key Timestamps

Introduction of Larry Eyler’s crime spree: (28:30)
Procedural police error leading to more murders: (41:05)
Discovery of Danny Bridges’ remains: (44:13)
The Dr. Little accomplice theory: (50:55)
Legal aftermath and prosecution politics: (60:22–66:26)
Broader cultural context: Empathy, social change & dehumanization: (67:07–72:21)
Updates: Recent victim identifications and docuseries: (72:38)

6. Bonus Topic: The Pillow Pyro – John Orr

(77:01 – 114:26) Karen presents this case from the original episode, again with reflection and contemporary updates.

Key Story Outline

Through the '80s and early '90s, arsonist John Orr set thousands of fires in Southern California, many fatal, including the devastating Ole’s hardware store fire in Pasadena (1984) that killed four.
Orr’s pattern merged with his job; he was the chief arson investigator for Glendale Fire, often present at the very scenes he set.
Meticulous investigation by fire captain Marvin Casey and ATF’s Mike Matassa caught Orr after discovering his fingerprint on a homemade incendiary device, eventually matching prints through a city employee database.
Orr was found with detailed manuscripts describing crimes identical to his own, including sexual gratification from fire-setting and scenarios matching the real-life victims.
He is considered America’s worst serial arsonist, responsible for an estimated 2,000–10,000 fires. Despite overwhelming evidence, he maintains his innocence to this day.

Notable Quote:

“Before his arrest, the average number of brush fires in the hills above Glendale and Burbank was 67 a year. After his arrest, that number dropped to three.”
– Karen (105:00)

Key Timestamps

Description of the Ole’s hardware store fire: (81:00)
Discovery of the slow-burning incendiary device: (83:12)
The “arson investigator is the arsonist” reveal: (91:13)
Discovery of Orr’s incriminating manuscript: (99:50 – 101:54)
Discussion of psychopathy and mirror neurons: (105:20 – 109:01)
TV/Podcast updates and pop culture connections: (113:37)

7. Culture, Psychology, and Empathy

(67:07 – 72:21, 105:20 – 110:19)

Karen and Georgia talk through how dehumanization and social oppression set the groundwork for violence against marginalized groups, and how improved social empathy has changed crime response and cultural attitudes.
Karen offers a digestible breakdown of mirror neurons, anxiety as a survival mechanism, and the psychological research of psychopathy (“Psych2Go” videos).
They reflect on the change in societal empathy for LGBTQ+ people, the impact of jokes and language, and how this all relates to understanding crime victims and perpetrators.

Notable Quote:

“When you repress and oppress people and tell them that they can’t be who they are, the kind of things, the kind of psychological damage that that causes… it’s such a fucking heavy concept.”
– Karen (68:18)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Joking with Steven (the editor):
“Steven that out. Please.” (31:23)—the phrase “Steven it out” becomes their shorthand for cutting mistakes or tangents, inspiring the episode title and running jokes throughout.
On being bad at podcasting:
“We were bad at this podcast is because we couldn’t say the same things at the exact same time.”
– Karen (03:10)
Family therapy secrets:
“We made up a secret handshake, and then we hated the therapist together and everything was fine.”
– Georgia (14:30)
Birthday Levitation
“My birthday wish for myself. Learn to levitate.”
– Georgia (117:00), referencing an in-joke and classic fan meme.

True Crime & Pop Culture Crossovers

Pride in being referenced on international game shows (“The Chase” in Australia).
Reflection on how TV enhances mood (“Kimmy Schmidt,” “Bob’s Burgers”), and their tendency to communicate in “Simpsons” and “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” references.
Lively tangent about “Fargo," casting confusion, and the risks of being overconfident in one’s TV knowledge (52:50 – 56:33).
Discussion of forensic TV (Forensic Files), documentaries, and the new series Smoke (Apple TV, 2025) and docuseries like National Geographic’s Naming the Dead (2025).

Recent Updates & Listener Recommendations

Genetic genealogy led to the identification of several of Eyler’s previously unidentified victims in 2021 and 2023, covered in detail with encouragement to watch National Geographic’s “Naming the Dead” (73:45).
Podcast and TV recommendations:
- “firebug” podcast (2021) covers John Orr in detail.
- “Smoke” (Apple TV, 2025) dramatizes the Pillow Pyro story.

Notable Timestamps for Reference

Start of show/rewind premise: (02:02)
Discussion of Australian Murderino on “The Chase”: (10:00 – 15:00; revisit at 23:44)
Eyler case deep dive: (27:40 – 65:06)
Legal and social context discussion: (65:16 – 72:21)
Recent victim identifications: (72:38)
John Orr “Pillow Pyro” arsonist story: (77:01 – 114:26)
Reflections on podcast memories, memes, and levitation: (116:42 – 117:42)

Final Thoughts & Tone

Episode End:

“Stay sexy, and don’t get murdered.”
– Georgia and Karen (118:46)

For Further Listening/Viewing

My Favorite Murder episode 72: “Steven It Out”
National Geographic’s “Naming the Dead: The Hitchhiker” (2025)
Apple TV+ “Smoke” (2025)
“Firebug” podcast (2021)
“The Return of Larry Eiler” by John Conroy (Chicago Reader, 1992)
“Fire Lover” by Joseph Wambaugh (book)

Stay sexy. Don’t get murdered.

Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 72: Steven It Out

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

My Favorite Murder: Rewind with Karen & Georgia – “72: Steven It Out”

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Revisiting the 72nd Episode: Podcast Nostalgia

Notable Quote:

2. Reflections on Family, Social Media, and Comedy

3. Community Love & International Reach

Notable Quote:

4. TV and True Crime Banter

5. Deep-Dive: The Interstate Killer – Larry Eyler

Key Story Outline

Notable Quote:

Key Timestamps

6. Bonus Topic: The Pillow Pyro – John Orr

Key Story Outline

Notable Quote:

Key Timestamps

7. Culture, Psychology, and Empathy

Notable Quote:

Memorable Quotes & Moments

True Crime & Pop Culture Crossovers

Recent Updates & Listener Recommendations

Notable Timestamps for Reference

Final Thoughts & Tone

Episode End:

For Further Listening/Viewing

Stay sexy. Don’t get murdered.

Summary

My Favorite Murder: Rewind with Karen & Georgia – “72: Steven It Out”

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Revisiting the 72nd Episode: Podcast Nostalgia

Notable Quote:

2. Reflections on Family, Social Media, and Comedy

3. Community Love & International Reach

Notable Quote:

4. TV and True Crime Banter

5. Deep-Dive: The Interstate Killer – Larry Eyler

Key Story Outline

Notable Quote:

Key Timestamps

6. Bonus Topic: The Pillow Pyro – John Orr

Key Story Outline

Notable Quote:

Key Timestamps

7. Culture, Psychology, and Empathy

Notable Quote:

Memorable Quotes & Moments

True Crime & Pop Culture Crossovers

Recent Updates & Listener Recommendations

Notable Timestamps for Reference

Final Thoughts & Tone

Episode End:

For Further Listening/Viewing

Stay sexy. Don’t get murdered.