My Favorite Murder Rewind with Karen & Georgia – Episode 75: Breakfast Wine (Rewind Recap)

Podcast: My Favorite Murder (Exactly Right & iHeartPodcasts)
Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 75: Breakfast Wine
Publish Date: December 17, 2025
Original Airdate of Episode 75: June 29, 2017

Episode Overview

In this Rewind episode, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark revisit their original "Breakfast Wine" installment from 2017. They reflect on the storytelling, react to memorable moments, and add fresh commentary and case updates. The main case focus is Georgia's detailed account of the Mainline Murders (the Reinert case) and Karen's profile of the murder of skiing legend Spider Sabich. Throughout, the hosts bring their signature mix of dark humor, vulnerability, and empathy, providing insights into their past selves, how they've grown, and the evolution of the true crime genre and their podcast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere and Opening Banter

[02:00–06:00]

Karen and Georgia introduce the “Rewind” format: revisiting old episodes with updates and new reflections.
Light-hearted late-night vibes in a sultry LA, riffing on 80s Unsolved Mysteries aesthetics.
Humorous asides on psychiatry, the 80s, therapy experiences, and self-esteem as teens.
- Notable Quote [04:54, Georgia]:
  “She’s like, ‘And when you were a kid, how did you feel?’ And I’m like, well, I guess I hated myself…”

2. "Corrections Corner" and Listener Emails

[06:00–11:00]

Good-natured riff about listener corrections, especially regarding Karen’s musings about Italian Jews (“pizza bagels of religion”).
- Notable Quote [06:08, Listener]:
  "Of course there are Italian Jews. I'm one of them. Think of us as the pizza bagels of religion."
Introduction of a key listener email: A murderino whose father was a former partner of arsonist John Orr, showing how listeners’ real-life connections deepen the podcast’s sense of community and relevance.
- Notable Quote [10:31, Listener Email]:
  "John Orr was my dad’s partner at the fire station… he had been setting fires right under my dad’s nose."

3. Early Podcast Memories and Growth

[19:16–22:26]

Karen and Georgia reflect on re-listening to old episodes.
Discuss how their approach and sensitivity to topics like ethnicity, listener corrections, and trauma have matured over the years.
- Notable Quote [20:08, Georgia]:
  "You should find a psychiatrist who takes your shit seriously… I never got the help I needed from her."

4. Mainline Murders / Reinert Case: Georgia’s Story

[28:15–73:00]
Case Summary:

The story of Susan Reinert, a Pennsylvania schoolteacher found murdered in 1979, her children Karen and Michael missing to this day. Central players include her manipulative lover (and English department chair) Bill Bradfield and the school's bizarre principal, Dr. Jay Smith.

Key Beats & Commentary:

Susan Reinert: Naive, romantic English teacher lured into changing her will and life insurance to benefit Bradfield, and giving him $25,000 for a fake investment.
- Notable Quote [32:12, Georgia]:
  "She cuts her children out of the life insurance policy and changes her will to make Bill the sole heir."
Bill Bradfield: Charismatic, pseudo-intellectual, serial manipulator with multiple secret lovers—potential conman and mastermind.
- Notable Quote [34:40, Karen]:
  “She got her bell rung by this guy… scumbags… pick people who don’t get certain attention and slather them with it.”
Dr. Jay Smith ("Prince of Darkness"): Eccentric principal suspected of satanic parties and criminal behavior, ultimately convicted alongside Bradfield after being found with guns, drugs, chains, and odd paraphernalia.
- Notable Quote [42:47, Georgia]:
  “Crime writer Joseph Wambaugh wrote… some thought that J. Smith looked like an obscene phone call.”
Evidence mishandling and possible frame-ups: evidence left in attics, missing/lost autopsy tapes, key 911 call destroyed, suspiciously cremated body.
The photo: An image of a mysterious forest marker possibly indicating the location of Susan’s missing children, found in Bill’s prison belongings—still unsolved and haunting.
- Notable Quote [64:53, Georgia]:
  “He had a photograph of it the entire time he was in prison.”
Discussion on how vulnerable women can fall prey to predators, the sadness of lost children, and the trauma left behind.
- Notable Quote [72:54, Georgia]: "I hope I don’t sound like I’m victim blaming... I don’t want to forget these two sweet… baby angels. Who knows where they went."

Case Update [73:12]:

Still unsolved; $5,000 reward for info about missing children remains.
Listener Elise A. Miller wrote "Tracing the Bones," a novel based on the case.
Netflix is developing a limited series about the murders.
The made-for-TV miniseries "Echoes in the Darkness" (with Stockard Channing) is now available on Tubi.

5. The Murder of Spider Sabich: Karen’s Story

[78:55–118:24]
Case Summary:

The 1976 shooting death of Olympic skier Spider Sabich by his celebrity girlfriend, French entertainer Claudine Longet, in Aspen, Colorado.

Key Beats & Commentary:

Claudine Longet: Glamorous ex-wife of crooner Andy Williams, a staple in Aspen’s high society. Claims Spider was showing her how to use a gun when it discharged “accidentally” as he bent over in his bathroom.
Evidence & Investigation Flaws:
- Mishandled diary—debate over whether police illegally searched/handled it, resulting in key evidence being thrown out.
- Mishandled gun—chain of custody errors rendered ballistics evidence (showing the trigger was pulled multiple times) inadmissible.
- Authorities’ special treatment of Claudine (airport re-opened for her, lenient detention).
- Lavish jail accommodations.
Outrageous Outcome:
- Convicted of misdemeanor criminal negligence, fined $250, allowed to serve 30 days in jail at her convenience, then goes on vacation with (and later marries) her defense lawyer.
- Family receives undisclosed civil settlement; Claudine barred from profiting off the story.
- The Rolling Stones' song "Claudine" about the case never released due to legal threats.
- Notable Quote [114:07, Karen]: "The judge changed that conviction to a misdemeanor of criminal negligence and sentenced her to 30 days in… jail and to pay a fine of $250."
- Notable Quote [115:19, Karen]: "She later married [her defense attorney], and they still live in Aspen."

Case Update [118:24]:

Claudine Longet is now in her 80s, still married to Ron Austin.
In 2022, it was revealed Spider had a daughter, Missy Grice, now active in documentary efforts about her father.
Amy Redford is producing a new documentary about Spider’s story.

6. Reflections, Community, and Ending

[119:31–126:22]

Karen and Georgia reflect on how their storytelling has changed (“my documents were never more than five pages long… they’re three times longer now.”)
Affectionate personal updates: Karen talks about running errands with her husband, Georgia recalls a cherished dinner with friends—which turns somber, as one of the friends (Neil Mahoney) has since passed away.
- Notable Quote [124:20, Karen]: "Do not take your friends for granted...do not take your family for granted."
Nostalgia for "the Pod Loft" days, awareness of time’s passage, and gratitude for their listeners and community.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

[06:08, Listener Email]:
“Of course there are Italian Jews. I’m one of them. Think of us as the pizza bagels of religion.”
[10:31, Listener Email]:
"John Orr was my dad’s partner at the fire station… setting fires right under my dad’s nose."
[20:08, Georgia]:
"You should find a psychiatrist who takes your shit seriously…"
[32:12, Georgia]:
"She cuts her children out of the life insurance policy and changes her will to make Bill the sole heir."
[42:47, Georgia, quoting Wambaugh]:
"Some thought that J. Smith looked like an obscene phone call."
[64:53, Georgia]:
“He had a photograph of it the entire time he was in prison.”
[114:07, Karen]:
"The judge changed that conviction to a misdemeanor of criminal negligence and sentenced her to 30 days in… jail and to pay a fine of $250."
[124:20, Karen]:
"Do not take your friends for granted… because as I’ve said a thousand times, we’re on a rock flying through space."

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 02:00 | Episode intro, “Rewind” concept explained | | 06:00 | Corrections Corner, pizza bagel joke | | 10:31 | Listener email about John Orr | | 28:15 | Mainline Murders case begins | | 73:12 | Mainline Murders update – case unsolved, new media | | 78:55 | Spider Sabich case begins | | 114:07 | Longet’s verdict and public reaction | | 118:24 | Spider Sabich updates – new doc in production | | 124:20 | Reflections on time, loss, and friendship | | 125:21 | Alternate episode titles (“Pocket Full of Glitter”)| | 126:22 | Wrap-up, sign-off |

Takeaways

The episode showcases Karen and Georgia’s growth, both as storytellers and as people, and their sensitivity toward victims, mental health, and listener community.
Both cases—despite being decades old—remain relevant (and unsolved in key ways), with pop culture and true crime media picking up threads anew.
The blend of comedy, care, and candor makes this a quintessential MFM episode for both new and longtime listeners.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This “Rewind” installment gives you vintage true crime storytelling with a fresh, seasoned perspective. If you’re fascinated by:

Twisted real-life mysteries with far-reaching ripples (Mainline Murders)
Celebrity criminal justice miscarriages (Sabich/Longet)
Humorous and heartfelt banter, therapy talk, 70s nostalgia, listener connections, and a dose of existential wisdom—

This episode distills what makes My Favorite Murder beloved: irreverent wit alongside genuine empathy, a forum for survivor stories, and a sense of community—always wrapped in a blanket of “stay sexy, don’t get murdered.”

Episode Titles Considered:

Breakfast Wine (original)
Pocket Full of Glitter
A Skipper’s Dream Show
Every Other Kind of Math

Final Signoff:
“Stay sexy and don’t get murdered. Elvis, you want a cookie?”

My Favorite Murder Rewind with Karen & Georgia – Episode 75: Breakfast Wine (Rewind Recap)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere and Opening Banter

[02:00–06:00]

Karen and Georgia introduce the “Rewind” format: revisiting old episodes with updates and new reflections.
Light-hearted late-night vibes in a sultry LA, riffing on 80s Unsolved Mysteries aesthetics.
Humorous asides on psychiatry, the 80s, therapy experiences, and self-esteem as teens.
- Notable Quote [04:54, Georgia]:
  “She’s like, ‘And when you were a kid, how did you feel?’ And I’m like, well, I guess I hated myself…”

2. "Corrections Corner" and Listener Emails

[06:00–11:00]

Good-natured riff about listener corrections, especially regarding Karen’s musings about Italian Jews (“pizza bagels of religion”).
- Notable Quote [06:08, Listener]:
  "Of course there are Italian Jews. I'm one of them. Think of us as the pizza bagels of religion."
Introduction of a key listener email: A murderino whose father was a former partner of arsonist John Orr, showing how listeners’ real-life connections deepen the podcast’s sense of community and relevance.
- Notable Quote [10:31, Listener Email]:
  "John Orr was my dad’s partner at the fire station… he had been setting fires right under my dad’s nose."

3. Early Podcast Memories and Growth

[19:16–22:26]

Karen and Georgia reflect on re-listening to old episodes.
Discuss how their approach and sensitivity to topics like ethnicity, listener corrections, and trauma have matured over the years.
- Notable Quote [20:08, Georgia]:
  "You should find a psychiatrist who takes your shit seriously… I never got the help I needed from her."

4. Mainline Murders / Reinert Case: Georgia’s Story

[28:15–73:00]
Case Summary:

The story of Susan Reinert, a Pennsylvania schoolteacher found murdered in 1979, her children Karen and Michael missing to this day. Central players include her manipulative lover (and English department chair) Bill Bradfield and the school's bizarre principal, Dr. Jay Smith.

Key Beats & Commentary:

Susan Reinert: Naive, romantic English teacher lured into changing her will and life insurance to benefit Bradfield, and giving him $25,000 for a fake investment.
- Notable Quote [32:12, Georgia]:
  "She cuts her children out of the life insurance policy and changes her will to make Bill the sole heir."
Bill Bradfield: Charismatic, pseudo-intellectual, serial manipulator with multiple secret lovers—potential conman and mastermind.
- Notable Quote [34:40, Karen]:
  “She got her bell rung by this guy… scumbags… pick people who don’t get certain attention and slather them with it.”
Dr. Jay Smith ("Prince of Darkness"): Eccentric principal suspected of satanic parties and criminal behavior, ultimately convicted alongside Bradfield after being found with guns, drugs, chains, and odd paraphernalia.
- Notable Quote [42:47, Georgia]:
  “Crime writer Joseph Wambaugh wrote… some thought that J. Smith looked like an obscene phone call.”
Evidence mishandling and possible frame-ups: evidence left in attics, missing/lost autopsy tapes, key 911 call destroyed, suspiciously cremated body.
The photo: An image of a mysterious forest marker possibly indicating the location of Susan’s missing children, found in Bill’s prison belongings—still unsolved and haunting.
- Notable Quote [64:53, Georgia]:
  “He had a photograph of it the entire time he was in prison.”
Discussion on how vulnerable women can fall prey to predators, the sadness of lost children, and the trauma left behind.
- Notable Quote [72:54, Georgia]: "I hope I don’t sound like I’m victim blaming... I don’t want to forget these two sweet… baby angels. Who knows where they went."

Case Update [73:12]:

Still unsolved; $5,000 reward for info about missing children remains.
Listener Elise A. Miller wrote "Tracing the Bones," a novel based on the case.
Netflix is developing a limited series about the murders.
The made-for-TV miniseries "Echoes in the Darkness" (with Stockard Channing) is now available on Tubi.

5. The Murder of Spider Sabich: Karen’s Story

[78:55–118:24]
Case Summary:

The 1976 shooting death of Olympic skier Spider Sabich by his celebrity girlfriend, French entertainer Claudine Longet, in Aspen, Colorado.

Key Beats & Commentary:

Claudine Longet: Glamorous ex-wife of crooner Andy Williams, a staple in Aspen’s high society. Claims Spider was showing her how to use a gun when it discharged “accidentally” as he bent over in his bathroom.
Evidence & Investigation Flaws:
- Mishandled diary—debate over whether police illegally searched/handled it, resulting in key evidence being thrown out.
- Mishandled gun—chain of custody errors rendered ballistics evidence (showing the trigger was pulled multiple times) inadmissible.
- Authorities’ special treatment of Claudine (airport re-opened for her, lenient detention).
- Lavish jail accommodations.
Outrageous Outcome:
- Convicted of misdemeanor criminal negligence, fined $250, allowed to serve 30 days in jail at her convenience, then goes on vacation with (and later marries) her defense lawyer.
- Family receives undisclosed civil settlement; Claudine barred from profiting off the story.
- The Rolling Stones' song "Claudine" about the case never released due to legal threats.
- Notable Quote [114:07, Karen]: "The judge changed that conviction to a misdemeanor of criminal negligence and sentenced her to 30 days in… jail and to pay a fine of $250."
- Notable Quote [115:19, Karen]: "She later married [her defense attorney], and they still live in Aspen."

Case Update [118:24]:

Claudine Longet is now in her 80s, still married to Ron Austin.
In 2022, it was revealed Spider had a daughter, Missy Grice, now active in documentary efforts about her father.
Amy Redford is producing a new documentary about Spider’s story.

6. Reflections, Community, and Ending

[119:31–126:22]

Karen and Georgia reflect on how their storytelling has changed (“my documents were never more than five pages long… they’re three times longer now.”)
Affectionate personal updates: Karen talks about running errands with her husband, Georgia recalls a cherished dinner with friends—which turns somber, as one of the friends (Neil Mahoney) has since passed away.
- Notable Quote [124:20, Karen]: "Do not take your friends for granted...do not take your family for granted."
Nostalgia for "the Pod Loft" days, awareness of time’s passage, and gratitude for their listeners and community.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

[06:08, Listener Email]:
“Of course there are Italian Jews. I’m one of them. Think of us as the pizza bagels of religion.”
[10:31, Listener Email]:
"John Orr was my dad’s partner at the fire station… setting fires right under my dad’s nose."
[20:08, Georgia]:
"You should find a psychiatrist who takes your shit seriously…"
[32:12, Georgia]:
"She cuts her children out of the life insurance policy and changes her will to make Bill the sole heir."
[42:47, Georgia, quoting Wambaugh]:
"Some thought that J. Smith looked like an obscene phone call."
[64:53, Georgia]:
“He had a photograph of it the entire time he was in prison.”
[114:07, Karen]:
"The judge changed that conviction to a misdemeanor of criminal negligence and sentenced her to 30 days in… jail and to pay a fine of $250."
[124:20, Karen]:
"Do not take your friends for granted… because as I’ve said a thousand times, we’re on a rock flying through space."

Important Timestamps

Takeaways

The episode showcases Karen and Georgia’s growth, both as storytellers and as people, and their sensitivity toward victims, mental health, and listener community.
Both cases—despite being decades old—remain relevant (and unsolved in key ways), with pop culture and true crime media picking up threads anew.
The blend of comedy, care, and candor makes this a quintessential MFM episode for both new and longtime listeners.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This “Rewind” installment gives you vintage true crime storytelling with a fresh, seasoned perspective. If you’re fascinated by:

Twisted real-life mysteries with far-reaching ripples (Mainline Murders)
Celebrity criminal justice miscarriages (Sabich/Longet)
Humorous and heartfelt banter, therapy talk, 70s nostalgia, listener connections, and a dose of existential wisdom—

Episode Titles Considered:

Breakfast Wine (original)
Pocket Full of Glitter
A Skipper’s Dream Show
Every Other Kind of Math

Final Signoff:
“Stay sexy and don’t get murdered. Elvis, you want a cookie?”

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Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 75: Breakfast Wine

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Summary

My Favorite Murder Rewind with Karen & Georgia – Episode 75: Breakfast Wine (Rewind Recap)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere and Opening Banter

2. "Corrections Corner" and Listener Emails

3. Early Podcast Memories and Growth

4. Mainline Murders / Reinert Case: Georgia’s Story

5. The Murder of Spider Sabich: Karen’s Story

6. Reflections, Community, and Ending

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Important Timestamps

Takeaways

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

Summary

My Favorite Murder Rewind with Karen & Georgia – Episode 75: Breakfast Wine (Rewind Recap)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere and Opening Banter

2. "Corrections Corner" and Listener Emails

3. Early Podcast Memories and Growth

4. Mainline Murders / Reinert Case: Georgia’s Story

5. The Murder of Spider Sabich: Karen’s Story

6. Reflections, Community, and Ending

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Important Timestamps

Takeaways

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode