Podcast Summary: "Rewind with Karen & Georgia" - Episode 21: Because 7 8 9

Date Released: November 27, 2024

In Episode 21 of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia," hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark take listeners on a nostalgic journey back to one of the early episodes of "My Favorite Murder." This retrospective episode delves into historical true crime cases, blending humor with in-depth analysis, and offers reflections on the podcast's evolution since its inception in January 2016.

1. Introduction to the Rewind Episode

Karen and Georgia open the episode by setting the stage for their "Rewind" series, which revisits past episodes to discuss how their perspectives and the podcast have grown over time.

Notable Quote:

"This is the show where we take you back to good old 2016 to revisit some of our very first episodes and talk about everything that's changed since and everything that's kind of fucking stayed the same." [02:36]

2. Revisiting Episode 21: Because 7 8 9

The primary focus of this "Rewind" episode is Episode 21, originally titled "Because 7 8 9," which centers around the Cleveland Elementary School shooting.

a. The Cleveland Elementary School Shooting

• Date & Location: January 29, 1979, San Diego, California.
• Perpetrator: Brenda Spencer, a 16-year-old girl living across the street from the school.

Karen and Georgia recount the harrowing details of the event, highlighting Brenda Spencer's chilling statement, "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day," which inspired the Boomtown Rats' song "I Don't Like Mondays."

Notable Quotes:

"With every school shooting, I feel I'm partially responsible. What if they got the idea from what I did?" [27:03]

"I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." [17:43]

b. Immediate Response and Impact

• Victims: Principal Burton Rag (53) and custodian Michael Sauer were killed, with eight children injured.
• Heroic Action: San Diego police officer Robert Robb exhibited quick thinking by commandeering a garbage truck to block the shooter's line of sight, resulting in him being shot in the neck but ultimately helping to save lives.

Notable Quote:

"It's the best move. So after firing 30 rounds of ammunition, Spencer barricaded herself inside her home for like, it was like six hours." [17:01]

c. Brenda Spencer's Background and Motives

• Family Dynamics: Brenda lived with her father, Wallace Spencer, who was reportedly abusive and alcoholic. In 2001, she alleged that her father subjected her to beatings and sexual abuse, claims he denied.
• Possession of Firearms: In the days leading up to the shooting, Wallace Spencer gifted Brenda a semi-automatic rifle for Christmas, which she had explicitly not asked for.
• Mental Health: Although recommended for psychiatric evaluation due to depression, her father denied permission for her to receive mental health treatment.

Notable Quote:

"She asked for a radio for her birthday. And her dad, who had just been told that she should go to a psychiatric mental hospital because she was depressed, gave her a gun." [24:20]

d. Legacy and Parole Status

Brenda Spencer was sentenced to 25 years to life and as of August 2022, waived her right to a parole hearing until 2025. She remains incarcerated, expressing remorse over her actions and acknowledging her possible influence on subsequent school shootings.

Notable Quote:

"She's still incarcerated at the California Institute for Women in Chino, California, but she'll have another parole hearing next year." [34:42]

3. Spotlight on Historical Serial Killer: Jane Toppan (Jolly Jane)

Shifting from modern-day crimes to historical cases, Karen explores the unsettling story of Jane Toppan, an Irish immigrant nurse from the late 19th century.

a. Early Life and Background

• Origin: Born Honora Kelley, later known as Jane Toppan.
• Family: After her mother's death from tuberculosis, her father’s alcoholism led to her and her sister being placed in an orphanage.

Notable Quote:

"Jane Toppan, she was super crazy. Yeah. It speaks more just to him and his reputation. The crazy Taylor up the street." [37:21]

b. Career and Criminal Activities

• Nursing Career: Trained at Cambridge Hospital and later worked at Massachusetts General Hospital.
• Modus Operandi: Administered morphine and atrophine to patients, bringing them close to death repeatedly for her own thrills. She would then become sexually aroused by their vulnerable states.
• Deeper Dive: Toppan confessed to 31 murders, primarily female patients and members of the families she worked for, utilizing her position of trust to carry out her crimes.

Notable Quote:

"She would play back and forth with sending them out and bringing them back over and over again... she would get into bed with them and hold them as it was happening." [40:46]

c. Arrest and Aftermath

• Capture: Arrested on October 26, 1901, after a toxicology exam revealed she had poisoned members of the Davis family.
• Legal Outcome: Found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to Taunton Insane Hospital, where she remained until her death on August 17, 1938.

Notable Quote:

"She was arrested for murder. And by 1902, she confessed to 31 murders." [47:14]

4. Reflections on Podcast Evolution and Future Directions

Karen and Georgia use this "Rewind" episode to reflect on their journey, discussing how revisiting past episodes provides insights into their growth and the podcast’s consistency. They also consider potential themes for future "Rewind" episodes, expressing interest in exploring even older true crime cases, perhaps dating back to the 1500s.

Notable Quote:

"This could be solved. Analyzing it with like, you know, today's science. Pretty cool." [56:35]

5. Conclusion

The episode concludes with a humorous exchange about future topics and playful banter about potential serial killer scenarios within their personal lives. Karen and Georgia emphasize the importance of discussing historical crimes to understand the persistence of such heinous acts throughout human history.

Notable Quote:

"Stay sexy and don't get murdered." [57:26]

Key Takeaways

• Historical Context of True Crime: Understanding past crimes like Brenda Spencer's and Jane Toppan's provides valuable insights into the evolution of criminal behavior and law enforcement responses.

• Impact of Family and Environment: Both cases highlight the significant role of familial relationships and upbringing in shaping an individual's actions.

• Podcast Growth: Revisiting old episodes serves as a mirror to the hosts' personal and professional development, showcasing the podcast's enduring themes and adaptability.

• Future Content: There's a clear interest in delving deeper into historical true crime cases, suggesting a blend of educational content with the show's signature comedic tone.

This episode of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia" offers a compelling blend of historical analysis, personal reflection, and trademark humor, making it a must-listen for fans eager to explore the depths of true crime's rich history alongside the podcast's beloved hosts.