Podcast Summary: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 24: …And Twenty Justice For All
Release Date: December 18, 2024

Introduction

My Favorite Murder is a beloved true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Part of the Exactly Right Media network, the show delves into compelling true crime cases alongside personal stories from friends and listeners. In this special episode, titled “Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 24: …And Twenty Justice For All,” the hosts take a nostalgic journey back to episode 24, originally released on July 7, 2016. This episode serves as both a recap and a reflection on past content, intertwining personal anecdotes and deeper discussions on true crime's impact.

Recapping Episode 24: …And Twenty Justice For All

Episode Overview

Karen and Georgia, alongside co-host Derek and Natalie, embark on a "painfully" nostalgic recap of episode 24. The original episode, released on July 7, 2016, discussed significant true crime stories, including infamous serial killers and cold cases. In this retrospective, the hosts not only revisit the content but also share their personal growth and changes since the episode's initial release.

Notable Quote:

• Georgia Hardstark [01:47]: "It's fucking classic."

Personal Reflections and Interactions

Anxiety and Perfectionism

The conversation naturally veers into personal territory as Karen and Georgia discuss their struggles with anxiety and perfectionism. Georgia highlights her proactive approach to tackling tasks despite anxiety, contrasting Karen’s perfectionism-induced paralysis.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [03:51]: "I have extreme anxiety, which causes me to constantly do things."
• Karen Kilgariff [04:00]: "I just go, fuck it. I've spent my life saying fuck it, essentially."

Community and Support Systems

They emphasize the importance of community support in overcoming personal challenges. Georgia shares a heartwarming story about how a friend helped her gain perspective during a personal crisis.

• Georgia Hardstark [18:40]: "They were like, what's great about this documentary is it feels like this guy is kind of like the more I know, the closer I'll be to her."

Unboxing and Creative Segments

The hosts humorously explore the idea of unboxing their P.O. box mail live on the podcast, contemplating the logistics and potential hilarity of deteriorating personal space into a consumer spectacle.

• Karen Kilgariff [12:19]: "I've been doing this since I was 12. So I'm just like, what?"

Hometown Murder: The Case of Polly Klass

Karen’s Personal Connection

Karen delves deep into a traumatic event from her hometown, Petaluma, California—the kidnapping and murder of Polly Klass. She shares firsthand experiences, highlighting the tight-knit community's response and the lasting impact on her life.

Case Details:

Polly Klass, a 12-year-old girl, was kidnapped on October 1, 1993, during a slumber party. Eve, Polly's mother and Karen's boss at Biobottoms, was present but could not prevent the abduction. The community's frantic search culminated in the arrest of Richard Allen Davis, a man with a notorious criminal record. Despite confessing to Polly's murder, Davis remained elusive about the details, leading to his death sentence, although he remains alive on death row due to California's infrequent executions.

Impact and Legacy:

The case spurred significant legal changes, including the implementation of the three-strikes law and enhancements in police communication protocols. Karen expresses profound emotional ties to the case, underscoring the personal pain of recounting such a loss.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Kilgariff [26:34]: "I just wanted to tell more people if people liked British procedurals like a Luther or a. I don't know, Dexter."
• Georgia Hardstark [54:43]: "I have to think about breathing more."

Call to Action:

The episode concludes with a heartfelt appeal for donations to the Polyclass Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to recovering missing children and promoting child safety policies.

• Natalie [56:00]: "If you wanna donate to the Polyclass foundation or learn more about them, please go to Polygon. The name Polly. P O L l y k l."

Georgia’s Story: The Murder of Kitty Genovese

Revisiting a Classic Case

Georgia presents a detailed examination of the Kitty Genovese case, a cornerstone in true crime history that gave rise to the bystander effect theory. She critiques the traditional narrative, offering new insights and alternative theories that challenge long-held beliefs about the incident.

Documentary Highlight:

The hosts discuss the documentary The Witness, which re-examines the Kitty Genovese case from the perspective of her brother. They explore how initial police missteps and community reactions shaped public perception and policy changes, such as the establishment of the 911 emergency number.

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [58:17]: "I was like, yeah, absolutely fucking not."
• Karen Kilgariff [65:13]: "There's, no, but his lawyers actually tried to say that it's torturing him by making him wait to find out when he's going to be executed."

Discussion on Sociopathy:

The conversation transitions into a broader discussion about sociopathy and its portrayal in true crime. Karen and Georgia debate the prevalence of sociopathic traits in individuals and the importance of recognizing such behaviors for personal safety and societal awareness.

• Karen Kilgariff [72:27]: "People are sociopaths. And those people have no conscience."

Notable Quotes:

• Georgia Hardstark [75:02]: "I feel guilty all the time."

Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Documentaries and Media:

Both hosts recommend the documentary Tickled and The Witness, praising their in-depth and unsettling explorations of bizarre and tragic true crime stories. They encourage listeners to engage with these films to gain a richer understanding of the complexities surrounding such cases.

• Georgia Hardstark [77:32]: "So, so amazing."

Closing Remarks:

Karen and Georgia wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter, emphasizing the enduring bond between hosts and listeners. They reaffirm their commitment to sharing profound and impactful true crime stories while maintaining their signature comedic touch.

• Karen Kilgariff [86:18]: "Stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Conclusion

This episode of My Favorite Murder serves as a poignant reflection on past cases and personal experiences. By revisiting episode 24, Karen and Georgia not only honor the victims and their communities but also illustrate the profound impact true crime storytelling has on both hosts and listeners. The deep dives into the Polly Klass and Kitty Genovese cases underscore the show's commitment to uncovering the human stories behind the tragedies, fostering a space for empathy, awareness, and community support.

Support the Foundations:

• Polyclass Foundation: polyclass.org
• Black and Missing Foundation: blackandmissinginc.com

Thank you for supporting our mission to shed light on important true crime stories.