Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 29: Twenty-Nein

Release Date: January 22, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 29 of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia," hosts Karen Kilgarith and Georgia Hardstark delve deep into one of their most compelling true crime stories—the case of John List. This episode not only revisits the harrowing details of List's family murders and subsequent disappearance but also touches upon current critical issues in the true crime community, including the investigation into missing indigenous women in Canada. Additionally, Karen and Georgia share personal anecdotes, discuss their podcast's growth, and highlight philanthropic efforts supporting survivors of violence.

1. Recap of John List Case

Karen and Georgia provide an intricate retelling of John List's tragic story, emphasizing his calculated approach to murdering his family and evading capture for nearly two decades.

• Background: John List was a respected family man and Lutheran church leader in Westfield, New Jersey. Despite his outward appearance, he struggled with severe personal issues.

• The Murders (Timestamp: [22:05] – [30:17]): On November 9, 1971, List methodically killed his wife, Helen, and his three children—Patricia (16), Frederick (13), and John Jr. (15). In a chilling display of detachment, he shot them all in the back of the head, ensuring they were unaware of their impending fate.

  Georgia Hardstark [26:01]: "Wow."

  Karen Kilgarith [26:01]: "Then he went upstairs to the third floor of their mansion where his mother had her own suite."

• Aftermath and Disappearance: List meticulously planned his escape, leaving no immediate clues. His antisocial nature and reclusive lifestyle delayed the discovery of the murders by a full month, allowing him ample time to vanish without a trace.

  Georgia Hardstark [33:09]: "You know what I mean?"

  Karen Kilgarith [33:17]: "They were not having a party. So because of all this careful planning and because they were basically antisocial and reclusive, it took a full month for anybody to actually discover these bodies."

• Manhunt and Capture (Timestamp: [40:26] – [41:47]): The breakthrough came through "America's Most Wanted," featuring an age-progressed clay bust by forensic artist Frank Bender. The accurate likeness led to List's identification and arrest in Virginia after 18 years on the run.

  Karen Kilgarith [40:29]: "No, you remember because I'm about to hold up a picture to you. I'm so excited."

  Georgia Hardstark [41:36]: "We fuck."

• Trial and Conviction: During the trial, List presented a defense rooted in his religious beliefs and personal failings, claiming he was saving his family from sin and shame. Despite his arguments, he was convicted of five counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

  Karen Kilgarith [43:54]: "So he put these big old glasses. Remember that, dude?"

Insights and Analysis:

Karen discusses the psychological profile of family annihilators, highlighting List's obsessive-compulsive narcissism and how his unresolved childhood trauma contributed to his heinous actions. Georgia reflects on the societal pressures and the American Dream's dark side, questioning how external expectations can exacerbate personal breakdowns.

2. Missing Indigenous Women in Canada

Shifting focus to contemporary issues, Karen and Georgia address the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, referencing notorious cases like Robert Pickton's.

• Current Developments (Timestamp: [08:27] – [12:50]): They discuss a recent CBC News article announcing a governmental investigation into the disappearance of hundreds of indigenous women. The hosts express hope that this acknowledgment signifies a new era in addressing systemic violence and societal neglect.

  Karen Kilgarith [11:57]: "The government is trying to do something about it. They're trying to find the women. They're trying to investigate the murders. They're trying to actually put a focus and say these women are important, just as important as anybody else."

  Georgia Hardstark [11:26]: "That's incredible."

• Philanthropic Efforts: The duo emphasizes their commitment to supporting these causes, mentioning plans to donate podcast proceeds to relevant foundations and highlighting activists like Mariska Hargitay.

  Georgia Hardstark [12:12]: "Thank you. I want to give her all my money and, like, do it. Help her."

  Karen Kilgarith [21:27]: "Mariska Hargitay is like a legend now for having played Olivia Benson on SVU for years and years and then basically turning all of that work into this activism."

3. Podcast Growth and Live Shows

Karen and Georgia reflect on the growth of their podcast, "My Favorite Murder," sharing heartfelt moments about their increasing popularity and the emotional impact of their live shows.

• Live Shows Success (Timestamp: [13:00] – [17:15]): They recount the overwhelming positive response from audiences in Texas, expressing both surprise and gratitude for the support they've received.

  Georgia Hardstark [13:10]: "I was so surprised by that."

  Karen Kilgarith [13:15]: "It's pretty nice that we're getting popular because we talk about death."

• Personal Anecdotes: The hosts share humorous and touching stories from their tours, highlighting the unique bond they share with their listeners and each other.

  Georgia Hardstark [17:00]: "I was sick. And so I was an hour late."

4. Georgia’s Story: The Death of Warina Wright

In a departure from the John List case, Georgia presents a recent and unsettling story about Warina Wright, detailing her tragic death in Australia.

• Case Details (Timestamp: [55:25] – [75:54]): Georgia narrates the evening leading up to Wright's death, incorporating audio snippets to recreate the harrowing events. She explores the complexities of the case, including the involvement of Gable Totsi, alleged alcohol abuse, and the contentious circumstances surrounding her fall from a balcony.

  Georgia Hardstark [56:12]: "She finds Gable, Toasties, Tinder. He's this like hot ladies, man. They meet up outside of a bar on the 6th."

  Karen Kilgarith [68:38]: "I’m a psycho drunk and do not test me."

• Legal Proceedings and Controversy: The episode delves into Totsi's trial, his acquittal, and the ongoing debates among web sleuths regarding the case's unresolved mysteries.

  Georgia Hardstark [76:06]: "He was acquitted. And since then, Totsi has been going by a different name."

• Psychological Insights: Karen and Georgia discuss the psychological aspects of the case, questioning the motives and mental state of the involved parties.

  Karen Kilgarith [75:34]: "The idea of recording an evening is super insane to me."

5. Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Karen and Georgia reflect on the intense nature of true crime storytelling and the importance of handling such narratives with empathy and responsibility. They also tease future episodes and encourage listeners to stay engaged with their ongoing mission to shed light on underrepresented true crime cases.

• Emotional Impact: The hosts acknowledge the emotional toll that these stories take on both the storytellers and the audience, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and support.

  Georgia Hardstark [75:38]: "I know. I have no idea what's going on in this one. This is crazy, isn't it?"

  Karen Kilgarith [75:29]: "It's just the sadness, tragic, unnecessary death of this young woman."

• Looking Forward: They express excitement for upcoming episodes and invite listeners to participate in their live shows and support their charitable initiatives.

  Georgia Hardstark [78:51]: "Thank you guys for listening to this episode of Rewind and for sticking with us and still being here."

  Casey O'Brien [79:04]: "And until then, stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Karen Kilgarith [22:05]: "Do you remember the America's Most Wanted about John List, the man who killed his entire family and then disappeared for 19 years?"

• Georgia Hardstark [33:09]: "You know what I mean?"

• Karen Kilgarith [40:26]: "So he put these big old glasses. Remember that, dude?"

• Georgia Hardstark [75:38]: "I know. I have no idea what's going on in this one. This is crazy, isn't it?"

• Karen Kilgarith [75:29]: "It's just the sadness, tragic, unnecessary death of this young woman."

Conclusion

Episode 29 of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia" offers a profound exploration of one of true crime's most infamous cases while simultaneously addressing pressing contemporary issues. Karen Kilgarith and Georgia Hardstark adeptly blend detailed storytelling with insightful analysis, underscoring their commitment to not only entertain but also educate and advocate for vulnerable communities. This episode stands as a testament to their dedication and the evolving landscape of the true crime genre.