Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 32: Just the 32 of Us

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Podcast: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Network: Exactly Right
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

1. Introduction to Rewind Episode 32

In this special episode of Rewind, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark revisit Episode 32, titled "Just the 32 of Us." The Rewind series aims to revisit past episodes, providing fresh commentary, updates, and insights to both long-time listeners and newcomers.

Karen Kilgariff opens the episode with enthusiasm, noting, "This is exactly right." Georgia Hardstark welcomes listeners, setting the stage for a nostalgic yet updated discussion.

2. Fan Engagement and Social Media Ventures

A significant portion of the episode centers around the hosts' interactions with their listeners—affectionately known as "Murderinos." They discuss the challenges and humor involved in managing a fan base, highlighting their endeavors to expand their social media presence.

Engineer Steven (Vince) shares insights about launching a new Facebook fan page, navigating around restrictions by branding it as "MFM Podcast." Georgia reflects on the enthusiasm of their fan community, saying, "People keep recognizing their friends in there, and it's, like, hilarious."

Notable moments include the playful banter about naming the fan base and the humorous attempts to engage followers with inside jokes and memorable moments from previous episodes.

3. Personal Anecdotes and Relationships

Karen reminisces about her early episodes, particularly her experience with Adrienne, her sister's best friend who was secretly fascinated with serial killer Richard Ramirez. This story underscores the complex dynamics that can arise from intense fandoms and personal relationships.

Karen Kilgariff recounts, "She'd lock the door and leave me out of the room. The only way to get in was to make up a lip sync dance routine to a Pat Benatar song."

The discussion highlights the fine line between admiration and obsession, illustrating how personal connections can influence one's perception of true crime stories.

4. Recapping the Murder of Selena Quintanilla Pérez

A substantial segment of the episode delves into the tragic murder of Selena Quintanilla Pérez by Yolanda Saldivar. Karen and Georgia provide a comprehensive recounting of the events leading up to the crime, the investigation, and its aftermath.

Vince narrates, "On March 31, 1995, Yolanda convinces Selena to meet her alone in a motel, where she shoots Selena in the back as she tries to escape."

They explore Yolanda's manipulation, Selena’s unwavering trust, and the emotional impact on fans and the Latino community. The hosts emphasize the significance of Selena's legacy, noting her groundbreaking achievements and lasting influence.

Karen Kilgariff reflects, "Selena was the embodiment of young, smart, hip Mexican American youth from a tight-knit family."

Notable quotes include discussions on the nature of Yolanda's actions and Selena's posthumous fame, such as:

Vince [21:35]: "Yolanda Saldivar, room 158. Those were her last words."

5. The Zanku Chicken Murders: A Tale of Success and Tragedy

Transitioning from Selena’s story, Karen introduces the Zanku Chicken murders—a case intertwining business success with familial tragedy. This story centers around the Armenian family behind the beloved Los Angeles restaurant chain, Zankou Chicken.

Karen provides an engaging narrative of how Marderos Iskandarian, the visionary behind Zankou Chicken, built a thriving business amidst personal and familial challenges. However, underlying tensions and unresolved conflicts culminated in a devastating outcome.

Karen Kilgariff shares, "On January 14, 2003, Marderos gets out of bed, puts on a white silk suit, and tragically ends the lives of his family before taking his own."

The hosts delve into the cultural backdrop, the Ethiopian-Armenian community in Los Angeles, and the intricate family dynamics that led to such a harrowing incident. They discuss the business implications, including trademark disputes and the enduring legacy of Zankou Chicken.

Georgia Hardstark adds depth to the story by highlighting the cultural significance of Zankou Chicken in LA, saying, "It's the best roast chicken in town at any price."

6. Updates and Legacy of Selena and Zankou Chicken

The episode also provides updates on the long-term impacts of both cases discussed.

Selena’s Legacy:

• Madame Tussauds Statue: A wax figure commemorates her enduring fame.
• Texas Women's Hall of Fame: Selena was inducted, honoring her contributions.
• Netflix Series: A dramatized series chronicles her life and untimely death.
• Rolling Stone Recognition: In 2023, Selena was ranked #89 on Rolling Stone's list of 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
• MAC Makeup Line: Celebrating her style and influence.

Zanku Chicken’s Continuation:

• The hosts discuss the ongoing expansion and trademark battles surrounding Zankou Chicken, emphasizing its place in Los Angeles culture.
• Engineer Steven notes, "In 2006, a court ruled that the trademark belonged to both sides of the family."

They reflect on how Zankou Chicken remains a staple in LA’s culinary scene, symbolizing both success and the deep-rooted complexities of family businesses.

7. Concluding Reflections and Episode Renaming

As the episode draws to a close, Karen and Georgia engage in playful discussions about renaming Episode 32 based on memorable moments from their conversations.

They consider names like "Consider Me Wrong Again" and "Skippers," ultimately settling on options that reflect their humorous and introspective interactions.

Georgia Hardstark concludes with a light-hearted invitation: "Stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Karen Kilgariff [00:33]: "I thought we were done with the number pun."
• Vince [02:19]: "Vince said, you can have it."
• Karen Kilgariff [03:06]: "Well, then you don't want his DNA inside you, and you'll never get to have it."
• Vince [21:35]: "Yolanda Saldivar, room 158. Those were her last words."
• Karen Kilgariff [37:36]: "That's so fucking cool."
• Georgia Hardstark [50:26]: "Let's sit crooked and talk straight."
• Vince [55:04]: "Oh, my goodness."
• Karen Kilgariff [63:58]: "He looks around the room and sees his 23-year-old nephew on the stairs and just turns around, goes over into the living room, sits on the couch, and shoots himself in the head."

Final Thoughts

Episode 32 of Rewind with Karen & Georgia offers a rich tapestry of true crime narratives interwoven with personal anecdotes and cultural insights. By revisiting and dissecting significant cases like Selena’s murder and the Zanku Chicken tragedy, the hosts provide a multifaceted exploration of crime, community, and legacy. Their engaging dialogue, sprinkled with humor and heartfelt reflections, ensures that both new listeners and dedicated fans find value and entertainment in this comprehensive recap.