Podcast Summary: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 41: Live from EW Popfest
Release Date: April 16, 2025

My Favorite Murder, the acclaimed true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, ventures into a nostalgic recap in this special episode titled "Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 41: Live from EW Popfest." Originally aired on November 3, 2016, this episode revisits the hosts' experiences at the Entertainment Weekly Pop Fest, blending past memories with fresh insights and commentary.

1. Introduction to Rewind Episode

The episode kicks off with Karen and Georgia introducing the concept of their "Rewind" series, where they revisit old episodes with new perspectives.

• Karen Kilgariff [00:37]: "Today we're recapping episode 41 that came out on November 3rd, 2016, and at the time, we entitled it Live from EW Pop Fest."

2. Overview of EW Pop Fest

Georgia provides context about the Entertainment Weekly Pop Fest, describing it as a significant two-day event in downtown Los Angeles that celebrates stars and creators from various entertainment sectors.

• Georgia Hardstark [00:49]: "Entertainment Weekly Pop Fest was a two-day event... It was the first time we were like, acknowledged as part of this community."

3. Hosts' Involvement and Experience

Karen and her writing partner, Alison Agosti, attended the Pop Fest not only as guests but also involved in a featured TV show, "Making History." Karen shares her comprehensive experience, oscillating between participating and supporting the show from the audience.

• Karen Kilgariff [01:09]: "Our writer Alison Agosti and I were writing on a TV show that was also featured there."

4. Behind-the-Scenes Humor and Personal Anecdotes

The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about their appearances and mishaps during the event, including humorous reflections on unflattering photos and interactions with their sound engineer, Steven Ray Morris.

• Georgia Hardstark [01:56]: "I'm slouching so hard. Like, I hear my mom every time I look at it, saying, sit up, Georgia."

5. Live Performance Highlights

The core of the episode revolves around their live stage show at the Pop Fest. They perform a dramatized retelling of a true crime story involving Hollywood legend Lana Turner, showcasing their signature blend of humor and horror.

• Alison Agosti [21:34]: "Lana Turner... she was this like, film noir actress... hot blonde, bombshell chick."

6. Acting and Storytelling Dynamics

Karen and Alison delve into their performances, adopting different characters to narrate the story, adding depth and engagement to the recounting of Lana Turner's turbulent life and tragic events.

• Steven Ray Morris [30:04]: "He grabbed me by the arms and started shaking me and cursing very badly."

7. Discussion on Hollywood's Dark Side

The story highlights the intersection of Hollywood glamour and underlying darkness, touching upon themes like abuse, scandal, and the complexities of public personas.

• Alison Agosti [26:00]: "He exposes himself to her in a sauna. Like, sweaty dick. It's just like, what a pervert."

8. Reflections on Audience Interaction and Reception

Post-story, Karen and Georgia reflect on the subdued audience response during their live performance, interpreting the silence as a learning experience for future shows.

• Karen Kilgariff [39:43]: "But yeah, more so because that audience just didn't respond to us in any way, shape or form."

9. Updates and Case Revisions

The hosts provide updates on the case discussed, mentioning recent publications that challenge previous narratives and offer new perspectives on the events surrounding Johnny Stompanato's death.

• Georgia Hardstark [41:06]: "In February of 2024 last year, author Casey Sherman released A Murder in Hollywood..."

10. Introduction of Hometown Segment

Towards the end, the episode transitions to the "Hometown Story" segment, featuring Margie, a listener who shares a personal murder story from her own community.

• Margie [66:57]: "I worked in this office with this dude... he would, like, rub my shoulders..."

11. Community Engagement and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to the EW Pop Fest audience, acknowledgments of support from friends like Steven Ray Morris, and playful discussions about potential alternative titles for the episode.

• Karen Kilgariff [71:10]: "Thanks for being at the EW Pop Fest with us. And stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Georgia Hardstark [00:49]: "It was the first time we were like, acknowledged as part of this community."

• Karen Kilgariff [01:09]: "It's like getting invited up to the big table... the big time."

• Alison Agosti [21:34]: "Lana Turner... hot blonde, bombshell chick who was like, a leading actress in, like, crazy dark films."

• Alison Agosti [26:00]: "He exposes himself to her in a sauna. Like, sweaty dick."

• Karen Kilgariff [39:43]: "That audience just didn't respond to us in any way, shape or form."

• Georgia Hardstark [41:06]: "A Murder in Hollywood revisits the circumstances surrounding Johnny Stompanato's death."

• Karen Kilgariff [71:10]: "Stay sexy and don't get murdered."

Key Takeaways

• Community Recognition: The EW Pop Fest served as a milestone for Karen and Georgia, marking their recognition within the broader entertainment community.

• Blend of Humor and Horror: Their live performance adeptly balances comedic elements with the gravity of true crime storytelling, a hallmark of the My Favorite Murder podcast.

• Reflective Insights: Revisiting past episodes allows the hosts to gain new perspectives, understand audience dynamics better, and refine their storytelling techniques.

• Engagement with Listeners: The inclusion of a hometown story segment fosters a sense of community and engagement, inviting listeners to share personal narratives.

• Continuous Learning: The hosts acknowledge areas for improvement, such as audience interaction during live shows, showcasing their commitment to growth and enhancing listener experience.

This episode not only serves as a trip down memory lane but also enriches the listeners' understanding of Karen and Georgia's journey within the true crime podcasting realm. By intertwining past events with present reflections, the episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining recap for both long-time followers and new audiences alike.