Podcast Summary: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Podcast Information:

• Title: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
• Host/Author: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 45: Funky Diva
• Release Date: May 14, 2025
• Original Episode Release: December 1, 2016

Overview: In "Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 45: Funky Diva," hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark revisit their classic episode titled "Funky Diva." This episode serves as both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and a deep dive into one of their early true crime discussions, enriched with new commentary, updates, and personal insights. The hosts, joined by guest Tyler Green, navigate through past experiences, significant milestones, and intricate murder cases, blending humor with poignant reflections.

1. Revisiting "Funky Diva"

The episode begins with Karen and Georgia reminiscing about their first encounter with Funky Diva, a clothing store on Melrose Avenue. They reflect on their youthful days, clad in vibrant fashion, and the memorable interactions they had during their time working there.

• Karen Kilgariff [00:06]: "Men, if you're ready to reclaim your edge, listen up..." (Advertisement segment skipped as per instructions)

• Karen Kilgariff [05:00]: "We would save up money throughout the year in Orange County and make a pilgrimage to Melrose."

Notable Quote:

• Georgia Hardstark [05:16]: "Little 14-year-old Georgia appears out of a puff of smoke in like an orange jacket."

2. Chicago Podcast Festival Experience

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Karen and Georgia's experience at the Chicago Podcast Festival. They describe the overwhelming support they received, the camaraderie with fans, and the emotional impact of the event.

• Karen Kilgariff [08:04]: "It was so crazy to walk out. I anticipated a certain amount of applause, and we got like fifteen times more than I expected."

• Georgia Hardstark [09:50]: "We stood there and thanked God, thanked you all to your face."

Notable Quote:

• Tyler Green [10:11]: "Do you know how much I fucking love, like, what do they call them when you leave a place and they give you a bag?"

3. Delving into the Lord Lucan Case

Karen takes the lead in recounting the infamous Lord Lucan case, a perplexing British murder mystery involving aristocracy, disappearance, and forensic intricacies. The discussion covers Lord Lucan's background, the murders, his subsequent disappearance, and the ongoing theories surrounding his fate.

• Karen Kilgariff [26:30]: "The story of this guy, he's living the life he likes the best of all things."

• Tyler Green [33:55]: "How could you? It's so obvious."

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Kilgariff [33:07]: "John Bingham, during World War II, was evacuated out of London... He was the school bookie."

• Tyler Green [40:06]: "He’s on death row in an army facility in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas."

4. The Summerhill Road Murders

Transitioning from international intrigue to a domestic horror case, the hosts explore the Summerhill Road murders in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This segment details the brutal killing of a mother and her three children, the ensuing investigation, and the controversial conviction of Tim Hennis.

• Tyler Green [70:41]: "So, Steven, check in. How are you, Stephen?" (Guest Jonathan Pitts responds)

• Karen Kilgariff [72:32]: "Two doors down from the bedroom they find Kara, the three-year-old. She's stabbed to death as well."

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Kilgariff [80:00]: "But double jeopardy is prohibited by the Fifth Amendment."

• Tyler Green [85:27]: "The criminal justice system began widely acknowledging that some rapists use condoms."

5. Updates and Theories

The hosts provide updates on both the Lord Lucan case and the Summerhill Road murders. They discuss advancements in forensic science, DNA evidence's role in re-examining cold cases, and the persistent mysteries that continue to baffle investigators and enthusiasts alike.

• Allison Agosti [62:15]: "So, if his body was never found, he was still alive, you know?"

• Karen Kilgariff [100:26]: "This theory falls apart."

Notable Quote:

• Tyler Green [83:57]: "I just don't buy it. This is why I think that double jeopardy in the age of DNA and retesting should be rethought."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Towards the end of the episode, Karen, Georgia, and Tyler share personal stories, favorite moments, and light-hearted banter. They express their love for their listeners, discuss their favorite aspects of the podcast, and ponder over the evolution of true crime storytelling.

• Karen Kilgariff [105:11]: "I went and saw the movie Delicatessen with Allison Agasti. It's a total art house film."

• Tyler Green [105:35]: "My year-old nephew is there, and he's the best fucking thing I've ever seen in my life."

Notable Quote:

• Karen Kilgariff [106:07]: "We don't know what the fuck we're talking about. Ours are all just feelings."

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. They maintain their signature humor and camaraderie, leaving listeners with a mix of thoughtful reflections and light-hearted farewells.

• Tyler Green [105:50]: "Yeah, please. I mean, we're not just doing fucking lip service. Please actually do that."

• Karen Kilgariff [106:15]: "Sport Clips app that shows you the shortest wait and the haircut tracker that tracks your real-time... game changer."

Key Takeaways:

• Nostalgia Meets Current Insights: The episode effectively blends reminiscing about past experiences with in-depth discussions on complex true crime cases, offering both historical context and contemporary viewpoints.

• Forensic Evolution: Highlighting the advancements in forensic science, especially DNA analysis, the hosts underscore the importance of evolving investigative techniques in solving cold cases.

• Human Element: Beyond just recounting crimes, the hosts delve into the emotional and psychological aspects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the victims and perpetrators.

Final Thoughts: "Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 45: Funky Diva" is a testament to the enduring appeal of the "My Favorite Murder" podcast. It not only revisits cherished memories but also reinforces the hosts' commitment to unraveling and discussing perplexing true crime stories with empathy, humor, and relentless curiosity.