10 Year Anniversary Special! (with Steven Ray Morris) | MFM 515

1. Karen reflects on podcasting after her mother's death

Timestamp: 00:01:56 to 00:03:38 - watch this moment on skim

Karen reveals that she started the podcast shortly after her mother's death from Alzheimer's. She believes it was not a coincidence and that her mother is watching over her, helping her dreams come true. This personal connection adds a layer of emotional depth to the podcast's origin story, suggesting it was a way to cope with grief and honor her mother's memory.

Significance (Medium): This revelation adds emotional depth, framing the podcast as a tribute to her mother.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

2. Georgia and Karen adapted to podcasting's evolving landscape

Timestamp: 00:06:23 to 00:07:40 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia and Karen acknowledge that when they started in 2016, the podcasting landscape was very different. They adapted on the fly to the increasing media literacy and responsibility required as podcasts gained popularity. This adaptability was crucial to their success, allowing them to navigate the evolving expectations and responsibilities of being media figures, ultimately shaping their approach to content creation.

Significance (Medium): Their adaptability highlights the importance of evolving with the medium.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

3. Karen emphasizes the importance of authenticity

Timestamp: 00:20:00 to 00:21:17 - watch this moment on skim

Karen emphasizes the importance of not messing with things too much and putting them out there to see what happens. She reflects on the creation of the podcast's theme song, noting that it was a quick and simple process. This underscores the value of authenticity and spontaneity in creative endeavors, suggesting that overthinking can stifle originality and connection with an audience.

Significance (Medium): This highlights the value of authenticity over perfection in content creation.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

4. Georgia reflects on the overwhelming nature of the podcast's success

Timestamp: 00:24:12 to 00:25:39 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia reflects on the overwhelming nature of the podcast's success, noting that she often avoids thinking about the numbers and the scale of their audience. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on creating content for themselves and each other, rather than trying to please millions of people. This highlights the importance of staying true to their original vision and maintaining a personal connection to their work, even as it reaches a wider audience, ensuring the podcast remains authentic.

Significance (Medium): This underscores the importance of staying grounded and authentic.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

5. Karen discusses the challenges of writing their book

Timestamp: 00:26:51 to 00:28:17 - watch this moment on skim

Karen discusses the challenges of writing their book, "Stay Sexy, Don't Get Murdered," noting that it was one of the hardest things she's ever done. She explains that it turned into a memoir, requiring them to dig deep and be vulnerable. This provides insight into the personal toll of creating the book, emphasizing the emotional labor involved in sharing their own experiences and advice, ultimately making the book more impactful.

Significance (Medium): This reveals the personal toll and emotional depth behind their book.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

6. Georgia reflects on the impact of touring

Timestamp: 00:37:45 to 00:38:58 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia reflects on the impact of touring, noting that it felt like a gift after not doing it for so long. She emphasizes the importance of being present and loving the experience. This highlights the value of live shows in connecting with their audience and creating a shared experience, reinforcing the sense of community that has become a hallmark of the podcast, making the tour feel like a celebration.

Significance (Medium): This emphasizes the value of live shows in connecting with their audience.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

7. Karen discusses the importance of mental health

Timestamp: 00:43:42 to 00:44:59 - watch this moment on skim

Karen discusses the importance of mental health, noting that it was not a big deal to talk about on the podcast. She explains that this was due to their personal backgrounds and experiences. This highlights the podcast's role in normalizing conversations about mental health, creating a safe space for listeners to share their own struggles and seek help, ultimately destigmatizing mental health issues.

Significance (High): This highlights the podcast's role in normalizing mental health conversations.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

8. Georgia reflects on the podcast network

Timestamp: 00:47:12 to 00:48:25 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia reflects on the podcast network, noting that it turned into a business rather than a hobby. She explains that she had to step away from the CEO angle because she didn't know how to run the business. This provides insight into the challenges of scaling a creative project, emphasizing the need for different skill sets and the importance of recognizing one's limitations, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and successful venture.

Significance (Medium): This provides insight into the challenges of scaling a creative project.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

9. Karen discusses the importance of creative freedom

Timestamp: 00:48:25 to 00:49:40 - watch this moment on skim

Karen discusses the importance of creative freedom, noting that they wanted to create a place where everyone gets to be themselves and not be told what to do. She explains that she doesn't think My Favorite Murder would be picked up on a big network today because they would make them change everything. This underscores the value of independence and autonomy in creative endeavors, suggesting that creative control is essential for maintaining authenticity and originality.

Significance (Medium): This underscores the value of independence and autonomy in creative endeavors.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

10. Georgia reflects on the Golden State Killer case

Timestamp: 00:50:22 to 00:51:37 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia reflects on the Golden State Killer case, noting that it was a case that had been so old and nobody ever thought it was going to be solved. She explains that the case getting solved was very parallel to their experience. This highlights the podcast's connection to true crime and its ability to bring attention to important cases, suggesting that the podcast has played a role in raising awareness and contributing to the pursuit of justice.

Significance (Medium): This highlights the podcast's connection to true crime and its impact.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

11. Karen recalls the surprise appearance of Paul Holes

Timestamp: 00:52:27 to 00:53:42 - watch this moment on skim

Karen recalls the surprise appearance of Paul Holes on the podcast, noting that she was not aware he was coming. She explains that Georgia was in on it the entire time. This provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the podcast, emphasizing the element of surprise and the hosts' ability to create engaging content, ultimately enhancing the listener experience.

Significance (Low): This provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the podcast.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

12. Georgia discusses her favorite episode

Timestamp: 00:56:51 to 00:58:06 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia discusses her favorite episode, "Deaths at Disneyland," noting that it was unexpected and fun. She explains that the people, the locals, the people who've had to deal with Disneyland or worked at Disneyland or know all that stuff, were excited to hear about it. This highlights the podcast's ability to connect with its audience on a personal level, suggesting that the podcast provides a platform for sharing unique experiences and perspectives, ultimately fostering a sense of community.

Significance (Medium): This highlights the podcast's ability to connect with its audience.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

13. Karen reflects on the podcast's impact on her life

Timestamp: 00:58:06 to 00:59:21 - watch this moment on skim

Karen reflects on the podcast's impact on her life, noting that she is able to help her family with money because of it. She explains that it's getting to sit on stage and tell you and an like whole audience that are excited to hear about my biggest fears like like and share it and not be called names or not be like sent to rehab or whatever. This underscores the podcast's transformative power, suggesting that it has provided her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, ultimately enabling her to make a positive impact on her own life and the lives of others.

Significance (High): This underscores the podcast's transformative power and personal impact.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

14. Georgia discusses the importance of being each other's perfect audience

Timestamp: 01:01:29 to 01:02:44 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia discusses the importance of being each other's perfect audience, noting that it's like you're, you know, come along with me where I bring you into my uh British Victorian 1800s thing that you don't care about, but I'm going to make you care about. She explains that they are each other's perfect audience. This highlights the importance of genuine connection and shared interests in creative collaboration, suggesting that the hosts' ability to entertain and engage each other is a key factor in the podcast's success.

Significance (Medium): This highlights the importance of genuine connection in creative collaboration.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

15. Karen reflects on the sister element of their relationship

Timestamp: 01:02:44 to 01:03:59 - watch this moment on skim

Karen reflects on the sister element of their relationship, noting that both of them having older sisters was a reoccurring theme. She explains that it's also the worst version because no little sister wants to be older sistered by somebody else. This provides insight into the dynamics of their partnership, suggesting that their shared experiences and perspectives have shaped their communication style and ability to navigate conflict, ultimately contributing to the podcast's longevity.

Significance (Low): This provides insight into the dynamics of their partnership.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

16. Georgia recalls the first time someone yelled "Stay Sexy"

Timestamp: 01:05:39 to 01:06:54 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia recalls the first time someone yelled "Stay Sexy" at her, noting that it was in San Francisco. She explains that she just screamed and don't get murdered like in the middle of a [ __ ] like public place. This highlights the podcast's impact on popular culture, suggesting that its catchphrases have become part of the lexicon, ultimately creating a shared identity and sense of belonging among listeners.

Significance (Medium): This highlights the podcast's impact on popular culture.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

17. Karen discusses the art created by listeners

Timestamp: 01:09:01 to 01:10:16 - watch this moment on skim

Karen discusses the art created by listeners, noting that it's like folklore almost like what is the folklore that's come out of this podcast and it's like kind of just we wouldn't have know we wouldn't know what it is just talking about it unless someone made a [ __ ] shirt out of it. This underscores the podcast's ability to inspire creativity and self-expression, suggesting that the podcast has become a catalyst for artistic endeavors, ultimately fostering a vibrant and engaged community.

Significance (Medium): This underscores the podcast's ability to inspire creativity and self-expression.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

18. Georgia reflects on the MFM pets

Timestamp: 01:11:21 to 01:12:36 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia reflects on the MFM pets, noting that it's so crazy that that is a part of the podcast. She explains that Elvis meowing at the end of the episodes was like a couple episodes in even. This highlights the podcast's ability to incorporate personal elements and create a sense of intimacy, suggesting that the hosts' willingness to share their lives and experiences has contributed to the podcast's success.

Significance (Low): This highlights the podcast's ability to incorporate personal elements.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

19. Karen emphasizes the importance of the Murderino community

Timestamp: 01:16:32 to 01:17:47 - watch this moment on skim

Karen emphasizes the importance of the Murderino community, noting that they would not be anywhere without the people that listen, not only listen to this podcast, but cared enough to send us that stuff, be on that Facebook page every single morning. She explains that it's not like we were two young actresses on on a hit sitcom or something like that. This underscores the podcast's reliance on its community, suggesting that the listeners have played a crucial role in its success, ultimately creating a collaborative and supportive environment.

Significance (High): This underscores the podcast's reliance on its community.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host)

Neutral sources: Georgia Hardstark (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

20. Georgia reflects on the gratitude they feel

Timestamp: 01:19:44 to 01:20:59 - watch this moment on skim

Georgia reflects on the gratitude they feel, noting that it's not our doing. we were doing this thing over here and they showed up, assembled themselves, started doing subgroups. She explains that it's just it wasn't our doing. This underscores the podcast's organic growth and the listeners' agency in shaping its community, suggesting that the podcast has resonated with people on a deep level, ultimately creating a self-sustaining and thriving ecosystem.

Significance (Medium): This underscores the podcast's organic growth and the listeners' agency.

Sources in support: Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

21. Karen and Georgia announce their move to Netflix

Timestamp: 01:28:16 to 01:29:31 - watch this moment on skim

Karen and Georgia announce that their podcast is going to be on Netflix. They explain that it's now exclusively on Netflix. This highlights the podcast's continued success and its ability to reach new audiences, suggesting that the podcast has become a mainstream phenomenon, ultimately solidifying its place in popular culture. They will not be changing at all.

Significance (Medium): This highlights the podcast's continued success and its ability to reach new audiences.

Sources in support: Karen Kilgariff (Host), Georgia Hardstark (Host)

Neutral sources: Steven Ray Morris (Former Engineer/Editor)

Podcast Network Promotion (Low severity)

Type: Commercial

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark promote podcasts on their Exactly Right network. This creates a commercial incentive to highlight these shows, potentially influencing their objectivity.

Significance: This raises questions about whether the featured podcasts are genuinely the best or simply those with a commercial agreement. The audience is left to wonder if the endorsements are purely based on merit.

Merchandise Sales (Low severity)

Type: Commercial

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark promote their tour merchandise. This creates a commercial incentive to encourage listeners to purchase these items, potentially influencing their presentation.

Significance: This raises questions about whether the promotion is genuinely about providing value to fans or primarily driven by profit. The audience is left to wonder if the enthusiasm is purely based on the quality of the merchandise.