Podcasts > My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark > MFM Minisode 374

MFM Minisode 374

By Exactly Right

Dive into the peculiar and spine-tingling memories from childhood on "My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark," where Karen and Georgia unearth stories that chilled the blood of youthful listeners around campfires and in shadowy backyards. This episode, without bearing its title, takes listeners through a nostalgic and hair-raising journey, uncovering the extremes that parents sometimes went to in order to keep children in check during outdoor escapades. From the legend of an uncanny, malevolent Girl Scout, to Greasy Pete and an itinerant eyeball, these tales stir a mix of amusement and a recognition of the power of stories in shaping childhood caution.

Beyond folklore, the podcast episode also shares bone-chilling personal anecdotes that resonate with the theme of danger lurking in the mundane. A listener recounts the terror of an attempted break-in experienced as a twelve-year-old, highlighting the significance of teaching children about the reality of stranger danger and the necessity of knowing how to respond. Meanwhile, a supposedly menacing shark encounter during a boogie boarding session offers a startling yet ultimately innocent twist, blending tension with the relief that occasionally follows false alarms. Join Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark as they explore the intersection where childhood fears meet adult awareness in these true tales that have trotted from past to present.

MFM Minisode 374

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MFM Minisode 374

1-Page Summary

Get Scared as Kids

Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff engage their audience by collecting and sharing childhood stories, specifically eerie ones told by parents during camping trips to maintain discipline among children. Parents, as revealed by the tales, often used scary mythological and sinister characters as a tactic to prevent kids from wandering off into potentially dangerous areas. The tales included a murderous crooked Girl Scout, Greasy Pete the food-scavenger, and a giant adventurous eyeball. Hardstark and Kilgariff comment on the creativity and impact of these stories on keeping the children close to camp and within the bounds of safety.

Attempted Daylight Break-In

In a disturbing recollection, the storyteller relives an attempted break-in incident that occurred when she was about 12 years old, and alone with a friend at a house. A man, dressed in unmarked work clothes, knocked on their door and tried multiple times to open the locked front door in broad daylight. His suspicious demeanor, including a cracked bucket of tools and an unmarked van, prompted vigilance from the young girls and led to a police report being filed afterwards. The story underscores the importance of warning children about the dangers of strangers and ensuring that they know how to react in such situations.

Shark Scare While Boogie Boarding

A day of boogie boarding with her sister Ashley gave the narrator a fright when they spotted a large black dorsal fin behind them in the water. With the immediate thought that it was a shark, Ashley helped her sister get back to shore in a rush of panic. Relief followed when their mother informed them that the fin belonged to dolphins, not a shark. The moment of terror turned into one of relief and became a memorable part of their swimming adventures.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff are hosts of the popular true crime comedy podcast called "My Favorite Murder." They discuss and share stories of murder and true crime cases in a conversational and often humorous manner. The podcast has gained a large following for its unique approach to discussing dark and serious topics. Hardstark and Kilgariff's dynamic and engaging storytelling style has resonated with many listeners who enjoy their blend of true crime and comedy.
  • Scary stories told by parents can influence children's behavior by instilling a sense of caution and keeping them close to safety. These stories often serve as a deterrent to prevent children from engaging in risky behaviors or wandering off into dangerous areas. The element of fear in these tales can help children understand potential dangers and encourage them to stay within boundaries set by adults. By using imaginative and spooky characters, parents aim to create a memorable impact that reinforces safety guidelines for their children.
  • Teaching children about the dangers of strangers is crucial for their safety. It helps them understand potential risks and how to respond appropriately in unfamiliar situations. This education empowers children to recognize warning signs and seek help when needed. By being aware of these dangers, children can better protect themselves from potential harm.
  • Bodyboarding, also known as boogie boarding, is a water sport where a person rides a bodyboard on waves towards the shore. The bodyboard is a short, rectangular foam board that allows riders to catch and ride waves. Bodyboarders often use swim fins for better control and propulsion in the water. The sport has its origins in ancient Polynesian wave riding practices and has evolved into a popular recreational activity worldwide.
  • A dorsal fin is a fin located on the back of marine and freshwater animals, helping with stability and maneuvering in the water. It is a common feature in various species like fish, whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The dorsal fin can vary in size and shape depending on the animal's needs and environment. Wildlife biologists use distinctive features of dorsal fins to identify individual animals in the wild.

Counterarguments

  • While scary stories can be effective in keeping children safe, they can also cause unnecessary fear or trauma that might affect the child's well-being.
  • The use of fear as a disciplinary tool can be questioned from a psychological perspective, as it may not be the healthiest way to teach children about safety.
  • Discussing the impact of these stories without considering the potential negative psychological effects on children presents an incomplete picture.
  • The attempted break-in story, while highlighting the importance of teaching children about stranger danger, could also lead to an exaggerated fear of strangers, which is not always warranted.
  • The emphasis on stranger danger might overshadow the fact that most child abductions and harm come from people the child knows, not strangers.
  • The shark scare story, while ending positively, might inadvertently contribute to the public's disproportionate fear of shark attacks, which are statistically very rare compared to other risks in the ocean.

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MFM Minisode 374

Get Scared as Kids

Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff from the popular podcast invite their audience to share eerie stories fabricated by their parents to keep them disciplined during childhood camping trips.

Parents use scary stories to control kids while camping

As listeners send in their chilling campfire tales, it becomes evident that many parents resorted to mythical, sinister stories as a means to keep their children from straying too far from the safety of the campsite.

A crooked Girl Scout who murdered girls

The storyteller recalls a frightful yarn about a crooked Girl Scout, who would murder her campmates by stabbing them with a spike from a golf shoe. This gruesome tale was one of the methods employed by her father to prevent the kids from venturing into unsafe areas.

Greasy Pete watched them and ate their food scraps

Another intimidating figure introduced to the children was Greasy Pete. Hardstark's dad crafted the story of this ominous character who lurked on the island, emerging only at night to scavenge and eat leftovers from the campers. Karen Kilgariff praises the ingenuity behind the tale of Greasy Pete, who s ...

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Get Scared as Kids

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff are hosts of the popular podcast "My Favorite Murder." They discuss true crime stories in a conversational and often humorous manner. The podcast has gained a large following for its unique approach to exploring dark and mysterious events. Hardstark and Kilgariff's dynamic and engaging personalities have contributed to the success of their show.
  • The giant eyeball in the narrative is a fantastical character created by Georgia Hardstark's father during their camping trips. It was part of the scary stories told to keep the children close to the campsi ...

Counterarguments

  • While parents may use scary stories to control kids, it's also possible that these stories are shared as a form of entertainment and bonding, rather than solely for discipline or control.
  • Some argue that using fear to discipline children can be harmful and that there are more effective and positive ways to teach children about safety.
  • The effectiveness of scary stories in preventing children from straying too far is debatable, as some children might become more curious and inclined to explore as a result of their heightened interest in the stories.
  • The portrayal of a crooked Girl Scout as a murderer could perpetuate negative stereotypes about Girl Scouts and might be seen as an inappropriate subject matter for children.
  • The character of Greasy Pete might inadvertently teach children to fear and mistrust strangers, which could lead to an unhealthy perception of the ...

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MFM Minisode 374

Attempted Daylight Break-In

A brazen attempt to enter a home where two young girls were alone raises concerns about safety and the importance of vigilance.

Man tried to break into house with 12-year-old girls

When the narrator was around 12 years old, she found herself in a worrying situation with a friend while they were alone at her friend's house during the morning. An older man, who gave off a suspicious vibe, knocked on their door but fortunately did not gain entry.

This stranger raised alarm due to his attire—a set of work coveralls that had a blank name patch and no company insignia, marking a significant red flag for the two girls.

Tried repeatedly to open locked door

After the man caught the eye of the narrator through a window, he proceeded to check the front door. He tried multiple times to turn the doorknob slowly, testing whether it was locked, an audacious attempt considering it was broad daylight. The observational details shared by the narrator, including the man holding a cracked bucket ...

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Attempted Daylight Break-In

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The narrator and her friend were together at the friend's house when the incident occurred. Their specific relationship beyond being friends is not explicitly mentioned in the text.
  • The suspicious behavior of the man included wearing work coveralls with no company logo, attempting to open a locked door multiple times, and carrying a cracked bucket of tools. These ...

Counterarguments

...

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MFM Minisode 374

Shark Scare While Boogie Boarding

A leisurely day of swimming and boogie boarding with her sister Ashley turned into a moment of panic for the storyteller as they encountered what they believed to be a shark.

Spotted large black dorsal fin behind them in ocean

While enjoying the ocean, Ashley suddenly alerted the storyteller to the sight of a huge black dorsal fin in the water behind them. The immediate fear was that a shark was lurking dangerously close.

Sister helped pull them both to safety

In an instinctive response to the potential threat, Ashley swam to shore in a panic, initially leaving the storyteller alone. However, realizing the danger her sister might be in, Ashley quickly returned, and together they managed to make it back to safety on the beach.

...

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Shark Scare While Boogie Boarding

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The storyteller and Ashley are sisters who were together at the beach when they encountered what they thought was a shark while boogie boarding. Ashley's quick actions and concern for her sister's safety demonstrate their close relationship and mutual care for each other.
  • The setting and context of a story provide essential background information such as where and when the events took place, the atmosphere, and any relevant details that help paint a complete picture for the reader. Understanding the setting can enhance the reader's comprehension and emotional connection to the narrative. In this case, the lack of specific details about the location, time of day, weather conditions, or any other contextual information may have made it challenging for your friend to fully visualize the scene and grasp the intensity of the situation.
  • The events described in the text about the shark scare while boogie boarding lack a clear timeline, making it challenging to unders ...

Counterarguments

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