Why My Favorite Murder Still Slays
Podcast Review: My Favorite Murder
If you’re the type of true crime fan who wants a dose of comedy with your catastrophe, My Favorite Murder is probably already on your radar. Hosted by the delightfully unfiltered duo Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this podcast has become a cult favorite in the true crime world—and not just because of the crimes. It’s the commentary, the candidness, and the community that have made MFM (as the “Murderinos” call it) a household name in the podcasting scene.
For this review, I tuned into episode 200—a major milestone that showcases Karen and Georgia in full stride, confident in their voices, their storytelling, and their connection with the fanbase. This episode, like much of their later content, is less about perfect polish and more about showing up, sharing stories, and being unapologetically human. Let’s dig into why My Favorite Murder continues to resonate so deeply—and where it sometimes divides opinion.
The Hosts: Karen & Georgia – Flawed, Funny, and Fierce
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark are not your average true crime narrators. They’re not former detectives or journalists—they’re comedians with a love of weird history, gruesome crime, and deeply personal tangents. And that’s what makes them special.
By the time we reach episode 200, the duo has long ditched any nerves or formality. There’s an easy rhythm to their banter, an intimacy that makes listeners feel like they’re eavesdropping on a late-night wine-fueled conversation between two old friends. Karen’s dry wit and Georgia’s bubbly storytelling style complement each other perfectly. They interrupt each other, finish each other’s thoughts, and laugh at their own jokes, and honestly? That’s the charm.
They’re also open about mental health, addiction, trauma, and anxiety—things not often talked about in the polished world of crime media. That openness has become a defining feature of the podcast. Karen and Georgia are not just telling murder stories—they’re processing them, reacting to them, and sometimes breaking down because of them.
The Format: Two Stories, One Wild Ride
Every My Favorite Murder episode follows a pretty simple structure: each host brings a murder (or sometimes a survivor story or historical crime) to share, often learning the details right along with the audience. Episode 200 features two classic-style stories—no guest interviews or off-script format here—just the hosts, their stories, and a loyal fanbase hanging on every word.
Georgia’s story in this episode is the tragic and mysterious death of Tamla Horsford, a case that has sparked outrage and scrutiny due to the racial dynamics and suspicious circumstances surrounding Tamla’s death at a Georgia sleepover. Georgia does an excellent job balancing her trademark levity with appropriate gravity, especially given the still-unresolved questions in this case. Her tone is reverent, but she still sprinkles in just enough of her personality to keep it conversational.
Karen, on the other hand, dives into the bizarre case of Rodney Alcala—a serial killer whose appearance on The Dating Game in the middle of his killing spree makes the case both horrifying and uniquely disturbing. Karen’s take is passionate and sarcastic, particularly when she tears into the shocking indifference of authorities who let Alcala slip through the cracks multiple times.
The juxtaposition of these two stories—one a lesser-known case of potential injustice, the other a notorious serial killer who used charm to manipulate and murder—shows the range MFM can cover in a single episode.
The Banter: Love It or Hate It
Now let’s address the elephant in the earbuds: My Favorite Murder is as much about the hosts as it is about the murders. For fans, the unscripted banter is a huge part of the appeal. Karen and Georgia can spend 10 minutes talking about cats, plane anxiety, or the merits of CBD before even mentioning a case. For those who’ve been listening since episode 1, this is like getting an update from old friends.
But for newcomers or listeners looking for a more traditional, tightly focused true crime podcast, the chattiness can be a turnoff. If you’re expecting a Serial-style deep dive or NPR-level structure, this probably isn’t your show. That said, their tangents often help decompress the heavy material. It’s a coping mechanism—one the hosts are open about. True crime can be emotionally taxing, and their humor provides breathing room.
And to be fair, it’s not just fluff. Their digressions often touch on mental health, self-protection, and therapy—issues highly relevant to the MFM ethos.
The Production: Comfortably Unpolished
MFM has come a long way from its early, somewhat chaotic audio days. Now part of the Exactly Right Media network (founded by Karen and Georgia themselves), the show benefits from improved sound quality, consistent release schedules, and solid editing. But it still maintains that cozy, homespun feel.
There are no dramatic music stings or creepy sound effects here. The vibe is casual and confessional. You’re not being “presented” a story—you’re being told one. And the lack of overproduction actually helps maintain authenticity, even in episode 200.
The Impact: Murderinos, Advocacy, and the MFM Effect
What truly sets My Favorite Murder apart is the community it has built. The Murderino fanbase is massive, fiercely loyal, and socially engaged. The show’s success has led to live tours, book deals (Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered hit the New York Times bestseller list), and advocacy for victims’ families and causes.
In episode 200, as with many others, Karen and Georgia emphasize empowerment and awareness. Their signature sign-off, “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered,” might sound cheeky, but it encapsulates their mission: acknowledge the darkness, but don’t let it consume you. Be informed. Be alert. Be loud.
They frequently feature stories from survivors, bring attention to lesser-known victims, and raise money for organizations that support victims’ rights. While they’ve had to learn how to navigate criticism—particularly around cases involving marginalized groups—they’ve grown more mindful, more inclusive, and more vocal about using their platform for good.
Final Verdict: Murder, Madness, and Meaningful Moments
Is My Favorite Murder for everyone? Absolutely not. But is it for a whole lot of people who never knew they needed a crime podcast that talks about serial killers and snacks? 100%.
Episode 200 is a perfect encapsulation of everything MFM does best: gripping stories, imperfect (but sincere) storytelling, and hosts who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, funny, or occasionally messy. Whether you’re a die-hard Murderino or a curious newbie, this episode is a great place to experience Karen and Georgia at their most confident, compassionate, and casually chaotic.
So if you’re into true crime but also want to laugh, cry, and maybe adopt a cat afterward—give My Favorite Murder a listen. Just don’t expect it to be tidy. Like the best crime stories, it’s a little messy, but it’s always unforgettable.