In the vast landscape of podcasting, few shows have captured the hearts and imaginations of listeners quite like "My Favorite Murder" (MFM). Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this true crime comedy podcast has not only become a cultural phenomenon but has also given birth to a vibrant community of creators known as Murderinos. Let's dive deep into the world of MFM and explore how it has inspired a wave of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community building.
The Birth of a Phenomenon
When Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark met at a Halloween party in 2015, little did they know that their shared fascination with true crime would lead to a global sensation. Launching in January 2016, "My Favorite Murder" quickly rose to the top of the iTunes comedy charts, surprising even its creators with its meteoric success.
The podcast's unique blend of true crime storytelling and comedic banter struck a chord with listeners who, like Karen and Georgia, had long harbored an interest in the macabre. As Karen often reminds listeners, "We're not laughing about murder," but rather using humor as a coping mechanism to discuss difficult and often horrifying topics.
The Secret Sauce of MFM's Success
Several factors contributed to the rapid rise of MFM:
Authentic Hosts: Karen and Georgia's genuine friendship and unscripted conversations created an intimate atmosphere that resonated with listeners.
Relatable Content: By sharing personal stories and vulnerabilities, the hosts made true crime discussions more accessible and less intimidating.
Dark Humor: The show's ability to balance serious topics with humor provided a unique catharsis for listeners.
Community Building: From the start, Karen and Georgia encouraged listener interaction, fostering a sense of belonging among fans.
The Murderino Community
The term "Murderino" was coined to describe the passionate fans of the podcast, and it quickly became a badge of honor for true crime enthusiasts. What started as a simple fan base soon evolved into a robust and supportive community.
Online Presence
Facebook Groups: Before its closure in 2018, the official MFM Facebook group boasted over 200,000 members. This led to the creation of numerous spin-off groups catering to specific interests within the Murderino community.
Niche Communities: From "If Curves Could Kill: Plus-Size Murderinos" to "Biblio-Murderino: The My Favorite Murder Book Club," these groups allowed fans to connect over shared interests beyond true crime.
Reddit: The r/myfavoritemurder subreddit has over 100,000 members, serving as a hub for discussions, fan art, and community support.
Fan Cult
In 2018, MFM launched its official fan club, offering members exclusive perks:
- Early access to live show tickets
- Exclusive merchandise
- Members-only podcast content
- Annual Fan Cult events
The Fan Cult quickly became a coveted membership, with spots often selling out within hours of opening.
The Murderino Maker Movement
One of the most fascinating aspects of the MFM phenomenon has been the explosion of fan-created art, merchandise, and businesses inspired by the podcast. This Murderino Maker Movement has given rise to a thriving ecosystem of creative entrepreneurs.
Types of Murderino-Inspired Creations:
Artwork and Illustrations:
- Joseph Frankhauser's vibrant digital art captures the essence of MFM's dark humor.
- Illustrator Rachel Gregg's "Stay Out of the Forest" series blends true crime themes with whimsical woodland creatures.
Textile Art:
- Steph Rohr of stephXstitch incorporated MFM-inspired designs into her cross-stitch patterns, finding a perfect overlap between her existing customer base and the Murderino community.
- Quilter Sarah Hibbert created a "True Crime Quilt" featuring iconic elements from famous cases discussed on the podcast.
Apparel:
- Lauren Meeler's T-shirt store, Unsweet, features designs inspired by local murder cases in Atlanta, catering to regional Murderino groups.
- The "SSDGM" (Stay Sexy, Don't Get Murdered) slogan has appeared on countless pieces of clothing, from hoodies to leggings.
Specialty Items:
- April Carter Grant developed custom-made fonts inspired by true crime cases.
- Toronto baker Megan Warne creates intricate cookies featuring MFM catchphrases and true crime themes.
- Jewelry maker Alison Hoffman crafts delicate pieces inspired by famous murder weapons discussed on the show.
Digital Products:
- Graphic designer Emily Schumacher creates downloadable phone wallpapers featuring MFM quotes.
- Etsy seller DigitalArtStore offers printable true crime-themed party decorations.
Impact on Creators
For many Murderino makers, the podcast has been more than just entertainment—it's been a source of inspiration and empowerment.
"Karen and Georgia talk so openly about anxiety and insecurity, and the fear of failure. Hearing their stories makes me feel like I can do something risky and creative, despite having all the negative and debilitating thoughts I can bog myself down with." – Lauren Meeler, Unsweet
This sentiment is echoed by many in the community. The hosts' candid discussions about their own struggles with mental health, addiction, and the challenges of building a business have resonated deeply with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their own creative endeavors.
The Business of Being a Murderino
As the popularity of MFM-inspired products grew, so did the opportunities for Murderino makers to turn their passion into profit.
Marketing Strategies:
Social Media: Many makers leverage MFM fan groups on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach potential customers. Hashtags like #myfavoritemurder and #murderino help increase visibility.
Craft Shows: Events like CrimeCon and local true crime conventions have become hotspots for Murderino merchandise. Some creators even organize "Murderino Markets" specifically for MFM-inspired goods.
Word of Mouth: The strong sense of community among Murderinos has led to organic growth for many businesses. Recommendations within fan groups often lead to sudden spikes in sales for makers.
Collaborations: Some creators partner with other Murderino makers to create unique product bundles or cross-promote each other's work.
Challenges and Considerations:
Legal Gray Areas: While Karen and Georgia have generally been supportive of fan-created merchandise, creators must be cautious about potential copyright issues. Use of official logos or direct quotes from the podcast can be problematic.
Market Saturation: As more Murderinos enter the maker space, standing out becomes increasingly challenging. Creators must find unique niches or styles to differentiate themselves.
Balancing Passion and Profit: Many creators struggle with monetizing their fandom without compromising their love for the podcast and community. Some choose to donate a portion of their profits to charities supported by MFM.
Ethical Considerations: Makers must navigate the delicate balance of creating true crime-inspired products without exploiting real-life tragedies.
Beyond True Crime: The Broader Impact of MFM
While the podcast's primary focus is true crime, its influence extends far beyond that niche. The show has sparked conversations about:
Mental Health
By openly discussing their own struggles, Karen and Georgia have helped destigmatize conversations about anxiety, depression, and addiction. This openness has led to:
- Increased awareness of mental health issues within the true crime community
- The creation of support groups for Murderinos dealing with mental health challenges
- Fundraising efforts for mental health organizations
Female Empowerment
The podcast's catchphrase "Fuck politeness" has become a rallying cry for women to prioritize their safety and well-being over societal expectations of politeness. This message has:
- Encouraged women to trust their instincts in potentially dangerous situations
- Sparked discussions about gender roles and societal expectations
- Inspired self-defense workshops and safety seminars organized by Murderino groups
Community Building
MFM has demonstrated the power of shared interests in fostering meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. This has led to:
- Local Murderino meet-up groups in cities worldwide
- Online support networks for fans dealing with personal challenges
- Collaborative projects and fundraisers within the Murderino community
Entrepreneurship
The hosts' journey from amateur podcasters to successful business owners has inspired many listeners to pursue their own ventures. This has resulted in:
- An increase in true crime-related podcasts and blogs
- The growth of small businesses within the Murderino community
- Workshops and seminars on turning creative passions into profitable businesses
The Future of the Murderino Movement
As "My Favorite Murder" continues to evolve, so too does the community it has fostered. With the launch of the Exactly Right podcast network and the release of their book, Karen and Georgia are expanding their influence beyond the original podcast.
Expanding Horizons
Exactly Right Network: The podcast network, founded by Karen and Georgia, now hosts a variety of shows covering topics from true crime to comedy and pop culture.
Literary Ventures: The success of their book "Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered" has opened doors for more literary projects, both from the hosts and from Murderino authors.
Live Events: As live events return post-pandemic, MFM live shows and fan conventions are likely to grow in scale and frequency.
Challenges and Opportunities for Makers
Brand Expansion: As the MFM brand grows, makers may find new opportunities to create products inspired by the expanding universe of content.
Licensing Considerations: With official merchandise becoming more prevalent, makers may need to navigate more complex licensing and trademark issues.
Evolving Community Needs: As the Murderino community matures, makers may need to adapt their products to meet changing tastes and interests.
Sustainability: Long-term success for Murderino makers will depend on their ability to innovate and maintain relevance within the community.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Podcast
"My Favorite Murder" has transcended its origins as a true crime comedy podcast to become a cultural touchstone for millions of listeners worldwide. Through its honest, humorous, and empathetic approach to difficult subjects, MFM has created a space where fans feel empowered to explore their own creativity and build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
The Murderino maker movement stands as a testament to the power of community and shared passion. From cross-stitch patterns to custom fonts, these creators have taken their love for a podcast and transformed it into a diverse array of products and businesses.
As we look to the future, it's clear that the impact of "My Favorite Murder" will continue to ripple through the lives of its listeners, inspiring creativity, fostering community, and reminding us all to stay sexy and don't get murdered. The podcast has not only changed the landscape of true crime media but has also shown how a shared interest can spark a creative revolution, empowering individuals to turn their passions into thriving businesses and supportive communities.
