Digest

This podcast episode features a lively discussion that begins with Maggie Gyllenhaal's film "The Bride," touching on themes of monstrosity and self-acceptance. It includes several promotional segments for other podcasts like "Bookmarked," "Music is Therapy," and "Here's the Thing with Alec Baldwin." The hosts then recount their experiences at a live show in Denver, sharing humorous anecdotes about audience interactions, forgotten cues, and on-stage mishaps. The narrative shifts to the history of the "My Favorite Murder" podcast, its genre as "Christian true crime comedy," and the hosts' coping mechanisms. A significant portion is dedicated to the story of Alfred Packer, the "Colorado Cannibal," detailing his survival, confession, and trial. The episode then extensively covers the life and career of pioneering investigative journalist Nell Campbell, also known as Polly Pry, highlighting her fearless reporting on various social and political issues, her role in Alfred Packer's case, and her advocacy for prison reform. Finally, the podcast explores the history and alleged hauntings of The Stanley Hotel, its connection to Stephen King's "The Shining," and various paranormal accounts, concluding with a discussion of its enduring legacy.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Podcast Promotions

The podcast opens with a discussion of Maggie Gyllenhaal's film "The Bride," followed by promotions for various podcasts including "Bookmarked," "Music is Therapy," and "Here's the Thing with Alec Baldwin."

00:02:34

Live Show Anecdotes and Podcast Origins

Hosts share experiences from a live show in Denver, including audience interactions and humorous mishaps. They officially introduce "My Favorite Murder," discuss its "true crime comedy" genre, and share personal anecdotes and the origin of the podcast's logo and theme song.

00:07:06

Fashion, Tour Traditions, and Podcast Identity

Discussions touch on vintage shopping, new tour traditions, and the podcast's unique genre of "Christian true crime comedy," explaining the use of humor as a coping mechanism for trauma.

00:10:14

Audience Interaction and Memorable Moments

The hosts recall past live show segments involving audience participation, such as sharing hometowns and discussing memorable audience members like the "Hot Dog Lady," while also reflecting on audience behavior and self-correction.

00:12:55

Podcast Genesis and Defining the Genre

The origin of the podcast logo and theme song is revisited, along with the initial prediction of quitting within weeks. The hosts further define their "true crime comedy" genre, explaining its roots in childhood trauma and the use of humor as a coping mechanism, while addressing potential criticisms.

00:14:41

Unique Audience Experiences and Collaboration

An anecdote about an unexpected audience of grandmothers at a Florida show is shared, followed by reflections on the emotional experience of performing live and the collaborative process between the hosts, including Molly's role in providing lines.

00:16:28

Personal Experiences and Audience Engagement

The hosts discuss relatable experiences like hot flashes and menopause, encouraging audience members to share their own stories and promoting the "Boys and Girls" podcast.

00:19:20

Podcast Promotions and Historical Cases

Further promotions for "The Girlfriends" spotlight podcast are aired, leading into the introduction of the historical case of Alfred Packer, the "Colorado Cannibal," and the context of the live show at the Belco Theatre.

00:21:39

The Alfred Packer Story: Survival and Trial

The narrative details Alfred Packer's ordeal as a sole survivor of a winter storm, his subsequent confession to cannibalism, the discovery of bodies, his trial, and his 40-year sentence.

00:23:45

Polly Pry: Investigative Journalism and Advocacy

The focus shifts to Polly Pry (Nell Campbell), her early life, unconventional nature, and her rise as a fearless investigative journalist. Her work on the Alfred Packer case, her advocacy for justice, and her impactful reporting on various social issues are highlighted, alongside personal challenges and career shifts.

00:52:45

Challenges, New Ventures, and Later Life

Nell Campbell faces an assassination attempt and is dismissed from the Denver Post. She launches her own publication, "Polly Pry," which she later sells. After brief marriages, she returns to Denver in her 60s, reporting on the Mexican Revolution and Pancho Villa, revitalizing her career and contributing to Denver's theater scene.

00:58:27

Legacy and The Stanley Hotel

Nell Campbell's later life, death, and induction into the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame are discussed, emphasizing her legacy for women journalists. The episode then transitions to the story of The Stanley Hotel, its haunted reputation, and its connection to Stephen King's "The Shining."

01:03:35

The Stanley Hotel: History and Hauntings

The history of The Stanley Hotel, its architecture, and its owner are introduced. The podcast delves into the hotel's spooky reputation, detailing numerous paranormal occurrences, including specific stories like the haunting of room 217 by a chambermaid.

01:27:16

Conclusion and Final Promotions

The enduring legacy of The Stanley Hotel, cemented by "The Shining" and "Dumb and Dumber," is discussed. The episode concludes with final podcast promotions and a mention of the live show's "hometown" segment.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main theme of Maggie Gyllenhaal's new film discussed in the podcast?

  The main theme of Maggie Gyllenhaal's new film, "The Bride," is the exploration of monstrosity within individuals and the choice between running from or confronting these aspects of oneself.

• Who was Alfred Packer and why is he infamous?

  Alfred Packer was a prospector in 19th-century Colorado who became known as the "Colorado Cannibal" after being convicted of consuming the bodies of his five companions during a harsh winter survival ordeal.

• Who was Polly Pry and what was her significance?

  Polly Pry, whose real name was Nell Campbell, was a pioneering investigative journalist in Denver. She was known for her fearless reporting on social and political issues, including the Alfred Packer case and prison reform.

• What is the connection between The Stanley Hotel and Stephen King?

  The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, served as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King's famous horror novel, "The Shining," following his own unsettling experiences during a stay there.

• How did Nell Campbell (Polly Pry) contribute to women in journalism?

  Nell Campbell paved the way for women journalists by being a fearless investigative reporter, challenging societal norms, and advocating for women's presence in newsrooms, inspiring future generations.

• What were some of the key issues Nell Campbell (Polly Pry) reported on?

  Nell Campbell reported on a wide range of issues, including the Alfred Packer case, prison conditions, asylum abuses, the treatment of soldiers, women's suffrage, labor unions, and the conditions at Native American boarding schools.

• What was the outcome of Nell Campbell's reporting on Alfred Packer?

  Nell Campbell's reporting generated significant public discourse, creating reasonable doubt about Packer's guilt and contributing to his eventual parole from prison.

• What was Stephen King's unusual writing process for "11/22/63"?

  Stephen King listened to the extended dance mix of Lou Baga's "Mambo No. 5" repeatedly while writing "11/22/63," to the point where his wife threatened to divorce him if he played it again.

• What are some of the reported hauntings at the Stanley Hotel?

  Guests and staff report rocking chairs moving on their own, unexplained lights and chills, disembodied voices, apparitions of ghostly figures in ball gowns and tuxedos, and the sounds of children running in hallways.

• What happened in room 217 of the Stanley Hotel?

  In 1911, a chambermaid named Elizabeth Wilson was lighting a gas lamp when a gas buildup caused an explosion. She survived but was injured, and her ghost is said to haunt the room, tidying up and making beds.

Show Notes