Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 94: Go Get Your Thing
Rewind with Karen & Georgia - 94: Go Get Your Thing
5Digest
This episode of "My Favorite Murder" features two deep dives into notorious true crime cases. The first half focuses on the infamous Bloody Benders, a murderous family from Kansas in the 19th century. The hosts detail their deceptive inn, brutal murder methods, and eventual escape, leaving their fate a mystery. The second half shifts to the Morehouse Murders in 1980s Australia, detailing the crimes of David and Catherine Bernie. The narrative highlights their victims, the harrowing escape of Kate Moyer, and the eventual capture and sentencing of the couple. The episode also includes listener mail, discussions on current events, and recommendations for books and movies related to true crime.
Outlines
Podcast Promotions and Introduction
The episode begins with music and promotional segments for other podcasts, followed by Karen and Georgia discussing the transition back to podcasting after touring and recapping their "Rewind" episode.
Pop Culture and True Crime Discussions
Hosts reminisce about "The Wonder Years" and Fred Savage, discuss the show "Mindhunter" and the character Ed Kemper, and announce a new season of "Someone Knows Something." They also touch upon a serial killer "Guess Who?" game and the success of a podcast theme song ringtone.
Personal Anecdotes and Societal Observations
Discussions range from Kansas City show plans and brunch preferences to the immersive experience of watching "Alias Grace." A correction regarding "Animal Prozac" is addressed, and the hosts express gratitude for their Florida live shows. They also recall "My Favorite Murder" lore, discuss their pet Mimi's "delulu" philosophy, and ponder the public's fascination with serial killers versus real-world dangers.
Gendered Perceptions of Danger and Societal Norms
The hosts explore how women are conditioned to be vigilant about danger, contrasting it with men's experiences. They discuss addressing sexism, the importance of speaking out against inappropriate behavior, and critique superficial relationship terminology like "high value." They also differentiate between toxic masculinity and positive male actions and share positive experiences with supportive partners.
The Bloody Benders: A Murderous Family
The episode introduces the cold case of the Bloody Benders, a murderous family from Kansas. Karen details their story, starting with their deceptive inn on the Osage Trail, the role of Kate Bender's psychic claims, and the eventual discovery of their true identity as a gang rather than a blood family.
Investigation and Discovery of the Bender's Crimes
Following disappearances, a neighbor investigates the Bender Inn. A posse led by Colonel Ed York discovers a trapdoor leading to a cellar with blood and later unearths eight bodies in the orchard. Further investigation reveals more hidden graves.
The Benders' Methods, Escape, and Legacy
The Benders' modus operandi of striking victims from behind is described. Despite rewards, the family escaped, their fate remaining a mystery. The episode discusses their likely true identities, estimated victim count, and updates on the Bender property, including a planned museum. Recommended books on the case are also mentioned.
Introduction to the Morehouse Murders and "Hounds of Love"
The podcast transitions to George's story about the Morehouse Murders, briefly mentioning podcast promotions. A viewer recommends the Australian thriller "Hounds of Love," which is loosely based on these real-life events. The hosts discuss the film's disturbing nature.
The Morehouse Murders: Kate Moyer's Ordeal
The narrative begins with the escape of 17-year-old Kate Moyer from David and Catherine Bernie in Perth, Australia, in 1986. Her account to Constable Laura Hancock initiates the investigation.
The Bernie Couple and Their Crimes
The episode details the troubled backgrounds of David and Catherine Bernie, their reunion, and their meticulously planned crime spree. The first victim, Mary Nielsen, is introduced, followed by subsequent victims Susanna Candy, Nolene Patterson, and Denise Brown.
The Capture and Aftermath of the Bernies
Kate Moyer escapes again with Constable Hancock's help, leading to the arrest of David and Catherine Bernie. The couple is sentenced to life imprisonment, David later dies by suicide, and Catherine's parole is repeatedly denied.
Good Things of the Week
The hosts share their "Good Things of the Week," recommending the animated series "Big Mouth" and the film "Wind River."
Keywords
Bloody Benders
An infamous murderous family from Kansas in the 19th century, known for their deceptive inn and brutal methods of killing travelers.
Morehouse Murders
A series of abductions, rapes, and murders committed by David and Catherine Bernie in Perth, Australia, during 1986-1987.
Hounds of Love (film)
A 2016 Australian psychological thriller film loosely based on the Morehouse murders, depicting the crimes of a suburban couple.
David and Catherine Bernie
The Australian couple responsible for the Morehouse murders, known for their calculated brutality and meticulous planning.
Kate Moyer
The first victim of David and Catherine Bernie to escape, whose testimony was crucial in their capture.
Constable Laura Hancock
The rookie police officer whose belief in Kate Moyer's story initiated the investigation into the Morehouse Murders.
True Crime Podcast
A podcast genre that focuses on real criminal acts, investigations, and the individuals involved, such as "My Favorite Murder."
Cold Case
An unsolved criminal case that remains inactive but is still open. The Bloody Benders case is an example of a cold case due to their escape.
Victimology
The study of victims of crime, including their characteristics, circumstances, and the patterns of victimization, as discussed in true crime cases.
True Crime Recommendations
Suggestions for books and films related to true crime cases, such as "All the Blood," "Hell Comes to Play," and "Wind River."
Q&A
Who were the Bloody Benders and what were they known for?
The Bloody Benders were a murderous family who operated an inn in Kansas in the 19th century. They are known for their deceptive practices and brutal murders of travelers.
What is the significance of the movie "Hounds of Love" in relation to the Morehouse Murders?
"Hounds of Love" is a 2016 Australian film that is loosely based on the real-life Morehouse Murders, offering a fictionalized account of the crimes committed by David and Catherine Bernie.
How did the Bloody Benders typically murder their victims?
The Benders would seat guests with their backs to a canvas divider, then strike them from behind with a hammer, slit their throats, and dispose of their bodies.
What role did Kate Moyer play in the Morehouse Murders case?
Kate Moyer was the first victim of David and Catherine Bernie to escape. Her harrowing account and subsequent testimony were instrumental in the investigation and the couple's eventual capture.
What happened to David and Catherine Bernie after their conviction?
David and Catherine Bernie were sentenced to life imprisonment. David Bernie died by suicide in prison, while Catherine Bernie remains incarcerated with her parole bids consistently denied.
What are some recommended books about the Bloody Benders?
Two recommended books are "All the Blood" by Camilla Bruce (historical fiction) and "Hell Comes to Play" by Lee Ralph (nonfiction).
What is the difference between toxic masculinity and positive male behavior discussed in the episode?
The hosts clarified that toxic masculinity refers to harmful societal expectations of men, while positive male behavior includes acts of kindness and support, which are not inherently toxic.
What was the outcome of the investigation into the Bloody Benders?
Despite extensive searches and rewards, the Bloody Benders were never caught and disappeared without a trace, leaving their ultimate fate a mystery.
What were the "Good Things of the Week" recommended by the hosts?
The hosts recommended the animated series "Big Mouth" for its dark humor and the film "Wind River" for its compelling storytelling and social commentary.
What is the estimated number of victims attributed to the Bloody Benders?
It is believed that the Bloody Benders killed at least a dozen people, and possibly over twenty, during their crime spree.
Show Notes
It's time to Rewind with Karen & Georgia!
This week, K & G recap Episode 94: Go Get Your Thing. Karen told the story of the Bloody Benders and Georgia covered the Moorhouse Murders. Tune in for all-new commentary, case updates and more!
Whether you've listened a thousand times or you're new to the show, join the conversation as we look back on our old episodes and discuss the life lessons we’ve learned along the way. Head to social media to share your favorite moments from this episode!
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My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921.
The Exactly Right podcast network provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics, including true crime, comedy, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
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