Digest

This episode of "Rewind with Karen and Georgia" takes listeners back to the 11th episode of their podcast, "What the 11," which featured two particularly disturbing cases. The hosts, Karen and Georgia, reflect on how their podcast has evolved since its inception, acknowledging their initial awkwardness and the feedback they received from listeners. They also discuss the challenges of managing their Facebook group, which has grown to over 2,200 members, and the importance of maintaining a respectful and focused community. The episode delves into the case of the "Cannibal Bus Killer," Vincent Lee, who murdered and partially consumed a fellow passenger on a Greyhound bus in 2008. Karen details the horrific events of the crime and Lee's subsequent mental health diagnosis. The hosts provide updates on the case, including Lee's release from a mental health facility and the ongoing lawsuit filed by the victim's family. They reflect on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the lasting impact of the crime on those involved. The episode also explores the case of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer and cannibal who operated in the 1920s. Georgia details Fish's disturbing history, including his childhood experiences in an orphanage, his fascination with pain and cannibalism, and the murder of Grace Budd. The hosts delve into the horrific details of Fish's crimes, emphasizing the sheer brutality and depravity of his actions. They highlight the lack of public attention he received due to his age and the horrific nature of his crimes. The podcasters address a correction regarding the identity of the victim's family member that Fish interacted with, clarifying that it was Grace, the victim's sister, not her daughter. They also discuss the impact of Fish's crimes on the family, particularly the years of uncertainty they endured before his confession. The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the unsettling truth that evil can exist in seemingly ordinary individuals. They use Albert Fish as an example to illustrate the importance of being aware of the potential for darkness in the world, even in seemingly harmless individuals. They also share a humorous anecdote about a line from a murder show that sparked a discussion about common phrases used in true crime narratives, highlighting how certain phrases, often used to describe victims, can inadvertently signal a potential for danger.

Outlines

00:00:00

Revisiting "What the 11" and the Podcast's Evolution

Karen and Georgia discuss the 11th episode of their podcast, "What the 11," which aired in 2016. They reflect on how their podcast has evolved since then, acknowledging their initial awkwardness and the feedback they received from listeners. They also discuss the challenges of managing their Facebook group, which has grown to over 2,200 members, and the importance of maintaining a respectful and focused community.

00:05:41

Reconciling Past Fascinations with True Crime

Karen and Georgia discuss the phenomenon of being drawn to true crime stories, even those involving individuals who were later revealed to be deeply disturbed. They reflect on how their perspectives have changed over time and how they now approach these stories with a more critical lens.

00:09:09

Karen's Career and the Podcast's Beginnings

Karen shares her career experiences, including her work on a game show and a sitcom, which led her to start the podcast with Georgia. She discusses the initial challenges of balancing their work with the podcast and how they eventually embraced the commitment.

00:19:06

The Cannibal Bus Killer Case

Karen introduces the case of the "Cannibal Bus Killer," Vincent Lee, who murdered and partially consumed a fellow passenger on a Greyhound bus in 2008. She details the horrific events of the crime and the killer's subsequent mental health diagnosis.

00:50:47

Case Updates and Reflections

Karen and Georgia provide updates on the Cannibal Bus Killer case, including Vincent Lee's release from a mental health facility and the ongoing lawsuit filed by the victim's family. They reflect on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the lasting impact of the crime on those involved.

00:05:18

Albert Fish: The Brooklyn Vampire

Georgia discusses the case of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer and cannibal who operated in the 1920s. She details his disturbing history, including his childhood experiences in an orphanage, his fascination with pain and cannibalism, and the murder of Grace Budd.

00:58:46

The Horrific Story of Albert Fish

This chapter delves into the disturbing life of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer known for his cannibalistic tendencies and sadistic acts. The podcasters discuss Fish's seemingly innocuous appearance, contrasting with his horrific crimes. They highlight his confession to molesting over 400 children and murdering between 6 and 15.

01:03:57

Outro and Murder Show Humor

The podcasters transition to the outro, sharing a humorous anecdote about a line from a murder show that sparked a discussion about common phrases used in true crime narratives. They highlight how certain phrases, often used to describe victims, can inadvertently signal a potential for danger.

Keywords

Q&A

• How has the podcast "Rewind with Karen and Georgia" evolved since its early episodes?

  The podcast has become more polished and focused, with the hosts taking a more serious and researched approach to the cases they cover. They have also learned to better manage their online community and address inappropriate behavior.

• What are some of the challenges of maintaining a large and active Facebook group for a true crime podcast?

  It can be difficult to moderate the group and ensure that all members are respectful and engaging in appropriate conversations. It can also be challenging to manage the influx of content and ensure that the group remains focused on the podcast's theme.

• How do Karen and Georgia reconcile their past fascinations with true crime stories, particularly those involving disturbing individuals?

  They acknowledge that their perspectives have changed over time and that they now approach these stories with a more critical lens. They are more interested in exploring the psychological complexities of the crimes and the motivations behind them.

• What are some of the key differences between Karen and Georgia's approaches to true crime stories?

  Karen is more drawn to cases that involve a clear psychological element, while Georgia prefers stories that are more shocking and disturbing. They both appreciate the mystery and complexity of true crime, but their individual preferences shape their choices of cases to cover.

• What makes Albert Fish's case so disturbing?

  Albert Fish's case is particularly disturbing due to the sheer brutality and depravity of his crimes. He targeted young children, often luring them with promises of candy or money, and then subjected them to horrific torture and abuse before killing them. His cannibalistic tendencies and the joy he seemed to derive from his actions make his case one of the most unsettling in true crime history.

• Why is it important to be aware of the potential for evil in seemingly ordinary individuals?

  Albert Fish's case serves as a stark reminder that evil can exist in seemingly ordinary individuals. His seemingly innocuous appearance and demeanor belied his horrific crimes. It is important to be aware of this potential for darkness in the world, even in seemingly harmless individuals, and to be vigilant in protecting ourselves and our loved ones.

• What are some common phrases used in true crime narratives that can inadvertently signal a potential for danger?

  Phrases like "quiet and unassuming," "he mostly kept to himself," and "she lit up a room when she walked in" are often used to describe victims in true crime narratives. However, these phrases can also be used to describe perpetrators, highlighting the importance of being cautious and not judging individuals based on superficial characteristics.

Show Notes