Staff Pick
The origin story of the wildly popular My Favorite Murder podcast is as much about the hosts’ shared fascination with true crime as it is about vulnerability — the two struck up a conversation about Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly at a party, discovered it wasn’t their only common interest, and the rest is podcast history — so it’s fitting that candor and self-reflection would feature prominently in their dual memoir. The stories here range from snort-aloud-while-reading-on-the-bus funny, to blush-and-bury-your-face-in-your-hands embarrassing, to tales of addiction and illness and trauma that will make you wish you could reach through the page and give the kid they’re writing about a hug. Fair warning: true crime is more of an undercurrent than a focus here — readers looking for grisly details will find them in short supply — but the unique blend of heart and humor that Hardstark and Kilgariff have cultivated as cohosts and friends is as present as ever. Fans of My Favorite Murder have already cleared a spot for this on their nightstands, and for the rest, it’s an open-armed invitation into the fold. A medley of life advice, comedy, true confessions, and true crime — delivered with compassion, humility, and the occasional swear — Stay Sexy is a winning debut. Recommended By Tove H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The instant #1 New York Times and USA Today best seller by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the voices behind the hit podcast My Favorite Murder, now available in paperback. Includes special bonus material!
Sharing never-before-heard stories ranging from their struggles with depression, eating disorders, and addiction, Karen and Georgia irreverently recount their biggest mistakes and deepest fears, reflecting on the formative life events that shaped them into two of the most followed voices in the nation.
In Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered, Karen and Georgia focus on the importance of self-advocating and valuing personal safety over being ‘nice’ or ‘helpful.’ They delve into their own pasts, true crime stories, and beyond to discuss meaningful cultural and societal issues with fierce empathy and unapologetic frankness.
Review
“Kilgariff and Hardstark bring a much needed dimension to our current, true crime fever dream — an empathetic, slangy dose of acidic humor, weary compassion, and nervous hope. Their podcast is a joy to listen to and this book captures its energy and hilarity perfectly.” Patton Oswalt, New York Times bestselling author of Silver Screen Fiend
Review
“Like the podcast, the book offers funny, feminist advice for survival — both in the sense of not getting killed and just, like, getting a job and working through your personal shit so you can pay your bills and have friends.” Rolling Stone
Review
“...distills the My Favorite Murder podcast into its most essential elements: Georgia and Karen....From eating disorders to substance abuse and kleptomania to the wonders of therapy, Kilgariff and Hardstark recount their lives with honesty, humor, and compassion, offering their best unqualified life-advice along the way.” Entertainment Weekly
About the Author
Known for her biting wit and musical prowess, Karen Kilgariff has been a staple in the comedy world for decades. As a performer, she has appeared on Mr. Show, The Book Group, and Conan. She then transitioned to scripted television, writing for shows like Other Space, Portlandia, and Baskets. Her musical comedy album Live at the Bootleg was included in Vulture's Best Standup Specials and Albums of 2014.
Georgia Hardstark has enjoyed a successful career as a food writer and Cooking Channel on-camera personality, which began with the invention of the farcical cocktail, The McNuggetini. She went on to co-host a travel/adventure/party show called Tripping Out with Alie & Georgia, and a regular gig on Cooking Channel’s #1 show, Unique Sweets. She capped that off as a repeat guest narrator on Comedy Central’s hit show Drunk History.