My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 497 - Cigarettes and Mothballs
Sep 11, 2025
Dive into the heroic story of the passengers of United Flight 93 during the 9/11 attacks, showcasing their bravery and resilience. Discover a fascinating true crime case that challenges perceptions of a mysterious death. The hosts share their humorous backstage stories and audience interactions, creating a lively atmosphere. They also reflect on societal chaos during crises and the emotional turmoil faced that day, emphasizing humanity's potential for greatness in the face of fear.
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Telecom Limits Shaped The Record
- Cell phones and inflight communication were limited in 2001, shaping how passengers relayed critical information.
- Those phone calls became the primary source of real-time knowledge about onboard events and motives.
Todd Meamer's Calm Call
- Todd Meamer called Verizon's inflight desk and spoke calmly while passengers around him prepared to act.
- Lisa Jefferson remembers Todd as soft-spoken and recorded a post-it that the FBI later used as evidence.
Air Traffic Systems Were Unprepared
- Multiple hijackings unfolded within minutes and air traffic procedures had no precedent for coordinated attacks.
- The FAA and airlines lacked centralized protocols, which amplified confusion during the crisis.