Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink" Episode E407

Title: A Seance, Arsonist, and Ghosts with Gail
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Release Date: November 24, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Christine and Em engaging in their signature banter, sharing personal anecdotes about their drinking habits and humorous exchanges about past mishaps. This light-hearted introduction sets the tone for the blend of true crime and paranormal stories that follow.

2. The Cahill Mansion: History and Haunting

[15:09] – Overview of the Cahill Mansion
Christine introduces the Cahill Mansion, also known as the Gregory House, located in Gulfport, Mississippi. Built in 1915 by William Stewart, the mansion served as a residential home for its first two decades.

[24:15] – Transformation During WWII
In 1941, during World War II, the U.S. Air Force repurposed the mansion into a Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) club. Em explains, "They turned the bedrooms into a brothel," hinting at illicit activities that tarnished the mansion's reputation.

[26:46] – Post-War Ownership and Tragedy
After the war, the Cahill family owned the mansion until a tragic tractor accident claimed the life of their 14-year-old son in 1953, prompting the family to leave the property.

3. The Seance and Dr. Boo Bar

[67:38] – Introduction to Dr. Boo Bar
Dr. Boo Bar, a parapsychologist and Baptist minister, approaches the Gregory family to conduct a seance in the mansion. During the seance, he channels spirits, including a woman named Flossy, who claims she was trafficked and killed on the property.

[68:48] – Prophecy of the Mansion's Demise
Dr. Boo Bar predicts that a fire will eventually destroy the mansion, freeing the trapped spirits. Shortly after, a mysterious fire engulfs the mansion. Em comments, "It was like you do the number two and a bunch of balloons. Like, well, for what? I don't understand."

[70:08] – Dr. Boo Bar's Conviction
In an unexpected twist, Dr. Boo Bar is later convicted on four federal arson charges related to the mansion's destruction. Christine muses, "I feel like you're ready to believe whoever the hell walks up to you and says, hi, I'm future Mr."

This revelation casts doubt on the mansion's haunting stories, as listeners are left questioning the authenticity of the paranormal claims versus the criminal actions of Dr. Boo Bar.

4. J.C. Dugard's Abduction and Captivity

[73:44] – Transition to True Crime Story
Christine segues into the true crime segment, recounting the harrowing tale of J.C. Dugard, who was kidnapped at age 11 and held captive for 18 years.

[75:31] – Initial Abduction
J.C. was abducted from her bus stop by Philip Garrido and his wife Nancy. Em details, "The abductors shoved her to the floor and covered her with a blanket and heavy objects to keep her down."

[80:16] – Life in Captivity
During her imprisonment, J.C. endured unimaginable conditions, including forced confinement in a soundproof shed and repeated assaults. Despite the trauma, she bore two children with Philip, further complicating her psychological state.

[85:01] – Escaping the Shackles
Philip allowed J.C. some autonomy over time, such as taking short trips and homeschooling her children. However, the abuse continued, leaving J.C. deeply conflicted and longing for freedom.

[94:23] – Rescue and Legal Outcomes
After years of manipulation and neglect by parole officers, J.C. was finally rescued. Philip was sentenced to 431 years in prison, while Nancy received a 36-year to life sentence. J.C. was awarded a $20 million settlement for the police negligence endured during her captivity.

[101:25] – Aftermath and Healing
Now in her 40s, J.C. Dugard has rebuilt her life, authored best-selling books detailing her ordeal, and founded the "Just Ask Yourself to Care" foundation to support others facing severe crises.

5. Conclusion and Reflections

Christine and Em reflect on the resilience of individuals like J.C. Dugard and the haunting legacy of places like the Cahill Mansion. They discuss the failures of law enforcement in such cases and the enduring impact of trauma on victims and their families.

Notable Quotes:

• Christine:
  "[07:01] But that's so weird. Every time I talk to either of them, they're like you. It would look good in this yard, a nice grill."

• Em:
  "[05:17] Just dissociated. Just up there floating around."

• Christine:
  "[67:40] One guy shows up, and he's a parapsychologist and also a Baptist Minister. Whoa. Named Dr. Boo Bar."

• Em:
  "[111:22] They did this a lot. I think once she got to be outside, she got to go do what they always did, which was sit on the porch and look at the moon."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "And That's Why We Drink" masterfully intertwines a chilling ghost story with a deeply disturbing true crime narrative. Through their candid and engaging dialogue, Christine and Em offer listeners a compelling exploration of fear, resilience, and the quest for truth in the face of darkness.

Note: The timestamps provided correspond to the original transcript for reference.