Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink" - Episode E408: A Charles of All Trades and ADHD Funeral Plans

Release Date: December 1, 2024
Hosts: Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz
Title: A Charles of All Trades and ADHD Funeral Plans
Description: Murder and the paranormal collide in this chilling episode. Join Christine and Em as they explore haunting ghost stories intertwined with a terrifying true crime case. Grab your favorite drink and prepare for a spine-tingling journey every Sunday!

1. Introduction

In Episode E408 of "And That's Why We Drink," hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve into the eerie blend of murder and the paranormal. This episode, titled "A Charles of All Trades and ADHD Funeral Plans," takes listeners through the fascinating history of the Hampton House and a gripping true crime story involving the mysterious disappearance and murder of Sarah Stern.

2. The Haunting History of Hampton House

Construction and Early Years ([27:30] - [35:00])

Christine and Em begin by tracing the origins of the Hampton House, built between 1772 and 1790 by Colonel Charles Ridgely. They highlight Ridgely's success in ironworks during the Revolutionary War, which financed the sprawling Georgian mansion. Em shares a notable moment at [27:40], stating:

"They paid him $6,000 in the 1700s, which is around 200 grand today, and 17 gallons of rum."

This anecdote underscores the opulent and somewhat whimsical nature of the period's transactions.

Architectural Significance and Legacy ([35:00] - [47:00])

The conversation shifts to the architectural grandeur of Hampton House, modeled after an English castle and boasting thousands of acres. Christine remarks at [32:00]:

"It's a nice house. Great."

Em discusses the mansion's numerous state champion trees and its vast estate, emphasizing its status as one of the largest private residences of its time. They also touch upon the darker aspects, such as the enslaved individuals who worked on the property and the family's legacy spanning seven generations until its eventual sale in 1948.

3. Ghost Stories and Paranormal Legends

Priscilla Ridgely ([52:46] - [70:00])

Em introduces the ghostly tales surrounding Hampton House, focusing on Priscilla Ridgely, one of Colonel Ridgely's wives. At [52:46], Em recounts:

"She would be seen with an old, frail appearance in 1900s garb."

Listeners hear about Priscilla's encounters, including her hearing faint knocks at the mansion's doors and witnessing apparitions roaming the halls. The hosts discuss the eerie sounds of sweeping dresses and the haunting presence Priscilla maintains within the mansion.

Additional Spectral Sightings ([70:00] - [110:00])

Christine and Em narrate other ghostly encounters, such as the phantom butler Tom and the ominous chandelier crashes that precede the deaths of housewives. Em shares at [70:14]:

"Anytime someone has heard a chandelier crashing, it predicts the upcoming death of the wife of the owner of the house."

These stories weave a tapestry of unsettling phenomena that contribute to Hampton House's haunted reputation, despite the Park Service's official denial of any paranormal activity.

4. The Mysterious Case of Sarah Stern

Background and Disappearance ([76:05] - [95:00])

The episode transitions to the true crime narrative of Sarah Lee Stern from Neptune City, New Jersey. Sarah, a vibrant artist with aspirations to move to Canada, disappears in 2016 under perplexing circumstances. Christine outlines Sarah's background, noting her passion for art, her supportive relationship with her father, and her close-knit circle of friends, including Liam McAtasney and Preston Taylor.

Investigation and Unraveling the Mystery ([95:00] - [126:00])

Christine and Em detail the investigation following Sarah's disappearance. Key points include:

• Discovery of the Abandoned Car ([90:00] - [95:00]): Police find Sarah's Oldsmobile abandoned near Shark River Bridge, igniting theories of suicide or foul play.

• Financial Secrets ([85:00] - [95:00]): A shoebox containing over $25,000 in old bills is discovered in Sarah's possession, raising questions about her intentions and connections.

• Interviews and Suspicions ([95:00] - [126:00]): Interviews with friends and family reveal conflicting narratives. Notably, Liam's fabricated confession to his friend Anthony Curry about murdering Sarah for money surfaces at [126:44].

Em emphasizes the gravity of Liam's actions:

"Liam was sentenced to life without parole, a testament to the strength of the evidence."

Trial and Conviction ([126:00] - [138:00])

The hosts recount Liam McAtasney's trial, highlighting his eventual conviction based on damning evidence and witness testimonies. Preston Taylor's cooperation and confession play crucial roles in securing a conviction against Liam. Despite Liam's defense attempts to portray his confession as an audition for a horror film, the jury remains convinced of his guilt.

5. Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Christine and Em reflect on the intertwining of Hampton House's ghostly legends with the tragic true story of Sarah Stern. They ponder the lingering spirits of the past and the unresolved mysteries that continue to haunt both the mansion and the communities connected to its history.

Em concludes with a poignant thought at [138:00]:

"And that's why we drink."

This remark underscores the hosts' acknowledgment of life's dark and unsettling moments, balanced by their shared camaraderie and the comfort of their favorite beverages.

Notable Quotes

• Em on Historical Payments:

  "[27:40] 'They paid him $6,000 in the 1700s, which is around 200 grand today, and 17 gallons of rum.'"

• Em on Ghost Priscilla:

  "[52:46] 'She would be seen with an old, frail appearance in 1900s garb.'"

• Em on Shoebox Money:

  "[85:31] 'If someone ever tells you they found a million dollars in a shoebox, they are lying.'"

• Em on Liam's Conviction:

  "[126:44] 'Liam was sentenced to life without parole, a testament to the strength of the evidence.'"

• Em's Closing Reflection:

  "[138:00] 'And that's why we drink.'"

Final Thoughts

Episode E408 of "And That's Why We Drink" masterfully blends historical intrigue with a gripping true crime narrative. Christine and Em's engaging storytelling not only illuminates the haunted legacy of Hampton House but also immerses listeners in the emotional and investigative depths of Sarah Stern's tragic story. This episode is a testament to the podcast's ability to intertwine chilling ghost stories with real-life horror, all while maintaining an inviting and conversational atmosphere for its audience.