Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink" - Episode E409: A Traumatic Tern Statue and a Fainting Couch for Two
Introduction
In Episode E409 of "And That's Why We Drink," hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve into a blend of personal anecdotes, spooky tales, and a gripping true crime story. Released on December 8, 2024, the episode intertwines chilling ghost stories with the unsettling murder of Eric Pterack, all the while maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and suspense.
Personal Anecdotes and Holiday Preparations
The episode kicks off with Christine and Em sharing their holiday experiences, focusing on gift shopping and family traditions. Christine recounts her recent purchase of a mourning dove statue from an estate sale, detailing its sentimental value and the memories it evokes about her stepmother.
Notable Quote:
Christine (13:10): "I bought this at Walgreens, and I thought I'd treat myself to a non-water drink, but the reason I drink is because of this little fella."
Em complements Christine’s enthusiasm and shares her own experiences with gift shopping, emphasizing the challenges of finding meaningful presents.
Notable Quote:
Em (28:21): "I bought you something, and it arrived so big that I thought, 'Oh no, Em’s never going to allow this.'"
The hosts discuss their love for unique gifts, such as advertising crates from the 1800s and digital picture frames, highlighting their appreciation for both historical artifacts and modern technology.
Notable Quote:
Christine (12:02): "It's clinically proven to block odor all day and control odor for up to 72 hours."
Ghost Stories and the Sword Gates House
Transitioning into the paranormal, Christine and Em explore the haunted history of the Sword Gates House in Charleston. They provide a detailed account of the house’s architecture and its eerie legends, particularly focusing on Madame Talvand, the strict headmistress whose spirit is said to patrol the halls.
Notable Quote:
Em (58:00): "Some say she was a prison warden, except she used a yardstick to enforce discipline."
The hosts describe various ghostly phenomena reported at the house, including apparitions, mysterious noises, and unsettling interactions with invisible entities. They speculate on the origins of the haunting, debating whether Madame Talvand’s restless spirit continues to guard the property or if other supernatural forces are at play.
Notable Quote:
Christine (70:25): "Imagine being a kid just living there and hanging out in the yard at night, and all of a sudden you just see someone staring at you."
The discussion includes insights into the architectural features that may contribute to the house’s haunted reputation, such as wrought iron gates adorned with sword motifs and pre-Civil War ironwork.
Notable Quote:
Em (65:34): "These gates were originally intended for a police station, but they ended up on this house, adding to its mysterious allure."
True Crime Story: The Murder of Eric Pterack
The centerpiece of the episode is the harrowing true crime story of Eric Pterack, a well-loved entrepreneur and community figure in West Hollywood. Born in 1970, Eric was known for his successful business, Roleplay Fashion, which catered to niche communities such as BDSM and furries.
Notable Quote:
Christine (85:03): "Eric's business became a social hub where people could dress up and have fun, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment."
In the fall of 2011, Eric experienced a violent home invasion that left him traumatized but alive. The assailants targeted his home under the misconception that he sold valuable jewelry, not realizing his merchandise was costume accessories. Despite installing a robust security system afterward, Eric's past would come back to haunt him tragically.
Notable Quote:
Em (96:48): "How many diamonds are worth a home invasion? Like, why?"
A year later, during a wild Halloween celebration in West Hollywood, Eric was brutally murdered outside his home. The security camera captured the attack, revealing the assailant wearing a basic mask and robe, blending seamlessly into the party atmosphere. The swift and fatal nature of the murder left the community in shock.
Notable Quote:
Christine (102:04): "He was murdered at exactly 2:09 AM on the day of his funeral."
The investigation led authorities to Michael Thomas, a man previously convicted for the 2011 home invasion. Although Michael was incarcerated at the time of Eric's murder, his manipulative nature surfaced through phone calls orchestrating the crime from prison. Michael had coerced his girlfriend and niece into committing the murder, revealing a deeply personal vendetta against Eric.
Notable Quote:
Christine (121:17): "He tried to get out of prison and ended up in prison for longer and for worse."
Despite ample evidence pointing towards Michael's influence and orchestration, the case highlighted the complexities of witness protection and the challenges in preventing perpetrators from inflicting further harm.
Notable Quote:
Em (126:23): "He tried to tell the police that everyone was playing video games together all night when Eric was killed."
Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
As the episode draws to a close, Christine and Em reflect on the themes of misunderstanding and prejudice. They critique the media’s portrayal of Eric’s business and the fatal consequences of misinformation. The hosts emphasize the importance of community support and the devastating impact of stereotypes.
Notable Quote:
Em (129:00): "It's important to realize that it has pretty racist undercurrents. It's probably more like overcrowded current."
They conclude with a poignant reminder of Eric's innocence and the loss felt by those who knew him, underscoring the episode's blend of personal storytelling with true crime investigation.
Notable Quote:
Christine (129:14): "It's a good lesson, you know? Shaming the person who doesn't shame people when what you should be caring about is the fact that he got murdered."
Final Remarks
Episode E409 of "And That's Why We Drink" masterfully combines personal anecdotes, ghostly legends, and a compelling true crime narrative. Christine and Em Schiefer provide listeners with an engaging and thought-provoking experience, staying true to the podcast’s motto: "The world's a scary place. And that's why we drink!"
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Christine (13:10): "I bought this at Walgreens, and I thought I'd treat myself to a non-water drink, but the reason I drink is because of this little fella."
- Em (28:21): "I bought you something, and it arrived so big that I thought, 'Oh no, Em’s never going to allow this.'"
- Christine (58:00): "Some say she was a prison warden, except she used a yardstick to enforce discipline."
- Em (65:34): "These gates were originally intended for a police station, but they ended up on this house, adding to its mysterious allure."
- Christine (85:03): "Eric's business became a social hub where people could dress up and have fun, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment."
- Em (96:48): "How many diamonds are worth a home invasion? Like, why?"
- Christine (102:04): "He was murdered at exactly 2:09 AM on the day of his funeral."
- Em (129:00): "It's important to realize that it has pretty racist undercurrents. It's probably more like overcrowded current."
- Christine (129:14): "It's a good lesson, you know? Shaming the person who doesn't shame people when what you should be caring about is the fact that he got murdered."
This detailed summary captures the essence of Episode E409, providing listeners with an insightful overview of the discussions and stories shared by Christine and Em Schiefer.