Episode Summary: E410 The Loose Moose Trio and Mr. I Need a Ride

And That's Why We Drink hosted by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz masterfully intertwines the realms of true crime and the paranormal in their latest episode, "The Loose Moose Trio and Mr. I Need a Ride," released on December 15, 2024. This episode delves into chilling ghost stories and terrifying true crime tales, promising an engaging and suspenseful listening experience for both new and returning listeners.

Returning from the Poor Decisions Tour

The episode kicks off as Christine and Em return from their recent Poor Decisions Tour. Christine enthusiastically shares, "We’re back from our first half of the Poor Decisions tour, and yesterday or two days ago, we released our second half" ([02:46] Christine Schiefer). They discuss their excitement about performing in new, random locations this year, attributing their comfort to familiarity with their tour script: "It's a script that we pretty much have memorized at this point... it's a lot less scary" ([03:14] Em McCory).

Ghost Adventures Review: Adobe Deli

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reviewing an episode from Ghost Adventures focused on the Adobe Deli in Deming, New Mexico. The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the restaurant's haunted history.

History and Hauntings

Christine begins by recounting the setting: "We are talking about the Adobe Deli, which was originally the Lewis Flats Elementary School from 1957 to 1977" ([43:54] Christine Schiefer). The establishment’s transformation from a school to a restaurant is highlighted, emphasizing the eerie ambiance created by the dense collection of bric-a-brac and taxidermy.

Em adds details about the hauntings: "Their EMF detector intelligently spikes... they get crazy EVPs" ([56:10] Em McCory). The hosts discuss various paranormal activities reported, such as shadow figures, moving lights, and strange noises, which contribute to the restaurant's haunted reputation.

Analytical Insights

The duo critically examines the Ghost Adventures team's experiences, questioning the authenticity and dramatization of the paranormal phenomena. Christine observes, "The EVPs relate to ghostly messages like 'sit down' and 'knife'" ([56:19] Christine Schiefer), analyzing how these elements are used to build suspense and enhance the show's cinematic quality.

Em reflects on the show’s storytelling: "Cinematic magic. You are. I can't believe I've never seen this episode" ([73:30] Em McCory), underscoring the dramatic flair that makes the Adobe Deli episode particularly compelling.

The Tragic Murder of Mike Barajas

The heart of the episode is the recounting of the tragic story of Mike Barajas, a beloved community member whose life was cut short in a harrowing crime involving family betrayal and financial desperation.

Meeting Sandra and Forming a Family

Christine narrates Mike's background: "Mike met Sandra Siegel while serving in the army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas" ([87:49] Christine Schiefer). Their relationship blossomed despite age differences and Sandra's responsibilities as a divorced mother of two young daughters. Mike's dedication is evident as he "treated them like his own biological children" ([89:14] Christine Schiefer).

Relocation to Colorado and Rising Tensions

Seeking financial stability and closer family ties, Mike moved with his family to Colorado Springs. However, the relocation introduced new tensions as his eldest daughter, Dawn, began struggling academically and behaviorally, leading to conflicts within the household.

The Night of the Murder

On February 13, 2013 ([87:57] Christine Schiefer), Sandra and Dawn were at the hospital while Mike was at work. Dawn returned home to find the house ransacked and Mike dead, wrapped in bed sheets. A suspicious man in a T-shirt and shorts was seen begging for a ride, [100:14] Em McCory adds.

Investigation and Unraveling the Mystery

The investigation led to Tommy Wright, a 34-year-old with a criminal background. Em explains, "Forensic analysis matched the murder weapon to Tommy's possession, corroborating his confession" ([117:58] Em McCory). Tommy confessed to the crime, revealing that Sandra had orchestrated the murder to secure life insurance due to mounting gambling debts: "I'll give you $500 for killing him" ([117:58] Christine Schiefer).

Christine highlights the criminal dynamics: "They played the phone call in which Sandra was like, yes, I'll give you $500 for killing him" ([125:46] Christine Schiefer). This confession led to Sandra's conviction for first-degree murder and Tommy's sentencing to 40 years for second-degree murder. Dawn also pled guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 45-year sentence.

Community Impact

The community, initially shocked, found relief that the murder wasn’t a random act of violence but a calculated family betrayal. Em reflects, "If our next door neighbor got murdered, I'd go, oh, fuck" ([126:48] Em McCory), illustrating the typical fear response to such crimes.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Christine and Em intersperse personal stories and reflections, adding depth to their narrative. Em shares his struggles with health issues: "I've been dealing with sinus problems and feeling really under the weather" ([10:00] Em McCory). Christine relates her experiences with insomnia and the importance of relaxation apps like Calm: "Calm helps me with my sleep, my anxiety, my stress" ([42:53] Christine Schiefer).

Relationship Dynamics

The hosts also explore their relationship dynamics, discussing how they handle personal challenges together. Em humorously muses about kissing on a show: "Could you do it? I don't think I could kiss you" ([05:09] Em McCory), showcasing their playful rapport.

Insights and Takeaways

• Betrayal and Financial Desperation: The story of Mike Barajas underscores how financial stress and family betrayal can lead to tragic outcomes.

• Authenticity in Paranormal Reporting: The review of the Adobe Deli episode highlights the fine line between genuine paranormal investigation and dramatized storytelling.

• Personal Resilience: Christine and Em's candid discussions about their personal struggles emphasize the importance of resilience and support systems in navigating life's challenges.

Notable Quotes

"I'll give you $500 for killing him." – Tommy Wright ([117:58] Christine Schiefer)

"The team felt bursts of cold air and saw shadow figures." – Em McCory ([56:24] Em McCory)

"Calm helps me with my sleep, my anxiety, my stress." – Christine Schiefer ([42:53] Christine Schiefer)

"If our next door neighbor got murdered, I'd go, oh, fuck." – Em McCory ([126:48] Em McCory)

Conclusion

In Episode E410: The Loose Moose Trio and Mr. I Need a Ride, And That's Why We Drink delivers a powerful blend of true crime and paranormal storytelling. Through the harrowing tale of Mike Barajas's murder and the eerie review of the Adobe Deli's ghostly activities, Christine and Em engage listeners with a narrative that is as informative as it is captivating. Their ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with detailed storytelling ensures that the episode resonates deeply, making it a standout entry in their series.

Listeners are left reflecting on the complexities of human relationships, the thin veneer of community trust, and the unsettling mysteries that lie just beneath the surface of everyday life. As always, Christine and Em reaffirm their podcast's motto: "The world's a scary place. And that's why we drink!"