Summary of "And That's Why We Drink" - Episode E415: A Kiss of Silence and a Ghost Who Hates Mansplainers

Release Date: January 19, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Description: Murder and the paranormal finally meet! Grab your wine and milkshakes and join us every Sunday for some chilling ghost stories and downright terrifying true crime stories. The world's a scary place. And that's why we drink!

Introduction

In Episode 415 of "And That's Why We Drink," hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve deep into the haunted corridors of the May Stringer House in Brooksville, Florida. This episode masterfully intertwines true crime with paranormal investigation, offering listeners a captivating journey through history, ghostly apparitions, and unresolved mysteries.

1. The Haunted May Stringer House: A Historical Overview
Timeframe: 03:05 - 14:00

Christine and Em kick off the episode by introducing the May Stringer House, a Victorian-era plantation home steeped in a tumultuous history. Originally built in the 1840s, the house was home to the May family, including John May and his wife Marina, along with their children Matilda, Annie, and Jessie May.

• Notable Quote [06:01] Christine:
  "It's great how we can just be in a room with and not speak, you know, and just sit in the silence."

The house has transitioned through various owners, each adding layers to its haunted legacy. Notably, Frank Saxon, Marina's second husband and a Confederate soldier, introduced further dark energies, including involvement in violent acts against emancipated individuals.

2. Encounters with the Paranormal: Ghost Stories and Legends
Timeframe: 14:00 - 44:00

The heart of the episode centers on the myriad of spirits believed to inhabit the May Stringer House. Christine and Em recount numerous ghostly encounters and the folklore surrounding them.

• Marina: Often seen in elegant dresses, Marina's apparition is associated with quilting and domestic spheres.
  Notable Quote [64:04] Em:
  "So Marina is seen often, or we think this is Marina. There is a woman that is seen a lot in a dress with her hair up."

• Mr. Nasty (Gary): A malevolent spirit residing in the attic, known for his aggressive demeanor towards women.
  Notable Quote [73:44] Christine:
  "He just is, like, trying to push you, like, like, get out."

• James: The ghost of a World War I soldier, initially hostile but later more benign after acknowledgment from the hosts.
  Notable Quote [74:58] Em:
  "He has an artsy side, you know."

• Frank Saxon: Connected to the historical violence on the property, Frank's spirit is entwined with dark past events and unresolved conflicts.
  Notable Quote [25:38] Christine:
  "She knows how to pick him. That's what I say about Marina."

The hosts detail specific incidents, such as unexplained noises, apparitions, and physical sensations experienced by visitors and investigators alike.

3. Ghost Tours and the Living History Museum
Timeframe: 44:00 - 81:00

Currently operating as a living history museum, the May Stringer House offers ghost tours that attract paranormal enthusiasts from all over. Christine and Em discuss the logistics of these tours, the involvement of seasoned docents like Bonnie and Autumn, and the integration of historical exhibits with active hauntings.

• Notable Quote [43:42] Christine:
  "We all knew that."

They highlight special events like Ghost Fest, an annual Halloween attraction that amplifies paranormal activities due to its festive but eerie ambiance.

4. Personal Experiences and Reflections
Timeframe: 81:00 - 123:00

Christine and Em share their personal ghost hunting experiences at the May Stringer House, including intense encounters with spirits like Mr. Nasty and James. They also delve into broader discussions about the portrayal of ghosts in media, expressing strong opinions against horror adaptations of beloved characters, notably deriding the film "Winnie the Pooh Blood and Honey."

• Notable Quote [50:14] Em:
  "No, Rabbit's the angriest one."

The hosts emphasize the importance of respectful and authentic representations of the paranormal, contrasting it with sensationalized horror genres.

5. Conclusion and Future Plans
Timeframe: 123:00 - End

As the episode draws to a close, Christine and Em reflect on their journey with the podcast, celebrating eight years of delivering spine-chilling stories and true crime narratives. They tease upcoming content, including tours, new cities, and expanded storytelling mediums like books and Patreon-exclusive content.

• Notable Quote [122:26] Em:
  "Happy concepisode. Eight years of happiness with you, Christine."

The hosts express gratitude towards their listeners, attributing their longevity and success to the dedicated support from their audience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [06:01] Christine:
  "It's great how we can just be in a room with and not speak, you know, and just sit in the silence."

• [14:00] Em:
  "I hope the little girl heard me say that."

• [25:38] Christine:
  "She knows how to pick him. That's what I say about Marina."

• [43:42] Christine:
  "We all knew that."

• [50:14] Em:
  "No, Rabbit's the angriest one."

• [73:44] Christine:
  "He just is, like, trying to push you, like, like, get out."

• [122:26] Em:
  "Happy concepisode. Eight years of happiness with you, Christine."

Conclusion

Episode E415 of "And That's Why We Drink" offers an enthralling blend of true crime and paranormal exploration, anchored by the haunted legacy of the May Stringer House. Through detailed historical accounts, vivid ghost stories, and personal reflections, Christine and Em provide listeners with a comprehensive and chilling narrative that underscores the episode's title: in a world filled with fear, it's why we drink.