Summary of "And That's Why We Drink" Episode E423: "Baby Cobra Podcasting and a Goblin Grandfather"
Release Date: March 16, 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 E423, titled "Baby Cobra Podcasting and a Goblin Grandfather," hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz blend their signature mix of humor, camaraderie, and spine-chilling storytelling. The episode navigates through the challenges of podcasting while delving deep into a captivating true crime and paranormal case involving a mysterious exorcism and a goblin-possessed grandfather.
Navigating Podcasting Challenges
The One-Microphone Dilemma
Christine opens the discussion by highlighting the joys and challenges of working in audio. She emphasizes the freedom a microphone offers for spontaneous conversation and creativity.
- Christine: "There are so many perks to working in audio, having a microphone and being able to say whatever you want, riffing, you know, bantering with each other. It's just a dream." [00:00]
However, the conversation takes a humorous turn as they grapple with the practical issues of sharing a single microphone. Em questions the feasibility of maintaining clear communication without overlapping.
- Em: "I was wondering how you're going to do that with the microphone." [01:47]
- Christine: "We used to do that for our live streams. We'd find like cookbooks and loaves of bread to balance the microphone, stacking the laptop on top." [03:56]
Their banter illustrates the logistical hurdles podcasting presents, especially when striving for professionalism while embracing their playful dynamic.
Creative Solutions and Comedic Scenarios
The duo brainstorms various amusing setups to manage the microphone, from lying on their backs to using a swinging robotic arm, showcasing their chemistry and ability to turn challenges into comedic gold.
- Em: "We just need like a really long, swinging robotic arm where like we just pass to each other." [04:53]
- Christine: "Oh, perfect. Past the microphone." [04:55]
Their lighthearted approach underscores the importance of adaptability and teamwork in podcasting.
The Enigmatic Case of Nicola Aubry
Introduction to the Paranormal Mystery
The heart of the episode revolves around Nicola Aubry, a 15-year-old who becomes the center of a perplexing exorcism case intertwined with historical religious conflicts.
- Christine: "The story of Nicola Aubry is a blend of true crime and the paranormal, set against the backdrop of 16th-century religious strife between Catholics and Protestants." [25:05]
Unraveling the Timeline
Nicola's journey begins with a desperate plea to her deceased grandfather, leading to supernatural encounters that escalate into a full-blown possession.
- Em: "Nicola sees a man shrouded in mystery claiming to be her grandfather, igniting a series of terrifying events." [33:50]
The Role of Religious Doctrine
Christine delves into the theological underpinnings of the story, particularly the Catholic belief in transubstantiation, and how it fuels Nicola's possession narrative.
- Christine: "Transubstantiation is the Catholic belief that when you are providing the Eucharist, the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Jesus." [26:42]
Their exploration of religious rituals adds depth to the supernatural elements, highlighting the historical tensions that amplify the story's eerie atmosphere.
Exorcism Attempts and Escalation
Multiple priests attempt to exorcise the demon from Nicola, each encounter more intense than the last, revealing the demon's resilience and malevolence.
- Em: "I think you're a demon." [48:15]
- Christine: "It's like, we are supposed to be serious journalists, but this is turning into a demonic showdown." [04:15]
The public exorcisms draw large crowds, serving as both a method to appease the demon and a demonstration of religious authority.
Climax and Cliffhanger
The episode builds up to a dramatic confrontation where the demon boldly declares his identity, leaving listeners on a cliffhanger that promises further exploration in subsequent episodes.
- Em: "I am Beelzebub." [68:12]
Analysis and Insights
Hosts' Theories and Speculations
Christine and Em offer their interpretations of the events, debating whether Nicola's possession is purely supernatural or if there's an underlying human element.
- Christine: "Maybe Jessica or Vernal inadvertently triggered something, or perhaps there's more to Isaac's involvement than meets the eye." [112:03]
Historical Context and Its Impact
They discuss how the 16th-century religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants provide a fertile ground for the story's supernatural occurrences, emphasizing the era's pervasive mistrust and fear.
- Em: "The demon uses the historical tension between Catholics and Protestants to manipulate and control Nicola." [25:13]
Psychological Dimensions
The conversation touches on the psychological toll of such traumatic events on the family, exploring themes of guilt, fear, and the potential for familial breakdown amidst crisis.
- Em: "It's heartbreaking to see how the disappearance has torn the family apart, with trust eroding between Jessica and Vernal." [117:58]
Conclusion and Future Directions
As the episode wraps up, Christine and Em reflect on the unresolved nature of Nicola Aubry's case, expressing hope for future revelations and encouraging listener engagement to uncover the truth.
- Christine: "We hope that by sharing Nicola's story, someone out there might have the missing piece that can bring closure to this tragic mystery." [117:49]
They tease upcoming discussions and invite listeners to join their "Yappy Hour" sessions for more in-depth analysis and community interaction.
Notable Quotes
- Christine: "There are so many perks to working in audio..." [00:00]
- Em: "I was wondering how you're going to do that with the microphone." [01:47]
- Christine: "We could set... but we'd have to roll over, and it would just be a lot of grunting." [04:15]
- Em: "I think you're a demon." [48:15]
- Christine: "Transubstantiation is the Catholic belief that..." [26:42]
- Em: "I am Beelzebub." [68:12]
- Christine: "The disappearance has torn the family apart..." [117:58]
By skillfully intertwining technical discussions about podcasting with a riveting supernatural case, Episode E423 offers listeners both entertainment and thoughtful analysis. Christine and Em's dynamic hosting ensures that the episode is engaging for both regular listeners and newcomers seeking a blend of true crime and paranormal intrigue.