Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E425: Our Pancake Era and Cosmic Sleep Mysteries
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer and Em Schultz
1. Travel Tales and Personal Adventures
Christine Schiefer’s Solo Journey
Christine opens the episode by sharing her solo travel experiences across Oregon. She describes her unique accommodation in a train caboose at Railroad Park Lodge, highlighting the charming wood paneling, a cozy fireplace, and a bathtub. Despite the allure, Christine faces challenges, including navigating a blizzard without tire chains. Reflecting on her resilience, she states:
“After that snowbank incident, I feel invincible. I'm like, you could throw me in a snowbank and I'd be like, been there, done that.”
[05:05]
She also humorously recounts creating a cheese board and ordering Taco Bell to make the most of her stay, emphasizing her desire to stay indoors due to the frigid weather.
Em Schultz’s Portland Exploration
Em discusses his time in Portland, Oregon, navigating the city's eclectic vibe and visiting various creepy-themed bars. He mentions establishments like "Creepies," "Raven's Manor," and "The Uncanny," tying into the podcast’s focus on the paranormal and true crime. Em reflects on balancing his solo travel agenda with spending time with friends from out of state, leading to a packed itinerary:
“I think I'm just more boldly confident for no good.”
[05:41]
Both hosts share anecdotes about their accommodations, sleep challenges, and the quirks of traveling, providing listeners with a relatable glimpse into their personal lives.
2. The Exorcism of Nicola Aubrey: A Historical Deep Dive
Introduction to Nicola Aubrey’s Possession
Em introduces a three-part historical narrative about Nicola Aubrey, a 15-year-old girl from Laon, France, who becomes possessed by Beelzebub and 30 other spirits during the 16th century amidst Catholic-Protestant tensions.
“Nicola is even possessed because her mom and husband, at different times, cursed her in a fight. They were like, may the devil take you.”
[23:39]
Public Exorcisms and Religious Conflict
The episode delves into the Catholic Church's response, conducting public exorcisms in hopes of cleansing Nicola and discrediting Protestantism. Beelzebub manipulates the situation, referring to Protestants as his faithful servants, effectively using the exorcism as anti-Protestant propaganda.
“Beelzebub calls Protestants, his faithful servants… for the Catholics, that was a good PR move.”
[22:08]
Demonic Hierarchy and Tactical Exorcisms
As the exorcisms progress, Nicola's possession reveals a complex demonic hierarchy. Beelzebub admits he shares Nicola's body with 30 spirits, but over time, most are expelled through the power of the Eucharist. The hosts highlight the strategic use of sacraments in weakening the demons:
“Nothing else will revive her from these wounds, except, of course, the Eucharist.”
[23:37]
Climactic Battle and Final Exorcism
In the climax, the final confrontation between the bishop and Beelzebub becomes intense, filled with supernatural phenomena like levitation, black smoke, and physical contortions. The bishop's steadfast faith, combined with the community's prayers, ultimately leads to the expulsion of Beelzebub.
“With the power of the sacred body, he finally was overcome and truly cast out.”
[64:34]
Aftermath and Historical Impact
The successful exorcism of Nicola Aubrey reinforces Catholic dominance in the region and sparks a series of copycat cases, solidifying anti-Protestant sentiments. Em and Christine ponder the lasting legacy of such historical events and their influence on contemporary religious dynamics.
“This story became known as the miracle of Laon and helped reinforce anti-Protestant rhetoric in Catholic spaces, especially in France.”
[64:34]
3. Mock News Segment: The Erin Goodwin Murder-for-Hire Plot
Breaking News: Erin Goodwin’s Arrest
Transitioning from historical tales, Christine and Em present a mock news segment detailing the fictional arrest of Erin Goodwin, wife of Ghost Adventures co-host Aaron Goodwin, in connection with a murder-for-hire plot targeting her husband.
“Aaron was blindsided and devastated at this turn of events involving his wife, as he thought he was in a happy marriage.”
[75:58]
Background of the Alleged Plot
The hosts outline the timeline, revealing that Victoria Goodwin (Erin) engaged in a clandestine affair with inmate Grant Amato. Motivated by dissatisfaction in her marriage, Victoria allegedly orchestrated a plan to have Aaron killed, securing a hitman with a $2,500 down payment.
“Victoria was exchanging messages, romantically discussing ending Aaron’s existence, and set aside money for a hitman.”
[87:30]
Police Investigation and Evidence
Christine explains how police, upon seizing Victoria’s phone, uncovered detailed communications and financial transactions indicative of her intentions to murder Aaron. The hosts speculate on Victoria’s motivations, intertwining elements of true crime with their characteristic banter.
“Police cited text records in which Victoria texted Amato, ‘Am I a bad person because I chose to end his existence? Not divorce.’”
[88:23]
Impact on Aaron Goodwin and Ghost Adventures
Em and Christine discuss the emotional and professional ramifications for Aaron Goodwin, considering his established role on Ghost Adventures and his relationship with co-host Zach Bagans. They humorously ponder how the incident might influence future episodes and the dynamics within the Ghost Adventures team.
“It feels like this is written like it's a movie… they’re gonna use this in the show. It’s gonna be something really cringe.”
[114:38]
Legal Proceedings and Future Speculations
As the mock news segment concludes, the hosts touch upon the upcoming preliminary hearing scheduled for March 25, 2025. They express curiosity and anticipation for the trial’s outcome, anticipating further plot developments and media coverage.
“As of last night, Victoria Goodwin is being held on $100,000 bail pending her trial with a preliminary hearing set for March 25, 2025.”
[87:55]
4. Closing Remarks and Advertisements
In the concluding segment, Christine and Em briefly touch upon their upcoming podcast tour, encouraging listeners to attend their live shows and support them on Patreon. The episode wraps up with advertisements for sponsors like Helix Sleep, Bowl and Branch, Nutrafol, and Goodles Mac and Cheese, maintaining the podcast's signature blend of casual conversation, humor, and product promotions.
“Listen, I'm living the dream. Except that I'm not sleeping very well.”
[18:43]
“Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first-month subscription and free shipping when you go to nutriful.com and enter the promo code Drink.”
[68:16]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
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"[05:05] Christine: “After that snowbank incident, I feel invincible. I'm like, you could throw me in a snowbank and I'd be like, been there, done that.”
-
"[22:08] Em: “Beelzebub calls Protestants, his faithful servants… for the Catholics, that was a good PR move.”
-
"[23:39] Em: “Nicola is even possessed because her mom and husband, at different times, cursed her in a fight. They were like, may the devil take you.”
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"[31:24] Christine: “I realized I need a power suit… Watching how medieval exorcisms worked is just fascinating.”
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"[64:34] Em: “With the power of the sacred body, he finally was overcome and truly cast out.”
-
"[75:58] Em: “Aaron was blindsided and devastated at this turn of events involving his wife, as he thought he was in a happy marriage.”
-
"[87:30] Christine: “Victoria was exchanging messages, romantically discussing ending Aaron’s existence, and set aside money for a hitman.”
-
"[114:38] Em: “It feels like this is written like it's a movie… they’re gonna use this in the show. It’s gonna be something really cringe.”
This episode of "And That's Why We Drink" masterfully interweaves personal travel anecdotes with gripping historical and fictional crime stories, maintaining an engaging and entertaining flow that captivates both long-time listeners and newcomers alike.
