Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode 428: "A Smuggled Cream Soda and a Vibin' Lady in White"

Release Date: April 20, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Description: Murder and the paranormal collide in this chilling episode. Join Christine and Em as they delve into eerie ghost stories and true crime tales that will send shivers down your spine. Grab your favorite drink and settle in for a captivating journey into the unknown.

Personal Updates and Banter

The episode begins with Christine sharing her excitement about being selected in the Savannah Bananas lottery, a long-awaited achievement after years of attempts.

Christine [02:06]:
"I've applied for years and I've never actually gotten it, so I just had to share my good news with everyone."

Em expresses her envy and discusses her own experiences with the Savannah Bananas lottery, revealing her disappointment in not winning yet.

Em [08:13]:
"I have yet to get my golden ticket from the Savannah Bananas. That's why I drink."

The hosts engage in light-hearted conversations about their dogs, travel plans to New Orleans, and the challenges of pet ownership while touring.

Segment 1: Haunted Hotel Metlin

History of Hotel Metlin

Christine and Em transition into their paranormal segment, focusing on the Hotel Metlin in Dylan, Montana. They provide a detailed history of the hotel, originally built in 1898 by local businessman Joe Metlin as a luxurious establishment adjacent to the railroad depot.

Em [20:01]:
"It was originally called the Metlin Hotel and Saloon, built in 1898, boasting modern amenities like plumbing and electric lighting."

The hotel, a three-story building with a distinctive tower, served as a social hub until the decline of the railroad made it less frequented. In the 1980s, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places but ceased operation as a hotel in 2008. The establishment now operates its bars and dance floors while the hotel rooms remain vacant or repurposed.

Paranormal Activities

The hosts recount various ghostly encounters reported at Hotel Metlin, including sightings of a "lady in white" who is perceived as peaceful and vibing at the bar and dance floor.

Em [30:46]:
"She is seen at the bar. She's seen floating on the dance floor. She's really vibing. Love that."

Other reported apparitions include a woman with a black bonnet and a man in a cowboy hat. Phenomena such as unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and doors locking/unlocking themselves add to the hotel's haunted reputation.

Em [33:34]:
"Items going missing, furniture dragging, and doors locking themselves are just some of the spooky happenings here."

One particularly disturbing event involved a group using a Ouija board and receiving stern messages from the spirits, emphasizing the hotel's dark energy, especially on the third floor, which remains locked and off-limits due to its menacing presence.

Em [35:24]:
"The third floor is said to have darker energy. In fact, it's been locked up for decades because it's so haunted."

Segment 2: The Tragic Story of Andrew Bagby

Background and Early Life

Christine narrates the poignant story of Andrew Bagby, a beloved medical student whose life was tragically cut short. Andrew met his wife Kate in Long Beach, California, and they married five months later. After struggling with fertility, they welcomed their son, Zachary, in September 1973.

Christine [61:56]:
"Andrew grew up as a boisterous kid, found solace in acting, and had a close-knit group of friends. His dream was to become a doctor."

Andrew excelled in medical school but faced challenges in his personal life, particularly in his relationship with his fiancée, Heather Arnold.

Relationship with Shirley Turner

Andrew entered a relationship with Shirley Turner, an accomplished but emotionally unstable doctor with a history of manipulative behavior. Despite warnings from friends about Shirley's erratic nature, Andrew persevered, believing in their relationship.

Christine [73:12]:
"Despite his friends' concerns, Andrew felt she was the right person for him and didn't see the red flags."

Shirley’s invasive and harassing behavior escalated, culminating in numerous inappropriate phone calls and boundary violations. Her obsession with Andrew intensified, leading to fear and distress within his social circle.

The Tragic Murder

In November 2001, after Andrew decided to end his relationship with Shirley, she appeared at his home unannounced. Two days later, Andrew was found dead in a nearby state park, having been brutally murdered with a .22 caliber gun.

Christine [84:07]:
"Andrew was shot five times in cold blood—once in the chest, face, buttocks, and the back of his head."

Shirley fled to Canada but was later arrested in Newfoundland amidst mounting evidence linking her to the crime. Despite her attempts to maintain a relationship with her son Zachary, Shirley's actions ultimately led to further tragedy.

Aftermath and Legal Reforms

The heartbreaking loss of both Andrew and Zachary plunged Kate and David Bagby into profound grief. Their struggle highlighted significant flaws in the legal and child custody systems, leading to public outcry and calls for reform.

Inspired by the tragedy, a documentary titled "Dear Zachary" was released, bringing international attention to the case and advocating for changes in how custody and bail are managed to prevent such losses in the future.

Christine [105:18]:
"The documentary was a beautiful tribute and spurred legal reforms, ensuring that cases like Shirley's receive closer scrutiny."

In 2010, an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada was passed in Zachary's and Andrew's names, allowing bail to be denied to protect minors, a direct outcome of the Bagby family's ordeal.

Em [107:25]:
"Shirley’s case was a catalyst for legal change, ensuring better protection for children in custody disputes."

Conclusion

Episode 428 of And That's Why We Drink masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with gripping true crime and paranormal narratives. Christine and Em provide a heartfelt recounting of Andrew Bagby's tragic story, emphasizing the profound impact of his loss on his family and the subsequent legal reforms inspired by their suffering. The haunted Hotel Metlin segment adds an extra layer of eerie suspense, perfectly blending murder and the supernatural—capturing the essence of why listeners are drawn to this chilling podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Christine [61:56]:
  "Andrew grew up as a boisterous kid, found solace in acting, and had a close-knit group of friends. His dream was to become a doctor."

• Em [30:46]:
  "She is seen at the bar. She's seen floating on the dance floor. She's really vibing. Love that."

• Em [35:24]:
  "The third floor is said to have darker energy. In fact, it's been locked up for decades because it's so haunted."

• Christine [105:18]:
  "The documentary was a beautiful tribute and spurred legal reforms, ensuring that cases like Shirley's receive closer scrutiny."

Note: This summary captures the essence of Episode 428, focusing on the core content while omitting advertisements and non-content segments. For a deeper dive, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.