Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E431: "Mr. Glitter Shoes and a Mystery Vortex"

Release Date: May 11, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Description: Murder and the paranormal collide in this chilling episode. Pour yourself a drink and join Christine and Em as they delve into terrifying true crime stories intertwined with supernatural elements, highlighting the world's inherent fears and mysteries.

1. Opening and Sponsored Segments (00:00 – 05:12)

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in lighthearted banter while promoting their sponsors. Em introduces Zip Intro by ZipRecruiter as a "speed dating" feature for hiring, emphasizing its efficiency:

Em (00:14): "Zip Intro gives you the power to quickly assess excellent candidates for your job via back-to-back video calls."

Christine and Em also briefly discuss Volvo's new XC90 and Hungry Root's subscription service, each segment seamlessly blending advertisements with their natural conversational style.

2. Personal Anecdotes and Tattoo Synchronicity (05:12 – 07:26)

Transitioning from sponsorships, the hosts share personal stories about coincidences and planned synchronicities. Christine reveals her spontaneous decision to get a tattoo in Vegas, influenced by a series of uncanny events:

Christine (05:51): "I fell into a tattoo appointment in Vegas. It was just... unplanned."

Em responds with enthusiasm, suggesting playful ideas for the tattoo placement and design, showcasing their camaraderie and humorous dynamic.

3. Deep Dive into the "Green Ribbon" Urban Legend (07:26 – 48:09)

a. Introduction to the Legend (07:26 – 24:14)

The main segment of the episode focuses on the urban legend of the "Green Ribbon," a story that has haunted listeners since childhood. Christine and Em recount the tale, highlighting its evolution over time:

Em (17:57): "For everyone who's still fucked up over that story about the girl with the ribbon around her neck."

They explore various renditions of the story, tracing its origins back to the French Revolution and its transformation through different cultural lenses, including feminist interpretations that emphasize consent and bodily autonomy.

b. Historical Context and Evolution (24:14 – 36:56)

Christine and Em provide a comprehensive history of the "Green Ribbon" story, detailing its first appearances in literature and its persistence through generations. They discuss how societal changes, particularly the feminist movement of the 1970s, influenced newer versions of the story to incorporate themes of consent:

Em (43:45): "She compares the green ribbon to a husband stitch... it's a symbol of male ownership over women's bodies."

c. Cultural Impact and Modern Interpretations (36:56 – 48:09)

The conversation delves into modern analyses of the legend, discussing its psychological impact on listeners and its place in horror storytelling. They highlight how the story serves as a gateway to more complex horror narratives and its enduring presence in collective memory:

Christine (46:08): "It unlocks a lot... it's a gateway to the scary stuff."

They conclude this segment by reflecting on the story's lasting fear factor, emphasizing its simplicity yet profound impact.

4. Case Study: Chanel Lockwood – A Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person (48:09 – 93:11)

a. Introduction to Chanel Lockwood (48:09 – 55:38)

Christine introduces Chanel Lockwood, also known as Pretty, a young Yupik woman from St. Michael, Alaska. The narrative outlines Chanel's life, her close-knit community, and the tragic circumstances surrounding her disappearance:

Christine (52:32): "Chanel was the third of nine siblings, five daughters and four sons. She grew up in St. Michael, Alaska..."

She narrates the day Chanel went missing, highlighting the immediate confusion and community response:

Em (70:06): "Nobody's coming all the way to the top. It's just bad news."

b. Investigation Challenges and Systemic Issues (55:38 – 84:34)

The hosts discuss the systemic failures in law enforcement that hinder justice for Chanel and other Indigenous victims. They shed light on the inadequacies of Village Police Officers (VPOs) in Alaska, including issues of misconduct and insufficient resources:

Christine (70:43): "Many rural communities in Alaska have no full-time law enforcement services, or their officers lack the training or qualifications to keep the community safe."

Em emphasizes the frustration and despair felt by Chanel's family due to the lack of proper investigative measures and closure:

Em (76:42): "I don't believe it."

They highlight alarming statistics about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis, stressing the systemic neglect and underreporting:

Christine (84:17): "Violence against Indigenous people is underreported, and once it's reported, it's usually ignored."

c. Personal Impact and Community Trauma (84:34 – 93:11)

The narrative delves into the profound trauma experienced by Chanel's family and community. Personal stories reveal the intergenerational impact of violence and systemic failure:

Em (90:01): "Teenagers and young women just... it's just horrifying."

Christine and Em discuss the cultural significance of the Yupik community's interconnectedness with nature and how external violence disrupts this harmony.

5. Addressing the MMIWG Crisis and Resources (93:11 – 94:42)

In the concluding sections, the hosts address the broader Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis, providing listeners with actionable resources and ways to support the movement:

Christine (94:09): "There’s an article called Six Ways to Be Active in the MMIW Movement..."

They emphasize the importance of awareness and continuous support beyond May, encouraging listeners to engage with provided resources and participate in advocacy efforts.

6. Closing Remarks and Teasers for Future Episodes (94:42 – End)

The episode wraps up with Christine and Em teasing upcoming content related to MMIW and other true crime stories. They maintain their signature blend of humor and seriousness, ensuring listeners remain engaged and informed:

Em (94:35): "Maybe I'll do, like, a series of urban legends..."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Em (00:14): "Zip Intro gives you the power to quickly assess excellent candidates for your job via back-to-back video calls."

• Christine (05:51): "I fell into a tattoo appointment in Vegas. It was just... unplanned."

• Em (17:57): "For everyone who's still fucked up over that story about the girl with the ribbon around her neck."

• Christine (52:32): "Chanel was the third of nine siblings, five daughters and four sons. She grew up in St. Michael, Alaska..."

• Em (43:45): "She compares the green ribbon to a husband stitch... it's a symbol of male ownership over women's bodies."

• Christine (84:17): "Violence against Indigenous people is underreported, and once it's reported, it's usually ignored."

• Em (90:01): "Teenagers and young women just... it's just horrifying."

Conclusion

Episode E431 of "And That's Why We Drink" masterfully intertwines personal stories, urban legends, and a poignant true crime case to shed light on the MMIWG crisis. Through engaging dialogue and thorough exploration, Christine and Em not only entertain but also educate their listeners on critical societal issues, emphasizing the need for awareness and action.

For more information on supporting the MMIWG movement and resources to help, visit the show’s website or check the show notes for direct links.

Tune in every Sunday as Christine and Em continue to explore the darkest corners of true crime and the paranormal, all while sharing some laughs and sipping their favorite beverages. Remember, the world's a scary place, and that's why we drink!