Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E435: "The Schnapps Age and the Little Chicken Man"

Release Date: June 8, 2025

Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schultz

1. Episode Introduction and Personal Updates

The episode kicks off with Christine Schiefer expressing her current predicament: managing her high-energy dog, Hank, who is restless and dealing with pink eye. Em Schultz sympathetically responds, highlighting the challenges Christine faces in finding someone to help care for Hank.

• Christine (00:11): "Welcome, everybody. I am living in terror over here with this high energy dog that can't get any of his energy out."

Christine details the difficulties of administering eye ointment to Hank alone, reminiscing about better times when they had a second person to assist.

• Christine (05:07): "He's terrified of doors. He's... He's scared of doors."

2. Belated Birthday Celebration

Transitioning into a more lighthearted segment, Christine and Em acknowledge that this episode is their belated birthday special. They share anecdotes about forgotten plans and exchange playful banter about stickers and personal gifts.

• Em (02:37): "I got you a sticker the other day."

Their conversation delves into their personal preferences, discussing favorite cake flavors and the stress associated with aging.

• Christine (10:41): "I'm turning a schnapps age."

3. Personal Anecdotes and Community Engagement

The hosts share moments from their personal lives, including Em promoting his other podcast, "Beach to Sandy," and Christine highlighting her experiences with Hank's behavior.

• Em (12:02): "So give the dads in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you'll all cherish for years."

They also discuss interactions with listeners and community members, showcasing the close-knit nature of their audience.

4. Ghost Story Segment: Mr. Boo Boo

Shifting gears, the hosts delve into a chilling ghost story involving a mysterious apparition named Mr. Boo Boo. Em recounts recent experiences where his dog, Blaze, seemingly communicates with the ghost, leading to eerie occurrences like windows opening by themselves.

• Em (18:05): "So yesterday it happened before we recorded the listener episode."

Christine adds to the suspense by suggesting the possibility of supernatural interference, all while managing Hank's antics.

• Christine (24:52): "The only time I give him any doggy like melatonin is when we record."

The hosts humorously grapple with the paranormal events, intertwining their personal lives with the ghostly narrative.

5. True Crime Story: The Murder of Jabez Span

The centerpiece of the episode is a detailed recounting of the tragic case of Jabez Span, a 14-year-old from Newtown, Sarasota, who was murdered after attending a vigil for Travis Combs, another young victim.

a. Background and Disappearance

Jabez was a beloved member of the Newtown community, known for his passion for football and his caring nature. On September 4, following a memorial for Travis Combs, Jabez failed to return home, prompting a frantic search by his family and community.

• Em (61:16): "He was at the vigil."

Despite extensive efforts, including community search parties and increased rewards, leads remained scarce until skeletal remains were discovered a year and a half later.

b. Community and Investigative Challenges

The investigation faced numerous obstacles, including initial police indifference, the overshadowing impact of Hurricane Irma, and resistance from community members suspected of involvement. Private investigators and increased media attention eventually led to new leads, implicating local figures and deepening the mystery surrounding Jabez's disappearance.

• Christine (74:00): "They waited four days for a missing child report."

c. Emotional Impact and Advocacy

Jabez's mother, Tawana, draws inspiration from historical cases like Emmett Till to advocate for justice and support for affected families. She established the Jabez Span Foundation to aid families of missing persons and promote community initiatives.

• Em (83:07): "Tawana felt a real kinship, understandably."

The hosts emphasize the enduring pain and unresolved questions surrounding Jabez's case, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and community support.

6. Closing Remarks and Promotions

As the episode wraps up, Christine and Em briefly promote their respective projects and upcoming events, encouraging listeners to engage further with their content.

• Em (102:12): "If anybody is interested, my other podcast with my brother, Beach to Sandy, is doing a 17 city tour."

They conclude with heartfelt messages, balancing the heavy true crime content with personal reflections and upcoming plans.

Notable Quotes:

• Christine (05:07): "He's terrified of doors. He's... He's scared of doors."

• Em (02:37): "I got you a sticker the other day."

• Em (18:05): "So yesterday it happened before we recorded the listener episode."

• Em (61:16): "He was at the vigil."

• Em (83:07): "Tawana felt a real kinship, understandably."

• Em (102:12): "If anybody is interested, my other podcast with my brother, Beach to Sandy, is doing a 17 city tour."

Conclusion

Episode E435 of "And That's Why We Drink" masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes, humorous exchanges, a spine-chilling ghost story, and a deeply moving true crime narrative. Christine and Em provide listeners with a rich tapestry of content that ranges from the everyday challenges of pet ownership to the profound impact of community tragedies. Through engaging dialogue and heartfelt storytelling, the episode offers both entertainment and emotional resonance, ensuring that listeners are captivated from start to finish.