Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E436: "Mayoral Messages and a Lemonade Haunting"

Release Date: June 15, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz

1. Introduction

In Episode E436 of And That's Why We Drink, hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz seamlessly blend chilling storytelling with poignant discussions on current social issues. This episode delves into unsettling events unfolding in Los Angeles, personal updates from the hosts, and a heartfelt exploration of the missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis through the tragic story of Nevaeh Kingbird.

2. Current Events in Los Angeles

The episode opens with Christine and Em expressing deep concern over recent tumultuous events in Los Angeles. They discuss widespread protests against ICE operations targeting Latino communities, highlighting the fear and chaos engendered by these actions.

Christine Schiefer [02:25]: "It's just the time of the hour... It feels like if some elected officials are allowed to do whatever they want, then I can keep my air conditioning for a few more minutes."

Em Schultz [03:17]: "It's such a terrifying time and I'm privileged enough to not even have to experience it firsthand, but just seeing what's happening in LA is so scary."

The hosts emphasize the tension between fear of potential violence and the desire to stand up against perceived authoritarianism. They critique the police response, noting a lack of urgency and support for Indigenous communities.

Moreover, they address the spread of misinformation online, where outdated riot footage is being circulated as current events, further fueling public anxiety.

Christine Schiefer [07:32]: "People are intentionally sharing images from the 2020 riots and posting those as current day footage of what's going on in LA."

3. Personal Updates and Lighthearted Banter

Christine and Em transition into lighter topics, sharing personal anecdotes about birthdays, pets, and recent activities. A notable segment includes Em discussing upgrades to his dog, Hank, emphasizing responsible pet ownership amidst challenges like dealing with a skunk encounter.

Em Schultz [18:00]: "It's been a really nice, nice, nice week."

They also announce the expansion of their "Yappy Hour" segment to Apple subscriptions, enhancing accessibility for their audience.

4. The Dead President's Pub: A Ghost Story

Injecting their signature blend of true crime and paranormal, Christine and Em share a haunted tale about the Dead President's Pub in Somerset, Kentucky. They concoct a fictional ghost story surrounding a character named Lemonade Molery, a notorious prankster whose untimely death turned him into a restless spirit.

Em Schultz [35:52]: "And so one night, while drinking at the bar, Lemonade Molery went down to the bathroom, slipped on some pee next to the urinal, fell, and broke his neck, dying instantly."

Christine and Em humorously critique the pub's presidential-themed menu, advocating for more authentic representations of deceased presidents' favorite foods.

Em Schultz [54:57]: "Here are the favorite meals and foods of every dead president that..."

The segment balances spooky storytelling with playful criticism, maintaining an engaging and entertaining narrative.

5. Spotlight on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: The Story of Nevaeh Kingbird

The heart of the episode shifts to a somber and critical examination of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis. Christine narrates the tragic case of Nevaeh Kingbird, a 15-year-old from Bemidji, Minnesota, whose disappearance underscores systemic failures and racial disparities in law enforcement responses.

a. Background on Nevaeh

Nevaeh Kingbird was a vibrant, two-spirit Indigenous teenager deeply connected to her community and family. She was passionate about art, fashion, and her cultural heritage.

Christine Schiefer [72:14]: "Nevaeh was the boss of everybody, even me. She was in charge of everything."

b. Disappearance and Circumstances

In October 2021, Nevaeh went missing after attending a party. Initially reported as a runaway, her case quickly lost momentum, with minimal police action despite alarming circumstances.

Christine Schiefer [84:49]: "Teddy was filled with dread... Nevaeh is intoxicated alone outside somewhere."

c. Police Response and Systemic Issues

The hosts critique the police’s delayed and inadequate response, highlighting how societal prejudices contribute to neglecting Indigenous cases.

Christine Schiefer [84:34]: "Daniel Wind says... 'The police... did not treat her case with any urgency.'"

Statistics reveal that homicide is the third leading cause of death among Indigenous girls and young women, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these disparities.

Christine Schiefer [100:06]: "According to the National Congress of American Indians, more than four in five American Indian or Alaska Native women, 84.3%, have experienced violence in their lifetime."

d. Family and Community Response

Nevaeh's family, particularly her sister Lakele and uncle Daniel, mobilize the community despite personal hardships, including a bout of COVID-19 that hindered initial search efforts.

Em Schultz [99:04]: "It's like, this is crazy. It's so sad."

They face numerous obstacles, including misleading rumors and ineffective police investigations, which further complicate the search for Nevaeh.

e. Advocacy and Ongoing Efforts

Nevaeh’s case inspires her sister Lakele to pursue a career as a peace officer, aiming to transform personal tragedy into systemic change. Additionally, Nevaeh's uncle Daniel becomes a passionate advocate, striving to ensure that no other Indigenous person suffers the same fate.

Christine Schiefer [105:38]: "Nevaeh's family will not give up until they find her and bring her home."

The hosts emphasize the critical need for community support, better resources, and systemic reforms to address the MMIWG crisis effectively.

6. Conclusion

And That's Why We Drink Episode E436 masterfully intertwines personal narratives, haunting tales, and pressing social issues. Through Christine and Em's candid discussions, listeners gain insight into both the eerie and the urgent, highlighting the importance of awareness and action in combating systemic injustices facing Indigenous communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Christine Schiefer [02:25]: "It feels like if some elected officials are allowed to do whatever they want, then I can keep my air conditioning for a few more minutes."

• Em Schultz [03:17]: "It's such a terrifying time and I'm privileged enough to not even have to experience it firsthand, but just seeing what's happening in LA is so scary."

• Christine Schiefer [72:14]: "Nevaeh was the boss of everybody, even me. She was in charge of everything."

• Em Schultz [54:57]: "Here are the favorite meals and foods of every dead president that..."

• Christine Schiefer [100:06]: "According to the National Congress of American Indians, more than four in five American Indian or Alaska Native women, 84.3%, have experienced violence in their lifetime."

• Christine Schiefer [105:38]: "Nevaeh's family will not give up until they find her and bring her home."

Resources and Support:

For those moved by Nevaeh Kingbird's story and wishing to support MMIWG advocacy, And That's Why We Drink provides links and resources in their show notes to organizations such as MMIW218 and the Bring Nevaeh Kingbird Home Facebook page.

Stay Connected:

To support continuous storytelling and stay updated on crucial social issues, listeners can follow And That's Why We Drink across their social media platforms and subscribe to their expanded content available on Apple subscriptions.

Disclaimer: This summary captures the essence of Episode E436 based on the provided transcript, focusing on significant discussions and narratives while omitting advertisements and non-content sections as per the instructions.