Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E439: Office Ghosts and Haunted Desk Drinks

Release Date: July 6, 2025

Hosts: Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz

Introduction

In Episode 439 of And That's Why We Drink, titled "Office Ghosts and Haunted Desk Drinks," hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve into their chilling experiences with the paranormal intertwined with true crime narratives. This episode blends personal anecdotes with urban legends, offering listeners a mix of suspense, humor, and heartfelt discussions.

Haunted Office: Ghostly Encounters

Christine and Em kick off the episode by recounting unsettling occurrences in their office space. They describe mysterious open windows and unexplained noises that suggest a lingering presence.

• Christine (05:01): "Blaze always said, oh, it's just because it's, like, darker in there, and it's like, yeah, I guess. But there's something about something's weird in there."

Em shares a particularly eerie moment when he witnessed an unexplained phenomenon involving their dogs.

• Em (07:45): "I saw him like, staring and then he goes like this."

Their discussion highlights the fine line between attributing these events to pets and considering a supernatural explanation.

Urban Legend Spotlight: Hugging Molly

The centerpiece of the episode is an in-depth exploration of the urban legend known as Hugging Molly, a seven-foot-tall ghostly woman who roams the streets at night seeking out children who haven't returned home.

Description of Hugging Molly:

• Em (30:20): "Hugging Molly is a cautionary tale to kids. We love a cautionary tale."

Christine attempts to channel the urban legend but humorously misses the mark before Em reveals the correct name.

• Em (29:37): "Her name is Hugging Molly."

Origin and Behavior:

Hugging Molly is said to:

• Be as tall as a cotton bale and as broad as a door.
• Wear a long, flowing black dress and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Approach children at night, offering hugs that may lead to harassing screams or worse.

Local Impact and Copycat Incidents:

The legend has spurred real-life copycat behaviors, including individuals dressing up as Hugging Molly to scare others, leading to increased community fear and proactive measures.

• Em (43:04): "Some men have volunteered to shoot you on site."

Cultural Significance:

Hugging Molly serves as a local myth similar to other regional folklore, embodying societal fears and serving as a cautionary tale about safety and boundaries.

Personal Stories: Pets and Paranormal Activity

Christine and Em intertwine their ghostly tales with personal stories about their pets, particularly their dogs, Moonshine and Juniper, whose peculiar behaviors often coincide with the supernatural events they discuss.

• Christine (64:39): "Moonshine opens the door and jumps into the bathroom. I'm like, are you out of your mind?"

Em shares frustrations about his dog Hank's destructive behavior when left alone, blending humor with genuine concern.

• Em (15:45): "I'm hiding them, so I don't know how he's getting them."

These stories highlight the emotional toll of balancing pet care with unexplained phenomena, adding depth to their narratives.

Emotional Struggles: Stress and Coping Mechanisms

The hosts candidly discuss their personal lives, touching on themes of stress, relationship dynamics, and coping through drinking. Christine shares her use of "Angry Orchard" as a form of solace amid chaos.

• Christine (03:02): "nothing's wrong and everything's great... I've got this angry orchard because it's our new favorite drink."

Em opens up about the challenges of balancing travel, pet care, and parental responsibilities, revealing vulnerabilities that resonate with listeners.

• Em (14:16): "The reason I drink is because it's the longest that either of us will be away from Hank."

Their honest conversations provide a relatable backdrop to the supernatural elements, grounding the episode in real-life struggles.

Conclusion and Insights

Throughout the episode, Christine and Em weave together ghost stories, urban legends, and personal anecdotes, offering a multifaceted look at fear, coping mechanisms, and the search for understanding in the face of the unknown. Their blend of humor, empathy, and intrigue keeps listeners engaged, providing both entertainment and a sense of camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Em (33:57): "So she said to walk the streets at night. Perfect. Looking for children who haven't come home yet."

• Christine (118:46): "What kind of mother tells a five-year-old girl that her father killed her birth mom?"

Final Thoughts

Episode E439 of And That's Why We Drink masterfully combines the eerie allure of ghost stories with the raw honesty of personal experiences. Christine and Em's dynamic interplay ensures that listeners are both entertained and emotionally invested, making it a standout episode for fans of true crime and the paranormal alike.

For those interested in exploring these spine-tingling tales and personal journeys, tune into Episode E439 of "And That's Why We Drink" available on all major podcast platforms.