Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink" Episode E440 – WeWorking with Ghosts and Devil’s Lettuce Friend Tattoos

Release Date: July 13, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz

Introduction

In Episode E440 of "And That's Why We Drink," hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve deep into a chilling blend of true crime and paranormal activity, all while maintaining their signature humor and camaraderie. The episode intertwines personal anecdotes, ghost-hunting adventures, and the tragic story of Amy Gellert, creating a captivating narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

Personal Banter and Tour Updates (02:01 – 12:09)

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their usual light-hearted conversation, discussing personal experiences related to art and decor in hotel rooms. Em shares a humorous story about framing a painting, highlighting their contrasting tastes:

• Em: “I just hung her up. This is of farm.” (02:08)
• Christine: “It's beautiful. I love that the frame matches the walls.” (03:00)

Their discussion shifts to the frustrations of scheduling tours, with Christine expressing irritation over fans' confusion about their tour locations:

• Christine: “Remember when we'd go somewhere, and then like a week later, people would ask why we never come to Florida?” (10:18)
• Em: “We haven't forgotten you, hysterectomy girl. We have talked about you often.” (11:15)

They also touch upon the dynamics of touring, sharing anecdotes about sharing hotel rooms and occasionally reverting to sibling-like bickering:

• Christine: “It's always us bickering about what to watch on TV.” (12:11)
• Em: “So is it… how much of it do you just revert back to being like little kids?” (12:27)

Exploring "Designing Scents" and Social Media Trends (04:25 – 07:09)

Christine and Em discuss the bizarre trends on TikTok, specifically parody makeover shows that mimic the style of "Extreme Home Makeover" but with humorous, low-budget results:

• Christine: “It's like the opposite but still bad of Extreme Home Makeover.” (05:24)
• Em: “They bought plates from the dollar store and glued them on the wall to make 3D art.” (05:51)

They express amusement and slight horror at the absurdity of these transformations, emphasizing the disconnect between intention and execution.

Ghost Hunting at the Dunhill Hotel (25:10 – 60:36)

Em takes the lead in an immersive ghost-hunting segment at the Dunhill Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. He meticulously narrates the hotel's haunted history, detailing its origins, previous tragedies, and reported paranormal activities.

Hotel History and Hauntings

• Em: “In 1926, the Dunhill Hotel, originally known as Mayfair Manor, opened just two weeks after the stock market crash.” (28:07)
• Christine: “It's on all the listicles.” (42:56)

Em outlines the series of events that have contributed to the hotel's haunted reputation, including multiple suicides and unexplained phenomena like eerie noises, apparitions, and items moving autonomously.

Live Investigation in Room 906

Em books a stay in the most haunted room, 906, and invites Christine to observe his experience:

• Em: “I'm currently in room 906.” (43:57)
• Christine: “This is your moment, Dusty.” (45:00)

During his stay, Em documents various ghostly activities, attempting to capture evidence on camera. They discuss specific ghostly entities like “Dusty,” the main ghost rumored to haunt the hotel, and share stories from hotel staff and previous guests about their encounters.

Notable Quotes and Incidents

• Em: “People would hear noises in empty rooms. They would see apparitions throughout the building.” (35:21)
• Christine: “If the pillows or curtains move, that's where my eyes have been.” (45:51)

The segment is filled with suspense as Em recounts vivid descriptions of paranormal events, enhancing the eerie atmosphere for listeners.

The Tragic Case of Amy Gellert (64:55 – 123:12)

Transitioning from ghost stories to true crime, Christine narrates the heartbreaking story of Amy Gellert, providing a detailed account of her life, struggles, and untimely death.

Early Life and Struggles (64:55 – 77:40)

Amy Gellert, born in 1973, faced numerous challenges from a young age, including her parents' divorce and a severe bout of encephalitis that left her with learning disabilities. Despite her struggles, Amy remained a beloved figure among her friends:

• Amy's Best Friend, Andrea Odell: “Amy was the most special person I'd ever met. She was a very unique and good friend.”
• Ryan (Amy’s Brother): “Amy was the perfect friend and the perfect sister.” (66:30)

Tragic Night and Investigation (77:40 – 118:32)

Christine delves into the events of March 20, 1994, when Amy was brutally attacked and killed during a burglary at her parents' home. She provides a minute-by-minute recount of the crime, the aftermath, and the subsequent investigation:

• Christine: “Amy's parents didn't even know she was home. They found out she was dead when the police arrived after an attack.” (86:57)

The investigation faces numerous dead ends, with primary suspects like Scott Manley and Dominic Kanika failing to provide concrete evidence linking them to the crime. Despite relentless efforts, the case remains unsolved, leaving Amy's family in perpetual grief.

Impact and Ongoing Mystery

Amy's death profoundly affected her family, leading to long-term trauma and a relentless pursuit for answers. Christine emphasizes the family's hope for justice and the closure of the cold case:

• Bunny (Amy’s Mother): “I know where Amy is, and that brings me peace.” (117:51)
• Amy's Brother, Mark: “Not a single day goes by that we don't think about Amy.” (117:24)

The segment concludes with a call to action for listeners to assist in solving the case, providing resources for tips and encouraging public awareness.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (123:12 – End)

As the episode draws to a close, Christine and Em reflect on the intense and emotional stories they've shared. They emphasize the importance of storytelling in keeping memories alive and seeking justice for the unheard.

• Christine: “It's always hard to hear that a family doesn't have answers yet.” (121:44)
• Em: “Good story, but, wow, talk about traumatic.” (123:12)

They invite listeners to join their Yappy Hour sessions for lighter discussions and community engagement, reinforcing the podcast's blend of serious content with moments of levity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Em on ZipRecruiter (00:00):

   “With ZipRecruiter, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.”

2. Christine on Artwork (02:35):

   “I cut it in half because it was like… like a Matisse.”

3. Em on Family Dynamics (12:38):

   “We think we're on the same team now, us against the world.”

4. Em Summoning Ghosts (45:59):

   “This is your moment, Dusty.”

5. Christine on Amy’s Story (117:51):

   “We wouldn't want to get over Amy.”

6. Em on Coping with Trauma (121:48):

   “I would constantly be petrified.”

Key Takeaways

• Blend of True Crime and Paranormal: The episode masterfully intertwines ghost-hunting adventures with the deeply emotional true crime story of Amy Gellert, offering listeners a multifaceted narrative experience.

• Personal Connections: Christine and Em's candid discussions about their personal lives and relationships add depth to the episode, making the content relatable and engaging.

• Emphasis on Storytelling: The hosts highlight the importance of sharing stories to honor memories and seek justice, reinforcing the podcast's mission to blend chilling tales with community support.

• Engagement with Audience: Through calls to action and invitations to Yappy Hour sessions, the hosts foster a sense of community and encourage listener participation.

For more chilling stories and engaging discussions, tune into "And That's Why We Drink" every Sunday. Don’t forget to follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform!