Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E441: Canada’s Sweetheart and Wingman of the Century
Release Date: July 20, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Guest: Dax Shepard
1. Introduction and ZipRecruiter Endorsement (00:00 – 01:21)
The episode opens with Christine Schiefer passionately endorsing ZipRecruiter, highlighting its efficiency in finding quality candidates swiftly. She shares a personal success story about hiring Eva through ZipRecruiter in just 30 seconds, defying the usual trade-off between speed and quality.
Notable Quote:
Christine (00:25): "With ZipRecruiter, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day."
2. Special Guest Appearance: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard (01:21 – 02:05)
Kristen Bell and her husband Dax Shepard briefly join the conversation, promoting Carvana as an easy solution for selling cars. Their segment is brief, providing a light-hearted interlude before the main content resumes.
3. Journey to Canada: Em’s Adventure (02:05 – 08:00)
Em Schulz introduces her trip to Canada, expressing long-held dreams of visiting the country. She recounts her experiences upon arrival, including first impressions and navigating typical tourist activities with Eva as her "wingwoman." The hosts engage in a playful drinking game, setting humorous rules for listeners to participate during the episode.
Notable Quote:
Em Schulz (03:15): "I have been wanting to come to Canada since I was 12 years old... I still believe it."
4. Ghost Stories: Dead Man's Island and Highcroft Manor (09:00 – 44:39)
Em delves into two chilling ghost stories centered around Canadian locations:
a. Dead Man's Island (13:57 – 29:48)
Em narrates the haunted history of Dead Man's Island, a former burial ground turned naval base. She details the island's transformation and the numerous paranormal activities reported by personnel, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and shadow sightings. Personal anecdotes and historical accounts add depth to the eerie atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
Em Schulz (16:48): "The legend is that after all the Northern tribe warriors died that day, the next day, all of the flowers on that entire part of the island set on fire by themselves."
b. Highcroft Manor (38:31 – 44:39)
The second story focuses on Highcroft Manor, an upscale venue with its own haunted legacy. Em describes the manor's history, detailing the ghosts that inhabit it, such as an older man in a World War I uniform and a well-dressed lady. She shares accounts of paranormal activities reported during film shootings, including interactions with the supernatural entities.
Notable Quote:
Em Schulz (41:09): "They are mostly peaceful and protective... the spirits are most active when the manor is being used as a filming location."
5. Commercial Breaks and Advertisements (Skipped)
As per instructions, advertisements and non-content segments are omitted from this summary.
6. The Vancouver Milkshake Murder: A True Crime Tale (47:48 – 66:30)
The episode shifts to a gripping true crime story narrated by Dax Shepard, focusing on the infamous Vancouver Milkshake Murder of the mid-1960s.
a. Background and Affair (49:18 – 53:31)
Rene Castellani, a charismatic radio personality known for his extravagant stunts, is embroiled in an extramarital affair with Adelaide "Lolly" Miller. His wife, Esther, discovers the affair through a suspicious phone call and a love note, leading to mounting tensions and Esther's mysterious severe illness.
Notable Quote:
Dax Shepard (54:05): "Renee had displayed a remarkable lack of empathy for his dying wife. Shocking."
b. Esther’s Mysterious Illness (53:31 – 58:04)
Esther’s rapid decline in health baffles medical professionals, ultimately revealing arsenic poisoning. Evidence points directly to Rene, who had been tampering with his wife's milkshakes using arsenic-laden weed killer.
Notable Quote:
Dax Shepard (60:15): "He had committed the ultimate crime. Poisoning someone's milkshake in Canada."
c. Trial and Aftermath (58:04 – 62:25)
Rene is convicted of first-degree murder based on circumstantial evidence and his suspicious behavior. The death penalty is suspended shortly before his execution, leading to his eventual death from cancer before serving his full sentence. Rene's daughter, Janine, grapples with her father's guilt and the loss of her parents.
Notable Quote:
Dax Shepard (62:19): "Woo, yay, boo just covers all the spectrum of possible reactions."
d. Legacy and Reflection (62:25 – 66:30)
The case remains a dark chapter in Vancouver's history, commemorated by exhibits at the Vancouver Police Museum. Author Eve Lazarus's book, Murder by Milkshake, revisits the case, offering deeper insights and personal reflections from Janine.
Notable Quote:
Dax Shepard (65:32): "I am not past the anger yet, but I'm hoping to get there soon."
7. Closing Remarks and Final Ads (66:22 – End)
The hosts wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter and final advertisements for Chime Banking and Smalls cat food. They express gratitude to listeners and reflect on the captivating stories shared.
Conclusion:
Episode E441 of "And That's Why We Drink" takes listeners on a multifaceted journey through personal anecdotes, paranormal tales, and a haunting true crime story set in Canada. Hosted by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz, with special guest Dax Shepard, the episode skillfully blends engaging narratives with interactive elements like the drinking game, ensuring a captivating experience for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.
Note: For more in-depth details and the full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full podcast episode.