And That's Why We Drink — Episode 461: "Houdini Hat Men and Intertwined Ghost Toes"

Release Date: December 7, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Podcast Theme: True Crime & Paranormal with banter, humor, and personal updates

Episode Overview

In this episode, Christine and Em serve up a hearty feast of ghostly hotel hauntings, true crime, and hilarious tangents—this time with a strong Arizona theme. Em unpacks the haunted Copper Queen Hotel, complete with celebrity spooks, mischievous child ghosts, and a paranormal feather-in-the-cap for Harry Houdini himself. Christine goes true crime, exploring the baffling 2021 disappearance of Daniel Robinson, a young geologist who seemingly vanished into the Arizona desert without a trace. Along the way: Thanksgiving leftovers, ice skating flops, balance boards, haunted toes (!), and what makes a proper cowboy shirt.

Table of Contents

1. Catching Up: Holidays, Illnesses, and Ice Skating (02:38–16:40)
2. Why We Drink: Balance Boards, Collectibles & Three-Drink Theory (16:41–22:55)
3. Story 1: The Haunted Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee, AZ (26:18–79:39)
   • Hotel Background (27:00–36:43)
   • The Ghosts (37:10–63:48)
   • Celebrity Sightings & Ghost Log (31:01, 32:07, 44:23)
   • Ghost Adventures Shenanigans (68:07–79:39)
4. Story 2: The Disappearance of Daniel Robinson, Buckeye, AZ (81:02–120:32)
   • Timeline & Family Background (81:49–88:05)
   • The Disappearance (88:07–98:53)
   • Theories & Search Details (96:02–114:06)
   • Unresolved Mysteries and Theories (114:13–120:32)
5. Memorable Quotes & Moments
6. Timestamps for Key Segments

1. Catching Up: Holidays, Illnesses, and Ice Skating (02:38–16:40)

• Post-Thanksgiving check-in: Both hosts recount their holidays—sinus infections, travel misadventures, in-law breakfasts, and the ultimate pleasure of late-night fridge raids à la “gremlins.”
  • “I just lounge in my day bed... I do become like a gremlin... traipse through the dark by myself with my little flashlight.” —Christine (04:26)
• Food chat: Stuffing, mushroom casseroles, the great green bean casserole divide, and creative leftover sandwiches.
• Christine describes feeling burnt out from travel (“I'm never leaving my house again” —09:58) and missing her pets.
• Christine’s daughter has started ice skating, leading to self-deprecating stories of parental clumsiness and attempts to use “beautiful arches” as a reason to avoid the ice.
• Both hosts bemoan their declining balance as adults and toy with the idea of balance boards.
  • “I'm actually worried about my health, actually.” —Christine (15:10)
• “We are supposed to mention our awesome holiday merchandise... does not feature a balance board...” —Christine (16:16)

2. Why We Drink: Balance Boards, Collectibles & Three-Drink Theory (16:41–22:55)

• Christine drinks mini Dr. Pepper; Em drinks to being home (and not having enough drinks to drink... irony!).
  • “Because you don't have enough to drink. And that's why we drink. It feels like a crime.” —Christine (18:53)
• Em’s new purchases: a balance board (not yet used) and a limited-edition Marty McFly skateboard replica:
  • “It’s a fully functioning skateboard... nearly as exact as possible… wheels re-embossed!” —Em (20:58)
• Christine lights candles and jokes about spell-casting (“Are you manifesting anything while you light it? Since we might as well make it a spell.” —Em 22:12)
• The “three-drink” theory: hosts discuss always having a hydration, a caffeine, and a “fun little treat” beverage at once—labelled “definitely an ADHD thing.”

3. Story 1: The Haunted Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee, AZ (26:18–79:39)

Hotel Background (27:00–36:43)

• Built in 1902 by a mining company (Phelps Dodge Mining Co.) for mine execs and guests; older than the state of Arizona.
• "The walls are two feet thick for insulation, which feels... creepy." —Christine (30:46)
• Longest continuously operating hotel in AZ; on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Victorian/wild west vibes: all original decor, metal keys, a restaurant offering recreated 1902 menu items, including game meat, PB&J (invented in 1902), Oysters Rockefeller, and early desserts like devil’s food cake and baked Alaska.

The Ghosts (37:10–63:48)

• Ghost Log: Guests write their experiences at the front desk. Rumored entries by Houdini & Teddy Roosevelt, but likely just in their rooms.
• Main Haunts:
  • The Old Man ("Howard" / The Hat Man): Shadowy, white-bearded, top hat & cape wearing dude who smells of cigar smoke; died in Room 401, allegedly after being caught cheating; negative presence, appears in mirrors and halls.
    • “It sounds like he is confused.” —Christine (46:08)
    • “Reflections is bad because then it feels like he's trying to hide. I hate, like, he forgot about his reflection, you know?” —Christine (49:31)
  • Julia Lowell (Room 315): Sex worker who fell in love with a client, was rejected, and hanged herself at the hotel. Now she:
    • Seductively dances at the foot of men's beds, pulls covers down, tickles feet, and sometimes whispers in your ear. Will also directly ask, “Have you seen anything?” when startled by guests.
      • “Tickles your feet... that's not okay in any universe, any generation, any decade. It's not cool.” —Christine (55:01)
      • “I'll take care of the toes upstairs with Julia.” —Em (70:36)
  • Billy (Room 412): Mischievous ghost child of a staff member, drowned in a river, haunts with giggling, moving objects, and taking/returning guests’ possessions (especially shoes and wallets), and is afraid of running water.
    • "There are a lot of stories to uncover. Imagine if I got Jenna on the horn!" —Em (38:50)
    • “If you turn the shower or bath faucet on, you'll hear him cry... that's cruel.” —Em (64:42)
• Other hauntings: furniture moves by itself, objects vanish and reappear midair, ghost children intrude in family photos, phone calls from no one, cold spots, and more.

Celebrity Sightings & Ghost Log (31:01, 32:07, 44:23)

• Past guests: Marlon Brando, John Wayne (Room 211), Julia Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nancy Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt (Room 406), Harry Houdini (Room 312).
• Ghost log includes haunted room stories—possibly not written by these celebs, but in "their" rooms.

Ghost Adventures Shenanigans (68:07–79:39)

• Both Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures have filmed here; only minor activity for the former (blankets and luggage move).
• Ghost Adventures: Zach Baggins shows up in full cowboy regalia (“Rebel Spirit” shirt, thumb rings), cracks iffy "sex worker" jokes, and attempts furniture-moving speed trials.
• Notable moments:
  • EVP: "Put the rope down" (a nod to Julia’s story), “Billy’s hurt” when shower is turned on, and clear “footsteps from nowhere.”
  • Shower curtain visibly moves in response to investigators' request in Billy's room (74:44).
  • “If you wanted to hear Zach Biggins grunting in a cowboy outfit, Christine... it’s somebody's dream come true.” —Em (73:25)
• “Look, you hold Zach's hand downstairs. I'll take care of the toes upstairs with Julia.” —Em (70:32)
• After the episode and a restoration: Copper Queen Hotel on sale for $12.5 million as of 2024.

4. Story 2: The Disappearance of Daniel Robinson, Buckeye, AZ (81:02–120:32)

Timeline & Family Background (81:49–88:05)

• Daniel Robinson: young Black geologist, born without part of his right forearm/hand, close family, loved the outdoors, moved from South Carolina for work.
• June 2021: Daniel working remote well sites in AZ desert, also doing Instacart. Recently became infatuated with a customer, whom he texted repeatedly and showed up uninvited; she requested no further contact.
• 18 hours before vanishing, Daniel texts: “the world can get better” and “I would either see her again or never see her again.” (86:08)

The Disappearance (88:07–98:53)

• June 23, 2021: Daniel leaves remote job site after 15 minutes, acting off; makes strange comments to a coworker, then drives deeper into the desert instead of home.
• Massive manhunt initiated by father David and authorities; searches involve ground units, helicopters, and drones, covering 70+ sq miles.
• Nearly a month later: Daniel’s Jeep is found crashed in a remote ravine, airbags deployed, clothing and possessions (including phone, wallet, and water) left behind; no blood or body found.
• “Case of bottled water still in the Jeep,” despite Daniel’s knowledge of desert risks. —Christine (96:37)

Theories & Search Details (96:02–114:06)

• Possibility: Crash + heatstroke/disorientation + removal of clothes (a symptom of heat exhaustion).
• “They found a pair of inside out jeans, t-shirt, two inside out socks, boots... his phone, keys, backpack, and a case of water.” —Christine (96:39)
• Private accident experts note 40 ignition cycles post-crash (possibly desperate attempts to start vehicle). Dispute over an 11-mile odometer discrepancy that the family sees as suspicious—but which expert says could be a normal vehicle glitch.
• Family suspects possible foul play/staging, referencing oddities, lack of blood, and the computer being accessed after disappearance (though police deny this).

Unresolved Mysteries and Theories (114:13–120:32)

• No definitive proof of mental health crisis, suicide, or foul play; two other sets of human remains found during searches were NOT Daniel’s.
• Daniel’s father remains dedicated, mounting numerous volunteer searches.
• National profile raised with support from Gabby Petito’s father.
• Race and context: Em raises the possibility of racial violence in the 2021–2022 climate.
• Both hosts tentatively side with mental health/crisis theories, though animal attack or hidden remains can’t be ruled out (“All these scenarios don’t totally add up. It’s just hard to say.” —Christine 118:42).

5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Have you seen anything?" —Ghost Julia, relaying the most ominous of ghostly pickup lines. (56:52)
• "Tickles your feet... that's not okay in any universe, any generation, any decade. It's not cool." —Christine (55:01)
• “Reflections is bad because then it feels like he's trying to hide. I hate, like, he forgot about his reflection, you know?” —Christine (49:31)
• "You're going to love that. Why'd you buy a skateboard that neither of us can use?" —Christine (21:38)
• "Look, you hold Zach's hand downstairs. I'll take care of the toes upstairs with Julia." —Em (70:32)
• "The three drink theory: hydration, caffeine, fun little treat. It’s an ADHD thing." —Em (18:24)
• On Daniel’s case: "You think he lived thousands of miles away. He's a young man. He's going through it... who knows?" —Christine (89:40)
• "Could the desert monsters have gotten him?" —Em jokingly expanding on wild animal theories (122:11)

6. Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:38–16:40 — Banter & catching up post-holidays
• 16:41–22:55 — Why we drink, collectibles, three-drink theory
• 26:18 — Em’s story: Copper Queen Hotel begins
• 31:01 — Celebs past guests; haunted rooms begin
• 37:10 — Main ghosts & ghost log
• 56:02 — “Have you seen anything?” Julia’s ghost
• 68:07 — Ghost Adventures segment
• 74:44 — Shower curtain ghost clip recap
• 81:02 — Christine’s story: disappearance of Daniel Robinson begins
• 96:02 — Jeep crash details; heatstroke theory
• 103:05 — Private investigation and alternate theories
• 110:37 — Father's advocacy & searches; unsolved status
• 120:32 — Wrap up, animal attack speculation, outro banter

In Short

This episode perfectly captures "And That's Why We Drink" at its best: warm, witty hosts; a richly detailed paranormal deep-dive (with a side of haunted toes); and a perplexing, poignant true crime—both from the Arizona desert. Banter fans will love the off-topic drifts (not least Em’s foray into Back to the Future collectors’ culture and balance board purchases), while paranormal lovers and true crime aficionados get satisfying, thorough stories, ghost logs, and more than a few ghostly giggles.

If you have information on Daniel Robinson’s disappearance, contact Buckeye Police Department: 623-349-6411.

Why do they drink?
Because haunted hotels and missing persons are wild. And—sometimes—so are your toes.