Episode Summary: EP417 - Breaking into Wallace and Giving Balloons to Priests

And That's Why We Drink hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve deep into a mix of personal anecdotes, critical discussions on paranormal phenomena, and a poignant true crime story in this chilling episode titled "Breaking into Wallace and Giving Balloons to Priests," released on February 2, 2025.

1. Personal Anecdotes and Technical Challenges (00:45 - 03:31)

Christine and Em begin the episode by sharing their experiences with recording environments. Christine discusses the discomfort of recording from bed, emphasizing the need for a more ergonomic setup:

Christine (02:08): "Do you think? Okay, but my fear would be like every time I have to pee or do something I would like it to."

Em contemplates the idea of an egg chair for recording, highlighting the challenges of maintaining comfort without sacrificing posture:

Em (03:14): "That's the key."

They humorously navigate the logistics of recording from unconventional settings, illustrating their camaraderie and the light-hearted side of podcasting despite technical setbacks.

2. Coping Mechanisms and Personal Struggles (06:36 - 12:54)

Christine opens up about her emotional struggles, revealing a difficult month marked by heartbreak and personal challenges unrelated to her marriage:

Christine (06:45): "I'm just having a really hard month, but it's okay... it's not cute. It's very ugly. But it's okay..."

Em expresses pride and support for Christine, acknowledging the weight of her struggles:

Em (09:02): "I am very proud of you."

The conversation shifts to their coping mechanisms, with both hosts discussing alcohol and THC as alternatives:

Christine (31:21): "Replace alcohol with THC gummies... That's why we drink listeners can save 30% off their first order."

This segment highlights their vulnerability and the importance of support systems in navigating personal hardships.

3. Discussion on "Watch Evil" and Exorcism Practices (34:33 - 74:04)

Transitioning from personal topics, Christine and Em dissect an episode from the television show Watch Evil, which dramatizes exorcisms and the investigation of demonic possessions. They critique the portrayal of exorcisms, emphasizing the overlap and tension between mental health and supernatural interventions.

A. The Case of Gina

The hosts analyze a specific case from Watch Evil involving a 16-year-old girl named Gina, whose troubling behavior leads her family and the church to seek an exorcism. Despite her psychiatric evaluations indicating active psychosis, the church maintains that she is possessed.

Christine (34:35): "It's like, how do you know you've broken into the Wallace?"

They critique the procedural aspects of exorcism as depicted in the show, questioning the legitimacy and ethical considerations of performing exorcisms on minors with diagnosed mental health issues. The discussion delves into:

• Selection Criteria for Possession: The show's portrayal of signs like unusual strength, levitation, and speaking unknown languages.

  Em (49:15): "Do you want to take a guess?"

• Team Composition: The mix of priests, a psychiatrist, and a scientist assessing possession claims, which they find both comical and concerning.

  Christine (46:00): "A psychiatrist, priest, and a scientist. And they're basically hired by the archdiocese to assess whether possessions are real or not."

• Ethical Implications: The lack of informed consent, especially concerning minors, and the potential exacerbation of mental health issues through exorcism.

The hosts express skepticism about the efficacy and morality of exorcisms, especially when juxtaposed with professional mental health treatments.

B. Broadcasting Exorcisms and Public Perception

Christine and Em critique the integration of media in performing and broadcasting exorcisms, pondering the impact on public perception and the stigmatization of mental health:

Em (93:51): "With the thirst for sensational invasions... How about live electroshock therapy treatments?"

They argue that such portrayals can trivialize genuine mental health struggles and promote archaic solutions over professional help.

4. True Crime Spotlight: The Disappearance of Brianna Maitland (75:07 - 146:58)

The episode shifts to a heart-wrenching true crime narrative, recounting the disappearance of Brianna Maitland in 2004. Christine provides a detailed account, interspersed with personal reflections and critical analysis.

A. Timeline of Events

1. Initial Incident (March 19, 2004):

   • Brianna completes her high school equivalency exam, symbolizing a new start.
   • Post-breakfast, she abruptly leaves for work, later seen exiting her second job alone around 11:30 PM.
   • Her car is discovered abandoned, backed into a farmhouse with minimal damage, and personal items left inside.

2. Family's Realization and Police Response:

   • Brianna's parents, Kelly and Bruce Maitland, are informed five days later.
   • Initial police assumptions point to possible drunk driving, but inconsistencies raise red flags.
   • Personal belongings and uncashed paychecks hint at a more sinister turn.

3. Search Efforts and Media Involvement:

   • Vigorous search operations commence, involving volunteers and media coverage.
   • Sightings range from plausible to utterly disturbing, including rumors of drug-related foul play.

4. Ongoing Investigation (2024 Update):

   • DNA evidence surfaces, matching Brianna to individuals previously interviewed, but without sufficient evidence to implicate any suspect.
   • The FBI offers a significant reward, intensifying efforts to resolve the case.

B. Critical Analysis and Speculations

Christine and Em scrutinize the police investigation, highlighting missed opportunities and questionable assumptions:

Em (86:07): "It could have been someone she knew from that one experience."

They explore various theories surrounding Brianna's disappearance, ranging from accidental carjacking to deliberate foul play by acquaintances. The hosts emphasize the emotional toll on the family and the broader implications of media involvement in such cases.

C. Emotional Resonance and Host Reflections

The narrative is laced with personal empathy, as the hosts reflect on the pain and frustration experienced by Brianna's family:

Christine (98:41): "It's an unfortunate thing."

They discuss the complexities of seeking closure in unsolved cases and the ethical responsibilities of media coverage in amplifying such tragedies.

5. Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions (147:07 - 147:07)

In the closing moments, Christine and Em encourage listeners to engage with their broader content offerings, transitioning from the heavy topics discussed to lighter, more interactive platforms like their Yappy Hour and social media channels. They emphasize the blend of personal support and investigative storytelling that defines their podcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Christine (02:08): "Do you think? Okay, but my fear would be like every time I have to pee or do something I would like it to."
• Em (03:14): "That's the key."
• Christine (06:45): "I'm just having a really hard month, but it's okay... it's not cute. It's very ugly. But it's okay..."
• Em (09:02): "I am very proud of you."
• Christine (31:21): "Replace alcohol with THC gummies... That's why we drink listeners can save 30% off their first order."
• Em (34:35): "It's like, how do you know you've broken into the Wallace?"
• Em (49:15): "Do you want to take a guess?"
• Christine (46:00): "A psychiatrist, priest, and a scientist. And they're basically hired by the archdiocese to assess whether possessions are real or not."
• Em (93:51): "With the thirst for sensational invasions... How about live electroshock therapy treatments?"
• Christine (75:07): "It's an unfortunate thing."

Insights and Conclusions

This episode of And That's Why We Drink masterfully intertwines personal narratives with critical examinations of paranormal phenomena and true crime. By dissecting media portrayals of exorcisms and delving into the unresolved case of Brianna Maitland, Christine and Em provide listeners with both emotional depth and intellectual stimulation. The hosts balance vulnerability with analytical prowess, making the episode both engaging and thought-provoking.

Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will gain a comprehensive understanding of the discussions surrounding the ethical implications of exorcism practices, the complexities of unsolved disappearance cases, and the personal challenges faced by the hosts. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps ensures that key moments are highlighted, enhancing the summary's richness and engagement.