Podcast Summary

And That's Why We Drink

Episode: Introducing: CONSPIRACY THEORIES, CULTS, AND CRIMES
Hosts: Christine Schiefer, Em Schulz
Date: August 18, 2025
Featured Clip Host: Vanessa Richardson
Main Theme:
This episode serves as a preview and recommendation for the brand-new podcast "Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes," produced by Crime House and hosted by Vanessa Richardson. The spotlight is on the infamous Heaven’s Gate cult, with an in-depth look at its enigmatic leader, Marshall Applewhite, and the convergence of murder, the paranormal, and cult dynamics.

Episode Overview

Christine introduces "Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes," a new weekly podcast exploring the dark history and secret stories behind notorious cults, crimes, and conspiracies. The episode features a gripping sneak peek from the series premiere about the Heaven's Gate cult.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to "Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes"

• Christine Schiefer explains:

  • Crime House's new show dives weekly into secret plots, infamous cults, political assassinations, bizarre ideologies, and historical mysteries.

  • Suitable for listeners fascinated by the intersection of true crime, madness, and the unexplained.

    “If you love mystery, madness and diving deep into the world's most unbelievable true stories, you won't want to miss this show.”
    — Christine Schiefer (00:17)

2. Heaven’s Gate & Marshall Applewhite: Early Life

• Vanessa Richardson (host of the featured show) presents the formative years of Marshall Applewhite, leader of Heaven's Gate:

  • Born in 1932 in Spur, Texas, into a strongly religious family.

  • His father, a Presbyterian minister, encouraged a virtuous, faith-driven life.

  • Marshall was ambitious: a stellar philosophy student, a magnetic personality on campus, and a talented singer.

    “Classmates remembered Marshall as an extrovert with a magnetic personality… whatever Marshall set his mind to, he would achieve it.”
    — Vanessa Richardson (02:10)

  • Despite his religious upbringing, he sought deeper meaning and studied philosophy and theology before pivoting to music.

3. Personal Struggles & Downfall

• Applewhite’s hidden bisexuality and feelings of alienation grow:

  • Experienced conflict between his identity and upbringing.

  • Marriage to Anne Pierce ultimately dissolved due to a rumored affair with a male student, leading to separation and loss of his family (circa mid-1960s).

  • Fired from his university job for the relationship, and estranged from the Presbyterian church.

  • Struggled with loneliness and a search for belonging, leading him to alternative spirituality.

    “For his whole life, Marshall had found meaning and community through his congregation, and he still yearned for that feeling of belonging. But now he’d have to find it outside of conventional religion.”
    — Vanessa Richardson (04:42)

4. Enter Bonnie Lee Nettles

• The fateful encounter between Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles:

  • Bonnie: born in Houston, raised Baptist, always felt out of place, drawn to the mystical and New Age practices.

  • Her marriage faltered as she gravitated further into the spiritual fringes, relying on astrology, theosophy, and guidance “from a dead monk named Brother Francis.”

  • A fortune teller foretold a tall, fair-skinned man would change her life—Applewhite fulfilled this prophecy when they met in 1972, both at low points in search of purpose.

    “She was a dreamer who liked to stare at the night sky and pretend a UFO would take her away. So it wasn’t a surprise that Bonnie turned to New Age spirituality for answers.”
    — Vanessa Richardson (06:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Christine’s Invitation:

  “We have a clip here from the first episode about the Heaven's Gate cult which is out now. If you like what you hear, don't forget to follow…”
  — Christine Schiefer (00:36)

• Marshall Applewhite’s Transformation:

  “Marshall was restless and unhappy because there was one thing he'd never told anyone. He was bisexual… it put a wall between him and those around him.”
  — Vanessa Richardson (03:32)

• Bonnie’s Mystical Leanings:

  “Her nights were filled with study groups and seances which often left her straight laced husband bewildered. For perspective, she once told him that she was getting life advice from a dead monk named Brother Francis.”
  — Vanessa Richardson (06:23)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–00:46: Christine introduces the new podcast and its themes.
• 00:46–07:43: Vanessa Richardson narrates the early life of Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, setting up the foundation for the Heaven’s Gate cult.
• 07:43: Christine wraps up the preview with instructions on where to listen.

Tone & Style

The preview maintains the familiar “And That's Why We Drink” blend of curiosity and chilling storytelling, transitioning seamlessly into insightful and evocative narration by Vanessa Richardson—full of empathy, historical context, and a knack for gripping the listener’s attention.

Summary

This episode is a compelling gateway into the new "Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes" podcast, painting vivid portraits of the individuals behind the notorious Heaven’s Gate cult and setting the tone for an investigative series bridging true crime and the paranormal. With a blend of empathy and intrigue, the episode promises deep dives into the most chilling and fascinating true stories from history and modern culture.

To hear the full story, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to “Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes” wherever they get their podcasts.