Podcast Title: And That's Why We Drink
Episode: Listener Stories: Vol. 101
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Release Date: March 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In Listener Stories: Vol. 101, hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve into a collection of spine-chilling paranormal and true crime tales submitted by their dedicated listeners. Skipping through light-hearted banter and promotional segments, the episode focuses on authentic, real-life experiences that blend the eerie with the inexplicable. Each story is meticulously unpacked, offering listeners a deep dive into the unknown while the hosts provide their unique perspectives and reactions.

Live Shows Announcement

Before diving into the listener submissions, Christine and Em excitedly announce their upcoming live shows in Monterey and San Luis Obispo. They encourage listeners to secure their tickets and join them for an evening of thrilling narratives and interactive experiences.

Listener Story 1: Ryan's "Friendly Ghosts at the Cemetery"

Timestamp: 09:09

Narrative:
Ryan recounts a harrowing nighttime visit to a cemetery in Grove, Oklahoma, accompanied by friends Ashton, Daniel, and his ex. The intention was to connect with the spirits of an elderly couple rumored to be friendly. However, the experience took a turn when unexplained phenomena began unfolding:

• Initial Encounter: While chilling at the tombstones, Ryan's ex suddenly freezes, paler and more anxious, asking, "Do you see him?" (09:44)
• The Appearance: A dark, hunched figure emerges from behind a tree, grows taller upon noticing them, and instills fear, prompting the group to flee.
• Unsettling Discovery: As they hurriedly leave, Daniel is knocked over, and Ryan's ex discovers three large, non-human scratch marks on their back (13:48).

Host Reactions:

• Christine: Expresses skepticism initially but becomes unsettled by the group's genuine fear (09:44).
• Em: Shares a sense of urgency and disbelief, highlighting the swift escalation from calm to chaos (12:04).

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan: "We need to leave." (12:06)
• Em: "This is one of the quietest car rides I've ever been on." (14:27)

Listener Story 2: Megan's "Oh, My Haunted Childhood Home Was Built by a Pedophile"

Timestamp: 17:52

Narrative:
Megan opens up about her unsettling childhood experiences in a rural New York town. At the age of 12, her family moved into a house with a dark past, built by a man who sexually abused his teenage daughter and her friend. The malevolent history left lingering spirits that manifested in various paranormal activities:

• Personal Experiences:
  • Showering Incident: Megan felt a cold breeze and an unseen touch, followed by the sudden smell of rot and smoke, which vanished without explanation (20:10).
  • Sleepwalking Episodes: Frequently woke up in odd places, such as her parents' room, under the influence of the house's haunting presence (21:49).
• Family's Encounters:
  • Brother's Vision: Her younger brother saw a man in the hallway, mistaking him for their father, leading to confusion and fear (24:11).
  • Father's Skepticism: Initially a skeptic, Megan's father began experiencing shadows and noises he couldn't explain, deepening the household's dread (25:07).
• Couple's Visit: While visiting college, Megan and her boyfriend encountered unexplained dragging noises and movement near the kitchen, despite no physical evidence (26:00).

Host Reactions:

• Christine: Shares empathy and validates the emotional toll of living in such an environment, emphasizing the family's collective experiences (20:40).
• Em: Highlights the persistent fear and the struggle to reconcile with the supernatural occurrences (22:00).

Notable Quotes:

• Megan: "It's back." (23:07)
• Christine: "Megan is reading her mind here." (24:23)

Listener Story 3: Tara's "The Time a Painting Flew Off the Wall"

Timestamp: 28:09

Narrative:
Tara describes a peculiar incident in her family home where a seemingly innocuous painting suddenly detached from the wall without any apparent cause:

• Initial Setup: Her living room features a fireplace with two recessed shelving areas housing various knickknacks, including a whimsical deer painting.
• The Incident: One evening, as Tara was reading, she noticed a strange flash of light followed by a thud. Upon investigating, she discovered the deer painting lying on the ground despite the nail still being securely in place (31:11).
• Family's Reaction: The unexplained movement raised suspicions of a paranormal influence, especially when combined with the initial light flash (32:05).

Host Reactions:

• Christine: Finds the simultaneous occurrence of the light and the painting's displacement particularly eerie, questioning the possibility of a ghostly presence (33:05).
• Em: Expresses disbelief and suggests the likelihood of a supernatural explanation, reinforcing the unsettling nature of the event (33:15).

Notable Quotes:

• Tara: "I realized the deer painting is now on the ground." (32:39)
• Christine: "I do like that because I feel like to see a flash, but then not even connect it." (33:43)

Listener Story 4: Lauren's "Unknown Cries"

Timestamp: 35:03

Narrative:
Lauren shares her experiences working as a mental health therapist in a residential facility that doubles as a former orphanage. The building's long history and the traumatic backgrounds of its residents contribute to frequent paranormal activities:

• Personal Experiences:
  • Sobbing Sounds: While alone in her office after hours, Lauren hears escalating sobs that lead her to a deserted bedroom, culminating in a sudden silence that compels her to flee (37:03).
  • Moving Objects: Instances of board games being pushed off tables and objects like glass cups being violently thrown without logical explanation.
• Staff and Student Encounters:
  • Apparitions: Witnessing a small boy waving from a window during a fire drill, despite no one being present (38:35).
  • Unsettling Noises: Hearing kitchen sounds like pots and pans being thrown around, only to find the area undisturbed during investigations (39:08).

Host Reactions:

• Christine: Acknowledges the profound impact of the facility's environment on both staff and residents, highlighting the blend of trauma and supernatural elements (35:45).
• Em: Empathizes with the fear and confusion experienced by Lauren, emphasizing the thin line between psychological trauma and paranormal phenomena (37:36).

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren: "I bolt off the unit and did not return until others were there all day." (37:35)
• Christine: "People are resilient." (35:45)

Listener Story 5: Alex's "A Ghost Watched Over Me"

Timestamp: 43:24

Narrative:
Alex narrates their lifelong encounters with a benevolent spirit named Edgar, providing a contrast to the typically terrifying ghost stories:

• Early Encounters:
  • Skittles Phenomenon: Moving into a new house where hiding Skittles behind chairs led to them mysteriously disappearing, hinting at Edgar's presence (43:24).
  • Protective Visions: At age 11, Alex sees an old man in a trench coat who grins and waves, offering a sense of being watched over (47:08).
• Recurring Activity:
  • Object Manipulation: Experiences with stolen keys, glasses being thrown violently, and objects like painting being moved without explanation.
  • Direct Interaction: A tangible presence watching over Alex, offering protection despite initial fear.

Host Reactions:

• Christine: Finds Edgar's protective nature heartwarming, contrasting the usual malevolent spirits discussed in the podcast (47:28).
• Em: Appreciates the duality of Edgar's character, admiring the balance between spooky and kind (48:07).

Notable Quotes:

• Alex: "The ghost is like begrudgingly granting your requests." (55:22)
• Em: "He started grinning. What the hell?" (47:26)

Listener Story 6: Emily's "The Dog-Loving Poltergeist That Climbs Into Bed With You"

Timestamp: 49:35

Narrative:
Emily recounts her family's experiences with a mischievous poltergeist that intertwines both hauntings and playful interactions:

• Initial Move-In:
  • Artifacts of the Past: Choosing a double-wide trailer that seemed perfect until strange occurrences began, such as curtains blowing without cause and lights flickering unpredictably (50:14).
• Paranormal Activities:
  • Disturbing Movements: Objects like lamps and board games being moved or tampered with, creating an atmosphere of unease (52:27).
  • Direct Engagement: The poltergeist interacts with pets, notably climbing into bed with the family dog, Ozzy, blurring the lines between mischievous and protective behavior (58:25).

Host Reactions:

• Christine: Relates to the whimsical yet eerie nature of the poltergeist, adding humor to balance the frightening elements (49:56).
• Em: Enjoys the dual nature of the haunting, finding charm in the ghost's playful interactions with pets (58:25).

Notable Quotes:

• Emily: "Edgar began terrorizing him. Him." (59:33)
• Em: "You're not that bad." (58:38)

Conclusion and Farewell

As the episode wraps up, Christine and Em extend their well-wishes to listeners for a positive March, filled with luck and good spirits. They tease future episodes and express gratitude for the community's support, ensuring listeners remain engaged and eager for more chilling tales in upcoming installments.

Notable Closing Lines:

• Christine: "Nothing bad can happen, I hope." (61:35)
• Em: "Happy March to everybody. And I hope that these stories get you through until our April Fool's Day!" (61:56)

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Paranormal Experiences: The episode showcases a range of supernatural encounters, from protective spirits to malevolent apparitions, highlighting the varied nature of paranormal phenomena.

• Emotional Impact: Each story underscores the profound psychological and emotional effects these encounters have on individuals and families, bridging the gap between true crime and the paranormal.

• Community Engagement: The hosts emphasize listener participation, fostering a sense of community and shared intrigue in the mysteries of the unknown.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Ryan's Story:

   • Ryan: "We need to leave." [12:06]
   • Em: "This is one of the quietest car rides I've ever been on." [14:27]

2. Megan's Story:

   • Megan: "It's back." [23:07]
   • Christine: "Megan is reading her mind here." [24:23]

3. Tara's Story:

   • Tara: "I realized the deer painting is now on the ground." [32:39]
   • Christine: "I do like that because I feel like to see a flash, but then not even connect it." [33:43]

4. Lauren's Story:

   • Lauren: "I bolt off the unit and did not return until others were there all day." [37:35]
   • Christine: "People are resilient." [35:45]

5. Alex's Story:

   • Alex: "The ghost is like begrudgingly granting your requests." [55:22]
   • Em: "He started grinning. What the hell?" [47:26]

6. Emily's Story:

   • Emily: "Edgar began terrorizing him. Him." [59:33]
   • Em: "You're not that bad." [58:38]

And that's Why We Drink continues to captivate its audience by blending true crime with the supernatural, offering listeners an enticing mix of fear, fascination, and community-driven storytelling. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, each story promises to leave you pondering the mysteries that lurk just beyond the ordinary.