Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Listener Stories: Vol. 103

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Podcast: And That's Why We Drink
Episode Title: Listener Stories: Vol. 103

And That's Why We Drink, hosted by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz, masterfully blends chilling ghost tales with gripping true crime narratives. In Episode 103, "Listener Stories: Vol. 103," the hosts delve into a series of listener-submitted stories that range from haunting personal experiences to intense true crime accounts. Recorded in a hotel setting, the episode offers an intimate and engaging experience, punctuated by the hosts' relatable banter and insightful commentary.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Christine and Em settling into their hotel environment, sharing lighthearted conversations about travel quirks and personal anecdotes. This casual start establishes a comfortable atmosphere, inviting listeners to feel as though they're part of a friendly, intimate gathering.

Notable Quote:

Christine [02:06]: "It's May and we're five twelfths done. Technically, four twelfths done. We're a third done."

Listener Story 1: My Grandma's Third Man Story

Christine introduces the first listener story titled "My Grandma's Third Man Story," sharing a deeply personal and haunting account of her grandmother's near-death experience and the concept of third man syndrome—a phenomenon where a spiritual or guardian presence intervenes during life-threatening situations.

Summary: Christine recounts how her grandmother, Nancy, faced severe health challenges, including Crohn's disease and breast cancer. Six months before Christine's birth, Nancy was hospitalized and experienced a terrifying moment where a mysterious nurse warned her against trusting her doctors, asserting that her IV was merely sugar water and that she couldn't die yet. This intervention was perceived by Nancy as a guardian angel's presence, ultimately leading to her survival and the family's flourishing.

Notable Quotes:

Christine [09:16]: "When my grandmother was in her late 40s... She told me a nurse came into her room... 'Do not trust this doctor. They are trying to kill you.'"

Em [14:04]: "It's moments like that where I'm like, there must be a reason that people are here..."

The hosts engage in a reflective discussion about the story's emotional weight and its implications on faith and justice, highlighting the impact such experiences have on personal beliefs and family dynamics.

Listener Story 2: The Future Murderer Who Slept in My Grandparents' Garage

The second story comes from a listener named Elta, who narrates a harrowing true crime tale involving her uncle Rick and a man named Bob Knott. This narrative unfolds as a series of unfortunate events leading to murder and chaos.

Summary: Bob Knott, a troubled individual with a violent past, escapes from an institution and embarks on a spree of kidnappings and robberies across multiple states. His relentless criminal activities culminate in a violent confrontation at the grandparents' garage, resulting in Bob's arrest after a shootout that claims innocent lives. The story exposes systemic failures in law enforcement and the tragic outcomes of unchecked criminal behavior.

Notable Quotes:

Em [48:40]: "In his youth, my uncle, we'll call him Rick, was friends with a kid named Bob Knott... Bob watched his mom murder his dad."

Christine [56:02]: "And there is a movie that was made about him in '91 called Captive. And Bob is played by John Stamos."

The hosts express their disbelief and sorrow over the series of tragedies, emphasizing the importance of awareness and justice in such cases.

Listener Story 3: Unsolved Murder in a Town I Lived In

Andrea shares a chilling unsolved murder case from her hometown of Canyon City, Colorado. This story underscores issues of police corruption and the vilification of victims, shedding light on systemic neglect in solving crimes against Indigenous women.

Summary: Andrea recounts the murder of her Aunt Alice in 1962, where official reports falsely attributed her death to an "irate boyfriend." Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to foul play, including witness accounts and mishandled crime scenes, the truth remained obscured due to police corruption and societal prejudices. The story emphasizes the pervasive issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) and calls for greater awareness and justice.

Notable Quotes:

Christine [57:37]: "Years back I moved to Canyon City, Colorado with my shitty ex-boyfriend... the new owner found evidence linked to the 2006 homicide of 17-year-old Candace Hiltz."

Em [33:19]: "Johnny was often unfaithful to Claire and they separated, but remained close... Claire frequently stated that they had met too young and weren't ready for that kind of commitment."

The hosts commend Andrea for her bravery in sharing such a painful and significant story, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice among Indigenous communities.

Listener Story 4: Unexpected Consequences of Throwing Away Stuff

Trina offers a cautionary tale about the unforeseen ramifications of discarding seemingly innocuous items. Her story intertwines personal experiences with the broader theme of fate and unintended connections.

Summary: Trina narrates her experience of cleaning out her husband's belongings, where she unknowingly discarded an autographed photo of Patsy Ramsey—a connection that later ties into the infamous JonBenét Ramsey murder case. This accidental disposal of a significant artifact underscores how small actions can have profound and unexpected impacts, blending personal life with notorious true crime history.

Notable Quotes:

Em [60:21]: "When my husband and I first moved in together in '93, one of my first priorities was getting rid of a bunch of his junk to make space for my junk."

Christine [63:26]: "I didn't even think about that."

The hosts humorously yet thoughtfully discuss the implications of Trina's story, reflecting on how mundane actions can intersect with major historical events.

Hosts' Reflections and Interactions

Throughout the episode, Christine and Em interweave their personal reflections and humorous exchanges, providing depth and relatability to the intense stories shared. Their discussions often delve into themes of trust, justice, and the human condition, enhancing the listener's connection to the narratives.

Notable Quote:

Christine [34:12]: "I want to be so clear... I don't think you have to forgive somebody. No. I think that's not fair to ask of you."

Em [44:39]: "Mind boggling. If you made it through this novel of a story, bless your heart and thank you for sticking with me."

Their candid conversations offer a balance between the gravity of the stories and the comforting camaraderie that defines the podcast's unique charm.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up the episode, Christine emphasizes the importance of bringing justice to victims and encourages listeners to participate by submitting their own stories for future episodes. She also highlights the significance of MMIP Awareness Day on May 5th, urging the audience to support and amplify the voices of those affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.

Notable Quote:

Christine [39:03]: "I am an enrolled Kuruk tribal member and my journey as an MMIP activist began with the murder of my aunt... I won't stop fighting to get justice for my aunts."

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to the listeners for their engagement and support, reinforcing the podcast's mission to shed light on often-overlooked stories of tragedy and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Third Man Syndrome: Explored through Christine's grandmother's near-death experience, highlighting the intersection of personal faith and miraculous intervention.

• Systemic Failures in Law Enforcement: Through Elta's and Andrea's stories, the episode underscores the challenges in achieving justice for marginalized individuals, particularly Indigenous women.

• Unintended Consequences: Trina's narrative serves as a reminder of how seemingly trivial actions can have far-reaching effects, blending personal anecdotes with true crime lore.

• Community and Justice: The hosts emphasize the importance of community support and active participation in seeking justice for victims, urging listeners to contribute their stories and advocate for systemic change.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Christine [09:16]: "When my grandmother was in her late 40s... 'Do not trust this doctor. They are trying to kill you.'"

• Em [48:40]: "Bob watched his mom murder his dad... and was institutionalized... eventually died by suicide in prison."

• Christine [57:37]: "Candace had been really outspoken about how corrupt the police force is..."

• Trina [60:21]: "I found a cardboard box full of crap, including an 8 by 10 glossy black and white photo of a former Miss West Virginia that was signed for him."

This episode of And That's Why We Drink is a compelling blend of personal stories and true crime, delivered with the hosts' signature warmth and insightful commentary. It serves as both a source of chilling entertainment and a call to action for justice and awareness within communities. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, Episode 103 offers a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in uncovering hidden truths and fostering understanding.