Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink"
Episode: Listener Stories: Vol. 106
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Introduction
In the "Listener Stories: Vol. 106" episode of And That's Why We Drink, hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz delve into chilling tales submitted by their listeners, all centered around the mysterious and eerie region of Appalachia. This episode blends true crime with paranormal experiences, offering listeners gripping narratives that intertwine murder mysteries with supernatural folklore.
Setting the Stage: Appalachian Lore
[02:50]
Em introduces the episode's focus on Appalachia, highlighting its rich tapestry of folklore and paranormal activity. He shares his personal connection to the region, mentioning his time spent in Harlan, Kentucky, a community deeply affected by the opioid crisis and steeped in mining history.
Christine adds her perspective as a Virginian, confirming that parts of Virginia and Tennessee are indeed considered Appalachia. Both hosts express their fascination with Appalachian legends, setting the tone for the listener-submitted stories to follow.
Listener Story: Eva’s Encounter with a Mysterious Creature
[06:00]
Christine reads a story from a listener named Eva, who recounts a harrowing encounter in the Appalachian wilderness. While driving home late at night, Eva and her husband—Christine eight months pregnant with twins—spot a towering, beast-like creature in a usually empty field.
Notable Moment:
Christine: "It was covered in white fur, but it was kind of super skinny but muscly at the same time, if that makes sense. [08:31]"
The creature, described with three claw-like fingers and covered in blood, stares directly at them before disappearing. Upon returning to the location to verify the sighting, they find only three sets of massive eyes in the woods, intensifying the eerie experience.
Discussion: Em and Christine discuss the possibility of the creature being a "not deer"—a local Appalachian legend akin to Bigfoot—engaging in a lighthearted debate over its appearance and nature.
Listener Story: Lauren’s Orbs in the Appalachian Mountains
[27:51]
Lauren, another listener, shares her experiences with mysterious orbs near Linville Gorge and the Brown Mountains. These ghostly lights have been reported since 1910 and remain unexplained despite various scientific theories.
Notable Moment:
Em: "These lights are most often reported as small star-like dots of light... I honestly don't believe any of these theories and don't know if they will be explainable with the technology currently available to us." [30:07]
Lauren describes witnessing orbs moving at incredible speeds, interacting with one another, and hovering ominously close before dissipating upon approach. Her tale underscores the mysterious nature of these Appalachian phenomena.
Discussion: Christine expresses skepticism about orbs, distinguishing between photographic artifacts and genuine sightings, while Em speculates on interdimensional or extraterrestrial origins.
Listener Story: Liz’s Stepdad’s Close Call on the Appalachian Trail
[35:20]
Liz narrates a spine-tingling story about her stepdad Steve during the early 1980s on the Appalachian Trail. While hiking, Steve encounters a fellow hiker who requests assistance in driving her to a bus stop or withdrawing cash. Trusting his instincts, Steve declines, sensing something amiss.
Notable Moment:
Christine: "He thought the interaction was a little weird, but he was probably overreacting." [39:35]
Later, a news report reveals that the woman Steve declined helped perpetrate a gruesome crime involving the murder of her husband, highlighting the peril of trusting one's "vibe."
Discussion: Em and Christine commend Steve’s intuition, emphasizing the importance of heeding gut feelings in potentially dangerous situations.
Listener Story: Chloe’s Appalachian Haunting and the Creek Field Woman
[47:10]
Chloe contributes a tale of the Creek Field Woman, a local Appalachian ghost story. The legend centers around Mrs. Creekfield, who haunts the valley at night, with variations suggesting she was murdered by soldiers during the Civil War for her hidden gold.
Notable Moment:
Steve: "Mrs. Creekfield was unfriendly and wary of the soldiers... Legend says those soldiers murdered Mrs. Creekfield when she would not give them what they wanted." [52:15]
Chloe recounts experiences of eerie noises, unexplained music from her Kindle, and her brother’s connection to the legend, weaving a narrative that blurs the lines between history and the supernatural.
Discussion: The hosts explore the plausibility of the legend, discussing similar folklore like the Bell Witch and the human tendency to create ghost stories from tragic events.
Themes and Insights
Throughout the episode, Christine and Em emphasize the deep-rooted folklore of Appalachia, illustrating how the region's history and isolation contribute to its rich tapestry of mysterious tales. They explore the interplay between skepticism and belief, often marveling at the hosts’ ability to navigate these eerie stories with both humor and genuine intrigue.
Key Insights:
- Cultural Richness: Appalachia's unique blend of cultures fuels its abundant paranormal and true crime stories.
- Human Instincts: Trusting one's instincts, as shown in Steve's story, is crucial in life-threatening situations.
- Folklore and Modernity: Ancient legends like the Creek Field Woman coexist with modern mysteries, such as the Brown Mountain Lights, showcasing the region's ongoing allure for the curious and the courageous.
Conclusion
In "Listener Stories: Vol. 106," And That's Why We Drink offers an engaging exploration of Appalachian legends and true crime tales. Through Eva’s encounter with a mysterious creature, Lauren’s sightings of ghostly orbs, Liz’s stepdad’s narrow escape from danger, and Chloe’s haunting experiences with the Creek Field Woman, Christine and Em provide listeners with a captivating blend of fear, fascination, and folklore. This episode underscores the enduring mystery of Appalachia, inviting both believers and skeptics to ponder the shadows that linger in its mountains.
Notable Quotes:
- Christine on Eva's Encounter: "This was a... super skinny but muscly at the same time." [08:31]
- Em on the Brown Mountain Lights: "I honestly don't believe any of these theories..." [30:07]
- Steve on Creek Field Woman: "Mrs. Creekfield was unfriendly and wary of the soldiers..." [52:15]
- Christine on Trusting Instincts: "He thought the interaction was a little weird, but he was probably overreacting." [39:35]
Note: Advertisements, sponsorship messages, and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core stories and discussions of the episode.