Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink"
Episode: Listener Stories: Vol. 98
Release Date: December 1, 2024

Introduction

In Listener Stories: Vol. 98, hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz dive into a collection of gripping and eerie tales submitted by their audience. Curated meticulously by Eva, this episode blends chilling ghost stories with intense true crime narratives, all delivered with the hosts' signature humor and insightful commentary. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the podcast, this episode promises a captivating journey through some of the most compelling listener submissions.

Listener Stories Overview

This episode features seven listener-submitted stories, each unraveling unique experiences that blend elements of the paranormal and true crime. From unsettling encounters with SWAT teams to haunting experiences on a cruise ship, the stories offer a diverse range of unsettling yet fascinating narratives.

Detailed Story Summaries

1. SWAT Team Live Tweets

Submitted by Miranda (She/Her)

Miranda recounts a harrowing experience where a SWAT team unexpectedly arrives at her parents' house. The tension escalates as a live-tweeted narrative unfolds, blending real-time updates with vivid imagination.

• Key Highlights:

  • Surprise Invasion: The sudden appearance of a SWAT team leads to immediate chaos.

    Christine [10:31]: "Buckle up, Emethy, while you get swatted."

  • Emotional Turmoil: Miranda's attempts to document the event while grappling with fear.

    Em [12:10]: "Do the SWAT team just roll up, See me rolling?"

  • Aftermath: The story concludes with lingering questions about the victim's fate and the ongoing fear of infiltration.

• Notable Quote:

  Miranda [23:30]: "Thanks for reading this long ramble and everything y’all have put into the pot over the years."

2. Creepy Camping Story

Submitted by NJ (She/Her)

NJ shares a spine-chilling tale from her teenage years during a camping trip on Mount Bierstadt. The encounter with a mysterious figure in the woods turns a routine volunteer trail work expedition into a night of terror.

• Key Highlights:

  • Suspicious Encounter: The appearance of a lone individual outside their tent heightens the group's anxiety.

    NJ [26:25]: "I can't believe you volunteered to do this."

  • Desperate Measures: The group's attempts to defend themselves using flashlights as weapons.

    Christine [28:15]: "What? Get a life, you creep."

  • Police Involvement: The eventual arrival of authorities leads to a prolonged standoff, leaving lasting scars.

• Notable Quote:

  NJ [30:47]: "That’s why I drink. Love, Ash."

3. Dad’s Criminal Background

Submitted by Ash (She/Her)

Ash delves into her family's tumultuous history, highlighting how her father's criminal activities spiraled into dangerous confrontations affecting her grandmother and neighbor.

• Key Highlights:

  • Background: Ash details her father's addiction and extensive rap sheet, culminating in reckless behavior.

    Ash [33:34]: "My dad suffers from addiction and has an extensive rap sheet."

  • Violent Altercations: The tragic incident at the shooting range where Ash's father accidentally shoots a friend.

    Em [34:28]: "Oh."

  • Police Standoff: The ensuing threat leads to a 15-hour standoff with police, resulting in significant property damage and loss of life.

• Notable Quote:

  Ash [37:16]: "That’s why I drink. Love, Ash."

4. Ghostly Cruise Ship Experiences

Submitted by Michaela (They/Them)

Michaela narrates their spooky adventure aboard the Queen Mary cruise ship, where the boundary between the living and the supernatural blurs during a ghost hunt.

• Key Highlights:

  • Haunted Setting: Staying on the reputedly haunted Queen Mary sets the stage for paranormal activities.

    Michaela [38:00]: "Let me guess, Queen Mary's coming."

  • Unsettling Happenings: Repeated tapping noises and unexplained phenomena disturb the nightly peace.

    Michaela [40:33]: "It was like, the only reason that she came to the ghost hunt was because everyone else got to experience something."

  • Resolution: The experience ends without definitive supernatural encounters, leaving an eerie sense of unresolved presence.

• Notable Quote:

  Michaela [41:15]: "And shiver at the same time."

5. Youth Pastor’s Crimes

Submitted by Kylie (She/Her)

Kylie exposes the horrifying actions of her former youth pastor, PJ, who abused his position to groom and assault minors, leading to devastating consequences for the victims and their families.

• Key Highlights:

  • Initial Crimes: PJ's history of threatening behavior and reckless endangerment.

    Kylie [46:28]: "My dad suffered from addiction and has an extensive rap sheet."

  • Escalation: PJ's repeated offenses, including sexual assault of a minor under 13.

    Kylie [47:02]: "He was brought to the hotel room and sexually assaulted shortly after PJ was arrested."

  • Impact: The story underscores the trauma inflicted on the victims and the ripple effects on the community.

• Notable Quote:

  Kylie [48:56]: "That was so disturbing."

6. Man in the Ceiling at Theater

Submitted by Rachel (They/Them)

Rachel describes a mysterious intruder who lurks in the ceilings during a college theater production, blending elements of ghostly presence with potential criminal motives.

• Key Highlights:

  • Unseen Threat: The discovery of a bald man hiding in the theater's ceiling during rehearsals.

    Rachel [52:17]: "Anyone who's done live theater knows that the literal superstitions like ghost lights, Scottish play, they pale in comparison."

  • Police Intervention: The eventual removal of the intruder without disrupting the show, leaving lingering questions.

    Rachel [57:35]: "The SWAT team had to barricade the entire block."

  • Mystery Remains: Questions about the intruder's intentions and whether his presence was a result of homelessness or something more sinister.

• Notable Quote:

  Rachel [62:12]: "He was eventually removed and everyone got home safely."

7. Alien UFO Stories from an Aeronautical Engineer

Submitted by Anonymous (She/Her)

An anonymous aeronautical engineer shares credible accounts of UFO sightings and encounters, leveraging professional expertise to lend authenticity to the paranormal phenomena discussed.

• Key Highlights:

  • Credible Sources: The submitter's background in aeronautical engineering provides a reliable perspective on UFO phenomena.

    Anonymous [64:06]: "UFOs have been openly discussed in the airborne communities for decades."

  • Personal Experiences: Multiple pilots' confirmations of UFO sightings, despite their skeptical and scientific training.

    Anonymous [65:55]: "These individuals are all highly qualified, have to pass rigorous testing, and are some of the most skeptical, no nonsense people out there."

  • Public Revelation: The alignment of these stories with recent official disclosures about UFOs adds weight to the narrative.

• Notable Quote:

  Anonymous [66:44]: "No, no, no. He fled Wisconsin as soon as."

Host Commentary and Interactions

Throughout the episode, Christine and Em engage in lively banter, reacting to each story with humor, empathy, and insightful questions. Their interactions add depth to the narratives, making the listener feel connected to the hosts' processing of each tale.

• Engaging Dialogue: The hosts often riff off each other's comments, enhancing the storytelling experience.

  Em [74:02]: "You're not aliens going home until 2:30 in the morning."

• Humorous Interjections: Light-hearted jokes balance the heavy themes of the stories.

  Christine [56:56]: "Imagine being dressed as Patrick Star, and you're like, the show must go on."

• Emotional Responses: Genuine empathy and concern highlight the seriousness of some of the more tragic stories.

  Christine [48:56]: "That was so disturbing."

Conclusion and Sign-Offs

As the episode wraps up, Christine and Em reflect on the intense stories shared, expressing gratitude towards their listeners for their brave and honest submissions. They encourage continued storytelling and engagement, emphasizing the podcast's role as a safe space for sharing unsettling yet compelling experiences.

• Closing Remarks:

  Christine [76:38]: "Love you all so much. Can't wait to get caught up and maybe hear this."

• Upcoming Season Teasers: Hints about future episodes and themes keep listeners eager for more content.

Notable Quotes Across the Episode

• Christine [10:31]: "Buckle up, Emethy, while you get swatted."
• Em [26:25]: "I can't believe you volunteered to do this."
• Ash [37:16]: "That’s why I drink. Love, Ash."
• Michaela [41:15]: "And shiver at the same time."
• Kylie [48:56]: "That was so disturbing."
• Rachel [62:12]: "He was eventually removed and everyone got home safely."
• Anonymous [65:55]: "These individuals are all highly qualified, have to pass rigorous testing, and are some of the most skeptical, no nonsense people out there."

Conclusion

Listener Stories: Vol. 98 of And That's Why We Drink presents a compelling mix of ghostly encounters and true crime stories, each meticulously narrated by the hosts. Christine and Em's ability to weave humor with empathy creates an engaging atmosphere, making even the most unsettling stories resonate deeply with listeners. This episode stands out for its diverse range of submissions, each offering a unique glimpse into the darker and more mysterious aspects of human experiences.

End of Summary