Podcast Summary: "And That's Why We Drink" – Episode: Listener Stories: Vol. 99
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Hosts: Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz
Podcast Description: Murder and the paranormal finally meet! Grab your wine and milkshakes and join us every Sunday for some chilling ghost stories and downright terrifying true crime stories. The world's a scary place. And that's why we drink!
Introduction to 2025
As the hosts, Christine (A) and Em (B), ushered in the new year, they shared their excitement about beginning 2025 with a listener-focused episode. They humorously recounted their attempts to bid farewell to 2024:
- Christine: "[...] we kicked those doors of 2024 off. Attentions, we are out of there. Thank God." ([02:48])
- Em: "[...] I put 17 locks on it and I said, okay, stay here now." ([03:02])
This lighthearted banter set the tone for an episode balancing spooky tales with personal anecdotes.
Listener Story #1: Fate and a Guardian Angel by Alex
Alex shared a poignant story about destiny and divine intervention that led her to her dream job:
- Alex: "Imagine having a guardian angel... he looked at me and paused. And at this moment, I felt the most visceral gut reaction I've ever had in my life." ([21:05])
- Christine: "That was crazy. And Alex said at the end, [...] I am now a Walt Disney imagineer as a designer and illustrator in Orlando, Florida." ([23:24])
Summary:
Alex recounted her lifelong passion for theme park design, which seemed to stall during college and early career struggles. A serendipitous encounter with a man who shared her professional interests led to an unadvertised job opportunity. Within weeks, she secured a position at Walt Disney Imagineering, fulfilling her childhood dream.
Listener Story #2: My Interactions with Domovoy by Elena
Elena introduced listeners to the Slavic folklore of Domovoy, the household guardian spirit:
- Elena: "Domovoi is a guardian spirit of the house, typically seen as a tiny old man with a long beard, wearing traditional clothes. That's very cute." ([25:54])
- Christine: "I can't explain how it happened if that's the case, but M mentioned how our brains can't make up faces we don't know. And who would I trust more than myself?" ([37:40])
Summary:
Elena shared anecdotes about her family's interactions with Domovoy, illustrating how this spirit orchestrates the return of lost items and maintains household harmony. She described instances where missing belongings mysteriously reappeared and emphasized the cultural significance of respecting the Domovoy to ensure his protection.
Listener Story #3: My Wholesome Third Man Story by Abby
Abby delved into the psychological phenomenon known as the Third Man Syndrome, blending personal experience with professional insight:
- Abby: "My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she heard a voice saying, 'Go to a doctor. You have breast cancer.'" ([48:26])
- Christine: "That's the angels, like, holding your head still and being like, pay attention." ([32:10])
Summary:
Abby, a clinical psychologist nearing her doctorate, recounted her mother's unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer. During a routine day, her mother experienced a sudden, imperative voice urging her to seek medical attention, which led to an early diagnosis and successful treatment. Abby pondered whether this experience was a guardian angel’s intervention or a manifestation of the brain’s survival mechanisms, highlighting the thin line between spirituality and psychology.
Host Discussions and Reflections
Throughout the episode, Christine and Em engaged in relatable and humorous dialogues, enhancing the storytelling with their chemistry:
- Em: "I was sitting downstairs in my mom's house yesterday and I must have... three fruit flies were circling me like I was pig pen from Charlie Brown." ([04:13])
- Christine: "Funny creatures in a trench coat really get me anything." ([13:07])
They dissected the listeners' stories, exploring themes of fate, protection, and the supernatural. Their conversations often veered into personal anecdotes, providing a balance between listener contributions and host interactions.
Notable Quotes
- Alex on Fate: "I felt like time slowed and I heard a quiet voice tell me. He was about to tell me he could offer me my dream job." ([21:05])
- Elena on Domovoy: "It wasn't a huge shock for her or frankly, anyone. Just a funny story to tell our friends." ([27:40])
- Abby on Third Man Syndrome: "I like to think that our Domovoy stayed with my parents and looks after them like a strict but funny and playful guardian spirit." ([28:55])
Closing Thoughts
As the episode concluded, Christine and Em reflected on the stories shared, emphasizing themes of hope, protection, and the mysterious ways fate operates:
- Em: "Hopefully everyone's guardian angels and or third men and or brains are on high alert, and we're all looking out for each other." ([52:33])
- Christine: "Happy January. Happy 2025. Good luck out there." ([52:47])
They encouraged listeners to stay vigilant yet take time to rest, highlighting the duality of being prepared for the unknown while maintaining personal well-being.
Conclusion
"Listener Stories: Vol. 99" offered a rich tapestry of personal experiences intertwined with folklore and psychological phenomena. Christine and Em adeptly navigated through tales of destiny, guardian spirits, and survival instincts, providing both chills and heartwarming moments. The episode underscored the profound impact of listener contributions and the hosts' ability to create an engaging and supportive community.
For those interested in exploring more of these intriguing stories, visit andthatswhywedrink.com and follow Christine and Em on their social media channels.