Listener Stories: Vol. 99

Stories:

1: A guardian angel and maybe a glitch in the matrix: full of little happinesses! - April
2: Fate and a guardian angel - Alex (she/her)
3: My interactions with Domovoy - Elena (she/her)
4: An embarrassing third man experience - Bri (she/her)
5: My wholesome third man story - Abby (she/her)
6: The Third Man Saved My Mom’s Life - Megan (she/her)

Happy New Year Boozers and Shakers! We’ve got an awesome collection of stories that Eva gathered for us to kick in the door to 2025 with today, including fate and guardian angel experiences, interactions with a Domovoy (Russian House Spirit), and a few wholesome third man stories. And should we try the whole trench coat thing? …and that’s why we drink!

Transcript

[intro music]

Em: Happy 2025!

Christine: We made it! I hope. At least, at, at least in theory we did ’cause we’re recording this a few weeks early. But. We made it! If you’re hearing this, we made it.

Em: We, we kicked those doors of 2024 off its hinges. We are out of there. Thank god.

Christine: Actually, I didn’t kick it off the hinges. I closed it very gently, and I put 17 locks on it.

Em: [laughs]

Christine: And I said, “Okay, stay here now.”

Em: And you blew it a kiss, and you wished it well.

Christine: “You stay. Be a good, be a good boy. Bye!”

Em: Well, hopefully, uh, 2025 is kind to us, and, uh, we are starting it off by reading some of your stories as a good luck charm.

Christine: That’s right.

Em: So, uh, for those of you who maybe have– if this is your first time here, we do listener stories–

Christine: New year, new podcast! [laughs]

Em: Yeah. [laughs] We do a, uh, a listener's episode at the first of every month where we read your true crime and paranormal stories instead of reading ones that we found off the internet. And, uh, it’s always a mixed bag. We never know what we’re gonna get because Eva picks them for us. Thank you, Eva. And, uh, I don’t know. I– Is there– Do you have a reason why you drink at the start of this year?

Christine: Well, uh, I just discovered a little fruit fly in my coffee.

Em: Oh…

Christine: Good morning to me.

Em: Are you someone who’s gonna keep drinking that now?

Christine: Um, let me take a little look at how many legs he’s got. That’ll determine–

Em: Oh my god.

Christine: Yeah, that’ll determine.

Em: I see what you mean–

Christine: Oh!

Em: How many?

Christine: It’s just a little, it’s just a little crumb. It’s fine. I can keep drinking it. I thought it was a bug.

Em: Oh, it is not a bug. Okay. Thank god.

Christine: It is not a bug. It is a crumb. I thought it was a bug.

Em: Oh my god.

Christine: It is not a bug.

Em: You know, I was sitting downstairs in my mom’s house yesterday, and I must ha– Something must have happened. Three fruit flies were swa– are c-circling me like I was Pig-Pen from Charlie Brown. Like I just smelled really bad or something.

Christine: [laughs] You– just a cloud.

Em: And I was like, “Why the hell are there so many flies circling around me?”

Christine: You told me your cat– your evi– The cat that was considered the evil cat at your house passed away, and I feel like your cat is ge– out for vengeance in the afterlife.

Em: It’s gotta be. Something like that. I–

Christine: Everything that’s happening over there, I keep thinking like things– Yesterday, we recorded, um– Oh, yesterday, you say? Yes, every day for the past week we’ve recorded, and, uh, in the back behind Em, something like fell off the shelf. And I’m convinced it’s this cat coming back to haunt you.

Em: I– But the thing is like that dead cat did not even– when he was alive, did not care enough about me to– Maybe now he’s just testing the water somewhat–

Christine: Maybe he’s just like back to– Yeah, maybe li– You know how they say like when you pass away that you end up kind of like in a time where you were more physically able-bodied and–

Em: Mm.

Christine: Maybe like he went back to his kittenhood and said, “I’m ready to s– do this all over again.

Em: I hope if–

Christine: “Just find enemy number one.”

Em: I was gonna say, if he went back to his kittenhood, I hope it’s before his villain origin story, and now he just wants to be a fun, happy kitten.

Christine: No, maybe that’s what’s happening. Maybe he’s just running around like knocking stuff off. You know, maybe he’s in a, um, a better place. You can tell Tom I said that.

Em: I, I– Okay. [laughs]

Christine: I’m sure it’ll make him feel– He’ll know what it means.

Em: [laughs] He’ll know what it means.

Christine: I’m sure it’ll make him feel a lot better about his [laughs] deceased cat. I’m so sorry.

Em: [laughs] Well, hopefully, you’re telling the truth. Uh, but no, I, I– Yeah, there was f-few fruit flies around me, and I’m not someone who can– The second it even touches the plate of food that I have on, I won’t eat the food. I’m like so grossed out by bugs.

Christine: Em’s a little high-maintenance sometimes, and that’s okay, you know.

Em: One hundred percent of the time. Yeah.

Christine: That’s okay. 100% of the time, alright. I was gonna give you a little like 90%, but if Em’s saying 100–

Em: No, I’m high-maintenance about being high-maintenance, for sure.

Christine: Oh my god, guys. It’s exhausting.

Em: Which is weird because half the time, I don’t care, and then the other half of the time, I really fucking care.

Christine: Well, and by the way, that gives everybody else a real, uh, a real run for their money ‘cause we’re like, “Is this one of the ones?”

Em: You never know.

Christine: I never know until, uh, ’til it’s too late. [laughs]

Em: That’s exactly right.

Christine: Uh, [laughs] um, okay. Do you– How ‘bout I’ll go first? I don’t know why, but–

Em: Sure.

Christine: –I’m just gonna do it. This is called “A Guardian Angel and Maybe a Glitch in the Matrix: Full of Little Happinesses!” That’s nice.

Em: Oh! That’s lovely.

Christine: We got a like a good vibe for 2025 already. I like this. “Hi all! April here. I started listening to your podcast a couple months ago. I’d binged all of the Crime Junkie podcast, and a friend suggested this one! I’m now to 125 and listen almost daily on my one hour commute each way–“ Yikes.

Em: Mm.

Christine: Good times. I don’t miss that from LA life.

Em: Nope.

Christine: “–and I love your show. It’s great for commutes and road trips. However, if I’m driving late at night down a back road, I have to turn it off or I get all freaked out.” [laughs]

Em: Okay. That’s fine.

Christine: ’Cause we’re like, “Fruit flies!”

Em: I know. [laughs]

Christine: “There’s a fruit fly in my coffee!”

Em: [laughs]

Christine: “Horror story!” Uh, it is always comforting to me when people say our show is scary ’cause it doesn’t feel scary to me when we record it, but I always like a little spooky podcast. I’m glad we, I’m glad we make the cut.

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: “An unrelated coincidence is that your combined lucky numb–“ Shut the fuck up. “–your combined lucky numbers make up my dad’s birthday: 22249.” Aw!

Em: That’s precious.

Christine: “So that always m-makes me feel a little more attached to y’all.” I’m like th– sitting here trying to figure out the date. Okay. That’s–

Em: Yeah like, what does it mean?

Christine: –really not that s–

Em: February 2nd, 1949 – was he born then?

Christine: 22nd, but yes. “So let’s crack into it. My mother went into labor–“ Wow. [laughs] What a good start. “My mother went into labor in the middle of the night. She woke up my father. They dropped my siblings at my grandmother’s house and drove to the hospital. They parked and walked in together to the check-in. My mother gave the nurse her name, and the lady looked at her and said, ‘Weren’t you here delivering yesterday?’”

Em: What?

Christine: What the fuck? I– [unintelligible] Imagine like looking down at your stomach like, “Hm. I don’t think so.” [laughs]

Em: Yeah. “Right here!”

Christine: “I, I think, think I’m right here right now!” “And my mother pointed–“ Oh. “–my mother pointed to her very pregnant stomach and back at the nurse and deadpan said ‘Does it look like I delivered yesterday?’”

Em: Right.

Christine: Yeah, that is, that is literally the exact response. “The nurse shook it off, checked her in, and show– showed her to her room. My mother had a safe and healthy delivery with me and then went back into her room. She spent the night in the hospital. In the middle of the night, she woke up and was back at home, still nine months pregnant and in labor.”

Em: What?

Christine: Wait, what? I’m sorry. This is my w–

Em: Read it again.

Christine: This is actually my worst nightmare. I’m actually really afraid now. “She spent the night in the hospital. In the middle of the night, she woke up and was back at home, still nine months pregnant and in labor.” So it like Groundhog Day-ed her.

Em: Ew! Oh my god.

Christine: Imagine having to go through labor and then being like, “Groundhog Day!” Like of all days–

Em: I’d now find that– I’d find that nurse and be like, “Can you tell me how this goes please?”

Christine: “Gonna strangle you, actually, is what I’m gonna do. What have you done?” “In the middle of the night, she woke up, was back at home, still nine months pregnant and in labor. She woke up my dad, and he drove her to the hospital. She checked in, and the nurse didn’t say anything this time.”

Em: Mm!

Christine: “Again, the birth was uneventful. Later she told this story to my dad, and he brushed it off. We would find out later when I went to preschool that there was another lady in our town with the same first and last name with a husband with a similar name (first initial, same last name as my father) that had a daughter with the same name as mine (April), who was born the day before me in the same hospital.”

Em: Mm.

Christine: “Once we were old enough to be in activities, people would mistakenly call the wrong one, because the phone numbers were right next to each other in the phone book and the families had the same first initials and last name.”

Em: Ew.

Christine: “I lived in the town until I was 12 and never met the other girl. My mother was never sure if this was a deja vu, a glitch in the matrix, or a weird psychic moment or what, but she always talked about how women in our family were just a little extra sensitive.” Do you wonder if like the mom [sighs] like went into the s– consciousness of the oth– like her consciousness went into the one of the other woman as she gave birth the day before?

Em: Like their brains astral projected into each other’s bodies.

Christine: Right? Like they switc– Freaky Friday-ed or something?

Em: It does feel like a Freaky Friday moment.

Christine: Imagine having a Freaky Friday into multiple people giving birth. Like why would you ever– That– Like what a, what a terrible–

Em: It’s a cruel joke.

Christine: Yeah, what a terrible time, um, to pick that. But, wow. That’s pretty crazy. “My second story is about me directly. It happened when I was about 4 or 5. I was a very petite child and loved hiding.” [laughs] Oh, great.

Em: [laughs] Jesus Christ, okay.

Christine: That’s not scary at all. “One day, my whole family went to the mall.” Oh god. “And I hid in a clothing rack in the Sears. When I came out of hiding, my family was gone, and I couldn’t find them.” Classic. Classic memories. “My mother always had a rule that if we get lost in the mall, we were supposed to meet at the food court, but I didn’t know where that was. Within seconds, I was upset and crying, and I left the store in search of my family and the food court. While I was looking around, I saw my dad. He was walking around in his hat and trench coat.” [laughs]

Em: Oh my god. What is happening? I’m sorry.

Christine: I’m sorry. [laughs] Who, who’s your dad?

Em: At this point, I’m kinda hoping you astral projected again, and this is not your dad.

Christine: [laughs] It’s the other April’s dad. Um, I just love that like, what is he doing? Going to like Bath & Bodyworks in his trench coat? I don’t know. Okay. “I ran to catch up with him but couldn’t catch him. But, I followed behind him all the way to the food court, and when I looked up, there was my mother and my brothers. They were all waiting there, but my dad wasn’t. He was out searching for me. I asked where my dad was, as I had just seen him. She told me he was at the mall security office. About five minutes later, my dad showed up with mall security. He told the man he could go as I had shown up, and yelled at me for hiding. I told him I had seen him and chased him all the way back to the food court. And then I noticed he was wearing a windbreaker today.”

Em: What?

Christine: “He didn’t have a hat with him that day. I could have sworn this was my dad, but apparently, it was just my guardian angel guiding me back to my family.”

Em: Or it was other April’s dad [laughs] as we’ve said.

Christine: It was other April’s dad in his trench coat. [laughs] The one that matches your dad’s trench coat.

Em: [laughs] Yeah.

Christine: “Looking back, that’s the only thing that it could have been, and I have only seen him twice since.” Oh, you’ve seen him again!

Em: Oy.

Christine: “When spe–“ I love that the universe is like, “Here, here’s just like a image of your dad.”

Em: Yeah.

Christine: “This, this is your guardian angel.”

Em: “You know this guy, kind of.”

Christine: “It– You, you’ve heard of him. He’s around.”

Em: “He doesn’t know you, but you know him.”

Christine: “Yeah, you know this trench coat. It’s a whole thing.” “Looking back, that’s the only thing it could’ve been. I’ve only seen him twice since when speeding down the highway, right before a hidden cop, telling me to ‘slow down.’” Now, that’s a useful guardian angel. “Thanks for reading my stories, hope they weren’t too long. Y’all always do some heavy stuff, so I wanted to send a little lightness along. Love, April from Kentucky (and her pets Stormi (cat) and Pancakes (dog)) #teamLemon” [laughs]

Em: Now, what would be really weird is when you like run around with them one day, and then there’s a whole other slew of animals, but they’re in a different trench coat. [laughs]

Christine: Just slightly different trench coat. There’s three cats in a trench coat, and they all ring your doorbell. [laughs]

Em: [laughs] Well done.

Christine: What if it was your da– What if that was– What if your dad, the guardian angel that you thought was your dad, was just three cats in a trench coat the whole time?

Em: And what if you– that cat that you think is your cat is actually three of your dads in a trench coat?

Christine: [laughs] Holy shit!

Em: Now that’s crazy.

Christine: Holy shit.

Em: The trench coat bit will never be old for me. I always–

Christine: The trench coat bit is always funny. Perpet–

Em: Creatures in a trench coat really get me.

Christine: Anything in a– It’s perpetually funny.

Em: Every time. Uh, I think you and I should try the trench coat thing sometime. I think it should be me, you, and Eva at the top.

Christine: You think that I– I love that I’m in the middle. I can just like take a nap in there then.

Em: Yeah.

Christine: ’Cause I’m just– I’m not walking, and I’m not talking. I’m just in the middle. [laughs]

Em: Yeah, you just have to carry the, the weight. You’re just–

Christine: That’s fine.

Em: You’re just a balance act.

Christine: I have a b– I have one of those like m– German backpacks that carries toddlers.

Em: Okay, hey. So.

Christine: I feel like Eva could fit in that.

Em: It could– You could probably put Leona in that with Eva on top of you, and it’ll counterbalance. I feel like there could be a–

Christine: Oh, actually, that’s not a bad idea. I’ll hold Leona on this side. I’ll put Eva in the backpack. And what are you–

Em: Blaise is, is monkey-ed around you.

Christine: But what are you doing this whole time?

Em: I’m just breathing, man. I’m just trying to breathe.

Christine: Just, just– [laughs] Just trying to survive.

Em: [laughs] I had a dr– I actually had a dream last night where, um– Well, maybe I shouldn’t say it because we still have another half of our tour to go. But, um, without using– without saying too much information– For those who have been to our show will know what I’m talking about. Um, I had a dream where we were about to do our very last show–

Christine: Oh boy.

Em: –and I forgot our tour suitcases–

Christine: [gasps]

Em: –with like all of the candles and all the set deck.

Christine: The accoutrement!

Em: Everything. And at the end of our show this time– We try to do like a finale at the end of our show at this time. And, uh, we bring something out on stage with us. And I forgot that, and we were trying to convince Eva to, um, [laughs] to, to, to, to join us on stage to do like some version of the finale.

Christine: Oh my– Oh my god. Actually, this feels–

Em: And Eva was not into it, by the way.

Christine: Oh! Okay, good. I was like this feels a little too close to home like this might actually be a thing that happens, so it’s making me a little anxious.

Em: I got really paran– Like I, I didn’t know that it was a dream obviously, so in real life– It felt like real life, and I was like, “Oh, wow. Eva’s like pissed that we’re asking her to do this.” So, um.

Christine: Yeah. I don’t blame her.

Em: Eva, just know that in a, in a pinch that’s what I– apparently, how I would’ve solved the problem. [laughs]

Christine: Yeah, we’re like, “Eva, you’re plan– you’re Plan D. If anything goes wrong, you’re Plan D.”

Em: It’s like, “We need you to come on stage, and, and do a finale for everybody because I forgot every single item that we travel with.”

Christine: “And that’s on you, Eva.”

Em: “And that’s your fault.”

Christine: “So get on stage, put your–“

Em: “We’re actually not gonna be on stage. It’s just you.”

Christine: “Put your trench coat on and get out here.”

Em: Yeah. [laughs]

Christine: “Do a little d– Do a little jig.”

Em: Oh man. Anyway.

Christine: “Entertain the masses.”

Em: Anyway. I– That was– I– That was the dream I woke up from to then record with you right now, and I, I had to remind myself that, “Oh no. The tour has ended. We’re good now.” Um.

Christine: We’re, we’re all safe for now.

Em: Yeah [laughs] so, uh. Anyway, sorry to half spoil it for some people and– I– That, that probably wasn’t fair to say, but–

Christine: I don’t think you spoiled anything for anyone. I barely followed the train of thought. So it’s okay.

Em: Just know that if, uh, you do come to our shows in the spring, and Eva is on stage at the end, that–

Christine: That’s not part of it.

Em: –I did, in fact, lose the, uh, lose the suitcases.

Christine: An emergency has happened, and we were crying about it. [laughs]

Em: Yes. [laughs] And, and Eva’s maybe mad. Um.

Christine: And Eva’s probably quitting today. [laughs]

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Em: So. Okay, here is, uh– I don’t know why I called it a letter, but I suppose it is a letter. Here’s email number two from– This is Alex, and–

Christine: Here’s a missive from Alex.

Em: Here’s, here’s a–

Christine: A letters from the Corin– to the Corinthians from Alex.

Em: A stationery, a correspondence from Alex.

Christine: A correspondence.

Em: And the title is “Fate and a Guardian Angel.” Uh, and apparently, you requested this listener story back in June?

Christine: Sure. Yeah, I remember.

Em: ‘Kay. Alex says, “Hi all! I hope everyone is doing well. My name is Alex (she/her).” Thank you for normalizing pronouns. “I have been a listener since 2017. I had my George Lopez fever dream/demon listener story read maybe five years ago.”

Christine: Aw… Oh my god! I remember– I actually remember that one. I don’t remember many things about my life, but that I remember.

Em: George Lopez doesn’t get mentioned quite often on our show.

Christine: No, he’s like just mysterious enough that he strikes a chord.

Em: “And last month, Christine requested ‘fate’ listener stories.”

Christine: Mm.

Em: “And although not scary in the traditional sense, I do have a good one.” Uh-oh.

Christine: Nice.

Em: “My entire life I have been obsessed with Roller Coaster Tycoon, Imaginex–“

Christine: Oh, fuck yes!

Em: “–Imaginex, and the desire to design theme parks,” which is– I had that hyperfixation growing up. I wanted to be a roller coaster designer when I grew up.

Christine: Mm-hmm.

Em: And then I realized I had to go to like architecture school for that, and I– I never loved it again.

Christine: I– Well, well– Well, I think also engineer– I don’t think it’s even architecture. I think it’s engineering, right? ’Cause you need to do physics and all that.

Em: You have to get multiple degrees.

Christine: Yeah.

Em: It was, um, it was, uh, animation and architecture school or animation and engineering school. It was something like that.

Christine: Yeah, yeah.

Em: Animation had to be one of them.

Christine: Yeah.

Em: But, uh, all of them scared me, so I said, “Well, I guess this dream is not being fulfilled.”

Christine: Hm.

Em: Anyway, I hope it was fulfilled for you. Uh, “I read any and all of the books on how to become a Disney Imagineer.“ Another dream of mine.

Christine: Aw.

Em: “And one of my favorite designers had a degree in something called industrial design. I followed in his footsteps and chose this as my college major to try to get closer to my dream job. During college, I struggled to keep up with the class and got mildly bullied for my theme park interest.”

Christine: Aw!

Em: “I applied to 40 jobs and only received one interview and then landed a job in Atlanta that completely sucked.”

Christine: Mm.

Em: “I stayed at the job for a year and a half before getting completely burned out and quitting to become a nanny. I cannot express at this time how lost I felt and how I’d–“

Christine: Mm.

Em: “–how I had absolutely no clue on how to get myself any job of any type anymore. I ended up g– moving to St. Louis with my partner at the time, and I was jobless. And about a month after moving, my partner and I were attempting to carry our dining room table up the steep stairs of our 1890s apartment and seriously struggling. A ma–”

Christine: Pivot!

Em: “A m–“

Christine: Pivot! [laughs]

Em: [laughs] I know, truly. And 1890s, I feel like every inch of that building is so like delicate.

Christine: Yeah.

Em: Um. “A man on a bike was passing by–“

Christine: It’s not delicate ’cause it’s like made of like crazy old ass wood. It’s just so narrow.

Em: Yeah.

Christine: And like it’s gonna ding up all your belongings ’cause it’s like, “We were here first. You have to conform to our narrow s– landing. Not the other way around.”

Em: Isn’t your house 1890s?

Christine: 1870s, yeah.

Em: Oh my god. Uh, that’s wild. That’s wild, Christine.

Christine: I’ve certainly never tried to carry a c– Well, actually, that’s not true. I have absolutely done that. It’s terrible. It’s terrible. [laughs]

Em: I’m sure you have dinged up that house in very special ways.

Christine: [laughs] It’s dinged– Let’s just say it’s dinged me up plenty.

Em: “About a month after moving–“ Oh, so they’re moving the table. “A man on a bike was passing by and stopped and asked if we needed help. I do not like talking to strangers (especially men)–“

Christine: Mm-hmm.

Em: “–but for some reason, I felt the instinct to say, ‘Yes!’ Uh. ‘Okay no problem!’ He said and began helping my partner carry it up the stairs.”

Christine: A year later? Wait, what?

Em: “A month after moving...”

Christine: Oh, okay. You said a month after carrying it. I was like, “They’re still carrying that table up the–“ Or wait, what– Is it a couch or a table? What is it again?

Em: It’s a table.

Christine: Okay.

Em: Um.

Christine: So they’re mid-carrying the table now.

Em: Mid-carrying the table.

Christine: Okay.

Em: “He began helping my partner carry it up the stairs. I watched his bike for, uh– I watched his bike for him, and when he returned we made small talk. He asked me where I worked, and I said I didn’t work at the moment. And he said, ‘Oh, well, what’s your background and dream job?’”

Christine: Aw.

Em: “And I hesitated and told him I had an industrial design degree, mostly worked on themed graphics, but my jo– my dream job was decorating– or, creating theme parks.”

Christine: Mm.

Em: “And he looked at me and paused. And at this moment, I felt the most visceral gut reaction I’ve ever had in my life. I’m not religious, but I do consider myself spiritual in a variety of ways. I’m not sure if this was a guardian angel, but it felt like time slowed.”

Christine: [gasps]

Em: “And I heard a quiet voice tell me he was about to tell me he could offer me my dream job.”

Christine: This is literally like the angels like holding your head still and being like, “Pay attention.”

Em: “Look at this man.” Yeah.

Christine: “Look. May eye contact.” [laughs]

Em: “And he said, ‘I have an industrial design background too.’”

Christine: [gasps]

Em: “‘I do thematic graphics, and I design theme parks with a firm downtown. I act–‘“

Christine: Shut up!

Em: “‘I actually put in my two weeks yesterday.’”

Christine: No.

Em: “‘And I’m moving to New York City with my family.’”

Christine: No.

Em: “I was in shock, and he proceeded to hand me his boss’s business card. And within two weeks, I filled the position that was never posted.”

Christine: No the fuck way.

Em: “I have not had anything even remotely close to this happen to me again in my life, but I truly believe this was a fate moment. I am happy to say six years later that I am now a Walt Disney Imagineer–“

Christine: [gasps]

Em: “–as a Designer and Illustrator in Orlando, Florida.” Holy shit.

Christine: [singing] When you wish upon a star…

Em: [laughs] “If you all read this for the June episode–“ Nope.

Christine: LOL.

Em: Uh, “June–“

Christine: Jan.

Em: “June 3rd is actually my first day as an Imagineer.” Oh, that makes June 3rd so much more special!

Christine: [quiet, higher voice] That’s your birthday.

Em: “Although this is not scary or creepy, I hope you enjoyed this story. P.S., if you do an Orlando show, I will happily give you all Disney guest tickets and all the nerdy fun facts.”

Christine: [laughs] Oh, fuck yeah!

Em: You know what’s so wild? Is– uh, I– First of all, as much as I would appreciate the Disney tickets, I just wanna like walk around with an Imagineer and see– have all that stuff pointed out at me ’cause–

Christine: I know.

Em: –my dream job for a long time was exactly what you’re doing, so.

Christine: I think your dream job would be to just follow around somebody who does that and get to just hear all the facts.

Em: I just want you to point at everything and fun fact me to death. That’s what I want, yeah.

Christine: Wow, what a story though. Like to be like, “I don’t talk to strangers. This man just happens to drive by as I’m holding a heavy object.” Like the way that the universe had to algorithmically formulaically set that up is just so cool.

Em: That’s wild. And Alex said at the end, “While reading back, I realized that y’all always read these on the first of the month, not the first Monday. So my first day at W-Walt Disney Imagineering is still June 3rd, but I wanted to clarify.” Oh, okay. Well. C-Congratulations, anyway! Uh–

Christine: [laughs] Yeah, fuck this! I don’t want to read this anymore.

Em: [laughs]

Christine: Just kidding. We’re literally seven months late already, so.

Em: No, but that’s, I mean, so cool. And also I’m glad that somebody was able to actually go do that job like without having to do the, the triple majors I thought that you needed to be able to do that job.

Christine: Yeah, yeah.

Em: So, uh, congratulations! I’m very happy but also very jealous of you. So.

Christine: Industrial b– design. Okay, interesting. Yeah.

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: I think– Yeah. Wow, that was crazy. Okay. This is from Elena (she/her). And it’s called “My Interactions with Domovoy.”

Em: Oh my god. Okay. I don’t know what that is.

Christine: “Hi Em and Christine! I’m–“ I love the [mimicking Em] “Oh my god.”

Em: [laughs]

Christine: “Oh my god.” [laughs]

Em: Sounds bad. I don’t know. [laughs]

Christine: “Hi Em and Christine! I’m a newbie binge-listening to your amazing podcast. I’m only on episode 54. Ahh, these years before Covid and everything that followed. Please note this, and that I’m Russian living currently in Uruguay, so I don’t use English in my everyday life, and it could be clumsy.” Yeah, as you’re like the most eloquent person I’ve ever read.

Em: Yeah. [laughs]

Christine: “English is not my first language! :D So, in your first episodes, you were often talking about the things disappearing and then reappearing mysteriously in your houses.” You know I love that. “And it was strange for me. Not because it’s creepy, but because in Russian households (and I guess in any other Slavic households really, but I don’t know and can’t speak for other cultures), it’s somehow normal.”

Em: Hm.

Christine: [laughs] Oh, this is just a thing that you guys– You’re like, “Oh, it’s just gone for a few days. Don’t worry about it.”

Em: Nope.

Christine: “You see, though orthodox church is very powerful in Russia, many (I think most) people still hold to our cultural beliefs. One of the most popular is the existence of Domovoy. Domovoy (or sometimes Domoviha, feminine) is a guardian spirit of the house–“

Em: Oh.

Christine: “–typically seen as a tiny old man–“ Have you heard of a Domo–?

Em: Mm-mm.

Christine: You’ve not heard of a Domovoy?

Em: Mm-mm.

Christine: Uh, “–is a guardian spirit of the house typically seen as a tiny old man with a long beard, wearing traditional clothes.”

Em: Aw.

Christine: “E–“ That’s very cute. It sounds like a little gnome.

Em: It sounds like a little Santa, yeah.

Christine: Yeah. “Every house has its own Domovoy, it’s a given. Though I don’t know how it, it works in recently built buildings. Must be some Domovoy distribution system, I guess?” [laughs]

Em: Like with cats, yeah.

Christine: “So, Domovoy is like an elder member of the family. You must respect him, keeping your house clean–“ Uh-oh. “–and behaving in your house well, or he’ll become upset with you and will cause trouble.” Maybe this explains a lot in my home. “That’s where the disappearing of things come. Always, always when I lost something, my mother would say ‘Go ask Domovoy nicely.’“ [laughs]

Em: Damn.

Christine: “And I, I would go and say into the air–“ Oh gosh, here we go. “‘Hozyain-batyushka (meaning Host-father), play, play and return to me my nam– (insert name of the thing).’”

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: “It works more often than not. And sometimes it works a little creepy. For example, I clearly remember how one evening I was getting ready for the next school day and couldn’t find my favorite hairpin. Naturally, I asked Domovoy nicely to play with it and then return it, but this evening nothing happened. In the morning, I found it laying in the middle of my very tidy desk, where I for sure would have noticed it the previous evening. My parents just shrugged their shoulders like this is totally normal. [laughs] The other time, my mom couldn’t find either her shirt or blouse and asked Domovoy again nicely. After that she went to do some errands, and nobody was home. When she returned, the clothes that she was looking for were laying on her pillow.”

Em: Is that the most–

Christine: And then–

Em: That’s you and your retainer.

Christine: It literally says, “Just like the retainer from your story!”

Em: Mm.

Christine: Ew! That’s so crazy. I was thinking about that last night actually weirdly. And, uh–

Em: It was your Domovoy saying, “You’re gonna think about me.”

Christine: M– It was actually Mr.– It was Mr. Chatfield which is like way worse. I would rather be a Domovoy, I think. [laughs]

Em: [laughs]

Christine: Um, let’s see. Maybe Mr. Chatfield is my Domovoy.

Em: Yeah.

Christine: Uh, duh-da-duh. “So it was perfectly folded on her pillow. And again, it wasn’t a huge shock for her or, frankly, anyone — just a funny story to tell our friends. And I assure you, almost every one of my friends from Slavic households have a very similar story ei– either with them or their relatives. Another thing about Domovoy is that if you’re moving somewhere, you should invite him to go with you to your new home–“

Em: Oh, that’s nice!

Christine: “And you offer–“ Aw! This is really sweet. “You offer him a new clean towel as a ‘transport.’”

Em: That’s precious.

Christine: That’s really cool.

Em: You just go, “Hop on in!”

Christine: “Hop on in, guys!”

Em: “I’ll wrap you up, keep you warm.”

Christine: I love this. Bundle you like a little baby. “I didn’t do it–“ Uh-oh.

Em: Oh. [laughs] Okay.

Christine: [laughs] “I didn’t do it and now nothing vanishes in my house. But at the same time, it feels cold and unwelcoming somehow. :( But I like to think that our Domovoy stayed with my parents and looks after them, like a strict, but funny and playful guardian spirit.” This is so heart-warming. “I have other stories about both Slavic folklore and my dead relatives predicting future deaths in the family [laughs] in my dreams, but that’s for another time. I’m returning to listening to you and hope to catch you up in the following cold months. Thank you so much for making my emigration anxiety bearable! Hugs, Elena.”

Em: Aw!

Christine: That was just– What a story. Domovoy.

Em: I exc– I expected it to be scary. It sound–

Christine: Something demonic. I mean, it sounds kinda like demon– demon.

Em: Domovoy to me, without knowing what it is, sounded like a–

Christine: Domovoy…

Em: –like the name of a– some sort of entity.

Christine: A spirit, like a–

Em: Yeah.

Christine: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Em: Um. [coughs] That’s precious. I wonder does a Domo– Do they– I wonder if they last forever? Like we’ve lived in this house for over 30 years now. Um, I’m wondering like is the Domovoy like just so tired of us and waiting for a new family? Or like after 30 years, do you get to tap out and someone else switches in for you?

Christine: Well, it sounds like–

Em: You know?

Christine: It sounds like they’re very like– That’s their whole thing is they just protect the house.

Em: Alright.

Christine: I don’t know.

Em: I wonder like what about abandoned houses. Wonder if they’re still there.

Christine: I know that’s what– And that’s also what she was saying with, um, with uh– that she doesn’t know how it works with like an apartment or like new builds. Like how does that work, you know what I mean? D– Are there–

Em: Yeah. I’m curious.

Christine: –a distribution system as she said.

Em: I wonder if there’s rooms that even the Domovoy doesn’t like in his own house that he has to protect, and he’s like, “Ugh, I don’t wanna go in that dirty little basement.” You know?

Christine: Well, that’s probably why he takes all the stuff and is like, “Can you do something about this? Here’s your blouse.”

Em: I like to think your Domovoy h-hunkers down in the basement where nothing is, so he can just like tr– and he covers his ears and eyes, and he just doesn’t have to think.

Christine: I was gonna say he shakes–

Em: Yeah, he just [laughs]

Christine: Yeah, he just rocks back and forth.

Em: He’s like, “Please. Just please leave me alone. Please.”

Christine: “Just please.” And I feel like he’s probably hidden so many of my things, and I haven’t even noticed. ’Cause I’m like– Well, I mean, look around. I mean, it’s just like– I wouldn’t even notice. You could probably– I mean, the number of things I just lose– I– Remember I lost my like AirPods? And they appeared on my sink after the cleaning folks had like Lysol-ed it and just some weird shit.

Em: So creepy. I– See, I don’t think my Domovoy, um, is– I think maybe he’s hard of hearing because I will actively–

Christine: [laughs]

Em: –say out loud– I wasn’t saying to the Domovoy, but I was saying, “Whoever is here and maybe took my stuff, can I please have that back? I really, really need it.”

Christine: It didn’t work?

Em: Doesn’t work.

Christine: Usually it works for me, but, um, maybe you need to be nicer to your Domovoy.

Em: I think mine just likes to take naps, and I– Al–always when I lose things, it’s when he’s in the middle of a nap and not working. He’s like off the clock, you know.

Christine: Oh, I see. He just like steals your shit and then clocks out.

Em: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Uh, this, uh, correspondence as I said earlier, this is from Bri who uses she/her pronouns. Thank you for normalizing pronouns, Bri. And the title is – which I love – “An Embarrassing Third Man Experience.”

Christine: [laughs] What could that mean?

Em: And Bri says, “Hello And That’s Why We Drink family and Lemon, I was listening to episode 360 where Em talks about third man syndrome and was shocked to learn there was a name for something I’d experienced when I was six-years-old. I was even more shocked to hear it normally happens to those in danger or life-threatening situations because mine definitely was not.”

Christine: Mm.

Em: And for those who don’t remember, a third man syndrome is when usually like if you’re in a car accident, you have– They think it’s some sort of hallucination that like someone helps you out of the car, but then that person never existed.

Christine: It’s almost like you have a companion in the– So, for example, it’s often times described to people who are doing very, um, dangerous outdoor treks and things like that where, you know, you’re on– you’re in like a very solitary pl– space. Like I think, um, that guy who c-climbed Everest like he was one of the early like writers of third man syndrome.

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: And it’s like you feel like there’s a third– like a presence there with you.

Em: Yeah. And then when something– if something happens to you, it’s, it’s almost like a guardian angel experience where somet– somehow people will end up outside of their car, and they remember someone dragging them out of the car. But then when they come to, nobody was there, and somehow they got out of the car on their own.

Christine: Mm-hmm. And sometimes, it’s just like they’re just there as a companion until you’re like found.

Em: Yeah, or to like talk you through it, yeah.

Christine: Like sometimes they’re just like there. Yeah.

Em: Um. So, anyway. Curious what happens here. “My terrible emergency at age six was getting stuck in my swimsuit.” [laughs]

Christine: No... By the way, I know how scary that can be.

Em: I know that feeling.

Christine: It’s so scary.

Em: It’s so suffocating.

Christine: As a six-year-old, yeah.

Em: Um. “It was summer, which meant no one was inside when I experienced this mortal peril. We–”

Christine: [laughs] Aw.

Em: “We were at a lake with a small, with a small cove that held several houses in a semicircle, and everyone was talking, barbecuing, or whatever it is adults did when we were off playing. I had been out of the water for a while, but my swimsuit was damp, and I had to pee. So getting the one-piece off wasn’t the problem, but getting it back on was.”

Christine: Oh.

Em: “And I didn’t know I could just pull it to the side until I joined my swim team years later.” [laughs]

Christine: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Eventually, you learn all the tricks. [laughs]

Em: I fe– I feel like my mom taught me that early on because sh– the last thing she wanted to do was be inconvenienced with having to redress me in a wetsuit.

Christine: She knew, yeah. She knew you– She’s like, “I’m barbecuing or whatever adults do. Now, leave me alone.”

Em: She was just– I think I learned the pull it to the side trick the second I could use the bathroom.

Christine: Yeah, I already taught Leona that ’cause she, uh, she literally wears a leotard to dance class, and I’m like, “I’m not taking your tights off and your fucking ballet slippers and your leotard.”

Em: Yeah, I think– I think, uh, I think we– I had a quote– I don’t know about “lazy mom,” but certainly a mom who didn’t wanna be bothered, and I understand it totally now.

Christine: Mm.

Em: And I, I guess you’re also one of those moms who doesn’t want to be bothered if you don’t have to be.

Christine: Certainly– Well, I at least want to teach her the tricks. It’s not that I don’t wanna be bothered. I just want to teach her the tricks so that these scary things like getting trapped in a bathing suit are less likely to happen ’cause I’ve been there.

Em: Mm. That’s nice of you.

Christine: And it is a scary experience.

Em: I just wouldn’t wanna be bothered. So, I guess it runs in the family. [laughs]

Christine: I mean, I know. [laughs] I mean, I know– [laughs]

Em: Uh, “I was a chunky child, so this made–“

Christine: Aw, me too.

Em: “–this made the task more difficult. I got st– It got stuck halfway on–“

Christine: And then it’s like damp, and it’s like– Oh, it can’t get–

Em: It’s like glued on you.

Christine: Like when you like wet jeans, and you can’t– Eugh.

Em: “It got stuck halfway on and didn’t move no matter how hard I tugged or pulled, and it hurt.”

Christine: [sympathetically] Mm.

Em: “No one could hear me crying, so I looked in the bathroom window that overlooked the neighbors’ driveway to see if anyone was there, and no luck. I continued to cry and tried to fix the swimsuit, and just when I was about to give up, I looked out the window again. And there was a woman with curly red hair in a white dress standing there, looking right at me.” Which, yikes.

Christine: [laughs] The universe was like, “Okay. Who do we send? Who do we send? Uh, do we really have to send Martha? She’s so scary.” [laughs]

Em: “Send the intern. Bring her down.” Yeah. [laughs] Uh, “I didn’t recognize her, but the neighbor rented their house out so that wasn’t strange for me.” Okay. “She smiled at me, and I remember an overwhelming feeling of safety–“

Christine: Aw.

Em: “–knowing that she was going to come and help me. I heard the screen door open and shut a moment later, and then there she was. She was– Uh, she never said anything, but her hands were gentle, and she never stopped smiling.”

Christine: Aw.

Em: “As soon as she was done, she left.” That’s so sweet.

Christine: That’s really nice!

Em: “When I found my mom later, she was with our neighbor. And I asked who the pretty lady with the red hair was, and she didn’t know who I was talking about. She wasn’t renting at the time either, since she and her family were currently there.”

Christine: I have goose cam. Just like, “the pretty lady.” Like that’s so sweet.

Em: “No one knew who this strange woman was, and when I told my mom what happened she said it must have been my guardian angel.”

Christine: Aw.

Em: That’s really nice because I– if I hadn’t been there, and I heard my kid say a random lady came in and like played with my bathing suit.

Christine: While I was nak– While I was naked. [laughs]

Em: I would have been like, “Who the fuck is this woman?”

Christine: I think– Yeah, especially nowadays. Like, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But I–

Em: But I like to think your mom just had a like a glass of wine in her hand, and she was like, “Oh, she helped you? Alright then. Good for her.”

Christine: Yeah, this is the Linda move.

Em: Yeah.

Christine: Like, “Ah, [unintelligible] it was an angel. Don’t worry about it.” [laughs]

Em: [laughs] “Every now and then I think of the kind lady who helped me in my dire time of need.”

Christine: Aw.

Em: “I’ve never really spoken about it, though I did tell my paranormally skeptic husband about it once. And what I’ve never told anyone is that I think the lady was me.”

Christine: I was about to say that! Okay! Wow! I was literally thinking, “I’m gonna try to guess wha– who it is.” And I was like, hey, I was gonna ask at the end of the story: Do you think it could be her higher self?

Em: Maybe. Yeah.

Christine: That–

Em: I– And I’ve always believed that your guardian angels are just future yous.

Christine: Oh, interesting.

Em: So, it would be interesting if you just needed help, and they just decided to show themselves instead of just kind of invisibly walk you through it.

Christine: Yeah. I had an instinctual feeling this was you this time. ’Cause I don’t think all guardian angels – at least I don’t think – are like yourself, but–

Em: “I’ve always had curly hair and started dying it red so long ago that no one remembers when it was blonde. I can’t explain how it happened if that’s the case, but Em did mention once how our brains can’t make up faces we don’t know, and who would I trust more than myself?” That’s a great point. I’m so smart.

Christine: Thought you were about to say– Thought you were about to say who it– First of all, I said that. Second of all, I like the idea that, um, uh, that– Wait, sor– [laughs] Wait, say that sentence again?

Em: I’m so smart?

Christine: No! [laughs] No, thank you though. Um, the one that you read from–

Em: “I can’t explain how it happened if that’s the case, but Em mentioned how our brains can’t make up faces we don’t know, and who would I trust more than myself?”

Christine: Oh. I thought it was about to say, “And who do I trust more than Em?” And I was like, “Good question. Nobody. Certainly not.”

Em: “I hope it’s not a Haunting of Hill House scenario where I’m appearing to myself after I die–“

Christine: Eugh!

Em: “–because she didn’t look that old and I’ve never seen her since. I’d love to hear your take on it and if you’ve ever read– if you ever read this on the show!”

Christine: I know exactly– I mean, I don’t know exactly, but I have a very, very strong gut intuition that you’re going to have either an astral projection or some sort of dream. And you’re going to relive this out in the other perspective.

Em: That would be crazy. That would be very cool.

Christine: I really believe it. ’Cause I’ve heard stories like that where you don’t realize for decades, and then later you have a dream, and you see your childhood self. And it like clicks where you’re like, “Oh my god. It’s the other side of that.”

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: So I would be so curious– I mean, maybe you won’t even remember the dream, but– I would be so curious if you, if you happen to, uh, remember or, or have that experience.

Em: I mean I’m always craving that– I’m always craving that, uh, that Reddit story of the guy who ended up seeing his younger self and older self.

Christine: That– Yeah, that was a, that was a Jim Harold original, I think, where he said like, oh, uh, he was making a sandwich and a little kid ran past. And he’s like, “That was weird.” And then years later– Or I’m sorry, he was a little kid, he ran past the door and saw a man in a hoodie making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, got scared, ran away. Then like years later was home– visiting home and was making a peanut butter and j–jelly sandwich. He goes, ‘Is there a kid out in the hallway?” And was like, “Wait a minute. That’s me.” I love that story! It’s so crazy.

Em: I, I see it on, uh– Well, when I used to go on Reddit, it would pop up on Reddit all the time. So in my mind, it’s a Reddit original? But I don’t know where it came– I don’t who started it. It– But it’s, it’s definitely something I a-aspire to have in my life. And so if you– if you’re gonna have this, I think your idea of like having a dream and now seeing the other perspective is so cool. So if you get to have the sandwich story, I’m gonna be very jealous of you. Um.

Christine: I’m gonna be very happy for you, but– Yes. We g– We hope you update us if that happens.

Em: Anyway, thanks for the story. That’s, uh, very creepy and in a good way.

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Christine: Um, this is from Abby (she/her), and it’s called “My Wholesome Third Man Story.” “Hi AT– “ Uh-oh, we got an ATTWD.

Em: I’ll judge. That’s fine.

Christine: Uh, “Hello. I listened to Em cover the third man phenomenon and was so comforted and surprised to find out that thousands of people have experienced the same thing I did!. So I thought I would tell you my story. I was driving to my hometown from college to hang out with my best friend for her birthday weekend. Long story short: it was storming very heavily, and a semi jackknifed across the freeway, which I barely avoided as I pulled off to the shoulder. Unfortunately, I got rear-ended really hard by somebody who wasn’t looking at the road.”

Em: Mm.

Christine: “Four different cars were involved in the accident, and my car was totaled. I remember feeling terrified and profoundly alone, especially since my parents were traveling out of the country, and I knew they weren’t there to help me. I got out of my car, and as I saw the damage, I started to panic.”

Em: Mm.

Christine: “Then, a kind-looking man approached me and said, ‘Are you alright?’ to which I responded, ‘I don’t know’ and continued to cry and panic. He came closer and said, ‘Can I give you a hug?’ I agreed, and the man hugged me and quietly said, ‘I got you. You’re gonna be okay.’”

Em: Mm.

Christine: “I distinctly remember how soft his flannel was and how warm and dry he was. This was odd because it was pouring rain outside, and I was soaking wet and shivering from the cold after stepping out of the car for only one minute.”

Em: Wow.

Christine: “This hug felt extremely comforting and was exactly what I needed in that moment. He then said ‘You need to get back in your car and call 911, okay?’ I began to do as he said and when I turned around to thank him for his help, he was gone.”

Em: Eugh!

Christine: “I looked around to see if he was helping the people in the other cars, but he was nowhere to be seen. Reflecting on this moment now, I believe this was either a guardian angel/third man, or it was my Grandpa’s spirit in some form.”

Em: Aw!

Christine: “My grandpa always wore the same type of cozy, soft flannels that the man was wearing. I like to imagine that this was a guardian angel and before he came down to help me, my grandpa stopped him and handed him one of his flannels to wear on his journey–“

Em: Aww. Well that’s precious.

Christine: Okay, well now, now I’m gonna cry. Oh my god. I thought he was gonna stop and say, “Let me do this!”

Em: Yeah.

Christine: It’s like, “Just take this flannel with you. She’ll know it means.”

Em: “She’ll know what it means.”

Christine: [laughs] “My grandpa stopped him and handed him one of his flannels to wear on his journey.” And I like that your grandpa somewhere is like giving you that little wink like–

Em: A nod, yeah.

Christine: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Em: He was like, “I’m busy playing bridge, but you can have a flannel if you want.”

Christine: Yeah! [laughs] “I had plans, but I didn’t like wanna totally dismiss you.”

Em: [laughs] Right.

Christine: Um, “–one of his flannels to wear on his journey since he knew that would comfort his terrified granddaughter. I’ve been a long time listener and absolutely love your podcast and saw you in Anaheim for your last tour! You guys are the best, love you!” That makes me just like teary-eyed.

Em: If something happens to you right now, do you know who would come down and appear before you?

Christine: Probably n– Probably no one. [laughs] Just kidding. Probably, um, hm. Well, my Domovoy’s busy, uh, rocking himself to sleep in the basement, so I don’t–

Em: No, just rocking himself until we finally let him t– uh, fill out his application to the institution, so.

Christine: To move somewhere else– Oh, yeah. [laughs] Um, I don’t know. Do you know who?

Em: No, I always think it’ll be my grandpa, but the last time, he showed up was like so long ago, I think he’s tired of me.

Christine: None of mine ever show up. Yeah, none of mine ever show up. I don’t know what they’re– think they’re busy.

Em: I had a long period of time where I thought my grandpa was just always next to me, and maybe he is now, but he’s definitely faded. Um, and I’m kinda wondering if he’s just bored of me or if it’s like his time is up. I don’t know what the deal is. But now I don’t know who would appear instead. It would– I imagine it’d be one of my grandparents.

Christine: Yeah.

Em: But I don’t know.

Christine: I would like to think so, but they didn’t like me very much in lifetime, so I don’t know.

Em: If there’s, um– If there’s like a chance that it would be somebody I don’t recognize, I think it would be my, my grandmother’s aunt named Tilly, Aunt Tilly.

Christine: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Em: ’Cause I have some weird connection with her that I can’t explain. Um, I’ve obviously never met her, but there’s something about her that really gets me cookin’.

Christine: I mean, we talked about her. You brought photos, and I was like, “This, this is a character you got here in your family.”

Em: [whispering] I think she was gay.

Christine: Well, yeah.

Em: That’s what– I think that helps. Um, but yeah. So maybe she’d show up, but also like I’ve obviously never been in that intense of danger for her to show up or anyone for that fact.

Christine: I mean, you had your like heart restarted in an ambulance.

Em: Yeah, saw no one. So, maybe there’s like–

Christine: Maybe you saw Brad. Maybe he was your guardian angel. [laughs]

Em: [laughs] Thanks, Ian T. Brad? I like to think that my grandpa was like, ”Brad’s got it. I don’t wanna deal with this.”

Christine: Yeah, he’s like,”I don’t want Brad to borrow my flannel. He’s gonna get blood all over it.”

Em: And you would think my grandparents would show up because they’re responsible for this heart shit that I got. Like they gave it to me, so you’d think they’d at least be in the corner going, [whispering] “I’m so sorry.”

Christine: Yeah, but they were like– Hey, it’s not their fault. They were given it too.

Em: Yeah, but I’m gonna blame them ’cause I only know what they look like.

Christine: Mm.

Em: But. Anyway. Yeah, no one has appeared yet, so I guess that they probably just watch from above and went, “Oh, this is formative. Well, I hope they have a good time alone with it.” [laughs]

Christine: Mm. Mm.

Em: Um, let’s see. I think this is my last one? This is– Is this my last one? Yes.

Christine: I think so…?

Em: This is I think our last one.

Christine: Yep, I think it’s the last one.

Em: Okay, this is from Megan who uses she/her pronouns. Thank you for normalizing pronouns. Uh, and your subject line is “The Third Man Saved My Mom’s Life.” So.

Christine: Oh! Cool.

Em: Everyone’s got a third man but me. So.

Christine: Alright.

Em: The story says–

Christine: You’re– you’re– Let’s sit– Let’s take a moment to count our blessings that we don’t have, uh, many opportunities to meet a third man.

Em: This– Well, what if I got – I got stuck in my swimsuit too, you know.

Christine: Well, you don’t seem quite as traumatized about it as maybe this person was.

Em: Megan says, “Hello And That’s Why We Drink Team. Uh, my name is Megan, and I just finished listening to Em’s telling of Third Man Syndrome. This is something that has always fascinated me because the way I see it there are two likely scenarios which are equally rad to think about: either ghosts/guardian angels exist, or our brains can create intentional beneficial hallucinations as a form of internal meta communication.” Damn.

Christine: Yeah, that’s, that’s fascinating. That’s like– That’s what I think is so cool is like even if it’s not supernatural, that’s incredible that our brains can create like a hallucination that can save you– your own life.

Em: Yeah, can talk to ourselves. Yeah.

Christine: Yeah, that’s amazing.

Em: Uh, “I am 95% of a clinical psychologist. I am finishing my doctorate degree and graduating later.”

Christine: Fuck yeah! When was this sent? Maybe they already got it.

Em: They probably did since I– They just finished listening to my episode from a long time ago.

Christine: Oh, yeah! Congrat– if you– I mean, I’m sure you nailed it, Megan. Congrats, Dr. Megan.

Em: Uh, “And even though I do believe in ghosts, I must say the hallucination explanation of Third Man Syndrome is the one I am backing.”

Christine: Mm.

Em: “Especially since it hit very close to me in 2021. In April of that year, I found out that my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Christine: [gasps]

Em: “She ended up getting a double mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation therapy, and the doctors’ consensus was that if she waited a moment longer to see a doctor, the cancer would have metastasized.”

Christine: Oh…

Em: “Three years later, she’s cancer free, but it will always stick with me the story of how she first realized something was wrong. She was just having a normal day, felt totally normal, and was doing house work, mundane life stuff. Then out of nowhere, she hears a voice around her say, ‘Go to a doctor. You have breast cancer.’”

Christine: [gasps]

Em: Oh my god.

Christine: Oh my god.

Em: What a terrifying voice to hear.

Christine: I’d be like that’s OC– That’s my OCD.

Em: Wow. “And her hand–“

Christine: That’s my intrusive thought.

Em: I– Yeah. It’s like you almost hope someone will say that because–

Christine: I– Yeah.

Em: –you almost have that– I at least– I would have thought like, I at least have a moment of hope because if I heard a voice warning me, that means like it’s not too late. That’s–

Christine: Oh. My brain didn’t even go there. But that’s a really good point. Like it’s at least a hopeful thing like, “Oh, if they’re warning there’s maybe something we can do about it.”

Em: There’s a chance like.

Christine: Yeah.

Em: You’re not gonna– Hopefully, my guardian angel wouldn’t tell me after it’s too late.

Christine: [laughs] “Ha-ha!”

Em: [laughs] I– Yeah. “Whoops!” Um.

Christine: “Ha-ha, sucker. You’re joining me soon.” What?

Em: Yeah, exactly. “‘Go to the doctor. You have breast cancer.’ And her hand – of its own accord – flies up to her breast and touches the exact spot she would later find out where the tumor is.”

Christine: No!

Em: Oh my god.

Christine: It’s your intuition. It’s your intuition.

Em: “She hadn’t been for her annual in three years (aka get checked please, everybody).”

Christine: Oh jeez. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten checked for that.

Em: I think we’re supposed to at 40?

Christine: Okay, I was gonna say I think I’m–

Em: But maybe the number’s dropped since?

Christine: I’m getting there.

Em: Um. “But they said she knew in that moment–“ Oh. “She said in that moment she knew she had to go in. Two weeks later, she’s calling me with the official diagnosis, and she’s been expedited for surgery.”

Christine: Mm.

Em: "My mom is an adamant atheist and has never had a supernatural or paranormal experience in her life. She says she genuinely has no idea what this voice was or how it knew she was sick, but if it hadn’t told her and shown her, she most likely would’ve gone to the doctor once it was too late.”

Christine: Mm…

Em: “Unfortunately, the research on these experiences possibly being strategic hallucinations by the brain is a survival– as a survival mechanism is essentially nonexistent.”

Christine: Mm-hmm.

Em: “But the possibility is right in line with how insanely complex and unfathomable the human brain is–

Christine: Mm-hmm.

Em: –and two, it means that we all have a little, a little guardian angel 24/7 built in.” Which that’s very precious.

Christine: Oh, so cool! It’s like your higher self almost. Even if it is like just psychological, it sort of is your higher self. Your intuition is like, “Something’s wrong.”

Em: Yeah.

Christine: “And I need you to know even though it’s just you.” That’s–

Em: Especially on a random day to just have that thought like–

Christine: Just pop in.

Em: The fact that your, your something is working in overdrive, and you’re not even aware of it.

Christine: Totally! And is like breaking through the monotony of the day.

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: Like, “Knock-knock. I have something–“ Oh, it’s so cool, Em.

Em: “The second part makes me feel a bit nicer–“ The second part that we have a guardian angel built in.

Christine: Uh-huh, uh-huh.

Em: “Makes me feel a bit nicer towards my brain who is otherwise mentally ill and requires some medication to function–”

Christine: [laughs]

Em: “–because at least when the cards are down, maybe it can save my life one day.”

Christine: Aw.

Em: “Thank you for taking the time to read all this! And keep doing what you’re doing because we, uh, because we got this, brethrens in anxiety.”

Christine: Brethrens in anxiety?

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: Hell, yeah. That’s relatable.

Em: Uh, anyway. Thank you. That’s– Thank you, Megan, for that story.

Christine: Wow. I’m glad your mom’s doing okay. Um, what a scary– Because then you wonder like, well then why do some people get saved? And why do some people not? And why do some people hear a voice and some don’t?

Em: Mm-hmm.

Christine: You know, it’s just all very confusing and overwhelming to me. But I just– I love to hear these like anecdotes where it’s– where things ended, ended well. So, I do appreciate Eva for putting good vibes into this series of stories. [laughs]

Em: Yeah. I– We never got an epilogue on your mom, but hopefully, she’s doing okay now, so.

Christine: Yeah, yeah.

Em: Um, man. Those are some– I love a third man story.

Christine: [sighs] I know, me too. Those are great, and I love that they’re– that we get like the span of like psychological– Like they believe it was psychological versus like an actual guardian angel wearing Grandpa’s flannel.

Em: Yeah.

Christine: You know, like what a cool spectrum.

Em: I mean, it would also make sense if it is your brain that it would bring in comfort, like a flannel.

Christine: Yeah, yeah. Something, something familiar. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Em: Yeah. Oy. Well, I don’t know, man.

Christine: Wow.

Em: Those are, those are all great.

Christine: Well, we just, uh, broke our way into 2025, kicked the door off the hinges, and said, “Gently close 2024, and let’s get into ’25 and kick ass!”

Em: Hopefully, everyone’s guardian angels and/or third men and/or brains, um, are on high alert. And we’re all looking out for each other, and–

Christine: Let’s be on high alert, but also rest. [laughs]

Em: I’m gonna be on high alert. You be on rest. And then we’ll switch off next year.

Christine: [laughs] Thank you. Thank you.

Em: Uh, happy January! Happy 2025! Good luck out there.

Christine: And I guess we’ll see ya when we see ya. You can go to andthatswhywedrink.com for any information you might need. We’re on tour right now, uh, starting next month, so go check out our tickets andthatswhywedrink.com/live. You can follow us on Patreon atwwdpodcast, uh, which is also our socials. You can find Em @theemschulz and me @xtineschiefer.