'And That’s Why We Drink' Enters a New Chapter

After nearly ten years as co-host of the award-winning comedy podcast And That’s Why We Drink, Christine Schiefer will step away from the microphone in October while continuing to play an integral role behind the scenes at ParaPods, the creator-first podcast network she co-founded with Em Schulz.

Since launching in February 2017, And That’s Why We Drink has become one of the most successful independent comedy podcasts in the world. Blending paranormal stories and true crime, the podcast has amassed more than 250 million lifetime downloads, inspired sold-out live tours across North America, earned numerous industry honors, and produced two bestselling books.

What began as two friends recording a podcast has grown into a thriving creative business. Together, Schulz and Schiefer built ParaPods, a podcast network dedicated to amplifying independent creators and helping creator-owned shows build sustainable businesses while maintaining their unique voices.

As Schiefer transitions away from her weekly hosting duties on And That’s Why We Drink, she will continue working closely with the ParaPods team to expand the network and support its growing roster of podcasts. She will also continue hosting her other podcast, Beach Too Sandy with her brother Xandy Schiefer.  

"This podcast has been one of the great loves of my life and has opened up entire worlds to me. I feel humbled and honored to have helped usher it into the world, and to have been with it for so long. I’m deeply proud of what Em and I built together, and I couldn’t be more grateful for every single listener who made it possible.

…I can’t wait to continue working within ParaPods to make it an inclusive, welcoming, and innovative place for podcasters to do what they do best…make podcasts!" said Schiefer. Read Christine’s full statement here.

“When we started this podcast, we had no idea what it would become. What began as two friends talking into microphones grew into something so much bigger than either of us ever imagined: an incredible team, our own podcast network, and this amazing community of listeners. …I still love doing this show and truly feel like there’s so much more to come from And That’s Why We Drink, ParaPods, and beyond.”  said Schulz Read Em’s full statement here.

Schulz will continue as host of And That’s Why We Drink, with a rotating lineup of special guest hosts joining them as the show enters its next chapter. The evolution of the podcast will honor the community, creative spirit, and nearly a decade of storytelling that Schulz and Schiefer have built together. The show and the ParaPods network will continue to be part of Daylight Media.

About And That’s Why We Drink

Hosted by New York Times bestselling authors Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer, And That’s Why We Drink is an award-winning comedy podcast where the paranormal and true crime meet. Launched in February 2017, each episode takes listeners on a deep dive into the paranormal and true crime stories the hosts are obsessing over that week. With more than 250 million lifetime downloads, the podcast consistently ranks among the top comedy podcasts and has built a devoted global audience.

And That’s Why We Drink has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including People’s Voice Webby Awards for Best Comedy Podcast in 2019, 2021 and 2022; Webby Awards Podcast Comedy Honoree in 2024; People’s Choice Podcast Awards for Comedy in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and True Crime in 2023 and 2024; and multiple Signal Awards, including Gold and Listener’s Choice honors for Commute Podcast and True Crime, as well as recognition for Best Co-Host Team in 2024 and 2025. The podcast has also received multiple W3 Awards, including Gold for Best Co-Hosts in 2024 and 2025, and Davey Awards, including Gold for Best Co-Hosts in 2024 and Silver honors in 2023 and 2025.

In May 2022, Schulz and Schiefer released their first book together, A Haunted Road Atlas, which debuted on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Their follow-up, A Haunted Road Atlas: Next Stop, debuted on the USA Today Best Sellers list.

In 2025, Schulz and Schiefer expanded their work beyond And That’s Why We Drink with the launch of ParaPods Network, a creator-first podcast network built to support independent podcasters while preserving the creative ownership and unique voices that make their shows successful. Through ParaPods, Schulz and Schiefer work alongside a growing roster of independent comedy, paranormal, true crime and other podcasts, providing creators with the resources, infrastructure and support needed to build sustainable businesses and reach new audiences. 

Together, And That’s Why We Drink and ParaPods represent the evolution of Schulz and Schiefer from podcast hosts into entrepreneurs and advocates for independent creators, building a business rooted in their belief that creators should have the support and resources to grow without sacrificing the authenticity that connects them with their audiences.