Digest

The podcast begins with a lighthearted exchange between the hosts, Christine and an unnamed co-host, who attempt a mind meld game. The conversation then shifts to the co-host's obsession with Rainforest Cafes, discussing their declining number of locations and the co-host's desire to visit all remaining locations. Christine reveals her "bisexual cup" and shares a humorous anecdote about being called out for being biphobic by a listener. The co-host announces a saloon story and reminds listeners to drink water, especially those who identify as bisexual. They playfully tease listeners about their hydration habits. The co-host shares a story about the Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska, a haunted saloon with a rich history dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush. They discuss the saloon's popularity as a brothel and the lawless nature of Skagway during that era. The co-host reveals their goal of visiting every state by age 35 and discusses how they plan to integrate their Rainforest Cafe quest into their travel plans. They also mention their upcoming trip to Nebraska, which may include a visit to a Rainforest Cafe-themed restaurant. The co-host expresses their desire to make Alaska their final state to visit and plans to celebrate their 35th birthday with a trip there. They discuss the possibility of a cruise to Alaska, referencing a previous cruise experience their father had. The co-host delves into the history of the Red Onion Saloon, highlighting its construction by Captain William Moore, the founder of Skagway. They discuss the saloon's popularity as a dance hall and brothel during the Klondike Gold Rush. The podcast then shifts to the disappearance of seven-year-old Stephen in 1972. Stephen walked home from school alone after his mother was running late. When his mother arrived at the school, Stephen was gone. The police searched the neighborhood, but there was no sign of Stephen. The podcast discusses the strange occurrences that happened after Stephen's disappearance. Staff members at the school reported seeing a ghostly figure resembling Stephen on the stairs. They also saw his reflection in the mirror. The podcast details the events of December 4th, 1972, the day Stephen disappeared. Stephen's mother was running late to pick him up from school, and he decided to walk home alone. The school allowed him to leave, and he disappeared. The podcast discusses the concept of stranger danger and how it evolved over time. In the 1970s, there was no widespread awareness of stranger danger, and children were often allowed to roam freely. The rise of serial killers in the 1970s led to increased awareness of stranger danger and the "Do you know where your kids are?" PSA campaign in the 1980s. This chapter discusses the disappearance of Steven Stayner, a seven-year-old boy who was abducted while walking home from school in 1972. The chapter explores the initial response to his disappearance, the false leads that emerged, and the emotional toll it took on his family. This chapter introduces Kenneth Parnell, Steven's abductor, and the life Steven was forced to live under his control. Steven was given a new name, Dennis, and was isolated from his family and friends. The chapter also discusses the emotional impact of this forced identity change on Steven. This chapter details Steven's escape from Kenneth Parnell's captivity and his subsequent rescue of a five-year-old boy named Timmy, who had also been abducted by Parnell. The chapter highlights Steven's bravery and his determination to protect Timmy from the same abuse he had endured. This chapter explores the media's intense coverage of Steven's return and the subsequent harassment he faced. The chapter discusses the challenges Steven faced in adjusting to his old life and the difficulties he encountered in dealing with the media's intrusion into his personal life. This chapter examines the long-term impact of Steven's abduction on his life. The chapter discusses his struggles with self-medication, the challenges of reconnecting with his family, and the difficulties he faced in dealing with the trauma of his experience. This chapter describes Steven's journey towards healing and finding peace after his ordeal. The chapter discusses his marriage, the birth of his children, and his decision to share his story through a movie.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Mind Meld Game, and Rainforest Cafe Obsession

The podcast begins with a lighthearted exchange between the hosts, Christine and an unnamed co-host, who attempt a mind meld game. The conversation then shifts to the co-host's obsession with Rainforest Cafes, discussing their declining number of locations and the co-host's desire to visit all remaining locations.

00:04:51

Bisexual Cup, Online Criticism, and Saloon Story

Christine reveals her "bisexual cup" and shares a humorous anecdote about being called out for being biphobic by a listener. The co-host announces a saloon story and reminds listeners to drink water, especially those who identify as bisexual. They playfully tease listeners about their hydration habits.

00:10:37

The Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska

The co-host shares a story about the Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska, a haunted saloon with a rich history dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush. They discuss the saloon's popularity as a brothel and the lawless nature of Skagway during that era.

00:12:53

State-by-State Travel Goals and Rainforest Cafe Integration

The co-host reveals their goal of visiting every state by age 35 and discusses how they plan to integrate their Rainforest Cafe quest into their travel plans. They also mention their upcoming trip to Nebraska, which may include a visit to a Rainforest Cafe-themed restaurant.

00:15:30

Alaska as the Final State and Cruise Trip

The co-host expresses their desire to make Alaska their final state to visit and plans to celebrate their 35th birthday with a trip there. They discuss the possibility of a cruise to Alaska, referencing a previous cruise experience their father had.

00:18:15

History of the Red Onion Saloon

The co-host delves into the history of the Red Onion Saloon, highlighting its construction by Captain William Moore, the founder of Skagway. They discuss the saloon's popularity as a dance hall and brothel during the Klondike Gold Rush.

00:37:48

The Disappearance of Stephen

The podcast discusses the disappearance of seven-year-old Stephen in 1972. Stephen walked home from school alone after his mother was running late. When his mother arrived at the school, Stephen was gone. The police searched the neighborhood, but there was no sign of Stephen.

00:52:52

The Ghostly Presence

The podcast discusses the strange occurrences that happened after Stephen's disappearance. Staff members at the school reported seeing a ghostly figure resembling Stephen on the stairs. They also saw his reflection in the mirror.

01:06:08

The Day Everything Went Wrong

The podcast details the events of December 4th, 1972, the day Stephen disappeared. Stephen's mother was running late to pick him up from school, and he decided to walk home alone. The school allowed him to leave, and he disappeared.

01:08:00

The Evolution of Stranger Danger

The podcast discusses the concept of stranger danger and how it evolved over time. In the 1970s, there was no widespread awareness of stranger danger, and children were often allowed to roam freely. The rise of serial killers in the 1970s led to increased awareness of stranger danger and the "Do you know where your kids are?" PSA campaign in the 1980s.

01:10:54

The Disappearance of Steven Stayner

This chapter discusses the disappearance of Steven Stayner, a seven-year-old boy who was abducted while walking home from school in 1972. The chapter explores the initial response to his disappearance, the false leads that emerged, and the emotional toll it took on his family.

01:20:46

Steven's Captor and a New Life

This chapter introduces Kenneth Parnell, Steven's abductor, and the life Steven was forced to live under his control. Steven was given a new name, Dennis, and was isolated from his family and friends. The chapter also discusses the emotional impact of this forced identity change on Steven.

01:35:28

Steven's Escape and Timmy's Rescue

This chapter details Steven's escape from Kenneth Parnell's captivity and his subsequent rescue of a five-year-old boy named Timmy, who had also been abducted by Parnell. The chapter highlights Steven's bravery and his determination to protect Timmy from the same abuse he had endured.

01:38:31

The Media Frenzy and its Impact

This chapter explores the media's intense coverage of Steven's return and the subsequent harassment he faced. The chapter discusses the challenges Steven faced in adjusting to his old life and the difficulties he encountered in dealing with the media's intrusion into his personal life.

01:42:56

The Aftermath and the Struggle for Healing

This chapter examines the long-term impact of Steven's abduction on his life. The chapter discusses his struggles with self-medication, the challenges of reconnecting with his family, and the difficulties he faced in dealing with the trauma of his experience.

01:52:29

Finding Peace and a New Beginning

This chapter describes Steven's journey towards healing and finding peace after his ordeal. The chapter discusses his marriage, the birth of his children, and his decision to share his story through a movie.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the mind meld game and how does it work?

  The mind meld game involves two or more people trying to simultaneously say the same word. It's a fun and lighthearted way to test mental connection and communication.

• Why is the co-host so obsessed with Rainforest Cafes?

  The co-host has a strong fondness for Rainforest Cafes, particularly their tropical rainforest atmosphere and animatronic animals. They are determined to visit all remaining locations.

• What is the Red Onion Saloon and what is its historical significance?

  The Red Onion Saloon is a haunted saloon in Skagway, Alaska, with a history dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush. It was a popular dance hall and brothel, reflecting the lawless nature of the town during that era.

• What are the co-host's travel goals and how do they plan to achieve them?

  The co-host aims to visit every state by age 35. They plan to integrate their Rainforest Cafe quest into their travel plans, prioritizing locations in states they haven't yet visited.

• What is the co-host's plan for their 35th birthday and why is Alaska significant?

  The co-host plans to celebrate their 35th birthday with a trip to Alaska, which they consider the most difficult state to reach. They see Alaska as a fitting destination for their final state visit.

• What were the circumstances surrounding Stephen's disappearance?

  Stephen walked home from school alone after his mother was running late to pick him up. The school allowed him to leave, and he disappeared.

• What strange occurrences happened after Stephen's disappearance?

  Staff members at the school reported seeing a ghostly figure resembling Stephen on the stairs and his reflection in the mirror.

• How did the concept of stranger danger evolve over time?

  In the 1970s, there was no widespread awareness of stranger danger. The rise of serial killers in the 1970s led to increased awareness of stranger danger and the "Do you know where your kids are?" PSA campaign in the 1980s.

• How did Steven Stayner's disappearance impact his family?

  Steven's disappearance had a devastating impact on his family. His parents, Dell and Kay, coped with the trauma in different ways, with Kay clinging to hope and Dell struggling with grief. The experience also caused significant trauma for Steven's siblings, who were forced to deal with the uncertainty and fear surrounding his disappearance.

Show Notes