This thread has been very helpful and the Hepvo Waterless Valve appears to be
the fix. But this brings up one more thing that is missing....go to your shower and look at the cross bars in the drain. I have tried to put a toe stopper in our A/S shower, (to soak my feet while having a shower) and it appears the center is not threaded to accept one. I have tried both 5/16th and 3/8th sizes. If anyone has success putting one in, please let us know.
LEAKPRF STOP 5/16-2 RAPFT [03-4821] : Lasco - Plumbing Parts!
However, failing that, I'm thinking something like this bad boy,
Shower Drain Plug, as it will stop the air and water (reminds me of those old Thermos bottle plugs). Now I'm thinking.... "would that move the problem to the bathroom sink"?