The Backslider Diaries – The First Time
In this episode, we dive headfirst into all our firsts — first concert, first kiss, first drug, first time getting in trouble, and more. These moments shaped who we were before the unraveling. It’s raw, real, and maybe a little reckless. From awkward teen memories to spiritual confusion, it’s all part of the journey of leaving behind the lies we were raised in.

Featuring clips, vibes, and nods to:
🎸 Guns N' Roses – "Sweet Child O' Mine"😱 Darth Vader – “NOOOO!”🕊️ George Michael – "Freedom!"🙏 R.E.M. – "Losing My Religion"🗣️ Kendrick Lamar🎶 Too $hort – "Don't Fight the Feeling"🌊 Billy “Crash” Craddock – "Rub It In"✈️ The Move – "Do Ya"🐢 Sturgill Simpson – "Turtles All the Way Down"🔥 Nine Inch Nails – "The Only Time"🌾 Rev. Horton Heat – "Bales of Cocaine"💔 Bright Eyes – "First Day of My Life"🤘 Beastie Boys – "Fight For Your Right"💋 Salt-N-Pepa – "Push It"💃 George Michael – "Faith"👟 Kenny Loggins – "Footloose"😂 Eddie Murphy – Delirious💀 The Toadies – "Backslider"🍿 Friday (The Movie) - 🐢 Sturgill Simpson – Turtles All the Way Down

🌐 Resources:

🎵 Opening music by The Demigs: ⁠⁠Black Valley Fight⁠⁠

🎵 Closing music by The Demigs: ⁠⁠Monochrome Blues⁠⁠

🌐 Resources:Adult Children of Alcoholics: ⁠⁠https://adultchildren.org⁠⁠ – for support, healing, and recovery

Freedom From Religion Foundation: ⁠⁠https://ffrf.org⁠⁠

Paulogia Podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/paulogia⁠⁠

Matt Dillahunty: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@SansDeity⁠⁠

#ReligiousTrauma #Exvangelical #Deconstruction#RecoveringFromReligion #FaithShouldntHurt #ChurchHurt