Though music is generally seen as a universal experience, not everyone shares the same ways of experiencing it.  THIS PODCAST STRIKES FIRST! is an outlet for folks to come on and share their feelings and interpretations of Bad Religion's music, particularly if it's something new for them. Since we love and know the catalog, it's exciting for us to share in the excitement of a person's first listening experience. jamilah's occasional co-host of the podcast Music And We, jesse, was kind enough to jump into the pit, so to speak.  In the episode we discuss jesse's feelings on and interpretations of ten songs he randomly picked (out of a list of 27).  Throughout, we discover jesse's (subconscious) love for Brett Gurewitz, we ask the question of why Graffin and Gurewitz are not on 'greatest songwriter' lists; jamilah hears about strange Pentecostal songs, and of course...  there's a political and musical hot take (or two). Thanks again for listening!  If you want to contact us with any questions, comments and/or suggestions, the address is: [email protected]

This is one of the best post-inaugural episode gifts we could have.  We are incredibly appreciative for Emily Davis, El Paso, Texas-based singer-songwriter (and MASSIVE Bad Religion appreciator) taking some time out and spending some of it with us.  You may be familiar with them from being in the BR community, by finding their covers of Bad Religion on Youtube...  or by hearing their band, Emily Davis And The Murder Police.  Emily and jamilah speak on various topics such as the importance of intersectionality in music, how BR's music inspires a creative process, the pitfalls of a 'Vote Blue No Matter Who' perspective, the humanism and empathy of the band's lyrics, tour experiences (and the kindness of the band and crew), the positive qualities of being in the BR community, and of course...  Into The Unknown. If you want to contact us with any questions, comments and/or suggestions, the address is: [email protected] Thanks so much for listening!

Greetings!  jamilah is a giant nerd when it comes to music she likes, and after recording a somewhat in-depth episode for another podcast, she came up with the idea to center a whole podcast around appreciation for the music and experience of Bad Religion.  Who knows where this podcast will go; that said, there's no real harm in sharing the joy of music that inspires people to ask some poignant questions, and sing along at the same time.  We hope you (yeah you, your name here) will be able to take something positive with you in this episode, as well as moving forward.  Thanks again!