There's something to be said for having conversations with people who have made a positive impact in your life in some way: The more opportunities we have to do it, the less separate we become from each other.  We value wisdom and the mass range of experiences; and ideally, the more we converse with those who have inspired us, the more human they become. It's not unlike someone who donates a kidney, donates blood for crucial transfusions, or sat with you and listened when you were feeling at your lowest.  Music is no different.   Obviously we do this podcast because Bad Religion is one of our all-time favorite bands; but we want to also humanize the experience.  Whether someone got into them yesterday or has been into them since 1981, all of us are misfits who connect with this band in our own ways.  However, we can't forget that we also have very human experiences- which is why we connect to the music.   And who comprises of Bad Religion?  A group of humans, who have very human experiences.  jamilah always says they're "imperfect people who make perfect music." So as we've had teachers, graduate students, preacher's kids, ginormous fans and newbies alike (and more) on this podcast- and we hope this continues-   our door will (also) always be open to the people who inspire all of us in this journey- the band.   Because guess what?  They are humans too.   The human who so kindly spent part of his day with us this time is Brian Baker- a man who, if we named every band he was in, it would probably go over the word limit.  To start, he is associated with three bands who have been cited as among the most influential bands in punk/hardcore:  Minor Threat, Dag Nasty and (of course), Bad Religion.  He played on stage with Carlos Santana's band when he was 12.  He is a survivor.  And in this latest iteration of his journey, he is a published author of a photography book.   In this conversation, Brian and jamilah speak about a wide range of topics:  the power of seeing kids starting their own scenes, the joy of going to shows, support during sobriety, Phil Upchurch & Steve Cropper (RIP), The Denny's Grand Slam, the importance of literacy (and being a good listener), tattoos and more! Shoutout to Christina and Victoria. Thank you once again for listening! To get Brian's book, The Road, go to:  https://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/the-road/ jamilah's piece on George Carlin:  https://jamilah1.substack.com/p/people-say-they-love-george-carlin Where you can find the 'Bumblebee' song: https://teodorasfist.bandcamp.com/album/one-day-i-slipped-and-fell-on-a-thought If you have any queries, comments or critiques, send them here: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

In the continuation of the series highlighting our favorite things about the band's respective instruments, we finally have an episode about the drums.  In doing this episode, jamilah heard some things that made her choices even more difficult, but fun. What are some of your favorite things about BR drums?  Let us know!   thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

We are conditioned to see the concepts of both wisdom and 'not knowing' as diametrically opposed, as they are defined in the narrowest of terms.  In a spiritual sense (which may seem paradoxical, given that this is a podcast about Bad Religion), the two concepts fit perfectly. Anyone who listens to this podcast with some regularity has heard jamilah speak about Jay Bentley as being a major bass inspiration.  Much of her perspective has been primarily based on this; that said, the couple of times they've briefly met, there was no significant mention of the bass- so it's clear there was a more compelling person beyond the instrument.   The hunch was absolutely correct.  jamilah did have an opportunity to sit down with Jay (who is indeed, a compelling, kind and thoughtful person) to discuss some Bad Religion (obviously!!!!!!); even in discussing the band, there was an abundance of wisdom in allowing things to flow without knowing what is coming next, addressing learning from mistakes and finding purpose in the midst of more significant matters.  They also discussed the experience of reconnecting with music, the acceptance of not being the center of the world, accepting impermanence, lessons learned from martial arts, and setting realistic goals. Many, many thanks to Christina for being the connection to this connection.   Thank you for listening!   To visit Natalia Fabia's site, go to:  https://www.nataliafabia.com/ If you have any questions or comments (or further words of wisdom) for us, contact: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com  

It has been an adventure of sorts for jamilah, as she saw Bad Religion three times in one week (on their tour with Dropkick Murphys and the Mainliners).  Much fun was had (stormy weather and all), as she met some wonderful people- including Brian Baker and Jay Bentley, who were kind enough to give some words of encouragement to the people.   On the episode with jamilah is New Zealand-based Chris Warne, who speaks with her about BR's appearance at the Pinkpop Festival in 1995.  In the conversation there's some drum and songwriting appreciation, they talk about Brian Baker being severely underrated, as well as Neil Finn (of Split Endz and Crowded House). Thank you for listening! To hear Chris' podcast (240 Gigabytes Of Neil Finn), go to: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2058297 To listen to Chris' band (Cowboy Dan), go to: https://cowboydanmusic.bandcamp.com/ If you have any questions or comments (or if you want to send some extra words of encouragement) contact us at: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

On August 9, 2025, in exactly one year, three months and one day later, jesse and jamilah saw Bad Religion (this time with Dropkick Murphys and the Mainliners) at Pier 17 in NYC.  Given the cancellation of last autumn's tour, jamilah had been waiting excitedly for this mini tour.  So of course, she wanted to record any first impressions jesse (in particular) had- did he still think they were mid as a live band?   This episode was recorded immediately after the show (with two very tired people who were running on very little sleep), so thoughts (obviously) were not fully formed, and surely, some things were wrong.  Once jamilah attends the following two shows in New Jersey next week, there most likely will be an episode with some actually coherent thoughts.   (Intro: Performance from MTV's Most Wanted, 2 February 1995, hosted by Ray Cokes) Thank you for listening! If you have any questions or comments (or if you went to this show), we're at:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

Because this is a Bad Religion podcast, it can be assumed that the only people who generally (or predominately) would be on the episodes would be those who are giant fans or appreciators, and know a lot of things regarding the band.  While we obviously love when this happens (and welcome it at all times); one of the things we've been open about is welcoming folks on who know very little, or nothing at all.  Given that jamilah is a longtime appreciator, it is always wonderful to hear perspectives from new ears.During a weekend of Metallica-related events, jamilah sat outside of a bar with Amanda, when the bartender put on a mixed soundtrack of Metallica (of course) and Bad Religion.  Both of them were singing along, so it was figured that Amanda was a giant fan of BR.  It was discovered that while Amanda is indeed an appreciator of the band; however, she was only familiar with Stranger Than Fiction, as well as Greg Graffin's third solo album, Millport.  So of course...  she had to be on an episode.  Amanda and jamilah also discuss Ozzy Osbourne's passing, the Punk In The Park controversy (and petition), lyrical admirations, musical similarities and more. Thanks for listening!  If you have any questions or comments for us, go to:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

While Bad Religion is one of jamilah's favorite bands (obviously); Jay Bentley is one of her biggest bass inspirations.  Listening to the songs as a whole is one thing, but listening to what the bass actually does in the songs is another- and Paul Hodgert, fellow bass player (and old school BR 'true' (aka bigger fan of the earlier parts of the catalog)) spent some time with her to talk about their favorite Jay (and Paul Dedona) moments, as well as what makes Jay Bentley such a crucial part of the experience. The list isn't complete (again, obviously), and they realized after the fact the number of songs they missed.  They also talk about Mel Brooks and satire, Black Sabbath, jazz' connection to punk, and more. Other songs in this episode: -Paul Hodgert, Flat Earth Pilot (Paul Is Dead, 2024)-Paul Hodgert, I'm So Tired (Paul Is Dead, 2024)-Joan Jett & Greg Graffin- Let's Do It (Laguna Tunes, 2000) Thanks for listening!  If you have any questions or comments for us, go to:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

After a few years of conversation, curiosity and anticipation; on the 2nd of June Bad Religion's official Youtube channel premiered the first episode from the first (of two) season(s) of the 'Decades' series, aired in 2020- at the time when concert venues were shut down to the public.    jamilah (of course) has seen this before but she wanted to share this moment with jesse, particularly to see if he'd change his views on BR as a live band.  Has this episode changed his mind, or is he still not convinced of their greatness?  Thanks for listening- and watch along with us if you'd like! jamilah's piece on Punk Rock Bowling, mentioned in the episode:  https://theonewomanapollo.com/2025/06/06/punk-rock-bowling-and-reconnecting-to-my-roots/ If you have any questions or comments for us, go to:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com        

(Currently, jamilah is in Las Vegas, Nevada for Punk Rock Bowling, but she recorded this quick episode right before packing to go.) Harmonies and background vocals are an integral part of Bad Religion's sound in many ways- so much that they are famously (of infamously, depending on whom you speak to) known on the albums as the 'Oozin' Aahs'. While they are beloved in the BR community, jamilah doesn't necessarily hear a lot of people talking about them... Hence, this episode, which of course was incredibly difficult to do. Thanks for listening!  We would love to hear what some of your favorite Oozin' Aahs moment are!  Let us know at: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com     

On March 5, jesse and jamilah recorded a whole episode together, discussing their favorite songs on all the Graffin solo records (as well as the Population Wars 7"), only to discover after the fact that JESSE'S MIC WAS NOT ON!!!!  Despite the fact that picking only three songs per record for jamilah was incredibly difficult (because she pretty much loves all of the songs), and that jesse was not at all into his second album Cold As The Clay (but was more into American Lesion and Millport); it was an incredibly fun episode to record.  So we decided to post it anyway.  Hopefully we got it to where jesse was audible enough to hear, and that the variation in sound is not distracting to the point of not enjoying the episode.  Our full conversation was not featured here (so we don't torture you too much).  This most likely means that jamilah will be doing episodes covering the albums (plus the 7") as a whole, as a part of our 'In Defense Of' series.  Apologies for our error and mishap, and thank you for listening!!!!! If you wanna (lovingly) yell at us and stuff (about our error, and about how jesse is a hater of Cold As The Clay), go to: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com  

As promised (somewhere in the scope of an episode- or two or three), we are taking time to discuss the non-lyrical material of Professor Graffin, whom jamilah very openly considers to be one of her favorite writers.  This first episode has her musing about his 'Punk Manifesto', which was, if we are not mistaken, written in the late 1990s (of course, if we are incorrect, please correct us).  There's also a discussion of current events, because of course there is. Music Featured: -Evangeline-Epiphany-Infected-The State Of The End Of The Millennium Address-Dream Of Unity-Strange Denial-Sanity-Lose Your Head-Whisper In TimeThe Dichotomy-Empty Causes-The Voracious March Of Godliness-Faith Alone-To Another Abyss Thanks for listening! To read 'A Punk Manifesto', you can check it out here:  https://punxinsolidarity.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/punk-manifesto-by-greg-graffin/ Or here (in Spanish, though not a complete version): https://gargantas-libertarias.blogspot.com/2012/09/manifiesto-punk-por-greg-graffin-bad.html Petition for the Kononovich Brothers: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/ukraine-stop-the-assassination-of-the-kononovich-brothers Reach out to us at:thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com

This episode was directly inspired by the announcement of the mini tour with Dropkick Murphys.  Nothing more, nothing less.  We are absolutely excited to be seeing the band live again (and we hope you get to see them too); until then, we hope you enjoy this episode.  If you want to tell us about some of your favorite BR shows, or if you have any questions or comments, we are at:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com 

We innocuously recorded this on February 13 (because it was a fit for everyone's schedules); but to be reminded after the fact that this humble little podcast was started one year ago to the day of this episode's recording, was an incredible surprise. We feel nothing but gratitude for Mr. Jim 'punk whisperer' Ruland to have spent part of his day with us (again, innocuously) on this anniversary.  The contributor to fanzines such as Flipside and Razorcake (respectively), he is also the author of various short stories (Big Lonesome) and novels (Forest Of Fortune, Make It Stop); as well as Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise & Fall Of SST Records.  He is the co-author of Giving The Finger (with Scott Campbell, Jr.), My Damage (with Keith Morris), and of course, Do What You Want: The Story Of Bad Religion.  jamilah and Mr. Ruland discussed everything from the connectivity and joys of punk and the vulnerabilities of relationship building (as well as its heaping contradictions), our shared friendships with Keith Morris (whether brief or longer term), surviving the struggles with addiction, the gift of the tattoo journey, the importance of Bad Religion's music around the world, the gift of watching the band at work...  and of course, the minimal coverage of the amazing Into The Unknown in Do What You Want.  Thank you for being here with us, and sticking with us!  it means a lot.  To keep up with Jim Ruland, subscribe to Message from the Underworld. For any questions or comments, we are at:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com 

Yes, we have a(nother) episode where jamilah reads far too much into some lyrical content...  That is how her brain works though, and a podcast is a pretty good outlet for these sorts of ruminations.  One of the most contested songs in Bad Religion's catalog, jamilah attempts to make a case for the brilliance of 'I Love My Computer', due to the juxtapositions of emotions/sensibilities, as well as its ability to effortlessly weave through commentary, humor and pathos.  What are your thoughts of the song?  Let us know at:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com  Thanks for listening!  

Well...  An inauguration in the Yew Ess Uv Ayyy just occurred.  Given where we're at, at this point in time; it is certainly apropos to have an episode where we discuss the 2019 album, Age Of Unreason.  While jamilah does have quite a few unsurprising critiques, she ultimately considers it to be a beautiful work of art, and massively on time.  And on time it is, because sometime in the course of recording this episode, certain (obvious) harmful executive orders have been immediately signed, a certain Elon Musk is out here doing certain salutes, and the MAGAites are imploding.  And in a last-ditch effort to attempt to get people to not think about his war crimes, Biden (before the end of his term) pardoned Marcus Garvey, but only commuted the sentence of Leonard Peltier, because revolutionaries who are still walking this earth are too much of a threat for these people, regardless of age of physical condition.  What a time to be alive.  Another day in the life in the Snakes...  Also, in the midst of editing this episode we found out the Santa Ana winds have started up again, prompting more fires- this time in San Diego.  Please, everyone be safe.   i have not seen specific things regarding assistance for people dealing with the fires yet; however, there's the San Diego County Mutual Aid site: https://www.weallwegotsd.com/ And again, mutual aid for Los Angeles: https://mutualaidla.org/ Another mutual aid list: https://www.fireaid.info/ Assistance for our non-human friends in Los Angeles:  https://www.animalwellnessfoundation.org/ If you want to contact us, go to:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com  Thanks for listening!    

While jamilah absolutely adores Bad Religion (as a band); we could not think of a better person to be on this episode than jesse, the resident Brett Gurewitz fanboi.  We know about his work regarding the running of Epitaph Records; we know of his history and present role as a producer, mixer, and other behind-the-scenes activities; and of course, we know him as the main co-songwriter, guitarist and Oozin' Aahs contributor of Bad Religion.  However, we don't really hear many people talking about his musical projects outside of Bad Religion- this includes Gurewitz himself. While we give Mr. Brett his flowers and discuss three short-lived musical projects in particular- The Seeing Eye Gods, Daredevils and Error- we ask the question, 'WHY??!!'  Why were these projects not really discussed in Do What You Want, and how many people know about these records? (We think Dean Opseth's name also kept getting mispronounced as 'Ospeth'; we apologize!!!) Thanks again for listening! For anyone in Los Angeles needing resources, go to:  https://mutualaidla.org/ Another mutual aid list: https://www.fireaid.info/ Assistance for our non-human friends in Los Angeles:  https://www.animalwellnessfoundation.org/ If you want to contact us, go to:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com 

Both inspired and influenced by punk culture and music, Abby Denson and jamilah met as teenagers in the 1990s, and immediately started a band (where jamilah played guitar, and Abby played bass, respectively.  Mayumi (who is still in both of their lives) played drums).  While jamilah's introduction to Bad Religion was No Control; Abby's was the band's first album, How Could Hell Be Any Worse?; in terms of the band, this is where the two part ways- jamilah continued to purchase their records (as well as going backwards); Abby never found the interest to move beyond that.  We suppose that she found other bands to inspire her to pick up the thesaurus.  When we found out that Abby was only familiar with the first album, we knew that she was the perfect candidate (no pun intended) to be on an episode.  What made it even more interesting was that she's actually seen them live (with her husband, who is a longtime BR appreciator).  We gave her one song from every album to listen to (except the first one, of course), And she and jamilah converse, leading to a few interpretations of select songs that are...  interesting, to say the least. There is also discussion of how Los Angeles is burning (and of course, this has never been a truer song more than now); how some music and art have been misappropriated by people who do not mean well, as past works have the capacity to lose context as time goes on; how some parents refuse to teach their kids about the world around them; as well as a personal evolution of the Crossbuster's significance.  Thanks so much for listening! For anyone in Los Angeles needing resources, go to:  https://mutualaidla.org/ To go to Abby's site, go to:  https://www.abbydenson.com/ Give us a holler at: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com     

The title of this episode is exactly what we're discussing- The Christmas Songs album/EP, which was released 11 years ago, in 2013!!! Despite not being or feeling sick, jamilah woke up with some hoarseness out of nowhere, thereby making her a little pony.  Still, she powered through, and recorded this episode, which hopefully is not too horrible, and will bring some 'comfort and joy' to who whoever listens. A couple of things not mentioned in the episode were that the vinyl edition of the album/EP was one sided, with an etching on the 'b side'.  Also, 20% of the proceeds from the album have gone to SNAP, or Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests which of course is very fitting. Christmas Songs was co-produced by Joe Barresi, along with Brett Gurewitz and Greg Graffin.      We'd love to hear from you!  Contact us at:  thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com   

jamilah sits down with her collection of vinyl and CDs (and one digital track), formulates a response to a question most people probably didn't ask- and made an episode out of it. We hope you find something positive in there somewhere.  This was not an easy one to do- but we did it!!! What are some of your favorite non-album tracks? Let us know at: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com 

It is an annual tradition in this time to celebrate the hatching of both Greg Graffin and Bad Religion; however, for many, the celebrations are somewhat clouded by the announcement of Donald J. Trump's presidential second term.  jamilah responds to this announcement, as well as adds context to the conditions that created an environment where a Trump could (and would) be elected.  Album: https://teodorasfist.bandcamp.com/album/one-day-i-slipped-and-fell-on-a-thought We'd love to hear your thoughts!  Contact us at: thispodcaststrikesfirst@gmail.com