Liddle Did I Know: The Memoir Series
by David A. Liddle
“It is a tale spun from the threads of transformation, where each chapter unfurls a new horizon. Here, amidst the trials and triumphs, I navigate the labyrinth of self, seeking the essence that lies within. This journey is not just a passage through time, but a voyage across the landscapes of the soul.” David Liddle Step into the chapters of Dave Liddle’s life story—from childhood in Cohoes to the Army, Navy, loss, healing, and transformation. This series follows Liddle Did I Know: From Shadows to Light – My Story, bringing the memoir to life through voice, memory, and reflection.
Episodes
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2.25 Reservoir Romance and Roller Rinks: First Love, First Fallout
David Liddle’s first real romance unfolds in the quieter aftermath of a turbulent adolescence. Meeting Marie Benjamin brings a gentle, grounding presence into his life, and together they explore young love at Guptill’s Skating Arena and local hideouts. The episode captures the innocence,...
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2.29 From Turbulence to Testimony - The close of "Liddle Did I Know" From Shadows to Light-My Story
Episode Notes: 2.29 From Turbulence to Testimony – The close of “Liddle Did I Know” Chapter two Summary: This episode serves as the emotional and thematic conclusion to the second act of David Liddle’s memoir, chronicling the journey from adolescent chaos to a place of faith, purpose, and...
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2.28 The Growth Spurt: Inside and Out
Episode Notes: Summary: This episode captures a period of profound transformation for David Liddle as he approaches high school graduation. After years of struggle, David experiences an “eleven-inch growth spurt” that symbolizes not just physical change, but emotional, intellectual, and social...
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2.27 December 21st, 1982
This episode chronicles a pivotal moment in David Liddle’s journey from chaos to quiet self-discovery. After years of turbulence, David finds himself in a period of relative calm, working honest jobs like mowing lawns and experiencing the sting of transactional friendships that fade when he stops...
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2.26 Vanished: The Disappearance of Doreen — A Brother’s Heart, Broken and Still Searching
Episode Notes — 2.26 Vanished: The Disappearance of Doreen This episode explores one of the most haunting and defining moments of my adolescence: the day my twin sister, Doreen, disappeared without a trace. It wasn’t just a family crisis — it was a fracture point. A moment when childhood was...
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2.24 Fallout at Cohoes High
Episode Notes The consequences of David’s actions in Wynantskill follow him back to Cohoes High, where his reputation as “Coach” shifts from legend to liability. Teachers and students view him with suspicion or caution, and his nickname becomes associated with trouble, not just popularity.…
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2.23 The Vodka Run
Episode Notes After surviving a near-fatal overdose, David quickly returns to risky behaviors, including drinking, stealing, and seeking validation through his reputation as “Coach”. A weekend bus ride with Connie Smith and Stevie Welcome leads to a vodka-fueled adventure in Wynantskill,...
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2.22 Resurrected in the Back of a Ghostbuster Ambulance
Episode Notes After a period of escalating substance use and risky behavior, David’s sophomore year culminates in a near-fatal alcohol overdose on the last day of summer school. [David Lidd...Manuscript | Word] He collapses during a final exam, is dragged to the principal’s office, and...
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2.21 Connie, Kari, and the Collapse
Episode Notes David’s sophomore year centers on his relationships with Kari DeCarlo and Connie Smith, who become the gravitational forces of his social world. The chapter explores the intensity and confusion of adolescent desire, the pursuit of connection, and the influence of generational...
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2.20 The Weight of Coach
David’s “Coach” persona becomes a defining brand at Cohoes High, bringing popularity, attention, and the pressure to deliver weed, parties, and social currency. David Liddle Biography Manuscript The illusion of invulnerability fades as the demands of reputation lead to increased alcohol use and...
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2.19 The Rise of Coach: Hustling, Humiliation, and High School Turf Wars
Episode Notes David’s sophomore year at Cohoes High marks a shift from survival to seeking power and reputation, as he adopts the nickname “Coach” and builds social clout through hustling, supplying weed, and throwing parties. The high school ecosystem is competitive and unforgiving, with rumors...
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2.18 Memoir, Memories, and Motown
Episode Notes David reflects on his double life during the summer of 1980, balancing the persona of a "good kid" in church with a rebellious identity at Cohoes High School. He describes the influence of Jon Coonrod and Big Al Tyson, who introduced him to the world of hustling, parties, and Motown...
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2.17 The Breaking Point Belt, Bruises', and a Shattered Soul
In this raw and pivotal episode, David recounts the emotional and physical breaking point of his adolescence. The mounting pressures of family conflict, sibling rivalry, and parental rage culminate in a violent confrontation that leaves lasting scars. David’s mother’s relentless control, his...
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2.16 The Price of Popularity: When Nana Fell into the Crosshairs
David’s quest for popularity and protection in high school leads him down a slippery slope, culminating in the betrayal of his beloved Nana by stealing money from her. What began as acts of revenge against bullies and abusers turns into an addiction to the thrill and security money brings, until…
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2.15 Liddle Did I Know: The Price of Survival
During his freshman year, David faces ongoing emotional and physical abuse from his older brother Jim, leading him to steal money and goods as a means of reclaiming dignity and survival. The episode explores the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry, pain, and the moral ambiguity of survival…
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2.14 Bible Camp and Brotherhood (continued)
As David enters high school, his perspective on race, community, and belonging begins to shift. He reflects on his neighbor Peter DeYoung and the quiet lessons learned about prejudice, class, and truth—realizing how family stories and social boundaries shape understanding. Through small acts of...
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2.13 Coach Enters the Arena: Fall 1979 Once Upon a Stage
David’s entrance into ninth grade is marked by newfound confidence and notoriety after performing in Once Upon a Stage and earning the nickname “Coach.” Despite a second broken arm, he finds acceptance among older students and begins to navigate the complex social landscape of high school,...
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2.12 The Theater and the Tension: Brothers in the Spotlight
David’s return to the Cohoes Music Hall after camp is marked by a complex relationship with his older brother Jim, who alternates between public praise and private cruelty. On stage, Jim acts like a proud sibling, but behind the scenes, he subjects David to bullying and humiliation, creating a...
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2.11 The Cast and the Cast: Behind the Curtain of Once Upon a Stage
David’s broken arm becomes a backstage passport during the Off-Season Players’ production of Once Upon a Stage, drawing attention and empathy from castmates and mentors. The backstage environment is a whirlwind of camaraderie, mentorship, and adolescent crushes, with figures like Sheila Quin and...
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2.10 Broken Bones and Backstage Bonds: Summer of '79
The summer of 1979 is marked by both physical injury and emotional growth as David breaks his arm just before the Off-Season Players’ production of Once Upon a Stage at the Cohoes Music Hall. Despite the setback, he performs with a cast, finding strength and connection through theater, family…
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2.09 Curtain Calls at The Egg: A Christmas Carol, 1978
In the winter of 1978, David joins his sisters as an usher for a month-long production of A Christmas Carol at Albany’s Empire State Performing Arts Center, known as The Egg. The experience is transformative, blending ritual, tradition, and the warmth of theater, as David finds belonging not on...
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2.08 Musicals that Changed Me
David’s world expands as he discovers the transformative power of musicals, both as an audience member and as a participant. Inspired by high school productions like “Oklahoma!”—where his brother Jim’s dual roles mirror their real-life relationship—and by the emotional resonance of shows like…
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2.07 Ghost light Years: The Cohoes Music Hall Calls
David describes the Cohoes Music Hall as more than a stage—it becomes a place of magic, memory, and transformation during his early teens. He shares the haunting experience of hearing phantom music in the empty hall, connecting his journey to the legendary vaudeville performer Eva Tanguay and the...
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2.06 The Forbidden Kiss at Berkly Pond
David recounts a defining moment of adolescent rebellion and desire: his first French kiss with Maureen Shaunessy, the girlfriend of a notorious local bully. Set against the backdrop of Berkly Park, this episode captures the thrill, risk, and electric intensity of crossing boundaries in pursuit…
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2.05 Psychedelic Pitchers and Denim Dreams
David explores the creative and practical side of adolescence through his experiences in art and home economics classes. He recalls the pride of crafting a psychedelic water pitcher in art class and sewing a denim vest in home economics, both symbols of his growing independence and…
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2.04 Bible Camp and Brotherhood (continued)
As David enters high school, he quietly begins to unlearn the prejudices absorbed in childhood. Exposure to classmates from diverse backgrounds and reflection on past mistakes foster a gradual shift toward empathy and understanding. The episode highlights the slow process of challenging inherited...
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2.03 Bible Camp and Brotherhood
David recalls his earliest experiences at Vacation Bible School (VBS) in Guilderland Church, where gentle lessons and playtime shaped his spiritual memory. A pivotal moment occurs when David, in innocent ignorance, uses a racial slur against a Black peer, resulting in the loss of a friendship and…
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2.02 Battenkill or Be Killed The Summer Jim Burns Almost Didn’t Survive
This episode centers on a rite-of-passage canoe trip down Vermont’s Battenkill River. David describes the anticipation, camaraderie, and real danger faced when a mentor nearly capsizes in swift water. The journey is filled with scenic beauty, teamwork, and the thrill of overcoming obstacles. The...
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2.01 Setting the Stage: Canoes, Camps, and Curtain Calls
David’s adolescence begins with a blend of outdoor adventure and creative discovery. He recounts summers spent at Northern Frontier Camp, learning canoeing and teamwork under the guidance of mentors like Jim Burns. Vacation Bible School and hands-on experiences—like baking and tennis—build...
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2.00 Chapter Two: From Rivers to Reckonings – Opening Monolog
In this pivotal episode, David transitions from childhood into adolescence, describing his teenage years as a turbulent river—unpredictable, fast-moving, and full of challenges. He reflects on formative experiences such as canoe trips, summer camps, and his deepening involvement in theater at the...
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1.21 Closing Reflections and New Beginnings
In this episode, David reflects on the formative experiences of his early childhood, recognizing how moments of joy, trauma, and family dynamics have shaped his identity. He discusses the importance of revisiting and reframing these memories as part of his healing journey, emphasizing the…
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1.20 Friendly’s, Frequencies, and the Fog of Youth
This episode explores David’s early teenage years, marked by late-night gatherings at Friendly’s Restaurant after Christian Service Brigade meetings, where he found both nourishment and a sense of belonging. The episode delves into the quirky, mind-bending conversations with mentors and peers…
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1.19 The Stage My Shelter
In this episode, David recounts how the Cohoes Music Hall became his sanctuary during a turbulent adolescence. At just twelve years old, he found acceptance and purpose among the cast and crew, escaping the chaos of his home life and juvenile troubles. Through ushering, mentorship from Ruth Vore,...
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1.18 Bomb Threats and Spotlights
In this episode, David recounts a pivotal moment from his adolescence marked by risky behavior, peer pressure, and the consequences of youthful rebellion. The story unfolds with David and his friends orchestrating prank calls that escalate into bomb threats targeting local schools. Fueled by...
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1.17 Smoke, Shadows, and Survival
This episode follows David as he enters seventh grade, marking a shift from the relative safety of childhood to the more complex and challenging world of adolescence. The social landscape changes: David and his siblings drift into separate circles, and he finds himself drawn to new groups and…
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1.16 Faith, Fury, and the Summer Between
This episode delves into the escalating tensions and emotional storms within David’s home as he transitions from sixth to seventh grade. The threats and conflicts shift from external bullies to those closest to him—his brother Jimmy, neighborhood kids, and especially his mother, whose anger often...
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1.15 Blows Ballgames Broken Noses
This episode explores the complex and often turbulent relationship between David and his older brother Jimmy during the transition to a new neighborhood. Jimmy’s behavior oscillates between bullying and protectiveness, creating a confusing emotional landscape for David. The chapter recounts...
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1.14 From West End Park to The Big Move
David’s final years near West End Park are a whirlwind of formative experiences and hard lessons. The chapter captures the turbulence of late childhood: crushes, first cigarettes, and early acts of rebellion like shoplifting, all set against the backdrop of a changing family. School mishaps, such...
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1.13 Cohoes Summer Sounds of 1973
Cohoes, summer 1973, music, classic rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Steve Miller Band, Allman Brothers, Grand Funk Railroad, Deep Purple, Elton John, adolescence, family transition, siblings, emotional refuge, West End Park, childhood, belonging, hope, change.
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1.13 Cohoes Summer Sounds of 1973
The summer of 1973 marks a turning point in David’s childhood, as music becomes both a refuge and a source of connection. In Cohoes, the soundtrack of classic rock—Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Steve Miller Band, and more—fills the air in West End Park and at home,...
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1.12 A Tale of Two Worlds: Cohoes vs. Suburbia
Episode Notes: David reflects on the stark class divide between his working-class hometown of Cohoes and the affluent suburbs where his church peers live. Cohoes is depicted as gritty, communal, and resilient, while the suburbs are polished, comfortable, and privileged. Through experiences at...
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1.11a The Arena (West End Park Sissy – Part I & 1.11b The Sanctuary (West End Park Sissy – Part II
In this episode, David Liddle recounts how the Christian Service Brigade’s Stockade program became a sanctuary during his turbulent childhood. Amidst family upheaval and shifting church environments, Stockade offered David a rare sense of belonging and acceptance. Here, he found structure…
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1.10 Finding Solace in Stockade
In this episode, David recounts how the Christian Service Brigade’s Stockade program became a sanctuary during his turbulent childhood. Amidst family tension, shifting church environments, and struggles with belonging, Stockade offered structure, skills, and acceptance. David describes how the...
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1.09 A New Experience: From Hymns to Hypocrisy
David Liddle recounts a pivotal shift in his family’s spiritual life, from long drives to Guilderland Baptist Church to founding the First Baptist Church of Cohoes in their living room. As his mother’s religious fervor deepens, David and his siblings are drawn into a world where faith becomes…
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1.08 Neighborhood Shenanigans and Family Surveillance
David Liddle recounts the mischievous adventures and everyday troublemaking of his childhood in West End Park, Cohoes. Under the watchful eyes of family and neighbors, David and his friends navigate petty thefts, pranks, and the constant surveillance of a tightly-knit community. This episode...
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1.07 Gentle Reflections: Navigating Masculine Aggression in My Early Years
David Liddle explores the complexities of growing up as a sensitive boy in a world that often demanded toughness. Through childhood “rumbles,” lessons from older brothers, and the influence of music and friendship, David reflects on the tension between gentleness and the expectations of...
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1.06 Looking Out for Debbie: A Brother’s Early Devotion
David Liddle shares heartfelt memories of his protective bond with his sister Debbie during childhood. Through moments of crisis, guilt, and family blame, David explores the deep sense of responsibility and love he carried for Debbie, and how these experiences shaped his emotional landscape. This...
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1.05 A Childhood in Bloom: My Early Days Among Girls
David Liddle reflects on his early childhood surrounded by the nurturing presence of sisters, his grandmother, and a caring babysitter. He shares how growing up in a world shaped by feminine energy influenced his sense of safety, belonging, and emotional connection. Through tender memories of…
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1.04 Patchouli, Candlelight, and the Year of 1970 – Childhood Memories and First Baptism
David Liddle revisits vivid early childhood memories, from the magic of his second birthday party and the scent of patchouli to a confusing church visit and his first baptism. Through sensory details and family anecdotes, David reflects on how these moments—both sweet and unsettling—shaped his...
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1.03 Shadows of Childhood: Traumas and Misunderstood Curiosities
David Liddle reflects on the fragmented and emotionally complex memories of his early childhood, exploring how innocence, curiosity, and misunderstood moments led to feelings of shame and self-doubt. Through stories of family tension, forbidden interactions, and haunting recollections, David…
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About this show
“It is a tale spun from the threads of transformation, where each chapter unfurls a new horizon. Here, amidst the trials and triumphs, I navigate the labyrinth of self, seeking the essence that lies within. This journey is not just a passage through time, but a voyage across the landscapes of the soul.” David Liddle
Step into the chapters of Dave Liddle’s life story—from childhood in Cohoes to the Army, Navy, loss, healing, and transformation. This series follows Liddle Did I Know: From Shadows to Light – My Story, bringing the memoir to life through voice, memory, and reflection.
Hosted by
David A. Liddle