Podcast Title: The Wayback with Ryan Sickler
Episode: 59: The Wayback #59 | Libbie Higgins
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Libbie Higgins

Introduction

In Episode 59 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes Libbie Higgins to share a heartfelt and nostalgic journey through her formative years. The conversation delves into Libbie's childhood experiences, adventures, and the pivotal moments that shaped her into the person she is today.

Libbie Higgins' Early Life and Name Change

The episode opens with Ryan and Libbie discussing the significance of names. Libbie reveals her decision to alter the spelling of her nickname:

Libbie Higgins [03:20]: "Libby is a nickname anyway. So Elizabeth is my middle name. And in about sixth grade, I was always a L, I, B, B, Y. Right. And that was too plain to me. So what I did was concocted a plan to change the Y to an ie."

This subtle change not only redefined her identity but also set the stage for her and her friends to experiment with self-expression.

Middle School Adventures: Ouija Boards and Pass Out Games

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the mischievous activities Libbie and her friends engaged in during middle school. They frequently played Ouija board games and participated in a daily "pass out" game.

Libbie Higgins [04:34]: "Every day after school, Rhonda and Kathy, we would play either one of two things. We would contact the dead on a Ouija board or we would play the pass out game."

The "pass out" game involved a ritual where friends would press forcefully on each other's chests to compel a response, leading to humorous and sometimes embarrassing moments.

One particularly memorable incident involved Libbie accidentally passing out and being publicly humiliated for it:

Libbie Higgins [06:23]: "But I continued to do that every day until one time when I woke up or came to one of the girls said, you farted so loud when you were out. And I was like, what? Because it wasn't acceptable at that time to fart in front of your friends."

Encounters with the Supernatural

Libbie shares intriguing stories about their Ouija board sessions, notably their attempts to contact teenage boys who had passed away. These séances often took unexpected turns, blending the supernatural with the typical adolescent quest for identity and connection.

Libbie Higgins [07:16]: "In our case, I never moved the thing. It was the other girls. Because what was happening on a regular basis is we were contacting teenage boys that were dead. And these ghosts wanted to have sex with our earthly body."

Despite the other girls' enthusiasm, Libbie never experienced anything during these sessions, leading her to question the authenticity of their activities.

Pranks and Mischief

The conversation shifts to the lighter side of Libbie's youth, highlighting her and her friends' penchant for pranks. From prank-calling local businesses at odd hours to deceiving neighbors, their mischievous antics were a staple of their adolescence.

Libbie Higgins [14:00]: "We would slap call any Asian restaurant and just prank the shit out of them until usually their son would get on the phone like, my dad's an old man."

One notable prank involved impersonating a septic service company, causing genuine panic among unsuspecting residents.

Fashion, Crushes, and Personal Interests

Libbie reminisces about the fashion trends of the time, her crushes on boy bands, and her personal hobbies. She shares amusing anecdotes about her attempts to emulate her idols, including crafting cardboard cutouts of celebrities like Joey from New Kids on the Block.

Libbie Higgins [24:40]: "That's Joey. That's the closest I ever got to Joe."

Her rooms were adorned with memorabilia, reflecting her deep admiration for the pop culture icons of her youth.

High School Experiences and Personal Growth

Transitioning into high school, Libbie discusses her involvement in sports and extracurricular activities, albeit humorously noting her lack of athletic prowess.

Libbie Higgins [21:42]: "That's when she started using that hairspray and curling that hair. And I'm telling you, there's a lot of hairspray in that hair right there."

She also touches upon the challenges of maintaining one's identity amidst peer pressure and societal expectations, ultimately finding solace in her evolving interests and self-awareness.

Conclusion

Episode 59 of The Wayback with Ryan Sickler offers a nostalgic and candid glimpse into Libbie Higgins' past. Through humorous tales and reflective insights, listeners are invited to ponder their own formative experiences and the enduring impact of youth adventures.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Libbie Higgins [03:20]: "Libby is a nickname anyway. So Elizabeth is my middle name... making me almost a different person in my mind."

• Libbie Higgins [04:34]: "Every day after school, Rhonda and Kathy, we would play either one of two things. We would contact the dead on a Ouija board or we would play the pass out game."

• Libbie Higgins [06:23]: "But I continued to do that every day until one time... you farted so loud when you were out."

• Libbie Higgins [07:16]: "In our case, I never moved the thing... we were contacting teenage boys that were dead."

• Libbie Higgins [14:00]: "We would slap call any Asian restaurant and just prank the shit out of them until usually their son would get on the phone like, my dad's an old man."

• Libbie Higgins [24:40]: "That's Joey. That's the closest I ever got to Joe."

Follow Libbie Higgins

Libbie encourages listeners to connect with her across various platforms:

Libbie Higgins [29:24]: "You can probably figure that out. If you can't, don't look me up and Patreon Tick Tock Instagram. Please follow me for whatever it takes. Just do it."

Connect with Ryan Sickler:
For more nostalgic and engaging conversations, follow Ryan on all social media platforms and catch him on his upcoming live tour. Get your tickets at ryansickler.com.

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