20 Oct 2026
The Mask We Wear: Generational Trauma & Finding Faith
What if the patterns shaping your adult life began long before you understood where they came from?
In this powerful episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, host Cam McKay sits down with Kevin Bush, author of The Long Way Home, for an honest conversation about generational trauma, alcoholism, shame, marriage, and finding a new direction through faith.
For years, Kevin hid behind the mask of being the funny guy and the life of the party. He chased validation, struggled with alcohol, and tried to be the person everyone else wanted him to be. But beneath that mask were childhood wounds and emotional patterns he would eventually recognize in his own adult relationships.
Kevin shares a powerful realization about generational trauma: sometimes, it's not just about what happened to us. It's also about what was missing. The conversations that never happened. The emotions we learned to hide. The simple question he says his father never asked: "Are you okay?"
When his marriage began to fall apart, Kevin was forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself and the patterns he had inherited. Through writing, journaling, accountability, church, prayer, and baptism, he began working toward a different life.
Cam and Kevin explore what it means to stop living for other people's approval, confront shame, rebuild self-worth, and find purpose in the experiences that once felt overwhelming.
This isn't a story about having everything figured out. It's about being willing to face the truth, ask for help, and take the first step toward change.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Generational trauma and the emotional wounds passed down through families
• Childhood bullying and learning to hide behind a mask
• Alcoholism, blackouts, and the search for validation
• Marriage breakdown and recognizing destructive patterns
• Shame, isolation, and rebuilding self-worth
• Journaling and learning to recognize missed opportunities
• Faith, prayer, baptism, and finding a new purpose
• Breaking family cycles and choosing a different path
Kevin also shares a simple but powerful prayer that became part of his journey: "Lord protect me from myself."
Whether you're struggling with addiction, carrying childhood wounds, navigating relationship challenges, or searching for a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation is a reminder that your past does not have to dictate your future.
ABOUT KEVIN BUSH
Kevin Bush is the author of The Long Way Home, a memoir exploring generational trauma, alcoholism, relationships, and the difficult work of rebuilding your life. Through sharing his experiences, Kevin hopes to help others recognize destructive patterns and find the courage to move forward.
Learn more about Kevin and his book:
https://mylongwayhome.com/ (https://mylongwayhome.com/)
ABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS
Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: we all have a Sh!t Creek story.
Hosted by Cam McKay, the show shares real stories of resilience, recovery, setbacks, and second chances. We talk honestly about trauma, addiction, mental health, faith, and the paddles that help us move forward — including sobriety, medication, meditation, fitness, therapy, and faith.
Our mission is simple: to remind people they're not alone, that there's hope, and that their worst chapter doesn't have to be their final chapter.
If we help one person, then that's enough.
🌐 Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com (https://shitcreeksurvivors.com/)
📧 Email: shitcreeksurvivorspodcast@gmail.com (mailto:shitcreeksurvivorspodcast@gmail.com)
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Follow Sh!t Creek Survivors for more real conversations about recovery, resilience, and finding your way forward.
Because we all have a Sh!t Creek story. But no one has to stay there.
