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After the Apocalypse
Season one, Episode Fifteen, “Not-So-Innocent”
A sharp wind evaporated the sweat from Janet’s arms. She felt a chill, like a passing ghost. Her heart settled from a hard drumbeat in her chest to a low rhythmic thump as she walked, recovering from her run.
She felt cleaner now.
Refreshed.
The familiar ache of bone and muscle comforted her.
She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt and looked ahead at the vehicle in the road.
What was going on with this overheated camper van?
It was an older, boxy model. The hood was propped open, and she could smell the metal of the overheated radiator.
Janet could hear snippets of argument as she cautiously approached.
It was hard to get all of it. The wind was gusting, creating white noise that washed out the voices, making them fade in and out like a bad phone connection.
She approached the van on the opposite side from where the people were arguing. Better to stay unnoticed. Was this even something that she wanted to get involved with?
...
Episode Commentary Season One, Episode Fifteen – “Not so Innocent”Hello and welcome back my survivor friends. How are we all doing? How’s the apocalypse treating you?
What did you think of the episode? Frankly I struggled writing this one and my editing team helped A LOT! Thank you Duane! If anyone wants to help with writing or editing please feel free to reach out.
I didn’t want to just have action. The action turns into “he-said-she-said” type motion-without-meaning after a while. And that get’s boring.
There are no stakes. Not snakes, stakes. You always have to ask and answer that question: what are the stakes here?
On the flip side you don’t want to bulk up with too much exposition and emotions – because that gets boring too.
The key is to marry the exposition and stakes with the action. Have what the characters do and say make your points for you.
Language is a powerful thing. Story telling is a basic, human, powerful thing.
So – long story short (pun absolutely intended) I had to wrestle with that in this episode.
I wanted to make sure that we were understanding the motivation of the characters and moving the broader narrative forward and even exploring some deeper themes.
And, as it turns out, this is a common theme in apocalyptic literature – how does your current pre-apocalypse skill set translate into a post-apocalyptic world? It’s not just preppers and backwoodsmen who will do well. It’s also the resilient, the fast, the smart and those willing to lead.
And to show this we take individuals out of the real world and drop them int the apocalypse – in our case Janet the type-A lawyer and the old man, a disgraced doctor turned ultra-runner.
That’s the theme that I’m trying to play with. And that’s what makes science fiction so much fun. Because you can create these mashups and play with them. What would a pre-school teacher do in an alien invasion? What would the ballet-teacher do in an alternate universe? I don’t know but you could write that story.
One of my favorite versions of this is when Rod Serling dropped a book loving bank teller into the apocalypse in episode 8 of the original Twighlight Zone titled “Time Enough at Last”. First aired in 1959 and based on a story by Lynn Venable.
In this episode Henry Bemis played by Burgess Meredith,. loves books yet is surrounded by those who would prevent him from reading them. (You know Burgess Meredith as the original Penguin in the Batman TV series and as Rocky’s crusty old coach Mickey in the Rocky movies.)
The episode follows Bemis through a post-apocalyptic world, touching on such social issues as anti-intellectualism, the dangers of reliance upon technology, and the difference between solitude and loneliness. In the end he breaks his glasses so he can’t read the books even though he’s the last one alive.
This was one of the most popular episodes of the original Twilight zone.
Anyhow, that’s an example of how you can make an episode compelling without much action at all.
…
Congratulations to all of you my surviving friends in the apocalypse. We are over 5,000 downloads strong now. Let’s push it to a million! Tell some friends, keep it moving. Post the link to the show in your social. You my friends are our personal agents of chaos spreading the apocalypse love.
I do need more of you to join the patreon page as members. I want to be able to keep the storygoing. And you can help me survive with your support.
As Patreon Members you get full access to scripts and show notes.
But I am going to sweeten the pot.
If you go and join Patreon at any level I’m going to give you special, members only episodes.
https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypse?fan_landing=true
Starting with this one here from one of my other apocalypse universes.
Insert clip here.
So if you want to hear more of that, and get other shows I’m going to drop go join the patreon page so I can keep the show going.
Thank you all very much and until next time…Keep Surviving!
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Two Minute Trailer - After the Apocalypse
01:48|Below are all the Links -> Subscribe page on Acast -> https://plus.acast.com/s/after-the-apocalypsePodcast on Acast -> https://shows.acast.com/after-the-apocalypseFacebook group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldmanapocalypsePatreon to support the show -> https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseKindle Vella Story -> https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09LTRC8RHMerch Store -> http://tee.pub/lic/8MubRv7yeAwMy Twitter -> cyktrussell@twitter.comEmail List -> https://acast.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a02fed2a783fcc887760255a9&id=e15419e7beA Quick Introduction for New Listeners
01:55||Season 0, Ep. 0Hello my survivor friends. Welcome to a quick introduction to the After the Apocalypse podcast story. I am putting this first in the feed to save you time and trouble. I am the producer of the story, and you can call me ‘Maddog’. What you will find here is an audio drama about the survivors of an apocalypse. It is professionally produced and narrated. The story is presented in seasons of 20 episodes each. As of this writing we are in the 3rd season. We plan to have 5 seasons in the story arc. Each episode is 15 – 20 minutes of the story followed by 5-10 minutes of commentary. By default the shows have commercials inserted by the hosting provider, Acast. If you want to avoid these commercials there is now an Ad-Free option you can subscribe to at https://plus.acast.com/s/after-the-apocalypseIf after a few episodes you dig the show and want to find any of the extras, like the subscription, the facebook group, etc, I have put all those links here in the notes of this message. All you have to do is click “show notes” or whatever the equivalent is in your podcast listening ap of choice and you’ll see all the links. Thanks for considering our show, we look forward to hanging out in the apocalypse with you!Subscribe page on Acast -> https://plus.acast.com/s/after-the-apocalypsePodcast on Acast -> https://shows.acast.com/after-the-apocalypseFacebook group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldmanapocalypsePatreon to support the show -> https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseKindle Vella Story -> https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09LTRC8RHMerch Store -> http://tee.pub/lic/8MubRv7yeAwMy Twitter -> cyktrussell@twitter.comEmail List -> https://acast.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a02fed2a783fcc887760255a9&id=e15419e7be1. Season one, Episode one - The old man
11:16||Season 1, Ep. 1After the Apocalypse is a serial podcast that tells the story of the survivors of a 21st century plague that has catastrophically wiped out 90% of human population. Will they be able to survive? What happens to our modern world when the great plague comes? Can humankind survive and learn, or will it devolve into a dark ages nightmare of our worst traits? Listen to the story of After the Apocalypse and find out. ...After the Apocalypse is written and produced by Chris Russell (that’s me) aftertheapocalypse.meThe show is narrated by Robert Weinheimer who’s work can be found at https://commandvoices.com/The intro and outro music is by Bobby Quinn https://www.fiverr.com/bobbyquinncThank you for listening to After the apocalypse. Make sure to subscribe and please tell your friends. Because this show can only survive the apocalypse with your help. Be a good survivor and spread the word. Go onto your favorite podcast service and write a review. One of the best ways to directly support the show is through our Patreon page –go to patreon.com/AfterTheApocalypse https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseLinks to everything can be found in the episode and show notes.You can find out more about the show at our website www.aftertheapocalypse.meUntil next week. Thank you for listening and keep surviving.2. Season one, Episode two The Ford of Death
12:35||Season 1, Ep. 2After the Apocalypse - A story of pandemic survivalSeason one, Episode two The Ford of DeathThe old man looked around. The river, the smoke, the light drizzle and the soft hump of the body making its way down stream to feed the rats of Atlanta. He’d seen his share of death. He’d seen worse than this when he was in Africa and the far east where, until not too long-ago, death still stalked the muddy streets in the old ways. ...After the Apocalypse is a serial podcast that tells the story of the survivors of a 21st century plague that has catastrophically wiped out 90% of human population. Will they be able to survive? What happens to our modern world when the great plague comes? Can humankind survive and learn, or will it devolve into a dark ages nightmare of our worst traits? Listen to the story of After the Apocalypse and find out. After the Apocalypse is written and produced by Chris Russell (that’s me) aftertheapocalypse.meThe show is narrated by Robert Weinheimer who’s work can be found at https://commandvoices.com/The intro and outro music is by Bobby Quinn https://www.fiverr.com/bobbyquinncThank you for listening to After the apocalypse. Make sure to subscribe and please tell your friends. Because this show can only survive the apocalypse with your help. Be a good survivor and spread the word. Go onto your favorite podcast service and write a review. One of the best ways to directly support the show is through our Patreon page –go to patreon.com/AfterTheApocalypse https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseLinks to everything can be found in the episode and show notes.You can find out more about the show at our website www.aftertheapocalypse.meUntil next week. Thank you for listening and keep surviving.3. Season one, Episode three, Home and Castle
13:07||Season 1, Ep. 3After the Apocalypse - A story of pandemic survivalSeason one, Episode threeHome and CastleThe old man pushed on as the dirt road turned away from the river and drifted westward. That was a plus because he really didn’t want to go into the city. He was still on the outskirts of the great sprawl of Atlanta. There were more buildings here, not directly on the dirt road but visible through the pine trees draped with kudzu. ...Show notes: After the Apocalypse is a serial podcast that tells the story of the survivors of a 21st century plague that has catastrophically wiped out 90% of human population. Will they be able to survive? What happens to our modern world when the great plague comes? Can humankind survive and learn, or will it devolve into a dark ages nightmare of our worst traits? Listen to the story of After the Apocalypse and find out. After the Apocalypse is written and produced by Chris Russell (that’s me) aftertheapocalypse.meThe show is narrated by Robert Weinheimer who’s work can be found at https://commandvoices.com/The intro and outro music is by Bobby Quinn https://www.fiverr.com/bobbyquinncThank you for listening to After the apocalypse. Make sure to subscribe and please tell your friends. Because this show can only survive the apocalypse with your help. Be a good survivor and spread the word. Go onto your favorite podcast service and write a review. One of the best ways to directly support the show is through our Patreon page –go to patreon.com/AfterTheApocalypse https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseLinks to everything can be found in the episode and show notes.You can find out more about the show at our website www.aftertheapocalypse.meUntil next week. Thank you for listening and keep surviving.4. Season one, Episode four, Home Invasion
14:44||Season 1, Ep. 4After the ApocalypseA pandemic survival storySeason one, Episode four, Home InvasionThe old man was awakened by the sound of men shouting. It took him a minute to shake off the haze and remember where he was. He had to pee but that would have to wait. “Nothing in the basement!” the first man shouted from the house. “Check the garage!” The other man shouted back from further away. “The tracks led this way. He was here. Watch yourself.” ...Show notes: After the Apocalypse is a serial podcast that tells the story of the survivors of a 21st century plague that has catastrophically wiped out 90% of human population. Will they be able to survive? What happens to our modern world when the great plague comes? Can humankind survive and learn, or will it devolve into a dark ages nightmare of our worst traits? Listen to the story of After the Apocalypse and find out. After the Apocalypse is written and produced by Chris Russell (that’s me) aftertheapocalypse.meThe show is narrated by Robert Weinheimer who’s work can be found at https://commandvoices.com/The intro and outro music is by Bobby Quinn https://www.fiverr.com/bobbyquinncThank you for listening to After the apocalypse. Make sure to subscribe and please tell your friends. Because this show can only survive the apocalypse with your help. Be a good survivor and spread the word. Go onto your favorite podcast service and write a review. One of the best ways to directly support the show is through our Patreon page –go to patreon.com/AfterTheApocalypse https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseLinks to everything can be found in the episode and show notes.You can find out more about the show at our website www.aftertheapocalypse.meUntil next week. Thank you for listening and keep surviving.5. Season one, Episode five, Killer
16:47||Season 1, Ep. 5After the ApocalypseA pandemic survival storySeason one, Episode five, “Killer”Her name was Janet Kramer, (Pause)but her coworkers called her “KJ”. She didn’t know why. She supposed it didn’t matter anymore. The lines on the road flashed by and she started to fade from consciousness again, caught herself and focused. Who was she now? In this new landscape of chaos and death? ...Show notes: After the Apocalypse is a serial podcast that tells the story of the survivors of a 21st century plague that has catastrophically wiped out 90% of human population. Will they be able to survive? What happens to our modern world when the great plague comes? Can humankind survive and learn, or will it devolve into a dark ages nightmare of our worst traits? Listen to the story of After the Apocalypse and find out. After the Apocalypse is written and produced by Chris Russell (that’s me) aftertheapocalypse.meThe show is narrated by Robert Weinheimer who’s work can be found at https://commandvoices.com/The intro and outro music is by Bobby Quinn https://www.fiverr.com/bobbyquinncThank you for listening to After the apocalypse. Make sure to subscribe and please tell your friends. Because this show can only survive the apocalypse with your help. Be a good survivor and spread the word. Go onto your favorite podcast service and write a review. One of the best ways to directly support the show is through our Patreon page –go to patreon.com/AfterTheApocalypse https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseLinks to everything can be found in the episode and show notes.You can find out more about the show at our website www.aftertheapocalypse.meUntil next week. Thank you for listening and keep surviving.6. Season One, Episode Six, “Anarchy”
24:12||Season 1, Ep. 6After the ApocalypseA pandemic survival storySeason One, Episode Six, “Anarchy”Janet glanced back at the nose of the Range Rover sticking out from behind the dumpster. She regretted having to leave it. It had become the center of her world since fleeing the city the day before. A safe harbor. A den-like space, comfortable and familiar where she had control. It couldn’t be helped. She needed fuel. She needed food and supplies. ...OutroAfter the Apocalypse is written and produced by Chris Russell (that’s me) aftertheapocalypse.meThe show is narrated by Robert Weinheimer who’s work can be found at https://commandvoices.com/The intro and outro music is by Bobby Quinn https://www.fiverr.com/bobbyquinncThank you for listening to After the apocalypse. Make sure to subscribe and please tell your friends. Because this show can only survive the apocalypse with your help. Be a good survivor and spread the word. Go onto your favorite podcast service and write a review. One of the best ways to directly support the show is through our Patreon page –go to patreon.com/AfterTheApocalypse https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseLinks to everything can be found in the episode and show notes.You can find out more about the show at our website www.aftertheapocalypse.meUntil next week. Thank you for listening and keep surviving.7. Season one, Episode seven, “Home Again”
20:10||Season 1, Ep. 7After the ApocalypseA pandemic survival storySeason one, Episode seven, “Home Again”The skies were darkening now as Janet eased the Range Rover onto the entrance ramp to the expressway. Her hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel hard, adrenaline still pumping through her body. “That man just committed murder right in front of me”, she said, not sure if she could believe it. What the hell was going on? What was this nightmare? Was it like this everywhere? ...Website -> http://www.oldmanapocalypse.com Buy me Coffee -> https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cyktrussellSubscribe page on Acast -> https://plus.acast.com/s/after-the-apocalypsePodcast on Acast -> https://shows.acast.com/after-the-apocalypseFacebook group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldmanapocalypsePatreon to support the show -> https://www.patreon.com/AftertheApocalypseKindle Vella Story -> https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09LTRC8RHMerch Store -> https://www.teepublic.com/stores/after-the-apocalypse Twitter -> cyktrussell@twitter.comEmail List -> https://acast.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a02fed2a783fcc887760255a9&id=e15419e7be