Share
![cover art for Season One, Episode Nineteen - “The Gauntlet”](https://res.cloudinary.com/pippa/image/fetch/h_750,w_750,f_auto/https://assets.pippa.io/shows/5fc7a5c6c9a8574c3258229f/1624736667081-6342c523a0d882f11dbcae17cfbfbf26.jpeg)
After the Apocalypse
Season One, Episode Nineteen - “The Gauntlet”
“I don’t like it.” KJ said.
“Of course you don’t.” the old man said in return. “Besides the obvious answer that the world has gone to hell, why not?”
“There’s too much smoke. Why would there be so much smoke this many weeks in? Who’s burning stuff and why are they doing it?”
“Maybe it’s a barbeque.” The old man joked. “Yah know, short ribs, beer… It does smell like cooking meat.”
“Maybe they’ll barbeque your scrawny ass, old man.” She countered. “It smells more like plastic or tires or something.”
Bill sniffed at the air and didn’t seem pleased with what he smelled, but for now he could only pace and offer up an occasional worried whine.
...
Greetings my survivor friends. How’s the apocalypse treating you?
Special welcome to my daughter, who pitched in with the typo hunting in this episode. Thanks for the great Father’s Day card!
I am stunned and amazed that here we are, episode 19. Who knew we’d be able to pull it off. This chapter was fun to write. I think we have a clear understanding of who these characters are – so I can drop them into situation and let them speak for themselves.
We see our female protagonist Janet, a.k.a KJ the Killer, slipping into that ambiguity that the end of the world forces on people. We see the old man teetering on the brink of reality and sanity. We see the world thrashing about in the worst types of reactions that befall humans.
The question is which way will they all slide? What will they choose? Do they even have a choice?
We introduced that there is a ‘big bad’ roaming around as the world starts to coalesce around survivors. The ‘big bad’ is more than an antagonist to create narrative tension. The big bad is an alternate blueprint. He is the dark side of humanity that is always just outside, peering through that little window shaped like a porthole in the front door of civilization waiting for us to make a mistake.
And that’s always the tension with humanity.
Civilization is a chaos suppressant. Civilization sees chaos as evil. All our religions have a manifestation of chaos, from Loki, to the Devil, to Coyote – there’s always that tension between order and chaos, or more pedantically, good and evil.
If you don’t have that tension, then the story is just action without purpose. Or horror without purpose. Or comedy without purpose. And when the narrative fiction falls into that space you lose interest in the fate of the characters and all the action in the world can’t keep it going.
You need stakes. Unless there are stakes. Unless there is tension. There is no compelling narrative.
And that’s the fun part of creating a dystopian, apocalyptic universe. You get to decide how that tension of good versus evil is resolved.
Anyhow… enough with the ontology.
And speaking of Coyote the mischief making chaos god of some Native Americans - Here’s my reading list tip for you this week. The Tony Hillerman books about Navajo police detective Joe Leaphorn? I’m not a big mystery fan, but I started listening to these on audio book when I was commuting from my home outside Boston up to an office in Quebec City Canada.
It’s a long drive.
I would get books on tape at the local library for the ride. Hillerman was an Albuquerque New Mexico resident and did a great job describing the Southwest US cultures, and in particular the Native American mythologies. The audio books, if you can find them, are read by Native American voice actors and the cadence of the read is amazing.
There ya go – grab some Hillerman audio books for your summer vacation.
In two weeks we will present the last chapter, chapter 20, in this first season. Then we’ll take a pause to turn the first season into an e-book, a paperback and an audio book. I’ve got a copy editor to work through the scripts and I’ve got a couple artists working on cover art.
I’m recruiting a book launch team and typo hunters. Come over to FaceBook and join the After the Apocalypse group that can be found by searching for “OldManApocalypse” – all one word – and pitch in.
I’m asking nicely. I could use the help.
I’m happy with how this season and the overall format came out. We’re up over 11,000 downloads now. That’s not bad for 6 months in as an indie podcast.
The format lends itself to binge listening. The short consumable episode length and consistency allow people to just queue them up and march through them. Another irony of the podcasting world is that what took me 6 months to produce takes you a couple days to consume!
I can keep up with this fortnightly cadence and still produce a decent quality product. Unfortunately for you I have a full-time job and other things to attend to or I would be cranking out a season monthly!
The next season we are going to add more compelling characters to the universe, we are going to add situations and institutions and threats that test our survival skills.
So stick with us after the break. I hope all of you up in my hemisphere are enjoying your summers and those of you in antipodal hemispheres are enjoying your winters.
As always I could use your support on the Patreon page to keep paying the bills. And I can use your participation on the facebook group at oldmanapocalypse.
And of course keep leaving 5-star reviews on iTunes and keep telling your friends.
And together, we will keep surviving.
More episodes
View all episodes
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