Best Post Apocalyptic Media Podcasts (2025)

1
How I’m Building the Next Inklings | Fantasy Publishing Behind the Scenes 24:44

19d ago24:44

24:44

Greetings, fellow fantasy fanatics and lore lovers! 🧙‍♂️✨ Ever wondered what happens behind the mystical curtain of indie fantasy publishing? In this rare “Craftsman’s Workshop” livestream, I reveal all the spellbinding chaos of my publishing plans for 2025 and beyond—straight from my candle-lit scriptorium (okay, maybe just my desk, but still magi…

1
What If Aliens Were Catholic? w/ M.R. Leonard 55:32

1M ago55:32

55:32

Imagine this: Catholic aliens show up on Earth, but instead of demanding our surrender, they want to set up a Mass. Yep, you heard that right. In today’s conversation, I sit down with debut author M.R. Leonard, the brilliant mind behind Pilgrims, a sci-fi novel that reimagines St. Augustine’s Confessions with aliens, interstellar drama, and a heart…

1
Consolation of Grimdark: Why This Failed Quest Was More Satisfying Than Victory 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

Today, we embark on a perilous journey into the world of Grimdark fantasy, where heroes are fools, victories are tragic, and morality is as murky as a tavern’s back alley. After years of avoiding the genre, I finally took the plunge and read Joe Abercrombie’s Before They Are Hanged—the second book in The First Law trilogy. And what did I discover? …

1
S2E3 | Boops and Bird Calls 1:38:12

2M ago1:38:12

1:38:12

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to "The Big Red Button"—where the wasteland's wild but the dice are wilder! In this episode, our fearless adventurers dive deeper into the Fallout universe, uncovering secrets and facing unexpected twists! Crazy Carl — or should we say Carlos Mendoza — has left a trail of mystery, and…

1
Cinema as Sacred Art: Why Tolkien’s World Needs Wes Anderson’s Touch w/ Reno Lauro 56:21

2M ago56:21

56:21

🎥 Ever wondered if The Lord of the Rings could feel both quirky and profound? Could Wes Anderson bring Tolkien’s world to life with meticulously composed shots, nostalgic hues, and objects that practically whisper stories of their own? In this week’s deep dive, I sit down with Reno Lauro—a cinephile, scholar, and someone who’s worked with none othe…

1
A Dune Deep Dive w/ Richard Rohlin : Paul Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Hollywood’s Religious Problem 49:23

3M ago49:23

49:23

At the time of this recording, it was my birthday, and - in true Hobbit fashion - I'm giving YOU the gift of diving into the vast deserts of Dune with the always insightful Richard Rohlin! In this impromptu episode, we’re unpacking Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films—praising the awe-inspiring visuals, iconic performances, and meticulous attention to det…

1
S2E2 | A Carl By Any Other Name Is Just as Sweet 1:10:29

3M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to Big Red Button, the podcast where the post-apocalyptic chaos never ends! In this episode, our fearless adventurers—Jake, Houston, and Gotfree—are back in action, navigating the wild world of Fallout! With Mr. Klawzinski by their side, they uncover shocking truths about their friend…

1
Surviving the Dark Forest: Lessons from Liu Cixin's Sci-Fi Masterpiece 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

What if the universe isn’t just vast and indifferent but actively hostile—a cosmic battlefield where silence is survival? Welcome, friends, to an exploration of The Dark Forest, the second volume in Liu Cixin’s masterful Three-Body Problem series. 🌠 In this episode, we journey into a future where humanity faces an alien threat so advanced they can …

1
Inside the Kotarverse: Slow Productivity & Stories Worth Dying For 50:02

4M ago50:02

50:02

This is a special repost of one of my Craftsman’s Workshop Patreon streams, where I dive deep into a pivotal question: What makes a story truly life-giving? 🌱 Join me as I open up about how storytelling keeps us grounded, and share thoughts on what it means to build a meaningful creative life amidst a chaotic world. We cover everything from my evol…

1
S2E1 | Jake's Woodland Adventure 35:42

4M ago35:42

35:42

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to The Big Red Button - the Fallout podcast that's trippier than a radroach on Jet! In this episode, our wasteland wanderer Jake accidentally ingests some glowing mushrooms, sending him on a psychedelic journey through his own mind. As Jake hallucinates talking squirrels and imaginary…

1
Cantos of Arcadia: Crafting America’s Post-Apocalyptic Myth 42:46

4M ago42:46

42:46

🔥 Imagine America’s collapse into myth. Today, we’re exploring “Cantos of Arcadia”—my sci-fi project that merges epic story, future-archaeology, and existential dread. This is the story behind the story, the uncharted process of weaving America’s “what if” into a future epic that merges apocalyptic ruin with ancient myth. Expect discussions on myth…

1
Before You Move Out of America, Consider Moving Toward Love w Sonya Renee Taylor 36:20

5M ago36:20

36:20

On this season finale of “America, Who Hurt You?” Sarah Jones sits down with New York Times bestselling author and activist, Sonya Renee Taylor to discuss why radical self love IS the moment. Yes, even in the face of oppressive systems and the current American Bro-ligarchy. Sonya reminds us that, in order to build the world we want to live in, we m…

1
Canon in Sci-Fi? The Case for Shards of Honor and The Vorkosigan Saga 📚 32:09

5M ago32:09

32:09

Join me as I dive into Shards of Honor, the first book in The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold! 🚀💫 From the depths of autocratic heroism to the ideals of speculative fiction, we'll explore it all: grimdark versus high fantasy ⚔️, reflections on repressive political systems 🛡️, and the intrigue of intergalactic escapades 🌌. If you’ve ever won…

1
The Only Way Out is Through (Community) w. Sophia Bush 42:16

5M ago42:16

42:16

In case the holiday season and heading into (project 🫠) 2025 is feeling like an emotional mixed bag, this week Sarah Jones sits down with actress, producer, and activist, Sophia Bush for her take on how to show up for change and healing both individually and collectively. After coming through a year of personal upheaval to find freedom on the other…

1
You Can’t Ban What’s Always Been Here: Islam in America w. Kashif Shaikh 38:09

5M ago38:09

38:09

Even with the most urgent issues facing the US as we head into (Project) 2025, our foreign policy on the Middle East and Islam are right at the top. And if you think it only affects people overseas, just ask Muslim Americans how the consequences play out stateside in their everyday lives. This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Kashif Shaikh, presiden…

1
Adrian Tchaikovsky on Giant Spiders, Sci-Fi, and the Unexpected Success of Children of Time 43:38

5M ago43:38

43:38

Welcome, fellow book lovers and sci-fi enthusiasts! In this video, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with none other than Adrian Tchaikovsky—an international sensation and the brilliant mind behind Children of Time. This conversation is a treat as we dive into Adrian’s creative journey, his love for speculative fiction, and, of course, how a…

1
It’s (Thanks)Giving Trauma w. Paul Scheer 44:07

5M ago44:07

44:07

If you need a pre-Thanksgiving pep talk, this is the episode for you. This week host Sarah Jones talks to Paul Scheer about his New York Times best seller Joyful Recollections of Trauma and how to both love your family AND still hold space for yourself. Whether you can’t swallow how your cousin voted or you’re stuffing (😬) down unacknowledged child…

1
Post-election blues 29:26

5M ago29:26

29:26

We're trying to cope post-election. Resistance is all we've got. Do mutual aid!By Caeli + Kelly

1
Your Post-Election Rage Might Be Your New Bestie w. Dr. Jennifer Mullan 42:00

5M ago42:00

42:00

Politics got you rethinking your mental health? You’re not alone! In the aftermath of the election, some are considering therapy for the first time, while others may be wondering if their current therapeutic practices are really addressing the grief they’re experiencing. This week, Sarah Jones talks to psychologist and best-selling author of Decolo…

1
The Art of Fantasy, Grimdark, and Tolkien’s Vision: Why We Keep Escaping Into These Worlds 39:11

6M ago39:11

39:11

Hello, fellow wanderers! 🌟 In this video, we’re diving deep into the heart of fantasy and the curious intersection between Grimdark and Tolkien’s mythopoetic storytelling. Yes, you heard that right—me, the self-professed Grimdark skeptic, is about to unpack this genre that I once claimed was something we should avoid (gasp!). But things have change…

1
We WILL Make It Through... But First We Nap w. Ashley Allison and Maurice Mitchell 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

Well, we survived the election; now we just have to… keep going. This week, host Sarah Jones pushes through the exhaustion with CNN commentator Ashley Allison and national director of the Working Families Party Maurice Mitchell to break down what really happened. And more importantly what in the (literal?) hell is next, for all of us, but especiall…

1
Human-centric Sci Fi vs Lovecraftian Nightmares w/ Richard Rohlin 1:19:45

6M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

Hey dear friends! In this video, Richard and I dive deep into the evolving worlds of science fiction and fantasy. From Tolkien's carefully restrained magic to today's cosmic horror and existential threats, we explore how modern storytellers like Adrian Tchaikovsky are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human in a vast, often terrifying u…

1
No Person Is Illegal— Ask an Undocumented Citizen w. Jose Antonio Vargas 41:46

6M ago41:46

41:46

With the election a week away, polls show immigration is a top issue for voters even though most Americans have no idea how our immigration system actually works, or how much our society depends on the contributions of immigrants, both documented and not. This week, Sarah sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of Define Americ…

1
Understanding Project 2025 Is the Ultimate "Black Job" w. Janai Nelson 42:13

6M ago42:13

42:13

Project 2025 may be the Heritage Foundation’s plan for next year, but its strategies are built to set equality back decades, especially for groups already dealing with America’s legacy of discrimination. This week, host Sarah Jones is joined by Janai Nelson, the President and Director Council of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to break down Project 2…

1
Renewable Energy: How to Stay in the Climate Fight w. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson 33:24

7M ago33:24

33:24

This week on #AmericaWhoHurtYou, author and climate policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (@ayanaeliza ) is ringing the alarm about the climate crisis, but in a way that offers real solutions, including how to do our small part in practical ways AND hold the biggest climate culprits (hiii fossil fuel execs and paid for politicians!) accountable. Sp…

1
White Women for the Win? The Politics of America’s Biggest Voting Block w. Shannon Watts 39:30

7M ago39:30

39:30

Years of exit polls tell us that the outcome of this election may come down to white women who, at 40%, make up the majority of the entire electorate. But what can be done about the fact that white women have a track record of voting more conservatively in the majority of presidential elections since 1950, even when a fellow white woman was an opti…

1
Escape the Manosphere w. Liz Plank 37:42

7M ago37:42

37:42

Our second ever female candidate is running for the highest office in the land– and the gender divide among Americans is at an all time high. This week, host Sarah Jones talks with Liz Plank, (a.k.a. Feministabulous) about the murky waters dividing men and women, and how to bridge across them in time to save democracy. If you’re tired of running in…

1
Who Deserves a Clean Slate? w. Sheena Meade 39:32

7M ago39:32

39:32

“Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” But how long after serving their prison sentence should we punish people? And in an economy fueled in large part by the prison industrial complex, what kind of crimes should warrant keeping a person unemployed, unhoused, and in a cycle of poverty? This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Sheena Meade, the …

1
How Well Is The Wellness Industry? w. Jameela Jamil 32:17

8M ago32:17

32:17

Supplements, and Gut Health, and Ozempic , Oh My! The wellness industry has no shortage of solutions for what ails us. But in a saturated market it feels nearly impossible to tell the fish oil from the snake oil—and whether the problem is really our physical health, or something much bigger…and more political. On this episode, host Sarah Jones talk…

1
How to Start (and Sustain) a Lifetime of Activism w. Jane Fonda 33:31

8M ago33:31

33:31

With our planet (and therefore everyone on it) in crisis, how do we keep our heads above rising sea levels while demanding a sustainable future…not just for billionaires with bunkers? This week, Sarah Jones asks Academy Award winner and climate activist Jane Fonda how she keeps up the good fight after decades of activism filled with both successes …

1
Who Cares About the "Care Economy"? w. Ai-jen Poo 33:19

8M ago33:19

33:19

This week Sarah and labor organizer, Ai-jen Poo, dive into the “care economy” and how we’re all part of it, even if we don’t know what it is You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to AWHY prompts @yesimsarahjones on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Send your responses to our weekly prompts to [email protected] . This podcast was p…

1
Let's Get This (Third) Party Started w. Maurice Mitchell 44:19

8M ago44:19

44:19

In a world defined by voters fed up with the binary options of our two-party system, is there a third way that’s not…delulu? In this episode, Sarah talks with Maurice Mitchell, the national director of The Working Families Party, about how to build a robust third party without ignoring the very real math problem third party candidates can pose in A…

1
The Unbearable Whiteness of Being w. Jonathan Metzl 41:17

9M ago41:17

41:17

Ok, white people, how y’all doing? Cause the data is in, and the answer for some of you seems to be… not great. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jonathan Metzl, a researcher who investigates the impact of right-wing health care and gun control policies on their white supporters. Jonathan’s books Dying of Whiteness and What We’ve Become reveal th…

1
Debating Trans Rights? Maybe Talk to Trans People... w. Laverne Cox 36:53

9M ago36:53

36:53

The debate about trans rights is everywhere, from sports headlines to school board politics, but the people shouting the loudest are almost never trans folks themselves and often don’t even know any trans folks. So now more than ever, we all need to show up for our trans siblings. In this episode, Sarah Jones is joined by the incomparable actress a…

1
Harriet Tubman Would Never, with W. Kamau Bell 39:40

9M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode, host Sarah Jones is joined by comedian, author, and “political provocateur” W. Kamau Bell to talk about the struggles and contradictions of living in America, especially as a Black man. “My joke is that whenever I think about am I going too far, the ghost of Harriet Tubman shows up and is like, Oh, is it hard to Tweet? Is it hard t…

1
We Will BRB 2:00

9M ago2:00

2:00

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Summer time break! We know we left you all on quite the cliff hanger will Jake running off into the Wilderness but we are taking a short break to rest, restructure, recharge power cells and recite some super mutant poetry! See you on the other side! Support the show Sign up for our newsletter, The…

1
BONUS: Meet the Host — or Should We Say Hosts… 22:56

9M ago22:56

22:56

The hosts of America, Who Hurt You? are all trapped in the Tony-winning brain of Sarah Jones, who over the years has created a multiracial, multi-generational cast of characters based on her own family and friends (who weirdly still talk to her). In this bonus episode, she reveals more than she ever has about her own story, and why this personal an…

1
Are You There, God? w. Krista Tippett 38:54

9M ago38:54

38:54

America allegedly observes a separation of church and state, but if you’ve bought anything with a U.S. dollar, pledged allegiance to the flag, or just lived through an election season, you know it’s more complicated than that. In this episode, Sarah talks with On Being host Krista Tippett about her own religious journey, her “hellfire and brimstone…

1
Coming Soon: America, Who Hurt You? 1:24

10M ago1:24

1:24

Our country has always been a hot mess. But now, between political rage, climate crises and social-media polarization, it’s quite literally on fire. This low-key mid-apocalyptic moment has raised a question for Tony-award-winning Sarah Jones and her many characters: America, Who Hurt You? You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to …

1
Introducing HyperThetical 33:39

10M ago33:39

33:39

The future is full of epic “what ifs." What if we could read minds? What if a hostile attack took down our nation’s power grid? In every episode of Hyperthetical, host Kerry Bishé asks one of these questions. Then, we explore that question two ways - through speculative science fiction, and through insight from the world’s most brilliant scientists…

1
S1E11 | Cave of Wonders 56:53

10M ago56:53

56:53

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to The Big Red Button, where the rules are made up and the points don- wait, that slogan is already taken? Dang it... Ever wondered what happens when a super mutant behemoth meets a hallucinogenic mushroom? Our latest episode of "The Big Red Button" takes you on a wild ride - the Stra…

1
TANK GIRL (1995): the post-apocalyptic manic pixie anarchist 🧨⛓️‍💥 32:36

10M ago32:36

32:36

"Listen up, cause I'm only telling you this once. I'm not a bedtime story lady, so pay attention. It's 2033. The world is *screwed* now. You see, a while ago this humongous comet came crashing into the earth. Bam, total devastation. End of the world as we know it. No celebrities, no cable TV, no water. It hasn't rained in 11 years. Now 20 people go…

1
S1E10 | Deathclaws and Santa Klawz 44:49

11M ago44:49

44:49

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back, fellow adventurers, to another thrilling episode of The Big Red Button podcast! This week, our intrepid heroes found themselves in a perilous situation, facing off against one of the wasteland's most fearsome creatures: the Deathclaw. But as always, the unexpected twists and turns ke…

1
S1E9 | Comedy of Errors 44:59

11M ago44:59

44:59

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to "Ze Beeg Raid Bootin," ze French version of an already weird Fallout Podcast! Ever wondered what happens when a group of adventurers can't even take a lens cap off? Join us on the latest episode of the Big Red Button podcast, where chaos, laughter, and unexpected poetry ensue. From…

1
S1E8 | Heigh Ho It's Off To 57 We Go 40:54

12M ago40:54

40:54

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! I'll take "Podcasts I'm Amazed are still being produced" for $500, Alex! Welcome back to the Big Red Button, the best Fallout podcast you've never heard of! Get ready for another thrilling adventure in our latest episode! This week, our quirky band of Stragglers find themselves in a tangled web of…

1
Pressing The Button | Reviewing Amazon Prime's "Fallout" | Episode 3 49:16

12M ago49:16

49:16

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to that Fallout roleplaying podcast you accidentally discovered when you ran out of better podcasts to listen to! In our latest episode, hosts Alex and Dallas dive deep into the third episode of the Fallout TV show. This week, we continue our segment "Pressing the Button," where we ex…

1
S1E7 | Out Of The Frying Pan, Into The Fire 49:57

12M ago49:57

49:57

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! 🎵Ba-da-ba-BA-baaaa, I'm Buttonin' It! 🎵 This jingle is not approved by McDonald's Corporate, but we're rebels - welcome back to Big Red Button! Get ready to dive into another thrilling adventure with your favorite post-apocalyptic crew in our latest episode! This week, our hosts Alex, Cody, Dallas…

1
Pressing The Button | Reviewing Amazon Prime's "Fallout" | Episode 2 58:07

1y ago58:07

58:07

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Welcome back to the Big Red Button, that show your friend won't stop talking about! We're continuing our segment, "Pressing the Button," where we dissect the Amazon Prime TV show, Fallout, episode by episode. This week, we tackled Season 1 Episode 2! Episode two picks up right where we left off, w…

1
S1E6 | Man's Worst Friend 48:32

1y ago48:32

48:32

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! If Billy Joel re-wrote "We Didn't Start The Fire" but featured The Stragglers, he'd conclude we most certainly did start the fire... Welcome back to Big Red Button, the HOTTEST Fallout podcast released this week! "The Big Red Button" is an actual play 2D20 game set in the post-apocalyptic world of…

1
Pressing The Button | Reviewing Amazon Prime's "Fallout" | Episode 1 44:52

1y ago44:52

44:52

Use this link to send us a text with your thoughts! Join us as we dissect the new Amazon Prime TV show, "Fallout," episode by episode. Unfiltered and unfettered, we're pressing the button on everything you thought you knew about adaptations. From unexpected plot twists to the intricate details that tie the virtual game world to its new TV counterpa…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Post Apocalyptic Media Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen