Best Writing Post Apocalyptic Podcasts (2025)

I was joined by the wonderful Tiffany Gonzalez (@tiffanyconlibros) to talk about what to read for Latine/Hispanic Heritage month! Books Mentioned: A Sunny Place for Shady People: Stories by Mariana Enriquez (translated by Megan McDowell) Things We Lost in the Fire: Stories by Mariana Enriquez (translated by Megan McDowell) What Happened to Ruthie R…

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How Rural Characters Pick Their Home 17:47

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16d ago17:47

17:47

How do you choose the perfect rural home—especially when the stakes are fictional but the realism matters? This episode is a goldmine for fiction writers crafting off-grid, survivalist, or post-apocalyptic settings. We break down the gritty essentials: building materials, natural disaster risks, wildlife encounters, food sources from game fish to f…

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PATREON PEEK: The Fire Game (#11) with Hailey Piper 7:18

19d ago7:18

7:18

Full episode available on Patreon Hailey Piper is visiting the House at the End of Fear Street today to talk about the Fire Game? Is this RL Stine's Crash, or is this a story about bored small town teens who are peer pressured into starting fires because a hot guy from the nearest Ohio city told them to?…

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Desert Horror with Brian McAuley 46:48

22d ago46:48

46:48

I was joined by author Brian McAuley to talk about his latest horror novel and horror set in the desert! Books Mentioned: Breathe In, Bleed Out by Brian McAuley Mystery Lights: Stories by Lena Valencia Black Mad Wheel by Josh Malerman Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy In the Valley of the Sun by Andy Davidson Spread Me by Sarah Gailley Ta…

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FROM THE VAULT: Psycho Trilogy with Guide to the Unknown 1:14:15

29d ago1:14:15

1:14:15

This episode was originally posted November 2020 and despite it being almost 5 years old, it's still a fun listen. Will Rogers and Kristen Anderson from the Guide to the Unknown Podcast and I all read the three books in the Psycho trilogy (?) by Robert Bloch. You can find Will and Kristen online @gttupod…

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Our Horror Journeys with Becky Spratford 1:06:58

1M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Today I am joined by librarian, author and horror lover Becky Spratford to talk about the upcoming essay collection she edited, Why I Love Horror, with essays from some incredible names in horror. We are talking about the books and media that made us into horror fans at different points in our life . Books Mentioned: Why I Love Horror edited by Bec…

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Post-Apocalyptic Horror with Brian Keene and Christopher Golden 43:14

2M ago43:14

43:14

I was very excited to have authors Brian Keene and Christopher Golden on the show to discuss The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales from the World of the Stand, an anthology they have teamed up to edit with a stellar list of contributing authors. We talk about the legacy of the Stand, how the anthology came to be and of course, we recommend …

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FROM THE VAULT: Mitski Readalikes with Rachel Harrison 1:15:37

2M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

This was originally recorded as a Patreon exclusive episode last year, but is now available on the main feed. If you love Rachel Harrison, horror books or Mitski songs, this episode is for you! Books Mentioned: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (Bug Like an Angel) So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison (Me After You) Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman (I Bet On…

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PATREON PEEK: Ski Weekend (#10) with Alex The Bookubus 6:26

2M ago6:26

6:26

Full episode available on Patreon. It's Fear Street Friday on the House at the End of Fear Street. I was joined by Alex, you might know her as The Bookubus online, to talk about the 10th entry in the series, Ski Weekend. Synopsis: Snowbound! “Red” Porter was a stranger they’d met on their ski weekend. But Ariel Munroe, Doug Mahr and his girlfriend …

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5 Pond Creatures Every Writer Should Know About 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

🌀 5 Pond Creatures Every Fiction Writer Should Know World-Building with Fish, Frogs, Crayfish, Birds & Dragonflies Ready to dive beneath the lily pads and stir up your story’s ecosystem? In this episode, we spotlight five pond-dwelling characters that do way more than swim and squawk—they hold the power to elevate your world-building, deepen your s…

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Fill 'Er Up: Gas Station Horror (MINISODE) 14:29

2M ago14:29

14:29

What's your favorite gas station scene in horror? Books mentioned: Rest Stop by Nat Cassidy Tales from the Gas Station: Volume One by Jack Townsend "Gas Station Carnivals" by Thomas Ligotti from the collection Teatro Grottesco Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available!Join the Reading Challenge!How to support B…

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Severance Read-Alikes with Anna Dupre 1:12:03

2M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

our picks are mysterious and important. please enjoy each book recommendation equally Books Mentioned: The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi The Candy House by Jennifer Egan The Redemption of Morgan Bright by Chris Panatier Pines by Blake Crouch Short Stay in Hell by Stephen L. Peck We Had to Remove This Post by Hannah Bervoets Haunting of Velkwood …

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Patreon Peek: The Stepsister with Emily Hughes (#9) 8:04

3M ago8:04

8:04

Full episode available at https://patreon.com It's another Fear Street Friday and you know what that means! Stoker-award winning author Emily Hughes came on the show to help me talk about the escalating shenanigans that happen in The Stepsister, a horror story about possibly being sabotaged by your new stepsister, the ninth entry in RL Stine's Fear…

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Toxic Relationship Horror with Rae Wilde 50:04

3M ago50:04

50:04

Author Rae Wilde is on the podcast to talk about her latest book I Can Fix Her and horror centering around toxic relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available: 800-799-7233 Books Mentioned: I Can Fix Her by Rae Wilde I Do Not Apologize for My Position on Men by Rae Wilde Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn In…

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More Anticipated New Releases 2025 1:04:32

3M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

You know what time it is! Time to talk about the horror books coming out in the second half of the year. Which book are you most looking forward to? Books Mentioned: Come Knocking by Mike Bockoven My Ex, The Antichrist by Craig DiLouie Angel Down by Daniel Kraus Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez House of Beth by Kerry Cullen Lucky Day by Chuck Tingle Black F…

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Small(ish) Podcast Pause 0:32

3M ago0:32

0:32

Short medical pause, but will be back. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoy this podcast and would like to help support the creation of this work or would like access to unique membership perks, you can do this and more at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/writingruralwithalley.By Alley

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Historical Brickmaking Facts Every Writer Should Know 8:23

3M ago8:23

8:23

What fireproof building material has been used since roughly 7500 BC? What challenges might your character face when learning to make bricks? Could these ancient skills prove useful in the zombie apocalypse? Will I throw a brick at a zombie? Find out on this episode! Stick around to the end to find out what could go wrong. You can connect with Eliz…

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5 Alternative Lighting Sources For Your Story 6:59

3M ago6:59

6:59

Do you need alternative lighting in your story? So you know what lighting is pipped into homes? Do you know what could go wrong? Find out on this episode! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoy this podcast and would like to help support the creation of this work or would like access to unique membership perks, you can do this and more at htt…

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5 Animals That Feed Characters & Elevate Stories 19:59

4M ago19:59

19:59

Fiction thrives on the gritty details—and when your story hinges on survival or rural living, it’s not just meat on the table that matters. In this episode, we explore the top five animals—cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and bees—that do far more than fill the stew pot. From raw honey to rich manure, and dairy that goes the extra churn, we unpack th…

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Patreon Peek: Halloween Party (#8) with Jessica McHugh 6:31

4M ago6:31

6:31

Full episode available on Patreon. Author Jessica McHugh is the perfect guest to help me talk through the shenanigans of Halloween Party, the 8th entry in this series. If Justine taught a class on party planning, I'm just saying, I'd be there, front row taking notes. This was so fun! Go check out the rest of the episode.…

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The Pros Of Off-The-Grid Living Every Fiction Writer Should Know 14:23

4M ago14:23

14:23

What if your next character didn’t just "survive" off-grid—they thrived? In this episode, we explore the real-life benefits of off-grid living that can infuse your fiction with depth and realism. From your characters growing their own food to eliminating dependency on the power grid, we’ll unpack how self-sufficiency leads to healthier lifestyles, …

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Social Media Horror with Matt Serafini 1:12:31

4M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Today I was joined by Matt Serafini to talk about his latest novel, Feeders and the horrors of social media. We talked about our relationship to social media and the horrors therein. Books Mentioned: Feeders by Matt Serafini We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets with Emma Rault (Translator) #murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil Come Knocking by…

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More Downsides Of Living Off-The-Grid Every Writer Should Know 14:19

4M ago14:19

14:19

The Harsh Realities of Off-Grid Living: A Fiction Writer’s Guide Living off the grid sounds like the ultimate freedom—no utility bills, no nosy neighbors—but reality paints a different picture. In this episode, we’re exposing the hidden struggles that fiction writers must consider for realistic storytelling. How do characters handle medical emergen…

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Patreon Peek: Haunted with Stephanie Rose (#7) 7:31

5M ago7:31

7:31

Full episode is available on Patreon This is a tidbit from the latest episdoe of the House at the End of Fear Street, a patreon series going over the books in the Fear Street franchise. Author and bookseller Stephanie Rose joins me to talk about another wacky (but romantic??) entry into the Fear Street franchise. This one is for the Casper girlies …

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The Downside Of Living Off-The-Grid Every Writer Should Know 17:14

5M ago17:14

17:14

Romanticized visions of off-grid living often overlook the brutal hardships—hauling water for miles, battling extreme temperatures without modern climate control, and surviving isolation when medical help is hours away. In this episode, we break down the gritty details of off-grid survival that will elevate your storytelling—from historical dramas …

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Summer Scares with Kendare Blake and Jocelyn Codner 31:34

5M ago31:34

31:34

It’s Summer Scares time and this year author and Summer Scares spokesperson Kendare Blake and Jocelyn are here to go through this years book selections and resources! Summer Scares Resources, including the wonderful programming guide! Books Mentioned: Reprieve by James Han Mattson The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling Things Have Gotten Worse Since…

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Supernatural Abilities Horror with Anette 57:03

5M ago57:03

57:03

Anette joins me once again to talk about horror stories featuring a protagonist with powers. Shownotes: https://booksinthefreezer.com Books Mentioned: Carrie by Stephen King The Gravekeeper series by Darcy Coates Allison by Jeff Strand Border by John Ajvde Lindqvist The Power by Naomi Alderman The Passage by Justin Cronin If It Bleeds by Stephen Ki…

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Show Don't Tell: Carbon Dioxide Poisoning 18:03

5M ago18:03

18:03

Silent, odorless, and deadly—carbon dioxide poisoning is an often-overlooked but chilling threat in fiction. Whether you're crafting suspenseful mysteries, survival thrillers, hard-hitting sci-fi, or anything else, understanding how CO₂ exposure works can add tension and authenticity to your storytelling. In this episode, we break down the science …

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Patreon Peek: Missing with Adam Allen (#4) 5:34

6M ago5:34

5:34

Adam from Thehauntedbookstagram is here to help me unpack the wildest Fear Street entry to date, Missing. When Mark and Cara's parents don't come home for a few days they begin to wonder if their parents (just a pair of normal traveling computer mainframe specialists) could be in danger. https://patreon.com/booksinthefreezer…

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Dad Horror with Nat Cassidy 1:53:38

6M ago1:53:38

1:53:38

I was joined by author Nat Cassidy to talk about dads in horror, daddy issues, just "the dad of it all" and of course, When the Wolf Comes Home. Books Mentioned: When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy Scream All Night by Derek Milman Whalefall by Daniel Kraus Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig Hamlet by Shakespeare Just Like Home by Sarah Gailley T…

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What Every Writer Should Know About The Swedish Fire Torch 13:07

6M ago13:07

13:07

Unleash the power of survival lore in your storytelling! Dive into this episode as we explore the Swedish fire torch—a fascinating survival tool that can double as your story's game-changer. Learn how to craft these ingenious log fires, their practical uses, and the pros and cons that make them both a versatile tool and a compelling plot device. Di…

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Spring Into Spring 29:59

6M ago29:59

29:59

Spring into collection suggestions and recommendations! Guest Librarians Piepie and Charles join host Dave to talk about the best titles, genres, and sub-genres to put a little spring in your Spring! Check out the recommendations mentioned in this episode »By jocolibrary

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Patreon Peek: The Overnight with Anna Dupre (Fear Street #3) 5:25

6M ago5:25

5:25

Anna from AnnaRose Reads is here to talk about the third Fear Street book, The Overnight. What happens when a bunch of teens spend the night on Fear Island by themselves? Listen and find out. Listen the rest of the episode here: https://patreon.comBy Stephanie Gagnon

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Doppelgänger Horror with Jocelyn Codner 1:26:36

6M ago1:26:36

1:26:36

Are you seeing double? Jocelyn is on the pod to talk about a topic that sent me into an existential spiral. We're talking doppelgängers and doubles today. Shownotes: https://booksinthefreezer.com Books Mentioned: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin Such Lovely Skin by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne The Changeling by Victor LaValle The Wa…

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Surprise Your Readers By Seamlessly Incorporating Earthworms Into Your Story 14:08

6M ago14:08

14:08

Imagine a creature so unassuming, yet so vital, that its very existence shapes the foundation of life as we know it. I give you the earthworm. Often overlooked and underestimated, these tiny characters in the soil hold immense potential for captivating fiction. From their ecological significance as silent heroes of nature to survival, earthworms ca…

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Ways To Seamlessly Incorporate Animals Into Fiction 17:21

7M ago17:21

17:21

Discover how to incorporate animals into your fiction to captivate readers and bring your stories to life. In this episode, I’ll share creative tips on using animals as plot points, comedic relief, and vivid scene enhancers. Whether you’re writing fantasy, drama, or comedy, learn how these unique characters can add depth and charm to your stories. …

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Patreon Peek: The Surprise Party with Brian McAuley (Fear Street #2) 5:19

7M ago5:19

5:19

Here is a little bit of my conversation with Brian McAuley about the second book in the Fear Street series, The Surprise Party. How many parties are these people going to? Will these boys get therapy? Find out on this episode of The House at the End of Fear Street Full episode available at: https://patreon.com/booksinthefreezer…

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Music Read-Alikes with Rachel Harrison and Agatha Andrews 1:44:22

7M ago1:44:22

1:44:22

What books are we recommending based on songs from Blondie, Arctic Monkeys and Death Cab for Cutie? Listen to find out. The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias The Favorites by Layne Fargo House of Beth by Kerry Cullen Cackle by Rachel Harrison The Return by Rachel Harrison Chlorine by Jade Song The Villa by Rachel Hawkins Cursed Bunny: Stories…

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Rock Horror with William Sterling, Wendy Dalrymple and Kristina Osborn 39:06

7M ago39:06

39:06

PUNK Goes Horror is available now! Books Mentioned: Punk Goes Horror edited by William Sterling Schrader’s Chord by Scott Leeds Sleep Alone by J.A.W. McCarthy Polyphemus by Zachary Ashford A Gift of Death by Daniel Volpe Toured to Death by John Wayne ComunaleBy Stephanie Gagnon

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Show Don't Tell: Dehydration 20:00

7M ago20:00

20:00

Ever wondered how dehydration could be the silent antagonist in your story? Dive with us into the depths of dehydration and discover how this often-overlooked condition can dramatically transform your characters and plot. From the initial thirst that gnaws at the edges of their sanity to the life-threatening consequences that raise the stakes, we’l…

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Patreon Peek: The New Girl with Cameron Chaney (Fear Street #1) 16:46

7M ago16:46

16:46

Full episode available to Malevolent Spirit members on Patreon. Here is a peak at the first episode of The House at the End of Fear Street where I talk about the Fear Street books. Cameron Chaney was here as the first guest to talk about The New Girl! What is her deal? What does Lisa see in Cory? Will the gymnastics come into play at some point in …

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Sibling Horror with Erika T Wurth 1:14:31

7M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Author Erika T. Wurth joins the pod today to talk about the horrors of siblings and some of our favorite familial horror duos, and of course, The Haunting of Room 904. Books Mentioned: The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix Diavola by Jennifer Throne Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna Van Veen A Head Ful…

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Announcement 3-3-25 1:51

7M ago1:51

1:51

Announcement 1: I'm taking a two week break. Announcement 2: I have a new YouTube channel of writing prompts that comes out today called, Writing Gone Wrong! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoy this podcast and would like to help support the creation of this work or would like access to unique membership perks, you can do this and more at …

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Teacher Horror with Quincy Jaquez 1:05:38

8M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

Quincy is back and we are talking the horrors of teaching with the books we are talking about today. Class is in session Books mentioned: Apt Pupil by Stephen King Confessions by Kanae Minato Penance by Kanae Minato Tampa by Alyssa Nutting Pet by Catherine Chidgey My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing Viole…

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5 Well-Intended But Misleading Survival Advice Every Writer Should Know 12:54

8M ago12:54

12:54

Welcome to another insightful episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode we uncover common survival tips that could mislead your fictional characters into danger. Join us as we delve into five misguided survival advice: Don’t Eat Insects - Discover why this advice could deprive your characters of a vital food source. Finding a River Means…

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From The Vault: Yellowjackets Readalikes with Kristen Anderson 1:05:07

8M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

It's Yellowjackets season, baby! Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! And to celebrate a new season, I thought I would repost this conversation I had with the wonderful Kristen Anderson from the Guide to the Unknown Podcast we recorded after season 1. Books Mentioned: We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix Fantasticland by Mik…

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5 Outdated Survival Advice Every Writer Should Know 14:04

8M ago14:04

14:04

Are you a fiction writer seeking inspiration for survival scenarios in your stories? Dive into this episode where we debunk long-held beliefs about staying alive. From rubbing hypothermic skin to the misguided use of gunpowder on wounds, we’ll explore the history and myth behind these outdated tips. Join us as we uncover five outdated survival advi…

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Transgressive Horror with Emma E. Murray 1:00:14

8M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

We are talking transgressive horror on the pod today and author Emma E. Murray is here to help us wade into these bleak and uncomfortable waters. Let me know. Is Emma right? Should I watch Anti-Christ? Movies Mentioned: Martyrs Excision Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer Videodrome Crash Anti-Christ Books Mentioned: Shoot Me in the Face on a Beauti…

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5 Survival Tips That Are True & Not True Every Writer Needs To Know 17:27

8M ago17:27

17:27

Welcome to another intriguing episode of the Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode, we explore common survival advice that, while often practical, could spell danger for your fictional characters in certain situations. Join us as we explore five critical survival scenarios: 1. Eating Snow for Hydration - Learn why this could be a fatal mistake …