S2E9 ~ Alas, Babylon - Part 1

From Post-Apocalyptia by Timewalkerauthor

April 12, 2026 · 1h 0m · Season 2 · Episode 39

About this episode

The episode discusses survival in a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on the themes of Pat Frank's novel 'Alas, Babylon'.

We're back, and asking ourselves: How does a small town survive the apocalypse on its own? Professor David Perlmutter returns today to talk about Pat Frank's classic 1959 novel of the nuclear apocalypse, Alas, Babylon! In Part 1, we'll talk about the necessities for survival; the Cold War and the nuclear threat; and the risk of being a forward thinker in a backward time. We'll meet our characters, and see how they manage to escape not just death in the apocalypse, but the degradation of the aftermath. And we'll ask the question on everyone's mind on "The Day": What's all this money really worth, anyway? This and more, in Part 1 of Alas, Babylon! Join us there, at the end of the world! Alas, Babylon has remained in print since its publication, and is available from most booksellers, in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. Post-Apocalyptia can be found on most podcast apps, and on our website at https://www.postapocalyptia.com. We can also be found on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Reddit. Have a story you'd like to see us feature? Or, want to join us as a guest? Leave us a comment on any of our social media, or email us at…

People in this episode

Host: Timewalkerauthor

Guest: Professor David Perlmutter

Topics covered

apocalypse
survival
Cold War
nuclear threat
character development

Keywords

apocalypse
survival
nuclear threat
Cold War
Alas Babylon
character development
post-apocalyptic

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Post-Apocalyptia, Timewalkerauthor

Books & works: Alas, Babylon