After the Fall - Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, Science and Survival
After the Fall explores post-apocalyptic fiction, real-world collapse scenarios, and the science behind how systems fail—and what comes next.
Hosted by author John Michael Layne (Seasons of Ash), the show blends storytelling, expert interviews, and practical survival insights to examine the fragile systems that shape our world.
From grid failures and pandemics to super volcanoes and societal breakdown, each episode asks the same question:
What happens after everything falls apart—and who are we when it does?
Rooted in Appalachian perspective and grounded in realism, After the Fall is where fiction, science, and survival meet.
After the Fall - Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, Science and Survival
Garrett Holt: From Navy Intelligence to Post-Apocalyptic Author
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In this episode of After the Fall, I sit down with Garrett Holt—an indie author and U.S. Navy professional whose background in intelligence, history, and political science brings a unique level of realism to his writing.
Garrett is the author of Siege of the Forgotten Order, a post-apocalyptic novel that blends military strategy, dark science fiction, and elements of horror. We talk about how his real-world experience shapes his storytelling, what it’s like building a book and audience at the same time, and what actually goes into launching a series from scratch.
Beyond writing, this conversation dives into survival psychology, leadership under pressure, and how large-scale systems begin to break down. It’s a grounded, practical look at the kinds of scenarios often explored in fiction—and why they resonate so strongly right now.
Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone interested in preparedness and real-world risk, this episode offers both insight and perspective.
🔍 Topics Covered:
- Writing post-apocalyptic fiction with real-world influence
- Military experience and storytelling
- Survival mindset and leadership
- Building an audience as a new author
- BookTok and modern publishing strategies
- Collapse scenarios and system instability
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