Today, Explained: Prepping for Doomsday
Vox Podcast Network | Released May 2, 2025

Introduction to Doomsday Prepping

In the episode titled "Prepping for Doomsday," hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King delve into the burgeoning culture of doomsday prepping in the United States. Featuring insights from Robert Kirsch, a professor at Arizona State University, and author Dorian Linsky, the episode explores the historical roots, cultural significance, and modern manifestations of prepping for catastrophic events.

The Rise of Modern Prepping

Robert Kirsch opens the discussion by introducing his academic focus on doomsday prepping and its relevance in contemporary society. He poses a fundamental question: "How does one get into at the university level researching the end of the world?" (02:05), setting the stage for an in-depth exploration.

Dorian Linsky explains that her interest began with investigating doomsday prepping kits from a Silicon Valley startup named Preppy. She describes how these kits are marketed not just as survival tools but as stylish, upscale products intended for display:
"This is a bug out bag that you would be proud to display in your living room." (03:00)

This approach demystifies prepping, presenting it as a mainstream behavior rather than an eccentric obsession.

Prepping: An American Institution

The conversation shifts to the prevalence of prepping behaviors among Americans. According to Dorian Linsky, a 2023 FEMA household survey indicates that "about half of Americans indicate that they are engaging in some kind of preparedness for some kind of adverse event." (04:42)

Robert Kirsch questions the stereotypical image of preppers, to which Linsky responds by highlighting the media's influence in shaping this perception:
"There's a sort of media spectacle version of a prepper, and that gets informed by a lot of, like, cable reality television." (04:54)

Linsky and Kirsch argue that prepping is deeply ingrained in the American psyche, tracing back to the nation's frontier mentality of self-sufficiency and mastery over the environment. They suggest that prepping behaviors are not fringe activities but rather a reflection of core American values.

Commercialization and the Ultra-Wealthy

The episode examines how prepping has been commodified, particularly among the affluent. Dorian Linsky asserts that the actions of billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel are more about "conspicuous consumption" than genuine fear of apocalypse:
"It's a sort of conspicuous consumption that maybe more middle class or upwardly mobile Americans can at least sort of try to emulate." (09:03)

The hosts explore the notion that ultra-wealthy individuals showcase their preparedness as a status symbol, which trickles down to influence middle-class consumers who purchase survival gear and storage solutions.

Common Doomsday Scenarios

Linsky identifies grid failure as a primary concern for preppers, especially in harsh climates like the Sonoran Desert where air conditioning is vital:
"Grid failure... it's hard to imagine making it through 115 degree days without some kind of chemically induced air conditioning." (11:44)

Kirsch adds that electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, and even civil unrest are significant worries:
"My biggest ones are electromagnetic pulse, hurricane, tornado and civil war." (12:00)

These scenarios reflect both technological vulnerabilities and societal fragilities, prompting individuals to take measures to ensure their survival.

Psychological and Social Implications

The hosts delve into the psychological motivations behind prepping. Dorian Linsky discusses the difference between fearing the end of the world and actively wanting it for personal gain:
"There's a difference between fear of the end of the world... and a craving for it because they think that it is either going to be some kind of punishment or cleansing or opportunity." (22:59)

Kirsch echoes the sentiment, pondering why people obsess over surviving the apocalypse:
"Why do you think we obsess and maybe even wish that we would be around to see the end?" (22:19)

They suggest that this obsession may stem from a desire to find meaning in existence and confront existential threats, albeit in a self-sufficient manner.

Historical and Literary Perspectives

Transitioning to the historical context, Noel King provides a literary analysis of apocalyptic narratives:
"The first secular narratives about the end of the world... were Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness' and Mary Shelley's novel 'The Last Man'." (16:13)

King explains how these early works diverged from religious apocalyptic stories by presenting a world-ending scenario devoid of divine intervention, thus laying the groundwork for modern secular doomsday narratives.

The discussion continues into the 20th century, highlighting how global conflicts and technological advancements, particularly nuclear weapons, transformed apocalyptic storytelling:
"From then on, I think almost every end of the world story has a sense of human culpability..." (20:46)

Contemporary Reflections and Future Outlook

In addressing current trends, the hosts note the seamless integration of traditional and modern apocalyptic themes in today's media:
"It's not like we've left behind the old ones... there's still nuclear weapons, I mean, I suppose climate change and AI." (21:18)

Linsky emphasizes that contemporary apocalyptic narratives are multifaceted, incorporating fears of technological overreach, environmental degradation, and societal collapse. This amalgamation reflects the complex anxieties of the modern era.

The episode concludes with a philosophical reflection on collective versus individual resilience:
"What can we confront alone and what can we confront together?" (12:28)

Linsky advocates for building solidarity and collective action as opposed to solitary prepping, suggesting that communal efforts are essential for effectively addressing large-scale crises.

Conclusion

"Prepping for Doomsday" offers a comprehensive examination of the cultural, psychological, and historical dimensions of doomsday prepping in America. By intertwining academic insights with societal observations, the episode elucidates why prepping has become a significant facet of American identity and how it mirrors broader concerns about vulnerability and self-sufficiency in an uncertain world.

Notable Quotes:

• Dorian Linsky (03:00): "This is a bug out bag that you would be proud to display in your living room."
• Dorian Linsky (04:42): "About half of Americans indicate that they are engaging in some kind of preparedness for some kind of adverse event."
• Dorian Linsky (09:03): "It's a sort of conspicuous consumption that maybe more middle class or upwardly mobile Americans can at least sort of try to emulate."
• Dorian Linsky (11:44): "Grid failure... it's hard to imagine making it through 115 degree days without some kind of chemically induced air conditioning."
• Dorian Linsky (22:59): "There's a difference between fear of the end of the world... and a craving for it because they think that it is either going to be some kind of punishment or cleansing or opportunity."
• Noel King (16:13): "The first secular narratives about the end of the world... were Lord Byron's poem 'Darkness' and Mary Shelley's novel 'The Last Man'."
• Noel King (21:18): "It's not like we've left behind the old ones... there's still nuclear weapons, I mean, I suppose climate change and AI."
• Dorian Linsky (12:28): "What can we confront alone and what can we confront together?"

This episode of "Today, Explained" provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of doomsday prepping, positioning it within the broader tapestry of American culture and historical narrative. Whether you're a skeptic or a seasoned prepper, the insights shared offer valuable perspectives on why the end-of-the-world mindset persists and evolves.