Mic, Jeff and Brian review and discuss the newly-released movie "Civil War" by Alex Garland. The possibilities of civil unrest is an increasing concern among the preparedness-minded, so we approached our look at the movie from a prepper perspective.  There is a no-spoilers synopsis in the beginning of this episode, as well as a spoiler warning and a point to which you can fast-forward to skip the spoilers, if you like. Later in the episode, we discuss questions engendered by the movie, like: what can a prepper do about civil unrest? Would the government actually fire upon disobedient citi ..read more

Join Mic and his regular co-hosts Brian and Jeff, as they venture into the world of environmental disaster through - literature, film, and real-world predictions. Unlike the commonly explored apocalyptic narratives involving comets or nuclear weapons, EcoDoom is a surprisingly scarce disaster narratives in Hollywood, despite it being trumpeted as an urgent crisis. Where are all the climate change-themed movies? Our trip down memory lane will discuss environmental disaster movies that come close: Soylent Green, The Day After Tomorrow, and an old British film about global warming, The Day the Ea ..read more

Martin and the Hendrick brothers set out for their journey north. While passing Indian Lakes, they are stopped at a roadblock. There, they meet up with Davy Walsh who was on an assignment to clear out the squatters around the lakes. While Davy hitches a ride to Concord, he tells Martin about the efforts to clean up Manchester's drinking water in hopes of curbing rampant sickness. In Concord, they learn that their trip north will be trouble. Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee ..read more

In this episode, Mic, Brian, and Jeff look at three famous fictional works in which an economic collapse is the cause of SHTF.  What caused those collapses? Is there anything we can learn from them? How did the main characters and the populace respond to the collapse? Are there lessons there too?   Links for titles in this episode: "Patriots" by John Wesley Rawles, 1995 (updated through 2011). Synopsis and reviews on Goodreads. "Atlas Shrugged" Ayn Rand, 1957. Synopsis and reviews on Goodreads. “The Grapes of Wrath” 1940 movie, based on 1939 novel by John Steinbeck   Intern ..read more

Mr. Farnum visits the Hendricks' farm and is impressed with Charles' new gasifier-generator-welder. He tells of the need the Central Rail Collaborative has for a bigger welder and some of the the difficulties the CRC has faced thus far. Charles tries to finagle profitable terms in exchange for helping the CRC. To his and Martin's surprise, Farnum agrees to a rather generous deal. "That was too easy," Martin says.   While you're enjoying the ongoing story, this would be a good time to buy Mic a cup of virtual coffee, go to Buy Me A Coffee. Your support helps keep the Siege story going. To ..read more

Mic, Brian and Jeff explore some of the fiction featuring pandemics or plagues. They will narrow their scope to include the more realistic stories and save the zombie stories for another episode. They discuss several fictional stories with an eye toward what we really experience with the recent Covid pandemic. They also share their own experiences during Covid as well as advice on being ready for the next pandemic. Stories discussed in this episode: Edgar Allen Poe's short story: "Mask of the Red Death." Albert Camus' 1947 novel: "The Plague" The 1996 film: "Outbreak" The 2011 film "Contagion ..read more

Nick attends his first Grange meeting and comes forward for membership. After some farmer-related business, and a lecture about corn by Clyde Graedig, a guest speaker addresses the group. Clive Farnum seeks support for his Central Rail Collaborative, a steam train project that he is promoting as the key to a revived New Hampshire economy. If you're enjoying these new chapters in the Siege story, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, to keep the story going. Of course, virtual cups of coffee are always welcome ..read more

What would it be like to lose power at your house for two weeks? Mic interviews Jonathan, a Siege stories listener and farmer/prepper, who lost power due to an ice storm. Which of his preps worked well? What holes in his preps did the outage expose? Generators are a godsend but fuel for them is their Achilles Heel. What can be done about that? If you enjoy these 'Extra' content episodes, let Mic know by buying him a cup of virtual coffee  at Buy Me A Coffee. You could also become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, or drop him an email: mic (at) mic-roland (dot) com ..read more

Martin and the Hendrick brothers resume work on their gasifier-engine-generator-welder trailer. Mrs. Hendrick tells of seeing her "Corn Ghost" again, with proof of some damaged corn at the edge of her field. Jeff Landers comes by, lobbying Grange members (which includes Martin, Tyler and Charles) for support of a pending warrant article to stem brewing trouble in town over water rights. Support the ongoing writing of Book 6 by buying Mic a cup of virtual coffee, at Buy Me A Coffee. To become a monthly supporter, go to Patreon, or  Buy Me A Coffee,  Your support helps keep t ..read more

Mic takes you on an early spring / late winter walk-around the homestead. It is the start of maple syrup season and collection has begun. The days are getting longer and the chickens have started to lay more. The ice on the pond might be sturdy enough to cut a couple trees out in the pond. There's still too much snow for gardening, though. You can support this podcast by becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee. One-time virtual cups of coffee are always welcome.   ..read more