The Bunker
Doom and doomers — Should we be prepping for the end of the world?
Apr 11, 2025
Robert E. Kirsch and Emily Ray, experts in doomsday prepping, delve into the fascinating phenomenon of people preparing for catastrophic events. They discuss the roots of this trend in American culture, exploring motivations from nostalgia for self-sufficiency to reactions against neoliberalism. The conversation touches on the psychological allure of survivalism, the transformation of homes into fortresses in today's political climate, and the importance of community resilience in facing societal challenges.
48:02
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Quick takeaways
- Doomsday prepping is increasingly popular across diverse groups, reflecting cultural anxieties and a strong desire for self-reliance in America.
- The shift from individual preparedness to communal strategies emphasizes the importance of collective resilience in facing potential disasters.
Deep dives
The Popularity of Doomsday Prepping
Doomsday prepping has gained traction among diverse socio-economic groups, reflecting a broader culture of anxiety and self-reliance in the United States. Individuals prepare for potential disasters, not exclusively motivated by extreme end-of-world scenarios, but also by more mundane concerns such as climate change, economic instability, or even everyday emergencies like power outages. This shift suggests that prepping is no longer relegated to fringe communities, but instead connects deeply to American identity and the archetype of being self-sufficient. The phenomenon has roots in historical practices, with organizations like the Boy Scouts promoting preparedness as a societal norm.
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