Shows
I Survived the Rapture28 - StefanananavichPages 1-145/Chapters 1-7 of The Remnant: On the Brink of Armageddon
On the upswing from the garbage fire of Book 9, the boys check back in with Petra, the Underground, and the Tribulation Force as bombs fall, miracles happen, and people wind up in even more Old Testament cosplay. The computer magic and science miracles reach new heights. Jerry almost writes a competent thriller scene and Shane struggles to pronounce names.2022-04-161h 20I Survived the RaptureGlobal Community Theatre - Left Behind II Colon Tribulation ForceAfter the Desecration dumpster fire, the boys take a break and head back to the movies with the second film in the Kirk Cameron Left Behind trilogy. With a lower budget, worse source material, and some baffling VFX choices, the lingering question is: Can the Tribulation Force Movie come out better than the book? The answer is probably no.2022-03-1152 minI Survived the RaptureBook 9 Wrap Up - Off the RecordThe boys finally put their least favorite book (so far) to bed. Discussion of Desecration leads to talk about PBS shows, entertaining angels, and how much Shane really misses Hattie and David. Only three more main series books to go before the Glorious Appearing and there's no where to go but up (we hope).2022-02-2544 minI Survived the Rapture27 - Let's-a-GO!Pages 275-END/Chapters 15-END of Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne
The bombs are falling and so is the boys' final rating for this book as the battle in the skies over Petra spills out into the fleeing masses on the ground. Antichrist continues to consolidate his power after the Via Dolorosa precession and the GC Morale Monitors finally grow some fangs. The Tribulation Force's plot armor is finally starting to dent as book 9 reaches its conclusion.2022-02-191h 27I Survived the Rapture26 - Shut Up, LEON!Pages 135-274/Chapter 8-14 of Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne
Back after the holiday break, the boys find themselves stuck right back in the quagmire of Book 9.
Carpathia has FINALLY made his way to the Temple and the Act of Desecration can begin. Jerry and Tim continue further into their Exodus reboot complete with plagues, a pharaoh, and a Red Sea moment and the first battles between Operation Eagle and the GC kick off (with predictably problematic implications).2022-01-211h 21I Survived the Rapture25 - Thanks Linda!Pages 1-134/Chapters 1-7 of Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne
Back in the saddle for the final third of the Left Behind saga. The boys come upon what might be their least favorite book so far. Shane fights a cold but can't fight the onslaught of terrible pacing. Luckily, a new ally reaches out from the distant past to help the boys in their darkest hour.2021-12-031h 27I Survived the RaptureNeon Genesis Evangelicals - CarmanThe boys take a step away from Tim and Jerry in a new companion series to ISTR. Neon Genesis Evangelicals takes a closer look at some of the most notable and controversial figures in the modern evangelical movement.
Our pilot episode centers on the TBN troubadour: Carmello Licciardello (more commonly known as simply "Carman". This bombastic arena artist holds the alleged world record for the largest attended christian music concert of all time. He soared to popularity through the 80s and 90s with his unmistakable brand of gospel music, spoken word, dance, and fear-baiting that is right...2021-11-1154 minI Survived the RaptureBook 8 Wrap-Up: Off the RecordThe boys send The Mark packing as they dissect the phenomenon and modern conspiracy narrative that is still infecting US political discourse. Biochips, vaccines, and a whole bunch of people who didn't actually read the Bible make an appearance. Shane pulls from some contemporary sources and the final horsemen tally gets levied as Book 9 is on the horizon.2021-11-0546 minI Survived the Rapture24 - Gonna Be Some Chopping TonightPages 252-END/Chapters 15-End of The Mark: The Beast Rules the World
Do you hear the people sing? If so, we’re sorry. The loyalty enforcement protocols are now in effect as the book finally starts living up to its title. The boys take aim at right-wing tiktok and the Hunger Games on this episode featuring musical guest: Nicolae Carpathia.2021-10-081h 36I Survived the Rapture23 - Do It For AnniePages 123-251 of Chapter 8-14 of The Mark: The Beast Rules the World
Time is ticking for the New Babylon crew as the pressure mounts for them to step up and take the Mark of Loyalty. New Nicolae gets even weirder with a barnyard fixation and a Dracula-esque mirror collection. The Force loses one member and gains another as the boys dissect the silly esotericism of Facebook christo-fascists.2021-09-241h 25I Survived the Rapture22 - Ba-da-believePages 1-122/Chapter 1-7 of The Mark: The Beast Rules the World
Peak dystopia hours. The boys examine the immediate aftermath of the dark-magic-palooza swirling around Nicolae Carpathia's resurrection and indwelling. The clock is ticking for the GC insiders as the regime unveils the Mark of Loyalty at long last. Shane gets more than a little heated over the present day impact of Left Behind's lore and a long forgotten npc makes a return appearance.2021-09-031h 22I Survived the RaptureBook 7 Wrap Up - Off the RecordStill dealing with the fallout of the Nicolae Carpathia comeback tour and looking forward to the new world under Satan himself, the boys begin to dissect the larger implications of the plot as the Tribulation Force falls more under the heals of the GC. Shane gets to wax at length about speaking in tongues and Gavin provides some insight as to the psychological mechanisms behind Tsion's "Dr. Strange Astral Journey".2021-08-2449 minI Survived the Rapture21 - It's Not Religion, It's DiGiornoPages 215-End/Chapter 14-End of The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession
The funeral for Nicolae Carpathia finally gets underway as the Tribulation Force continues to gain new members at home and around the world. The boys examine the second of Tsion's cosmic journeys to the throne of heaven (and Tim's very loose interpretation of prophetic imagery). Sadboy Ray returns and the GC finally set their sites on the Chicago safe house.
AND ON THE THIRD DAY....2021-08-071h 14I Survived the Rapture20 - Maybe Just a DragonPages 107-214 of Chapters 7-13 of The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession
Everything old is new again as the boys bear witness to the hours counting down to the Supreme Potentate's state funeral in New Babylon. The Tribulation Force scrambles to reunite after a catastrophe, the head of the GC plays mind games with his subordinates, and someone named Steele is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. We're playing all the greatest hits this week, but there is a psychedelic astral projection into the planes of Heaven and the throne of God himself--so that's kinda new.2021-07-231h 15I Survived the Rapture19 - Au NaturelPages 1-106 of Chapter 1-6 of The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession
All Hell breaks loose—eventually. The Supreme Potentate lies dead and the Global Community mourns. The boys follow along as a scattered Tribulation Force tries to find their footing in the midst of the biggest shake up since the Rapture itself, tapping into mystical powers of their own (seriously) and trying to regroup despite the chaos. The bodies are already piling up and the last book’s mysteries are already starting to be solved.2021-07-091h 17I Survived the RaptureGlobal Community Theatre - Left Behind Colon The MovieTo celebrate the halfway mark of the series, the boys take on Left Behind in an entirely different medium. 2000's Left Behind: The Movie was an ill-conceived attempt to start a Tribulation Cinematic Universe that may not have made it's money at the box office, but lives on as a christian bookstore relic on DVD. In terms of quality--it's gonna be right about what you'd expect.2021-06-2148 minI Survived the RaptureBook 6 Wrap Up - Off the RecordThe boys have reached the true halfway point of the series and there's a lot to unpack. The characters, the cliffhangers, and the absolutely wild plot beats of the last number before the intermission are all discussed and they may just drop their highest rating yet (if we're grading these goofy books on a curve, of course) The Antichrist is dead. Long live the Antichrist.2021-06-0447 minI Survived the Rapture18 - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)Pages 269-END/Chapters 16-END of Assassins: Assignment, Jerusalem. Target, Antichrist.
The appointed time has finally arrived! And the body count is going to climb this episode. Shane and Gavin watch the game clock count down to halftime as all the action finds its way (again) to Jerusalem. The Tribulation Force is powerless as Nicolae enraptures the world, consolidates his power, and removes all enemies and obstacles from his way just as....well, it's hard to say goodbye, that's all.2021-05-281h 25I Survived the Rapture17 - Nicolae SenpaiChapters 9-15/Pages 139-267 of Assassins: Assignment, Jerusalem. Target, Antichrist.
Ray's downward spiral continues as the action ramps up on both sides of the globe. Amidst the murderous rampage of the millions of demonic horseman, Nicolae Carpathia starts thinking now would be a good time to plan a celebration in Israel. More assassins take their shots as the Left Behind series introduces an element so utterly baffling that the boys have to call in a back up host just to help them explain it.2021-05-211h 24I Survived the Rapture16 - Satan's in the Wi-FiChapters 1-8/Pages 1-137 of Assassins: Assignment, Jerusalem. Target, Antichrist
The countdown to the halfway point of the Tribulation has truly begun. The Force is growing in numbers as C and B-tier characters rise up to S-tier status (even earning their own POV chapters). The boys take this episode to set the stage for the coming chaos and take a good long look at the character journey of Sadboy Rayford as he undergoes his evolution into Murder Madboy Rayford. Also horse demons are back! Just a little bit bigger this time.2021-05-141h 21I Survived the RaptureBook 5 Wrap Up - Off the RecordFinally recording in the same space for the first time! The boys close out Apollyon as the murder scorpion demons have passed and the halfway point of the Tribulation looms on the horizon. God himself gets tossed around as does his "divine plan" concerning those left behind, both saints and sinners. Lastly, the rating for book number five reveals if Shane decides to stick by his alleged favorite book of the front half of the series now that he's returned to it with fresh eyes.2021-05-0738 minI Survived the Rapture15 - Postmodern Neo-MarxistsChapters 14-End/ Pages 251-End of Apollyon: The Destroyer is Unleashed
The robotic man-faced murder scorpion demons are FINALLY HERE! A literal angel falls to earth and there are no reluctant kids in giant robots to stop it. The non believers writhe in utter torment as the first of 3 “Woes” has come upon the Earth. Yet somehow, despite all of this, the boys happen upon what might be one of the least downer endings in the LB series thus far.2021-04-301h 16I Survived the Rapture14 - Good Morning, Night City
Chapters 7-14/Pages 117-251 of Apollyon: The Destroyer is Unleased
This week, the world has fallen into dystopian levels of sin and debauchery (nice) The boys watch the Tribulation Force coordinate their most meticulously planned and high-stakes operation to date. Thankfully it goes off without a single hitch and everyone makes it back alive because that’s how things like this always go. “Woe to the inhabitants of the Earth as the trumpets of three more angels are yet to sound.“2021-04-231h 16I Survived the Rapture13 - Shadow the Hedgehog
Chapters 1-6 and Pages 1-115 of Apollyon: The Destroyer is Unleashed
Shane finally drags Gavin all the way to the book that inspired the podcast. The countdown to the true weirdness begins as the Tribulation Force makes their way to Israel for 3 days of glorified church camp. We see miracles. We see un-miracles or whatever the opposite of miracles is. Floyd catches feels and Hattie Durham final gets some true, honest character development, though not in the way anyone would probably like.
(This episode featuring music by Crush 40)2021-04-201h 20I Survived the RaptureBook 4 Wrap Up - Off the RecordIn this wrap up of Soul Harvest, the boys discuss the "Left Behind cycle" as the books begin to fall into a routine 1/3 of the way through the series. The dangers of a "militarized christianity" and the book's inevitable march towards "us" vs "them" style conflict are also brought to the table as they pick apart the implications behind the world taking sides. 2021-04-0343 minI Survived the Rapture12 - Here Comes the Blood**Pages -END / Chapters -End of Soul Harvest: The World Takes Sides**In this rapid-fire third act, the boys tangle with Tim and Jerry seemingly trying to fit so much plot into the back third of a book that it makes Tribulation Force look balanced by comparison. Lives are taken and lives are saved. New allies join the Force as old ones find their way back home. Above the roar of earthly chaos--three trumpets begin to blow. 2021-03-271h 21I Survived the Rapture11 - Born Again Hard**Pages 165-292 / Chapters 9-14 of Soul Harvest: The World Takes Sides**This week's episode takes us on the mission to rescue Chloe as Buck and Ken experiment with prescription drugs. The boys discuss the coming trumpet judgements, the implications of Amanda's potential involvement with the GC, and just how long that Ray can manage to stay employed under Carpathia. The chess pieces move and Buck starts going back to his roots as the contrast turns up on the plot's remaining patches of grey. 2021-03-191h 20I Survived the Rapture10 - Leonardo, Come Forth!** Pages 1-164/Chapter 1-8 of Soul Harvest: The World Takes Side**In the "Aftermath of the Wrath" the boys watch the world try to pick up the pieces. As always, Shane's favorite character has planned for every eventuality and spared no expense. Two founding members of the Tribulation Force play "Where in the World is My Wife?" and at last we get 2000s-era cell phone networks that seem like something that isn't out of a sci-fi movie. Also like a miracle or something happens. Maybe. 2021-03-121h 12I Survived the RaptureBook 3 Wrap Up - Off the RecordThe boys take a stab at unpacking some of the themes and noticeable moments from Nicolae: Rise of the Antichrist. They discuss the militarization of Christianity, the significance of the number 216, as well as get personal about some of their own spiritual journeys as they gear up to tackle book number four. 2021-03-0541 minI Survived the Rapture9 - Holy Spirit Gaydar*Page 282-END/Chapter 14-END of Nicolae: Rise of the Antichrist*Bringing to a close the most action-packed entry thus far, the boys examine the changes in rhetoric regarding the topics of abortion and homosexuality since the 1990s. Buck and Rayford do some serious soul-searching regarding their employment under Carpathia and the Global Community and the New Hope family tearfully put to rest the late Bruce Barnes.(Also worldwide earthquake, giant meteors, blood moon, and death on an unprecedented scale. No big.)2021-02-261h 17I Survived the Rapture8 - Desert Bus*Pages 147 to 282/Chapter 8 to 14 of Nicolae: Rise of the Antichrist*Part two of Nicolae and we find the boys discussing Buck’s miraculous adventure trying to cross the Egyptian border with a fugitive Tsion in tow. There’s car chases, gunshots, and explosions in this one folks, along with a deep and profound examination of totalitarianism and the New World Order in George Foreman’s famous books: 1987 and Animal Crossing. 2021-02-191h 21I Survived the Rapture7 - Chekov's NukesPages 1-147 of Chapters 1-8 of Nicolae: Rise of the AntichristAfter slogging their way through Tribulation Force, the boys get to treat themselves to all manner of cataclysms as Book 3 begins. Nukes are dropped, but also not. Main characters are in peril, but also not. Car chases, tension, so much MONEY, and did we mention the nukes? Strap in, because next two Horsemen are on the horizon and they don't look happy. 2021-02-051h 17I Survived the RaptureBook 2 Wrap Up - Off the RecordIn this Off the Record for Tribulation Force, Shane and Gavin take a much deserved breather to discuss marriage, morality, and making bets with your immortal soul. Pascal’s Casino is wide open for the boys, and they’ve got the empty wallets to prove it as they prep to move forward into Book 3: Nicolae.2021-01-2941 minI Survived the Rapture6 - Left Behind: Shippuden**Chapters 14-END and Pages 205-END of Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind**Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year?....sophomore slump. Shane and Gavin finish out the final third of Tribulation Force with some hot takes on Christian historicity, wretched pacing, and all together odd narrative choices. There’s two weddings, a pregnancy, and a funeral, but we promise it gets better. (Not for our characters, but it at least gets weirder.) 2021-01-221h 20I Survived the Rapture5 - Cookies Redeux: Wipe HarderChapters 8-14 and Pages 117-204 of Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left BehindShane and Gavin make their way through romance and reconciliation between Chloe and Buck with a heaping helping of the creep factor. They discuss why some of these subplots seem to be borrowed from movies from the 1940s, and get royally angry at both sexual moralizing and overly bad history lessons as part 2/3 leads us to Jerusalem and the signing of the tribulation treaty. 2021-01-151h 22I Survived the Rapture4 - I Am the United Nations!**Pg 1-117/Chapters 1-8 of Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind**Recaps! Romance! Religious fire breathers! Shane and Gavin hop back into the series with Book number 2, following the titular Tribulation Force as the tendrils of the Antichrist begin to reach out and touch their personal lives and the clock is ticking as the Four Horsemen strain at the starting gate. Did we mention that there are guys that breathe fire? 2021-01-091h 18I Survived the RaptureBook 1 Wrap Up - Off The RecordIn this first "Off the Record" episode the first Left Behind novel closed, but there's a lot to review and unpack. Shane and Gavin reflect on airplanes, the UN, christian nationalism, Vacation Bible School, and cookies, taking break in preparation to move on to Book 2: Tribulation Force. 2021-01-0138 minI Survived the Rapture3 - Love At First Wipe**Page 168-END/Chapters 18 -END of Left Behind: A Novel of Earth's Last Days**Rounding third base toward the conclusion of the debut novel of Left Behind, the gang's all here as the confluence of the Tribulation Force finally begins, complete with uncomfortable budding romance. The Antichrist is revealed in all of his diabolical glory. Lives are lost, souls are saved, and Shane and Gavin try half-heartedly to get Great American Cookies to sponsor them. 2020-12-181h 25I Survived the Rapture2 - Please, Call Me Nick.**Page 93-167/Chapters 9-18 of Left Behind: A Novel of Earth's Last Days**The immediate Post-Rapture drama continues with conspiracy, car bombs and lots of crying--Shane and Gavin explore Ray's journey of faith and Buck's globe-trotting adventures fashioned of a K-Mart Tom Clancy. The United Nations takes center stage only to be upstaged by Shane's favorite character as Nicolae Carpathia finally makes his debut. 2020-12-111h 28I Survived the Rapture1 - Whadaya Weigh, Doll?**Page 1-92/Chapters 1-9 of Left Behind: A Novel of Earth's Last Days**A mid-air crisis, empty clothes, and a ton of casual misogyny--Shane and Gavin kick off the series with the first several chapters of the original 1995 novel. Rayford Steele and Buck Williams are introduced along with a whole host of side characters with equally ridiculous names and the Rapture of the Church sends the entire planet spiraling into chaos. 2020-12-041h 31I Survived the Rapture0 -Tim and Jerry Awesome Books, Great Job!A primer for all the Left Behind weirdness yet to come: Shane and Gavin explore the history of the Rapture, Revelation, and the men behind Left Behind: Jerry B Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. The lives, careers, and historical impact of these creators stretches far beyond a novel series and is still impacting events decades later-- tune in to find out how!2020-11-261h 28