#1515 - Dr. Bradley Garrett
NaN minutesEpisode #1515
Dr. Bradley Garrett is an American social and cultural geographer at University College Dublin in Ireland and a writer for The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom. His new book "Bunker: Building for the End Times" is now available.
Watch the full episode of #1515 - Dr. Bradley Garrett.
Episode Timestamps
Prepping Culture and Observations
- Discussion on prepping culture, GPS watches, and paracord bracelets
- Anecdote about encounters with preppers and their gear
- Exploration of communities residing in concrete bunkers
Pandemic Impact and Lifestyle Changes
- Reflection on pandemic experiences and decision-making during crisis
- Transition to living in Big Bear and maintaining a bug out plan
- Observations on terrain diversity in California and international living
Fear and Anxiety During a Pandemic
- Discussion about a terrifying novel called Survivor Song recommended by a friend
- Exploration of people's anxieties and reactions during a pandemic
- Insights into the psychology of prepping and stockpiling for emergencies
Economic Impact and Uncertainty During COVID-19
- Analysis of the economic repercussions on businesses and restaurants due to lockdown measures
- Examination of the survival challenges faced by various industries during the pandemic
- Contemplation on the prolonged uncertainty and potential long-term consequences of the situation
Global Catastrophes and the Impact of COVID-19
- Discussion on the transmissibility and impact of COVID-19 on economies
- Exploration of how governments may consider weaponizing viruses after observing COVID-19's effects
- Reflection on the increased existential threats faced, including nuclear weapons, AI, and climate change
Preppers, Wildlife in New Zealand, and Indigenous Navigational Skills
- Insights into preppers' mindset and preparedness in the face of global threats
- Description of New Zealand's wildlife population challenges and eradication decisions
- Discussion on the remarkable navigational skills of Polynesians and Micronesians
Learning Ancient Craftsmanship and the Significance of Clovis Cultures
- Discussion on the craftsmanship behind creating ancient arrowheads like Clovis points
- Explanation of the challenging process involving flint knapping and material selection
- Observations on the historical significance of obsidian and other materials in creating weapons
Cultural Preservation and Adaptation in Archeological Settings
- Personal experience of connecting with history through finding fingerprint marked pottery
- Transition from archeology to cultural geography for a more nuanced understanding of cultural relationships with the landscape
- Insights into how cultural practices adapt to environmental changes and the importance of qualitative perspectives
Oral Histories and Ancient Cultural Memories
- Discussion on oral histories within tribes and the preservation of cultural memories
- Examples of Aboriginal clans in Australia retaining detailed underwater maps of Sydney Harbor from ancient times
- Exploration of the accuracy and mystery behind ancient traditional paintings and maps
Lost Ancient Technologies and Speculations on Historical Events
- Overview of the discovery and complexity of the 2000-year-old Antikythera mechanism
- Reflections on lost ancient skills and technology compared to modern advancements
- Theories on the abrupt end of the Ice Age due to asteroid impacts and the potential impact on ancient civilizations
Ancient Understanding of the Solar System and Anunnaki Story
- Discussion on the ancient depiction of the solar system with the sun in the center and planets orbiting it
- Exploration of the mysterious story of the Anunnaki and their alleged visit to Earth
- Comparison of similarities between Sumerian tales and biblical stories
Tribalism, Prepper Communities, and Conspiracy Theories
- Analysis of the tribal divide leading to partisan conflicts
- Insight into the experiences with doomsday preppers and their beliefs
- Examples of individuals exploiting fears through conspiracy theories and selling survival products
Exploring the Underground Survival Condo in Kansas
- Discussion about a survival condo in Kansas built inside a converted missile silo
- Description of the luxurious amenities such as a pool, theater, and rock wall inside the underground condo
- Pricing details revealed with options for half or full floors and the total cost
Preparation and Assistance for Disasters by Plan B Supply
- Introduction to Plan B Supply and their production of bulletproof armored vehicles for disaster scenarios
- Highlight of the concept where the vehicle itself acts as a mobile bunker for survival
- Narrative of Plan B Supply's involvement in disaster relief efforts, including Hurricane Harvey
The Mormon Connection: Joseph Smith and Mormonism
- Discussion about the origins of Mormonism and Joseph Smith's story of finding golden tablets
- Exploration of the Mormon beliefs and lifestyle, including polygamy and prepping for disasters
- Connection between prominent figures like Mitt Romney and the history of Mormons escaping to Mexico
Prepping Culture and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
- Investigation into Mormon prepping culture and its historical ties to Cold War preparations
- Discussion on the influence of fictional narratives like 'Wool' on real-life bunker constructions
- Concerns about the potential for prepping mentalities to lead to self-fulfilling prophecies of apocalyptic scenarios
Impact of Information Overload and Social Media on Perception of Global Events
- Discussion on the overwhelming amount of information and disasters happening simultaneously
- Exploration of how constant exposure to disasters through media influences our perception and consciousness
- Comparison of ancient tribal mindset focusing on threats to the modern social media era
Tribalism, Community Formation, and Prepper Movement
- Analysis of the collective dread and unease leading to tribalization in society
- Examination of communities forming based on self-protection ideologies like preppers
- Comparison of government betrayal perceptions from the Cold War era to the rise of survivalist movements
Underground Infrastructures and Bunkers: Secrets Below the Ground
- Discussion about underground structures in North Korea and their defensive strategies post-Korean War
- Insight into research by the Nautilus Institute to uncover underground bunkers using satellite data
- Exploration of theories on spoofing gravity measurements to disguise underground bunkers
Urban Exploration and Vulnerabilities: Mapping the City's Underworld
- Narrative on urban exploration in London, including visits to historic sewer systems and abandoned sites
- Reflections on the ease of accessing critical infrastructures and potential vulnerabilities within cities
- Insights on preppers' concerns about power grid vulnerabilities and the impact of solar events on modern society
Manufacturing Challenges and Global Supply Chain of Electronics
- Discussion on the challenges of manufacturing cell phones in the United States and the availability of essential minerals
- Exploration of the global supply chain for electronics and the extraction of minerals in countries like Afghanistan and the Congo
- Insights into the complex journey of minerals from mining by workers in Africa to the manufacturing of cell phones in China and the impacts on the environment
Environmental Impact and Waste Management
- Analysis of the environmental issues related to landfills and the release of greenhouse gases
- Anecdote about a subterranean fire in a landfill highlighting the consequences of improper waste disposal
- Discussion on waste generation historically, including Native American buffalo jumps, and perspectives on waste in the ecosystem
Native American Tribes and Early European Settlers
- Description of the brutal environment and lack of surrender among Native American tribes before European settlers arrived
- Discussion on warfare tactics and cannibalism among different Native American tribes
- Impact of disease and introduction of firearms on the dynamics between Native Americans and early European settlers
Warfare Techniques and the Rise of the Comanche Tribe
- Introduction of horses to North America and the strategic advantage of the Comanche tribe in warfare
- Comparison between Native American and European combat techniques on horseback
- Territorial dominance and fear caused by the warlike nature of the Comanche tribe
The Possible Introduction to Alien Encounters
- Speculation about the government's gradual disclosure of information regarding extraterrestrial encounters
- Discussion surrounding the chaos in society and the introduction of the concept of aliens into the mix
- Historical accounts of encounters with unidentified phenomena by trustworthy sources such as military personnel
Confirmation of UFO Existence and Tech Discovery
- Detailed accounts of encounters with UFOs by military personnel and the Navy
- Revelation of Pentagon's acknowledgement of off-world vehicles and recovered crafts
- Discussion on individuals with insider knowledge opting to prepare for unknown eventualities
Dealing with the Fear of Speaking Out and Cancel Culture
- Discussion on the fear of addressing controversial topics like alien contact due to potential repercussions and labeling as conspiracy theorists
- Exploration of the dangerous consequences of going against the norm, especially in professional settings and the impact on one's career
- Highlighting the pervasive fear in society, instigated by social media, leading to a lack of open dialogue and understanding
Exploring Urban Exploration and Legal Risks
- Narrative of engaging in urban exploration beneath London, including exploring subterranean infrastructure and telecommunications tunnels
- Description of discovering abandoned tube stations from the past, the risks involved, and the sense of historical connection through exploration
- Account of getting arrested due to the underground exploration activities and the legal implications faced during the research project
Legal Ordeal in the UK
- Gary's experience of being trapped in the UK due to a legal issue
- Details of the journalist from GQ waiting and getting the story from the situation
- Outcome of the court proceedings with fines and the impact on Gary's life and income
Passport Troubles and Resolution
- Gary's passport issues at airports and the embassy
- Drama with passport being hole punched and getting a new one
- Continued struggles with travel and legal consequences of criminal offense