The Prepper Broadcasting Network - 3-2 At the end of the Rope (Remastered)

Episode Date: August 28, 2025

The Changing Earth Season 3 is your next audio obsession! Erika Moore (Sara Hathaway) leads her family through a toxic, post-apocalyptic world, evading feds and bounty hunters. TJ Swenson (L. Douglas Hogan) faces leadership trials and personal tragedy, while Major Virgis (Phil Rabalais) battles shadowy forces. Packed with suspense and heart, this season is a must-listen. Stream now at https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/season-3 and follow @sarahathaway19 for updates!Get Prepared with Our Incredible Sponsors! Survival Bags, kits, gear www.limatangosurvival.comEMP Proof Shipping Containers www.fardaycontainers.comThe Prepper's Medical Handbook Build Your Medical Cache – Welcome PBN FamilyPack Fresh USA www.packfreshusa.comSupport PBN with a Donation https://bit.ly/3SICxEq

I remember a time before the Great Quake. Before the climate refugees called FEMA Camp's home. Before the labor laws and infertization program. They called her the lone survivor survivor. They called her the lone survivor. survivor, the savior of the refugees. But I called her mom. This is life on the changing earth.

How come they didn't leave if they knew the earthquake was coming, Mom? No one ever thought it would be like this, Danny. I would have left. The people in the great cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles had experienced massive disasters, and they could always rebuild. It was almost like a symbol of strength or something. Mother Nature won. Yes, she did.

Shh, quiet. What did you hear? I thought I heard someone following us. Want to check it out? We're good. I think my nerves are just playing tricks on my mind. We need to stay alert, though. I can check it out, Dad. I'll go with.

Sounds good. Damn, this is crazy, Vince. No shit. I just want to get you guys there safely. Then we can worry about everything else. Trees are dying These are giant sequoias They've been here for thousands of years They may make it

They weren't meant to be on the coastline Or exposed to all this toxic crap Oh clear dad Why don't we make camp here for tonight? I don't have a problem with that. It's quiet here, and my nerves don't feel so on edge. I agree, Mom. These trees are amazing.

Where would we be? The air names the place. Why are you digging two holes, Dexter? See, you dig two holes and connect them with a little dirt tunnel like this. Now we can put the fire in one side, it stays hidden, and gets airflow even when we cover the hole with the fire in it completely. It won't keep us as warm. But we won't get caught by the feds. It's called the Dakota fire.

Sergeant Bennett taught us. and here's some stew for the fire definitely not my finest as long as it's food and it's hot it will be just fine with me we're going to have to make a decision soon yeah i know about what mom about which way to go i hate how long ago how long since we've been i know there's a reason just can't think of When the great quake hit now. When the Great Quake hit, it shored the mountain right off along this edge. That's where they found Erika's family before transporting them to Vegas. So she would know they can't go through the south of there.

They had access to plenty of maps at salvage squad members. The feds already controlled that area. around Lake Tahoe. I don't think they're going to go that far north before they cross. Plus, they know the checkpoint is there. That's where they got caught before. They were just at Oakhurst and somehow got clear of the town without getting caught. I haven't heard any radio chatter stating otherwise. Then they are going to go straight into Nevada, where our thermal net will pick them up, or they will have to go through the Yosemite area.

Steep mountain drain with thousands of dead toxic lakes. We should put people in the area. They may go there for food, not realizing that it's a dead zone now. Major Virgis? Report. Sir, Commander Burns is requesting your presence in Vegas. What? He's actually demanding your presence in Vegas, sir. What about Erica?

I didn't say anything about that, sir. But he did say he would contact your superior officer if you didn't report immediately. Tell him I'm on the way. Yes, sir. What is that about? I don't know, but a request like that is not. never good. And what about Erica?

I don't know, but the feds are so far up our ass. We're not doing any good out here anyway. I'll get the vehicle ready to go, sir. When I started it all, I had hit a while. But it was different than the times before. When I started it all Those vehicles were supposed to be ready hours ago

DJ I have contacted everyone No one has the parts to repair them Did you talk to Rutherford? His talk has been picked clean We're going to have to send the crew into the bedlands They're still trading parts up north Then I can solve two problems at once Send the crew

And have them take reinforcements for Ryan's team Let me go, DJ I will bring this girly home to you personally You're scheduled to take down a load of refugees south You can send any grant to do that job Let me go help Ryan No Ryan will sink or swim on his own

He's never let me down before And I won't allow him to now over this woman. Yes, DJ. Make sure these trucks are back in motion now. Yes, DJ. I can't get you off my mind. It's no matter how hard I try to forget you.

And everything you do, I don't care if I'm right for you. Teresa? Teresa? Teresa? Teresa? Teresa? I'm sorry. I must have... Oh my goodness. What time is it?

Time is it? Dinner time. I'm sorry, T.J. Let me get up and I'll get it for you. Are you sure you're feeling okay? Don't you worry about me. I take care of you, remember? Don't tell me my businesswoman.

I'm taking you to a doctor. T.J., you don't need... Teresa! I have an idea. What's that, baby? Why don't we just take one of those boats and float up there? Can't do that, Danny. Why not?

Because, Dad, the water's toxic. Yeah, but if we're floating on top of it, what would it matter? I'm not going out on the ocean. I never liked the ocean before, and now it's just as toxic as the slug. that gave me all these freaking scars. Shh. What's up, Star? Look!

What is it? A bath! Grab the bags from your sleeping bags. We can use them as next. Got it! I got one do! Kill one and catch another. Hey, that's a nice little pile.

Let's eat. Hold up, Dax. Did you guys know bats can carry all kinds of nasty diseases, just like rats? You put it on a stick like this. Then we cook them over the fire to get rid of the fur. Eerie, it smells like, yeah. Yeah, but it's going to taste so good. I've been trying to figure out this life

I've been kicked around I've been left for dead I've been sick and tired I've been heaven sent Hell you know I never felt so good But hey I said hey Hey

Can anybody tell me what's going on But hey I said hey Hey, can anybody tell me what's going on? Don't know where I'm going to, don't know what I'm running from. Hell, you know, I'm having so much fun. Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of T.J. Swinson. Amazon or go to Facebook.com slash honor your oath. I look forward to seeing you there.

Human trafficking is not fiction. It's a reality in every country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children explains that every 30 seconds a child is trafficked in the United States. If you see something, say something. Dial 888-373-788 or visit human trafficking hotline.org for more contact information. You may be helping to save a life. This potato is amazing. The cheese is so melty. The goats must be producing well for the best to feed their soldiers like this.

I'm going to see if I can get some more butter. What? What are you looking at? I'll be right back. Did you find the butter? I did. What's up? Lieutenant Bellman followed us back here.

I thought he would be out hunting for Erica. He's following us? Why? I'm not sure, but he's trying to be inconspicuous. Come on, let's go. Pst, Virchus. What the damn, Sergeant Bennett, can't sneak up on people like that. Follow me, quickly.

Lieutenant Bowman is following you. I noticed. What's going on? I heard Burns called you in. Did you find Erica? No. They entered Oakhurst, but no one has seen them since. Then why did Burns call you in? You have to find her before they do. I had to come. He said it was urgent. If I didn't come, my superiors would hear about it. I don't need anything else threatening my position in the West.

Bowman and Irino are illegally trafficking the refugees, right under Tweed's nose. Are you sure? I've watched them. They load them up from the prison at night. Soldiers and black uniforms pick them up. I've seen those uniforms. They're the ones that kill Chappie. The talk is they are bounty hunters that came from the central region. They're chasing Erica as well.

What? When I entered Oakhurst, a team of those black shirted fighters were there already. I played the role and tried to work with them, but they wouldn't say a thing. Those hunters didn't find her at Oakhurst? They seemed just as stumped as us, but they packed up and went north. I was going to sweep the town when the federal jerkoffs rolled in. Can you find out? Burns knows anything about the illegal trafficking.

Well, gee, that's a great conversation, starter, sergeant. So, Commander Burns, do you know that your men are selling refugees to slaves? Are you part of it? Well, you're the master interrogator, right? You can figure out a way. If I get the opportunity, I'll try and let you know. Sounds good. I'll leave you guys to get some rest, and I'll check back tomorrow night. Bennett, isn't that the closet?

Secret tunnels. The only way to have private conversations these days. I'll check back in tomorrow. See you then. T.J., what happened? Calm down. She's with the doctor and conscience. Oh, thank God. She was napping when I got home this evening.

When she got up, she passed out, so I brought her here. Did the doctor say anything? Not yet. They've been chucking her out. Excuse me for a minute, Susan. I know. He's such a jerk. Come on, we have to go. Margaret. Uh, T.J.

Uh, sir, what are you doing here? Girl, you don't ask me my business. What happened to you? Well, my instructor wanted me to have my eye checked out. What happened? It's nothing. T.J., the doctor wants to see you. Don't worry about me. I'll see you later.

What was that about? I'm not sure yet. Teresa, honey, how you feeling? I'm feeling fine. I wish everyone would quit dottering over me so I could go home and make this man some dinner. I wouldn't suggest that tonight, I'm going to have to analyze these blood samples. It should give us a better idea of what's going on. But for now, you need rest.

That seems logical to me. Why don't you go home with Susan tonight? She could take care of you. And what about you? I'll figure it out. When you're feeling better, you come home. Thank you, T.J. How did I get so cold?

How do I wind up every single day going through this life all alone? When am I going to change another day, another month, another year, and still I feel just the same. We're going home? It hasn't been home for a long time, Dexter. I'm saying we're going back through where we were caught. We know the lay of the land there. Maybe we should go to the coast and look for a boat. Well, you didn't want to go out on the ocean, Mom.

I don't. But it's not a bad idea. We can stay close. to the coast, we just look like another abandoned boat floating along. Plus, now we have a little food for the journey. You know, we're not kidding any once we're out. I'm not eating anything caught in that shit. We're using my idea? Yep, buddy, don't know what we do without you. Yeah, boo. Don't just stand there watching Dax. Go get in on that. I'm fine. Then let's just get packed. up.

Is that a good boat Is that a good boat? Did it help us are floated, dork? Thanks, come on. That's enough. What? It looks like a bobber. We're never going to find one that is still in good shape.

Still in good shape. Come on. Let's keep looking. Hey, Vince, come check this one out with me. What do you got? See that one over there? Cover me. I got you.

There's no one in the box. Cover me. I'll open the cabin door. I'm on it. Looks like no one's home. Thank goodness. All right, mom. Yeah, this is great. And it's got a bedroom. Wow.

Find anything good yet? Yeah, a couple bottles of aspirin, some roll aids, some anti-diarrhea pills, and then some antibiotics. Any food? Believe it or not, we got some canned veggies and beans. They're way past the expiration. But the cans aren't bloated or leaky. I think we're good. Hey, Ann, you found the anti-diarrhea bills, right?

We need to scavenge and build a cover for the boat, so we look like a wreck, and we can still paddle. I'll get on building. I'll help. I wanted to help. Looks like you're on salvage squad with me. Hey, don't know where I'm going to, don't know what I'm running from. Hell, you know, I'm having so much fun. voice in the role of Cole Virges.

If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out the Matter of Facts podcast every Friday on iTunes Citre and Spotify with my co-host, Andrew Bobo. Lieutenant Bowman, I'm surprised to see you here. Commander Burns wanted to make sure you made it.

Of course I would respond to his request. It must be important if you pulled me off chasing the refugees to escort me. There's plenty of trackers on their tail without counting me amongst them. Shall we go then? Come this way. There's a time to live and a time for a man to die. There are places for dead men in the earth and the sky. Those are venture too far now because you can't come back.

From the place where the good guy is always dressing blind. Major Virgis, I was expecting you last night. I drove all afternoon to get here. I know. Why would you request my presence when we have an escape refugee family on the loose? Because this is not just another refugee family. Erica is a particular concern. Why?

I'm sure you've heard the stories the refugees tell about the lone survivor of Sacramento. They call her the savior of the refugees. It's just a myth, an urban legend created in the Great Quake. What if I told you it wasn't? Captain Orino, you're just in time. I don't think you've met Major Virgis. We're all acquainted. Glad you could make it, Major.

I was just telling the Major how important Erica is. Even if she is the lone survivor, what's the big deal? The big deal is her story would run, Mr. Twyton. Wade's career, and we can't let that happen. You know I'm hunting her to bring her in, same as you. Why bring me here for this? Because we're not so sure you are on the same page. Commander, I do my job with precision.

When have I ever given you reason to think otherwise? When you decided to harbor a federal fugitive. What do you mean? You look at this picture and tell me what you think I mean. Isn't that Cassidy Baker? Yes, sir, it is. What's your play, Commander? The feds aren't the only ones looking for Erica Moore.

They also have bounty hunters on their trail as well. These men pay very well if you can bring them what they want. And if you can't bring us what we want, the evidence of you, consorting with militia leadership will ensure you end up in a prison camp. Do you understand? Loud and clear. Good. Now get out there and find her.

Yes, sir. When you go to the old saloon at the dead south end. I'm gonna find you a man there wants to be your friend If you dare to deny his wish you'll be dead by dawn So give him a drink and a smile and then move right on I'll set here. You want to row with me first, babe? Sure. My paddle keeps getting stuck.

I thought it might be easier to push off the debris, but it's tough. That wasn't a boat. That was a car. Who knows what's down there. All the one is no way now. Every time we built our heart. Look at that. That used to be the valley. Thousands and thousands of acres of farmland.

And now it's just ocean sludge. Can you imagine all those people when the wave hit? I never really cared for the cities down here, but I wouldn't have wished this on anyone. That's unbelievable. Shh, everybody get down. What? Why?

Helicopter. Has he even seen a helicopter before? Yeah, once? Get those cloaking blankets. The toxicity of the water will throw the thermal scanners off, too. Quick, in the cabin. Do you hear anything? No.

Shh. Good job, Daniel. Yeah, great job. Guess we'll have to trust old eagle ears more often. Do you think it will come back, Dad? Depends on where it was going. If it was a patrol, they might take off and land at the same spot, so they might come back. But if it was search teams, they might loop around, scout the mountains.

They would be out of our range then. And if they were looking for us, they'll most likely fly back through there. Not necessarily, Star. Dad's right. Even if they are looking for us, they would probably want to have a look over the mountain ridge as well. What should we do if they come back? We keep going. Yeah, but if they're looking for us

and they see that the boat moved or something, it might be suspicious. Do you really think they would spend all the fuel and a helicopter to look for us? I don't think so. I don't know. They sent that tracking party north,

and they knew they had found something or they wouldn't have followed us so far. I didn't think Matthew would expend the resources to do that either. True. it would make sense for them to comb the general northern area if that's where they thought we were going let's just stay in tonight

why not we can tuck the cloaks up into the roof to keep us hidden and we fell those cards at the store oh yeah the uno cards I don't know how to play we'll teach you guys but maybe I've got nothing to lose but if I get out of line

just tell me you're mind and how I'm better with you So I heard. Any more issues with Burgess's team? No, sir. They're not following us anymore. I think he pulled out altogether. Does he know something we don't? I don't know, sir. I'm sure they went north. They're going to Minnesota.

I think you're right. But I'm stumped on the route as well. The mercenary Cermalweb in Nevada hasn't produced a thing. Would they try and take the coastline? I had Commander Gray put a helicopter in the air. Over the ocean, the readings are no good because of the water and the mountain sweeps came up with nothing. It has to be tunnels, sir. I'm sending you reinforcements. Thank you, sir.

You're going to need them to spread a wider net. Ryan, they can't make it into the northern region. Do you understand? Yes, sir. No more excuses. Yes, sir. any news the trail is cold he's expecting the reinforcements this is ridiculous tj tell me about it hold on a second Nate I want to talk to you now yes t.J is there a problem sir

what did you do to martin what t j I didn't do anything sir I swear did you give her the black eye No. She has a black eye. Who the fuck would hit my lady? Your lady? All I gave you permission to do was dance with the girl. We did dance, and she's smart and funny. You better treat that woman well. I will, sir. Find out how she got that Shiner. Yes, sir.

Can we really eat that, Bob? The water should make it softer. I'm so hungry, I don't care anymore. All we've seen is that cliffline for days. When will it end? Ahoi there! What is he doing? I don't know.

He's lost it. Hello? Vince, what are you doing? There's people in that boat over there. Maybe they'll trade gas for food. Don't talk to them. We don't need food that bad. We can't risk it.

You're down there boiling leather. Come on, Erica. Look at the kids. Okay. Guys, get your guns and cover Daddy. If they so much as move wrong, shoot. Hello? Dexter, Star.

Bring us up behind them. Hey, buddy, I'm coming. I'm coming aboard. What do you think? We'll cover you. Hey, uh, buddy. Oh, my God. Cool, his head fell right off. Dexter, get Daniel out of here.

Well, that explains why he didn't answer. Real funny. There's a cabin. Eyes on the door. I got you. Three, two, one. Oh, that freaking awful. It's a mother and her child. They didn't decompose as fast in the cabin.

Oh. What's in there, Mom? You don't want to know. That is freaking. nasty. I gotta get out of here. I'm going to check it out. There could still be food in there. I don't know, Erica. Who knows what they died of? And, you know, disease loves death? Maybe you should just leave it alone.

You started this, Vince. I would have been just fine, Manchino Leather. Really? I'm not going in there. It's cool. I'll go. Star, grab me some medical gloves and a bandana, please. Got it. It's that bad? Oh, yeah. This can is no good. There's nothing here. Wait, the cushions left up. Erica, no.

Oh my God. There's guns here, Vince. Three rifles and three pistols Plus more gasoline What about food? No No food Here

We're gonna end up like them If we don't find something Come on Let's go We'll find something Your boys are definitely guilty. Shit. I was hoping I didn't go that far up the chain of command.

If you care for Erica, we have much bigger problems. What the hell's going on? The people who are hunting her are some serious players. We need to find her fast. Why did they tell you? Erica wasn't the only one we broke out at the night of the riot. Don't I know it? The militia leader, Cassidy Baker, escaped. And your boy, Monroe, died helping her. Chappie died because of that battle, too.

Oh, man, I'm so sorry, Virgis. You guys were getting Cassidy out, too. That was the plan. We've been friends for a lot of years. And Burns knows? Arino has pictures. If I don't bring Erica to them, they'll go public, and if that happens, I'll lose my command in the badlands for sure. What are you going to do? I need you to get a message to Nickleton. Have him meet me at the homesteads. He'll know what that means. I can do that. Don't worry. I'll find a way to expose them before they can do any more damage than they've already done.

Thanks, Bennett. Find Erica and get them to safety. That will be all the thanks that I need. Disaster coffee is fueling disaster relief in America. Our coffee is roasted to order and ship to your front door. You cannot get it any fresher. Thanks for coming over to help Teresa tonight. it's not a problem how has she been Michelle's good days and bad days

did the doctor find anything more he thinks it may be multiple sclerosis what it's a central nervous system disease basically her immune system is attacking her brain why would it do that I don't know it was a difficult disease to diagnose before the quake now it's going to be even harder

tell a doctor to do what he needs to do to find out what's going on thank you T.J if you're a sending out kisses, Susan. I'll take one. Keri, he's devil. Most women say I am like heavenly angel. Where's your brother, Yuri? He is still in training session.

Mr. Sirius is always working. Here comes Mr. Sirius now. Finally got away from your grunt, Sergei. We are getting ready for the next raid on Tickson. You got another lead? The location of a militia meeting. but it's in the abolition region we've never reached out that far before

it will be a small targeted mission you have a command lead I am going to send Needs team TJ looks like you already got the party started you know that doesn't happen until you bring the entertainment

Mr. Lee's going to be pissed that you're partying with a bounty that the colonel called for on the loose I'll face the consequences of my actions. You know that's the truth. You got some young blood in the house tonight. Who's that pretty thing that Nate has on his arm? Margaret, come here. Uh, yes, T.J. This pretty little thing is Margaret Parker. Very nice to meet you. I'm Chuck Lobbner. I know, sir. Smart girl, T.J. And a fighter, too. You remember that part? years back. It was just after we helped out Rutherford.

Yeah, you got pissed-ass drunk that night. Ha, ha. I did. But before I did that, I met Margaret and her father in the street. He'd been beating her and raping her. And I kicked the shit out of him, and I would do it again. Yes, she did. She's been fighting for me ever since. What are you doing here with Nate? He didn't do that to your face, did he? I asked Nate the same thing.

You did? You don't have to do that, T.J. I can take care of myself. Does it look like you did a very good job of it? Well, it happened in the pit. I was tired, went up against this guy, and a low. It's no big deal. The pain just reminds us what not to do. I love this girl, Chuck.

The perfect female warrior. Who's your friend over there? That keeps looking over here checking on you. Uh, Jamie? We met at the club a couple years back. She works in the administration building. She's too pretty to be shuffling, Ha, ha. Leave her be, Chuck. If she's Margaret's friend, she's under my protection.

Oh, look at Mr. Softie. Susan, come here. Yes, T.J. Do you know that girl over there? Yeah, she's a quiet girl. She works as Patrice's assistant. Hard worker? Yes, T.J. You never heard any complaints. I could make her work much harder than she is now.

Ha, ha, ha. Ah, he. Have a short, brother. What happened with the helicopter? Nothing, and I'm done with it for the night. She and Dixon are driving me insane. In that case, pass me that glass. Don't say you got everything gonna be everyone, gotta be there. Don't say you got anything, gotta be everything, gonna be everything. Who's what I need, but I don't know what I want, but all I do know is a while to me is up.

But I don't know what I need, but I don't know what I want. But all I do know is a while. Who's there? Leave my family alone. Get off me! Let me go! me let me go it's me baby it's me sorry thought it was real it's just a storm baby it will pass what's going on there's a storm out there buddy a big one maybe we can't last much longer we have to wait out the storm

This Oh, Morris. Old Morris. This better be important, Virgis. Merkley is not happy with Erica's status and is concerned the Merck's didn't make the correct choice. I'll find her, but when I do, I need to make sure I can can keep her away from the feds she's a landowner and should be tried in her region boys at that camp

don't see it that way burns and arena are in league with some bounty hunters they want me to take her there they got dirt cassidy and i she's not here is she nah she's down in texas she's traveling with dixon to the leadership meeting in the appellation region thank god i thought you and her it's complicated anyway for now it's better we aren't seen together what do you need me for i'm going to lose the Badlands. I made a commitment to protect these people. I'll be damned before I let it go into the hands of beds. McClintock is not in charge of replacement for me. Murkley would be. I get it. We need someone who would protect it. I actually know just the man. Lieutenant Colonel Dusty Jackson was up for the Badlands position if you wouldn't have taken it. He's a fair man. He actually

used to be sweet on Cassidy back before the Great Quake. Really? He'd been asking Cassidy's father about her. Asking her father? Wow, what year is it? I'm saying he's a good guy with morals. He'd been an acceptable replacement, but what about you? I have a feeling managing Erica is going to be a full-time job for a handful of soldiers. Once we find her, she will need round-the-clock protection. You've got a point there. I have to go. I'll see what I can do about that position.

Thanks, coming. The clouds are dancing through the sky. Mom, Mom, come check this out. What's going on? Daniel, oh my God, is he breathing? Apparently. Where's Dad, Star? And where's Dex? They went up there, like I've been trying to tell you.

Up where? Star, coming down with water and mangoes. Is that a battleship? Hey, baby, how's Daniel? In need of that water? Coming down. We are just a generation. Check this out, Mom.

Is that bottled water? Isn't it cool? Give me one. Daniel. Come on, buddy. Have a drink. Drink someone. of this baby slowly not looking so good dad's sending down a stretcher so we can lift him up here dad says

it's a mango i say it's freaking good i can't disagree right now erika put daniel in and i'll bring him up okay come on buddy You're good to go Jeez, that thing is huge The U.S.S. Missouri Crazy. We are crying for attention They make mistakes we can't undo

We promise for our own redemption From the many times we feel misused When it happens once, then it happens twice, don't you realize The world ain't changing The minute we see that The minute we feel it's this There's no more in a little image Thank you, if we call out to Earth's strangers, the day we find it.

So take this moment, and it happening, and then it just began. Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth Audio Drama. Changing Earth novel series by Sarah F. Hathaway. Grab your copy on Amazon or get signed editions at changing earthseries.com. This content is copyrighted. For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits, visit changing earthseries.com, where you can subscribe to support the series and keep the adventure alive.

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