Welcome back to another episode of pplpod! This week, we're diving deep into the chilling world of Robert A. Heinlein's classic science fiction novella, "If This Goes On—". Originally serialized in 1940 and later expanded for the 1953 collection Revolt in 2100, this staple of dystopian literature explores a future America ruled by a fundamentalist Christian theocracy.

We break down the gripping plot following John Lyle, a devout junior army officer stationed in New Jerusalem, whose faith is tested when he falls for one of the Prophet's Virgins, Sister Judith. We discuss the terrifying rise of the First Prophet and dictator Nehemiah Scudder, the regime's manipulative use of mass communications and applied psychology, and the thrilling underground resistance known as the Cabal.

Join us ...