Ampocalypse | Hawthorne Heights Monetise the Apocalypse at Slam Dunk

In this episode of Ampocalypse, Damian FitzGerald is joined by JT Woodruff, Matt Ridenour, and Mark McMillon of Hawthorne Heights for a special Slam Dunk Festival edition of the show.With the band's appearance at Slam Dunk 2026 complete, it's time to find out how they would handle their very own festival apocalypse. Would they stay and defend the site, or make a run for it? Which parts of the festival become essential for survival? And who among the crowds would be best equipped to thrive when society collapses around them?The conversation quickly descends into organised chaos as Hawthorne Heights debate leadership, survival strategies, and what happens when food, water, alcohol, and other vital resources become the most valuable commodities in the world. From choosing the perfect base of operations to discussing whether civilisation can survive without rules, the band embrace the madness of the Ampocalypse concept with plenty of humour along the way.Along the way, they explore the idea of building a new society from the remains of Slam Dunk, assigning roles, maintaining morale through music, and even discussing the business opportunities that might emerge when the apocalypse becomes a little too profitable.If you've ever wondered whether a music festival could become humanity's last great stronghold, this is the episode for you.🤘 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Ampocalypse. If an apocalypse broke out at Slam Dunk, would you stay and defend the festival or try to escape — and what Ampocalypse scenario should we explore next?#Ampocalypse #HawthorneHeights #SlamDunkFestival #SlamDunk2026 #FestivalApocalypse #FestivalSurvival #PostApocalyptic #AlternativeMusic #RockMusic #PopPunk #EmoMusic #MusicPodcastVideographer: Cara KellyEditor: Damian FitzGeraldProducer: Damian FitzGeraldSocial linksBand socials:https://hawthorneheights.comhttps://www.instagram.com/hawthorneheights/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/HawthorneHeights/?locale=en_GBhttps://www.youtube.com/@HawthorneHeightsbandV13 Media:https://v13.nethttps://twitter.com/v13mediahttps://www.instagram.com/v13media/https://www.facebook.com/v13media https://soundcloud.com/v13mediaDamian FitzGerald:https://v13.net/author/damian_fitzgerald/https://twitter.com/damolition82https://www.instagram.com/damolition82/https://www.facebook.com/damian.fitzgerald1/https://www.threads.net/@damolition82Chapters00:00 Introduction and setting the apocalyptic scene01:12 Deciding to shelter at Slam Dunk festival02:30 Festival culture and vital infrastructure in crisis04:27 Who would be the best survivalist among festival fans07:29 Leadership styles: chaos vs. control08:32 Controlling resources: food, water, and alcohol09:24 Morale and music: the role of songs in survival10:38 Choosing a base of operations within the festival12:27 The importance of maintaining societal norms12:52 Roles in a post-apocalyptic festival world13:30 Final thoughts and survival outlooks