Apocalypse Nowadays

Apocalypse Nowadays 39:Trump's Smithsonian Museum Rewrite

In this quick hit, Aaron and Sik unpack the Trump administration's directive to review Smithsonian exhibits and wider efforts to reshape historical narratives, raising alarms about politicization of cultural institutions.They tie these moves to rising authoritarian tactics—ICE raids, National Guard deployments, and growing misinformation—and urge listeners to stay informed, have conversations, and resist efforts to whitewash history.

Apocalypse Nowadays 38: From Krypton to Courtside Kink

Aaron and Sik dive into a variety of captivating topics, starting with the unpredictable weather of the Bay Area and Aaron's anticipated trip to Japan. They also explore Hollywood and sports entertainment, discussing the new Superman film, the recasting of the iconic superhero, and the unexpected "career moves" of former Superman actor Dean Cain. The episode highlights contentious current events in the wrestling world, focusing on WWE's controversial decision to bring back Brock Lesnar and the implications tied to his misconduct allegations.
Adding to the chaos, they also address a bizarre and unsettling phenomenon affecting WNBA games involving the mysterious appearance of sex toys being thrown onto the court mid-game. They discuss the impact this has on the league, its players, and the broader implications for women's sports. Lastly, in their “not all doom and gloom” segment, Aaron shares his personal journey of sobriety, illustrating a bright spot of introspection and self-improvement amidst the world's madness.

Celebrating One Year of Apocalypse Nowadays

In this special anniversary episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, Aaron and Sik look back on a year of podcasting and their unexpected journey through the worlds of comedy, political news, the entertainment industry and wrestling. They explore and discuss the passing of Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan and his complicated legacy. The conversation then shifts to the current socio-political landscape, including Trump's controversial new national fitness initiative led by WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, and the escalating student loan crisis under Linda McMahon’s Department of Education. Finally, in their "Not All Doom and Gloom" segment, the duo highlights two inspirational figures, who are no longer with us, who made a indelible impact on their lives.

Apocalypse Nowadays 36: Producing Change: Elizabeth Franco on Media That Matters

In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, host Aaron sits down with his wife and creative partner, Elizabeth Franco, also known as the Notorious L.I.Z. They celebrate Juneteenth and the anniversary of their Fringe Festival show Blacks in Space, reflecting on the teamwork and community that brought it to life.
Elizabeth shares her journey from middle school theater to becoming an award-winning Netflix creative executive, highlighting how her personal and professional paths have grown together. The couple discusses their collaboration on a powerful story about Aaron’s experiences with police trauma, showing how storytelling can heal and inspire.
Elizabeth also offers her take on the future of media, her passion for projects like Chef’s Table and the WWE Unreal docuseries, and the importance of creativity and adaptability in storytelling. This episode explores art, partnership, and the cultural power of media.

Apocalypse Nowadays E35: Unexpected Verdict: Diddy Combs' Trial And Trumps New Policies

In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik delve into the latest sensational verdict of Sean 'Diddy' Combs who was acquitted on multiple serious charges but faces time for others. They discuss the implications of the trial on the music industry, the defense's controversial strategy, and public reactions.
In a shift from entertainment to politics, they analyze former President Trump's latest legislative move with the passing of a comprehensive bill that they fear will have significant repercussions on public welfare and climate initiatives. The conversation turns critical as they explore how this policy might increase inequality across the nation.
Despite the heavy subjects, the episode wraps on a positive note. The hosts share heartwarming personal anecdotes and achievements—from comedy career milestones to celebrating special family moments—reminding listeners that not everything is as bleak as it seems.

Apocalypse Nowadays E34: Redefining Creativity and Connections in 2025 with Richard Stevenson Jr

Welcome to another insightful episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, where hosts Aaron and Rich engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Richard Stevenson Jr., Creative Director of Hooray Entertainment and renowned activist. Delving into the challenges and triumphs of 2025, they explore personal growth, creative pursuits, and the importance of community connections. Discover the joys of DJing, the evolution of media art, and how nostalgia influences present-day creativity.

Apocalypse Nowadays E33: Comedy, Politics, and Power Plays: Navigating a Tumultuous June

Welcome to an exciting episode of Apocalypse Nowadays! Join hosts Aaron and Sik as they dive into a whirlwind of personal triumphs and global tumult.
Sik shares his exhilarating experience hosting his first comedy show and the journey of embracing the stage. Meanwhile, the episode unpacks the chaotic week in global politics, highlighted by Donald Trump's controversial actions and the profound implications on U.S. and international affairs.
In a significant political development, Zoran Mamdani's surprising triumph in New York suggests a potential progressive wave, challenging long-held narratives within the Democratic Party.
Amidst global tensions and shifting political landscapes, the conversation offers insights into the changing tides and what these developments mean for the future.

Apocalypse Nowadays E32: Behind Bars: Exposing the Dark Reality of Juvenile Detention: A Gen Z Litigator's Fight

In this eye-opening episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik welcome a special guest, Rachel Jacobs, a passionate Gen Z litigator and host of the podcast Baddies for the People. Rachel shares her journey as a civil rights litigator and discusses her groundbreaking work addressing systemic injustices within juvenile detention centers.
The conversation covers the alarming conditions in juvenile halls, including accounts of misconduct, human rights violations, and the urgent need for reform. Rachel sheds light on the power dynamics in sports and draws attention to the disparities that affect marginalized communities.
Listeners will hear about Rachel's inspiring dedication to advocacy and how she continues to fight for justice and reform in the legal system. This episode is a compelling call to action for change and social justice.

Apocalypse Nowadays E31: Wrestling, Hoops, and Social Media Trends

In this exciting episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, host Aaron welcomes back his long-time friend and sports aficionado, Aron Kifle, for a riveting discussion that spans sports, social media, and wrestling. The duo dives into the ongoing NBA finals, sharing their thoughts on the competitive match-up between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Despite concerns over ratings and presentation, they highlight the intense competition and the historical significance of new potential champions.
Switching gears to wrestling, a surprising topic emerges as they discuss the controversial decision to have veteran Goldberg challenge Gunther for the WWE World Heavyweight title in 2025. While dissecting this unexpected twist, they express concern over the treatment of current fan-favorite champion Jey Uso and what this move might mean for future storylines.
The conversation also delves into the role of social media in shaping news and public perception, with Kifle sharing insights on why certain platforms remain dominant despite criticism.
As the episode wraps up, listeners are introduced to new music from the iconic rap duo Clips, setting the stage for a much-anticipated album release. Join us for a lively and insightful discussion that looks at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and digital media.

Apocalypse Nowadays E30: "Trump vs Musk: A Clash of Titans in Political Showdown", Surveillance Expansion, and NBA Finals Shocker

Welcome back to Apocalypse Nowadays, where Aaron and Sik dive into the latest tumultuous events shaping the world. Starting off with a fiery conversation about the unexpected feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the duo explores the intricacies behind their public fallout and what it signifies in the broader political landscape.
Shifting gears, the podcast takes a thrilling turn towards the NBA Finals, highlighting the Indiana Pacers' surprising Game 1 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the Finals unfold with unexpected drama, Aaron and Sik dissect the implications of the Pacers' win and reflect on what this means for the series moving forward.
The episode doesn't shy away from critical discussions - the hosts touch upon geopolitical issues involving technological surveillance, exploring ongoing deals to expand governmental data collection capabilities. Amidst these serious undertakings, they bring humor and light-heartedness, offering listeners a balanced take on heavy topics. Join them for an episode that blends sports, politics, and pop culture in unexpected ways.