Apocalypse Nowadays
Apocalypse Nowadays is a humorous and thought provoking digital series hosted by four men of color and longtime friends during the ongoing collapse of Western democracy. Hosts discuss the realities on the ground in a rapidly evolving world, and cover the gamut of issues from the complexities of personal life to the joys of pop culture and more.
Episodes

Saturday May 31, 2025
Apocalypse Nowadays E29: Elon Musk's Exit: The Real Story Behind the Black Eye
Saturday May 31, 2025
Saturday May 31, 2025
Welcome to Apocalypse Nowadays! In this episode, we dive into the whirlwind of current events with a humorous and critical lens. We start by discussing the sensational exit of Elon Musk from his role as a special government employee, uncovering the real story behind his infamous black eye and the failed promises of the Doge initiative.
We then turn our attention to President Trump's latest controversial pardons, exploring the connections and motivations behind his choices, including the pardon of the Chrisleys and the commutation of Larry Hoover's sentence.
Join us for a vivid analysis of the political landscape, the impact of governmental decisions on the public, and the ever-evolving nature of political partnerships in the Trump era. All this and more, wrapped in the unique Apocalypse Nowadays style!

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Quick Hit #9: Films in the 90s, Grand National Tour, and Palestine!
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik tackle childhood memories, recalling the most inappropriate movies they ever watched as kids—from "Serial Mom" to "Pulp Fiction." They reminisce about how these movies left a mark, both humorous and thought-provoking.
The conversation transitions to the current pop culture landscape, highlighting the unique structure of the Kendrick Lamar and SZA concert tour, alongside the variety of experiences they bring to the stage.
Secunder brings a more somber tone as he dives into global issues, focusing on the ongoing genocide in Palestine, offering an eye-opening perspective with hard-hitting statistics and personal insights.
Amidst the heavy topics, Aaron ensures the mood is uplifted with updates on his friend's musical achievements and Sik’s upcoming stand-up comedy shows, illustrating moments of personal growth and communal joy.

Saturday May 17, 2025
Saturday May 17, 2025
Welcome to Apocalypse Nowadays - a podcast where we delve into the contradictions and complexities of modern life. In this episode, we challenge the toxic masculinity narrative as we open up the conversation about men's grooming and self-care routines. Join us as we dispel myths and embrace healthier lifestyle choices that defy stereotypical norms.We shift gears to the electrifying world of NBA playoffs, discussing the unexpected triumphs and upsets. Find out if the New York Knicks can finally secure a path back to the NBA finals after decades, and what this means for their fans and the basketball community.The conversation takes a serious turn as we explore the unsettling allegations against music icon Diddy. Featuring testimonies from those involved, we scrutinize the implications this trial may have on the entertainment industry at large.Join us as we blend humor, insight, and candid discussions about the things that truly matter. Stay tuned to Apocalypse Nowadays for fresh perspectives on a world that's constantly evolving.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Quick Hit #7: Epic NBA Playoffs and Ryan Coogler Shines with Sinners
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In this thrilling episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik dive into the latest NBA playoff dramas, highlighting the New York Knicks' impressive victory over the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers' strong stance in the series. The hosts discuss the Celtics' collapse and share their wild impressions of the playoffs.Switching gears, the conversation takes an exciting turn as they review the blockbuster success of Ryan Coogler's latest film, 'Sinners.' With stellar performances by Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and a budding newcomer, the film captures audiences with its unique storytelling and cultural exploration.Additionally, the hosts talk about the Warriors' resilience as they hold their ground in the Western Conference despite Steph Curry's injury woes. Filled with sports insights, movie magic, and a touch of humor, this episode is a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of entertainment and sports.

Friday May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
Welcome back to another engaging episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, where Aaron and Sik come together following a short hiatus, bringing insightful discussions and personal stories to the mix.
In this episode, the hosts dive into a reflective NBA playoffs discourse, examining the Lakers' recent loss and share playful banter over basketball cultures and influences. Sik and Aaron also shed light on personal narratives, including a heartfelt family trip to New York City, where they embraced sights from up high at the Empire State Building and rich cultural experiences in Harlem.
On the contrary, the episode delves deeper into critical societal perspectives with Sik's uplifting visit to San Quentin, illustrating transformative interactions between rehabilitation programs and incarcerated individuals. As always, they strive to foster meaningful connections and highlight the positive amid challenging spaces.
Concluding with an engaging conversation on popular societal figures, the duo presents humorous yet compelling discussions, focusing on current events affecting prominent personalities like Shannon Sharpe. Join Aaron and Sik for an episode that balances laughter, empathy, and poignant storytelling.

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Quick Hit #6: Local Politics, Tax Day Trials and NBA Drama
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Sik and Aaron bring you a whirlwind discussion covering everything from navigating the complexities of Tax Day to the drama unfolding in the NBA Play-In Tournament. They also delve into the political landscape, highlighting the special election in Oakland and the strategies behind recalling progressive candidates. With a touch of humor and personal anecdotes, the hosts offer insights into the intertwining worlds of sports, politics, and societal challenges. Tune in for a lively conversation full of thoughtful observations and sharp commentary.

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Apocalypse Nowadays E27: NBA Coach Firings to Dodgers Diplomacy: A Deep Dive
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Welcome to another episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, where hosts Aaron and Sik navigate the turbulent intersections of sports, politics, and society. This episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the state of the world, touching on the declining stock market, ongoing trade wars, and political turmoil in the United States. The conversation takes a deep dive into the upheaval in the NBA, focusing on the shocking and seemingly untimely firings of successful head coaches and general managers. The hosts question the motivations behind these decisions and speculate on the role of behind-the-scenes politics and personal conflicts.
The episode takes a turn as Aaron shares his thoughts on a more personal yet politically charged event: the Los Angeles Dodgers' visit to the Trump White House. The discussion explores the complex layers of race, politics, and sports, examining the reactions of players like Mookie Betts and the broader implications of such visits. Aaron and Sid navigate the tensions between personal beliefs and professional obligations, dissecting the choices faced by athletes in politically divisive times.
The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of self-care and personal well-being amidst the chaos. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Aaron and Sid offer listeners strategies for maintaining balance and sanity in challenging times, underscoring the necessity of caring for oneself even as the world feels overwhelmingly unpredictable. Join them for a thoughtful journey through the current events that shape our world, with humor, insight, and a touch of optimism.

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Welcome back to Apocalypse Nowadays, where hosts Sik and Aaron dive into the chaos of modern times with humor and insight. In this episode, they discuss the unexpected springtime events, from Easter falling on 4/20 to notorious pranks involving Krispy Kreme boxes turned into veggie trays. The conversation takes a twist as they delve into Cory Booker's 25-hour non-filibuster speech, wondering about its impact and authenticity, including a hilarious recounting of Booker's fictitious encounters with a drug dealer named T-Bone.
Meanwhile, amidst discussions of Trump's revisionist economic history and the ups and downs of the stock market, the hosts question the political strategies at play. Shannon Sharpe's viral audio incident also makes an appearance, sparking debates about the reality behind it and its implications. It's a mix of comedy, politics, and speculation, with a dash of critique aimed at political theatrics.
Join Sik and Aaron as they navigate through the absurdities of today’s world while sharing personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and light-hearted banter to keep things entertaining. All this and much more on Apocalypse Nowadays.

Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik dive into the whirlwind weeks in sports, hip-hop, film, and more. They kick off with a spirited discussion about the surprising reactions to Sik’s merchandise venture, which includes 'stay woke' hoodies and 'white tears' mugs, sparking lively debate online.
They then transition into the sports world where the tensions between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith dominate headlines, highlighting the blurring line between sports reporting and personal feuds. The conversation shifts to the music industry as the duo dissect Kendrick Lamar's positioning within the industry, questioning whether he is a true outlier or a carefully placed piece in the industry's greater agenda.
The episode also touches on the evolving dynamics in the realm of hip-hop, the responsibilities of OGs versus new-age stars, and the broader societal implications these shifts suggest. Listen in for a thought-provoking analysis on the intersections of commerce, culture, and media scale in our current era.

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
In this episode, we delve into the recent controversy surrounding the U.S. Department of Defense's removal of an article about Jackie Robinson's military service. We discuss ESPN's Jeff Passan and Mina Kimes' reactions, and unpack how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the center of this debate.We also explore the changing landscape of college basketball with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, examining how these developments have introduced more parity and challenges in picking March Madness brackets.Additionally, we touch on the complexities of gambling addiction exacerbated by modern betting apps, and end with cultural recommendations for stand-up comedy and wrestling literature that provide a break from the chaos. Tune in for thoughtful conversations and unique perspectives.

Apocalypse Nowadays
These days as a person of color it’s hard to know which way is up. The world we live in can seem to be more chaotic by the second. You may wonder: “what do I want out of life?”, “what’s happening in the world right now?”, or “how the hell did we get here?”. If you’re lucky you have a group of friends you can have candid and meaningful conversations with, but maybe not.
In this series, longtime friends Aaron LaMarr Burleson, Kahniley Sangare, and Sikander Iqbal ask and answer some of the toughest questions that face people of color in the United States. Apocalypse Nowadays gives listeners a seat at the table for insightful, humorous, and deep conversations with men of color from diverse intellectual perspectives. Hosts discuss current events, sports, relationships, family, health, politics, the absurdity of modern life, what happens to a dream deferred, and more.







