Apocalypse Nowadays

Aaron and Sik break down a whirlwind week of news — from the Dodgers’ dramatic Game 7 World Series victory and major political shakeups, including a young democratic socialist’s surprise win in New York’s mayoral race, to the fallout from the federal government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits and air travel. They also dive into pop culture headlines, the debate over wrestling fandom amid corporate changes at WWE, and close the epi...

Aaron and Sik dive into Halloween memories and costumes (from Freddy Krueger to Pulp Fiction), baseball drama as the Dodgers push to Game 7, and the fallout from a government shutdown threatening SNAP/EBT benefits. They also break down misinformation about food stamps, recent court rulings, and the broader political battles over welfare and economic hardship. Lastly, they explore anti-intellectualism, civic action through Prop 50 a...

Aaron and Sik break down mounting tensions across U.S. cities, from No Kings rallies and National Guard deployments in the Bay Area to mass ICE-style raids in Chicago and a violent Alameda protest incident that raises safety and civil liberties concerns.

They then pivot to sports and culture: the Sports Equinox with MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL all in action, Victor Wembanyama’s explosive season debut, thoughts on the Warriors and Lakers...

Apocalypse Nowadays honors the life and legacy of D’Angelo, tracing his evolution from Brown Sugar to Voodoo and the revolutionary Black Messiah. Aaron & Sik reflect on his profound musical influence, the "Soulquarians’" creative movement, and his personal battles with fame and health. They also explore the pressures Black artists face, the importance of mental and physical well-being for Black men, and lastly invite listeners ...

Aaron and Sik unpack the Dodgers’ postseason win following a costly Phillies error, Bad Bunny’s controversial Super Bowl performance, and the conservative backlash, as well as the political tensions surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death and broader culture wars. They explore media influence, international events like the Israel ceasefire, and debates over boycotts and civic engagement, examining how these crises ripple into everyday lif...

This week, Aaron and Sik go everywhere: from comedians stirring controversy in Riyadh to drama inside sports and media leadership. They break down the chaos and conspiracy theories after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, take on censorship and political power, and give their take on Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another through the lens of class, race, and culture. The show wraps with a salute to Assata Shakur, a birthday sho...

Join Aaron and his nephew CaMarr Burleson for a laid-back conversation on a sunny day at Manhattan Beach. Fresh off finishing 10th grade, CaMarr shares his summer plans focused on learning, growth, and self-discovery.

Between bites at Baja Sharkee’s and thrills from Final Destination: Bloodlines, the two reflect on life’s milestones, aspirations, and the journey ahead. It’s a relaxed yet thoughtful episode about youth, ambition, an...

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 histor...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 th...

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 no...

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 ...

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...

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 comp...

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 ...