Apocalypse Nowadays

Apocalypse Nowadays 49: On Nitro — The Rise, Reign, and Ruin of WCW

Aaron sits down with journalist and author Guy Evans to explore his book Nitro and the story of World Championship Wrestling’s explosive rise in the late 1990s and its eventual collapse. Drawing on 120+ interviews, the conversation covers Nitro vs. Raw, the NWO era, Eric Bischoff’s audacious leadership, Turner Broadcasting’s role, and the cultural and technological forces that shaped wrestling’s boom. The episode looks beyond wrestling to examine ambition, innovation, corporate politics, creative burnout, and how a perfect cultural moment made WCW both a global juggernaut and, ultimately, vulnerable to its own excesses.

Apocalypse Nowadays 48: A World Series Game 7 Classic, Shutdowns & Socialist Wins

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 episode with some hopeful takes on community, conscious boycotts, and finding their "Not All Doom & Gloom" segment.

Apocalypse Nowadays 47: Halloween Fun, World Series Drama, and SNAP Shutdown

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 and redistricting, reflections from stoic readings, and a closing “not all doom and gloom” segment offering perspective and hope.

Apocalypse Nowadays 46: ICE vs. the Bay, Halloween Fits, NBA Tip-Off & Operation Royal Flush

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, and the FBI’s "Operation Royal Flush" gambling arrests tied to organized crime. The episode closes on lighter notes with Halloween plans, a family music night, and a reminder to vote, protest safely, and take care of each other.

Apocalypse Nowadays 45: Remembering D'Angelo; The Soulful Genius Behind Neo-Soul

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 to revisit D’Angelo’s timeless discography to celebrate his enduring impact on music and culture.