Apocalypse...Now?

Welcome back, you beautiful burned-out bunker builders-- where, in this episode, we explore the neon-lit hellscape we now call the entertainment industry. This is Apocalypse…Now?, the podcast where comedy, culture, and chaos hold hands and walk into the sea. On this episode, I summoned Emmy-nominated comedy writer and grief expert Alison Zeidman to the pod to talk about something terrifying: The death of late night television. More specifically — the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Yes. That Colbert. That show. That number-one-in-the-ratings Colbert. Gone. Slain not by market forces or ratings dips, but by a weird, murky cocktail of corporate cowardice, lawsuit settlements, and good old-fashioned fascist vibes. If you’re not screaming yet, don’t worry — Alison and I did plenty for you.

What does 2025’s astrology really say about the future of America? Astrologer and psychic medium Jessica Lanyadoo joins Apocalypse…Now? to break down Saturn in Aries, Pluto in Aquarius, and why this might be the astrology of collapse.

Has democracy in America reached its breaking point? In this episode of Apocalypse…Now?, Jo Ana Van Thuyne explores whether the United States has already crossed into fascist territory — or if there’s still time to pull back from the brink. Joining Jo Anna is Professor Anthony DiMaggio, political science scholar at Lehigh University and author of Rising Fascism in America: It Can Happen Here. Together, they unpack the signs, dangers, and real-world consequences of America’s political trajectory in 2025. The State of Democracy: Crisis or Collapse? Jo Anna poses the question: Has America fallen into a fascist authoritarian regime? In this candid conversation, Jo Anna and Anthony discuss everything from deporting pro-Palestinian protestors to sending people to prisons in El Salvador — illustrating the fragile state of free expression and protest rights today. Finding Love, Finding Fear Intertwined with this heavy subject matter, Jo Anna reflects on the need for connection amid societal upheaval. What else can we do in the face of systemic decline? This episode gives listeners a “safe space happy place” to have these hard conversations. Meet Our Guest: Professor Anthony DiMaggio Anthony DiMaggio is no stranger to studying the warning signs of democracy’s collapse. As a professor, author, and researcher on social movements, media, and extremism, his work shines a harsh light on America’s increasingly authoritarian tilt. 🏛️ Specialization: Fascism, right-wing extremism, social movements, political communication 📚 Jo Anna Discusses His Book: Rising Fascism in America: It Can Happen Here What We Cover in This Episode 🔥 Is Fascism Already Here? Professor DiMaggio shares why he believes the January 6th insurrection was a turning point that exposed America’s vulnerability to fascism — but also how the seeds of extremism were sown long before, through decades of political rhetoric, inequality, and right-wing propaganda. 📢 The Media’s Role in America’s Authoritarian Shift Jo Anna and Anthony dissect the rise of right-wing echo chambers, social media polarization, and how corporate media has failed to warn the public about the looming threats to democracy. 🛡️ How Citizens Can Fight Back The conversation turns toward hope and resistance: 📢 Protest movements 🧠 Critical thinking and media literacy 🏘️ Building strong, resilient local communities 💵 Using your dollars to support ethical organizations 🎲 Game Time: Is It Fascism? To make it even more awkward, Jo Anna hosts a darkly humorous “game show” nobody asked for called, Is It Fascism? Hear Anthony weigh in on issues like Project 2025, deporting student protesters, and censorship of public institutions — and tell us whether or not it’s full blown fascism. Spoiler: Jeff Bezos’ phallic rocket is mentioned at some point.  Want to Take Action? Here’s How: Subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review to help more people find Apocalypse…Now?. Join Jo Anna’s free community on Patreon — no paid membership needed! Get involved locally: Organize, protest, and build community resilience. Support independent voices: Share this episode with friends who care about democracy. More from Jo Anna Van Thuyne 🎙️ ApocalypseNowPodcast.com 📸 TikTok & Instagram: @JoPincushion 🎵 Music: Available on Spotify and Apple Music under Jo Anna Van Thuyne 💬 Leave a voicemail: (920) 474-6763 About Apocalypse…Now? Apocalypse…Now? isn’t just a podcast — it’s a chronicle of the strange, tense, often absurd reality we now live in. Hosted by Jo Anna Van Thuyne, each episode tackles existential threats (political, environmental, technological) with a mix of sharp insight, gallows humor, and a fiercely independent spirit. 🎯 Quick Summary (for embedding or sharing) Topic: Is American fascism already here? Guest: Professor Anthony DiMaggio Host: Joanna Van Thuyne Tags: Fascism, Democracy, Authoritarianism, Apocalypse Now Podcast Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Patreon, ApocalypseNowPodcast.com CTA: Subscribe, review, and support independent media on Patreon No Sponsors. No Commercials. Just Real Talk. The show is independently produced. This episode has no sponsorship messages, no corporate interruptions. If you value raw, unfiltered discussions on topics that matter, you can support the show for free at Patreon.com/JoAnnaVT.

What happens when corporate America gets its hands on artificial intelligence? Are we on the brink of a technological utopia where humans are liberated from mundane tasks, or are we careening toward an automation apocalypse where creative minds are obsolete? This episode we talk about AI and jobs and the future of work. Welcome back to Apocalypse...Now?, where your host, Jo Anna Van Thuyne—actor, comedian, podcaster, filmmaker, and musician—dives headfirst into the chaotic, unsettling, and downright absurd world of AI. In this episode, Jo Anna reflects on her personal automation anxiety,, the future of work, creativity, and the relentless march toward the automation apocalypse. AI: Friend or Foe?

Guess who's back? Back again. Jo Anna Van Thuyne's back—so tell a friend. Or, you know, just leave a voicemail at (920) 474-6763 because this woman is ready to hear your deepest, darkest, most pandemic-induced existential crises. After a hiatus that probably involved some soul-searching, a 9-to-5 grind, and a midlife crisis complete with a side of alien conspiracies, Jo Anna has clawed her way out of survival mode and is here to remind us all that Apocalypse... Now? is still a thing—and so is she.

This trailer kicks off an unfiltered flight into the chaos of modern life! From drones dominating the skies to the return of Trump, midlife crises, and the ever-present specter of aliens, host Jo Anna Van Thuyne returns to tackle the dystopian realities of life with humor and insight. Don’t miss new episodes of Apocalypse… Now? starting January 2025. Join us as we hold space for the end of the world—metaphorically… we hope.

Micheal has been known in the NYC improv and sketch world for years--but the pandemic has pushed him to provide a place for his fellow performers to grow: Squirrel Comedy Theater!

I talk with one of the many NYC mayoral candidates looking to change the city for the better.

This week, I talk with Kyle Lewis, a comedian, entertainer, and streamer that's been on the scene for years.

This week, I talk with the host of What's Betwixt Us and The Bitch Seat, Lyssa Mandel. She's a native New Yorker questioning her loyalty to the Big Apple.

I talk to Laura Canty Samuel, the host of The Goss on The LITverse. Laura is an award-winning comedian whose work can be found on Nickelodeon and Sesame Studios.

This week, I had a great time talking to Jason Farr, host of This Is It Podcast. We had a great conversation about social media's effects, doing a comedy podcast during a pandemic, and the Black Lives Matter Movement.

I talk to Blair about life in lockdown and we gab like Blanche and Dorothy eating cheesecake at a kitchen table at 2 am.

Jettie Copeland has taken her pandemic woes and turned them into a QUARANDREAM! At least, that's the name of her new web series, QuaranDream TV. I got to sit down with Jettie to talk about the process of creating a web series during a pandemic and her hopes for a post-pandemic future.

I talk with Daron Jenkins of Dig This Podcast. He's been working in the podcasting medium for a few years now, but the pandemic kicked him into high gear. Now he produces five shows, and he's always thinking of new ways to podcast.

I talk with one of the funniest women I know, Caroline Cotter. I got to talk to Caroline about a lot of things. Y2K, making bread, and bunnies all around. You're going to dig this conversation and fall in love with Caroline.

This week, I sit down with the host of the podcast Robots vs. Dinosaurs, Louie G! We talk about the dangers of technology, and Louie welcomes our robot overlords.

Dylan is a comedian, musician, and a treasure, and I really love this conversation. His show with Kelly Backman, "Rape Victims are Horny Too", was featured in the New York Times, and he's the co-composer of the musical, Goodmorning New York, which played at NYMF and also Off-Broadway at the Players theatre earlier in 2020. You're going to enjoy this one!

Eric is a Transformational Alignment Coach that works with men to help them reach their full potential.

On this episode, I sit down with Jackie to discuss how the election has left us feeling and the work that still needs to be done. We also comb through Biden's plan to tackle the pandemic and thank Philadelphia for saving America once again.

Steve and I discuss what it's been like living together during a pandemic, and we share some of our favorite Halloween memories. So grab a bowl of candy and plugin for this sugar-fueled episode.

This week, I talk with another Apocalypse Podcast Network podcaster, Cory Anotado. We discuss his new podcast, Teach Me Something Good. I love this show because it's a combination of education, comedy, and weird. I think you'll love his show as much as I do.

This week, I talk with fellow Apocalypse Podcast Network podcaster, Gamal ElSawah about their new sci-fi comedy web series, Wormholes. This hot new piece of content drops on the internet on October 14th, and I am thrilled to give you the tea on this quarantine produced show.

This week, I had a great conversation with Jake Cornell. Recently, Jake made some sketch videos featuring a character that just LOVES going out to eat during a pandemic. The piece is brilliant, and it keeps racking up views each week. I was happy to talk to him about the video, but he also talked about his passion for the restaurant industry, and his fight for workers' rights. It was such an insightful conversation, and it helps you think about how you can support the restaurants you care about in your neighborhood.

This week, I talk to the incredibly funny Maria DeCotis about her phenomenal Andrew Cuomo lip-sync videos. I've always known Maria as a funny stand up act, but these videos have catapulted her to the top of Twitter! Millions of people have laughed with her, and for that we are grateful. They say laughter is the best medicine, and Maria has been dolling out doses to combat this pandemic. For that, we thank her...now check out the interview!

In this episode, I talk with Vijay Parthasarathy of Stardust Insights. Vijay specializes in helping brands incorporate social action and ethical causes in their marketing strategy. I met him through Lunchclub, and I had to have him on the show. I hope you enjoy this pretentious conversation.

On this episode, I enlist the help of my fellow female filmmaker, Nancy Wolfe, to help discuss this terrifying topic. Nancy has been working on the documentary Rocky Flats for four years. It's a film that explores the invisible killer, and it unravels to some earth-shattering truths about America's relationship with nuclear waste. You're going to learn a lot of things you wish you didn't.

I had to talk to my optimistic and talented friend, Matt Braunsdorf. Matt is a director, cinematographer, and editor with an undying love for the art form and the talent to create masterpieces of his own. I knew that I could spill my industry anxieties onto him--and he'd reassure me that movies are going to come back better than ever. I hope he's right!

This week, I talk with yet another fantastic member of the Apocalypse Podcast Network, Lynsey Bonell. Lynsey is from the UK living in NYC and living her best quarantine life by trying to bring joy into this chaotic situation. Lynsey is one of the members of TRASH comedy and one of the hosts of their podcast, Hot Goss. I love this podcast, and you will too!

This week, I talk with another member of the Apocalypse Podcast Network, Dani Ahrens. They're working on a new podcast called Jokes Inside, where they talk with NYC based comedians about the lockdown and their future plans (or lack thereof.)

Christian Carrion is the host of the podcast, Stranger Than Christian, which is part of the newly formed Apocalypse Podcast Network. On Stranger Than Christian, you get honest conversations in the OG podcast format. I love the show, and I know you will too. I brought Christian onto the show this week to talk about his experience podcasting during the lockdown.

Jessica and I talk about the remainder of 2020 and the astrology of The United States. Jessica has some very eye-opening statements when it comes to "the apocalypse," and I know you're going to love what she has to say.

Is QAnon hinting towards things to come, or is it all a crock of shit? I reached out to Travis View of the QAnon Anonymous Podcast looking for some answers. Travis was happy to take the time to talk to me about the history of QAnon, some of the conspiracy theories holding it together, and the dangers it presents to our democracy.

bigwillygetsilly. (AKA Will Martinez) is back and ready to take back everything he said about gentrification causing the Apocalypse. Turns out, a pandemic is going to do the job.

A few weeks ago, I talked to my friend Kali Tripodis, a fellow Little Monster, about Gaga's new album and how it's ushering us into a new age. Originally, I wanted this episode to kick off pride month--but more important things came up. We focused on the fight for equality instead of giving in to the corporate rainbow, and I'm so proud! I think this episode is the perfect send-off to Pride 2020 and directly into Post-Apocalyptic Chromatica.

This week, I wanted to talk to one of my dear friends, because she has been an ER nurse for the past 13 years. Sarah has seen a lot of inequality for years working in North Philadephia as an ER nurse. I knew she had something important to say as a health professional and an ally.

We continue to amplify black voices this week by sitting down with comedian Shem Pennant of UCB. He's also from South London, so I wanted to know how he was feeling "during these tumultuous times."

Last week, I sat down as a guest on the Correctly Mistaken Podcast, hosted by Wesley Cherry. Things were still pretty raw when we spoke, and I just wanted to let him talk about how he was feeling. In a way, I ended up interviewing him on his own show.

Slightly Special is a mixed-race military man and I knew I had to talk to him to see his viewpoint on the current apocalypse. I had to have him on the show. I was glad I did--because we were able to listen to each other and talk openly about how we felt.

I wanted to talk to Anna about a few articles she's written for The New York Times. Anna's pieces often deal with interpersonal relationships with some fun lifestyle tips. In the episode, she tells us how to mediate difficult conversations with your roommates and the phenomenon of zoom weddings.

This week, I check in with my friend David Bluvband. He's been living alone in his studio apartment since the end of March and that can do things to a person. We talk about apocalyptic fiction and how it's mirroring real life, shaving your head, and night eating.

I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce you to one of my FAVORITE podcasts, The Unimaginary Friendcast. The Unimaginary gang had the opportunity to sit down with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington's 7th District.

In this time of perpetual despair, there are humans still reaching out for love and affection, and Holmes Rackleff is among them. She's the host of the podcast, The Revolving Door, where she talks to people about sex and relationships. She asked me to sit down with her to talk about some sexy things, and I was more than willing.

This week I have a really awesome guest. Frank Conniff, AKA TV's Frank from Mystery Science Theater 3000, talks to me about how he's holding up in quarantine and what we might expect from the artform once things start opening up again.

I was lucky enough to sit down with the amazingly talented and funny Dave Hill. We talked about his new album, The Pride of Cleveland, life while social distancing, and I even learned more about the history of his black metal band, Witch Taint.

I will be taking you through a guided meditation that I wrote to help you deal with your social distancing stress. I also explore some of the positives that are coming out of our pandemic lockdown. Enjoy.

Alexa is a costume designer, so I decided to put her costuming and quick-thinking skills to the test. I ran Apocalypse scenarios by her--and she painted the universe with wardrobe finesse.

Right now, we don't know when we will see our friends and family IRL again. So, I have no idea when Mezza Morta will be brought to life, and I figured sharing the read-through with you will help satiate my storytelling desire. I wanted to use this episode as a way to broadcast a piece of the Mezza Morta puzzle, and give you something weird and entertaining to listen to.

Are you ready for another episode of Apocalypse…Now? Of course you are, because you don’t have anything else going on. No one does. We’ve been social distancing for weeks now, and I can’t believe this anti-social goth kid is craving the sun and social interaction. These are scary times, and I hope this podcast helps […]

We hear from listeners that are reacting to the coronavirus pandemic and their apocalypse predictions. Some of these calls came in around the beginning of March, while others were received as recently as Saturday, March 28, 2020. Our listeners are anxious, angry, and hopeful. I hope these messages help encapsulate the feeling we're all having during this traumatic time.