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.
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Broader and deeper than Doctor Who... Back in the early months of 2012 we started life as the Blue Box Podcast, a small team of three (then four, then five...) people podcasting our thoughts on Doctor Who, in the classic style of a bunch of friends the microphones were just accidentally eavesdropping on during a conversation in the pub. Over a decade later, the team has expanded and so has the remit; nowadays we publish episodes approximately three times a week, and the discussion has moved ...
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Quick Hit #8: Breaking Stereotypes on Men's Self Care, Diddy's Dark Secrets, and NBA Playoffs
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44:16Welcome 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.…
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Who Review 39: The Interstellar Song Contest
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1:10:01We turn our microphones to the subject of the Eurovision Song Contest pastiche in our latest review Presented by J.R. Southall, with Matt Barber, Mark Donaldson, Luke Molloy and Jon ArnoldBy StrangersCast
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Music Club 26: The UK's Top 10 Eurovision Performances
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53:22In between the Kenneth McKellars and the Jeminis, the UK has actually won Eurovision five times and come runner-up a further sixteen. But which of those songs was the overall best performing? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Simon BrettBy StrangersCast
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Doctor Who Season Two Five Review Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Quick Hit #7: Epic NBA Playoffs and Ryan Coogler Shines with Sinners
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42:34In 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, th…
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As we reach the mid-point of this latest (last?) series of Doctor Who, are we any nearer to discovering what it's all been about and how it's all going to end? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Apocalypse Nowadays E28: Shedeur Sanders, Shannon Sharpe, Lakers, NYC, San Quentin
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1:03:47Welcome 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 an…
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It's the first episode this year to feature a writer other than RTD in the credits, but was it a case of "well played" or "oh well" Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt Barber
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Music Club 25: The Sisters of Mercy
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1:06:03It's just over forty years since The Sisters of Mercy's debut album came out, and more than three decades since the still-active band released their third and most recent. So we convened a panel of people for whom the band had meant something special back in the 1980s, for a meandering chat about Andrew Eldritch and his ever-changing cohort. Presen…
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The one person guaranteed not to be able to answer the question "What's it all about?" is Alfie himself - although he'd surely tell you otherwise. We cast a 21st century eye back at the 1966 film, it's astonishing 1975 sequel, and even the 2004 remake Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Jim Cameron…
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Cartoon characters stepping out of cinema screens is just the start of the weirdness this week, but does it all add up to a lick of sense and does it matter if it doesn't? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Film Club Lite 75: The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse (2005)
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31:32Just as Doctor Who was returning to our screens twenty years ago, The League of Gentlemen were signing off - with what would turn out to be a divisive (albeit ultimately temporary) full-stop on their canon, a film that turns the original concept on its head; our thoughts are somewhat mixed Presented by Dylan Rees, with Mark Donaldson, Steve Hatcher…
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Quick Hit #6: Local Politics, Tax Day Trials and NBA Drama
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31:25In 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 …
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Film Club Duets 29: A Christopher Landon Duo
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44:37As his latest, the Hitchcockian thriller Drop arrives in cinemas, we take a look at what director and writer Christopher Landon has been up to since the Happy Death Day movies and Freaky: recent Valentine themed slasher Heart Eyes, and the Netflix family film We Have A Ghost Presented by J.R. Southall, with Matt Barber…
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Doctor Who is back and there's a brand new companion to introduce, but was The Robot Revolution as slight and fluffy as RTD's previous season openers? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Film Club Lite 74: The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
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22:32Among the many much more successful films that Val Kilmer appeared in, the pone that we've chosen by way of marking his passing is The Island of Dr. Moreau, the fascinating and ill-fated Richard Stanley adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Apocalypse Nowadays E27: NBA Coach Firings to Dodgers Diplomacy: A Deep Dive
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48:30Welcome 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 tak…
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Blue Box 170: The Doctor Who Season Two Preview
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52:45Further thoughts about the shape of Season 2, and the potential longevity of Doctor Who, ahead of the launch next weekend Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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It's not only the subject matter that makes Adolescence compelling, it's the production choices too; we take a look under the bonnet and try to figure out why it's getting such a positive reaction Presented by J.R. Southall, with Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Apocalypse Nowadays E26: Cory Booker's 25-Hour Speech, Tariffs, and T-Bone: Political Theater or Genuine Stand?
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46:58Welcome 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 Booke…
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Book Club 05: The Day and Night of the Triffids (2001 / 2014)
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32:57Two modern audio adaptations of Triffids novels come under the microphones as part of our slowly-expanding Apocalypse UK strand, the first a 2001 BBC World Service radio version of Wyndham's original The Day of the Triffids, the second Big Finish's 2014 The Night of the Triffids, its official sequel as adapted by the author of the novel, Simon Clar…
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With Eurovision (and indeed, the interstellar version) on the horizon once again, we thought it high time we took a look back at the debut Bucks Fizz album from 1981, which followed in the wake of their own Eurovision success Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon ArnoldBy StrangersCast
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Who Review Extra 48: Carnival of Monsters
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29:39The third Doctor gets back into space after a long lay-over on Earth, only to find himself stuck inside a miniscope with Drashigs, Leslie Dwyer and Major Daly; the randomiser brings us to the Carnival of Monsters Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Our slow crawl through the Alien universe takes in a couple of fan projects, last year's Australian short No Man's Land, and the recently streaming documentary Alien On Stage about - you guessed it - a stage production of the first Alien movie in Dorset (and Leicester Square) Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber and Mark Donalds…
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Apocalypse Nowadays E25: LeBron vs. Stephen A, Kendrick and the Music Industry, Hip Hop OGs
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48:28In 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 sp…
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Blue Box 169: Between the Idea and the Reality
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1:11:51It's two decades since Doctor Who returned - but has it lived more in those twenty years than others do in eighty? We talk about the best and the worst of the revival, plus a little quiz. Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber, Steve Hatcher, Iain Martin and Harry PalmerBy StrangersCast
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DJ and author Iain Key chooses the eight items he would take with him, if he was about to be marooned on a desert planet Presented by Simon BrettBy StrangersCast
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Apocalypse Nowadays E24: Jackie Robinson's Legacy: A Controversial Deletion & March Madness
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43:05In 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 …
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TV Club 81: The League of Gentlemen (Part Two)
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53:39Our return visit to Royston Vasey continues with Series Three and the anniversary specials, plus a chat about The League of Gentlemen live Presented by Dylan Rees, with Mark Donaldson, Steve Hatcher, Harry Palmer and J.R. Southall Warning: includes one use of a very naughty word, from Mark Pottyface Donaldson…
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After we discovered the existence of a children's film based on a novel by Bad Monkey and Striptease author Carl Hiaasen, we just had to take a look. And what an array of surprises we found there... Presented by J.R. Southall, with Iain MartinBy StrangersCast
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Film Club Duets 27: Mulholland Drive (1999 & 2001)
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45:50A comparison of the film that began life as the pilot for what could have been a Twin Peaks spin-off series, but which went on to become regarded as perhaps David Lynch's best work, and that original TV movie which has of course subsequently surfaced online Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Matt Barber…
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Apocalypse Nowadays E23: Navigating the Complexities of Modern-Day Geniuses
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50:39In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik dive into the intricacies of modern society through the lens of popular culture and prominent figures like Elon Musk, Kanye West, and Sly Stone. The discussion touches on the paradoxes within the Tesla community and observes the challenges faced by influential Black artists historically an…
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The randomiser brings us to the beginning of Season 18, and the dawn of a brand new era - albeit with the same lead actors and one of the same writers who had been working on Doctor Who for the last couple of seasons. So how does The Leisure Hive look now? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber and Steve Hatcher…
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Film Club Duets 26: Inseminoid (1981) and Xtro (1982)
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41:25We take a look at two of the low-budget British films that came out in the wake of Alien, and rather foolishly - or otherwise - said "I can do that!" Presented by J.R. Southall, with Dylan ReesBy StrangersCast
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TV Club 80: The League of Gentlemen (Part One)
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1:05:14In the first instalment of a three-part retrospective of The League of Gentlemen, we cast our microphones over the radio show, the first two TV series and the Christmas Special Presented by Dylan Rees, with Mark Donaldson, Steve Hatcher, Harry Palmer and J.R. SouthallBy StrangersCast
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The randomiser has found us an episode from Torchwood's second series, but will we be more impressed with Adam than we were with some of the stories from Series One? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber and Luke MolloyBy StrangersCast
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Apocalypse Nowadays E22: Trump's Chaotic Address, John Cena's Heel Turn, and Zoe Saldana's Controversial Oscar Win
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57:19In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik delve into the chaotic world of current events. Starting with President Trump's recent congressional address, the discussion covers the tumultuous political atmosphere, including contentious interactions and unexpected developments. Amidst political drama, the hosts also explore the entert…
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Film Club Extra: Oscars 2025 & I'm Still Here
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52:14Our reaction to the 97th Academy Awards, the winners and the ceremony - and a review of Best International Feature winner I'm Still Here Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Mark DonaldsonBy StrangersCast
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Film Club Duets 25: The Brutalist & A Complete Unknown
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1:00:28Two more Best Picture hopefuls come under the spotlight, immigrant drama The Brutalist and Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, plus we give our final predictions ahead of the ceremony itself Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber and Luke MolloyBy StrangersCast
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The original miniseries of V rocked the world back in 1983, but how is it looking over forty years on? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Dylan ReesBy StrangersCast
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Apocalypse Nowadays E21: Breaking Down Oscar Nominations and Big Tech's Influence on Hollywood
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36:42Welcome to the latest episode of Apocalypse Nowadays with Sik and Aaron, where they reunite with enthusiasm and delve into a myriad of topics affecting the world today. Aaron opens up the discussion by sharing an exciting personal experience performing live in a play for Black History Month, celebrating Black pioneers and inventors, which sparked b…
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Robbie Williams eventually made it out from under the shadow of Take That, but can he escape his own demons? That's the question the auto/biographical film Better Man poses - but after it flopped in America, all we want to know is, is it any good? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Simon BrettBy StrangersCast
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Blue Box 168: Fifteen After Eighteen, Don't Go (February News Blast #1)
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24:15A start date for the new series, and more rumours about it being Ncuti Gatwa's last Presented by J.R. Southall, with Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Film Club Extra: Metro-Goldwyn-May I? (February News Blast #2)
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24:03How will 007 make out now he's moved to Amazon MGM Studios? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Private Members Club 28: Spoilers of War (February News Blast #3)
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26:34Bargaining tactics or kissing Putin's ass? It's just another week in Trumpton Presented by J.R. Southall, with Matt BarberBy StrangersCast
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Film Club Lite 72: Meet the Feebles (1989)
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27:45Peter Jackson's second film, the one it seems he most wishes everyone would forget, is the "adult" puppet comedy Meet the Feebles. We took a look, so you don't have to Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold and Mikey SmithBy StrangersCast
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Also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Nickel Boys is the next Best Picture nominee from this year's Academy Awards on our list. But does the film's unusual format - which has brought it a shedload of awards already - mean it's more or less likely to pick up the Oscar? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold…
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There's a new Wolf Man pic on the block, as part of the revised Monster Universe. And one of our extended team just happens to be watching his way through the original Universal horror collection... So what would he, and we, think? Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber and Steve Hatcher…
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Apocalypse Nowadays E20: Elon Musk: Shadow President or Government Efficiency Guru?
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50:07In this episode of Apocalypse Nowadays, hosts Aaron and Sik delve into a whirlwind week of headlines beginning with the intriguing role of Elon Musk in federal policy-making. As Musk’s influence grows in the Oval Office, questions about his Department of Government Efficiency initiative arise. Is this a move to streamline the government or a tactic…
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Recorded just moments before Elon Musk's attempted buyout of Chat GPT, a new voice joins us on the feed to try and make sense of just three weeks' worth of Trump.2 Presented by J.R. Southall, with Jon Arnold, Matt Barber and Mikey SmithBy StrangersCast
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