
Hosted by nationally touring comedian John Poveromo, Dystopia Tonight dares to ask the question: Is this too much? Are we hurtling through a dystopian nightmare, trapped in an endless, self-perpetuating whirlpool of clickbaity headlines, viral memes, and doomscroll-fueled chaos? A carnival of absurdity where every click feels like another nail in society’s coffin? Or is this the moment before we wake up, pull the plug, and rewrite the story — hoping someone remembered to hit record? Either way, welcome to Dystopia Tonight.
Episodes

Friday Dec 15, 2023
Day 249 - 3 Notes In A Hat with William Goldstein
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Had a fascinating conversation with William Goldstein. an American composer, recording artist, arts philosopher and improvisational pianist. We talk about his trajectory as a musician, the slow reveal behind his gift for improvisational composition, touring, movie scores, producing, speaking the language of music, fall back plans, great teachers, and more. Enjoy!

Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Day 248 - Out Of My Mind with Charles Fleischer
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
The legendary comedian, actor is now an author! We discuss his incredible new book, Out Of My Mind, his writing process, creating characters, his inspirations, comedy, the art of writing scientifically, and of course we go on some lovely tangents brought that can only happen when you're talking to Charles Fleischer. Enjoy!

Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Day 247 - A Love Letter To Friends with Shelley Herman
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Author of "My Peacock Tale: Secrets Of An NBC Page," Shelley Herman is an Emmy-nominated writer whose career began as an NBC Page in Burbank, CA.
We discuss her writing process, her time as an NBC Page, the friends she made a long away, some scandals, sex, how the business has changed, her trajectory into television writing, and who we've both admired and come to know and love in show business. enjoy!
Her Book: https://www.amazon.com/My-Peacock-Tale-Secrets-Page/dp/B0C2S7VKPZ/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=QAUmJ&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=142-5922623-8442305&pd_rd_wg=sK6n7&pd_rd_r=e8fad43a-91c4-4e91-96cf-673e0e588410&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Monday Nov 20, 2023
Day 246 - Everything Is Sublime with Ed Begley Jr.
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Just some oversharing with the beloved Author, Activist, And Actor Ed Begley Jr. who returned to Dystopia Tonight to talk about his phenomenal new book “To The Temple Of Tranquility and Step On It!”
We discussed the book, the influence of Alan Watts, His Parkinson’s diagnosis, his time as a standup, his parents, his close friendship with Harry Dean Stanton and life in general. Enjoy!
Ed's Book: https://begleyliving.com/to-the-temple-of-tranquility-and-step-on-it/

Friday Nov 03, 2023
Day 245 - Offering Some Balance with Ed Byrne
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Ed Byrne, the Dublin-born comedy maverick, who has spent decades unleashing his razor-sharp humor, fearless self-deprecation, and an electrifying energy is back in New York at the So Ho Playhouse from November 4th-6th and the 8th-12th.
His comedy specials, unconventional insights, and TV appearances have cemented his status as a comedic renegade. Every performance comes with his signature badge of audacity, shatteing norms, proving that laughter is the ultimate rebellion, keeping the comedic riffs raw and unapologetic. In a world of conformity, Ed Byrne remains comedy's rebel rockstar, reminding us that humor can be the ultimate act of defiance.
We had a blast covering his early years as a comic, meeting some of his idols, free speech in America vs free speech in the UK, pushing back against certain tropes, embracing spite and more. Enjoy!

Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Day 244 - Spooky Never Dies with LVCRFT
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
The Spooky Season Has Officially Begun as LVCRFT Unveils V & Dominates the your Halloween Playlists with DeepKutz and Norman Cates joining me on @dystopiatonight!
From Shaqtoberfest’s Block Party Stage to their haunting track in Chucky’s TV trailers, brace for a spine-chilling Fall filled with live spectacles and gripping tales!
The brainchild of spooky pop aficionados, LVCRFT, renowned for delivering hook-filled ghoulish hits that resonate year-round, has announced the release of their eagerly anticipated fifth album V, featuring Monte Revolta, and The Remains. Out today on all digital platforms, V is not just a musical journey but also an exploration into the haunting universe of LVCRFT, delving deep into the chilling tale of Skeleton Sam’s desperate quest to rescue his lost love, Seraphina.
At the helm of LVCRFT are the dynamic trio: GRAMMY-awarded songwriters Evan “Kidd” Bogart and Amanda “MNDR” Warner, and GRAMMY-awarded producer Peter Wade. With iconic tracks under their belts for industry legends like Beyonce, Mark Ronson, Katy Perry, and Madonna, LVCRFT delivers music that elevates the eerie spirit throughout the year. Championing the mantra “Spooky Never Sleeps,” LVCRFT has amassed billions of streams with their everyday work, yet come together to craft iconic tracks for the Halloween lover in all of us.

Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Day 243 - Richie Furay - Pouring Music Into Life
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Richie Furay, founder of Buffalo Springfield, a band that shaped an era, stands as a pillar in rock history. His legacy as a singer, songwriter, and all-around music legend, from the iconic “For What It’s Worth” to his solo work, continues to inspire new generations to this day. Enjoy this one guys it's filled with some incredible stories from Richie and everything he's been working on currently with his new documentary.

Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Day 242 - Getting Things Started with Ted Michaels
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
With Ted Michaels, the stage isn't just a platform – it's a portal to infinite creative dimensions. As luminary of the Jim Henson Company’s "PUPPET UP!" and a trailblazer of improv, he's a founder of the uproarious "The Crazy Uncle Joe Show" at the Groundlings Theater in LA, where his comedic brilliance shines as a main company member. Ted's improvisational genius reached new heights alongside Eddie Izzard in the "One Word Improv" spectacle at LA’s Coronet Theater. Beyond the limelight, his pen has contributed to hits like "MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES" on Adult Swim and "BUCKET AND SKINNER’S EPIC ADVENTURES" on Nickelodeon. Ted Michaels is a name synonymous with innovation, laughter, and an unparalleled artistic kaleidoscope.

Friday Aug 04, 2023
Day 241 - An Odyssey with Scott Sharrard
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Scott Sharrard is a highly talented musician and songwriter best known for his role as the musical director for the legendary Gregg Allman. With a deep passion for blues, rock, and soul, Scott’s guitar skills and dynamic stage presence have earned him widespread acclaim. He played a vital role in Gregg Allman’s band, contributing to their iconic sound and helping to keep the legacy of Southern rock alive. Scott’s impressive career as a musician, composer, and bandleader continues to make an impact in the music industry.

Monday Jul 31, 2023
Day 240 - 3 Line Notes with Roddy Bogawa
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Roddy Bogawa is a filmmaker and artist known for his unparalleled storytelling approach and his ability to delve into themes that deeply resonate with audiences. His films, blending documentary and narrative elements, offer an enthralling and thought-provoking journey. I've been captivated by his exploration of complex subjects like identity and memory, enriched by his experimental techniques, which truly set him apart as a distinctive voice in independent cinema. Throughout his career, Bogawa's vision and creativity have earned him critical acclaim, making him a notable figure in the film industry.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to interview Bogawa about his latest masterpiece, "Have you got it yet?" The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd. This documentary has been highly anticipated, holding a special significance as its co-director, Storm Thorgerson, a close friend of Barrett's and a renowned album designer, sadly passed away in 2013. But what’s a good documentary without a few challenges? Bogawa delivers a moving account of Barrett's life in a way that makes you feel like you lived it alongside him. Through his skillful storytelling, Bogawa also manages to leave some mystery behind. Allowing Barrett to keep his enigma status. Overall the film left me deeply moved by the experience.