Dystopia Tonight was born out of the Covid-19 Pandemic to give people a light-hearted break from the absurdity of the world around them by showcasing artists, comedians, musicians, and actors from all across the entertainment field and getting them to open up about what exactly they’ve been doing during this bizarre time in everyone’s lives. John asks about the state of their lives, careers, and well-being, while we all navigate through the current dystopia we’ve come to find ourselves living in.
Episodes
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Monday Apr 24, 2023
In this episode of Dystopia Tonight with John Poveromo, we have the pleasure of welcoming legendary television writer, director, and producer Bill Persky back to the show. With a career spanning over five decades, Bill has worked on some of the most beloved television shows of all time, including "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," and "Kate & Allie."
In our conversation, Bill shares his unique perspective on the current state of television and the entertainment industry as a whole, reflecting on the ways in which technology and changing audience tastes have transformed the way we consume media. He also shares his thoughts on the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry, including the challenges of producing television shows in a socially distanced world.
Throughout our discussion, Bill's wit and humor shine through, as he regales us with stories from his storied career and shares his insights on what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry. Whether you're a fan of classic television or a student of the craft, you won't want to miss this engaging and thought-provoking episode with one of the true legends of the industry.
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Rachel Ana Dobken is a multi Instrumentalist, singer, songwriter who puts her heart and soul into every word she sings and every note she plays. We dive deep into everything it takes to be a working artist today, trying to balance a career and social life, what got her started down this path, what keeps her motivated, outside passions, her upcoming album, collaborating with other amazing artists, and more. Enjoy!
Instagram, Twitter - @Rachelanadobken
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rachelanadobkenmusic
Spotify, Apple Music- @Rachelanadobken
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Sue Kolinsky is an Emmy nominated producer, writer, comedian, podcaster and all around great human being. We cover her early days in standup comedy coming up with Carol Leifer, Paul Reiser, Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Carole Montgomery, Kevin Nealon and more, writing for the Ellen Show, producing The Osbornes, writing on Sex and The City, producing The Newlyweds, her MTV family, opening for Rosemary Clooney and working with other legends early on in her career, and more! Enjoy!
Thursday Feb 02, 2023
Thursday Feb 02, 2023
I really couldn't ask for better guests than the guys from Retrofile. Had some great conversations about the music and comedy industry and the joys and struggles of being an artist. Great guys and amazing music.
Enjoy this one and check out their stuff below: https://www.retrofilemusic.com/
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Leighann Lord is one of the funniest comedians working today, and someone I’ve admired as a comic and a friend since we met when I was only a few years into my career in comedy.
We cover our mutual nerdiness for all things sci-fi and tech, comedy hell gigs, covering her humble beginning as a standup, her influences, type A personalities, social media, pop culture, politics and more! Enjoy!
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Jessica Burbank is more than just a rising social media personality in that she actually cares about the topics she covers. It's not just about going viral, but getting a message out in an effort to connect with people and make real change in a world and system that reveals itself to be broken and rigged for the powerful as each day passes.
From the Regional Field Director for Bernie Sanders' Presidential Campaign to her current work with The Young Turks, A More Perfect Union, and her own social media presence, Jess and I cover the power of messaging through different platforms, her days as a community organizer, Black Lives Matter, Police Brutality, a never before told story about some online creep breaking into her apartment, her rediscovered passion for playing the blues, and more! Enjoy!
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
A new variant is on the rise and we decided to check in with our favorite, resident public health expert, Heather! We also do a deep dive into the country’s current mental health crisis. Enjoy!
Heather Butts is the founder of L.E.A.R.N for Life Consulting, L.L.C. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at Columbia University School of Public Health and St. John’s University School of Law. Prior to this work. Ms. Butts served for over seven years as a regulatory specialist at Columbia University’s Medical Center (CUMC) Institutional Review Board (IRB). She was involved in updating CUMC investigators and IRB members on regulatory changes, as well as training and education efforts of the Columbia University research community. She has authored several publications in the area of health ethics and regulations. Prior to her work at Columbia, Ms. Butts was a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in New York where she performed compliance risk assessments, outreach and education. Ms. Butts received her B.A. from Princeton University. She was a history major, concentrating in American Studies, African Studies and African-American Studies. She received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, her M.P.H from Harvard University School of Public Health and her M.A. in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. While at Teachers College, Ms. Butts specialized in college preparation for students and adolescent psychology and now provides college counseling consultation for students and their parents. Ms. Butts has participated in several seminars and conferences on public health and the law, healthcare disparities, college preparation for the family and research ethics.
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Having Steven Page on Dystopia Tonight was a genuine highlight of my year. Been a huge fan for a long time and getting to talk with him about his new album, his experiences in the music industry, creative process, his time with Barenaked Ladies, how covid his writing process before and after the pandemic, pop-culture, movies and creating art in general was a blast. Hope you enjoy this one guys!
https://www.stevenpage.com/
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
For those of us that know SPOOKY season never ends this episode is for you. LVCRFT was one of my favorite episodes and guests and we had a blast talking everything from their expansive careers doing what they love, to our favorite horror films, weird NJ expeditions, personal hauntings, music and of course - the inevitable end of all things. Enjoy guys!
Saturday Oct 29, 2022
Saturday Oct 29, 2022
Dr. Elizabeth Delery and I became friends online over the pandemic over shared science articles, anxieties, ADHD tendencies, general silliness, music, and me nagging her 24/7 about her expertise as a neuro-immunologist. So basically that’s what we discuss here, bouncing back and forth between a wide range of topics including what drew her to her field in the first place. Enjoy!