Apocalypse...Now?

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? Jo Anna kicks things off her automation anxiety by sharing her own experiences with AI. From using ChatGPT to draft blog posts for ApocalypseNowPodcast.com to experimenting with AI-driven social media clips, she embraces this new technology not out of enthusiasm, but out of necessity. Jo Anna candidly admits, "I'm learning how to wield this software in case it threatens to replace me in the future." But here's the kicker: she feeds an article she wrote, "AI Is Coming for Your Job and Your Drive-Thru: How to Survive the Automation Apocalypse," into an AI program. The result? An eerily convincing, AI-generated podcast episode that breaks down her article with surprising coherence (and a few robotic quirks). The Good, The Bad, and The Uncanny Jo Anna listens to the AI-generated podcast episode alongside her audience, adding her own snarky commentary in a style reminiscent of Mystery Science Theater 3000. It's both hilarious and unsettling to hear robotic voices analyze her thoughts on AI, peppering the conversation with awkward pauses, strange intonations, and occasional mispronunciations of her name. The AI touches on key issues: AI's Infiltration of Creative Industries: From graphic design to filmmaking, AI is encroaching on territories once thought immune to automation. Ethical Quandaries: What happens when AI makes decisions about healthcare? Environmental Impact: AI may seem intangible, but its data centers guzzle energy and water, raising concerns about sustainability. Job Security vs. Efficiency: Is AI liberating us from drudgery, or is it rendering human labor obsolete? Personal Reflections in an Automated World Jo Anna doesn't shy away from vulnerability. She opens up about her midlife crisis, grappling with the existential dread of being replaceable in both her professional and personal life. "I've spent years using my creativity to make an income, but I quickly got used to the idea that I was replaceable," she confesses. Yet, there's a defiant optimism woven through the episode. Jo Anna urges listeners to embrace lifelong learning, not just to survive but to thrive alongside AI. "If you learn the patterns that AI spits out, you can spot it better when someone's handing you something that's written by AI or created by AI." Call to Action: Jo Anna wants to hear from you. How do you feel about AI? Has it impacted your job? Are you embracing it or resisting it? Leave a message at (920) 474-6763, and your thoughts might be featured in a future episode. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Apocalypse...Now? wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review, share it with friends, and support Jo Anna on Patreon at Patreon.com/joannavt to help keep sassy, independent voices alive. Stay Connected: Website: ApocalypseNowPodcast.com Instagram & TikTok: @JoPincushion Patreon: Patreon.com/JoannaVT Music: Stream Jo Anna's songs "Instagram Stories" and "Codependent" on Spotify and Apple Music or wherever you get your music So, are we doomed? Or are we just at the beginning of something new? Tune in, laugh, cringe, and ponder the future with Apocalypse...Now? because Jo Anna will be right here, holding your hand through the next fucking four years of ch...

Because the Apocalypse Can’t Stop Jo Anna Van Thuyne Guess who's back? Back again. Jo Anna Van Thyne'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. What’s the Vibe? Turning 40 is usually about buying a sports car or joining a questionable yoga cult, but not for Jo Anna. (She's joined plenty of cults) No, she's leaning in with her trademark mix of sarcasm and sincerity, serving up real talk about life, society, and the sheer WTF-ness of it all. This comeback episode is like the apocalypse-themed TED Talk you didn’t know you needed—but with more laughs and fewer laser pointers. Five Things You’ll Hear (and Love) in This Episode 1. Pandemic PTSD but Make It Funny Jo Anna dives into the hot mess that was the early 2020s. Feeling like 2020 was the end of the world? Spoiler alert: you’re not alone. In true Jo Anna fashion, she tackles collective trauma with humor sharp enough to cut through even the thickest of N95 masks. 2. Plot Twist: Jo Anna vs. Corporate America Turns out, facing three personal apocalypses in four years will really make you question things—like whether the “dream job” is worth sacrificing your creativity. Pro tip: it’s not. But Jo Anna’s back to podcasting and making music because creativity is how she survives. And if the 9-to-5 is sucking the life out of you too, maybe this episode will give you some hope. Or at least a laugh. 3. 40 and Fabulous-ish Midlife crises are supposed to involve red convertibles and Botox, but Jo Anna’s decided to throw her energy into launching a new podcast, Institutionalized Creativity. Because nothing says "rebirth" like creating more work for yourself. 4. Authoritarianism, But Make It Relatable Yeah, Jo Anna's going there. Disillusioned with the state of the world? Same. But she’s also opening up the lines of communication, encouraging listeners to share their stories. Because if we’re all spiraling, we might as well do it together. 5. Aliens and AI—Oh My! Let’s sprinkle in some conspiracy theories and tech paranoia for good measure. Jo Anna swears she was right about aliens (we’re not saying she’s wrong), and she’s not holding back on her thoughts about AI. Oh, and there’s also a guided meditation, because why not? Why You Need to Hit Play This isn’t just another podcast episode—it’s a masterclass in resilience, reboots, and rolling with life’s punches. Jo Anna Van Thyne is raw, real, and ridiculous (in the best way). Whether you’re here for the laughs, the feels, or the alien theories, she’s got you covered. So grab your headphones and join Jo Anna on this wild ride. Call her voicemail line at (920) 474-6763 (yes, for real). Subscribe to Apocalypse Now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok (@JoPincushion) because, honestly, you could use a little more snark in your feed. And remember: even when everything feels apocalyptic, there’s still time for a good laugh and a little bit of hope. Or, at the very least, some juicy alien tea.

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. Drones, Fascism, and Aliens—Oh My! Why We’re All Bracing for the Apocalypse If you’ve ever looked at the world and thought, “What the hell is going on?”—you’re not alone. From political chaos to technological takeovers, it feels like we’re teetering on the edge of something big. Maybe even apocalyptic. But don’t worry—I’m here to be your guide through the madness on new episodes of Apocalypse… Now? Did We Fall Out of a Coconut Tree or Into a Dystopia? You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? Look around. We’ve reached a tipping point where the political landscape is more absurd than ever. Meanwhile, drones have gone from futuristic gadgets to everyday annoyances that leave people across New York (and beyond) with more questions than answers. The Return of Chaos: Trump, Drones, and the Midlife Crisis And let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the Trump in the headlines. You didn’t think I’d leave you hanging during another unprecedented time, did you? His re-election feels like the sequel no one asked for. And honestly, it’s been a lot. I’ll admit it: recently, I’ve been staring down the barrel of a midlife crisis, trying to make sense of my trauma and find my way forward. But then you assholes re-elected him. So now, I’m back, bitches—ready to take on drones, fascism, and yes, aliens. Aliens, Drones, and the Bigger Picture Speaking of aliens… they’re not just conspiracy theories anymore. Sightings and strange phenomena have skyrocketed, leaving us to wonder: are they here to help, or are they as fed up with us as we are? Add drones into the mix, and we’re basically living in a sci-fi thriller. The skies are crowded, and our questions are piling up. Why Humor Is Our Best Defense Against Doom Sure, things look grim. But if we can’t laugh at the absurdity of it all, what’s the point? That’s why Apocalypse… Now? exists. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a survival guide for the end times, served with a hefty dose of humor and honesty. We’ll explore the weird, the wild, and the downright terrifying, all while holding space for a little hope… and maybe even a giant meteor to finally put us out of our misery. Join Me for New Episodes Starting January 2025 So, are you ready to embrace the chaos with me? Mark your calendars: Apocalypse… Now? drops new episodes starting January 2025. Together, we’ll tackle the big questions: What’s next for humanity? How do we survive the insanity? And seriously, is that a bird, a plane, or just another drone? Let’s laugh, cry, and maybe even find a little clarity as we navigate these unprecedented times. Until then, keep an eye on the skies, and don’t forget to subscribe. OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com

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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. The post Laura Canty Samuel is Ready for What’s Next first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.

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This week, I talk to Chris Gersbeck of Dumb Industries, a podcast production company that creates awesome shows like The Mads. I met Chris while I was living in Astoria, and it's always good to catch up. We talk about the future of live comedy and how he feels about the current apocalypse. The post Chris Gersbeck’s Live Comedy Prediction first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.

This week, I showcase another member of The Apocalypse Podcast Network, Mijon Zulu of the Whispering Huntys Podcast. The post Mijon Zulu is Building a Community first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.

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The end of 2020 is finally here, and if you think all of your problems will be solved once the clock strikes midnight: You've been binging too much Disney +. Just because the ball drops in 2021 doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet. This Apocalypse is a slow burn. The post Bye-bye, 2020! first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.

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. The post Louie G vs. Dinosaurs vs. Robots first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.

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! The post Dylan Adler’s Musical Self Care first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.

Eric is a Transformational Alignment Coach that works with men to help them reach their full potential. The post Eric Aumen’s Transformational Journey first appeared on Jo Anna Van Thuyne.