ARE YOU READY FOR THE APOCALYPSE? NO… SERIOUSLY.

Get ready for an electrifying fusion of science, art, and humor as Athena Aktipis brings The Apocalypse Roadshow to life! This one-of-a-kind variety show offers a refreshing message of hope and resilience in today’s unpredictable world. Drawing from her best-selling book A Field Guide to the Apocalypse: A Mostly Serious Guide to Surviving Our Wild Times and her hit podcast Zombified: Your Source for Fresh Brains, Aktipis and her troupe deliver an immersive experience that shows how to thrive amid chaos.

Featuring an engaging mix of music, storytelling, improv, and comedy, The Apocalypse Roadshow gives audiences practical survival tips for navigating modern life with a sense of curiosity and adventure.

Though the tone is often lighthearted, Aktipis is serious about her research. Her work focuses on the critical roles of community, cooperation, and curiosity in facing crises. Along with researcher Coltan Scrivner, she shared these insights in the Scientific American article, The Evolutionary Reasons Why We Are Drawn to Horror Movies and Haunted Houses. As the guest monologist at The Armando Diaz Experience, Aktipis will demonstrate that in the face of disaster, improvisation and laughter are powerful tools to help us not just survive but thrive.

“This appearance is especially meaningful to me,” Aktipis said. “As a teen and a native Chicagoan, I was a frequent visitor to Chicago’s improv scene.”

“Our cast will take inspiration from Athena’s stories—whether they’re personal monologues, reflections on her work, or moments of insight,” says Gretchen Eng, producer of The Armando and Director of Professional Development and Partnerships at iO Theater. “It allows us to create scenes that are inspired by her life and experiences.”

“This is longform improv at its best—a format that thrives on authenticity and collaboration. We can’t wait to host Athena,” Eng adds.

The Apocalypse Roadshow is led by Athena Aktipis, an evolutionary psychologist and author, who brings a unique perspective to surviving apocalyptic times with humor, science, and cooperation. The show unites a diverse team of scientists, artists, comedians, and experts to explore how humans can tackle existential crises like pandemics and climate change by leaning into creativity and cooperation. Inspired by her book, A Field Guide to the Apocalypse, which combines evolutionary theory with game theory, the roadshow offers both practical and humorous strategies for navigating these wild times.

Having journeyed along iconic Route 66 with stops in Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, the roadshow draws local talent and community members for an unforgettable experience at each stop.

For more information, visit The Apocalypse Roadshow.

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