Pop Apocalypse

Pop Apocalypse explores gnostic, esoteric, and mystical currents in popular culture. The podcast features interviews with artists, musicians, and writers about the experiential and spiritual dimensions of their work. Music by Secret Chiefs 3.

Pop Apocalypse is a religion podcast hosted by Matthew J. Dillon, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Matthew J. Dillon hosts Pop Apocalypse, a religion show with 22 episodes published.

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  Episode #22

  Exploring the Mysticism of Mathematics with Robert Schneider of The Apples in Stereo

  May 19, 20261h 43mS0

  <p>Episode 22 of the Pop Apocalypse features part two of Matt's epic interview with musician and mathematician, Robert Schneider. Robert and Matt discuss the status of the third Olivia Tremor Control record (2:44), and how that story is interwoven with Robert’s own move from music into mathematics. From there, we explore the mysticism and mystery of mathematics through figures like Pythagoras and the twentieth-century visionary and mathematician Ramanujan. Robert also reflects on his revelatory experiences with mathematics and how number theory speaks to a central concern in the history of philosophy: the one and the many.</p> <p>Robert Schneider bi...

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  Episode #21

  Spirituality and The Elephant 6 Collective with Robert Schneider of the Apples in Stereo

  Apr 23, 20262 hourS0

  <p>Spirituality and The Elephant 6 Collective With Robert Schneider</p> <p>In episodes 21 and 22 of the Pop Apocalypse, host Matt Dillon welcomes musician and mathematician Robert Schneider. Schneider is the lead singer of the psychedelic pop band The Apples in Stereo, a producer for bands including Neutral Milk Hotel and Olivia Tremor Control, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences at Michigan Technological University. </p> <p>In part one, we discuss Robert’s religious upbringing in the American South before exploring the mystical dimensions of The Elephant 6 Recording Co (8:58). We touch on the Church of the Subgenius, med...

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  Episode #20

  Acting, Dreamwork, and the Study of Religion - A Talk with Amy Brenneman

  Feb 22, 20261h 25mS0

  <p>In Pop Apocalypse, Ep. 20, we welcome actress, writer, producer, and activist, Amy Brenneman. After earning her B.A. in Comparative Religions at Harvard, Amy went on to a successful acting career, with star turns in the film Heat, as well as the shows like "The Leftovers," "The Old Man," and "Judging Amy" (which she also wrote and produced). In this wide-ranging conversation (2:12), Amy and I explore how the craft of acting, study of religion, and practice of Jungian dreamwork have enriched one another throughout her career. We discuss the similarities between ritual and acting, and how a background in...

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  Episode #19

  From Rock Star to Occult Historian - A Talk with Gary Lachman

  Jan 22, 20261h 28mS0

  <p>In Pop Apocalypse, Ep. 19, we welcome author and musician, Gary Lachman, to the show. Lachman was the original bassist for the seminal new wave band, Blondie. He later became an intellectual historian; to date, Lachman has published twenty-six books, most recently a memoir, Touched by the Presence: From Blondie’s Bowery and Rock and Roll to Magic and the Occult (Inner Traditions, 2025). In this wide-ranging chat (3:01), we discuss how Lachman’s reading of comics and Lovecraft inspired a lifelong interest in the occult, his early days in Blondie, and how he came to Crowleyan magick. Then we turn to Lachm...

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  Episode #18

  Integrating Wisdom Christianity and “The Work” of G.I. Gurdjieff: A Talk with Cynthia Bourgeault

  Dec 12, 20251h 21mS0

  <p>In Pop Apocalypse, Ep. 18, we welcome theologian, author, and Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault, whose work combines the Christian contemplative and wisdom traditions, “The Work” of GI Gurdjieff, and the philosophy of Henry Corbin into a lived mystical theology. Throughout the episode (2:38), we explore Cynthia’s religious upbringing and early mystical awakening, her academic training in Medieval sacred drama, and her decision to pursue the priesthood. Then we take a deep dive (14:01) into Bourgeault’s relationship with the practice and theory of The Work, and how she has integrated them into the Christian wisdom tradition. As the interview ends (55:37), Cynthia and I dis...

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