The Apocalypse Roadshow: An alternative book tour for “A Field Guide to the Apocalypse”

In an era of escalating crises—from pandemics and climate change to the rapid advancement of AI—many are questioning the resilience of our civilization. Yet history and science reveal a different story: time and again, humans have faced existential threats and found ways to survive and adapt. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, brain science and game theory, cooperation theorist Athena Aktipis explores how our deep-seated abilities to cooperate, innovate and even find joy in adversity have sustained us in the past—and can do so again. Aktipis will also share insights from The Apocalypse Roadshow, an alternative book tour that has taken these ideas on the road—from Route 66 to Australia—through music, storytelling and community-building. With live music from The Apocalypse Roadshow Jamband and interactive audience participation, this talk will offer a hopeful, engaging and interdisciplinary take on how we can navigate an uncertain future together.

Learn more about Athena Aktipis.

Registration

This event is the closing keynote of the 2025 IT@UofT conference. If you wish to attend The Apocalypse Roadshow only, please register at this link. If you’d like to attend the full two-day conference (which includes admission to The Apocalypse Roadshow), please register at this link.