Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

Writer Lyz Lenz joins us for a brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to survive the creative economy. From maxed-out credit cards to a New York Times bestseller, we talk about money shame, dental debt, raising kids without a safety net, and why community, not success, is the real measure of a good life. If you want to hear more from our conversation with Lyz Lenz, including the very chaotic, very real story of what it actually felt like to hit the New York Times Bestseller list, head over to ⁠patreon.com/pastdue⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian and actor Paul F. Tompkins opens up about career insecurity, creative joy, and why the secret to survival in a crumbling industry might just be doing it yourself. If you want to hear more from today’s conversation with Paul F. Tompkins, including his dumbest money decision ever and the surprisingly smart investment he made that paid off big, join us at patreon.com/pastdue. You’ll get exclusive extras, extended interviews, and first dibs on upcoming surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Overworked, underpaid, & somehow still optimistic? Join us on "Past Due" as we navigate surviving an economy that doesn’t play fair. Starting May 7th, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The creative economy is broken, and yet, we’re still here. Past Due is a new podcast from Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle about what it really takes to survive as a creator today. One job isn’t enough, three still won’t cover your bills, and success doesn’t guarantee stability. With honesty, humor, and guests like Paul F. Tompkins, Liz Linz, Taylor Lorenz, Adam Conover, and more, we talk wins, losses, and the myths of "making it."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode of Another Day, Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle unpack the quiet panic of not-quite-enough, from spreadsheets and therapy bills to racism, war, and creative burnout. Along the way, they talk literal and figurative agendas, how America speed-runs authoritarianism, and what makes people finally take to the streets. Also: they reveal what’s next. (Spoiler: it’s their new show.) Welcome to the soft launch of Past Due: a podcast about surviving as a creative in a world that doesn’t want you to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when living your dream doesn’t pay the bills? Ana and Open Mike Eagle talk about how unexpected gigs can save the day, but needing work still feels uncool. They reflect on shame, resilience, and the reality of making it as a creator in a world that doesn’t always reward your art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and Open Mike Eagle break down the weird, absurd, and infuriating ways politics and pop culture collide—from a TikTok song about a hostile government takeover to the frustrating reality of media grifts and viral fame. They dig into how labor is devalued, why independent artists are forced to hustle harder than ever, and why newsletters won’t save us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and Open Mike Eagle explore the fine line between resilience and overextension—digging into rock climbing injuries, political burnout, and why real strength comes from sustainability, not just survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and Josh Gondelman explore the power of presence, reflecting on how connecting with others, embracing creativity, and asking for what you need transform everyday acts into resistance and joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Richter joins Ana to reflect on life in the public eye, navigating politics in a fractured America, and what mental health looks like, all while sharing insights from his podcast and reflections on progress and privilege.—For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices