Ana left Substack. Mike loves Twitch. Both feel weird about it. Can you make stuff, get paid, and still sleep at night? This episode is about the messy ethics of making a living online.

—

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

Ana and Open Mike Eagle have been digging into what it actually takes to survive as a creative right now. We’re working on something special about all of this. And for those on the Patreon, we’ve got an exclusive look at our conversation with Adam Conover.

—

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

Ana and Open Mike Eagle break down the absurdity of tiny residual checks, the real value of labor, the power of unions, and how industries isolate workers to weaken organizing. And they reflect on the surreal Trump-Zelensky meeting—why it felt more like a disastrous family dinner than international diplomacy and what it says about the crumbling norms of political discourse.

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 break down the relentless grind of the gig economy, the weight of financial uncertainty, and why creative survival means constantly reinventing yourself. They unpack the fine line between making ends meet and losing yourself in the hustle, the emotional toll of monetizing personal trauma, and whether there’s a way to create that doesn’t just feed the algorithm—but actually feeds the soul.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and Open Mike Eagle dig into the weight of too much—too much chaos, too much uncertainty, too many whelms. They unpack how trauma reshapes our coping mechanisms, the slow-motion gutting of democracy, and political burnout, while searching for ways to stay grounded when everything feels like it’s spiraling.

—

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

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

What do Elon Musk's trolling, rap beefs, and cancel culture have in common? Ana and February's "Co-Host in Residence," Open Mike Eagle, break it down, exploring public redemption, why some people 'fail up,' and what real accountability should look like.

—

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

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

Ana and comedian Josh Gondelman explore the challenges of navigating political turmoil and daily stress—unpacking the delicate balance between staying informed and staying sane in uncertain times.

—

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