Show Biz Pod

By Carissa Ferguson & Emma Claire Dykes

For too long, creatives have been sold the lie that pursuing their passion means accepting financial struggle...not anymore.

Show Biz Pod is a podcast that tackles creative careers, side hust

... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Show Biz Pod:

How many episodes does Show Biz Pod have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

Show Biz Pod episodes:

June 25, 2025S1 E14: Saving With Strategy: Emergency Funds, Sinking Funds & More
In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down how to actually save as a creative & on an inconsistent income. They talk about the difference between emergency funds and sinking funds, how to avoid panic when unexpected costs pop up, and why having a savings plan gives you more freedom to say yes to your creative goals.
WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:
Why saving money isn't just about putting all of your spare change in one ambiguous pot.
The difference between emergency funds and sinking funds (and why you need both).
How to use “buckets” to stay organized and reduce guilt when it’s time to spend.
How much to save, where to keep it, and how to build the habit even with variable income.
Creative ways to reduce financial stress and give future-you some breathing room.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
Open an HYSA with Ally and receive a $100 bonus: (referral link)
Sign up for Acorns and get $5 invested for free: (referral link)
Our FREE Budgeting Template
Our FREE Resource: 5 Things Creatives Can Do Today To Improve Your Financial Future
Book Rec: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @showbiz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com
...more
16min
June 18, 2025Ep 13: Shoot Your Shot: Scaling A Photography Business while Dancing Professionally with Katy Weske
In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire chat with dancer, choreographer, and photographer Katy Weske about how she turned a creative side hustle into a thriving photography business while navigating her college dance program & then performing professionally. From shooting headshots between contracts to managing a national client base, Katy shares what it takes to build a business that works with your artistry, not against it.

WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:
Katy's background & how she accidentally stumbled across photography.
The early steps she took to turn her photography hobby into a legit business.
What it’s really like to scale a service-based business while still choreographing and performing.
The systems and tools that keep her organized across roles.
How her business has given her more creative freedom to pursue her passion of dance.
Advice for artists who want to start a side hustle but don’t know where to begin.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Katy’s photography: @katyweske.photography
Katy's choregraphy: @katyweske.choreo
Personal: @katy.weske
Website: www.katyweskephotography.com

CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @showbiz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com
...more
22min
June 11, 2025Ep 12: Why Business Skills Are Just As Important As Creative Talent
In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire discuss how and why they stopped thinking of their creative work as just art and started treating it like a brand or a business. They get real about why knowing your worth matters and how business skills like marketing and negotiation are key to turning your dreams into something sustainable.

WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:
Making the mindset shift from artist to entrepreneur
How key business skills like marketing, negotiation, and time management show up in creative work.
Why building systems and treating yourself like a CEO will help you build a sustainable career.
The tools and practices they use to balance art and business.
The importance of knowing your worth and how to advocate for yourself.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
Google Calendar
Notion
Actor Aesthetic Podcast
The Actor's Life by Jenna Fisher
Download our FREE Budget Template designed for creatives
Download our FREE pdf resource for 5 things creative can do TODAY to improve their financial futures.

CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @showbiz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com

Thanks for listening - see you next week!
...more
23min
June 04, 2025Ep 11: Balancing Creative & Corporate with Charlotte B. Um
In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire chat with NYC-based actor and influencer marketing manager Charlotte Um about how she navigates the challenging balance between her corporate career and her creative goals. From managing auditions in the midst of work deadlines to staying open to whatever may come her way, this conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to pursue two paths at once

WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:
How difficult it is to fold up the self-tape blue/green screen (if you know, you know).
What life looked like post-grad for Charlotte and why she didn’t head straight to NYC.
How she balanced pursuing a fine arts degree at the University of Michigan with working advertising, marketing, and other business-related jobs during the summers.
The real challenges of managing a full-time job while also pursuing acting in NYC and how she makes it work.
Why she’s open about not having a perfectly clear life plan and how she’s learned to find comfort in that.
The unexpected ways her acting skills have helped her thrive in the corporate world & advice for those wanting to jump in to similar positions.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
Charlotte recommends finding a non-theatre community!
Open an HYSA with Ally and receive a $100 bonus: (referral link)
Sign up for Acorns and get $5 invested for free: (referral link)

CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @showbiz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com
...more
22min
May 28, 2025Ep 10: Budgeting 102 - Budgeting On A Fluctuating Income
In this episode, Emma Claire and Carissa dive into the challenges and solutions for budgeting when your income is unpredictable. Whether you’re a freelancer, artist, or creative professional juggling side gigs and fluctuating paychecks, this episode offers practical strategies to keep your finances steady—even when your income isn’t.
From baseline budgeting to income buffer accounts, they break down a budgeting system that works with your creative lifestyle and share real-life lessons from their own experiences navigating freelance finances. Check out their FREE budget template in addition to this episode to get your budgeting back on track!

WE TALKED ABOUT:
Why inconsistent income makes traditional budgeting strategies difficult
The risks of spending money that hasn’t actually hit your account yet
How to identify your “bare minimum baseline” income
The four-tier system for prioritizing expenses and savings
The importance of an income buffer savings account (and how to use it)
Tools and mindset shifts to create stability during lean months
A quick recap of the steps to take control of your fluctuating income

LINKS & RESOURCES:
Download our FREE Budget Template designed for creatives
Listen to Ep 8: Budgeting 101 - The Blueprint For Your Bank Account
Open an HYSA with Ally and receive a $100 bonus: (referral link)
Sign up for Acorns and get $5 invested for free: (referral link)

CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @show.biz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com

Like the show? Subscribe, rate & review — it helps other artists & entrepreneurs find us!
See you next Wednesday!
...more
14min
May 21, 2025Ep 9: The Practical Business That Let Me Quit My Job (& Keep Acting) Ft. Rosemary Gilmore
Episode 9: The Practical Business That Let Me Quit My Job (& Keep Acting) Ft. Rosemary Gilmore
In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire chat with ATL-based film actor and entrepreneur Rosemary Gilmore about how launching a pool service business in Atlanta alongside her husband gave her the freedom and flexibility to pursue film acting on her own terms. From taking the leap into entrepreneurship with zero experience to navigating creative life with a business owner mindset, this episode is full of grounded advice for any creative looking to jump into the pool of starting their own business.
WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:
How Rosemary transitioned from juggling multiple draining jobs to launching a business with her husband.
The journey of growing Heat My Pool from a side hustle into a full-time income stream.
Why choosing a business outside the creative industry actually gave her more freedom within it.
How she balances acting, producing, and entrepreneurship without burning out.
Practical advice for creatives who want to build a sustainable business without giving up on their artistic goals

LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Rosemary's pool equipment service business (based in Atlanta, GA): Heat My Pool
Rosemary’s production company: Good Ghost Productions
Free Book Recommendation: New Thoughts For Actors by Jack Plotnick
Book Recommendation: The Artist's Way
Follow Rosemary!
Instagram
TikTok
CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @showbiz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com

Like the show? Please subscribe, rate & review as it helps other artists & entrepreneurs find us!
See you next Wednesday!
...more
19min
May 14, 2025Ep 8: Budgeting 101 - The Blueprint For Your Bank Account
Carissa and Emma Claire have the budget chat that your BFA program forgot! They break down the basics of building a budget that actually works for your creative lifestyle. From understanding where your money is going to using flexible tools that fit your rhythm, this is your starter pack for taking control of your finances without sacrificing joy or freedom.

WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:
Why budgeting gives you more freedom, not less
How to define a budget that reflects your reality
The 4-part budget breakdown: Needs, Wants, Savings, Debt
Tools and templates for tracking your money
Common budgeting mistakes to avoid
Real-world advice tailored for creatives and freelancers

Whether you’re living gig-to-gig or navigating multiple side hustles, this episode is your no-judgment intro to making your money work for you.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:
You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero — a mindset-forward guide to shifting how you view money and wealth.
TikTok Creators for Budgeting Inspiration:
Michela Allocca (@breakyourbudget)
Erin Confortini (@itserinconfortini)
McKenzie Mack (@mckenzie.mack)
Open an HYSA with Ally and receive a $100 bonus: (referral link)
Sign up for Acorns and get $5 invested for free: (referral link)
Download our FREE PDF Resource for 5 Things Creatives Can Do TODAY to Improve their Financial Futures

CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @show.biz.pod
Website: www.showbizpod.com

Like the show? Subscribe, rate & review — it helps other artists & entrepreneurs find us!
See you next Wednesday!
...more
16min
May 07, 2025Ep. 7: Casting, Styling, and Animal Handling—Oh My! How To Build A Career On-Stage and Off with Lara Hayhurst
In this episode of Show Biz Pod, Emma Claire and Carissa sit down with Lara Hayhurst— actor, casting director, Bill Berloni trained animal handler, personal stylist, and Pace University graduate. She shares how she’s built a sustainable and ever-evolving career by embracing every opportunity on and off the stage.
Lara opens up about the power of versatility, the overlap between performing and her day jobs, and how saying “yes” (and showing up) kept her working on-stage and off.
WE TALKED ABOUT:
How Lara built a multi-hyphenate career & the various side hustles that have kept her sustained.
How she made the transition from the stage to behind the casting table.
Her experience as an animal handler trained by Bill Berloni.
How casting jobs have changed her perspective as an actor.
Actionable advice for creatives interested in various side hustles (animal handling, casting, styling, etc.)

FOLLOW LARA:
Larahayhurst.com
Instagram: @larahayhurst

LINKS & RESOURCES:
The Four Agreements
Broadway Tails by Bill Berloni
Download our FREE resource: 5 Things Creatives Can Do TODAY to Improve Their Financial Future
Open a high-yield savings account with Ally
Start investing with Acorns

CONNECT WITH SHOW BIZ POD:
Visit our Website: www.showbizpod.com
Instagram: @showbiz.pod
TikTok: @show.biz.pod
Like the show? Subscribe, rate & review — it helps other artists and creatives find us!
See you next Wednesday!
...more
21min
April 30, 2025Ep 6: Stop Relying on One Check: Multiple Streams of Income 101
In this episode of Show Biz Pod, Emma Claire and Carissa break down the seven major types of income streams—what they are, how they work, and why diversifying your income is essential for artists. From rental income to capital gains, this episode will help you better understand the full landscape of how creatives should be diversifying their income.
WE TALKED ABOUT:
The 7 key types of income streams every creative should know.
The difference between active vs. passive income.
Personal examples of each income stream.
How to identify what income type fits your current skills and goals.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
Open an HYSA with Ally and receive a $100 bonus: (referral link)
Sign up for Acorns and get $5 invested for free: (referral link)
Download our FREE PDF Resource for 5 Things Creatives Can Do TODAY to Improve their Financial Futures

CONNECT WITH SHOW BIZ POD:
Visit our Website: www.showbizpod.com
Follow Show Biz Pod on Instagram: @showbiz.pod
Follow Show Biz Pod on TikTok: @show.biz.pod

Like the Show? Subscribe, rate & review — it helps other artists & entrepreneurs find us!
See you next Wednesday!
...more
21min
April 23, 2025Ep 5: Crypto, Country, and Creative Control: Sammy Arriaga on Music NFTs
In this episode of Show Biz Pod, Emma Claire and Carissa sit down with country Latino artist and NFT trailblazer Sammy Arriaga. Originally from Miami and now based in Nashville, Sammy shares his journey as a first-generation Cuban-American building a music career while also successfully building a steady stream of income for himself via the world of crypto and music NFTs.
Whether you’re curious about NFT’s as a potential side hustle or just want to learn how artists are taking ownership and profiting off of their work in new ways, this conversation breaks it all down.

WE TALKED ABOUT:
Sammy’s background as a musician and how he developed his sound
A beginner-friendly explanation of music NFTs and how they work
How NFTs became a real business model and source of income
The challenges of balancing music, business, and a digital marketplace
Misconceptions about crypto and pushback from the traditional music industry
Advice for artists and creatives interested in exploring web3
What’s next for Sammy, including new music and NFT drops

LINKS & RESOURCES:
Sammy Arriaga Official Website
Listen to his new single - “Moves Like Mexico”
Explore Sammy’s NFTs
Follow Sammy on Instagram: @sammyarriaga
OpenSea Digital Crypto Marketplace

CONNECT WITH SHOW BIZ POD:
Visit our Website: www.showbizpod.com
Follow us on Instagram: @showbiz.pod
Follow us on TikTok: @show.biz.pod
Like the show? Subscribe, rate & review — it helps other artists & entrepreneurs find us!

See you next Wednesday!
...more
24min

FAQs about Show Biz Pod:

How many episodes does Show Biz Pod have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.