Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

Journalist Taylor Lorenz joins us to talk about the hidden costs of writing online today, from the terrifying reality of working without health protections, to the pressure of being a one-person brand, and why real survival might mean building community from the ground up. If you want to hear more from Taylor Lorenz about the emotional whiplash of losing just one subscriber, 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

Comedian Adam Conover joins us to unpack the real costs of the so-called "creator economy" from algorithmic gatekeeping to the crumbling of stable creative jobs. If you want to hear more from our episode with Adam Conover, including his worst ever gig, 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

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

The Day After: Comedian Josh Gondelman joins Ana to unpack the reality of Trump’s victory, process what it means, explore paths forward, and tackle an important question: Is hope a sign of strength or an indulgence? — 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

Welcome to Day 3 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox. Today Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan joined Ana to discuss resiliency, playing to win, feeding kids, protecting trans rights and everyone's least favorite thing: silly season. Go vote!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 5 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox. Today Ana talked with community organizer Emily Hauser about her atomic GOTV Google Doc, how to have hard talks, and getting the yet gettable votes for Harris Walz without making Thanksgiving suck! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 6 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox and the triumphant return of our friend Parker Malloy who joined Ana to talk about the Washington Post non-endorsement, the role trans rights has played in the election, vote tally dream scenarios and of course the usual anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 10 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox. Today, Ana talked to executive producer Beau Friedlander about fascism, mutual support groups, 12-foot skeletons and ecological collapse! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 12 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox. Today Ana was joined by comic book writer, filmmaker and avowed lefty booster Greg Pak to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly in what has become a no-holds barred fight between good and evil as we slouch towards Election Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 13 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox. Today, Washington Post national columnist Philip Bump joined Ana to gut check polls, high stakes, the consequences of a Trump victory and the unknowable reproductive rights vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 17 of 90 Days with Ana Marie Cox. Today, labor journalist Hamilton Nolan joined Ana to talk about courting the union vote, the many challenges labor unions face this election, and why activism is crucial not only in the lead up to Election Day but after, too. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 19 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to New York Times bestselling author Kevin M. Kruse about the Colin Allred/Ted Cruz debate, fascism, and why the upcoming election could be the most pivotal moment in American history. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 20 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today writer and comedian Josh Gondelman is back to talk with Ana about down-ballot voting on local policy, balancing activism with self-care, and the difference between courage and hope when it comes to political engagement. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 24 of '90 Days with Ana Marie Cox.' In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Ana talked to Emily Atkin, founder of the Substack newsletter "Heated," about climate disinformation, the political rhetoric around fossil fuels, and why courage—not hope—drives action. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 26 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today, Ana and Ben Collins, CEO of The Onion and former NBC News guy, talked about the misinformation beat, humor as a cure to our chaotic media landscape, political trauma and mental health and how satire is both coping mechanism and political resistance. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 27 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to Rebecca Nagle, author of By the Fire We Carry and a citizen of Cherokee Nation, about historical injustice and today's political climate, the Supreme Court’s adversarial vibe and why Indigenous issues matter this election year. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 31 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to Democratic pollster Terrance Woodbury about the Democrats quest for a young and diverse base and reclaiming the mantle of patriotism and family values from Republicans. — Voting Alert! If you haven't registered to vote yet, time is running out. Many states have strict registration deadlines and other may have booted you from they rolls, so make sure you're ready for Election Day. Visit your state's election website or vote.gov to check your registration status, or register today. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 33 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to activist and veteran Paul Rieckhoff about white men in the middle, the VP debate, two-party politics and then spar over the future of the Democratic party. — Voting Alert! If you haven't registered to vote yet, time is running out. Many states have strict registration deadlines and other may have booted you from they rolls, so make sure you're ready for Election Day. Visit your state's election website or vote.gov to check your registration status, or register today. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 34 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby about white Christian nationalism, democracy in a divided nation and the role race may play on Election Day. — Voting Alert! If you haven't registered to vote yet, time is running out. Many states have strict registration deadlines and other may have booted you from they rolls, so make sure you're ready for Election Day. Visit your state's election website or vote.gov to check your registration status, or register today. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 38 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to writer and comedian Akilah Hughes about the first entirely online election, climate change, biscuits versus overt racism and other election topics. — Voting Alert! If you haven't registered to vote yet, time is running out. Many states have strict registration deadlines and other may have booted you from they rolls, so make sure you're ready for Election Day. Visit your state's election website or vote.gov to check your registration status, or register today. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 40 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox.” Today Beto O'Rourke pinch hits for Ana (she's on the road) with a look at voter registration. Travis County Judge Andy Brown joins Beto to discuss Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s war on voter rights in Travis County, and how it could impact not only the 2024 elections but the future of national politics. — Voting Alert! If you haven't registered to vote yet, time is running out. Many states have strict registration deadlines and other may have booted you from they rolls, so make sure you're ready for Election Day. Visit your state's election website or vote.gov to check your registration status, or register today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 41 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to Wisconsin’s former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about Joe Biden stepping aside, HBCUs, Dem patriotism vs MAGA nationalism and JD Vance’s friend problem. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 45 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to Mo Ryan, TV critic and contributing editor at Vanity Fair, about the catastrophic impact of reality TV on American politics, recent shifts in journalism and her picks for today's political climate. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 47 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to Media Matters president and CEO Angelo Carusone about the rise of disinformation, Trump-brand information, social media and the decentralization of conservative messaging. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 48 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to veteran and former Secretary of State of Missouri Jason Kander about voter suppression, the real impact of the gun control debate, and the subtle ways identity politics shape public discourse. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 52 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to Jane Coaston from the new podcast “What a Day” about political purity spirals, the plight of journalists on the MAGA beat and Trump’s weakness for admirers no matter how despicable they are. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 54 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Beto O'Rourke returns to talk about the big debate, Trump rage, turning Texas blue, Taylor Swift’s endorsement, celebrity mojo and getting the “youngs” to vote. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 55 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to Charlotte Clymer about the role of religion in the election, the ways community shapes political beliefs and how to fit in (or not) for fun and profit. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 59 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today, Ana talked to writer and editor-in-chief of The Emancipator, Jamil Smith, about America's gun culture, how masculinity is tied to firearms, the importance of community in tackling issues like gun violence, mental health, and grief, and how weakening these communal bonds has contributed to the loneliness epidemic. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 61 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked Ari Melber host of MSNBC’s “The Beat” about the media’s role in elections, the waning of Joe Biden, truth and the future of democracy. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 62 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to podcaster and author John Moe about Minnesota’s excellent social safety net, the potential Walz Effect on national policies and Election Stress Disorder. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 66 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to journalist and podcaster Sam Sanders about covering elections, short takes, the racist underpinnings of the Trump campaign and the power of boring answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 68 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Ana talked to New York Times bestselling author Kevin M. Kruse about Christianity-as-cudgel, voter suppression and the "weird" vs "creepy" divide. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 69 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today, Ana talked to writer Parker Molloy about the imperfect nature of fact-checking, trans rights and the MAGA obsession with genitals. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 73 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today, Ana talked to international relations expert and author Daniel W. Drezner about the final night of the DNC and the deadly donut debacle. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 75 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to journalist Elizabeth Spiers about the Obamas at the DNC, dreams of unity and the feral comms teams of Harris Walz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 77 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to comedian and writer Josh Gondelman about labor unions, Mountain Dew, and why we should talk more about genocide. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 81 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked to “Death Sex & Money” host Anna Sale about the “period” election, the state of journalism today and the real reason “Tampon Tim” is “interesting.” — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 83 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today Ana talked Betsy Hodges, anti-racism consultant and former Mayor of Minneapolis, about White Women for Kamala, door-knocking, and "Minnesota nice." — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 84 of "90 Days with Ana Marie Cox." Today, Ana talked to Texas Congressman and founder of Powered by People, Beto O'Rourke, about Tim Walz, shabby hotels, Minnesota punk, and the power of a genuine smile. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Day 88 of of “90 Days with Ana Marie Cox.” Today Ana talked to international relations expert and author Daniel W. Drezner about Trump tics, the MAGA urge to bomb Mexico, South and Central America and the hundred dollar-question someone needs to ask. — Watch along on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@90DaysWithAnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices