Open Mike Eagle Talks Hustle on Past Due Podcast
Ana Marie Cox and Adam Conover explore navigating the gig economy when stable jobs vanish.
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Open Mike Eagle and Ana Marie Cox have released a new episode of their Past Due Podcast, inviting comedian and host Adam Conover to dig into what happens when traditional employment dries up and all that’s left is hustle. The episode dropped this week with a simple Instagram announcement: “me and @anamariecox talked with @adamconover about what happens when jobs vanish and all that’s left is hustle. If you’re out here trying to make it work alone, this one’s for you. New episode of @pastduepodcast is live now link in bio.”
Hosts Dive Into Gig Economy
As an alternative hip-hop artist turned podcaster, Open Mike Eagle (born Dorian Michael Burns) has built a reputation for blending humor, politics, and introspection. Ana Marie Cox, former editor of Wonkette and seasoned political commentator, complements his style with sharp questions and cultural insights. Together they created Past Due earlier this year to explore how creativity and perseverance collide against economic uncertainty. Their conversations avoid hype in favor of honest narratives about making ends meet when stable work disappears.
Setting The Stage: From Pftompkins To Conover
The show launched in March with comedian PFTompkins, examining the struggle and joy of staying creative under pressure. In their Instagram debut, Eagle wrote, “me and @anamariecox’s new pod is here. on our first episode we speak with the magnificent @pftompkins about the struggle and the joy of staying creative when everything around you says give up. it’s Past Due and it starts now links to listen in bio.” (See Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXJ18ASPt2/)
With that groundwork laid, the conversation shifted to the modern gig economy. Rather than relying on salaried roles, millions now patch together freelance gigs, side hustles, and passion projects. The hosts steer clear of technical jargon, asking guests to share real-world experiences and practical advice.
Adam Conover Weighs In On Vanishing Jobs
Adam Conover, best known for TruTV’s Adam Ruins Everything, brings his trademark myth-busting approach to this episode. Drawing on his own freelancing experience—writing sketches, producing web series, and touring comedy stages—he reflects on moments when steady work evaporated overnight. “When the floor falls out from under your career,” Conover notes, “you scramble to piece together anything that pays, but that hustle itself can become a trap.” His insights trace the ripple effects of automation, shifting corporate priorities, and the lingering impact of the pandemic on hourly and creative labor.
A Timely Conversation On Hustle Culture
The hosts and their guest don’t just diagnose problems; they explore coping strategies. Ana Marie Cox shares stories from her journalism days, when layoffs were routine and networking often felt transactional. Eagle recounts touring with indie bands, juggling merchandise sales, and relying on Patreon support to keep shows afloat. Together they weigh the emotional toll of uncertainty, offering listeners tips on maintaining boundaries and avoiding burnout.
The episode closes with practical takeaways: diversify income streams, lean into community support, and treat hustle projects like long-term investments rather than short-lived fixes. Conover urges creatives to seek mentorship and develop transferable skills, even as traditional roles vanish.
Behind the scenes, the Past Due team has refined their format to keep episodes under an hour, featuring crisp editing and interludes of original beats—another nod to Eagle’s musical background. Fans can stream the show wherever they get their podcasts, with new installments rolling out every two weeks.
Looking ahead, Eagle and Cox have hinted at upcoming guests from tech entrepreneurs to grassroots organizers, all united by the theme of resilience in uncertain times.
Listeners interested in this deep dive on gig work and hustle culture can find the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Those wanting to join the conversation can follow @pastduepodcast on Instagram for episode snippets, behind-the-mic photos, and listener Q&A sessions.
As the landscape of work continues to shift, Past Due Podcast remains a timely forum for honest, unfiltered conversations about making a living when the system feels rigged. Whether you’re navigating freelance life or simply curious about the mechanics of modern hustling, this episode offers both empathy and actionable guidance.
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