Show Biz Pod

Investing can feel intimidating - especially as a creative when your income is irregular and your job doesn’t come with a 401k. But don’t fear! In this episode, we sit down with Chief Investment Officer of Due West Wealth, Troy Harmon, to break down investing fundamentals in a way that actually makes sense for creatives. We talk simply about long-term strategy, beginner mistakes, and how building wealth can increase your creative freedom!WHAT WE TALKED ABOUTWhat investing should actually look like for beginners Why diversification matters more than picking hot stocksETFs vs mutual funds Why starting small now beats waiting until you make more moneyHow inflation quietly erodes your savings (and how investing fights back)Emergency funds, high-yield savings, and when to keep money liquidRetirement options for freelancers and creatives without a 401kHow financial stability can give you more freedom to pursue creative workRESOURCES & LINKSLearn more about Troy’s investing services hereMention ShowBizPod when you contact Troy & receive 10% off his beginner investing programShow Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show!CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

This week, we’re talking personal branding, social media, and digital presence for artists with actor and brand coach, Jenna Leigh Miller. Jenna shares how her online presence helped her book auditions, sign with a manager, and build multiple businesses while still pursuing her dreams of #JennaForBroadway!WHAT WE TALKED ABOUTHow Jenna built a social media management agency and brand coaching business while pursuing theatreWhy casting teams are Googling artists and how your Instagram can work as a digital portfolioWhether actors really need to post on social media (and what to do if you hate posting)The mindset shifts that make social media less intimidating and more strategicTools that helped Jenna scale her businessPractical first steps for artists building a digital presence without getting overwhelmedWork-life balance as a multi-hyphenate RESOURCES & LINKSFollow Jenna here: @JennaLeighMillerCheck out Problem Solved by Jenna here!Social media scheduling tool: Later.com (affiliate link available)Show Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show! CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

Retirement might feel like a problem for later in life...especially if you’re freelancing, auditioning, or stacking side hustles just to make rent right now. But planning for retirement is one of the most powerful things a creative person can do to protect themselves. In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down retirement in a clear, approachable way and explain how artists can start building security even without a 401k or consistent income.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:What a retirement account actually isWhy creatives need to care about retirementThe difference between Roth IRAs, 401ks, and brokerage accountsWhy Roth IRAs are especially powerful for freelancers, performers, and self-employed creativesHow compound interest works and why starting early mattersThe order of operations for saving if you have access to multiple accountsHow to automate retirement contributions so saving happens without extra effortLINKS AND RESOURCES:Helpful Nerd Wallet Articles!The best index funds and how to start investingInvesting 101Retirement 101Brokerages mentioned: Fidelity, Schwab, and VanguardBreak Your Budget with Michela AlloccaCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat’s all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

Why does money feel so emotional for creatives? In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire sit down with licensed therapist and lifelong creative Amy Dykes (MS, APC, NCC, E-YRT) to unpack financial anxiety, avoidance, and the deeply ingrained starving artist narrative.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:Why so many creatives struggle with fear, shame, and avoidance around moneyHow family upbringing and cultural narratives shape our relationship with financesThe emotional toll of rejection and inconsistent income on self-worthWhy avoidance is often a nervous system response, not laziness or failureThe damaging impact of the “starving artist” mythHow perfectionism shows up in financial habitsPractical ways to identify limiting money beliefsJournaling prompts and mindfulness tools to build financial self-awarenessLINKS & RESOURCES:Find more about Amy’s counseling here. Download Amy’s Money Mindset Mini Journal here! Sign up for The Direct Deposit, our free weekly recap newsletterDownload the 5 Things Financial Checklist and other free toolsExplore more about us at www.showbizpod.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat’s all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

College is often framed as the finish line before a creative career begins, but for most artists, it’s actually the starting point. In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire sit down with current BFA student Ruby Wolter to talk about what school doesn’t teach artists about money, business, and long-term sustainability.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:Why college is the beginning of your career, not a waiting roomHow Ruby turned her own college audition experience into a coaching businessWhen a “fun Instagram account” becomes a real income streamThe reality that auditioning is unpaid labor and how to financially plan for itWhy being a multi-hyphenate is a strategic choice, not a fallbackLetting go of the starving artist mentality early and building sustainability from the startLINKS & RESOURCES:Follow Ruby Wolter and RubyInRehearsalRuby’s book: The Audition ChroniclesSign up for The Direct Deposit, our free weekly recap newsletterDownload the 5 Things Financial Checklist and other free toolsExplore more episodes at www.showbizpod.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

Do you actually need extreme budgets and perfectly curated New Year’s resolutions to “be good with money”? Or is there another way to reset your finances that actually works for creatives?In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down how to approach money in the New Year without shame, pressure, or unrealistic expectations. For a mindset reset + tangible steps you can actually stick to, give it a listen.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:How to reflect on last year’s spending without guilt or shameWhat a “financial reset” really means (and what it doesn’t)Realistic budgeting strategies for freelancers and artistsHow to save money with inconsistent or seasonal incomeSetting financial goals that fit your lifestyle - not TikTok’sWhy progress over perfection is the key to better money habitsLINKS AND RESOURCES:Sign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneyFree Budget Tracker SpreadsheetBe sure to check out our budgeting & savings episodes! Submit a topic idea or guest pitch at www.showbizpod.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat’s all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

Most creatives don’t have just one job, and while this may feel chaotic, multiple income streams is the most strategic way to set yourself up for success in 2026 & beyond in most creative industries. In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down the concept of portfolio careers and why most artists are already living them (whether they realize it or not).WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:What a portfolio career actually is (and how it’s different from just side hustling)The Gen Z shift toward income stacking and contract-based workHow artists have a competitive advantage in today’s freelance economyThe three layers of a portfolio career: anchor income, creative gigs, and scalable incomeThe reality of health insurance, seasonal income, and long-term planning as a creativeWhy the language you use to describe your work matters more than you thinkLINKS AND RESOURCES:Sign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma GannonFollow Anna McKenzie for portfolio career inspoTools for building your portfolio: Canva & WixPlatforms mentioned: Fiverr, Cohley, Billo, Vidovo, Backstage Creator Profiles5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneySubmit a topic idea or guest pitch at www.showbizpod.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat’s all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

Wearing suits by day & attending shoots at night, Alyssa Ferreone is living proof that you don’t have to choose between your practical and creative dreams. In this episode, we talk with the New York City-based attorney, model, and content creator about how she decided to take agency of her own life & start creating content and modeling on her terms. She balances a demanding legal career with a rapidly growing online presence, so we decided to ask how she does it & how negotiation, boundaries, and embracing the “cringe” are the key the making it work. WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:How Alyssa balances being a construction litigation attorney with modeling and content creationThe overlap between law and creative workHow she built a modeling career by posting onlineRed flags to watch for in content contractsTips for burnout, boundaries, and staying in your creative flowHow her newsletter “Gloss Briefing” blends legal structure with lifestyle contentThe power of networking with other women in business and making your own seat at the tableLINKS AND RESOURCES:Follow Alyssa on TikTok and Instagram: Read her newsletter, Gloss Briefing: glossbriefing.substack.comAlyssa’s firm: Cohen SegliasCreator Conference Mentioned: Create & CultivateAlyssa’s inspo: Eli RalloSign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneySubmit a topic idea or guest pitch at www.showbizpod.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat’s all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

Unpaid gigs with “great exposure,” a passion project with no budget, or a student film that might lead somewhere (but also... might not). In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down how to make smart, strategic choices about work that doesn’t offer monetary compensation, and how to know when it’s actually worth your time. WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:The moments when working for free is actually valuable The biggest red flags you should look out for before accepting a free gigWhy time, money, and energy are limited resources and how to protect themOur personal stories of unpaid gigs that helped us (and ones we regret)How to evaluate opportunity cost Why “busy” doesn’t always mean “productive”The rule of résumé, wallet, and soul and how to use it when weighing unpaid workLINKS AND RESOURCES:Sign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneyCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat's all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

In this episode, we sit down with actor and career coach Spencer Glass to talk about one of the most difficult and overlooked creative skills - negotiation and knowing your worth. Spencer shares real stories, mindset shifts, and tangible tools that help artists stop apologizing and start asking for what they really need in their career. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable asking for more or you’re worried that speaking up would make you seem “difficult” in your creative industry. WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:Why taking off the “actor hat” and putting on the “business hat” is essentialHow Spencer started coaching actors out of NYC coffee shops and scaled it into a thriving businessThe myth that negotiation is rude and how to reframe it as clarity and leadershipReal-world negotiation language & email advice from Spencer’s own acting careerWhat you can negotiate in contracts besides just your paycheckThe concept of confident confrontation and building “I know I’m enough” energyHow small wins (like saying hi in an elevator) can train your brain to advocate for yourselfLINKS AND RESOURCES:Spencer’s website and coaching: www.spencerglass.comFollow Spencer on Instagram: @hispencerglassFollow Spencer on TikTok: @spencer.glassSign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneyCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat's all for now. See you next week! xoxo

In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down and rank 15+ real-life side hustles they've actually done - Fiverr, babysitting, Etsy sales, background acting, Poshmark, and Pickle fashion rentals (just to name a few). Whether you're a performer, actor, freelancer, or multi-hyphenate looking to make money on your own terms, this episode gives you the honest truth about what's flexible, profitable, and what's simply not worth your time. If you’ve ever Googled “best side hustles for artists” or “creative freelance jobs,” this is your sign to tune in!Get our FREE pdf "100 Side Hustles For Artists, Actors, and Creatives" here!WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:Our honest ratings of side hustles like Instacart, Etsy, Poshmark, Pickle, Fiverr, choir gigs, and moreWhy not every gig is sustainable and how to know when it's not worth your timeHow to think about scalability and creative alignment when evaluating new income streamsThe surprising side hustles that actually paid well (and the ones we will never do again)Go-to tools, platforms, and podcasts to help you explore new gigs and start earningLINKS AND RESOURCES:Tools & Platforms Mentioned:Fiverr: Freelance service marketplacePickle: Peer-to-peer fashion rental platformPoshmark: Emma Claire’s Referral LinkFacebook GroupsFun On Weekdays Networking & CareerBrand Ambassadors of New YorkBrand Ambassadors of AtlantaPodcasts:The Side Hustle Show: Interviews with unique and scalable side hustlersSide Checks Podcast: Creative business and side hustle insights (archived episodes available)How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy: Etsy strategy tips for handmade and digital productsMore from Show Biz Pod:Sign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!Enter our giveaway by 11/19 here!5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneyGet our FREE pdf "100 Side Hustles For Artists, Actors, and Creatives" here!CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat's all for now. See you next week! xoxo

In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire sit down with actor and entrepreneur Jeremiah Smith to talk about how he built The Casting Connection - a platform that now helps thousands of actors find legit audition opportunities across the country. Jeremiah shares how solving his own problem led to a thriving tech-based business, how he balances it with a performing career, and what he’s learned about sustainability.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:How Jeremiah transformed an idea into nationwide casting platformWhat it’s really like to build a tech-based side hustle with zero business or coding backgroundHow he balances regional acting contracts with daily platform maintenanceWhy solving your own problem is often the best way to start a businessHis biggest advice for artists wanting to build something that lastsLINKS AND RESOURCES:The Casting Connection - Jeremiah’s platform Sign up for The Direct Deposit - our free weekly recap newsletter!Enter our giveaway by 11/19 here!5 Things Financial Checklist + other free tools to organize your moneyCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat's all for now. See you next week! xoxo

So.... is wanting to make money outside of your artistic field selling out? What if my "survival" job takes precedent sometimes? In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire get real about the guilt and stigma creatives often feel when their income doesn’t always come directly from their art. They talk about why business ownership and pursuing multiple streams of income can actually be empowering and used as a tool to sustain your life as a creative. For a pep talk + a tactical unpacking of what it means to be an artist in 2025 - give it a listen!WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:Why earning money outside of your art doesn't make you any less of an artistAccepting that seasonal income is normal in creative careers and how to prepare for itWhy building multiple streams of income can support your dream, not distract from itThe case for business ownership as a flexible, sustainable path for creativesReal stories of successful artists navigating survival jobs and 9-to-5sTools, mindsets, and habits that can help fund the art and the life you actually wantLINKS AND RESOURCES:Enter our giveaway by 11/19 here!Join our email list for our newsletter - "The Direct Deposit" here. RSVP to our launch party on 11/12 in NYC here. 5 THINGS CREATIVES CAN DO TODAY TO IMPROVE THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE (free PDF) linked here. Get our FREE pdf "100 Side Hustles For Artists, Actors, and Creatives" here!CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThat's all for now. See you next week! xoxo

We made it to the end of Season 1 (!!) and we’re wrapping things up with a celebration of all the books, tools, creators, and community tips that helped shape this season. In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire round up every single resource mentioned by guests (and each other) throughout the first season of Show Biz Pod. Whether you’re ready to build better systems, manage your money, or take your creative career to the next level, this episode is your one-stop-shop.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:The books that changed the game for mindset, money, and creativityFavorite podcasts, TikTok creators, and small business educators worth followingCommunity tips from our guests (including how to swap services & network authentically)Coaching programs, mentorships, and studios that made a differenceOur go-to tools for taxes, scheduling, budgeting, and staying organizedFree resources we made just for you—linked on our website!LINKS AND RESOURCES:Shop all book recs from this episode via our Amazon StorefrontDownload our free budget template & financial checklist here!Try our favorite tools: RocketMoney, Fetch, Notion, Google Calendar, CalendlyFollow our favorite creators: @breakyourbudget @itserinconfortin @mckenzie.mack @eliralloTry our favorite educational resources: Innovative Studios, Caitlyn James Photography mentorships, Jen Waldman StudiosOpen an HYSA with Ally and receive a $100 bonus: (referral link)Sign up for Acorns and get $5 invested for free: (referral link)Stay connected during the break: Instagram & TikTok @showbiz.podJoin the email list for Season 2 updates & launches: www.showbizpod.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comSEE YOU IN THE FALL FOR SEASON 2 <3!!!!!!

In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire chat with actor, pageant coach, and TikTok creator Landry Champlin about building a pageant coaching career rooted in confidence. After taking a step back from the pageant world, Landry built her coaching business from scratch and has turned it into her full-time job as a performer based in NYC. Tune in for Landry's take on burnout, imposter syndrome, and overall tips & tricks to navigating owning your own business while still pursuing theatre professionally.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:The mindset shifts that helped her move from fear to action when starting her business.How a dream of moving to NYC led her to discover a passion for coaching pageant competitors.The systems and tools she uses to stay grounded while juggling coaching, performing, and content creation.Why doing it scared is part of the creative process—and how she reframed those fears.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Coaching: www.pageantprepbylandry.comInstagram & TikTok: @pageantprepbylandryLandry's Personal InstagramCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

In this episode, Emma Claire flips the script and puts co-host Carissa in the hot seat to break down how she built a thriving freelance business on Fiverr. From voiceover gigs to UGC TikTok content and more, Carissa has delivered over 1,000 five-star orders through the platform and she’s here to share how Fiverr works, how to stand out, and how it’s supported her creative career along the way.WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:What Fiverr actually is and why Carissa chose it as her launchpad into freelancing.How she went started from ground zero and turned her side hustle into a full time income.Tips for writing standout gig descriptions, choosing pricing, and working the algorithm.How she balances Fiverr work with her acting schedule and avoids burnout.The pros, cons, and biggest lessons learned from growing her business onlineLINKS & RESOURCES:Carissa's Fiverr ProfileFiverr Reddit ThreadFiverr ForumOpen 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.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire sit down with actor, CrossFit coach, and founder of Julia Jean Media, Julia Damatin, to talk about what it really looks like to shift from a draining survival job to thriving on your own terms. Julia shares how she went from bartending to building a full-time social media business with little experience, how her mindset around freedom and flexibility has changed, and why it’s actually cool to care deeply about your work (and less about what other people think).WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:How Julia built a social media marketing business from the ground up with no formal background.Why transitioning from bartending to business ownership gave her more flexibility in her acting career.How fitness, discipline, and the “Actors Are Athletes” philosophy support her business and creative work.The mindset shift and resources that helped her start to achieve her goals,LINKS AND RESOURCES:Julia’s Media Company: Julia Jean MediaFitness & Mindset: @actorsareathletesPersonal IG: @juliadamatinWebsite: www.juliajeanmedia.comEli Rallo's TikTokOpen 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.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

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 TemplateOur FREE Resource: 5 Things Creatives Can Do Today To Improve Your Financial FutureBook Rec: I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit SethiCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

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.photographyKaty's choregraphy: @katyweske.choreoPersonal: @katy.weskeWebsite: www.katyweskephotography.comCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

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 entrepreneurHow 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 CalendarNotionActor Aesthetic PodcastThe Actor's Life by Jenna FisherDownload our FREE Budget Template designed for creativesDownload our FREE pdf resource for 5 things creative can do TODAY to improve their financial futures. CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.comThanks for listening - see you next week!