Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

Journalist and 404 Media co-founder Jason Koebler joins us to talk about what it takes to build an independent newsroom. From the cost of defamation insurance to the weight of mailing your own merch, we get into the invisible math of staying scrappy without burning out—and the true cost of reader-supported journalism. Get more at http://patreon.com/pastdue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike opens up about the emotional toll of promoting his most personal album yet, while Ana shares about her new gig at Mediaite. The two compare therapy approaches, swap creative struggles, and discover Ana's memoir might be more haunted than she realized. Get more at http://patreon.com/pastdue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wrestler and podcaster Colt Cabana joins Ana and Mike to talk about building a life in wrestling. From getting fired by WWE to becoming a blueprint for sustainable DIY success, Colt breaks down the real economics of creative work—merch tables, mattress money, and all—and why betting on yourself might be the best decision you ever make. Get more at http://patreon.com/pstdue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian and writer Joey Clift returns to talk about first book deal money, the evaporation of publisher marketing, self-financing a 22-date tour, and why tribal casinos are actually closer to socialism than capitalism. Get more at http://patreon.com/pastdue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stand-up comedian and former NPR host Ophira Eisenberg joins us to talk about what happens after the salary ends. We get into public radio money, Sirius XM royalties, and the Gen X guilt of making content. Get more at http://patreon.com/pastdue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices