Writer, performer, and YouTuber Maggie Mae Fish joins us to talk about financial survival, burnout, and the hard-earned lessons of giving up hustle culture. We unpack the toll of having five jobs, the shame of rest, the fear of slowing down—and why stability doesn’t magically erase anxiety. Every episode, we save the most surprising, unfiltered sto…

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #11, Toys in the Attic. It’s the slime monster one. 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://w…

A classic movie bean pod. This time around David Bell joins the conversation where the beans discuss the legacy, maneuvers, and storytelling of the OG Alien. We decided to do this after we all had contentious thoughts on Alien:Romulus. So consider this round two! Facehug!Features:David Bell: https://bsky.app/profile/moviehooligan.bsky.socialMichael…

Writer and podcaster Jamie Loftus joins us to talk about financial anxiety, inherited frugality, and the emotional cost of choosing creative freedom. From 7-Eleven coffee to viral fame, we explore what happens when you build a life around surviving—long after you’ve made it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

The hosts each bring a film that they love but is tough to just sit down and watch.Email us suggestions for episodes at [email protected]. We’ll be sending out a poll for the next episode soon!Features: Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialMaggie Mae Fish: https://bsky.app/profile/maggiemaefish.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans an…

Writer Parker Molloy joins us to talk about the invisible costs of creative independence, from burnout to the search for meaning in an industry built on metrics, and why it’s so hard to believe your work matters, even when it clearly does. This week on our Patreon exclusive, Parker Malloy names names. She tells us who’s thriving in media right now …

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

This episode covers 1985’s Cat’s Eye, an anthology of three stories: “Quitters, Inc,” “The Ledge,” and “General.” Two stories about humans being horrible and one story about a tiny goober being horrible. Michael and Abe are there. You’re there. It’s the podcast.Features:Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: h…

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 …

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #10, Ganymede Elegy. Jet sees an old flame. 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patre…

Sarah and Bridgett unpack how we’ve all been a shitty friend, or had one. Let’s discuss the grief-stained complex machinations of just wanting to move on from one another. Sit down and enjoy the cool bath of affirmations of kindness and forgiveness.Rough Stuff: https://twitter.com/roughstuffpodEmail us your horrible tales: [email protected]…

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 dib…

Our limited series with co-hosts Abe Epperson and David Bell digs deep into the internet meme of the “dad movie.” We can all probably name a dad movie, but can we isolate the tropes that really make this a bona fide film genre? Let’s find out!Features:Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialDavid Bell: https://bsky.app/profile/movi…

The boys watched The Electric State (2025) which recently premiered on Netflix. It’s almost a state of the union of how America bottles up revolution and sells it back to us in corporate packages. Is this detrimental to art? Is the commoditization of art bad? Or is it just an American enterprise that creates fun films that pass the time?Features:Mi…

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 fr…

First off, apologies for the flutter in Abe’s voice. It’s not a recording error, he’s just so moved by the conversation he is on the brink of tears.1989’s Little Mermaid is the movie! Abe and Michael talk about the songs, the illogical characters, the backward attempt at progressiveness of the tale, and the importance of the film.Features:Michael S…

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 bi…

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/adchoicesBy Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #9, Jamming with Edward. Our last Bebop crew member has arrived. 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Additional Conte…

Bridgett and Sarah continue their dive into the Paddington trilogy. They discuss the internet hype, the feel-goodery-ness of it all, and what releasing a bear into the wild might do to the great city of London. Spread it onto your ears like so much marmalade. Features:Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweetsSarah Griffith: https://www…

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, Tayl…

Today it’s 2025’s The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins. When the monkey stops beating his drum at the end of this episode, Abe and Michael unceremoniously explode into a fine blood mist.Features:Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access A…

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 r…

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

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/adc…

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #8, Waltz for Venus. The one with the healing plant. 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://…

Michael, Abe, and Dave sit down with the classic Airplane! (1980) to discuss the longevity, jokes per minute, and type of comedy you see in the film that was once voted “funniest movie of all time” by someone somewhere, I don’t know.Features:David Bell: https://bsky.app/profile/moviehooligan.bsky.socialMichael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michae…

Amidst the fog of 2025, three men recollect and review a film shot 35 years previous. DJ Wooldridge joins us to discuss the unique dystopia that is the classic Total Recall. Verhoeven, Schwarzenegger, and a tiny little krang take center for this one.Check out and support DJ’s comic: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/djtalkstrash/dangerboi?ref=1p…

KOK is back! It’s time for KOK! This episode Abe and Mike discuss the 1993 drama Needful Things with Max Von Sydow and Ed Harris! It’s the one where the devil sells you things and makes a town fall into chaos!Features:Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Sma…

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 sa…

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #7, Heavy Metal Queen. The space trucker one. 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.pat…

Ah Heck! It’s back! Your favorite basketball themed, trilogy talkin’ co-hosts Bridgett and Sarah are back! They decided to cover a new trilogy. This time, it’s that feel-good furball that boosts your optimism for humanity: Paddington. Features:Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweetsSarah Griffith: https://www.tiktok.com/@sk_griffithS…

The hosts each bring a film that the other will just sit down and watch because they say so, dammit. Maggie sold a show to Nebula! Adam’s girlfriend broke into his house to decorate!Email us suggestions for episodes at [email protected]. We’ll be sending out a poll for the next episode soon!Features: Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.b…

Michael recently had a child! So he thought it’d be fun to watch Rosemary’s Baby with his newborn and this is the result. Abe decides to take us on an art history lesson for some reason.Features:Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Add…

Swaim and Ganser once again cover the Call of Duty series. This time it’s the 2024 installment Black Ops 6. They discuss the story, the game mechanics, and what if anything separates it from other titles in the series.Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAdam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialSupport Small …

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/adchoicesBy Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #6, Sympathy for the Devil. The immortal kid one. 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.socialSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www…

Our deep dive of Wes Anderson and P.T. Anderson continues: this time we discuss the 2024 anthology film The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More. Michael and Abe discuss Wes Anderson’s distinctive style, themes, and characters.Features:Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/ab…

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

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/adchoicesBy Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #5, Ballad of Fallen Angels . 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightySupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeansCheck our store to…

Our limited series with co-hosts Abe Epperson and David Bell digs deep into the internet meme of the “dad movie.” We can all probably name a dad movie, but can we isolate the tropes that really make this a bona fide film genre? Let’s find out!Features:Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/abethemighty David Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooliganSuppor…

Director/Flirt Jessica Ellis stops by the pit to discuss the protean effects of long COVID and the seeming programmed mentality toward sickness we all share (and how that changes over time). Features:Jessica Ellis: https://bsky.app/profile/baddestmamajama.bsky.socialMichael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialMusic by Abe Eppers…

Maggie and Kyle do a Best Of episode. In this episode (which is the best), we go over the early days (the best) and what started the whole Yummy Tummy Dummy thing - A game best (of) served cold. LINKS: Want your question answered on the show? CALL us at 989-442-7575 -- (989) 44-ASK-RL Submit ANONYMOUSLY through our Google Form Email us at roommatel…

This one gets anngh and htoooa so make tttnss LINKS: Want your question answered on the show? CALL us at 989-442-7575 -- (989) 44-ASK-RL Submit ANONYMOUSLY through our Google Form Email us at [email protected] Find bonus episodes and more on our Patreon. Check out our: YouTube Instagram TikTok Or heck, just VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE if you like …

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about session #4, Gateway Shuffle . 3, 2, 1. Let’s jam.Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightySupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeansCheck our store to buy Sma…

An episode one year in the making: the official 1Upsmanship 2024 Game of the Year episode. Michael and Adam each present their list of this year’s top games.Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBean…

Walk quiet and carry a big stick. But also check out this episode since you have one hand free. Our roommate this week is comedian and actor Katie Roletto. Check out her show The Morning Show At Night -- there's one this month December 20th! LINKS: Want your question answered on the show? CALL us at 989-442-7575 -- (989) 44-ASK-RL Submit ANONYMOUSL…

Our deep dive of Wes Anderson and P.T. Anderson continues: this time we discuss the 2023 film Asteroid City which follows a town ensemble as they witness first contact. Michael and Abe discuss Wes Anderson’s distinctive style, themes, and characters.Features:Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.socialAbe Epperson: https://twitt…

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/AnaMar…