Girls Next Poor

Creative Myths That Need to Die

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:32:19 GMT

It’s time for some serious Myth Bustin’! This week Vanessa & Memes unpack a few myths about creativity that are actually full of shit. Did you know Sir Ian Mckellen didn’t become famous until he was 61 years old? Did you know Tina Fey worked at the front desk of a rec center while she took comedy classes? It’s not too late. Don’t niche down. And don’t quit your day job!

Shooting The Shit

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:29:56 GMT

We’ve got another rando episode for you this week as Mimi crashes out on the internet and Vanessa encourages her to take it one step at a time. We dive into restructuring how we view money, saving, and how it feels to be in over your head financially. Pro tip of the week? If you can’t afford the $10 latte, bring a tea bag to a coffee shop and ask for hot water (it’s free!)

Rebranding as an Artist

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:27:32 GMT

And perhaps for the lady, an entirely new identity? This week your favorite hosts chat rebranding, name changes, and the pivots that come from figuring out who you really are as an artist. Whether you’re trying out a new look, a new hobby, or sticking with your tried and true dusty old hat that you’ve been wearing on stage for a decade, now’s the time to ask yourself: who am I???

Crash Outs

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:25:52 GMT

What can we say? We’ve been crying on the internet a lot lately. From soul-crushing jobs to financial woes to just flat out feeling like we’re on a hamster wheel—it’s crash-out-o’clock! Join us as we rehash some recent personal lows and try to work our way back to homeostasis.

Mental Health Roadblocks

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:24:14 GMT

We have a special extended episode today on all things mental health! This week Vanessa and Mimi talk about getting vulnerable online, crashing out, moving to LA, and frustrating body issues. We unpack the struggles of having undiagnosed ADHD and how this manifests in our creative endeavors and can sometimes lead to a lack in focus and follow-through. Are we medicated? No. But are we making a lot of money? Also no.

Finishing The Artist’s Way

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:21:42 GMT

We did it! It may have taken us a little longer than 12 weeks but we finally finished The Artist’s Way! This week we unpack a few of our favorite take-aways from the book and a few revelations we’ve had along the way (read: crash-outs). Mimi sticks to her mantra “I am that bitch” and Vanessa finds a new love of all things floral. We take our play time very seriously, and we think Julia Cameron would be proud of us for that.

Starting Over in Your 30s

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:19:23 GMT

Sometimes starting over means packing your bags and moving across the country. Sometimes it’s a big career pivot. Other times it’s auditioning to be a Victoria Secret model or playing ice hockey again after 12 years off. Whatever the new and scary thing you’re after, trust us when we say…you can do hard things! Join Vanessa and Mimi in rebuilding their lives while battling self-doubt and perimenopause because really what else can you do but be a beginner one more time?

Creative Distractions

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:36:27 GMT

Ever have a dream so big you get so scared you have to binge an entire season of a comfort show? Or doom scroll on social media? Or go on a bunch of first dates? This, my friends, is what we’re calling a “Creative Distraction.” Or something you do to distract and self-soothe when your dreams feel too big and too scary. This week we come clean about what we do to wiggle out of our big dreams, and make a plan to get back on track.

Canva Create Conference

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:32:59 GMT

Canva, the international and multi-billion dollar company just rolled out some new products at the yearly Canva Create Conference and Vanessa and Mimi joined in on the fun! Come hang out with us as we chat about our favorite keynotes and sessions, as well as being in the room with Jon M. Chu, Issa Rae, and more amazing creatives paving the way for future generations of creators and dreamers!

What’s Going on This Week?

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:30:43 GMT

We’re back after a tiny hiatus and we’ve got updates! Vanessa gets home from a transformative trip to Los Angeles (and comes clean about wanting to move there). Mimi is knee-deep in preparing for the Denver Fringe Festival for her new show featuring a delusional tour guide named Darluh (Dolly Parton wig and southern accent included). Join us this week at Fringe and later in the month for Blooming Affair!

AI & Art

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:28:36 GMT

One of our most controversial episodes yet! How do you feel about robots taking over society? Do you have reservations about using ChatGPT to help you plan recipes or troubleshoot a problem? In today’s episode we dive into the pros and notorious cons of AI and the implications it has on society and for artists.

Defining Success

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:27:08 GMT

Back in the day, “success” was defined as going to college, buying a house, getting married, and popping out a few kids…but what does success look like for artists in late-stage capitalism? Are you still successful even if you don’t make any money at it? This week Vanessa and Mimi tackle redefining what it means to be an accomplished artist in a world that is constantly trying to fit us in a status quo.

Creative Failure

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:24:54 GMT

Look at any artist that you know and love. They’ve failed. Probably pretty big time, too. This week we crash out over failed brand deals, agent rejections, and times when there was just nobody in the audience and we had to cancel the show. But the show must go on, as they say, and we’re here for the creative rebound that comes after any failure, big or small.

The Artist’s Way - If You Lose, You Win

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:22:44 GMT

It’s no surprise that perfectionism takes many artists and creatives out of the game. On today’s episode, the girls walk through a chapter of their book club pick The Artist’s Way, unpacking the art of failure. And guess what? You never really lose so long as you’re actually trying. Also included in this episode: fangirling over Olympic figure skater Alyssa Liu’s child-like wonder and falling in love with an elephant in the Serengeti.

Traveling as a Creative

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:19:07 GMT

We’re back from some travels this week with STORIES to share! Whether you’re taking a staycation or leaving the country, it’s important to get out of your normal routine and travel as a creative. We hear about getting scammed in Tanzania, meeting randos at speakeasies, and surviving blizzards in Iceland…so get your passports ready, it’s time to get the hell out of dodge!

Greenlight Yourself

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:17:15 GMT

We all know Hollywood is known for nepo babies and gatekeepers. But what if we all just said “yes!” to ourselves and bypassed the systems entirely? What if it actually worked? On today’s episode, we walk through taking a chance on yourself through social media, collaborating with friends, and what it feels like to get your hand slapped by your publisher when you’re a control freak.

Building your Resume

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:15:30 GMT

Do we know how to hold a gun? No. Do we look like we have a teenage son? Also no. On today’s episode Vanessa builds her resume on a film set with DMX. Mimi tries her hand at acting in a student film. With every new gig, we have new skills to learn and new additions to our resumes. Also. Heated Rivalry.

Inspiration & Vulnerability

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:11:41 GMT

This week we get deep. Fresh off seeing a new piece of theater, Mimi feels inspired for her own work and also gets into some insecurities. Impacted by this, Vanessa sheds a tear (or twelve) as we go deeper into how vulnerability can be incorporated into our artistic process. Grab some tissues. We’re going there.

When Non-Artists Don’t Get It

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:07:31 GMT

Let’s face it, sometimes people just don’t “get” it. Whether it’s well-meaning parents, friends, or coworkers whose biggest aspirations are a corner office on the 4th floor. This week Mimi and Vanessa discuss the frustrations of living a creative life surrounded by non-creatives. We also talk a LOT about Billy Joel. And there may or may not be crying involved.

Your Price is Your Price

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:04:40 GMT

Have you ever wondered, how do I price myself as a creative? In this episode Mimi and Vanessa discuss what it looks like to create a pricing strategy that pays you what you really deserve. It’s hard to ask for what you’re worth, but with a little confidence you can stick to your guns and attract the right kinds of clients while not underselling yourself.

Tenacity & Grit When Your Soul is Being Sucked

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:01:14 GMT

We’ve all been there. We’ve all been sold the lie: go to school, get a job, buy the house, blah blah blahhhh! Are you a “weekend warrior” hoping to escape the grind that is sucking your creativity? This week Vanessa dishes about people who want corner offices on the 4th floor and Mimi waxes poetically about being in the trenches as a public school teacher. At the end of the day, we used grit to get back to our most creative selves.

Done is Better Than Perfect

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:57:44 GMT

Take it from two perfectionists, it’s time to stop doing what’s expected and start listening to our gut! And did you know this podcast is 7 years in the making??? This week Mimi and Vanessa explain why it took so long to start a podcast, and what it takes to put out your work even when you don’t feel ready.

Networking For People Who Hate Networking

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:55:20 GMT

Socially awkward? Tired of people-ing? We all know it’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. But what if networking is not your strong suit? Today Mimi & Vanessa break down easy ways to chat with people and connect with fellow artists, professionals, and the best ways to build your confidence in large groups.

Art vs. Algorithm

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:53:23 GMT

This week we reminisce on going viral for eating avocado toast, fainting in front of brain surgeons, and dissing fuckbois. What does it mean to be an artist on the internet and how do we keep up when the algorithm is constantly changing? It’s time to troll the trolls and keep taking up space.

Dating Woes & Wins

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:51:14 GMT

Love is a battlefield, amiright? From the worst Tinder dates to the one that got away, this week is all about the trials and tribulations of dating while being a creative. Whether you’re single, dating, or on the mend from a brutal break-up, we break down how to choose yourself and your art while navigating love.

20’s vs. 30’s

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:48:04 GMT

How does your creativity change as you age? Mimi (33) & Vanessa (34) explore the differences in the decades and how they’ve owned their creativity and artist identity. We’re no spring chickens anymore! We’ve gotten older, narrowed focus, and learned some tough lessons.

Defining Authenticity as a Creative

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:45:55 GMT

We throw around the world "authentic" so much these days, but what does it really mean??? Join Mimi & Vanessa on another deep dive with big feels and even bigger life lessons.

Creative Jealousy

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:24:30 GMT

Do you ever have that little feeling of envy when you see a creative crushing it when you feel like you’re in your flop era? Join Mimi and Vanessa on a vulnerable ode to creative FOMO, and how to get out of a spiral when you feel like everyone around you is crushing it but you.

How to Introduce Yourself As a Creative

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:19:45 GMT

Ever get that age-old question: “What do you do?” Do you answer what you do for money? Or what lights your fire? On today’s episode, Mimi and Vanessa deep dive into how to come out of the closet as a creative, and the benefits of being true to yourself.

Introductions: Meet Mimi & Vanessa

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:13:33 GMT

Welcome to The Girls Next Poor, a podcast for creatives!

Meet your hosts, comedian Mimi Hayes and influencer Vanessa Symoné as they try to chase the creative life (on a budget). Today's episode is an intro, getting to know your hosts, both in their 30s, single, and seeking their next big passion project. Let's yap!