With Friends Like These

Ana and Open Mike Eagle break down the absurdity of tiny residual checks, the real value of labor, the power of unions, and how industries isolate workers to weaken organizing. And they reflect on the surreal Trump-Zelensky meeting—why it felt more like a disastrous family dinner than international diplomacy and what it says about the crumbling norms of political discourse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 save us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and Open Mike Eagle break down the relentless grind of the gig economy, the weight of financial uncertainty, and why creative survival means constantly reinventing yourself. They unpack the fine line between making ends meet and losing yourself in the hustle, the emotional toll of monetizing personal trauma, and whether there’s a way to create that doesn’t just feed the algorithm—but actually feeds the soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and Open Mike Eagle dig into the weight of too much—too much chaos, too much uncertainty, too many whelms. They unpack how trauma reshapes our coping mechanisms, the slow-motion gutting of democracy, and political burnout, while searching for ways to stay grounded when everything feels like it’s spiraling. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/adchoices

What do Elon Musk's trolling, rap beefs, and cancel culture have in common? Ana and February's "Co-Host in Residence," Open Mike Eagle, break it down, exploring public redemption, why some people 'fail up,' and what real accountability should look like. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/adchoices

Ana and comedian Josh Gondelman explore the challenges of navigating political turmoil and daily stress—unpacking the delicate balance between staying informed and staying sane in uncertain times. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana and semi-permanent guest co-host Josh Gondelman discuss the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and their wide-reaching effects—unpacking the concept of empathic distress and how small, tangible actions can make a difference in overwhelming times. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana welcomes Josh Gondelman as "Co-Host in Residence" to talk through New Year’s resolutions, the hidden cracks in media and entertainment industries, and the challenges of staying true to your values while navigating a world driven by shifting priorities. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana reflects on the cracks beneath her—both literal and metaphorical—as she recounts a week of uncertainty, resilience, and the bravery of asking for help, exploring what it means to find strength in imperfection and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana takes on the strange, in-between days of the holiday season with a reflective mini-sode, unpacking her top five obsessions of 2024 and the small things that helped her get through a challenging year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musician Open Mike Eagle joins Ana to discuss the threat vibes-based politics pose to democracy while exploring the challenges of creativity in an economic wasteland, and the hidden joys of indie comics. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew, Beau, and Ella join Ana for a candid behind-the-scenes look at Another Day, unpacking the emotional weight of the past 118 days, the challenges ahead, and the small acts of service and resilience that keep them moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talia Lavin, author of "Wild Faith,” joins Ana to explore the Christian Right’s terrifying ascendency of late, its influence on the incoming Trump administration, and what that means for women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and American democracy itself. Plus: How to fight back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamil Smith joins Ana to explore the intersections of identity, politics, and personal grief, reflecting on the power of storytelling and the surprising lessons of "Star Wars." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parker Molloy joins Ana to dig into the emotional toll of today’s political landscape, exploring everything from personal survival strategies to the strange comfort of horror films. — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Day After: Comedian Josh Gondelman joins Ana to unpack the reality of Trump’s victory, process what it means, explore paths forward, and tackle an important question: Is hope a sign of strength or an indulgence? — For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana Marie Cox has stood at the intersection of culture, politics and conversation for more than two decades, focusing on the big questions and quiet struggles we all face. Join her for thoughtful discussions about issues that challenge and inspire, comfort and empower. For all episodes, exclusive content, and to join the conversation, support us on Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/AnaMarieCox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices