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!

Blooming Affair Kick-off Dinner:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN1IKHQ879223NLlQ53CBhdgu4EzyzSzRve11NnF7y_fB1Jg/viewform

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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, lament Vanessa's "Vlogmas" adventures, and discuss what it takes to put out your work even when you don’t feel ready. 

Join the "Being An Artist" course for creatives:

https://www.beinganartist.art/

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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!