Show Biz Pod

Carissa Ferguson & Emma Claire Dykes
  • 5.0 (29)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

For too long, creatives have been sold the lie that pursuing their passion means accepting financial struggle...not anymore. Show Biz Pod is a podcast that tackles creative careers, side hustles, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and how artists can and should strategically combine all four. Hosted by Carissa and Emma Claire - two NYC based actors with a passion for making sure our day jobs fund our dream jobs.  Join us every Wednesday for a new episode of Show Biz. So you can focus on breaking a leg—not breaking your budget. 

  1. S2 E18: Real Estate for Actors – How Tyler Symone Built a Flexible Parallel Career

    4D AGO

    S2 E18: Real Estate for Actors – How Tyler Symone Built a Flexible Parallel Career

    In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire sit down with NYC-based actor and real estate agent Tyler Symone to talk about one of the most common parallel careers in the performing arts: real estate. Tyler shares how she transitioned from a draining remote survival job into a full-time career in real estate while continuing to pursue theater. They discuss the realities of commission-based income, building a client base from scratch, and why letting go of shame around doing work outside your art can actually expand your creative freedom.  What We Talked About Why real estate has become a popular parallel career for actors and performersTyler’s journey from a remote insurance job to becoming a licensed NYC real estate agentThe reality of starting in real estate: building your own leads and working fully on commissionThe surprising similarities between acting and real estate Managing unpredictable income and the importance of saving during strong monthsPractical advice for creatives interested in getting their real estate license and getting startedLinks & Resources: Keller Williams NYC – Tyler’s brokerageNew York Real Estate Institute – real estate licensing and educationFollow Tyler for NYC real estate and creative career insightsInstagramTikTokConnect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showbiz.podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@show.biz.podWebsite: https://www.showbizpod.comShow Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show!

    22 min
  2. S2 E17: From Self-Tapes to Style – How Actor Brooke Falcone Built Peach Sky Boutique

    MAR 4

    S2 E17: From Self-Tapes to Style – How Actor Brooke Falcone Built Peach Sky Boutique

    Actor and entrepreneur Brooke Falcone shares how she launched Peach Sky Boutique while pursuing acting, the practical steps behind starting an online boutique, and why business ownership can be a powerful tool for financial stability and flexibility as a creative. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to run a business alongside an acting career, this episode is for you.  What We Talked About Why Brooke started Peach Sky Boutique after experiencing burnout from relying solely on acting incomeThe real logistics of launching a small business — from setting up an LLC to running a Shopify storeHow she balances acting, running an online boutique, and coaching tumbling and cheer Marketing strategies that actually worked for her (including social media experimentation and community-driven promotion)The surprising overlap between acting skills and running a business Why business ownership can give creatives more flexibility and sustainability in their careersLinks & Resources: Peach Sky Boutique — Brooke’s online clothing brandBrooke's acting websiteThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins The Power of the Actor by Ivana ChubbuckShow Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show! Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showbiz.pod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@show.biz.pod Website: https://www.showbizpod.com

    21 min
  3. S2 E16: Your Network is Your Net Worth - Networking For Creatives (Without The Cringe)

    FEB 25

    S2 E16: Your Network is Your Net Worth - Networking For Creatives (Without The Cringe)

    Does networking HAVE to give you the ick? In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down how to network outside your comfort zone by building genuine relationships. If you’ve ever found it hard to bridge the gap of relationship-building in a public setting, this is the episode for you!  What We Talked About How most creative jobs are passed through relationships instead of job boardsThe difference between networking and building real communityHow to stay top of mind without being annoying or transactionalSending “one scary email a day” and why rejection isn’t the worst outcomeThe power of genuine compliments, handwritten thank-you notes, and thoughtful follow-upHow being a connector and hype person for others builds long-term reciprocity Links & Resources: Show Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show!  Connect With Us: Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

    17 min
  4. S2 E15: From Princess Parties to Producing: How Makayla McIntosh Scaled a Family Entertainment Company Remotely

    FEB 18

    S2 E15: From Princess Parties to Producing: How Makayla McIntosh Scaled a Family Entertainment Company Remotely

    In this episode, we sit down with actor, producer, and entrepreneur Makayla McIntosh to talk about building an entertainment company that started as a high school accident and now runs remotely across state lines as she pursues her art. From princess parties to producing films, Makayla shares how business ownership has funded her art, reduced industry pressure, and expanded her creative freedom. What We Talked About How Makayla accidentally started her company in high school and turned it into a long-term, scalable businessWhy you can’t rely on the entertainment industry to be your “everything” Running a business remotely while living between Las Vegas, Vancouver, and beyondHiring a team and learning to relinquish control as a creative founderThe surprising overlap between producing films and running live eventsWhy building a business can actually take pressure off your artistic careerTools and systems that make creative businesses sustainableWhy AI will never replace live human connection (and why that matters for artists)Links & Resources: HoneyBook (CRM platform Makayla uses to manage bookings and contracts)Castle on a Cloud Entertainment WebsiteCastle on a Cloud Entertainment InstagramShow Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show! Connect With Us: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/showbiz.podTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@showbiz.podWebsite – https://www.showbizpod.com

    20 min

  5. FEB 11

    S2 E14: Ask Us Anything: Money for Artists, Our Side Hustles & NYC Actor Life

    In this Ask Us Anything episode, Carissa and Emma Claire answer real listener questions about money, side hustles, entrepreneurship, burnout, and balancing creative careers in NYC. From budgeting and taxes to UGC, voiceover, and hustle culture, this is an honest conversation about building sustainable creative lives. If you’ve ever thought “am I doing this right?” this episode is for you. What We Talked About • Why we started Show Biz Pod and how our branding came together so intentionally • Where to actually start with personal finance as a creative • Saving money in NYC (buy nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, and sneaky discounts) • Doing your own taxes vs. outsourcing as a freelancer • Balancing a day job, dream job, social life, and mental health • When hustle culture goes too far • How to get started as an entrepreneur when you don’t know what you’re doing • Getting into voiceover and UGC in today’s market • Why UGC is becoming the new commercial lane for actors Links & Resources: Rocket Money – https://www.rocketmoney.com • Acorns – https://www.acorns.com • Buy Nothing – https://buynothingproject.org • FreeTaxUSA – https://www.freetaxusa.com • Backstage – https://www.backstage.com • Fiverr – https://www.fiverr.com • Too Good To Go – https://www.toogoodtogo.com • Canva – https://www.canva.com Connect With Us: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showbiz.pod • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showbiz.pod • Website: https://www.showbizpod.com

    30 min
  6. S2 E13: Investing 101 For Creatives - How To Watch Your Money Grow

    FEB 4

    S2 E13: Investing 101 For Creatives - How To Watch Your Money Grow

    Investing can feel intimidating - especially as a creative when your income is irregular and your job doesn’t come with a 401k. But don’t fear! In this episode, we sit down with Chief Investment Officer of Due West Wealth, Troy Harmon, to break down investing fundamentals in a way that actually makes sense for creatives. We talk simply about long-term strategy, beginner mistakes, and how building wealth can increase your creative freedom! WHAT WE TALKED ABOUTWhat investing should actually look like for beginners Why diversification matters more than picking hot stocksETFs vs mutual funds Why starting small now beats waiting until you make more moneyHow inflation quietly erodes your savings (and how investing fights back)Emergency funds, high-yield savings, and when to keep money liquidRetirement options for freelancers and creatives without a 401kHow financial stability can give you more freedom to pursue creative workRESOURCES & LINKSLearn more about Troy’s investing services hereMention ShowBizPod when you contact Troy & receive 10% off his beginner investing programShow Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show! CONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

    23 min
  7. S2 E12: The Actor’s Guide to Digital Presence: Branding Tips from Jenna Leigh Miller

    JAN 28

    S2 E12: The Actor’s Guide to Digital Presence: Branding Tips from Jenna Leigh Miller

    This week, we’re talking personal branding, social media, and digital presence for artists with actor and brand coach, Jenna Leigh Miller. Jenna shares how her online presence helped her book auditions, sign with a manager, and build multiple businesses while still pursuing her dreams of #JennaForBroadway! WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT How Jenna built a social media management agency and brand coaching business while pursuing theatreWhy casting teams are Googling artists and how your Instagram can work as a digital portfolioWhether actors really need to post on social media (and what to do if you hate posting)The mindset shifts that make social media less intimidating and more strategicTools that helped Jenna scale her businessPractical first steps for artists building a digital presence without getting overwhelmedWork-life balance as a multi-hyphenate  RESOURCES & LINKS Follow Jenna here: @JennaLeighMillerCheck out Problem Solved by Jenna here!Social media scheduling tool: Later.com (affiliate link available)Show Biz Pod newsletter: The Direct DepositBe a guest on our show!  CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com

    30 min
  8. S2 E11: Retirement 101 - How & Why To Start Saving Now

    JAN 21

    S2 E11: Retirement 101 - How & Why To Start Saving Now

    Retirement might feel like a problem for later in life...especially if you’re freelancing, auditioning, or stacking side hustles just to make rent right now. But planning for retirement is one of the most powerful things a creative person can do to protect themselves. In this episode, Carissa and Emma Claire break down retirement in a clear, approachable way and explain how artists can start building security even without a 401k or consistent income. WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT:What a retirement account actually isWhy creatives need to care about retirementThe difference between Roth IRAs, 401ks, and brokerage accountsWhy Roth IRAs are especially powerful for freelancers, performers, and self-employed creativesHow compound interest works and why starting early mattersThe order of operations for saving if you have access to multiple accountsHow to automate retirement contributions so saving happens without extra effortLINKS AND RESOURCES:Helpful Nerd Wallet Articles!The best index funds and how to start investingInvesting 101Retirement 101Brokerages mentioned: Fidelity, Schwab, and VanguardBreak Your Budget with Michela AlloccaCONNECT WITH US:Instagram: @showbiz.podTikTok: @showbiz.podWebsite: www.showbizpod.com That’s all for now. See you next week! Xoxo

    17 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

For too long, creatives have been sold the lie that pursuing their passion means accepting financial struggle...not anymore. Show Biz Pod is a podcast that tackles creative careers, side hustles, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and how artists can and should strategically combine all four. Hosted by Carissa and Emma Claire - two NYC based actors with a passion for making sure our day jobs fund our dream jobs.  Join us every Wednesday for a new episode of Show Biz. So you can focus on breaking a leg—not breaking your budget. 

Information

  • Creator
    Carissa Ferguson & Emma Claire Dykes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Show Biz Pod

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