In this episode, I’m sharing the five most important lessons I learned as a creator in 2025.
From realizing follower count doesn’t equal quality content, to embracing change, avoiding creative boxes, redefining success, and making space for rest, this episode is a thoughtful recap of a year that changed how I create and why I do it.
There was a time when fame and money felt like the end goal: likes, numbers, proximity to power, and the illusion of “making it.”
In this episode, I’m getting painfully honest about my past obsession with visibility and validation, and how I learned to unlearn it.
We talk about redefining success, why quality work matters more than clout, and how chasing recognition can quietly ruin your relationship with creativity.
I also revisit the messy definition of fame, the roots of success, nepotism in the industry, and what it actually means to build something that lasts.
If you’re a creative who’s ever felt torn between art and attention, this one’s for you.
In this episode, I sit down with author Ananya Devarajan to unpack her novel SanskarĂ Sweetheart and the much bigger conversations it opens up around culture, romance, and representation. We talk about what “sanskarĂ” actually means today, how tradition and desire can coexist, and why South Asian love stories deserve more nuance than they’re often given.
Our conversation dives into Desi representation in mainstream media, including what shows like Never Have I Ever get wrong about South Asian families and identity, as well as how modern romance is evolving both on the page and on screen. We also touch on Bollywood influences, thoughts on Ranveer Singh’s latest film, iconic romantic storytelling, and how cultural expectations shape the way we understand love.
This episode is about being seen, challenging stereotypes, and writing (and living) love stories that feel honest, layered, and deeply human, especially for those who grew up rarely seeing themselves reflected accurately in media.
Perfect for readers, writers, and anyone interested in culture, romance, and the power of storytelling.
I said what I said. In this episode, I go off on four creative hot takes I’ve been sitting on for way too long: why “last meeting theory” feels fake and often excuses a lack of effort in creative relationships, how the diamond paradox is wildly skewed when it comes to creative labor, and what it actually means to be betrayed in an industry that preaches collaboration while moving shady behind the scenes.
This is a messy, honest rant about creativity, power, effort, and the myths we’re told to accept if we want to “make it.”
This episode dives into the inner world of Nicole Han. Together, we unravel how she turns lived experience into art, how she navigates vulnerability, and what she’s discovering about herself through each new project.
A thoughtful, atmospheric conversation for listeners who love understanding the heart of an artist!
In this solo deep-dive, Anika breaks down one of the internet’s favorite debates: what actually separates a “nepo baby” from someone who’s self-made and why the conversation is way more complicated than it looks.
From unpacking privilege and access to reflecting on her own journey as a creator who built everything from scratch, she explores how background, opportunity, and luck shape who gets seen in the creative industry.
Anika shares the reality of starting her podcast at 12 with no industry ties, building her platform guest by guest, and figuring out audio, interviewing, and branding on her own.
This episode is an honest look at what it takes to grow without connections, how to navigate an industry obsessed with status, and why owning your story matters more than anything.
Perfect for young creators, dreamers, and anyone interested in how the creative world really works.
The internet is losing it over the Netflix–Spotify merger… and honestly, same.
In this episode, I break down what this move actually means for listeners, creators, and the entire future of podcasting. From algorithm panic to global reach potential, I’m diving into the excitement, the chaos, and the very real questions this merger raises.
Whether you’re a media nerd, a creator, or just someone who wants to know why your favorite podcasts are suddenly showing up on Netflix, this episode unpacks the impact with zero fluff and full honesty.
Let’s talk the future of storytelling, one merger at a time!!
Look, we’ve all been there: coasting at a comfortable “6 or 7 out of 10” effort on everything. Not failing, not thriving… just vibing in that suspiciously safe middle zone. It feels nice, it feels manageable, it feels… meh but acceptable.
But let’s be honest:
You can’t 6–7 your way through life and expect 10/10 results.
Life doesn’t hand out bonus points for vibes alone. At some point, you’ve gotta do the work — the real, sometimes boring, sometimes annoying, sometimes “why am I even doing this?” work.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the quiet trap of “doing the bare minimum but making it look aesthetic,” and why that comfy in-between zone might actually be holding you back more than you think.
In this episode, I sit down with the actress Anna Lea who embodies Penelope in EPIC: The Musical, a character known for her quiet strength, complex emotional landscape, and the kind of inner conflict that unfolds through breath, silence, and song.
Together, we trace the artistry behind her performance: how she builds Penelope’s emotional duality, the choices she makes to portray someone torn between waiting and moving, and how music becomes the heartbeat of that journey.
We dig into the subtle craft of storytelling through stillness, the power of restraint, and the unexpected places where courage shows up in her arc.
She shares how she balances vulnerability with intention, how she interprets the musical motifs woven through Penelope’s world, and how she channels both softness and steel into the character’s evolution.
This conversation is a deep, thoughtful exploration of character-building, musical interpretation, and the emotional truths that shape epic stories.
Whether you’re a theatre fan, a performer, or a storyteller chasing nuance, this episode is packed with insights that’ll stick with you long after the final note.
In this episode, Anika Goyal sits down with actress and singer-songwriter Audrey Huynh, best known for her breakout role as Stella in XO, Kitty.
From growing up in a multicultural household to stepping into the global spotlight, Audrey opens up about how she’s learned to embrace her voice, navigate imposter syndrome, and turn creative doubt into confidence.
We dive into the behind-the-scenes world of XO, Kitty, her evolution as an artist, and the ways Gen Z is reshaping what authenticity means in Hollywood.
Expect raw honesty, unexpected laughs, and a refreshing reminder that self-expression is the most powerful thing you can own.
🎙️ Tune in for conversations about creativity, culture, and chasing dreams without losing yourself.
Fame looks fun until you realize how heavy it feels to be watched all the time.
In this episode, Anika unpacks the not-so-glam side of “making it”. From the pressure to stay relevant to the burnout that comes with being everyone’s favorite person online.
It’s a real talk about validation, peace, and learning to create for yourself again. Because sometimes, the fame game isn’t the best game and that’s okay.
In this episode, Anika unpacks the psychology behind our obsession with being perceived, how social media made self-love performative, and ways to shift from being the main character to being the author of your story.
Expect chaotic honesty, hot takes, and a gentle reminder that you’re allowed to be the main character : just not the only one.
In this episode of The Creative Hustle, I sit down with Tarin Anderson, the visionary cinematographer behind The Summer I Turned Pretty.
We dive into the art of visual storytelling, the creative process behind capturing the warm nostalgia of summer, and what it means to bring emotion to life through a camera lens.
Tarin opens up about navigating internet hate, staying authentic to her creative voice, and the unspoken power of images that make us feel.
In this episode of The Creative Hustle, I dive into a personal story about a conversation that left me completely changed, and explore why moments like this matter.
We talk about how vulnerability is the ultimate currency, how truth is shaped by perception, and the rare magic of finding someone whose creative energy perfectly aligns with yours.
If you’ve ever wondered why some conversations stick with you forever, this episode is for you.
Here’s the truth: most creatives are networking the wrong way.
In this episode, I reveal the #1 mistake that keeps people stuck, and the simple mindset shift that will change how you connect forever.
We’ll cover micro-networking, authentic follow-ups, and why your peers (not your idols) are your real ticket in.
What really goes into turning a story idea into a published book? đź“š In this episode, I sit down with author Katie Zhao to talk about the real side of the publishing industry, editing, deadlines, and all the plot twists along the way.
We dive into mystery writing, Wattpad, My Life with the Walter Boys, and how authors navigate both the creative and business sides of storytelling.
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book or just love peeking behind the scenes of your favorite reads, this convo is for you.
 In this episode, I’m answering a customized set of Vogue style 60+ questions from listeners, friends, and family.
I’m opening up about the moments that pushed me to keep going, the wild creative risks I took, and the lessons I learned about authenticity, passion, and resilience.
It’s part celebration, part reflection, and a chance to share the behind-the-scenes vibe of what this podcast really means to me.
Whether you’ve been with me since day one or just joined the crew, this episode is a love letter to every listener who’s ever supported, inspired, or believed in the hustle.
So grab your headphones, get comfy, and let’s celebrate the past five years of growth, grit, and creativity and get hyped for what’s still to come. Thank you for being part of this journey. 💖🎙️
For bonus content, follow me on instagram.com/thecreativehustlewithanikag
🎙️ Blondiepop isn’t just an aesthetic, it’s a philosophy. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Zinser, the creator behind @blondiep0p, to talk internet satire, Gen Z identity, the blur between authenticity and performance, and why even the smallest piece of content can make someone feel seen.
If you’ve ever wondered whether creators are philosophers, performers, or mirrors of our culture, this convo’s for you. ✨
Stay tuned for new episodes every week!
Sometimes the easiest route isn’t the best route, and the real gold comes from the struggle.
In this episode, I get real about not being anyone’s first choice growing up (and even now sometimes) and how that fire sparked change in me.
We talk tenacity, seizing opportunities, never giving up, and the creative mindset that Rick Rubin talks about in The Creative Act: “We’re not playing to win, we’re playing to play, and playing is fun.”
Tune in for a reminder that the journey, not just the destination, is where the magic happens.
For bonus content, follow me on my Instagram: @thecreativehustlewithanikag
In this episode, I sit down with author Jillian Reilly, whose book Ten Permissions is a powerful guide to self-liberation, out on September 16, 2025!
We explore what it really means to give yourself permission, to grow, to change, to embrace uncertainty, and to redefine success on your own terms.
Jillian shares how to quiet the inner critic that holds you back, make peace with the unknown, and step into a life that feels authentic and free.
Stay tuned for new episodes every week!
For bonus content, follow me on IG @thecreativehustlewithanikag