The Creative Hustle With Anika Goyal

This week, I’m sitting down for a pure, unscripted conversation with my close friend, collaborator, and favorite future Oscar award winner.

We tackle everything from the chaotic world of fandoms and our unfiltered thoughts on romance tropes, to overcoming fear as creatives and putting your work out into the world.

Plus, we’re sharing some practical advice for fellow storytellers trying to find their voice!

Stay tuned for new episodes every week!

In this episode, I’m joined by teacher and future NYT-bestselling author (manifesting respectfully), Sarah Militante, for a conversation about building a creative life while embracing uncertainty.

We talk about the realities of querying a debut book, navigating career pivots, staying open to unexpected paths, and learning that change doesn’t always mean starting over.

Mrs M also shares what it looks like to pursue big creative goals while still living in the middle of the story.

If you’ve ever felt behind, in-between, or unsure of your next chapter, this one’s for you...

This episode started as a question about loneliness and became something closer to a love letter.

We're talking about creative friendships: the depth of them, the complexity of them, and the specific kind of magic that happens when someone who truly gets it walks beside you.

We cover comparison, collaboration, and how to be the kind of friend you actually want to have.

And somewhere in the middle, I stop and talk about six people who have changed the shape of my creative life.

Bring a cup of something warm. This...

What does it actually take to be a teenage creative in 2026? In this episode of The Creative Hustle with Anika Goyal, I sit down with a high school senior and videographer, Alyssa Del Mundo to talk about the reality behind the camera roll, from cinematic composition and visual storytelling to balancing school, deadlines, editing, collaboration, and creative burnout.

We get into the pressure of creating meaningful work while still figuring yourself out, the art of making people feel something through visuals, and why some of the best stories happen in the moments you almost cut out.

In this episode, Anika has a wonderful conversation with Chapman University screenwriting professor William Stribling.

They discuss:

- power of storytelling

- learning and breaking rules

- being more open to change

- advice for creatives

and more...

Stay tuned for new episodes every week and for more updates follow Anika on Instagram @thecreativehustlewithanikag

In this episode, Anika has a wonderful conversation videographer Jeisa Ng. She is an amazing high school sophomore who works in her school's video production team, with a beautiful knack for storytelling.

In this episode, we discuss:

- storytelling

- just going for it

- creative mentorship

- advice for creatives

- and more...

This episode is for all the creative and ambitious people out there, looking for an extra dose of inspiration today!

Stay tuned for new episodes every week and follow...

In this episode, Anika discusses the concept of wanting something versus actually living it.

She also discusses the struggles of comparison, feeling like she is asking for a lot, managing pressures, and more!

This episode is for all the people who dream big, but get burnt out really quickly!

In this episode, Anika sits down with YA sports romance author Jennifer Iacopelli!

They discuss storytelling, romance development, building strong independent woman characters, Netflix adaptations, creating opportunities for debut actors, and more!

This episode is for all the creatives out there who dream of making it big someday or want an extra dose of inspiration!

She was here in year two. Now it's year six. And a lot has changed.

The last time my mom sat across from me on this podcast, I was still figuring out who I was as a host, as a storyteller, and honestly, as a person. She showed up for me then, the way she always has. And now, four years later, she's back.

This Mother's Day, I'm bringing my mom back to the mic for a conversation that felt long overdue, and nothing about it went the way I expected.

We talked...

In this episode, we get into the neuroscience and psychology of first impressions and what it actually means for your career in creative and media: an industry where the meeting is the audition and the pitch is the preview.

We break down the warmth-competence axis, why leading with credentials backfires, the uncomfortable truth about Mehrabian's 55/38/7 rule, and what researcher John Antonakis found about the tactics that make some people genuinely magnetic in a room, regardless of what they say.

Then we get tactical: five things you can change immediately that will shift how rooms respond...

In this episode, I'm joined with the world's leading human design expert Erin Claire Jones.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Thriving vs just surviving 

- Identifying career paths that align with your human design

- Choice paralysis

- and more!

This episode is for all the dreamers and innovators out there, hoping to achieve their dreams and goals, while maintaining their peace and composure!

If you want to look up your own human design: https://humandesignblueprint.com 

Here's a link to get her...

In this episode, I sit down with Saul Brauns, a 19-year-old founder and Rice University student building Bridge, a dating app designed to rethink how we actually connect. And we’re not keeping this surface-level.

We get into:

She wrote laugh-out-loud funny books about the hardest parts of life : infertility, friendships, the seasons that don't go according to plan. Then she wrote horror screenplays for Creepshow, including episodes starring Joey King and Molly Ringwald. Then she shambled around as a zombie on The Walking Dead. Then she wrote a young adult horror novel about a girl whose greatest fear turns out to be completely real.

On paper, none of that belongs together. In this conversation, it all makes perfect sense.

In this episode we get into the pivot from nonfiction to fiction and...

In this episode of The Creative Hustle, Anika Goyal breaks down why Gen Z creators are building more engaging, relatable brands than even the biggest companies, and what’s driving this shift.

From authenticity and speed to community-driven content, Gen Z has redefined what it means to connect with an audience in today’s digital world.

If you’re interested in marketing, content creation, or building a brand of your own, this episode will completely change how you think about what actually works.

For behind the scenes content and other exclusives follow Anika on her...

Today is my 18th birthday and the PILOT EPISODE of SEASON 3!!!

In this episode I get into what actually changed between 12 and 18 (hint: not what I expected), the stretch where I almost quit and what pulled me back, what growing up publicly does to your brain, and why I spent years chasing a version of success that didn't even feel good when I got it.

I'm also moving to Chapman University in August, which means this is the last episode recorded in the room where this whole thing started.

Season 3 is a new...

300+ students impacted. 8 classrooms. 3 schools. 13 events… all started by a sophomore in high school.

Anika Bhasin is the founder of Bridge to Equity, an organization bringing social justice education directly into classrooms and creating space for conversations that actually matter.

but this episode goes way deeper than the numbers.

we talk about:
✨ what it really feels like to lead at a young age
✨ the pressure of speaking on important issues
✨ when conversations don’t land the way you hoped
✨ balancing advocacy + just being a teenager
✨ and what real impact actually looks...

Ever felt completely out of your depth just when things started going well?

That’s the Peter Principle in action. This episode dives into why promotions, new projects, or leveling up can suddenly make you feel inexperienced, overwhelmed, or even worse like you’re failing.

I share personal stories of stumbling through ambitious projects, starting over, and learning to embrace being a beginner again, without losing confidence.

If you’ve ever leveled up and thought, “Wait, I’m not ready for this,” this episode will give you perspective, humor, and a roadmap to handle growt...

Ever agree to plans you didn’t actually want to do?

That’s the Abilene Paradox, and it secretly shapes more of our choices than we realize.

In this episode, I break down why we go along with the group, how it shows up in friendships, school, and early careers, and how to reclaim your voice without feeling guilty.

Learn why pausing before saying yes could change everything about how you live your life.

Part 4 of a 5-part series on the invisible rules of success.

Not everything that grabs attention is worth your energy.

The Lindy Effect explains why some ideas, habits, and projects stick around, while others fade fast.

In this episode, I dive into why chasing trends can feel exciting but fleeting, and how focusing on lasting value changes the way we create, connect, and grow.

Plus, I share personal insights on how this mindset transformed my approach to content and creativity.

Part 3 of a 5-part series on the invisible rules of success.

Why does life feel out of order sometimes?

Enter the Benjamin Button Effect: those moments when you feel older than your age, then suddenly younger, then completely behind.

In this episode, I share personal experiences of feeling ahead and behind in school, social life, and creative projects, and why it’s totally normal to experience this emotional rollercoaster.

Learn how to embrace your own unpredictable timeline and stop comparing yourself to others.

Part 2 of a 5-part series exploring the invisible rules of success.

I was originally going to talk about five different concepts in this episode, but I feel like this one needed its own moment.

Because Tall Poppy Syndrome is one of those things that you don’t notice at first… and then once you see it, you see it everywhere.

In your friendships, online, even in how you hold yourself back before anyone else gets the chance to.

And I think the biggest takeaway for me has been this:

Not everyone is going to know how to respond to your growth.

An...

In this episode, I explore the cultural and emotional impact of the most iconic Bollywood movie of all time, Kabhi Khushi Khabie Gham, unpacking its themes of love, identity, family, and self-expression through the lens of creativity.

From iconic dialogue to larger-than-life storytelling, we’ll break down how this film goes beyond entertainment, and becomes a blueprint for feeling, creating, and living more intentionally.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or completely new to it, this conversation invites you to reflect on the stories that shape your perspective.

Stay tuned for new episodes ever...

Ever feel like normal jobs are just… slowly draining your soul?

You’re not alone.

In this episode, I break down why creative people struggle in "traditional" jobs, why your brain rebels against routine, and how the right circle of friends can totally flip the script.

I share a personal story about a conversation with a close friend that gave me incredible advice and encouragement, and how just being around other creatives can create a whole “village” that inspires, supports, and pushes you to level up.

From boosting confidence to sparking wild ide...

In this episode, I sit down with animator Kevin Maier, to talk about what it really takes to turn imagination into a career.

We dive into the creative philosophy behind animation, how animators bring stories to life frame by frame, and much more!

Kevin also shares insights on creative risk, storytelling, and what young creatives should know if they want to break into the animation industry.

If you're interested in creativity, storytelling, or the future of animation, this conversation offers a rare look into the mind of someone building worlds from scratch.

Friendship breakups can be just as painful as romantic ones, but they’re talked about far less.

In this episode of The Creative Hustle, I’m sharing a personal story about a friendship that ended and how that experience shaped my mindset as a creative.

I talk about the emotional side of losing a friend, how it affected my creative process, and the lessons I learned about boundaries, growth, and trusting my own voice.

Sometimes difficult experiences force us to reflect on who we are, what we value, and how we want to show...

In this episode, I talk with author Amanda Sellet about her new book Flirting with Murder, her writing process, and the emotional psychology behind mystery and identity.

We also discuss adolescence, romance, performance, and why stories about solving something can also be stories about finding yourself.

This is a conversation about growing up, uncertainty, and the emotional truths fiction helps us uncover.

Amanda Sellet’s new novel Flirting with Murder releases April 21.

In this episode, I’m spilling about how curiosity keeps your creativity alive and why experimenting is the ultimate glow-up for your art.

I also share the story of finishing my very first full screenplay, a project inspired by the emotional intensity of Dear Evan Hansen, and what it taught me about showing up, trusting the process, and embracing the messy chaos of creating something completely new.

Think Euphoria-level drama meets real-life creative hustle. I dive into other experiments I’ve been trying lately too, songwriting outside my usual style, testing bold podcast formats, and taki...

This week on The Creative Hustle, I’m joined by Tori Peyton for a conversation about the quiet power of letting go.

We talk about what it really means to outgrow environments that once defined you, recognizing toxic workplace dynamics, and having the courage to walk away before you have the next step figured out.

Tori opens up about redefining growth, not as constant achievement, but as alignment, and the unsettling, freeing reality that sometimes the right path finds you when you stop forcing the wrong one.

We also explore the idea that dr...

In this episode, I get raw about the loneliness, the self-doubt, and the heartache of constantly trying your hardest and still feeling overlooked.

I share how I started to reclaim my worth, how I learned to show up for myself first, and why choosing yourself can be the most radical, powerful thing you ever do.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, and who’s ready to finally be their own first choice.

TW: This episode contains in-depth discussion of emotional and physical abuse and toxic relationships. These topics may be distressing for some listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and listen with care.

In this episode, I’m joined by YA romance author Emily Charlotte to discuss her debut novel Heartcheck and the ongoing conversation around how love is portrayed in young adult romance.

We critically examine the enemies-to-lovers trope, where tension becomes toxicity, and why abuse should never be framed or excused as love in books or in real life.

Emily shares how she approaches wr...

From late-night reading marathons to the chokehold of enemies to lovers, this episode is a love letter to stories that feel too much.

I’m joined by BookTok creator @Landry_Reads to talk about reading habits, iconic book tropes, romance dynamics, and why storytelling makes us believe in love, even when it’s fictional.

We get into why tension matters, how tropes shape emotional payoff, and what makes a romance unforgettable.

Warning: this episode will add at least five books to your TBR.

In this solo episode of The Creative Hustle, Anika explores the power of fully platonic connection: intense eye contact, deep conversations, and the kind of presence that makes ideas surface out of nowhere.

Through a personal storytime and honest reflection, this episode breaks down why some conversations feel more electric than collaborations, how being truly listened to can unlock creative clarity, and why attention is what most creatives are actually craving.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever left a conversation feeling mentally stretched, creatively awake, and quietly changed, without knowing exactly why.

...

In this episode, I sit down with the high school senior, impeccable videographer, and founder of a video marketing agency, Vedant Tiwari whose campaigns have reached 3.7+ million views and helped 17+ nonprofits, youth-led organizations, and businesses grow through intentional storytelling.

We talk about the moment creativity turns into leverage, why virality means nothing without strategy, and what it actually looks like to run an agency while still balancing school, identity, and pressure.

Vedant breaks down how he blends art with business, why creatives need to understand finance, and how to build ideas that last longer than...

In this episode, I sit down with Riyan Parekh, a high school senior juggling life as a philosophy club president, Boy Scout, tennis player, and full-time thinker, to talk about what it actually means to live philosophically at 18.

Riyan shares the philosophical motion he lives by, how leading discussions has reshaped the way he listens in his personal life, and what it’s like balancing ambition, reflection, and responsibility in a world that often rewards self-obsession over self-awareness.

We unpack the tension between truth and reality, how to express emotions—Platonic or romantic—without losing yourse...

In this episode, I sit down with Colin Wilkes, the costume designer behind the film adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth.

We talk about what it means to feel too much, and how that emotional intensity shows up through clothing, color, and character dynamics.

Colin breaks down how wardrobe helps tell a love story, shapes who characters are before they even speak, and quietly mirrors the tension, tenderness, and timing that make this story hit so hard.

If you love storytelling details, emotional nu...

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Kotis, the Tony Award–winning writer behind Urinetown the Musical, to unpack the power of satire, musical theatre as social commentary, and why the strangest ideas are often the most truthful.

We talk about the creation and legacy of Urinetown, how Mr Kotis approaches storytelling that challenges audiences without alienating them, and what he’s been working on since.

We also dive into creative chemistr, how to find your creative soulmate, why collaboration matters more than perfection, and what it means to keep making bold, original work in a...

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Georgia Parker to talk about her upcoming album, the duality that exists within her sound, and what it means to create without forcing yourself into a box.

We get into the gray areas of music, the push and pull between vulnerability and confidence, softness and strength, who you were and who you’re becoming.

This conversation is part creative diary, part philosophy, part real-time reflection on being an artist in a world that constantly asks you to explain yourself.

Georgia shares what’s shaping her next...

In this episode, YA author, Andy Darcy Theo joins me to unpack why the genre hits so deeply.

We talk about the tropes readers can’t get enough of (and why they work every time), what goes into crafting emotionally addictive fantasy worlds, and how writers know when a story is actually working.

Andy also opens up about the journey from loving romantasy as a reader to creating it as an author, including the quiet, unexpected moments that make you stop and think, wait… I really made it.

We get real about creative doub...

In this episode, I’m joined by YA romance author, Sujin Witherspoon to talk about writing emotionally honest love stories, creating chemistry that actually works, and why teenage feelings are never “too much.”

We also discuss flawed characters, quiet vulnerability, hot rodent men, and the scenes authors fight editors over.

Equal parts thoughtful and unhinged, this conversation is for readers who annotate books, fall for fictional people a little too hard, and still think about their favorite YA romance years later. 🎙️📚🐀

In this episode, I’m talking about the fear of wanting too much:

why emotional investment gets labeled as neediness, how creatives learn to downplay their passion, and what it costs us to shrink our desires just to feel safe.

We unpack the difference between healing and self-protection, softness and self-abandonment, and what it really means to want deeply in a world that rewards detachment.

If you’ve ever edited your enthusiasm, lowered your expectations, or stopped wanting something out loud, this one’s for you.