From San Diego to the "World of Broke"
- Dominique Journet
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
An Interview with Dominique Journet
What happens when you mix a funny voicemail, a brewery tour, and a lifelong love for adult animation? You get World of Broke, a hilarious and heartfelt new animated series that finds the comedy in the everyday hustle.
We sat down with one of the show’s creator and producer, Dominique Journet, to talk about her journey from CBS to the writer’s room, and why she believes the "broke" experience is something we can all laugh at together.
The Spark: A Voicemail and a Dream
Q: Dominique, let’s start at the beginning. Where are you from, and how did you find your way into the world of animation?
Dominique: I’m originally from San Diego, but I moved around a lot growing up because my dad worked for the F.A.A. My path into animation actually started at a family dinner!
Years ago, my siblings and I were with my uncle when he got a call from a bill collector. He didn’t actually owe anything, so he came up with the funniest voicemail message ever: “Don’t call here—I’m broke.” Later, after falling in love with shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy, I kept coming back to those words. I wanted to create something about people working in a brewery, dealing with life's ups and downs with a drink and a laugh. That’s how the idea for "I’m Broke" evolved into what is now World of Broke.
The Hustle: From the NBA to the Animation Studio
Q: You’ve had an impressive career before joining forces with EssenceCartoon. How did your background prepare you for your role as a Producer and Writer?
Dominique: I’ve always been a believer in working hard and creating something unique. My time at CBS at Television City and the National Basketball Association (NBA) gave me a front-row seat to the entertainment industry.
When the team and I started brainstorming and writing short scripts for World of Broke, I realized my experience qualified me to take the lead. I wanted to create an animation that the "American worker" could truly identify with—something that feels real but keeps you laughing.
"World of Broke gives people a place to laugh at the struggle, relate to the characters, and feel seen."
The Inspiration: Real Life, Real People
Q: How much of your own life—or the "broke" stories of people you know—ends up in the show?
Dominique: A ton of it! A lot of the characters are inspired by folks I’ve met. Whether it’s going to a baseball game for a hot dog and a beer or that classic "let’s grab a drink" moment after a long shift—it’s just such an American experience. I once took a brewery tour where a tourist said, "How great would it be to work here?" That stuck with me and helped shape the setting for the series.
The Legends: Influences and Style
Q: Who are the creative icons that shaped your personal style?
Dominique: There are three big ones for me:
Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy): I love his outlook; he’s incredibly funny.
Matt Groening (The Simpsons): A master of connecting with a nationwide audience.
Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-Head): He created some of the most iconic adult animations ever.
Their ability to tell unique, funny, and captivating storylines in primetime animation really set the bar for what I want to achieve with our show.
The Mission: Why "World of Broke" is for You
Q: Who is this show for, and why does the world need it right now?
Dominique: This show is for the everyday people—the dreamers, the hustlers, and the families stretching every paycheck. In today’s world, everyone is dealing with rising costs and the pressure to "keep up."
We need a show that reflects that experience with honesty and comedic relief. World of Broke is for anyone who has ever felt overworked or overwhelmed but still finds the humor in the chaos.
Get Involved with the World of Broke!
Dominique Journet is bringing a fresh, relatable voice to the world of animation, and we can't wait to see what’s brewing at the brewery.
Want to see more of Dominique’s vision?
Visit: www.worldofbroke.com
Follow: Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates from EssenceCartoon!
