Just Get A Real Job

This week on Just Get A Real Job, Jamie is joined by David Thomas a broadcaster, creative coach and trainer who’s spent the last 20 years helping people in the arts and media build more sustainable freelance careers. David’s worked across the BBC, the UN and beyond, and now trains 100s of creatives every year. In this episode, he shares practical advice and hard-earned wisdom on everything from mo...

This week on Just Get A Real Job , I’m joined by Lizzy Skrzypiec. She’s an improviser, director, and the artistic director of Bristol’s long-running improv troupe Degrees of Error. Lizzy is also the creative force behind Murder, She Didn’t Write 🕵️‍♀️ the hit improvised murder mystery show currently touring the UK after seven sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and a recent West End debut at Lon...

🎙️ Episode 169 of Just Get A Real Job is out now and this week, Jamie is joined by the brilliant Edinburgh-based band Waverley. Known for blending Americana-inspired indie rock with folk-rooted songwriting, Waverley’s sound has drawn comparisons to Bon Iver , Frightened Rabbit , and King Creosote with dynamic shifts, dueling vocals, and a darker, heavier edge. Their new EP ‘Flail’ is out now, foll...

🎙️ This week on Just Get A Real Job, Jamie is joined by Martin James — co-founder of the Glasgow Improv Theatre (GIT) and a driving force behind Scotland’s growing improv scene. They chatted all about: ​🎭 Starting an improv scene from scratch in Glasgow ​🤔 What improv actually is — and why it's becoming more popular ​🧠 The day-to-day realities of running a creative business ​💬 Looking after yo...

Episode 167 is a little different: we’re sharing an excerpt from my chat on the Cinora YouTube channel with filmmaker – and returning pal – Ashley Dick . We dive into the shock cancellation of BBC Scotland’s flagship soap River City and what the decision signals for drama production across Scotland and the wider UK. Since the recording, the fight to save the show has exploded. Famous faces – Richa...

This week on Just Get A Real Job, Jamie is joined by David McIntosh Jr. — host of Origin Stories (formerly The Development by David Podcast). 🎧 David launched his podcast back in 2020 from his council estate bedroom in Scotland — no contacts, no budget, just a cheap mic and a clear mission: to spotlight inspiring origin stories. Since then, he’s racked up over 1.5 million hits, interviewed huge n...

This week on Just Get A Real Job , I’m joined by the brilliant Robert Softley Gale – a Scottish theatre-maker,  who’s spent over two decades championing inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. As Artistic Director of Birds of Paradise – Scotland’s leading disability-led theatre company – Robert has reshaped the conversation around representation, storytelling, and what theatre can be. In 2024,...

This week, I am joined by James Piercy and Tayla Kenyon, the creative minds behind Fluff and Tepee Productions. They share their journey of launching a theatre company, the importance of collaboration, and the realities of being a creative in 2025. In this episode, we discuss: 🎭 The inspiration behind Fluff 🎨 The challenges of starting a theatre company 🤝 Why collaboration is key 🔑 Making thea...

In Episode 163 of Just Get A Real Job , we're joined by Claire Duffy, the founder of the Glasgow TV Festival. With the television industry facing major challenges, Claire shares her insights on how we can drive meaningful change, challenge outdated systems, and create a more sustainable future for creatives. In this episode, we discuss: 🎬 The vision behind the Glasgow TV Festival and why Claire f...

In this episode of Just Get a Real Job, we’re joined by award-winning composer and songwriter Drew Gasparini . Known for his dynamic contributions to musical theatre and television, Drew’s work includes the Broadway adaptation of The Karate Kid and the hit musical I Could Use a Drink. His latest show, We Aren’t Kids Anymore comes to the Savoy Theatre on April 28th. We discuss: 🎭 Navigating the UK...

This week, we’re joined by Scottish writer Morna Young , whose powerful storytelling has made waves in theatre and on screen. From tackling imposter syndrome to writing the River City Christmas special, Morna shares her journey, the highs and lows of her career, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. We chat about: 🎭 Playwriting vs. screenwriting 🤯 Imposter syndrome & feeling out...

This week, we're joined by the hilarious Jordan Brookes , an award-winning comic known for pushing boundaries in stand-up. His latest show, Fontanelle , is currently running at Soho Theatre and we dive into the highs and lows of comedy, taking creative risks and how the industry is evolving. In this episode, Jordan discusses: Why bombing on stage is a good thing for comics How Fontanelle came abou...

This week’s episode is something different—a live panel discussion featuring voices from across the UK TV industry, including Philip Ralph, Ashley Catherine Dick, Marcus Anthony Thomas, Nasreen Ahmed, and Vito Milazzo. After a brutal year of job losses, production slowdowns, and financial struggles, we’ve made it to 2025—but what happens now? Many hoped things would improve, but if anything, the i...

We’re celebrating 4 years of podcasting with a special Q&A episode! Recorded at The Green Room Podcast Studio, previous guest Adair Murray takes over as host, putting your listener-submitted questions to me! We chatted about: • The best moments from Just Get A Real Job • My biggest lessons in podcasting and the creative industries • Navigating a career in TV • Overcoming imposter syndrome and...

For this year’s festive episode, Jamie is joined once again by Michael Campbell, front man of one of West Lothian’s most exciting bands, Dictator! Returning for the third time, Michael and Jamie reflected on the band’s incredible journey and what’s next for them. 🎶 They chatted about:✨ The rollercoaster year Dictator have had and their biggest moments.🎤 Exciting news about their upcoming EP and...

In this weeks episode of Just Get A Real Job, Jamie chats with BAFTA Award-winning series producer Hannah Beaugeard about the challenges facing the TV industry today. With years of experience working on a range of productions and areas of TV, Hannah offers unique insights into navigating an industry in crisis. We cover: How to navigate the TV industry downturn and its impact on professionals. Why...

In Episode 155 of Just Get A Real Job, Jamie is joined by Bryce Hart, the BAFTA-nominated writer and creator of the BBC One comedy series Only Child, now streaming on BBC iPlayer. Bryce’s other credits include Beep and 10 Percent. It was a pleasure to hear Bryce share his practical advice and personal insights into screenwriting and his career.  We discuss: The making of Only Child and how the ser...

This week, Jamie is joined by the brilliant Rachel Stockdale—an actor, writer, and voice artist based in the North East of England. Earlier this year, Rachel toured the UK with her hit play Fat Chance, and we are thrilled to have her on the show. We dive into: What it’s like being a creative in the North East. Leavig teaching to follow a creative path. The barriers facing working-class actors. Why...

In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined by the wonderful Raisah Ahmed, a Glasgow-based Screenwriter and Director working across Film and TV. Recently named a Screen International 2024 Rising Star, Raisah also serves on the BAFTA Scotland Committee, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation Board, and chairs the Glasgow Film Festival Industry Advisory Group.   We dive into: Raisah’s journey into writing a...

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Maybelle Laye a talented Costume Designer with experience in both TV and Theatre. Having transitioned into costume work later in life, Maybelle shared valuable insights and wisdom with me. She recently wrapped work on Talwa’s Play On, which is currently on tour. We discussed topics like: Navigating Imposter Syndrome and changing careers later in life How to br...

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Philip Ralph, a multi-award-winning writer for screen and stage. Philip went viral in March for a powerful and well-crafted thread on X (formerly Twitter) in response to the BBC’s axing of the popular soap 'Doctors'. It was a privilege to have him on the show to discuss both his career as a writer and the ongoing crisis facing the TV industry. We chatted about...

For our 150th episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by producers Saffia Sage and Bjørn Hanson, live from the HB Film Festival in Paisley.  In this episode, we explore: What a producer’s role truly involves Various routes into producing and working in TV and Film How the screen industry can better support mental well-being Why Saffia and Bjørn chose to pursue their careers in Scotland The biggest le...

We’re back! This week, we’re joined by Gabriella Leonardi, who is currently starring in the brilliant new play “Flock” as “Cel". Gabriella is an accomplished actor, writer, poet, and model, with a really inspiring story.  Gabriella chatted to us about:  Forging your own path in a challenging industry Dealing with rejection and setbacks How self-tapes work.  All things Flock.  The hidden dangers of...

Join us this week as we sit down with returning guest and friend of the podcast, Kyle Dolan. Currently performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, Kyle is doing two shows including his late-night comedy variety show, *Liars & Clowns*, and his solo show, *No Place Like Home*   Kyle spoke to us about everything from:   - Finding your voice through trial and error - Returning to the Fringe for the third...

This week, we are joined by the wonderful Kelsey Sullivan, who is about to take her new show ‘Worm Teeth’ to the Edinburgh Fringe starting Monday, August 19th. In our conversation, we covered a wide range of topics, including: Moving to a new country as a creative The cultural differences between the US and the UK Rediscovering and building a new creative community The journey of bringing Worm Tee...