This week, I’m joined once again by the brilliant Cat MacLeod a returning guest and friend of the podcast for a raw and honest chat about what it takes to be a creative in 2025 ✨
Since we last spoke, Cat’s been selected for the inaugural Sean Connery Talent Lab with NFTS Scotland, where she’s directing a short film (with a real budget this time), and she’s launched _and friends a brilliant new theatre initiative that champions fresh work and supports artists in meaningful, no-gatekeeper ways. She’s also using her platform to advocate for real change in theatre and the wider creative industry.
We chatted about:
🔥 Burnout and finding the right balance
💼 Balancing paying the bills with creative ambition
🎬 Directing a short film with a budget
🎪 Launching _and friends & running a company
🤖 AI and how her 2023 play Spin predicted the future
🤝 The power of community and collaboration
💬 What she’s learned since our last conversation
🎙️ Our upcoming live event and loads more!
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🎟️ Tickets for our live show on June 22nd:
🎧 Guardian podcast we mention about AI:
https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/jun/05/is-ai-about-to-steal-your-job-podcast
📸 Follow _and friends on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andfriends.scot
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 money to mindset.
We discuss:
💸 Why so many creatives think they’re bad with money
📊 How to build a healthier relationship with your finances
🧠 Reframing how we think about work
🤝 What we’re not taught about networking and selling our skills
🧰 The tools every freelancer needs
🌀 Why permanent jobs aren’t the norm anymore
📻 David’s long career in radio with the BBC & what it taught him
🚀 How David turned redundancy into a thriving training business
A practical and empowering episode for anyone trying to make a life and a living as a creative.
David’s website and resources: davidthomasmedia.com
🌍 Visit our website: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast
💙 Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob
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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 London’s Duchess Theatre. A key figure at the Bristol Improv Theatre, the UK’s first venue dedicated entirely to improv, Lizzy regularly mentors emerging troupes and supports the next wave of British comedy talent. Alongside her theatre work, she’s built a successful full-time career in television, producing major game shows like Bridge of Lies and Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win 📺
In this episode, we chat about:
🎭 13 years of Murder, She Didn’t Write
🧠 What improv actually is—and why it’s more than just messing about
💸 The financial realities of freelancing in the arts
🎬 Working in factual and entertainment TV
🎤 Her biggest creative influences
🌪 Lessons from life as a performer
🎉 Finding joy and connection in a constantly shifting industry
A really fun and honest conversation with someone who’s spent over a decade finding the funny and having fun in an uncertain industry.
Lizzy Skrzypiec:
Murder, She Didn't Write: https://www.murdershedidntwrite.com/cast/lizzy-skrzypiec
Degrees of Error Present: More Stuff She Didn't Write: https://improvtheatre.co.uk/upcoming-show/degrees-of-error-present-more-stuff-she-didnt-write/2024-05-05/
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🎙️ 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, following the success of their 2023 debut It Makes An Emptiness Of A Crowded Place.
In this episode, we chat all about:
🎸 How the band came together 🎧 The making of their new EP Flail 💡 Their songwriting process & creative influences 🎤 What it’s really like making music in 2025 🤯 The highs and lows of being an emerging band 📝 Advice for other independent musicians … and loads more!
It’s a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring conversation with one of Scotland’s most exciting new acts.
🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple & YouTube
waverly.:
waverly. on Bandcamp: https://waverley.bandcamp.com/
'Flail' EP on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/07a9S1kyWAu9lz1Tuqczin
🌍 Visit our website: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast
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🎙️ 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:
It’s a loose, thoughtful, and inspiring chat about taking risks, building something from the ground up, and the joy of saying “yes, and…”
Martin James:
Glasgow Improv Theatre: https://improvglasgow.co.uk/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacRFf1ZJfiLeceY4zDE-eDjryHB9mo3CKYD4s0Nm9SCh3jglC2T70tZ5URKzA_aem_3uDSt87HvPDg19dUWMt-Zw
Glasgow Improv Theatre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvglasgow/
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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 – Richard E. Grant, Ewan McGregor, Miriam Margolyes and Nicola Sturgeon among them – have lent their voices, and a motion to keep River City on air will soon be heard in the Scottish Parliament.
In this chat we talk about:
How River City was axed and why it matters – timelines, budget pressures and the creative fallout.
The concern for the wider TV industry – what the cancellation tells us about an already‑strained sector.
Why we need to future‑proof the soap format (or find a new kind of long‑running drama).
Why local voices are important – the cultural impact of losing a home‑grown show.
What potential solutions we can pursue as an industry – ideas, funding routes and collective action.
Hit play, share your thoughts, and help keep Scotland’s storytelling future alive. Check out the full video over on the Cinora Channel.
Full video from Cinora 🔽🎦:
The cancellation of Soaps and what it means for TV
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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 names like Seth Godin, Rory Sutherland and Jimmy Carr, and built a brand rooted in storytelling, self-development, and social mobility.
Now, with Origin Stories, he’s stepping into the next stage of his podcasting journey — continuing his mission and pushing things even further.
In this honest conversation, Jamie and David chat about:
🎙️ The next stage of his podcasting journey and launching Origin Stories
😂 What it was really like interviewing Jimmy Carr
🌱 Social mobility and why it’s at the heart of David’s mission
😔 The lonely chapter — and how to keep going when it feels like no one cares
📈 The future of podcasting and content creation
🧠 What we can all learn from our own origin stories
⚙️ How to actually run a podcast
🔥 Drive, grit, and building something from nothing
Tune in for inspiring insights, actionable advice, and a powerful reminder that it’s possible to build something incredible from scratch.
Links:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/davidmcintoshjr/
https://www.youtube.com/@UC7DyXv_nJZncHdRn1WJdvNQ
🌍 Visit our website: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast
💙 Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob
📲 Follow us on:
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TikTok
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🎧 Listen on:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
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, he was recognised in The List Hot 100 for his powerful contributions to the industry.
We talk about why disability should never be a barrier to working in the arts, and how Robert’s work continues to break down outdated ideas around access, casting, and creativity.
In this episode, we chat about:
If you care about theatre, storytelling, or building a more inclusive creative industry – this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts – and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
Robert Softley Gale:
Birds of Paradise Theatre Company: https://www.boptheatre.co.uk/
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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 theatre more accessible 💡 Advice for creatives navigating the industry today
If you're passionate about theatre and the creative arts, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on creativity, collaboration, and storytelling in 2025.
James Piercy and Tayla Kenyon:TeePee Productions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teepeeprods/
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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 founded it
📺 Why the TV industry needs disruption—and how we can fix it
🎭 Lessons modern TV can learn from old Hollywood
💡 The biggest lessons Claire has learned in her career
🛤️ Her journey into the creative industries and early career experiences
💼 Should creatives be more business-minded, or is entrepreneurship overrated?
👥 Why the industry is failing audiences—and what needs to change
📢 Claire’s advice for writers, producers, and anyone navigating the industry
If you care about the future of television, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that explores what’s broken, what’s working, and what we can do next.
Claire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csduffywriter/?hl=en
Glasgow Telly Festival:https://fikastudios.substack.com/p/what-is-a-glasgow-telly-festival?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
The National Article: https://www.thenational.scot/news/25036687.river-city-script-editor-warns-lost-opportunities-scotland/?ref=eb&nid=1948&block=article_block_a&u=077ccd065ce39b0e16b06a803ce0ef76&date=250325
Cinora Interview - The cancellation of River City and what it means for UK TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_iStCXXgEs&t=311s
Live Q & A ‘Time travel is dangerous’ film: https://tickets.showcasecinemas.co.uk/login/0128/162457
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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 and US creative scenes
🎶 Composing for musical theatre
💡 The essence of being an artist
💰 Overcoming financial challenges early in his career
🎭 The importance of valuing the arts in society
🤝 Supporting emerging talent
❓ Managing uncertainty in creative professions
📝 His unique writing process
🧠 Mental health in the arts – and much more.
Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation
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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 of place
🌊 The story behind Lost at Sea, her debut play
🏞️ How growing up in the north-east of Scotland has shaped her writing.
✍️ Writing the River City Christmas special
🎤 Learning how to pitch and sell your work
📚 Advice for up-and-coming writers and creatives
An honest, inspiring conversation filled with insights for writers and creatives
Morna Young:
🌐 Visit Morna Young’s website: https://www.mornayoung.com/
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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 about
The changing landscape of comedy
The Titanic
The difficulty of enjoying any success without always chasing the next thing
His early years as a comic.
Why masculinity is so confusing to talk about
Lessons from 15 years in comedy and more
Jordan Brookes
🎭 Jordan Brookes: Fontanelle – Soho Theatre – https://sohotheatre.com/shows/fontanelle🎤 Jordan Brookes – Comedian –https://www.jordanbrookescomedy.com
▶️ Watch the full discussion on YouTube
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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 industry’s challenges are deepening.
In this live discussion, we explore:
🎬 How we got here – from the post-COVID content boom to streamer cutbacks and broadcaster struggles.
💰 The reality of surviving the downturn – with over 50% of workers still out of work and increasing financial pressure.
🔮 What needs to change – exploring solutions, industry trends, and the fight for a more sustainable future.
🔗 Useful links:
📝 Phil’s viral thread
📄 Dr. Richard Wallis’ article
🎙️ The Directors Take Podcast
🎬 Cinora Films
▶️ Watch the full discussion on YouTube
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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 self-doubt
• Losing my grandad and dealing with grief
• Networking tips for creatives
• Future goals and what’s next for the podcast
• Mental health in the creative industries
• And much more!
Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about the journey behind the podcast and the ups and downs of building a creative career.
Adair Murray: adairmusic | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree
Links:
Watch on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@justgetarealjob
Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com
Donate to our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153
