Switch It Up with Michael John Lewis. Michael John Lewis is a Brighton-based content creator, interviewer, and “switch up” influencer. After a career in acting and modelling, a medical scare changed everything—leading him to Brighton and a brand-new outlook on life.
Now, Michael champions the idea of the “switch up”: that even the smallest change can spark something positive and break us free from what he calls “dungeon programming.” From an unexpected start at the Gottwood Festival to interviewing people about their own journeys, Michael’s work is all about capturing stories of change, resilience, and creativity.
From stage to storytelling, Michael John Lewis shares how one simple question—“What are you doing to switch it up?” can change everything...And we delve into what it really means to switch it up in life!
My guest on this episode is the definition of a multi-talented creative. Francesca Pim is a Musical Theatre performer who’s graced stages across London, on tour, and in regional productions—and she even won a Great British Pantomime Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2020!
But her passion for performance doesn’t stop at the spotlight. Francesca is also a fully qualified Ballet teacher, sharing her love of dance, musical theatre, and singing with students in Surrey and London.
And if that wasn’t enough, she brings joy and magic to children’s hospital wards through her work with the amazing charity Spread A Smile, entertaining seriously ill children and their siblings.
Join us as we talk about pantos vs musicals, murder podcast shows, and the power of spreading smiles—onstage and beyond.
This week on *Part of The Arts*, we sit down with writer, director, and performer *Bradley Barlow* to dive into the magic (and mayhem) of storytelling. Based in Southsea, Bradley shares his journey from Artistic Director of Pitchy Breath Theatre Company to directing immersive theatre experiences and professional pantomimes.
We chat about:
- The creative challenges of adapting classics like *Frankenstein* and *Grimms’ Tales*
- Balancing writing, directing and acting
- Making theatre with community at its heart
- The joy (and chaos!) of immersive experiences like *Pompey Dogs*
Whether you're a theatre maker or just curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and a whole lot of love for the craft.
*Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.*
This episodes guest wears a lot of hats—Hypnosis & NLP expert, talent agent, professor, author, and AI educator. But at the heart of it all? Helping creatives rewire their mindset and build purpose-driven careers.
From booking Broadway roles to breaking through imposter syndrome, they’ve spent over 20 years guiding performers, students, and artists through fear, burnout, and self-sabotage—using tools that blend psychology, performance, and even AI.
We talk about mental blocks, career momentum, what it means to rise above the script, and how artists can use tech without losing their voice.
✨ This one’s for anyone wanting to embrace it all—but wondering how to get out of their own way!
This episode flips the script—Jordan takes over the mic and asks me the questions. Not just the easy ones, but the raw and real ones about this industry we call our home and what I’ve personally been facing over the past year.
Expect plenty of our usual banter and nonsense, but also a good dose of honesty, vulnerability, and maybe even a peppering of trauma. After all, that’s what Part of the Arts is all about—the good, the bad, and the mad.
Note: Due to a teeny tiny tech issue the last part of the footage will appear out of focus.
In this Episode of Part of the Arts, I’m joined by the endlessly inspiring Éimear O’Neill—actor, writer, wedding singer, drama school founder, and creative firecracker.
We talk about what it really means to wear many hats—juggling 40-hour weeks as a nursing assistant while building a career in the arts, navigating jobs that pay the bills but don’t always fill your cup, and learning how to find joy in the work and the waiting.
From performing at Shakespeare’s Globe to cold water dunks and singing brides down the aisle, Éimear’s story is one of resilience, heart, and real creative graft. We talk about stage fright, confidence, gaps in the market, auditioning in London, creative transition, and the power of empathy—both on stage and off. She also shares why she founded EPIC Acting Academy, and how access to drama and performance spaces has never been more vital for young people.
Whether she’s acting as a finance bro for a commercial or building her own business from the ground up, one thing is certain: Éimear is all heart, and we are so here for it.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of humour, hustle, and hard-won wisdom
We’re back —with a new season, and a new rhythm.
I'm kicking off season 3 of Part of the Arts with something a little different. Alongside in-depth conversations with guest creatives, I’ll now be sharing regular Creative Catch-Ups with my friend, my long-time collaborator, and all-around brilliant human Jordan Hiscott.
This format has grown out of the work we’ve done together over the past year—moments of pause, reflection, and figuring it all out in real time. It felt natural to start the season here: just the two of us, checking in, chatting honestly, and opening the door to what creativity really looks and feels like behind the scenes.
Expect chats about the process, the mess, the stuck bits, the small wins, and the weird magic of making art when life is full—this time featuring dogs, vaping teens, murder mysteries, broken toilets, and a missing wedding ring (naturally). These Creative Catch-Ups will be a regular part of the season, offering space for honest, behind-the-scenes reflection—and we’re so glad you’re here with us.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting us by sharing, subscribing, reviewing, or fueling the creativity through coffee. We appreciate you!
Welcome to *Part of the Arts* with me Rebecca Godden, the podcast where we dive into the journeys of creatives through the world of the arts.
On this episode we have guest is Steph Watkins. Steph grew up immersed in performance, training in Musical Theatre and Acting, with dreams of a life on stage. But when the pandemic hit, everything paused—and in that pause, something entirely new began. From a bedroom broadcast with a USB mic taped to a plant pot, to landing a role at the BBC and now presenting a daily show in local radio, Steph's journey is full of unexpected turns, self-discovery, and an inspiring commitment to creativity.
She's also been open about her diagnoses of autism and ADHD—we chat about how neurodivergence can become a superpower in storytelling and connection, along with what the loaded word 'failure' really means and looks like in our industry.
I'm so excited to welcome Steph onto share her story—from the stage to the studio, and everything in between.
Listen to Steph Watkins' BBC Radio Guernsey Show on BBC Sounds now!
🎙️ *Welcome to this episode of Part of the Arts!*
Today we’re joined by the vibrant Olivia Williamson—an actor, singer, and content creator who’s making waves both on stage and online. From pantomimes and musicals to TV appearances, Olivia’s passion for performing shines through everything she does.
But she’s not just known for her stage presence—online, she’s *The Stagey ADHDer*, where she shares candid and empowering content about navigating the industry as a performer with ADHD. Her honesty, humor, and insight have built a supportive community and sparked important conversations around neurodivergence in the arts.
In this episode, we talk about Olivia’s favorite roles, the challenges and superpowers of ADHD in performance, balancing content creation with acting, and what she hopes to do next.
It’s a chat full of inspiration, real talk, and stagey energy—let’s get into it! 🎭💫
Follow Olivia on:
Welcome to this episode of Part of the Arts!🎭✨
Today, we’re joined by actor Kieran, whose career has taken off in just 3.5 years—touring nationally and internationally, filming a feature film, and landing TV roles every year. With screen combat training and two black belts, he’s no stranger to action both on and off the stage.
Beyond acting, Kieran teaches LAMDA, directs youth shows with Rabble Theatre, and writes his own productions. But in August 2024, his journey took an unexpected turn when he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. Now, he’s navigating recovery while balancing the challenges of being a self-employed artist.
Join us as we dive into his journey—his fast-moving career, his passion for the arts, and his resilience in the face of adversity. 🎧🔥 #PartOfTheArts
Kieran on Instagram
In this episode of Part of the Arts, we’re joined by Stephanie Crane. Steph's journey took an unexpected turn—in the best way possible. From dreaming of a lifelong career in dance to discovering a new passion, our guest’s story is all about embracing change and finding happiness in unexpected places.
She trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and junior company in Switzerland, stepping into the professional dance world with big ambitions. But life had other plans. Now a full-time personal trainer, she may only dance in her kitchen, but she’s never been happier.
Join us as we chat about redefining identity, career pivots, and how sometimes, letting go of what we thought we wanted leads us to something even better. 🎧✨
In this episode, we chat with Lydia Shaw—a writer, performer, teacher, and coach. Lydia’s creative journey spans directing and writing the audio musical Hatched!, a finalist for the Stiles & Drewe Prize 2024, to her extensive musical theatre and cabaret performing credits. As a versatile writer, Lydia has worked on plays, TV pilots, novels, and musicals, including Arthur's Quest, which earned rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Lydia also runs Step Up Vocal Coaching, where she helps individuals speak with confidence and impact. Join us as we dive into Lydia’s diverse career, her passion for creative work, and her dedication to empowering others in the arts.
If you enjoyed this episode please do support us by sharing, subscribing, reviewing or fueling my creativity through coffee- thank you for the support ! Buy Me a Coffee
On this episode of Part of the Arts we have Emma Hollywood! Emma is a British actress represented by VisABLE People. She has been involved in productions such as Doctors and the BBC drama The Reckoning. Emma is an ambulatory (part-time) wheelchair user and hosts a podcast called And the Show Goes On, where she discusses her experiences as a disabled actor and raises awareness of chronically ill and disabled actors in the entertainment industry.
If you enjoyed this episode please do support us by sharing, subscribing, reviewing or fueling my creativity through coffee- thank you for the support ! http://buymeacoffee.com/partoftheartspodcast
Emma Hollywood:
https://www.instagram.com/andtheshowgoesonpod/
https://www.instagram.com/emhollywoodd/
In this episode of Part of the Arts, we’re joined by BA Todd, an indie filmmaker based in Florida, USA.
Britt has worn many hats in the film industry, from producing and assistant directing to working in the art department and camera operating. Her experience spans a wide range of projects, including commercials, immersive attractions, live sports events, documentaries, and indie feature and short films.
Not only does Britt bring her talents to various roles in the industry, but she also collaborates with friends to create her own short indie films. Tune in as we dive into the journey and experiences across different areas of filmmaking, and her passion for indie cinema!
https://www.instagram.com/brittttodd/
Welcome to this episode of Part of the Arts—the podcast where creativity takes center stage!
Today, we’re joined by Chantelle Hopkins —a performer, director, and educator who has dedicated her career to bringing stories to life. From teaching LAMDA to co-founding Take A Seat Productions, she’s been creating unforgettable theatre experiences for audiences of all ages.
She’s also an experienced teacher and facilitator, helping students build confidence, develop creative skills, and shine on stage. From Early Years to A-Level, she’s inspiring the next generation of performers.
Get ready for an episode full of storytelling, creativity, and expert insights from the world of theatre! If you enjoyed this episode please do support us by sharing, subscribing, reviewing or fueling my creativity through coffee- thank you for the support !
In this episode, we catch up with Harry Baker—a talented artist, producer, and guitarist whose blend of RnB, blues, soul, rock, and jazz has earned him spots on Sky TV, BBC Introducing, and major music festivals. With three albums and countless live shows under his belt, Harry’s music journey is as dynamic as his sound. Now mixing fitness with his passion for music, Harry talks about his evolution from stage performer to wellness enthusiast. Don't miss this one!
If you enjoyed this episode or any others, please subscribe, leave us a review, or buy us a coffee. via the link below. This is a passion project, and we appreciate your support!
buymeacoffee.com/partoftheartspodcast
We are kicking off Season 2 with Sara Fairclough, a professional actor from Yorkshire who trained at Manchester Met alongside stars like Julie Walters and Steve Coogan.
After a break to raise her three daughters, Sara is back in the spotlight, signing with a new agent and auditioning for BBC dramas, Netflix series, and adverts. She also regularly collaborates with Theatre for Life, creating new theatre projects.
Tune in to hear about her return to acting, balancing family life with her creative journey, and the evolving landscape of theatre and TV in today’s world.
Welcome to this episode of Part of the Arts with me, Rebecca Godden, as I chat with Dan Twine!
Dan is a highly experienced lighting camera operator with over a decade in the media industry. His work spans broadcast documentaries, branded content, sports, and live events for major channels like the BBC, Sky TV, Channel 4, and Discovery, as well as corporate clients such as Snapchat, The FA, Asda, and Porsche.
We explore the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of his career—this was a fun one, and I hope you enjoy it!
On this week's episode of Part of the Arts with me, Rebecca Godden, we have the wonderful Katie Anna McConnell.
Katie Anna is an actress and dancer with multiple medical conditions. She uses mobility aids, including a power-assisted wheelchair and walking sticks, and is trained in musical theatre.
She tours with shows primarily for young people and families, using drama to explore important topics like neurodivergency. Delivering access consultancy to companies working in arts and culture, Katie offers Disability Equality Training sessions- these cover a wide range of subjects to make the industry a more inclusive and accepting environment. Access across the arts is hugely important to me, so I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
P.S. The sound on Rebecca’s end is a bit patchy, but we have improved it enough for an enjoyable listen with nothing missed; oh, the joys of technology!
Instagram: @katieanna.McConnell
Access Consultancy Enquiries: katieanna2604@gmail.com
Welcome to Part of the Arts with Rebecca Godden. In this episode, I’m joined by Daniel Harris, a creative force in the industry. From choreographing Spice Girls routines in his lounge as a child to producing a sell-out all-male Romeo & Juliet at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dan has always been passionate about making things happen.
Now a Creative Producer for Curious Pheasant Theatre Company, Artistic Director of Southampton Fringe Festival, and Hospitality and Social Enterprise Manager at Play to the Crowd, Dan juggles multiple roles in the arts. We’ll dive into his journey, his exciting projects, and how he helps keep the creative world turning.