Just Get A Real Job

In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined by abstract artist David Kirkman for an honest conversation about creativity, neurodivergence and what it’s really like to build a career in the arts today.David shares his journey into abstract painting, how ADHD and autism have shaped both his work and the way he sees the world, and the realities of trying to sustain a creative career.David opens up about:🎨 Finding his artistic style and creative voice🧠 The impact of ADHD and autism on creativity📱 Using social media to build an audience💸 The realities of making a living through art🖼️ Galleries, commissions and building relationships🎭 Mental health, creative pressure and self-expression💬 His advice for aspiring artistsA thoughtful and honest chat about creativity, identity and learning to trust your own process.Links:This week’s episode is sponsored by rad Scotland.rad Scotland is a paid TV traineeship helping people from underrepresented backgrounds break into the Scottish TV industry through placements, training and mentoring.Applications close Wednesday 3rd June at 5pm: https://trcmedia.org/training/rad-scotland/🎙️ EP.191 of Just Get A Real Job 🎧Out now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.🔗 Check out David’s work:Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/dkirkmanart/Website 🎨 https://dkirkmanart.com/💙 Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job:Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjobTikTok 🎬 https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjobX (Twitter) 🐦 https://twitter.com/justgetarealjobAll links 🔗 https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined by acting agent Ruth Hollyman, founder of Strange Town Agency, to talk about what it actually means to represent actors and build a career on the other side of the industry.Based in Edinburgh, Strange Town Agency represents some of the most exciting acting talent emerging from Scotland, with clients working across film, TV and theatre in the UK and internationally. The agency has strong links with casting directors and companies across the UK and the US, and works with standout talent including Lewis Gribben.Ruth launched the agency in 2011 alongside Strange Town Theatre Company, which she co-founded in 2008 to create opportunities for young people to develop their creative skills.Ruth opens up about:🎭 What an acting agent actually does day-to-day🎬 How she built Strange Town Agency from the ground up🌍 Her early career as a theatre maker, including living and working in Japan🤝 The reality of the actor-agent relationship🎯 What she looks for in new talent📉 The current state of the industry and how it’s changing🧠 The challenges (and rewards) of working in talent representationA really insightful chat for actors, creatives, and anyone curious about how careers in the industry actually come together.🎙️ EP.189 of Just Get A Real Job 🎧Out now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube🔗 Check out Ruth’s workStrange Town Agencyhttps://www.strangetownagency.org.uk/All linkshttps://linktr.ee/JustgetarealjobpodcastSupport the podcast on Patreon 💙https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjobInstagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjobTikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjobX (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob🌍 Stay Connected With Just Get A Real Job

Jamie is joined by Claire Duffy and Maureen Hascoet live from the HB Film Festival for an honest conversation about the state of Scotland’s screen industry and what it really takes to build work from the ground up right now.Claire and Maureen open up about:🎬 Building creative careers outside traditional media pathways🌱 Why grassroots movements and community-led initiatives matter more than ever🧠 The mindset shifts that can hold creatives back from putting work out🤝 Creating opportunities through collaboration rather than permission🏗️ The realities of funding, access and sustainability in the current industry📣 Why Maureen founded the Scottish Screenwriters Festival and why Claire started the Glasgow Telly Festival🔍 Where the gaps still exist and what needs to changeA really open conversation about what the industry can learn from those building things at a grassroots level.It was a genuine pleasure to welcome both Claire and Maureen on the show.A massive thank you to the team at IRIS for filming this episode, with a special shoutout to Abbie and Conor, and to Conor Mecham for his editing support on this week’s episode.Recorded live on Sunday 5th October.🔗 Episode & Partner LinksHB Film Festivalhttps://www.hbfilmfestival.com/IRIS Ayrhttps://www.theirisayr.com/👥 GuestsClaire Duffyhttps://www.instagram.com/duffysclaire/Maureen Hascoethttps://www.instagram.com/maureencuestas/?hl=en🌍 Stay Connected With Just Get A Real JobWebsite / all linkshttps://linktr.ee/JustgetarealjobpodcastSupport the podcast on Patreon 💙https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjobInstagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjobTikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjobX (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjobSpotify 🎧Apple Podcasts 🍏Just Get A Real Job on Youtube.

In this year’s Christmas and New Year episode, Jamie is joined by returning guest Ashley Dick for a reflective look back on the past year.Ash opened up about:🎬 How she has grown her production company and channel, Cinora💸 The realities of crowdfunding a film 📈 Building an online audience without burning out🎥 Reflections on some of the best Scottish films of 2025🌱 The lessons learened this year🔄 The changing media landscape for creators🔮 Looking ahead to 2026 and moreA lovely end-of-year conversation about persistence, community, and making things happen at your own pace.Happy New Year to all our listeners and thank you for all the support you have given us in 2025 🎧🎬 Cinorahttps://www.cinorafilms.com/team🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job🔗 Website: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast💙 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob🐦 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob🎧 Spotify: Just Get A Real Job on Spotify🍏 Apple Podcasts: Just Get A Real Job on Apple Podcas

This week, Jamie welcomes Ian Murray, the UK’s Minister for Creative Industries, for an open and honest conversation about the state of the creative sector and what the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is doing to help more young people get into creative careers.Ian shares how his own upbringing shaped his understanding of accessibility in the arts, and why it still feels so difficult for people from working class or under-represented backgrounds to break into creative work.Ian spoke about:🎨 The realities facing freelancers and why so many feel shut out of the industry 🌱 Discover Creative Careers, the government’s campaign to demystify routes into creative jobs 🎬 The importance of freelancers to the creative economy and what the government is doing to support them 🏠 Why class is still such a barrier for many people trying to forge a creative career 📈 The importance of the BBC and why placing it on a sustainable footing matters 🛠️ The wider mission to make the creative industries more accessible, transparent, and sustainableIt was a pleasure to welcome a sitting government minister onto the podcast, hear more about the work DCMS is doing, and have such open and honest discussions about the challenges and opportunities across the sector.🎮 Discover Creative Careers – Campaign InformationThe Discover! Creative Careers Campaign aims to make creative careers more accessible to young people from under-represented backgrounds, highlighting the breadth of opportunities in the creative industries and how today’s skills and hobbies can be turned into meaningful, sustainable careers.📖 No matter your background or education, there are affordable and accessible routes into the sector — from apprenticeships and work experience to on-the-job training.🧑‍💻 To explore creative and non-creative roles across the industry, visit the Discover! Creative Careers Finder Tool: https://discovercreative.careers/explore/ Instagram: @dcmsgovuk X (Twitter): @dcms Facebook: @dcmsgovuk Youtube: @dcms#DiscoverCreativeCareers #SkillsForLife🌍 Stay Connected with Just Get A Real Job🔗 Website: linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast💙 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/justgetarealjob📸 Instagram: instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok: tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob🐦 X (Twitter): twitter.com/justgetarealjob🎧 Spotify: Just Get A Real Job on Spotify🍏 Apple Podcasts: Just Get A Real Job on Apple Podcasts

This week, Jamie sits down with Martyn and Christine Armstrong, two of the three founders (alongside Scott Simpson) behind the record label Blackhall Records. Together they explore the ins and outs of running an indie label in today’s ever-changing music landscape, from supporting artists like Dictator, Midnight Ambulance and Waverley, to navigating the challenges of a constantly shifting industry.They chat about:🎶 The realities of running an independent record label in the age of streaming🌱 The importance of discovering and nurturing new music talent🎵 The current state of the Scottish music industry and the pressures artists face within it🏟️ Why we desperately need more grassroots music venues🫶 How Blackhall Records supports the bands on their label🎨 Why quality production and artwork matter more than ever🤖 The rise of AI in music, its pros, cons, and what it means for artists👩‍🎤 The ongoing need for better representation and mentorship for women in the music industry🤝 The delicate balance between artist freedom and label guidanceA thoughtful and inspiring conversation about music, resilience and the power of collaboration perfect for anyone curious about how the music industry really works behind the scenes, and especially for music lovers.Links:🏆 Vote for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, including Wavelry for best live track:https://www.officialsama.com/vote🎵 Blackhall Records:https://blackhallrecords.com/📸 Blackhall Records on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/blackhall_records/?hl=en🌍 Stay Connected with Just Get A Real Job🔗 Website: linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast💙 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/justgetarealjob📸 Instagram: instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok: tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob🐦 X (Twitter): twitter.com/justgetarealjob🎧 Spotify: Just Get A Real Job on Spotify🍏 Apple Podcasts: Just Get A Real Job on Apple Podcasts

This week’s episode is a special one, recorded live in Glasgow back in June in collaboration with _and friends.Jamie was joined by a brilliant panel of filmmakers, including BAFTA Award-winning Michael Lee Richardson, Valerie Andrews, Dylan Blore, and Blade & Bow Films’ Hayley Louise McGuire and Jayme Bartlett.Together they explore how filmmakers are adapting in an increasingly difficult climate from the challenges of funding and freelancing to the importance of storytelling, collaboration, and creative community. The panel also discuss the biggest lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers and take questions from the audience.Huge thanks to everyone who came along on the day and to AndFriends for partnering on such a brilliant event. Unfortunately, this episode wasn’t recorded, so it's an audio-only episode.🔗 Links:🎥 AndFriends – https://www.andfriends.scot/ 🎬 Blade & Bow Films – https://www.bladeandbowfilms.com/ 🎭 Valerie Andrews – https://www.instagram.com/valerie.andrewsb/ ✍️ Michael Lee Richardson – https://michaelleerichardson.wordpress.com/🎞️ Dylan Blore – https://dpamanagement.com/actor/dylan-blore/🌍 Stay Connected🎧 Website: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast 💙 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob 🐦 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PRi8RlxPZz1zZx9zUuF8Q 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1541262912

Hello, how are you?It’s been a wee while since I last put something out, so here’s a short check-in. A quick chat about what’s been happening behind the scenes, the ups and downs of creative work, and some news. New full episodes are back on 15th October! Thanks for sticking with the podcast. Keep your eyes peeled.Links:🌍 Visit our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💙 Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠

This week on Just Get A Real Job, Jamie sits down with actor, playwright, comedian and rising Fringe star Sanjay Lago 💫Sanjay is currently performing his solo show Love Me Like a Chai Tea Latte ☕️ at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, a heartfelt mix of storytelling, poetry and stand-up exploring love, identity and self-acceptance.💬 We chatted about:🎟️ What it’s really like taking a solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe✊ Why POC and neurodiverse representation still needs work in Scottish theatre🧠 Sanjay’s journey with dyslexia and how it shapes his creative process😰 Managing imposter syndrome as an emerging artist☕️ Making your mum proud🔗 Links:🎫 Book tickets for Love Me Like a Chai Tea Latte at the Edinburgh Fringe: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/love-me-like-a-chai-tea-latteSanjay Lago on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjaylago?igsh=MWN2MWdvNjZjbDh4🌍 Visit our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💙 Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Kate Coulson an actor and writer taking her debut solo show Lioness to the Edinburgh Fringe this August.We spoke about:🧠 Growing up creative and finding confidence in your voice🌀 Living and creating with dyspraxia⚽ Women’s football and the inspiration behind Lioness👥 The importance of support from your community🏟️ Making theatre accessible to wider audiences💪 The grit, community and chaos behind taking a show to the Fringe🔥 Why persistence really mattersOne for anyone making their first steps into performance, writing or the Fringe and a reminder that persistence, community and honest storytelling really do matter. I loved this conversation with Kate. Links:Fringe show:Lioness | Edinburgh Festival FringeKate's company: https://www.instagram.com/madeyoulookprods?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=cWZxazA0bXY3d2Y2🌍 Visit our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💙 Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠

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!–––🎟️ Tickets for our live show on June 22nd:https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasgow/_and-Friends/Brave-New-Work-making-indie-film-today/41013840/🎧 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, 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 industryA 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-skrzypiecDegrees 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/🌍 Visit our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💙 Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts

🎙️ 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 your mental health while chasing your passion​🎓 What Martin learned studying in the USA​🏀 Playing basketball for the Scottish national team​🎤 His biggest comedy influences​📺 His thoughts on Saturday Night Live coming to the UKIt’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-ZwGlasgow Improv Theatre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvglasgow/🌍 Visit our website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💙 Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts