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In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined once again by writer Philip Ralph for his fourth appearance on the podcast. After years of recording remotely, Jamie & Phil finally get to sit down together in real life following a busy week at the Edinburgh TV Festival to ask: where does the TV industry go from here? They reflect on the conversations happening at the festival, the reality facing freelancers, why class continues to shape who gets to stay in the industry and whether the current way of making television is sustainable. We got into everything from: 💼 The reality facing freelancers and why so many are struggling to stay in the industry🚪 Class, opportunity and what needs to change🎬 Why we need to get better at making lower budget television📺 Why public service broadcasting still matters🗣️ Why we need more honesty about what is really happening in the industry🎭 Phil’s experience making Under Suspicion: Kate McCann for Channel 5💡 What needs to change to create a more sustainable industry🧠 Finding ways to keep going when work is increasingly uncertain A big thank you to Coffee Cabinet in Edinburgh for letting us record the episode in their café. If you want a nice coffee be sure to pop in:https://thecoffeecabinetedinburgh.com/ 🎧 Listen to Just Get A Real Job wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 Links & Resources 📊 Let’s Talk About Class: What’s On? Industry Reporthttps://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/240507/1/Johnson_UoL_WhatsOn_IndustryReport_Digital.pdf 📝 John Sen: Whose Story Is It Anyway?https://jonsen.substack.com/p/whose-story-is-it-anyway 📺 Watch Phil’s Under Suspicion: Kate McCann on Channel 5https://www.channel5.com/under-suspicion-kate-mccann 🎧 Just Get A Real Jobhttps://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 📲 Follow Just Get A Real Job 📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjobpodcast 🎬 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob 🐦 X (Twitter)https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob

It’s been a while since I’ve done a solo episode, so this week I wanted to check in and have an honest chat about where I’m at and what’s been happening behind the scenes at Just Get A Real Job. I reflect on reaching 200 episodes, navigating freelance life after redundancy, why it’s such a difficult time for people working across the creative industries and a few reasons to still feel optimistic. I also chat about launching Screen Check, what that means for Just Get A Real Job and my plans for the podcast over the next few months. A slightly rambly but honest check-in. Check out screen check 🎙️ : https://linktr.ee/sreencheck?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=900396e6-228f-4c1d-abd9-6f8d23decac8 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob 🎬 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob 🔗 All links:https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In the final episode of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe series I’m joined by Justin Butcher live from Assembly Gardens. Justin has spent more than 35 years building a career across theatre, television and performance. We chat about his journey into the creative industries, his love of clowning and storytelling, and the incredible 25 year journey of his show Scaramouche Jones, which has been performed around the world. Justin also shares what he’s learned from more than three decades of making a living creatively, why the work he made entirely for himself became his most successful, and what he’s learned from working internationally and collaborating with creatives from different cultures. We also chat about the importance of trusting your own creative instincts, using comedy to explore difficult subjects and why sometimes you need to stop worrying about what other people want and make something for yourself. A fascinating conversation about longevity, trusting your ideas and continuing to make the work you believe in. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 🤝 A big thank you to our sponsors, Assembly Festival, for supporting this episode and our Fringe series. 🎭 Scaramouche Jones is at Assembly until the end of the Edinburgh Fringe:https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/scaramouche-jones 🔗 Find out more about Justin and his work:https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/justin-butcher/ 💙 Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 📱 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob 🎙️ Listen to the podcast:https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

Today on Just Get A Real Job, I’m joined by playwright Emery Schaffer, recorded live from Assembly Gardens at the Edinburgh Fringe. Emery shares her journey from studying theatre in New York to moving to Scotland and building a career as a playwright, as well as the story behind her new play BearGirl. We chat about the realities of making a living as a creative, why career paths are rarely linear, finding inspiration in unexpected places and learning to be patient when success doesn’t happen overnight. Emery also shares why asking for help and leaning on your creative community can take you further than trying to do everything alone. A really lovely conversation about perseverance, creativity and remembering that a career in the arts is an ultramarathon, not a sprint. 🐻 See BearGirl at the Edinburgh Fringe:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/beargirl 🤝 A big thank you to our sponsors, Assembly Festival, for supporting this episode. We recorded this conversation live from Assembly Gardens during this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Find out more about Assembly Festival and everything happening across the Fringe:https://assemblyfestival.com/ 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob All links: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

This week I’m joined by the hilarious Susie McCabe for a brilliant conversation about comedy, class and being back at the Edinburgh Fringe with her latest show Coming of Rage. Live from the Assembly Gardens, Susie spoke to me about how a dare led her from working in construction to stand-up, why it took eight and a half years to go full-time and the reality of building a sustainable career in comedy. We also get into class and access in the creative industries, the state of Scotland’s creative scene, why we need to take more risks on underrepresented talent, imposter syndrome and Susie’s advice for anyone trying to build a creative career. 🤝 A big thank you to our sponsors, Assembly Festival, for supporting this episode. We recorded this conversation live from the Assembly Gardens during this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Find out more about Assembly Festival and everything happening across the Fringe at:https://assemblyfestival.com/ 🎟️ See Susie McCabe: Coming of Rage at the Edinburgh Fringe:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/susie-mccabe-coming-of-rage 🌐 Find out more about Susie:https://susiemccabe.com/ Podcast Links 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob🐦 X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob🔗 All links: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

This week on Just Get A Real Job, I’m joined by American comedian Drew Lausch for a brilliant conversation about stand-up, rejection and building a career in the New York comedy scene.Drew is currently making his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his show Friendliest.We chat about:🎭 Going from musical theatre into stand-up comedy🌾 Growing up in Fargo, North Dakota🗽 Moving to New York and finding his feet in the comedy scene🌟 How appearing on Alan Cumming’s Showtime special became a major turning point in his career🚫 Dealing with rejection and learning not to take every “no” personally💡 Why sometimes you need a little bit of delusion to keep going🎙️ His advice for anyone trying to build a sustainable creative career---🎭 Catch Drew at the Edinburgh FringeFriendliesthttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/what... Follow DrewInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/realdrewlau...Podcast Links💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon  / justgetarealjob  🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job📸 Instagram:  / justgetarealjob  🎬 TikTok:  / justgetarealjob  🐦 X / Twitter:  / justgetarealjob  🔗 All links:https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this very special 200th episode, Jamie is joined once again by musician and songwriter Matt Hickman, better known as Brownbear. Matt returns for a record fifth appearance on the podcast, having first come on the show back in 2021. Three years on from his last appearance, we catch up on everything that’s changed for Matt, from becoming a dad and taking a step back from music to learning to slow down, switch off and make things on his own terms. We chatted about: • Making art on your own terms• Learning to switch off and slow down• Taking his time with new music and reflecting on the continued success of Demons• The work Matt has been doing to help make the arts more accessible• The value of the arts and why we need to get better at communicating it• Reflecting on 200 episodes of Just Get A Real Job …and much more. 🎉 Reaching 200 episodes of Just Get A Real Job feels incredibly surreal. A huge thank you to Matt for coming back for a fifth time and being such a brilliant supporter of the podcast over the years, and to everyone who has listened, watched, shared or supported the show on the journey to 200. It genuinely means so much. ❤️ Find out more about Brownbear's work here:https://linktr.ee/brownbearofficial Podcast Links 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob🐦 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob🔗 All our links: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast Credits 🎙️ Hosted & Produced by Jamie Mackinlay

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined by Olivia Claw and Fraser Scott. Olivia is a Scottish actor, while Fraser is a theatre director and writer. Their critically acclaimed play Common Tongue is at the Edinburgh Fringe throughout August, celebrating Scottish identity, language and working-class stories through humour, heart and powerful storytelling. We chatted about: 🏴 Scottish identity, language and finding your voice 🎬 Building creative careers in a challenging climate 🎟️ Making theatre more accessible and reaching new audiences 🎭 How Common Tongue has evolved 🌍 Why Scotland's arts scene can be so much more 💭 Their advice for anyone hoping to build a career in the arts …and much more. 🤝 A big thank you to our sponsors, Assembly Festival, for supporting this episode. We recorded this conversation live from the Assembly Gardens during this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Find out more about Assembly Festival and everything happening across the Fringe at https://assemblyfestival.com/. Find out more: 🎟️ Common Tongue at the Edinburgh Fringe: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/common-tongue 🎭 Prophets at the Edinburgh Fringe: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/prophets 📸 Follow Fraser Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fraserscott_ 📸 Follow Olivia Claw on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaclaw/ Podcast Links 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob 🐦 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob 🔗 All our links: https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast Credits 🎙️ Hosted & Produced by Jamie Mackinlay 🎬 Production Support: Vaishnavi Ramu

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined by acclaimed Scottish actor Darren Brownlie. Best known for playing Mikey in River City, Darren has built a career across television and theatre. With River City coming to an end, Darren reflects on what the show has meant to him, his journey as an actor, and why he's excited to be taking his critically acclaimed one-man musical *Crocodile Rock* to this year's Edinburgh Fringe. We chatted about: 🎭 Darren's journey into acting and training in musical theatre📺 Landing the role of Mikey in River City and saying goodbye to the show 🎟️ Bringing Crocodile Rock to the Edinburgh Fringe and the challenge of performing a one-man show 🎬 Theatre vs television and the realities of working in both 🎭 Why arts education matters and supporting young creatives📱 Going viral on social media and joining Cameo💭 His advice for aspiring actors and building a career in the industry…and much more. Find out more about Darren: 🎟️ Crocodile Rock at the Edinburgh Fringe:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/crocodile-rock📸 Follow Darren on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/darrenbrownlie/ Podcast Links 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob🎬 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob🐦 X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob🔗 All our links:https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined by actor, entrepreneur and former Apprentice star Reece Donnelly From starting his career as a child actor in shows including Waterloo Road to founding the Theatre School of Scotland, Reece has built a career around creating opportunities for himself and the next generation of performers. In this conversation, Reece spoke about: 🎭 His journey into acting and how he got his start in the industry 🎓 Building the Theatre School of Scotland and creating opportunities for young performers across Scotland📺 What it was really like appearing on The Apprentice 📍 Why you don't necessarily need to move to London anymore to build a creative career, and why he's so passionate about championing local talent🚀 What it's really like running four businesses while balancing multiple creative careers🤝 The importance of putting yourself out there, taking chances and building meaningful relationships💭 His advice for anyone hoping to build a career in the creative industries, and much more. A great and insightful conversation. Find out more about Reece's work: 🎭 Theatre School of Scotlandhttps://theatreschoolofscotland.co.uk/🎓 Theatre College of Scotlandhttps://www.theatrecollegeofscotland.co.uk/☕ Skinny Coffee Househttps://www.skinnycoffeehouse.co.uk/🎬 Patter Productionshttps://www.patter-productions/com Podcast Links: 💙 Support Just Get A Real Job on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job 📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob 🎬 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob 🐦 X (Twitter)https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob 🔗 All linkshttps://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined by critically acclaimed comedian Milo Edwards. From performing stand-up on Russian television in his early 20s to touring internationally, hosting multiple successful podcasts and returning to the Edinburgh Fringe with his brand new show, Catamaran, Milo has become a well-known name on the UK comedy circuit. Milo chats about: 🎭 Building a career in stand-up comedy 🌍 How a gap year in Russia led to him becoming a TV comedian there in his early 20s ⛵ His new show, Catamaran, and the story behind it 🎟️ Why the Edinburgh Fringe sometimes gets an unfair rap and why it can still be accessible for comics 📈 Building an audience on your own terms instead of waiting to be discovered 💼 Why creators and comedians need to think like entrepreneurs 💭 His advice for anyone wanting to build a career in comedy and much more. A funny, insightful conversation about comedy, creative careers and why success doesn't always look the way you expect. 🎙️ Find out more about Milo: 🌐 Website: https://www.miloedwards.co.uk/ 🎟️ Edinburgh Fringe – Catamaran: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/milo-edwards-catamaran Just Get A Real Job links: 💙 Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: Instagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/ justgetarealjob TikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob X (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob All links 🔗https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined by Scottish author Margaret McDonald, who in 2025 became the youngest ever winner of the Carnegie Medal for Writing for her debut novel Glasgow Boys, which has been widely praised for its honest, hopeful portrayal of friendship, identity and growing up in Scotland. Margaret shares the journey behind Glasgow Boys, from writing fanfiction as a teenager in East Kilbride to becoming one of Scotland's most exciting literary voices. Margaret chats about: 📚 The inspiration behind Glasgow Boys and why she wanted to tell a story centred on platonic love ✍️ Writing fanfiction, finding her voice and taking the leap into original fiction ❌ Facing more than 60 rejections before finding an agent 📖 What the publishing process actually looks like, from securing representation to working with editors 🏆 Winning the prestigious Carnegie Medal and how she handled the sudden success 💭 Learning to trust her own creative instincts 📝 Her advice for emerging writers and much more A brilliant conversation about creativity, perseverance and what it really takes to get your first book published. Find out more 📚 📚 Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald:Waterstones - Glasgow Boys 👤 Find out more about Margaret McDonald:Scottish Book Trust Author Profile - Margaret McDonald 💙 Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: Instagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob TikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob X (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob All links 🔗https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined once again by writer and filmmaker Gabriella Leonardi. After moving to London for what was meant to be a two-month acting job, Gabriella is now pursuing a career as a writer and director, developing her own projects and navigating an industry that feels more risk-averse than ever. Gabriella speaks about: 🎬 Why breaking into film feels harder than ever 💰 Making your own work without money or industry connections ⭐ How Sheridan Smith came to appear in one of her short films ✉️ Why she decided to handwrite a letter to Steven Spielberg ❤️ How losing her grandad has made her even more determined to tell the stories that matter to her 🎥 Why she's determined to keep telling the stories she believes in, rather than changing her voice to become more "marketable" 💬 Rejection, resilience and what it really takes to build a creative career on your own terms. A brilliant conversation about what it's really like for many creatives currently. Find out more about Gabriella and her work: 🌐 https://fillinghamweston.com/clients/name/gabriella-leonardi/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/gabriellaleonardi/ 💙 Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: Instagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob TikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob X (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob All links 🔗https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week's episode, Jamie is joined by Chloe Maylaw for an honest conversation about leaving the TV industry, creative burnout and building a life that's more aligned with the work you actually want to make. After a few years of working in television, Chloe made the difficult decision to step away from what many would consider a dream career. She opens up about the realities of working in TV, the impact it had on her mental health, and why leaving ultimately allowed her to focus on her real passion: writing and directing. Chloe spoke about: 🎬 Why she decided to leave the TV industry💼 How a more traditional 9-5 has given her more time and energy to create 🧠 Mental health and trying to find balance as a creative 📱 Building an online audience through honest and relatable videos about her experiences 🎥 Making your own work and creating opportunities 💬 What the TV and film industries need to do better, informed by her current work in HR A thoughtful and honest conversation about having the courage to change direction when something no longer feels right. Links 📸 Chloe Maylaw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloemaylaw_/ 🔗 Chloe's Links & Projects: https://linktr.ee/chloemaylaw_ 💙 Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: Instagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob TikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob X (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob All links 🔗https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast

In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined by Glasgow-based performer and artist Craig Manson for an honest conversation about creativity, performance and the realities of working in the arts today. Known for his satirical and hilarious videos about the arts world, Craig chats about why his content has resonated so strongly with creatives online, and how humour can sometimes become a coping mechanism for industry frustrations. Craig spoke about: 🎭 Building a career across theatre, live art, cabaret and performance 📱 Creating viral content and finding an audience online 😂 Why so many creatives “feel seen” by his videos 🎟️ The realities and frustrations of working in the arts 🎨 Coming from a remote part of Scotland and finding his way creatively 🏴 His upcoming Fringe show Bunny 💬 His advice for aspiring creatives and performers and more A funny, thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation about creativity, identity and trying to survive the arts world with your sense of humour intact. Recorded at The Podcast Studio Glasgow on the 11th of May 🎙️ Out now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. 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/⁠ 🔗 Check out Craig’s work: Instagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/_craigmanson_/?hl=en Fringe show 🎟️https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bunny Website 🌍https://craigmanson.info/ 💙 Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob 🌍 Stay connected with Just Get A Real Job: Instagram 📸https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob TikTok 🎬https://www.tiktok.com/@justgetarealjob X (Twitter) 🐦https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob All links 🔗https://linktr.ee/Justgetarealjobpodcast