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 money to mindset.

We discuss:

💸 Why so ...

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...

🎙️ 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 ...

🎙️ 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...

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 Ma...

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 Sutherlan...

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...

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 cr...

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 need...

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 fo...

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 be...

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

...

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.

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 self-doubt

• Losing my grandad and ...