Creative Full Time – Details, episodes & analysis

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Today we're talking to Janet McMordie, podcast host, actor and doctor! In this conversation we discusse the intersection of medicine and acting, how the pandemic served as a catalyst for career changes and how improv improved her skills as a doctor. We deep dive into the importance of improv in enhancing communication skills in medicine, the evolution of patient-doctor relationships, and the challenges and joys of navigating the acting industry. The discussion also touches on the creation Janet's production company focused on amplifying women's and non-binary stories and careers, the lessons learned in the creative process, and the importance of community in the arts. Janet shares insights on the balance between art and commerce, and offers advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the need to embrace imperfection and take risks in their work.


Chapters

00:00 The Intersection of Medicine and Acting
03:03 The Impact of the Pandemic on Career Choices
06:07 The Role of Improv in Medicine
08:55 The Evolution of Patient-Doctor Relationships
11:49 Navigating the Acting Industry
15:02 The Journey of a Production Company
18:05 The Importance of Community in Creative Spaces
20:51 The Future of the Podcast and Production Company
23:50 Lessons Learned in the Creative Process
27:06 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
30:03 The Balance of Art and Commerce
32:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode Singer, Songwriter and Comedian Lou Laurence shares their journey of creating an album, discussing the challenges and surprises encountered along the way. They reflect on their education in creative writing and how it influenced their music and comedy. We also discuss the importance of deadlines, local arts, and the value of embracing embarrassment in the creative process. 

Follow Lou on instagram [at]loulaurencemusic
Check out her website www.loulaurencemusic.com 
and listen to Montréal Romantic wherever you listen to music! 

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Creating an Album
03:00 Education and the Creative Process
06:03 The Intersection of Music and Comedy
09:06 The Role of Deadlines in Creativity
11:55 The Making of a Jazz Album
15:01 Surprises in the Album Creation Process
17:59 The Importance of Local Arts
21:07 Advice for Aspiring Singer-Songwriters
23:58 Embracing Embarrassment and New Experiences

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In this episode of Creative Full Time, Alison Mullings sits down with Julien Franceschin, a rising creative talent to explore their inspiring journey into acting and the entertainment industry. The guest opens up about their cultural background, early artistic influences, and the challenges of balancing education with a growing acting career.

They share highlights from the Toronto Web Fest, upcoming creative projects, and how they’ve developed a unique comedic voice through performance, writing, and music. The conversation also dives into the importance of skill-building, creative exploration, and perseverance as an artist navigating today’s entertainment world.

This episode is packed with insights, laughter, and heartfelt advice for anyone pursuing a creative career in Canada and beyond.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
03:08 Cultural Background and Early Influences
06:00 The Journey into Acting
09:04 Balancing Education and Acting
11:40 Experiences at Toronto Web Fest
14:50 Upcoming Projects and Aspirations
17:51 Creative Process and Character Development
20:34 Advice for Aspiring Actors
23:27 Musical Talents and Creative Exploration
26:24 Reflections on Growth and Future Goals

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Welcome to Creative Full Time, in this episode I introduce myself, Alison Mullings, tell you what the podcast is about and why I started it. 

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In this episode of Creative Full Time, host Alison Mullings dives into a rich conversation with Nadine Charleson about the journey of becoming an actor and the many paths that shape a creative career. We explore the importance of training and education in the arts, how life experiences influence creativity, and what it truly means to grow as an artist.

We also discuss the craft of directing, the unique skill set behind voice acting, and the challenges of navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry. Nadine talks about the value of failure, resilience, and personal evolution, offering practical advice for aspiring actors and creatives who want to make their mark.

If you're interested in theatre school, voice over acting for video games like STAR WARS or are thinking of going into directing this episode is for you! 

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Acting
02:47 Training and Education in the Arts
06:06 Life Experiences and Their Influence on Creativity
09:08 The Art of Directing and Storytelling
12:02 Voice Acting and Performance Capture
15:01 Navigating the Industry and Creative Constraints
17:57 Embracing Failure and Growth
21:03 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
23:51 Reflections on Life and Career

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In this episode of Creative Full Time, Alison Mullings sits down with Jesse and Ahmed, the creative minds behind King Gilgamesh and the Man of the Wild. Together, they share the story of how their collaboration began, the artistic choices that shaped the production, and the thematic depth woven into their work. We also talk about Ahmed's band and their JUNO NOMINATION! 

The conversation explores how musical fusion enhances storytelling, what it’s like to navigate the rehearsal process as a team, and how Canadian theatre continues to evolve. Jesse and Ahmed also offer inspiring advice for young creators, highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and collaboration in the arts.

GET YOUR TICKETS: https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/gilgamesh

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:43 The Origin Story of a Creative Partnership
03:28 The Evolution of Their Show
06:39 Creative Collaboration and Its Challenges
09:47 The Journey of Touring and Performing
12:55 The Formation of The Band
15:27 Rehearsal Dynamics and Performance Preparation
18:41 Insights on the Canadian Theatre Scene
20:59 Advice for Young Creators
24:07 Thematic Elements of Their Show
26:54 Final Thoughts and Show Promotion

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What does it take to build a career as an actor in today’s competitive industry?

In this episode of Creative Full Time, host Alison Mullings sits down with actor Agape Mngomezulu to talk about his journey from discovering a love for performance in high school to building a career on both stage and screen starting with his current project Romeo Pimp at the King Black Box Theatre (get your tickets now!) 

Agape shares candid insights into his time at Vancouver Film School, and how his training shaped his craft and prepared him for the realities of the industry. He reflects on the differences between working in theatre vs. film, the importance of character development, and how actors can continue to grow their skills over time.

The conversation also explores the business side of acting, including the impact of social media in casting decisions, the value of having a supportive agent, and what resilience looks like when facing rejection and uncertainty. Agape opens up about his personal growth as an artist, lessons learned along the way, and his excitement for future projects.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How early experiences shaped Agape’s passion for acting
- The role of professional training at Vancouver Film School
-Key differences between theatre and film performance
- Why character development is central to great acting
- The influence of social media 
- The importance of agents, community, and mentorship in acting
- How resilience and personal growth fuel long-term success

This episode offers practical advice and inspiration for actors at any stage of their career, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

Subscribe to Creative Full Time for more conversations with actors, directors, and creatives shaping the Canadian entertainment industry.

Resources & Links

Follow Agape Mngomezulu: [at]off.agape

Follow Creative Full Time on Instagram: [at]creativefulltime

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe AND share your thoughts in the comments: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your own creative journey?

Chapters

00:00 The Creative Journey Begins
02:55 Education and Training in the Arts
05:44 Theater vs. Film: A Balancing Act
08:59 Character Development and Challenges
11:44 Advice and Insights from Experience
14:39 Finding the Right Representation
17:48 The Evolution of Artistic Preferences
24:35 Navigating the Transition: Film, TV, and Theater
27:30 Building Chemistry: The Importance of Collaboration
30:30 The Role of Social Media in Casting
36:33 Lessons from the Journey: Advice for Young Creators

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In this episode of Creative Full Time, Alison Mullings speaks with playwright Jesse McQueen about her journey from childhood performances to the development of his powerful play "Romeo Pimp". The play explores the realities of sex trafficking, blending creativity and social impact in a way that challenges both the artist and the audience.

Jesse opens up about the unique challenges of adapting a screenplay into a stage play and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in writing, the courage it takes to share vulnerable and personal work, and the responsibility artists carry when telling stories that deal with difficult but essential topics.

We also explore the broader role of art in creating awareness and education around issues that are often overlooked. Jesse reflects on how creativity can be a force for change, while also offering insight into her own process as a playwright and storyteller. She shares advice to her younger self about embracing failure, taking risks, and allowing the creative process to unfold without fear.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How early creative experiences can shape a lifelong artistic journey
- The challenges of adapting a screenplay for the stage
- Why collaboration is essential in writing and theatre-making
- The role of vulnerability in sharing personal work with an audience
- How theatre can address social issues such as sex trafficking
- Practical advice for creatives on overcoming fear of failure

This episode is an honest and inspiring look at the intersection of personal creativity and social responsibility. Whether you are a playwright, actor, filmmaker, or someone passionate about the power of storytelling, Jesse’s journey offers valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and the impact of art.

Subscribe to Creative Full Time for more in-depth conversations with actors, playwrights, filmmakers, and creatives working in the Canadian entertainment industry.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Jesse McQueen: www.jessemcqueen.com  or on Instagram [at]jessssmcqueen
IMDb: imdb.me/jessemcqueen
Follow Creative Full Time on Instagram: [at]creativefulltime

Chapters
00:00 The Creative Journey Begins
04:48 From Script to Stage: The Birth of Romeo Pimp
09:38 Understanding Romeo Pimping and Its Impact
14:39 The Challenges of Adapting Stories for Theater
19:36 Messages of Hope and Awareness in Art
22:03 The Journey of Collaboration
24:54 Finding a Writing Process
30:14 Advice to Younger Creatives
33:13 Embracing Vulnerability in Creation
38:04 Anticipating the Premiere

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In this episode, Vivien shares her journey through theater and performance, from starring in "Enormity, Girl and the Earthquake in Her Lungs" to navigating the challenges of directing her own work. She opens up about the importance of mentorship, the joy of collaboration, and why strong writing and complex characters are essential to meaningful storytelling.

You’ll hear Vivien’s reflections on:
- The collaborative nature of theater and rehearsals
- Early inspirations and the role of mentorship in acting
- Directing your own work and the lessons learned
- Why good writing and layered characters matter most
- Practical advice for aspiring actors
- How the acting industry is evolving in 2025

This conversation is perfect for actors, theater enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the creative process behind live performance.

Follow Vivien at her website: www.vivienendicottdouglas.ca 
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1659389/
Instagram: [at]vivien.e.douglas

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with Canadian actors and storytellers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
00:49 The Role in 'Earthquake in Her Lungs'
05:59 The Script and Its Unique Qualities
11:53 Rehearsal Process and Collaboration
17:53 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings
23:34 Advice and Personal Growth
29:29 Creating Your Own Work and Directing
31:11 Honoring Grandmothers: A Personal Journey
33:35 The Challenges of Directing and Acting
35:46 Learning Through Collaboration
38:15 The Joy of Directing: Working with Actors
40:25 The Editing Process: A Director's Perspective
42:24 Theater vs. Film: A Passion for Process
48:10 Favorite Projects: Theater and Film Experiences
50:32 Advice to Younger Self: Embracing Authenticity

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In this episode of Creative Full Time, host Alison Mullings sits down with Hools Kay Wyder, the creator of the web series Aced It, to talk about the power of storytelling, representation, and bringing visibility to underrepresented voices in film and television.

Follow Hools on IG [at]hookslaybae 
and follow ACED IT on Tiktok [at]AcedItSeries 
Hools Website: www.hoolskay.com
Link to Tata tata's, help Hools pay to snip the nip!:  https://chuffed.org/project/132934-tata-tatas-help-hools-pay-to-snip-the-nip


🎬 What we cover in this conversation:

The inspiration behind Aced It and why representation matters for the asexual community

The realities of showrunning a web series from concept to production

Challenges faced while navigating the film industry as a creator

How personal storytelling and vulnerability can transform audiences

Lessons Hools has learned as an artist, both creatively and professionally

The importance of building community through authentic stories

This episode is an honest and inspiring look at the creative process and the impact of telling stories that challenge societal norms. Whether you’re a filmmaker, actor, or simply someone passionate about diverse representation in media, you’ll walk away with powerful insights from Hools’s journey.

👉 Subscribe to Creative Full Time for more in-depth conversations with actors, filmmakers, and creatives shaping the Canadian entertainment industry.

✨ Don’t forget to like, share your thoughts in the comments: What stories do you want to see more of in film and TV?

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Aced It: A Personal Journey
19:58 Navigating the Creative Process: From Concept to Production
39:38 The Challenges of Showrunning: Lessons Learned
57:38 Embracing Vulnerability: The Power of Personal Storytelling