Just Get A Real Job – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

In this live discussion, we explore:
🎬 How we got here – from the post-COVID content boom to streamer cutbacks and broadcaster struggles.
💰 The reality of surviving the downturn – with over 50% of workers still out of work and increasing financial pressure.
🔮 What needs to change – exploring solutions, industry trends, and the fight for a more sustainable future.

🔗 Useful links:
📝 Phil’s viral thread
📄 Dr. Richard Wallis’ article
🎙️ The Directors Take Podcast
🎬 Cinora Films

▶️ Watch the full discussion on YouTube
🌍 Visit our website
💙 Support us on Patreon

📲 Follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

🎧 Listen on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

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 dealing with grief

• Networking tips for creatives

• Future goals and what’s next for the podcast

• Mental health in the creative industries

• And much more!

Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about the journey behind the podcast and the ups and downs of building a creative career.

Adair Murray: adairmusic | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree

Links:

Watch on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@justgetarealjob  
 
Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com    
Donate to our Patreon page: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob     
Follow us on...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/    
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/     
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@just.get.a.real.job   
X: https://x.com/justgetarealjob     
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit     
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153     

We’re back! This week, we’re joined by Gabriella Leonardi, who is currently starring in the brilliant new play “Flock” as “Cel". Gabriella is an accomplished actor, writer, poet, and model, with a really inspiring story.  Gabriella chatted to us about:  Forging your own path in a challenging industry Dealing with rejection and setbacks How self-tapes work.  All things Flock.  The hidden dangers of working in creative industries. The importance of staying true to yourself.  Publishing the art of a damaged soul, and much more Gabriella Leonardi: "Flock" @ Soho Theatre: https://sohotheatre.com/events/flock/ "The Art of a Damaged Soul" on Paperback: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-art-of-a-damaged-soul/gabriella-leonardi/9781398440982  Barney Songs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhfYkck5lXs    Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    X: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/

In Episode 59, Jamie has a great chat with Set & Costume Designer Isabella Van Braeckel about everything from her earliest creative memories, her journey into the theatre industry, her day-to-day workings as a Set Designer, working on her current show 'Gatsby' (a musical retelling) and much more.   This week's episode also features a cover of Johnny Cash's 'Four Strong Winds' in tribute to James (Jas) Mackinlay (Jamie's late Grandad). Gone but never forgotten ❤️️   Isabella Van Braeckel: Isabella's Website: https://isabellavanbraeckel.com/ 'Gatsby' at Southwark Playhouse: https://www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show-whats-on/gatsby/    Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/    Like and Subscribe ❤

In Episode 58, Jamie welcomes back Artist & Vlogger Graham Cullis on the podcast for a much overdue catch-up about all the incredible things he's been up to since they last spoke in Episode 13. Discussing everything from Graham's ever growing #KarmaCardProject, 'Youth Art Connect' and using art to empower young people, showing compassion to internet trolls, the importance of building communities, his artistic process and much much more.   Graham Cullis: Graham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grahamcullis/?hl=en  Graham's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Youtube_karmacardproject  'Youth Art Connect' on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthArtConnect/  Episode 13 of 'Just Get a Real Job' with Graham: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TaEVi5XWcnbcN5VlvRyeP    Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/    Like and Subscribe ❤

In Episode 57, Jamie has an interesting chat with production runner and podcaster Alice Johnson about everything from the challenges of getting your first role in TV, being a production runner at ITV, her podcast ‘Overtime’, the pros and cons of social media for creatives and much much more.   Alice Johnson:   ProducedByAlice Website: https://producedbyalice.com/ 'ProducedByAlice' on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/producedbyalice/    Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/    Like and Subscribe ❤

In Episode 56, Jamie has a brilliant conversation with Liverpool-based Jack Mcloughlin (Director) and Shaun Fagan (Actor) about everything from their award-winning short film ‘Bud’, growing up in Liverpool, their biggest creative influences, working on their debut feature film ‘Kate and Jake’ and much much more.    Jack McLoughlin & Shaun Fagan: 'Bud' on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHOOwHRztjY&ab_channel=JackMcLoughlin  Jack on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JmcMcloughlin  Shaun on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShaunFagan91?s=20  'Kate & Jake' on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kateandjakefilm?s=20   Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead    Like and Subscribe ❤

In Episode 55, Jamie has a really interesting conversation with Artist & Writer Joe Capps about everything from his artistic process, leaving his comfortable “real job” to pursue his artistic dreams, balancing writing and painting, creative wellbeing and much much more. Massive thanks again to Joe for coming on the podcast and chatting to us, be sure to check out his art by hitting the link to his Instagram.   Joe Capps: Joe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmkcapps/?hl=en Mylets on Bandcamp: https://myletsband.bandcamp.com/    Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/    Like and Subscribe ❤

In this very special episode and on Just Get A Real Job's 1 year anniversary, Jamie speaks to highly acclaimed Scottish Actors Sara Vickers & Andy Rothney live from the Scottish Youth Film Foundations Annual Festival in Edinburgh. Sara and Andy opened up about their experiences starting out as young actors, their incredible stage and screen careers, their advice for emerging creatives and took questions from the audience.   Sara has started in shows such as ‘Guilt’, ‘Watchmen’ and’ Endeavour’, with Andy starring in ‘The Spanish Princess’, ‘the Victim’ and ‘Mary Queen of Scots’  Recorded live on 23rd of October 2021.   Sara Vickers and Andy Rothney:  Andy Rothney on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4437222/ Sara Vickers on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2335154/   Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/    Like and Subscribe ❤

In Episode 53, Jamie has a great chat with actor Jane McCarry about everything from her earliest creative memories, playing the iconic Isa Drennan in 'Still Game', performing at The Hydro, her advice to younger actors and much more.   Jane McCarry:   Jane McCarry on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565013/    Check out our website!: https://www.justgetarealjob.com   Donate to our Patreon page ☺️: www.patreon.com/justgetarealjob    Check out our YouTube Channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkul72gVEI6BYy2C5tKHig  Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justgetarealjob/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgetarealjob/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/justgetarealjob    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jhVdYlNMU8jrFUQxShMit    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-get-a-real-job/id1540434153    Artwork by Aimee Dinsdale: https://www.instagram.com/artbyaimeead/    Like and Subscribe ❤