Just Get A Real Job
by Jamie Mackinlay
A podcast that demystifies the creative industries, hosted by Scottish Script Editor Jamie Mackinlay. Each week, Jamie chats with creatives at different stages of their careers about the highs, lows and everything in between. Perfect for anyone interested in working in the arts, Just Get A Real Job celebrates creativity in all its forms and offers insight, humour, and advice for anyone starting out or trying to navigate a career in the arts.
Episodes
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EP. 206 - The TV Industry Is Sinking. So What Comes Next? | Philip Ralph
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…
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EP. 205 - Freelancing, 200 Episodes & What’s Next
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...
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EP. 204 - 'Surviving 35 Years in the Arts' | Justin Butcher
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...
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EP. 203 - 'The Arts Is an Ultramarathon' | Emery Schaffer
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...
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EP. 202 - Susie McCabe on Class, Comedy & Who Gets a Chance
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…
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EP. 201 - ‘From Musical Theatre to New York Stand-Up’ | Drew Lausch
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...
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EP. 200 - ‘Learning to Slow Down in an Industry That Never Stops’ | Brownbear
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...
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EP. 199 - Being Different Is Your Biggest Creative Advantage | Olivia Claw & Fraser Scott
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...
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EP. 198 - Can You Actually Make a Living as an Actor in Scotland? | Darren Brownlie
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…
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EP. 197 - Acting, The Apprentice & Creating Opportunities for Young Performers | Reece Donnelly
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…
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EP. 196 - Milo Edwards: 'Stand-Up, the Edinburgh Fringe & Building Your Own Audience'
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…
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EP. 195 - 'My Award-Winning Book Was Rejected Over 60 Times’ | Margaret McDonald
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...
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EP. 194 - 'How Do Debut Filmmakers Get Their Chance?' | Gabriella Leonardi
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…
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EP. 193 - 'Why I Had To Leave TV' | Chloe Maylaw
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...
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EP. 192 - 'Finding Humour in a Broken Industry' | Craig Manson
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...
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EP. 191 - 'The Reality of Being an Artist' | David Kirkman
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…
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EP. 190 - ‘What It’s Really Like Being a Poet in 2026' | Robbie Hood
In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined by poet Robbie Hood to talk about what it actually looks like to build a creative career right now. From starting out at open mics to finding an audience online, Robbie shares his journey into poetry and how social media has helped him get his work seen by…
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EP. 189 – ‘Being an Acting Agent’ | Ruth Hollyman
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...
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EP. 188 - ‘Building a Career as a Poet' | Luke Wright
In this week’s episode, Jamie is joined by poet Luke Wright to talk about what it actually means to build a career as a full-time poet. Luke has been writing and performing poetry for over 25 years, taking his work to theatres, festivals and pubs across the world. He’s created fifteen solo shows,...
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EP .187 - ‘Finding New Ways of Working' | Live at the HB Film Festival
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...
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EP. 186 - 'Taking Control of Your Creative Career' with Karla Williams Posiuniene
In the first episode of 2026, Jamie is joined by writer, executive producer and founder of MsMono, Karla Williams Posiuniene, for an honest conversation about taking control of your creative career and what it’s really like being a writer in a changing media landscape. Karla opened up about: 🎬...
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EP. 185 - 'Growth, Graft & Staying the Course' with Ashley Dick
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...
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EP. 184 - ‘The Future of Indie Filmmaking' with Hutch.on.Film
This week, Jamie sits down with Hutch.on.Film for a really interesting conversation. Hutch is leading the charge in helping a new generation of indie filmmakers find and build an audience. Having worked across a number of projects in Hollywood including as an Executive Producer on the...
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EP. 183 - 'The Creative Industries Minister' Ian Murray MP
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...
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Ep. 182 - ‘Going Full-Time in Comedy’ with Kate Hammer
This week, Jamie sits down once again with comedian and writer Kate Hammer for a funny, honest and wide-ranging chat about navigating life as a freelancer in 2025. Since she was last on the podcast, Kate has gone full-time as a stand-up comic and writer and is now literally a government-approved...
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EP. 181 - 'Inside An Indie Record Label ' with Blackhall Records
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...
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EP. 180 - 'How Art Saved My Life' with Graham Cullis
This week, Jamie reconnects with artist and creator Graham Cullis, who returns to the podcast after four years for an open and inspiring chat about art, meditation, and the life-changing path he’s been on since they last spoke. They chat about: ✨ Graham’s Splat & Splash Tour, travelling around…
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EP. 179 - 'Brave New Work: How Filmmakers Are Adapting in a Difficult Climate' (Live at _And Friends)
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...
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EP. 178 - 'How TV Is Failing the Working Class' with Philip Ralph
This week, Jamie welcomes back screenwriter Philip Ralph for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about class, creativity, and the ongoing crisis facing the TV industry. 💬 We chatted about everything from: 📺 How class continues to shape opportunity and representation 🎭 What the future…
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'Hello, how are you? (Podcast Update)’
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.…
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Ep. 177 - ‘What’s It Really Like to Be a BBC Commissioner?’ with Nick Lambon
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at the heart of British television? BBC Commissioner Nick Lambon lifts the curtain on the realities of commissioning, producing and making some of the UK’s biggest shows. This week, Jamie sits down with Nick Lambon, Commissioning Editor at the BBC, for an...
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EP. 176- 'Finding Joy in the Chaos' with Sanjay Lago
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,...
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EP. 175 - 'Building a Better Future for Young Creatives' with Sam Hornsby (ERIC App)
With the UK’s creative industries valued at over £100 billion and growing faster than the national economy, why is it still so hard for young people to break in & have sustainable careers? In this episode, Jamie chats with Sam Hornsby, co-founder of ERIC, the free career exploration app helping...
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Ep. 174 - 'Football, Fringe Dreams & Finding Your Voice' with Kate Coulson
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...
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Ep. 173 - ‘Creativity vs Commerce: Finding the Balance’ – with Carlo Cavagna
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Carlo Cavagna Vice President of U.S. Operations at Two Daughters Entertainment and a key force behind the global writing programme PageCraft 🎬🌍 Carlo has worked across the creative industries for over two decades from helping launch Lionsgate’s early VOD...
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EP. 172 - ‘Creating the Community You Wish Existed’ with Cat MacLeod
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...
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Ep. 171 - Rethinking Money, Work & Self-Worth as a Creative with David Thomas
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…
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Ep. 170 - ‘Finding Fun in a Crazy Industry’ with Lizzy Skrzypiec
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...
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Ep. 169 - Making Music in 2025: ‘waverley.’ on Graft, Growth & Getting Heard
🎙️ 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...
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Ep. 168 - ‘Growing an Improv Scene’ with Martin James
🎙️ 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…
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Ep. 167 - ‘The Cancellation of River City and What It Means for TV’
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…
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EP. 166 – Storytelling, Social Mobility & Building a Hit Podcast with David McIntosh Jr.
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...
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Ep. 165: ‘Making the Arts Inclusive for All’ with Robert Softley Gales
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...
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Ep. 164 - ‘Being a Creative in 2025’ with James Piercy and Tayla Kenyon
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...
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Ep. 163 – 'The TV Industry Is Broken, How Do We Fix It?' with Claire Duffy
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...
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Ep.162 – ‘Making Broadway Dreams a Reality’ with Drew Gasparini
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...
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Ep. 161 – 'Telling Stories for Stage & Screen' with Morna Young
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...
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Ep. 160 – ‘Making a Career in Comedy’ with Jordan Brookes
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…
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EP. 159 - 'The UK TV Industry is in Crisis: What Happens Now?’ | A Live Panel Discussion
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...
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Ep. 158 - Q&A 4 Year Special – "Imposter Syndrome, Growth, Creative Careers, Lessons & Grief”
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...
About this show
A podcast that demystifies the creative industries, hosted by Scottish Script Editor Jamie Mackinlay. Each week, Jamie chats with creatives at different stages of their careers about the highs, lows and everything in between. Perfect for anyone interested in working in the arts, Just Get A Real Job celebrates creativity in all its forms and offers insight, humour, and advice for anyone starting out or trying to navigate a career in the arts.
Hosted by
Jamie Mackinlay