Starving Artists

David Ireland is a playwright, screenwriter and actor from Belfast. His first play, What the Animals Say, was produced at Oran Mor, Glasgow in 2011. He was Playwright-in-Residence at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast in 2012. He went on to win the Meyer Whitworth Award in 2012 for his second play, Everything Between Us, produced by Tinderbox Theatre Company in Belfast. In 2016 Cyprus Avenue, starring Stephen Rea, opened at the Royal Court Theatre, London and the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, before transferring to the Public Theatre, New York. It won the Irish Times Award for Best New Play and the James Tait Black Award in 2017. In 2018, Ulster American was produced at the Traverse Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. It won a Scotsman Fringe First and the Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland for Best New Play. Ulster American was revived by Second Half Productions at Riverside Studios, London in 2023 starring Woody Harrelson, Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland. His other plays include Not Now, Sadie, Yes So I Said Yes, The End of Hope andCan't Forget About You. His first TV series, The Lovers, was broadcast on Sky Atlantic in 2023. His new TV series, Cold Water, starring Andrew Lincoln, is currently in production and will be broadcast on ITV in 2025. As an actor, he is best known for playing Clare's Dad in Derry Girls. He lives in Glasgow with his wife Jennifer and two children, Ada and Elijah and he just so happens to be one of my favourite playwrights. For bonus content, early access and much more please support us over at Patreon patreon.com/user?u=30855788 . You can also support by making a one time contribution at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart Follow us on instagram @starvingartists_pod

If you would like access to the full episode, as well as other bonus episodes, and early access to all episode, please support my little ol' podcast over at Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=30855788 Thank you x

Adam is a multidisciplinary artist whose work transcends traditional theatrical boundaries, inhabiting a fluid space between live art and physical theatre. With a bold avant-garde aesthetic, Adam’s work explores themes of compassion and existentialism, challenging audiences to confront deeper emotional truths in unexpected ways. Adam trained at The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and works as an actor, writer, director, and teacher. As a theatre practitioner, Adam teaches at The Danish National School of Performing Arts, where he developed and directs his methodology, ‘The Sensitised Theatre.’ He has taught at a range of institutions, including the Copenhagen International School of Performing Arts, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Mountview, ArtsEd, and the National Youth Theatre. Adam is also a qualified secular mindfulness practitioner and is authorised to teach mindfulness by the Mindfulness Association; having completed their Mindfulness, Compassion, Insight, and 2-year teacher training pathway. He holds a Postgraduate Degree in the Studies of Mindfulness from the University of Aberdeen. Art of the Week: Freddy Got Fingered - Adam's pick Taste of Cherry - Dan's pick Artist Spotlight of the Week: Hofesh - Adam's pick Grusomhettens Teater - Dan's pick If you enjoy this podcast and would like to support it and get members only benefits such as early access to episodes, bonus episodes and more, please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/user?u=30855788 . You can also make a one off donation to help with the running and growth of this podcast at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart . Thank you.

Kerry Shale is a Canadian actor, VoiceOver artist, writer and podcast co-host. His career spans more than 4 decades and includes theatre work at The National, The Almeida, The Hampstead, The Donmar Warehouse, The Royal Court among others. Selected credits on screen include Yentl, The Trip, Wednesday, The Sandman, Patrick Melrose and many many more. He is a prolific VoiceOver actor, as well as co-host of the podcast 'Is it Rolling Bob?' - a podcast about the life and work of Bob Dylan. Among other subjects Kerry and I discussed Wallace Shawn, BOB DYLAN (!), reframing your artistic goals, what are the keys to a career of longevity within this industry, cats, working with Michael Winterbottom, and much more. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider becoming a Patreon subscriber. For £5 per month you get bonus episodes, early access and much more. patreon.com/user?u=30855788 You can also support the podcast with a one-off contribution at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart

Theo Toksvig-Stewart is an internationally produced, multi-award nominated writer for stage, screen, and radio. He is a BAFTA Connect member, and an alumnus of the BBC Writersroom Drama Room, and the Minack Emerging Playwright programme. His first play 'Endless Second', which blew me away when I first saw at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019, was nominated for the Holden Street Theatre Award and the Sit Up Award at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe. The play's adaptation for BBC Radio 4 was featured in the Observer, Sunday Times, and Mail on Sunday's Pick of the Week and received a special mention at the 2022 Prix Italia. Theo is a supremely gifted writer, and I'm very pleased to say, an extremely warm, kind and compassionate friend. I could have spoken to him for hours and hours, but here's the one hour fifty minutes we're putting out to the world. I hope you enjoy. info@yellowhatproduction.co.uk patreon.com/user?u=30855788 buymeacoffee.com/starvingart @starvingartists_pod (Instagram)

Far too few people in this life have even one teacher who has inspired them. I have been lucky enough to have a few in my time, and this man was the first. Stephen Pritchard read English at Oxford and studied William Blake's visionary work for his PhD, before working as a music journalist. Upon interviewing the great Peter Gabriel, they both subsequently went on to become to parts of the founding members of World of Music, Arts & Dance (WOMAD). The next thirty-plus years were spent as an educator, which is where I was lucky enough to come into contact with Stephen and his work. He is secretary of the Blake Society, a committee member of the Jung Lectures, Bristol, as well as director and writer of Blake inspired one-man show 'Albion, Awake!'

This week I am delighted to introduce actor, songwriter, BAFTA Nominee, and old friend of mine from our drama school days - Leah Harvey. Since graduating from LAMDA in 2016, Leah has gone from strength to strength, appearing both on our screens, as well as on some of the biggest stages in this country and abroad. Some of her credits include: Fighting with My Family (Channel 4 Films), Sweetpea (Sky), Foundation (Apple TV), Les Miserables (BBC), As You Like It (Soho Place), Small Island (The National), Emilia (The Globe) and The Donmar's Shakespeare Trilogy. I am so proud of all Leah's accomplishments, but what I'm more proud of is how they’ve dealt with success, and managed to remain the kind, loving and generous soul they always were, going back to the days when we were both 18 year old babies rolling around dirty floors at a drama school in West London. Art of the Week: Hi Ren by Ren (Leah's Pick) When I Paint My Masterpiece by Bob Dylan (Dan's Pick) Artist Spotlight of the Week: Jordan Stevens (Leah's pick) John O'Donohue (Dan's pick) Become a Patreon Subscriber: patreon.com/user?u=30855788 Support us on Buy Me a Coffee: buymecoffee.com/starvingart Instagram: @starvingartists_pod

This is a trailer for EP#30 of the podcast and Bonus Episode #2. The bonus episodes are exclusively for my wonderful Patreon subscribers. For early access, bonus episodes and much more, please consider subscribing today at patreon.com/user?u=30855788 Merci beaucoup mon amis!

I will simply say that this is one of the most insightful, interesting and wonderful conversations I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of. Henry Shukman is a poet, writer and - more prominently in the last few decades - a zen Buddhist master. Henry runs the Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He wrote his first book at the age of 19, subsequently publishing several award books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. His work has been included in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The London Review of Books, among others. He has taught meditation at Google, Harvard Business School, United World College and many more. His new app, The Way, is a fantastic tool for meditators of whatever amount of or lack of experience and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Likewise, his most recent book Original Love is a beautiful description of his approach to life and meditation. Art of the Week: The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry (Henry’s pick) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Dan’s pick) Artist Spotlight of the Week: DH Lawrence (Henry’s pick) If you enjoy this podcast and would like access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, and much more, please consider becoming a Patreon member at patreon.com/user?u=30855788 . You can also support the podcast with a one-time contribution at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart , thank you.

I am delighted to introduce Gordi to the podcast this week. Gordi (born Sophie Peyton) is an Australian singer-songwriter whose music I describe as 'a punch to the heart', in the best way possible. Gordi has had an unbelievable career so far, in a relatively short space of time. Her debut album Reservoir is a particular favourite of mine. Her debut single Can We Work It Out was featured on the Vampire Diaries, her 2017 single Heaven I Know was featured on the tenth season of The Walking Dead. She also co-wrote the theme song for the Oscar-nominated animated short The Mitchell's vs. The Machines. She has toured extensively across the globe and worked with some incredible artists, including Bon Iver, The Tallest Man on Earth, Gang of Youths, Julien Baker, Ben Bohmer, The Blaze, Helado Negro, Loraine James and Maggie Lindemann. If you would like to support this podcast, become a Patreon member for £5 a month at patreon.com/user?u=30855788 and enjoy access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, access to our chat community, voting rights on guests, and the opportunity to have your questions read out on the podcast. You can also support us with a one-time contribution at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart @starvingartists_pod (Instagram) @gordimusic (Instagram)

I am thrilled to have Alexa Morden on the podcast this week. Alexa is an actor, writer, podcaster and coach, and you may know her as the co-host of the brilliant The 98% Podcast, which was a real inspiration for me to start this podcast, so thank you Alexa for that! Alexa is a shining light in an industry that can often be dark and difficult. Her work in exposing industry malpractice, as well as championing and supporting voices of those who have been mistreated has taken courage, determination and hard work. I am thrilled to have her on the podcast. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon (patreon.com/user?u=30855788), by supporting us on Patreon you get early access, bonus episodes, as well as a whole range of other member benefits. You can also support us with a one-time contribution on Buy Me a Coffee (buymeacoffee.com/starvingart) Instagram: @starvingartists_pod

Hello there, today I bring you something a little different. From this point forwards these bonus episodes will only be available to our lovely Tier 2 Patreon subscribers, but I wanted to give you all the chance to listen to the first bonus episode to see if it's something you enjoy enough to subscribe to Tier 2. This week I talk about The Blindboy Podcast, Irish art and culture, my Dublin accent, Colin Farrell, Tom Waits, ASMR, 'bad' singing voices, ego within art, and my struggles with ego death and the Dark Night of the Soul. Art of the Week: Bone Machine by Tom Waits (album) Artist Spotlight of the Week: Leah Haile (actor) You can support the podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/user?u=30855788 or on buymeacoffee.com/starvingart

This week I welcome the talented, genuine and generous Tom Bright onto the podcast. Tom is a musician and songwriter, who has gone from strength to strength since his debut album Self-Service Checkout in 2020. Since then he has gone on to feature on the One Show, BBC Radio 2, BBC 5 Live, Radio X, as well performing at iconic venues and festivals such as the London Palladium, Shepherd's Bush Empire and Glastonbury Festival. As well as playing his own headline shows throughout Europe, he has also supported The Libertines, The Leisure Society, Mystery Jets, Tom Grennan and Reverend & The Makers, to name but a few. His music also spent two years featuring on Spotify's 'Most Beautiful Songs in the World' playlist. Before his musical endeavours, Tom was once the UK’s youngest pub landlord, and is also a former patient of Great Ormond Street Hospital, undergoing a multitude of major life-saving operations. His third album, ‘Somewhere Anywhere’ - produced by Ed Harcourt and mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios - was released in October 2023 and is his most personal and reflective work to date. Tom has been a real inspiration and help to me as well as other young musicians by hosting Bright Nights, an open mic event across London that seeks to showcase new and emerging talent in the music industry. It was a pleasure to talk to him, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If you would like to support the podcast, you can make a contribution on buymeacoffee.com/starvingart , all money goes back into paying for and improving the podcast.

Rosa is an actor and writer whose plays include Madame Ovary, premiering at the Pleasance in Edinburgh in 2019, before going on to run at Vault Festival in 2020. As an actor she has worked with Hull Truck, The Arcola, Wildchild Productions and on multiple UK Tours, as well as for the BBC and Netflix, about to appear in the upcoming series of Bridgerton. Rosa was a beautiful guest to get to sit down and chat to. Her resilience, humour and kindness are palpable and it was a joy to sit down with her and have this conversation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. @rosahesmondhalgh (Instagram) Art of the Week: Mr Bachmann and His Class (Documentary) - Rosa's pick Zone of Interest (Film) - Dan's pick Artist Spotlight of the Week: Jen Eve (Musician) - Rosa's pick Josh Eldridge-Smith (Actor) - Dan's Pick If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/user?u=30855788 or on Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/starvingart

This week we welcome acting mentor and career coach Charlotte Thornton to the podcast. Charlotte trained at Mountview and after graduating without an agent, she worked primarily in Fringe Theatre before an encounter with a career coach specifically in LA changed the trajectory of her career. After going on to appear on the West End and at The National Theatre, Charlotte has gone on to coach actors at every stage of their career. Her wisdom and advice was so good to hear and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. @charlottethornton_coach (Instagram) @charliethornton (twitter) https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteThorntonPage https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn9Vg5D-7qn0lZIDme-LNjg If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon patreon.com/user?u=30855788 or over at Buy Me a Coffee buymeacoffee.com/starvingart

This week we welcome actor Shelby Flannery to the podcast. Shelby is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shelby trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has gone on to appear on stage and screen in The 100, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, FBI: Most Wanted, and short film Together, as well as working with Krymov Lab in New York. She stars in the film 'April', that will be coming soon in 2024. Art of the Week: Simone Leigh (artist) - Shelby's pick Belfast (film) - Dan's pick Artist Spotlight of the Week: Kara Jackson (poet and musician) - Shelby's pick Mon Rovia (musician) - Dan's pick If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon patreon.com/user?u=30855788 , it helps us cover our costs and build the podcast to be as good as it can be. You can also support us with a one off contribution over at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart @shelby.flannery (instagram) @danieljcrespin (instagram) @starvingartists_pod (instagram)

This week I am delighted to introduce to the podcast the incredible Emmanuel Olusanya. Emmanuel is an actor, musician and podcast host. Since graduating from LAMDA Emmanuel has released three singles: Runnin' (2022), Let's Go (2022), La tete dans les etoiles (2023), and last year he released his debut EP 'Genre Pending'. He has also appeared in Phaedra at the National Theatre, as well as Eastenders on your tellybox, and theatre credits for the King's Head Theatre, Proforca Theatre, Terra Nova Productions and Hammerpuzzle. He is also a co-host of The Crunchtime Podcast which you can find in the links below. He's a former Artist Spotlight of the Week and it was an honour to sit down and chat with him. Art of the Week: Carol and the End of the World (TV) - Emmanuel's Pick Casino (Film) - Dan's pick Artist Spotlight of the Week: Karim the Peasant & Massage (Musicians) - Emmanuel's picks The Chi-Lites (Band) - Dan's pick Follow Emmanuel on Instagram @emmanlovinlife for all links to his music, and @crunchtimethepodcast for links to find episodes. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon. For your membership you will get early access, bonus episodes, ad-free listening and much much more. patreon.com/user?u=30855788 You can also support us with a one time contribution at Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/starvingart Go to Preworn.ltd and use code: starvingartists25 at checkout for 25% off your first order. For video episodes, follow our shenanigans on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StarvingArtistsPodcast

We are back with a bang for 2024! I am so honoured to welcome Andrea von Kampen to the podcast this week. Andrea is an American musician who has been likened to Nick Drake by The New York Times. She has worked with some of the finest folk musicians working today, including The Tallest Man on Earth, Punch Brothers, Anais Mitchell's band Bonny Light Horsemen, Lief Vollebekk and many others. After releasing a handful of EP's she released her debut 'Old Country' in 2019, following it up in 2021 with the album 'That Spell'. Her new album 'Sister Moon' will be released in March 2024. She also starred in and scored the film 'A Chance Encounter', available now on Amazon Prime. It was such a pleasure to talk with Andrea and you can find links to her social media and website below: andreavonkampen.com Instagram: @andreavonkampen Twitter/X: @avonkampen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ps9u0MZquDDBReh8XuBeY?si=DIpmTF48TNO7XYeX03QnzA If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon. For your membership you will get early access, bonus episodes, ad-free listening and much much more. patreon.com/user?u=30855788 You can also support us with a one time contribution at Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/starvingart For video episodes, follow our shenanigans on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StarvingArtistsPodcast

This week I welcome a guest who has a very special place in my heart. When I had to step away from drama school in 2015, I had a year before I returned and it was the darkest period of my life. Ella had left the same drama school due to similar mental health reasons in 2014 and her love, care and guidance may have saved my life. She gave me hope again and I gained a truly special friend, and for that I will always be grateful to her. If you enjoy this podcast you can support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=30855788) or with a one-time payment on Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/starvingart) @starvingartists_pod (Instagram) Art of the Week: The Sopranos (Television Series) - Ella's pick Graceland by Paul Simon (Album) - Dan's pick Artist Spotlight of the Week: Martin Parr (Photographer) - Ella's pick Steven Adler (Musician) - Dan's pick

This week it is my pleasure to welcome my wonderful friend and fellow drama school dropout Ella Mitchell on to Starving Artists. Ella and I trained at LAMDA together, however due to struggles with mental health at the time, we each had to drop out at different times. Ella is a truly special person to me, as she was a real rock to me when I had to step away from drama school and I think her care and love was one of the things that may have saved me during that very dark time in my life. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I did having it. You can support the podcast on our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/user?u=30855788 or with a one-time payment at buymeacoffee.com/starvingart @starvingartists_pod (Instagram) Art of the Week: The Sopranos (Television Program) - Ella's pick Graceland by Paul Simon (Album) - Dan's pick Artist Spotlight of the Week: Martin Parr (Photographer) - Ella's pick Steven Adler (Musician) - Dan's pick Ella's Artistic Role Model: Sinead O'Connor (Musician)