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Lewis Clarke (Creative Director) on why you need to slow down to speed up in the creative industry

We sit down with creative director Lewis Clarke to explore the realities of building a sustainable and inspiring career in design. Lewis thinks that in a world demanding constant speed and reactivity, the true secret to brilliant work is actually slowing down. He shares his journey from early days sketching comic strips for his dentist to shooting the award winning Clarks in New York Soul of the City campaign. Throughout our chat, Lewis reflects on the vital importance of remaining curious and drawing inspiration from the real world, whether that is striking up conversations with strangers or admiring street art in Bristol. He also unpacks his complex relationship with artificial intelligence. Rather than fearing it, Lewis believes we must harness AI as a tool to elevate fresh ideas, ensuring we do not just remix what already exists. However, his true passion right now lies in the resurgence of tactile, analogue craft. Lewis opens up about navigating self doubt, treating it not as a roadblock but as a clear sign that you are venturing into exciting, uncharted territory. He also champions the power of collaboration, reminding us to leave our egos at the door and involve specialists early on to create truly authentic work. Tune in for a refreshing, grounded take on staying present, mastering your craft, and finding beauty in the creative struggle.

Mike Bailey (Actor, Skins) on why he left acting behind

In this episode Mike Bailey reflects on the whirlwind experience of being thrust into the spotlight as Sid in the hit teen drama Skins, and why he eventually chose to walk away from the acting world. He thinks the entire concept of acting is fundamentally ridiculous, playfully noting the absurdity of watching famous faces pretend to be everyday people. From his initial jealousy watching the Lord of the Rings trailers to navigating a gruelling six-part audition process for Skins while still at college, Mike provides a refreshingly honest look at his early career. He opens up about the lack of support and training young actors receive for the inevitable periods of unemployment, shedding light on the harsh reality that the average actor earns a mere £8,000 a year. Rather than clinging to past glory or milking a beloved character, Mike believes in bowing out gracefully. He shares how moving to London and transitioning into a career as a drama teacher brought him the stability and joy that the erratic audition circuit never could. Now a dedicated father and educator, he finds profound fulfilment in helping the next generation of performers find their feet. Whether he is advising his younger self to invest in Bitcoin or fondly remembering his teenage paper round, Mike's grounded perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into life after teenage stardom.

Gaurav Kumar (Exec Producer) on shooting for the NFL and the journey from client services to the pinnacle of sports production

Starting a business is rarely a straightforward leap - but today Fresh Base operates at the pinnacle of sports production, partnering with massive global names like the NFL. For Gaurav Kumar, founder of Fresh Base, the journey began in agency client services, working on prominent household brands. Yet, it was a taste of the sports marketing world with New Balance that sparked a true passion. He realised that working on projects he didn't care about felt empty, prompting him to slowly build his own portfolio as a freelance producer. This transition was a delicate balancing act of juggling multiple roles, working side hustles, and raising a growing family. Gaurav thinks the secret to thriving in this high pressure environment is assembling a specialised team that lives and breathes sports culture. He also reflects on the emotional power of sports as a universal unifier, noting how the dedication and sacrifice of elite athletes continually inspire his work. From learning to delegate effectively to navigating the nuances of feed breaking social edits, his story is a blueprint for scaling a modern creative agency while remaining deeply connected to the work you love.

Matt Gale (Brand, ex-Deloitte) on "the things that make you weird as a kid make you great today"

We often spend our careers trying to fit into a mould that wasn't built for us. We sit down with Matt Gale, Director of Brand and Creative Content, ex-Deloitte, in a conversation that wanders from the anxiety of 'best practice' to the liberation of embracing your own history. Matt shares a pivotal realisation inspired by James Victore: the specific quirks and obsessions you had as a child are actually the raw materials for your future success. Matt takes us through his non-linear journey, starting with a law degree he didn't want, moving through the corporate world and eventually finding his home in creative leadership. He believes that creativity isn't about how you dress or whether you can draw, but about how you solve problems and connect with people. We discuss his seven content principles, including the idea that you must know the story you want to tell before you figure out how to tell it. Matt thinks that if you can widen your lens and come from a place of inspiration rather than desperation, the results will follow and why your childhood obsessions might just be your superpower."

#006 - David Davis (EP) on building HBO's 'Industry' and surviving the brutal economics of modern TV

David reflects on a career that spans from the energetic days of T4 and Newsround to navigating the high stakes world of scripted drama. He opens up about the complex financial realities of modern television, explaining the gap between traditional broadcast license fees and the soaring costs of production driven by streaming giants. You'll hear the fascinating backstory of how 'Industry' evolved from a vague pitch about banking into a sharp generation-defining drama, largely thanks to the undeniable talent of Myha'la Herrold who completely reshaped the protagonist role. Whether you are an aspiring writer or just a TV fan, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the tenacity required to succeed in the screen trade.