On today's show I'm talking to one of my good friends from uni, Freya Yeldham, all about her dissertation topic: Pussy Riot and Performance Protest. Pussy Riot are a highly controversial Russian-based feminist punk group, so this was a really brilliant discussion that taught me a lot!!

To keep up to date with Freya's acting, theatre and politics, then follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/freyaaaclare

If you enjoyed the show then you can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Hosted by John Reynolds. Jingle by Gabriel Ness

Today I'm talking to Pruthvi Khilosia, my friend from college, who is a freelance journalist and lover of stories. We're talking about South Asian Identity in the media: how true some of the stereotypes are about Indian and Pakistani families living in Britain, and what a diverse, balanced film industry should look like. He wrote a brilliant article which I reference a couple of times in the episode which you can visit here: https://bylinetimes.com/2020/07/30/our-lives-matter-the-generational-fears-holding-young-asian-people-back/ 

If you're interested in following Pruthvi's journey then I definitely recommend following his Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/pruthviproductions/

If you enjoyed the podcast then you can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Hosted by John Reynolds. Jingle by Gabriel Ness

Today I spoke to my internet buddy Jamie Goodman, the host of the brilliant Red's Ramblings Podcast, all about why he decided to dedicate a series on his show to learning about different cultures around the world. We talk about the value of making friends from all around the world and how the internet has made that so much more accessible, growing up in a small town and wanting to explore more of the world, and why it's important to be curious. Jamie also offers some great tips for anyone hoping to set up a podcast of their own.

If you'd like to listen to Red's Ramblings then you can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts from! You can follow his show on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/redsramblings1/

If you enjoyed the show then you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Hosted by John Reynolds. Jingle by Gabriel Ness

In today's episode I interview Ekwa Msangi, director of the film "Farewell Amor." The synopsis: Esther and Sylvia arrive from Angola to live with Walter, who left his war-torn homeland 17 years ago. Sharing a tiny apartment in Brooklyn, they try to rebuild their lives together and overcome the personal and political differences that developed in their years apart. Walter accepts that he can no longer play the role of the single man, while Esther has become a devout Christian, secretly sending what little they earn to her church back home. Meanwhile, Sylvia tries to adjust to life in this foreign land. Presenting the emotional journey of three characters as they struggle to reconnect, filmmaker Ekwa Msangi’s sensitive and thought-provoking drama succeeds in offering us a glimpse into the experiences of New York’s African immigrant population.

If you enjoy today's episode then you can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

I'm back from my break to talk about my favourite film I saw at the BFI London Film Festival 2020: Thomas Vinterberg's brilliant "Another Round." The film stars Mads Mikkelsen as a History teacher in a bit of a rut, so gets together with his friends to test a theory that says humans are born with an alcohol deficit, and that we're more productive and confident when we have 0.05% of alcohol in our bloodstream at all times. I'm joined by two Danish cinephiles (Vibe Kellerman and Theo Refsgaard) who kindly shared their thoughts on the film and how accurate a depiction it was of Danish culture.

If you enjoyed the podcast then you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

I was lucky enough to be accepted to do press for the BFI London Film Festival 2020! Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching Peter Murimi's new documentary "I Am Samuel" and then being able to speak to him afterwards about it. We spoke all about the LGBT experience in Nairobi, some of the misconceptions about Kenya that Westerners may learn from his film, and the importance of keeping hope when there is nothing else.

Samuel grew up on a farm in the Kenyan countryside, where tradition is valued above all else. He moves to Nairobi in search of a new life, where he finds belonging in a community of fellow queer men where he meets and falls in love with Alex. Their love thrives even though Kenyan laws criminalize anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, and together they face threats of violence and rejection. Samuel’s father, a preacher at the local church, doesn’t understand why his son is not yet married and Samuel must navigate the very real risk that being truthful to who he is may cost him his family’s acceptance. Filmed over five years, I Am Samuel is an intimate portrait of a Kenyan man balancing pressures of family loyalty, love, and safety and questioning the concept of conflicting identities.

If you enjoy the podcast then you can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/

Hosted by John Reynolds

Today I talk to a wonderful and unique creator, Heather Kennedy, who set up "It Was Made At Midnight" earlier this year. Heather makes adorable needle felted mice from scratch, and after being internet friends for so long I decided it was finally time to talk face-to-face and get her on the show!

If you want to check out Heather's mice, then you can follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/itwasmadeatmidnight/ or visit her Etsy at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/itwasmadeatmidnight/

If you enjoy the podcast then you can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Hosted by John Reynolds

Today I'm talking to a very inspiring independent documentary filmmaker who finds the pleasure and beauty in the relaxing things in life. Peter has been creating short videos documenting his town Weymouth which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/user/zzippster . We spoke about the importance of independent media in an era dominated by mainstream media and making profit from news.

If you enjoyed today's episode then you can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Happy October! That can only mean one thing, can't it? Halloween is at the end of the month! If you're a fan of all things spooky, then why not join me and Martha in our "Spooktober" challenge. It's simple: watch 31 horror films in 31 days. Post each film you watch to your Instagram story, tag @artimitateslifepodcast and hashtag it #Spooktober ! Hope to see you again at the end of the month where we will be recapping and reviewing the 31 horror films we saw. To see my watchlist for the month go to: https://letterboxd.com/john_reynolds/list/spooktober-2020/

If you enjoy the podcast then you can follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Today I talk to acting coach Mark Westbrook about Post-Performance Depression, a temporary form of depression that performers feel after finishing a show or project. We discuss why it's so important for artists to reflect on themselves after finishing a performance, ways to deal with Post-Performance Depression, and why self-care is not only vital for creators, but for everyone. If you want to hear more from Mark, you can visit his website: https://actingcoachscotland.co.uk/ or find him on social media. If you enjoyed the podcast then you can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/artimitateslifepodcast/ or buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/artimitateslife

Jingle by Gabriel Ness. Hosted by John Reynolds.