In this episode, Emily Gant interviews Marina, the founder of Atma Portrait Studio in Berlin. They discuss the unique concept of the studio, which caters to camera-shy individuals and aims to boost self-confidence through photography. Marina shares her journey of starting a small business, the challenges of self-employment, and the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity. The conversation also touches on cultural influences on beauty standards and how Marina's tech background has helped her in running her business. The episode concludes with insights on entrepreneurship and the significance of community support.

Atma Portrait Studio, self-employment, body positivity, photography, small business, Berlin, creative expression, self-confidence, beauty standards, entrepreneurship

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In this episode of The Not My Job Pod, host Emily Gant speaks with Marius and Rob, the co-founders of Felt Room, a unique concert space in Berlin. They discuss the origins of Felt Room, the atmosphere they aim to create, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation delves into their musical backgrounds, the design of the space, and the unique sound produced by felt pianos. Marius and Rob share insights on artist selection, balancing their personal lives with their passion for music, and their future plans for Felt Room, emphasizing the importance of organic growth and quality experiences for both artists and audiences.

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What actually is a roadie and how do you become one? In this episode, host Emily Gant sits down with James Gerhart, a touring roadie for Saint Motel and other popular bands, to pull back the curtain on life on the road. From European tour buses to merch math, different crowds, and meeting famous musicians, James explains the unglamorous, hilarious, and surprisingly technical reality of making live music happen.

What a roadie actually does (and what people get wrong)

How James became a roadie—breaking into touring without a “traditional” path
Touring through Europe: venues, logistics, buses, borders, and burnout
European vs. US audiences: who shows up early, who sings louder, who buys merch
Meeting famous band members: normal humans, weird moments, and star power
Making a living on tour: pay structures, stability, and trade-offs

Merch 101:
How merch gets designed, produced, and shipped
Why merch sales matter so much for bands
What it’s like actually selling merch night after night
The chaos, math, and human interaction behind the table
The reality of tour life: long days, tight spaces, found family, and why people keep doing it anyway

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In this episode of The Not My Job Pod, host Emily Gant speaks with Anna Vasileva about her journey from the tech industry to a more fulfilling career in publishing and licensing. They discuss the challenges of work culture, the impact of piracy on intellectual property, and the importance of personal time and mental health. Anna shares her experiences of moving with pets, the dynamics of friendships, and the creative freedom found in Berlin. The conversation highlights the significance of finding balance in life and the joy of embracing one's individuality.

Topics: tech, work culture, licensing, piracy, personal time, pets, social media, relationships, creativity, Berlin

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Emily Gant chats with Peter Sum, a former tech professional turned culinary artist, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the culinary world. Peter discusses the influence of Berlin on his life choices, the importance of community, and the evolution of his culinary style through experimentation and feedback. He reflects on the unique food scene in Berlin, the challenges of running a culinary business, and the inspiration behind his venture, Kenzy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of following one's curiosity and passion in life.

Topics: culinary arts, Berlin, food community, Kenzie, tech to food, cooking journey, food culture, culinary feedback, food scene

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In this conversation, Emily Gant speaks with Thomas Davies, known as The Yorkshireman Abroad, about the unique lifestyle in Berlin, balancing work and personal passions, the evolving nightlife scene, and the impact of social media on personal identity. They explore themes of sobriety, community, and the challenges of making connections in a new city, while also discussing the importance of authenticity in content creation and the balance between capitalism and local culture. Thomas shares insights on his future projects and offers advice for those looking to make significant life changes.

Takeaways:
Berlin offers a unique balance between work and personal interests.
Social media can create a sense of community but also pressure.
Sobriety in nightlife can lead to different social experiences.
The evolution of nightlife reflects changing generational attitudes.
Language barriers can limit cultural integration in Berlin.
Disconnection from home can lead to personal growth.
Content creation should focus on authenticity and connection.
Community engagement is essential for personal fulfillment.
Navigating social media dynamics requires resilience.
It's never too late to change your environment and life path.

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In this solo episode, Emily Gant reflects on her life experiences and shares her personal insights through the lens of the '10 unwritten laws of life.' She discusses her recent milestone of turning 35, the shift from goal-oriented thinking to finding joy in the present, and the importance of effort in friendships. Emily also explores the nuances of money in relationships, the difference between being tired and burnt out, and her love for cities, particularly Paris. The episode concludes with thoughts on the comfort of silence in relationships and a newfound perspective on aspirations.

Takeaways

• Turning 35 brings a mix of reflections and realizations.
• Life experiences shape our understanding of age and maturity.
• Shifting from numerical goals to enjoying the process is liberating.
• Effort in friendships is crucial for maintaining connections.
• Money attitudes can impact relationships significantly.
• Listening is often more valuable than offering unsolicited advice.
• Recognizing the difference between tiredness and burnout is essential.
• Cities can evoke deep emotional connections, similar to relationships.
• Silence in friendships can be a sign of comfort and understanding.
• It's okay to appreciate what you have without constantly striving for more.

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Emily Gant interviews Mia Warnecke, a first-year medical student in Germany. They discuss Mia's journey into medicine, the influence of her family, and the importance of gender health awareness. The conversation explores the differences in educational systems between Germany and Canada, the challenges of student life in Berlin, and the significance of empathy in medical training. Mia shares her aspirations for travel and independence, as well as her thoughts on generational differences in social behavior and communication.

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Berlin-based DJ putC joins Emily Gant to discuss the techno scene in Berlin, the role of collectives, and the unique culture of Berlin's nightlife. putC explores the journey of becoming a DJ, the importance of community, and the challenges of balancing passion with practicality.

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Stand-up comedian Erica Switzer shares her journey through the comedy scene, from her beginnings in Shanghai to her current experiences in Chicago. The discussion delves into the evolution of her comedic style, the unique challenges faced in different cultural contexts, and the impact of social media on the comedy landscape. Erica reflects on her identity as a black woman in comedy, the importance of connection, and the role of humor in bridging divides, especially in today's politically charged environment.

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod