The Pursuit Pod

Hello dear listener, whoever you are and wherever you are, welcome to episode number seven.

On this week’s show we are off to Japan. Specifically, to Universal studios Japan where my mate Casey Martin has been working as an entertainer. We sat down together to discuss everything that’s been happening on his end since we last worked together back at uni in Oz.

Casey has been back and forth to Japan a couple of times now, working with two different companies and hence has also experienced the weirdness of returning home after living a very intense but exciting life abroad and experiencing the feelings that can come from this.

But despite how hard he has to work, his management of injuries and the fear of being away from the Australian scene and loosing touch with networks back home, this beautiful human who I am lucky enough to call a friend remains positive and excited about the life he gets to lead. And I hope that his story provides a little bit of escapism for you just as he does for his audiences at work.

So settle in folks. I hope, like me you get a big stupid grin on your face whilst listening to this story of someone literally living out their dreams.

Enjoy the show!

Hello dear listener, whoever you are and wherever you are welcome to episode number 6 of The PURSUIT POD. 

On today’s episode I got to chat with a pal who I met way back in Australia when we did a production of RENT together!  I’ve always wanted to sit down with the beautiful Stephie Da Silva to hear her journey of how she managed to get all the way from Uruguay to Brisbane.

This conversation brings up some deeply personal and extremely important chat surrounding vocal health and the unnecessary stigma that artists face when experiencing and recovering from surgery!

We also confront the issue of diversity in casting in Australia and how perhaps, just a lack of knowledge and understanding has caused issues for the Brisbane scene in the past.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This is such an important conversation for many reasons – again the subject of mental health in the performance industry arose (funny how that keeps coming up), also the existential question we inevitably ask ourself as artists abroad. Am I moving towards something… or am I running away from something?

So settle in! And please forgive the the wifi gremlins that caused a little bit of audio distortion at times throughout the chat. It really is a great listen. 

HAPPY BONUS EPISODE!

After venturing forth on this solo voyage of creating an interview series, I've felt the need for some banter about all the big thoughts swimming through my head post production. So we're here to talk about it!

My partner in silliness, Will Wood will be joining me for the occasional recap and reflection on recent episodes. And in this first instalment we will be discussing episodes 1-5. Featuring thoughts, questions and ponderings from my discussions with Hayley Maybury, Chris Fung, Matt Samer, and Aurelie Roque. Join us for a behind the scenes glimpse at what's going on in my brain and at what's involved with creating the show.  

Hello dear listener, whoever you are and wherever you are welcome to episode number 5 of The PURSUIT POD. I’m Lauren Wood, and this is where I chat with artists abroad about the pursuit of their creative careers.

And on this week’s show, I have the great privilege of sharing a discussion I had with somebody who is not only a gorgeous and successful performer in her own right, but who is also a very dear, good friend of mine, and that is the beautiful Aurelie Roque.

Rae now lives and works in Brisbane as an actress, teacher and cabaret mastermind but originally hails from little ol’ Kansas city in the U S of A and during our chat we flashback to her early days of arriving in Brisbane and how the process of uprooting herself from one country to another was ripe with both physical and mental challenges that had to be addressed.

This chat is a prime example of how Rae and I operate when conversing as friends which is to say… with many a tangent and side thought to be explored. So perhaps expect a slightly less linear story but a back and forth between us that touches on some pretty big issues surrounding mental health within the performing arts.

Please understand that if you are somebody who is triggered by talk of depression, anxiety or body dysmorphia that this episode will feature moments of discussion on these topics, so please listen at your own discretion.

This episode really affected me, and continues to leave me thinking every time I’ve listened to it since, about some pretty big themes but most importantly about the value in seeking therapy and support when managing mental health. And the fact that no matter where you are in the world, as an artist struggling with these things, you are not alone.

So, thanks for tuning in. I hope you find the show as thought provoking as I have.

And without further ado, let’s get to it!

Hello dear listener, whoever you are and wherever you are welcome to episode number 4 of THE PURSUIT POD. 

The stories I get to play a part in sharing here on the pod leave me so inspired and are a constant reminder to me of just how unique and exciting our industry can be – and today’s episode is no exception. In fact today’s guest, the incredibly talented Musical director Matthew Samer has lead a career in Australia and now in the UK that any creative would aspire to.

Working his way up the ranks as an accompanist, assistant and associate Musical Director has taken Matt touring in productions around the UK as well as landing roles in highly acclaimed Fringe and West end shows. Sometimes even working in multiple big name performances at once.

His story is an absolute must listen for any aspiring musical directors out there.

And a fabulous example of how hard work and saying yes to things can lead you from one opportunity to the next.

Hello dear listener. Whoever you are and wherever you are welcome to episode no.3 of the pursuit pod. I’m Lauren Wood and this is where I hold discussions with artists who have travelled abroad in their pursuit of career fulfilment. And then somehow, work out how to turn it into a podcast, and share it with you!

In this discussion with Chris Fung, we hear about his journey of moving to London after what some would say has already been a pretty interesting musical theatre career back in Australia. We discuss why he felt the need to move and how the topic of race in Australian casting weighs on decisions such as his. But also how sheer luck, or perhaps perceived luck has played a part in his career trajectory.

Hello dear listener. Whoever you are and wherever you are welcome to episode number 1.

My name is Lauren. I am performing artist and Aussie living abroad and whilst currently stuck at home in lockdown I figured now was as good a time as any to make something new. So I’ve decided to start a podcast! An interview series that discusses traveling for work in the performing arts.

In this episode we start from the very beginning. With me… and my Husband Will as we discuss our journey of moving from Brisbane Australia to the new world we find ourselves in, here in London!

We discuss navigating the visa process, struggling with work and finances and how living in London has made us, well if nothing else… a little more street smart. We also, inevitably spoke about how the corona virus has been affecting our lives over the past twelve months and how best to produce a podcast without spending a cent.

So, without further ado, let’s get to it!