The Side Quest

4 Episodes

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Michaella Parkes: Writing and Substack

2026-02-1137:42

This week on The Side Quest, journalist and writer Michaella Parkes. I give her that title but as you'll see it's one that only really came into being in the past couple of years. Before that, she was deep in corporate life, until a move to writing and Substack cracked something open. What started as a career pivot became a full embrace of writing, community-building, and the kind of creative life that doesn't fit neatly into a job description. Michaella gets real about imposter syndrome, the power of supporting other writers instead of competing with them, and why networking is actually just relationship building in disguise. If you're wrestling with multiple interests, questioning whether your creative output is "strategic" enough, or learning to trust your own evolution, this one's for you.

Meera: DJing and Birthday Cakes

2026-02-0425:26

She's the creative force behind House Party and a voice on Select Radio who’s life is a bit of a permanent side quest. From DJing in university to stepping away, then returning years later with her children's encouragement, Meera (@meeramixes) has built a practice of turning passions into platforms. Even her cake business evolved from a daughter's birthday to Central Cee's birthday. It was through music that we met and now, she's working on different music ecosystems designed to uplift other artists all while navigating the tension between creativity, time constraints, an ADHD diagnosis and finding personal boundaries. If you've ever wondered if now is the right time, this conversation is for you.

Arielle: Techno and Long-distance Running

2026-01-2826:29

She’s a DJ, producer and music promoter embedded in the world of dance music who in her first year of releasing scored a number one trending release on Soundcloud in 10 countries. But, it’s in long distance running that Arielle has found a way to regulate the party lifestyle which is an undeniable part of her creative profession. This episode will give you insight into how quickly you can get up and running with a new challenge, pardon the pun as we explore the mindset which lends itself both to music and semi-professional sports.

Vicky Critoph: Happy Freelancers and Empower Her

2026-01-1324:35

She was a marketing professional who experienced a real burnout and made the decision not to go back to full time work and instead, try and make it as a freelancer. What followed was what Vicky describes as personal development on crack.. she built the platform and events brand Happy Freelancers, and as that has evolved to become a full time pursuit, has turned the ignition on a new quest, dance and choreography school ‘Empower Her’. if you’re interested in gaining freedom, confidence or developing a community as part of your quest, this conversation is for you.

#box-pro-ellipsis-177112763244777{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Side Quest