Gabrielle Foulsham takes us through her journey from child actor to casting professional and educator, unpacking the real challenges working class creatives face in the industry. From financial barriers to social mobility and industry bias, Gabrielle shares what it actually takes to break in and stay in. The creative world when you don't come from money or connections.We talk about:- The hidden costs of pursuing a creative career- How networking shapes who gets opportunities (and who doesn't)- Why drama schools and training can be geographically and financially out of reach- What real industry change could look like- The power of community and mentorship for newcomers"Being working class in a creative industry is not having doors open for you."If you're navigating class barriers in your own career, this one's for you.🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!👍 Like this if you enjoyed Gabrielle's journey!🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Gabrielle!Follow Us:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstepFollow Gabrielle- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cre8percent/Thanks for watching!#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #cre8percent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Initial Step, we sit down with Curtis James. Media creator, community activist, and co-founder of Class Divide. We trace his journey from growing up on a council estate in Brighton to building a platform that's tackling systemic inequality head-on.Curtis opens up about the barriers he faced early on, the moments that shaped his resilience, and how those experiences pushed him toward using media as a tool for change. We dig into his work with Class Divide, exploring how the organisation is challenging entrenched inequalities in education. Why access, representation, and community support matter so much for people from working-class backgrounds.This conversation is about more than one person's story. It's a look at how lived experience can become the foundation for real, lasting change and what it takes to keep pushing forward when the odds aren't stacked in your favour.In this episode:- Growing up on a Brighton council estate- The path into media and community activism- Founding and building Class Divide- Tackling inequality in education and the arts- The role of community support in personal resilience🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!👍 Like this if you enjoyed Curtis' journey!🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for CurtisFollow Us:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstepFollow Curtis James- Instagram - Curtis - @oswald808Class Divide - @divideclass- Website - https://www.wearefieldwork.com/ - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisjames/Image Credit - Alma Haserhttps://almahaser.com/https://www.instagram.com/almahaser/?hl=enThanks for listening!#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #ClassDivide #WorkingClassVoices #CommunityActivism #Brighton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this insightful conversation, Nell, creator of Class Therapy. Explores the intersections of class, mental health, and therapy. We dig into why working-class experiences are so often overlooked in mainstream mental health spaces, the real barriers that keep people from accessing support, and the innovative approaches Nell is championing to make therapy more inclusive and accessible for everyone.Whether you're a mental health professional, someone navigating therapy access issues, or simply interested in how class shapes our emotional lives, this conversation offers valuable perspective on building a more equitable mental health landscape.In this episode:🔹 Why working-class experiences are often invisible in therapy spaces🔹 The structural and financial barriers to mental health support🔹 Practical, innovative approaches to inclusive therapy🔹 What Class Therapy is doing differently🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!👍 Like this if you enjoyed Nell's journey!🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Nell!Follow Us:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstepFollow Nell- Instagram - @class.therapy- Instagram - @nellashtherapy- Substack - https://classtherapy.substack.com/Thanks for listening!#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #classtherapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful episode, autistic filmmaker John Clark opens up about his remarkable journey, from growing up working class in Essex to making impactful films and championing neurodivergent voices in the industry. John shares the real challenges of breaking into film as a neurodivergent person, the weight of masking, and why perseverance and community are everything in a creative career.We also dive into the Oliver McGowan Training Program and its vital role in improving understanding and practice around autism, disability and why representation both on and off screen matters more than ever.🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!👍 Like this video if you enjoyed Johns journey!🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for John!Follow Us:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstepFollow John- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jclx1v/ - Instagram - @JCLX1V -Linktree - www.linktree.com/JCLX1VThanks for listening!#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #autism #neurodiversity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From homelessness to founding a theatre company. Emma shares the journey that shaped her, and why she believes access, authenticity, and owning your story are the most powerful tools in the industry.In this episode I'm joined by Emma, actor, founder, and theatre programme director of Bthechange Theatre CIC. An organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers to the acting industry by partnering with charities and supporting people from underrepresented and working-class backgrounds.Emma opens up about growing up in a single-parent household, experiencing homelessness, and finding her way into acting later in life. Rather than hiding her background, she's built a career and a company on it. We talk about what it really means to use lived experience as strength, and why staying connected to your roots can be the difference between surviving and thriving.We cover:→ Class and access in the acting industry→ Regional bias and how it shapes who gets in the room→ Why authenticity is a competitive advantage, not a liability→ The power of creating your own work→ How Bthechange Theatre CIC is changing the landscapeIf you've ever felt like the industry wasn't built for you — this one's for you.🔗 Find out more about Bthechange Theatre CIC: https://www.instagram.com/bthechange_theatre_cic/Photo credit - Jacqui McSweeney—If you found this valuable, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it.🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!👍 Like this video if you enjoyed Emma's journey!🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Emma!Follow Us:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstepFollow Emma Turner- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-turner-259525a6- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcractressemmaturner- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/18cin68G2S/?mibextid=wwXIfrThanks for watching!#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #actor #bthechangetheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.