Creative Full Time

Creative Full Time

A deep dive interview style podcast with Canadian creatives. How they got started and how they're doing the damn thing in Canada. 

  1. From Childhood Dreams to a Working Actor: Craft, Career, and Community with Caroline Concordia

    4D AGO

    From Childhood Dreams to a Working Actor: Craft, Career, and Community with Caroline Concordia

    Send a text Since filming HamOnt Acting Studio has brought on three owners alongside Jess Clement! Added is Greg Soloman, Alexa Barajas and Kevin Alves.  In this conversation with Caroline how craft and technique evolve over time, and the unglamorous realities of turning creativity into long-term work. This conversation also dives into the importance of community, mental health, and self-care — especially in a career that often demands constant performance and resilience. Whether you’re an actor, creative, or someone navigating a non-traditional career path, this episode offers honest insight into what it takes to keep going, stay grounded, and build a life around your creative work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Acting Inspiration 01:41 Switching from Stage to Camera 02:13 Educational Background and Acting Training 03:04 Favorite Acting Classes and Techniques 04:21 Teaching Acting in Hamilton 05:37 Starting to Teach and Community Building 06:25 Union Journey and First Union Role 08:23 Choosing an Agent and Building Relationships 09:22 Creating a Demo Reel and Self-Tapes 11:51 Producing Short Films and Creative Projects 12:58 Upcoming Projects and Artistic Goals 13:21 The Producing Side of Acting 14:01 Favorite Films and Genres 15:24 Favorite TV Shows and Set Memories 16:07 Memorable On-Set Experiences 17:05 Making a Fan Film During the Pandemic 18:11 Short Film 'The States' and Festival Success 19:00 Film Duration and Filming Experience 19:59 Surprises in Film Production 21:16 Building a Demo Reel Over Time 22:28 Posting Self-Tapes and Overcoming Cringe 23:50 Deep Feelings and Emotional Expression 25:01 The Role of Therapy and Self-Care 26:16 Dealing with Seasonal and Industry Slowdowns 27:22 Community in Hamilton vs. Toronto 28:37 Breaking into Acting Circles and Networking 29:52 Creating Your Own Opportunities 30:06 Networking Tips for Genuine Connections 31:16 Using WeAudition for Practice and Growth 33:12 Starting with Pay-What-You-Can and Building Rates 34:35 Audition Processes and Preparation 36:36 The Importance of Scene Buttons and Pauses 37:48 Key Lessons from Teaching Actors 38:50 Balancing Deep Feelings and Self-Protection 39:52 Maintaining Positivity and Gratitude 40:30 Appreciating Your Current Success 41:52 Final Advice and Career Reflection

    44 min
  2. Janet McMordie | Doctor, Actor, Podcast Host: Why Acting Improved My Medicine

    FEB 13

    Janet McMordie | Doctor, Actor, Podcast Host: Why Acting Improved My Medicine

    Send a text Today we're talking to Janet McMordie, podcast host, actor and doctor! In this conversation we discusse the intersection of medicine and acting, how the pandemic served as a catalyst for career changes and how improv improved her skills as a doctor. We deep dive into the importance of improv in enhancing communication skills in medicine, the evolution of patient-doctor relationships, and the challenges and joys of navigating the acting industry. The discussion also touches on the creation Janet's production company focused on amplifying women's and non-binary stories and careers, the lessons learned in the creative process, and the importance of community in the arts. Janet shares insights on the balance between art and commerce, and offers advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the need to embrace imperfection and take risks in their work. Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Medicine and Acting 03:03 The Impact of the Pandemic on Career Choices 06:07 The Role of Improv in Medicine 08:55 The Evolution of Patient-Doctor Relationships 11:49 Navigating the Acting Industry 15:02 The Journey of a Production Company 18:05 The Importance of Community in Creative Spaces 20:51 The Future of the Podcast and Production Company 23:50 Lessons Learned in the Creative Process 27:06 Advice for Aspiring Creatives 30:03 The Balance of Art and Commerce 32:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    1h 11m
  3. Ep. 98 | Danjelani Ellis | Moonlight Schooner & Building a Career in Canadian Theatre

    11/19/2025

    Ep. 98 | Danjelani Ellis | Moonlight Schooner & Building a Career in Canadian Theatre

    Send a text In this episode, Alison sits down with actor Danjelani Ellis to dive into his role in the world premiere of Moonlight Schooner (link to tickets below). Danjelani opens up about the creative freedom of originating a role, the challenges of dialect work, and what it truly takes to bring a new character to life on stage. He shares his journey from auditioning in Jamaica to training at the National Theatre School (NTS), how mentorship shaped his path, and his experience working with Obsidian Theatre Company. Danjelani also discusses his Dora Award nominations, the creation of his personal project Groundwork Redux, and the lessons he’s learned about artistry, identity, and resilience. Whether you're an actor, theatre lover, or emerging creative, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration. https://www.canadianstage.com/show/moonlight-schooner Chapters 00:00 Exploring Moonlight Schooner 02:41 The Pressure of Originating a Character 06:03 The Audition Process and Role Acquisition 08:57 The Rehearsal Journey 11:40 Dialect Challenges and Coaching 14:49 The Impact of National Theatre School 17:31 Accents and Identity 20:36 Takeaways from Theatre School 23:34 Dora Nominations and Recognition 26:43 Shoutouts to Theatre Companies 30:13 The Legacy of Obsidian Theatre Company 34:34 Groundwork Redux: Honoring the Past 40:34 Finding My Path in the Arts 47:22 Moonlight Schooner: Upcoming Production 48:16 Advice to My Younger Self 49:38 The Dangelani Era: A New Chapter

    52 min
  4. Ep. 97: Gina Hara | Building a Kinder Game Industry with Gamerella

    11/13/2025

    Ep. 97: Gina Hara | Building a Kinder Game Industry with Gamerella

    Send a text In this episode of Creative Full Time, host Alison Mullings sits down with Gina Hara, co-director of Gamerella, an initiative that’s been shaping a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable gaming community since 2013. Gina shares her journey into the gaming world and how Gamerella began as a safe space for underrepresented voices in game development. We talk about what goes into organizing these unique game jam events, the mentorship program that helps new creators thrive, and the importance of kindness and empathy in an often competitive industry. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit into traditional spaces in gaming or creative industries, this conversation will remind you that there is room for everyone and that community can be a catalyst for real change. More about Gamerella at www.gamerella.ca  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gamerella 03:35 The Structure and Philosophy of Game Jams 06:38 The Evolution of Gamerella 09:49 Gina's Journey into Game Making 12:22 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Gaming 15:36 The Impact of Community and Mentorship 18:34 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations 25:14 Gamerella: Bridging Communities Online and Offline 26:26 Creating Welcoming Spaces for All 27:54 Inspiring Stories: A Grandmother's Game Jam Journey 29:41 Challenging Toxicity in Gaming Spaces 30:50 Sponsorships and Support for Gamerella 32:13 Innovative Mentorship Programs in Gaming 35:33 Realities of the Gaming Industry 39:22 The Co-Directors of Gamerella 41:17 Advice to Younger Self: Embrace Your Passion 44:36 Building Community and Family in Gaming

    47 min

About

A deep dive interview style podcast with Canadian creatives. How they got started and how they're doing the damn thing in Canada.