So, What Do You Do?

by Ampersand Speech

Interview programme with journalist and producer, Ben Hansen-Hicks, asking questions of leading figures in journalism, TV, art, culture and more. Finding out what life is really like and what tips and advice they might have for those wanting to break into or move across into the industry.

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • I'm a...

    I'm a...

    Episode 8 is the final episode of our first season of 'So, What Do You Do?' We hope you enjoy listening and we'll be back in 2023 with another season for you. Don't forget to subscribe and rate the episodes - it's how others find us!

  • I'm an Olympic Rower, Graeme Thomas

    I'm an Olympic Rower, Graeme Thomas

    In episode 7, we go behind the scenes of what life is like as an Olympic athlete; Team GB's Graeme Thomas. Growing up in Preston, rugby union was initially Graeme's passion before switching to rowing at 20, flying up the ranks through the GB Rowing Team Start selection process and on to the Olympics. Training and competing at the top level of professional sport can be very intense and all-consuming, and over the course of our chat we discuss the highs and lows of Olympic life, how he unwinds and what some of the best advice he can give to those wanting to get into the Olympics would be. So, What Do You Do? is an Ampersand Speech production. To listen to more episodes from this series, search for 'Ampersand Speech' wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe and rate us - it's how others find us!

  • I'm a Ballet Dancer; Mayara Magri

    I'm a Ballet Dancer; Mayara Magri

    This time, we're joined by none other than London's Royal Ballet's newest Principal Dancer, Mayara Magri. Growing up to non-theatrical parents in Brazil's Rio Di Janeiro, Mayara has worked at her craft since she was 8 years old and now stands as one of the greats in ballet - as well as being a permanent member of the Company, until the moment she decides to retire. We hear about her life in ballet, the real pinch-me moments she's had so far - wearing the original tutu worn by the great Darcey Bussell, to stepping out on the Main Stage as Juliet, are some - as well as the curse that finds her sewing pointe shoes most nights at home. Special thanks must go to the Royal Opera House's Head of Press, Ashley Woodfield, for being instrumental in making this interview happen. So, What Do You Do? is an Ampersand Speech production. To listen to more episodes from this series, search for us on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

  • I'm a Wildlife Cinematographer; Olly Jelley

    I'm a Wildlife Cinematographer; Olly Jelley

    This week, we're talking to renowned wildlife cinematographer Olly Jelley. With his work taking him across the world, Olly has filmed in some of the remotest places you can think of on the planet; the poles, tropical rainforests, far flung island chains and remote mountain ranges. We hear about what life is like out in the wild, the dynamics of a remote wildlife shoot, difficulties of making it in the industry and how he tries to live in the moment (especially so when he's not working). 'So, What Do You Do?' is an Ampersand Speech production. To listen to more episodes from this series, search for us on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

  • I'm a Political Journalist; Aubrey Allegretti

    I'm a Political Journalist; Aubrey Allegretti

    This time, we'll be talking to one of The Guardian's top political journalists, Aubrey Allegretti. There doesn't seem to be a front page story he hasn't written, but it's not always been plain sailing. We hear about the highs and lows of being in The Thick of It, what tips and advice he has for those looking to break into the industry and what really could do with changing in Westminster. From reporting from Washington DC over the 2020 US Election, to breaking exclusive after exclusive, Aubrey also finds the time to be a Trustee for the SPA (Student Publication Association) and is unfailingly kind and generous with his time for those starting out in the industry. So, What Do You Do? is an Ampersand Speech production, hosted by journalist and producer, Ben Hansen-Hicks. For more episodes of this series, search for us wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe and rate - it's helps others find us!