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The Not My Job Pod
The Not My Job Pod is a podcast hosted by Emily Gant about work, people, and the weird stuff in between.
This podcast was born out of a simple realization: I don’t want my job to be my entire personality. So I talk to people outside the tech bubble — artists, community builders, creatives, and curious minds — about the passions, projects, and ideas that make them come alive. Just real conversations about what people love and why it matters to them.
This podcast is based in Berlin and heavily focused on the Berlin community.
Episodes
31 episodes
The Artist-Business Owner Mindset for Creatives with James Song
This episode is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about Berlin, creativity, and the realities of building a meaningful career in the arts. Emily sits down with artist and tattooist James Song to explore everything from the politics of cul...
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Exiled for Her Art: Faravaz on Music, Freedom & Resistance
What does it cost to use your voice?In this episode, Emily sits down with Faravaz, an Iranian musician and activist whose journey from Tehran to Berlin is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and resistance.Faravaz shares what...
Joy as a Form of Activism with Berlin-Based Drag Queen, Judy LaDivina
Judy LaDivina shares her journey from Tel Aviv to Berlin, where she discovered her drag persona and the queer community. She discusses the importance of joy as a form of activism, the challenges within the queer community, and her role in empow...
Bridging Borders: How Volt's European Approach Impacts Local Politics with Martin Hergert
In this interview with Martin Hergert, a Berlin candidate for the Berlin Senate with the Volt party, as we explore innovative politics at the local and European levels. Martin shares insights on how European values translate into local policy, ...
Navigating Relationships, Sexuality, and Cultural Nuances with Alexandra Suarez
Berlin-based sex and relationship counselor Alexandra Suarez shares insights on the complexities of sexual and relationship health, cultural influences, and navigating personal growth in a dynamic city like Berlin. Whether you're exploring open...
For the Love of Community: Berlin History & Humor with Pip Roper - Improv Actor & Berlin Tour Guide
Join Emily Gant as she chats with Pip Roper, a Berlin-based tour guide, improviser, and podcast host, about the joys and challenges of creativity, community, and navigating late-stage capitalism. This episode dives into the power of humor, the ...
Leaving the US for Europe: Moving to Paris vs Berlin with Content Creator, @ LizLeatrice
In this episode, Emily Gant hosts Liz Lee, a Paris-based content creator, to share her firsthand experience navigating the complex visa landscape in France. From visa types and legal nuances to the realities of expatriate life, this conversatio...
Community, Consent, Clubbing: The Awareness Teams Keeps the Party Going in Berlin
Emily Gant interviews Goatz about the unique techno club culture in Berlin, focusing on the role of awareness teams in ensuring safety and creating a supportive environment. They discuss the differences between clubbing in Berlin and New York, ...
Berlin, History & the Algorithm: Jonny Whitlam on Tour Guiding and Going Viral
Jonny Whitlam, a seasoned tour guide in Berlin, shares his journey from guiding tours to becoming a content creator on social media. He discusses the challenges and rewards of self-employment, the importance of engaging with diverse audiences, ...
Food Is Love, Paperwork Is Pain: Nam Nhito on Growing Up in 2 Cultures & Owning 2 Spas
Emily and Nam discuss the journey of opening two spas in Berlin, the challenges of navigating bureaucracy, and the cultural differences between Vietnamese and German perspectives. Nam shares insights on managing work-life balance while juggling...
Capturing Confidence: Marina Antonova, Founder of The Atma Portrait Studio Explores Beauty Standards & Entrepreneurship
In this episode, Emily Gant interviews Marina, the founder of Atma Portrait Studio in Berlin. They discuss the unique concept of the studio, which caters to camera-shy individuals and aims to boost self-confidence through photography. Marina sh...
Founding The Felt Room Berlin: Rob Connor & Marius Werani on Building an Intimate Piano Community
In this episode of The Not My Job Pod, host Emily Gant speaks with Marius and Rob, the co-founders of Felt Room, a unique concert space in Berlin. They discuss the origins of Felt Room, the atmosphere they aim to create, and the importance of c...
Touring with Saint Motel & Other Bands: James Gerhart on Being a Roadie through the US & Europe
What actually is a roadie and how do you become one? In this episode, host Emily Gant sits down with James Gerhart, a touring roadie for Saint Motel and other popular bands, to pull back the curtain on life on the road. From European tour buses...
Redefining Happiness: Anna Vasileva on Leaving Tech, Intellectual Property, and Living a Child-Free Life
In this episode of The Not My Job Pod, host Emily Gant speaks with Anna Vasileva about her journey from the tech industry to a more fulfilling career in publishing and licensing. They discuss the challenges of work culture, the impact of piracy...
From Tech to Table: Peter Sum's Culinary Journey with Kenzy Club & Creating a Food Community
Emily Gant chats with Peter Sum, a former tech professional turned culinary artist, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the culinary world. Peter discusses the influence of Berlin on his life choices, the importance of community, a...
The Multi-Dimensional Interests of a "Yorkshireman Abroad" in Berlin
In this conversation, Emily Gant speaks with Thomas Davies, known as The Yorkshireman Abroad, about the unique lifestyle in Berlin, balancing work and personal passions, the evolving nightlife scene, and the impact of social media on personal i...
10 Unwritten Rules of Life (Since turning 35)
In this solo episode, Emily Gant reflects on her life experiences and shares her personal insights through the lens of the '10 unwritten laws of life.' She discusses her recent milestone of turning 35, the shift from goal-oriented thinking to f...
Medical School in Germany: A Gen Z Perspective from Mia Warnecke
Emily Gant interviews Mia Warnecke, a first-year medical student in Germany. They discuss Mia's journey into medicine, the influence of her family, and the importance of gender health awareness. The conversation explores the differences in educ...
Berlin-Based DJ putC Goes Beyond the Club: Talking Techno's True Essence
Berlin-based DJ putC joins Emily Gant to discuss the techno scene in Berlin, the role of collectives, and the unique culture of Berlin's nightlife. putC explores the journey of becoming a DJ, the importance of community, and the challenges of b...
The Evolution of Erica Switzer: Stand Up Comedy from Shanghai to Chicago
Stand-up comedian Erica Switzer shares her journey through the comedy scene, from her beginnings in Shanghai to her current experiences in Chicago. The discussion delves into the evolution of her comedic style, the unique challenges faced in di...
Med School, Psychedelics, and Pursuing Medicine at Any Age: A Non-Traditional Doctor’s Journey
Emily Gant interviews Lauren Morgan, a non-traditional medical student and wellness coach. They discuss Lauren's journey to medical school, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her studies, and the importance of community support. The co...
Breaking Barriers: Judge Juli Mathew on Resilience, Identity, and Representation
Judge Juli Mathew shares her journey from an immigrant background to becoming a judge in Texas. She discusses the challenges of campaigning, the importance of community engagement, and her experiences as a female judge. Juli reflects on her cul...
Navigating the Podcasting Journey: A VLOG version of today's journal session
In this solo episode, Emily Gant reflects on her journey of creating a podcast, discussing the challenges of social media, the pressure to perform, and the importance of connection and community. She shares her thoughts on balancing content cre...
Healing Through Somatics and Connection & Building a Community for Your Mental Health
In this conversation, Blair and Emily explore the intersection of somatic therapy, internal family systems, and the importance of community in mental health. They discuss how trauma affects the body, the role of spirituality in healing, and the...
Leak-Free & Fearless: How Danu's Founder Is Empowering Nursing Mothers Through Leak-Free Nursing Bras
In this episode, Emily Gant speaks with Hope Maguire, a new entrepreneur launching a leak-free bra designed for breastfeeding mothers. Hope shares her journey from the initial idea to product development, highlighting the challenges faced in cr...