This week we have linked up with Bobby Kennedy and Danny McCrum and their podcast, Don't Give Up You Day Job. In this podcast series, Bobby and Danny interview musicians, producers, actors, comedians, directors and more to give people an insight into the careers of creative professionals. "The fact is creative professionals are fascinating characters who work hard and overcome many personal and professional obstacles.  They are dedicated, multi-skilled risk takers who make great sacrifices and we think this is worth celebrating.  So we’re shining a light on the subject and we hope this will be a great resource for those pursuing a career in the arts and an interesting and inspiring listen for everybody else."  

Episode 36 features actor, Stelios Yiakmis, most famous in New Zealand for his role as Dr. Johnny Marinovich on Shortland Street. He has also made a name for himself locally and in Australia playing roles on Shortland Street, McLeod's Daughters, All Saints, Underbelly, Street Legal, The Blue Rose and acclaimed 2006 movie Jindabyne.

In this episode Danny and Bobby chat to Stelios about his Greek heritage, the road that led to becoming an actor and weave in and out of some philosophical discussions on some of life’s bigger questions.

Stelios advises those wanting to pursue a career in acting to empower themselves by getting out there and working hard to find a job. "Take a long, hard, honest look at what you want. Own the truth of it, whatever it is for you, and remember that you are in a flat out race. Never sit still and wait." There will be failures along the way, and while he is realistic that "a career can only sustain so many poor choices before it accepts defeat", he still believes that "it is better to be wrong a thousand times than to be too scared to choose." He encourages artists to "think real hard. Feel real deep. Be joyous. Leap, and accept the outcome."

To see past interviews with other creative professionals, check out the podcast archives here: www.dontgiveupyourdayjob.co.nz/episodes/