Across worlds - guest Natalie Chan

Jenn wilson

"If everybody receives a little more care, maybe we’ll all have energy left to fight the bigger battles." — Natalie Chan

Jenn Wilson is joined by guest Natalie Chan

Natalie Chan is an arts producer and cultural leader passionate about care-led, human-centered practices that make the arts more equitable and accessible.

In this episode of Irregular Humans, Jenn Wilson talks with Natalie Chan about navigating a non-linear career in the arts, breaking down bureaucratic barriers, and creating care-led cultures. Natalie shares her journey from redundancy to impactful roles in local government and commercial theatre, her strategies for equitable funding, and her vision for a more human-centered arts ecosystem.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienataliechan/

Instagram: Natalie Chan💃 (@natnatnataliechan)

Natalie is an award-winning arts manager and fundraiser. Currently, she works as Arts and Culture Project Commissioner for Luton Borough Council and as Production Coordinator for Jonathan Church Theatre Productions with a focus on productions touring to Asia.

She was part of the Bradford Producing Hub’s Empowered Programme with Jenn when she temporarily moved up North for a maternity cover role at Derby Theatre (which is not actually that close, but as tenacious artist and producers do - we make the most of opportunities).

Small changes matter. Whether it’s removing barriers for artists or paying freelancers on time, care-led practices create ripple effects that transform systems and empower people.

Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episode

Irregular Everything

The Irregular Membership

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Natalie’s Irregular Path: From Hong Kong to the UK and a squiggly career in the arts.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: How redundancy led to two impactful roles.

Breaking Bureaucracy: Practical steps to make arts funding more accessible.

Networking with Care: Tips for building connections when you feel vulnerable.

Commercial vs. Local Authority Work: Insights from two very different worlds.

Creating a Culture of Care: Why human-centered practices matter in the arts.

Big Picture Thinking: How small acts of care fuel energy for global change.

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Or join The Irregular Membership and get Jenn’s support to start your own personal rebellion.

Season 2 Episode 13

Rainbow Champions - guest Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt

Jenn wilson

"Everything’s made up—language, labels—so why not have words that help people feel seen?"— Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt

Jenn Wilson is joined by guest Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt

Adam Holcroft Tebbutt is the founder of Rainbow & Co, an LGBTQ+ apparel brand creating inclusive, identity-affirming merchandise. A proud trans man and autistic entrepreneur, Adam champions visibility, representation, and ethical business practices.

In this episode of Irregular Humans, Jenn Wilson talks with Adam Holcroft -Tebbutt about his journey as a trans, autistic entrepreneur and the creation of Rainbow & Co. Adam shares how lived experiences shaped his strong sense of self, why representation matters, and how he built a business that prioritizes care, ethics, and community over capitalist pressure.

Instagram - Rainbow & Co (@rainbowandcouk)

TikTok: Rainbow & Co (@rainbowandcouk) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowandcouk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjholcroft/

Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt is the founder of Rainbow & Co, an award-winning, LGBTQIA+ business creating bold clothing, accessories, and community spaces rooted in activism, joy, and visibility. A trans man and autistic entrepreneur, Adam uses his platform to champion trans rights, challenge rainbow-washing, and build safer spaces for queer people both online and offline. When he’s not running Rainbow & Co or speaking at Pride events, he’s dreaming up new ways for queer communities to connect, thrive, and take up space unapologetically.

Representation isn’t optional—it’s vital. Creating spaces and products that affirm identity helps people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episode

Irregular Everything

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Adam’s Story: Growing up trans and discovering identity in a world with little representation.

Autism and Self-Awareness: How neurodivergence shaped Adam’s values and business approach.

The Birth of Rainbow & Co: From mental health crisis to a thriving LGBTQ+ brand.

Ethical Business Practices: Why Adam rejects manipulative sales tactics like Black Friday.

The Pocket Guide: Educating and empowering through LGBTQIA+ identity resources.

Community and Care: Building a brand that prioritises inclusivity and customer well-being.

Success on Your Own Terms: Resisting the pressure to “scale fast” and embracing sustainable growth.

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Or join The Irregular Membership and get Jenn’s support to start your own personal rebellion.

Season 2 Episode 9

Owning Our Stories - guest Sid Akbar

Jenn wilson

"All stories have a universality to them, because everybody will find a way to connect through their own lived experience.”— Sid Akbar

Jenn Wilson is joined by guest Sid Akbar. Sid Akbar (he/they) is a queer South Asian actor, writer, and theatre-maker, and the founder of Damaka Arts — a company dedicated to explosive, unapologetic storytelling that centres queer people of colour and intersectional lived experience in the North of England.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Sid opens up about the journey that shaped him — from navigating cultural expectations within a traditional Muslim family in Bradford, to surviving domestic violence, a forced marriage as a teenager, and the lifelong process of reconciling seemingly conflicting identities.

Through theatre, Sid found both liberation and connection, using sci-fi influences and humour to transform trauma into an empowering creative force. This episode charts the development of his autobiographical show Besharam and the evolution of his perspective as an artist, activist, and storyteller creating space for queer South Asian voices.

info@dhamakaarts.com

www.dhamakaarts.com

Threads I Instagram | Facebook

Sid Akbar is a Bradford-born actor, writer and theatre maker creating bold, autobiographical work rooted in his experience as a queer person of colour from a Muslim background. His work explores identity, family, queerness and belonging, blending humour with emotional honesty. His solo show Besharam [shame-LESS] premiered in 2023, and his new show Khandan (Family) – The Shame Generation premieres 11–13 June 2026 at Bradford Arts Centre.

Sid’s story is a reminder that “irregularity” is often where truth, courage, and creativity live. By speaking his truth on stage, Sid breaks generational cycles of shame and silence — not only for himself, but for every audience member who sees a piece of themselves in his work. His commitment to authenticity, community, and compassionate storytelling shows what it means to take ownership of your narrative and build a life that feels like home.

Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episode

Irregular Everything

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• The origins of Damaka Arts and the meaning behind the name
• Growing up queer and South Asian in Bradford
• The emotional process behind creating Besharam
• Using sci-fi and Star Trek as a narrative frame
• The universality of coming-out stories beyond queer experience
• Navigating chosen family, biological family, and ADHD
• How representation on stage changes lives
• Sid’s upcoming show The Wrath of Kardaan (Bradford, June 2026)

Season 2 Episode 11

Life, death and freedom - guest Berni Benton

Jenn wilson

"We’re all ordinarily extraordinary—and that’s our unique gift."— Berni B

Jenn Wilson is joined by guest Berni B

Berni Benton is a death doula, celebrant, artist, and coach whose mission is to help people embrace their truth and live—and die—authentically. She believes everyone is “ordinarily extraordinary” and works to empower individuals to find freedom in their uniqueness.

In this episode of Irregular Humans, Jenn Wilson talks with Berni Benton about breaking free from societal expectations, embracing vulnerability, and finding joy in authenticity. Berni shares her journey from conformity to empowerment, her work as a death doula, and why living truthfully matters—especially at life’s end.

www.bernib.co.uk

Instagram - BerniB: Full Life Celebrant (@bernib_full_life)

TikTok: bernib_full_life (@bernib_full_life) | TikTok

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BernibFullLife

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berni-benton

BerniB (she/her) is a Full Life Celebrant, end-of-life doula, and author of My Life, My Death, My Wishes. She creates personalised, “no-rules” ceremonies that honour every chapter of life—messy, magical, joyful, or bittersweet. Whether celebrating love, welcoming new beginnings, or shaping a meaningful farewell, Berni gently guides people to create something that truly reflects their story and their community.

She walks alongside the dying and their families as a companion and advocate, helping them find clarity, calm, and connection. Her work is rooted in realness, storytelling, and legacy—because every moment matters, and every life deserves to be seen and remembered.

Authenticity isn’t easy, but it’s liberating. When we step into our truth, we create deeper connections, even if it means letting go of people who can’t accept our growth.

Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episode

Irregular Everything

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Ordinarily Extraordinary: Why uniqueness is worth celebrating.

Breaking Free: Berni’s journey from “fitting in” to living authentically.

The Role of a Death Doula: Supporting individuals and families at end of life.

Life Lessons from Death Work: How mortality teaches us to value truth and connection.

Vulnerability as Strength: Why asking for help creates reciprocity and deeper bonds.

Navigating Pushback: Facing judgment when you set boundaries or unmask.

Ripples of Impact: How our stories and kindness extend beyond our immediate circles.

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Or join The Irregular Membership and get Jenn’s support to start your own personal rebellion.

Season 2 Episode 7

Strategy made simple - guest Christina Poulton

Jenn wilson

"I won't take your money if I can't help you."— Christina Poulton

Jenn Wilson is joined by guest Christina Poulton

Christina Poulton is a consultant who helps small non‑profit organisations cut through jargon and overwhelm so their work becomes easier to run and easier to fund. With a career spanning every corner of the charity and community sector, she specialises in accessible strategy, fundraising, and practical organisational development — and is the creator of the brilliantly simple Sticky‑Note Strategy approach.

In this episode, Christina Poulton talks about her works with small nonprofits, translating jargon into practical actions and created The Boring Fund to help cover essential but unfunded costs.

https://www.christinapoultoncreative.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/christinapoultoncreative/

https://www.facebook.com/christinapoultoncreative

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-poulton-creative/

Christina Poulton works with non‑profit organisations—charities, CICs and community groups—to make their work easier to manage and fund. She has been in the sector her whole career, starting when Linkin Park were first topping the charts.

She has been a venue manager, production coordinator, youth leader, university lecturer, and has worked in programming, marketing and fundraising.

Christina describes herself as a weird mix of a list‑loving wannabe accountant and a creative, idea‑a‑minute people‑person.

Ethical fundraising means focusing on clarity, viability, and genuine fit—not taking work you can't help with.

Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episode

Irregular Everything

The Irregular Membership

Map My Month Method

• Simplifying nonprofit language.
• Sticky-note strategy for planning.
• The Boring Fund microgrant model.
• Mutual-aid funding platforms.

Subscribe now for After Hours Bonus Content- click here

Or join The Irregular Membership and get Jenn’s support to start your own personal rebellion.

Season 2 Episode 3

Human First - guest Amelia Stewart

Jenn wilson

"Simplicity comes not from how small you can make it, but how quickly you can do it." — Amelia Stewart

Jenn Wilson is joined by guest Amelia Stewart

Amelia Stewart is a coach who helps neurodivergent business owners build businesses that work with their brains, not against them. Drawing on ecological psychology, lived experience, and a deep understanding of how people make meaning, Amelia supports clients to find visibility strategies rooted in desire, energy, and authentic expression — not hustle culture or neurotypical productivity myths.

Amelia Stewart reframes executive dysfunction through ecological psychology, focusing on environment-driven action.

Subscribe for bonus content HERE

Website Link: https://www.ameliastewart.co/

Social Media links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplicity_specialist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emstewartcoaching/

Amelia helps neurodivergent business owners design businesses that work with their brains instead of against them—so action becomes inevitable rather than exhausting. Most advice tells you to get more disciplined. She helps you design your business so doing the right thing stops feeling like pushing a boulder uphill. Because when your environment matches how you actually think, you don’t fight yourself anymore. You just do the do.

Start where want is loudest; progress emerges from visible next steps, not strict linear plans.

Further Resources: links to offers from Irregular that are relevant to the episode

Irregular Everything

The Irregular Membership

Map My Month Method

• Why “just do it” doesn't work.
• Affordances and meaning-making.
• Creating financial oxygen roles.

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Or join The Irregular Membership and get Jenn’s support to start your own personal rebellion.

Season 2 Episode 1

It's me Jenn Wilson, introducing Season 2 of the Irregular Humans podcast, where we celebrate diversity and challenge convention. This short episode explains why, via the history of the concept of "normal",

Until the 19th century normal only referred to statistical averages in maths or science - but over time it's been redefined to pathologise and judge natural human variations. As a queer, female human with ADHD, I have direct experience of the ways societal norms around work, social behaviour, family structures, and gender roles have created expectations that don't fit everyone.

My guests are change-makers, who challenge the ways that the status quo and these 'normal' standards cause harm. Each of them has questioned and explored their own unique approach - some by refusing to let their identity be seen as deviant or less-than-normal... and some via creating and innovating new methods for life and work that are more accessible, inclusive and effective for all of us, rather than the privileged few.

The Irregular Humans podcast is an invitation to listen, to question conventional norms and embrace your own irregular ways to make a kinder, fairer, safer world for all of us.