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

Map My Month Method

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.

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 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

The Irregular Membership

Map My Month Method

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.

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 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

The Irregular Membership

Map My Month Method

• 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