Thinking Big: Raleigh Ritchie

Thinking Big with Maisie Williams is a monthly podcast where our Co-Founder, Maisie Williams, sits with influential creatives who are leading the way in their industries. This episode Maisie meets with Raleigh Ritchie - musician and fellow Game of Thrones actor - to talk about how he keeps a good work-life balance, his creative process and the importance of making things for enjoyment.

Raleigh Ritchie is the stage name for the Bristol-born actor and musician, Jacob Anderson. Now based in London, Raleigh's music career began in 2006 when he featured as a vocalist on Typesun's track 'The PL.' Now, he writes and produces his own music. In 2007 Raleigh made his acting debut on TV, before gaining a film role in Adulthood in 2008 (he also appeared on the soundtrack, featuring on a song with Plan B.) Today, Raleigh is most commonly known for starring as Grey Worm in Game of Thrones. Following the airing of GoT's final series, Raleigh talks about how he now has time to focus on his music and is prioritising finishing his next album. He has also written a film which he hopes to get into production in the future.

A main theme featuring in this podcast is the importance of keeping a good work-life balance; the lines of which often blur for those in creative industries. For Raleigh, spending time on creative hobbies - solely for the enjoyment of it - is vital in helping him stay in touch with the reason behind why he does what he does. His passion for the arts began at a young age when he'd write reports of films for his mum to persuade her to take him to see them. He maintains this passion today by aiming for IKIGAI -  a Japanese concept encompassing your passion, your mission, your vocation and your profession as your reason for being.  During this podcast Raleigh discusses how creating is more than just getting paid and how his need to create has a bigger purpose. He sees the process of creation as an avenue to channel his emotions. This extends into his music; the songs he writes are heavily influenced by his current state of mind.

To hear more from Maisie and Raleigh, follow the full podcast here