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Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed YouTuber Andrew Durning about his life, what inspired him to make That Mental Ginger Show on YouTube, and the work that goes into his videos.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Andrew Durning, I’m 34, live in Coatbridge (20-minute drive from Glasgow) in Scotland and I’m a husband, and father of twin three-year-old boys Kieran and Connor whom I love deeply. I have a steady day job working in the financial sector (though hopefully not for long) and I have mental health issues such as anxiety, and depression, as well as suffering from bouts of psychosis.
How and why did you start making YouTube videos?
When the world went into lockdown in March 2020, everyone started making podcasts… so of course I jumped on the bandwagon! After some trial-and-error and suffering from a severe mental breakdown in July 2020 where I was removed from my family for six weeks, I wanted to discuss things I’m passionate about: the arts and, most importantly, mental health awareness.
What is your channel called, and how did you come up with the name?
My podcast is called “That Mental Ginger Show”. It’s essentially the Ronseal of show titles as I have ginger hair and mental health issues.
What do you make videos about?
We interview people involved in the creative arts, actors, singers, musicians etc. We talk about their origin stories, what they currently do in the industry, any past experiences with poor mental health and round off with the guest offering their one piece of advice to anyone struggling with mental health issues.
Do you have a particular series you’re working on, or do you vary your content?
I try not to break it down into series now. I have a Version One playlist, when I was messing around with different ideas and it was very rough around the edges, and Version 2.0m the current incarnation where I interview guests as mentioned above.
What inspired you to start making videos and what do you hope to accomplish?
Having suffered with poor mental health, I know a lot more can be done to raise awareness on this subject and the arts is one of the most unstable industries to be part of. It’s filled with rejection and can be crippling for someone’s mental health, it caused me to give up on my dreams of being in the arts and crippled my self-confidence (to be honest, I’ve still not fully recovered yet). If the podcast helps one person deal with their struggles or takes their mind off things for an hour, then all the time and effort will be worth it.
Do you feature in your videos personally, or make your videos from other content?
I personally feature in the videos as I am the host.
Do you feature other people on your channel in the form of interviews or co-hosting?
I am the sole host but never say never to co-hosting.
Do you edit your own videos or have someone who does it for you?
I edit me own videos.
Do you script your videos, or just chat as you go?
One question at the start, one at the end and the rest I just use my natural nosiness to create conversation.
Do you have any specific equipment you use, such as camera, lighting, screens etc? Or are you a mobile phone camera user?
For Zoom interviews I use a laptop, microphones, headphones and HD webcam. I film in my dining room and recently upgraded my laptop so I can now have a set background.
I also hire a studio once a month for local guests called Scuffed Studios where I use a videographer and audiographer to give it a more professional, chat show like quality.
How has your YouTube channel changed or developed since you began?
When the new format began on the 12th of October 2021, I had 76 subscribers and 40 hours watch time. Now, as of 7th February 2022, I have 1,460 subscribers and 1,500 hours watch time. Over the course I’ve been slowly upgrading technology, content and learning new tricks and techniques to try and improve. We’re always evolving and growing.
What are you biggest challenges with That Mental Ginger Show?
Money; tech and studio time isn’t cheap and I’m still paying for it out of my day job wages.
What are your favourite YouTubers to watch?
Endless Celts Podcast (been on as a guest a few times), The Unlucky Tug (I’m a huge Thomas the Tank Engine Fan), Watchmojo (a Top 10 list channel), and Wrestlelamia (love behind the scenes WWE rumours)
How and where do you promote That Mental Ginger Show?
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; I struggle with promoting on the socials.
Do you earn money from YouTubing, or is it a hobby?
Not yet but that’s my goal to earn money so we can invest in the channel and build new channels without me having to drop wages from my day job.
What’s something you never expected about being a YouTuber? What have you learned that surprised you?
That people would listen to my show. I’ve had so many failed projects I thought this would just fizzle out after a few weeks (oh boy how wrong I was). I’ve learned that I’m a really good host, that people like listening to my voice and I have skills I can bring to the “YouTube table”.
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to start a YouTube channel?
I am setting up a “Ginger’s Guide to Podcasting” where I will be helping upcoming podcasts take their first steps into the world of YouTube; that will be up and running from April 2022… so my advice would be to sign up for my course.
And, finally, are your proud of what you’re accomplishing with your YouTube channel? Is it worth the effort?
It is worth all the blood, sweat and (lots) of tears that have been poured into this. Doing this helps my own mental health and helps me be a better person, husband, and father. I’m so proud of the team at Scuffed Studios, Mathew Ross, and John, who have been nothing but supportive and I hope that we continue to work together (provided I have the money) for as long as possible.
Pop all your work, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Email: gingerparodies87@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatMentalGingerShow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerParodies (search for the group ‘That Mental Ginger Show’ for direct fan engagement)
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/That_Mental_Gin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_mental_ginger_show
Merchandise: https://that-mental-ginger-show.myspreadshop.co.uk
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