Ellen is a comedian and writer, former bassist of Los Campesinos! and, newly, a junior developer! She talks mental health as a touring artist, drawing on her experiences with her band in the USA, to producing shows at the Edinburgh Fringe (which means every day - for a month!) She also discusses why bad relationships can be so gripping, how she navigated her family as a child and that sometimes, you SHOULD meet your heroes - if your hero is Neil Gaiman.

Listen along to Ellen’s songs at this Spotify playlist. Discussions begin:

Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know (04:49)

Le Tigre - Deceptacon (13:04)

Alessia Cara - How Far I’ll Go (21:55)

Rilo Kiley - Portions For Foxes (34:10)

The Decemberists - Engine Driver (37:41)

Amanda Palmer - Bigger on the Inside (45:14)

Max Richter - The Departure (53:15)

Fall Out Boy - Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene and Stop Going to Shows) (56:06)

Nine Inch Nails - We’re in This Together (1:00:23)

Clark - Growls Garden (1:03:34)

You can find Ellen on Twitter and Instagram @ellenstarbuck

Resources/Links:

• Check out Ellen’s impressive writing credits!
• You can find Ellen's fan fiction comedy night Dear Harry/Spock here, as well as the podcast of the live shows.
• Watch the trailer for Ellen’s Fringe show It's Better to Lie Than to tell the Truth and End up Alone in a Ditch Crying.
• If you are affected by any of the issues in this episode, please go to the NHS website, and the website of the charity Mind. For emergency support over the phone, you can call The Samaritans free on 116 123.
• For men who want to talk to others in a private and safe space, visit Talk Club - founded by two Music To Survive By guests Ben Akers and Gavin Thorpe. Check out their episodes for more info about the initiative for male mental fitness.