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A conversation about Andrew\\u2019s life. Having trained in the same school as Dame Julie Walters and Steve Coogan, Andrew spent the first part of his adult life as an actor (known as Drew Thompson) with a career full of interesting highlights including working with his hero John Hewitt in the Lyric Theatre Belfast and sharing the screen with Dame Julie in the film Mo. In his thirties, having reflected deeply on what he wanted to do with his life, he decided to change direction and devote himself to his faith, training to become a minister in Church of Ireland. Today Andrew is a chaplain in the British Army, having served in Afghanistan shortly before we spoke. 

Episode guide:

3.30-27.15 Childhood. Inspired by actor Northern Irish actor John Hewitt. Beginnings in acting, beginnings of faith. Getting a "proper degree" in engineering but all his focus on acting. MMU and the Hacienda. Assaulted by "The Plum" and leaves England.

27.15-53.22 In Belfast, working as an actor with Centre Stage. Works with hero John Hewitt. Time with him is thrilling but also lifts the curtain on reality of actors\' lives and the sacrifices often entailed. Goes to Cambodia and discovers goal-setting and gets into great shape. Returns home. Highlights of his time as an actor. Meeting his wife Sharon. Working with Julie Walters. Magical film sets.

53.22-1.13.57 Then something changed. Wants to be a better person. Discovers spirituality. Goes from being non-religious to devoutly Christian. Asks himself \'Why am I acting?\' The four needs. Seeing a clash and feeling like a puppet. Spat with director of Mo over profanity. Founds drama ministry with Sharon creating Christian-themed theatre.

1.13.57-1.41.01 How he becomes a priest. Talks about his faith and how he sees it all. \'What does a good life look like?\' Becoming an Army Chaplain. Wanting to help people understand who they are. Was he worried about going into a war zone? Counselling soldiers who have killed people in combat.

1.41.01-1.58.30 Impressions of Afghanistan and Western presence there. Having a family. Not missing acting but appreciating the skills it gave him. His belief in the providence of God. Stories about the Gurkhas and what we can learn from them.

Guest: Andrew Thompson

Host and producer: Donal Gallery 

Recorded in person in North London

Artwork by Anna Obert https://www.instagram.com/annaobertillustration/ 

Music by Donal Gallery 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PathsPodcast 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PathsPodcast 

Get in touch with stories of people who\'ve lived unusual lives at pathspodcastpeople@gmail.com 

Thanks for listening