14 October 2025
Backstage with Backup
E9: Applying for help is simple

Guests: Backup Trustee, Rick Fisher, is a theatrical Lighting Designer based in the UK and working internationally.  A former chair of the Association of Lighting Designers, (now the ALPD), he is one of the original founders of Light Relief and Backup charities.  

Nikki Scott, Pastoral Care at Backup, was Managing Director at Stage Technologies and prior to that at DHA Lighting. Both companies designed, manufactured and installed equipment in entertainment venues around the world. A lifelong active participant in amateur and professional theatre, working behind the scenes as well as an ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) board member. Having volunteered as a ‘Samaritan Listener’ in the past, Nikki is keen to give those in our industry in need of support, a safe space when reaching out to Backup for help.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Rick and Nikki explain the application process and why no one needs to worry about asking for help.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:

1:15 – Rick and Nikki introduce themselves and explain their roles at Backup, and Rick talks about why and how the charity started.
7:34 – Nikki advises people to explore the possibility of putting some financial protection in place for when it’s really needed. Both emphasise that, even if that is in place, Backup is still there to help in a crisis. 
10:21 – Nikki explains what happens if someone doesn’t feel able to contact Backup themselves. Both talk about how Backup is the industry helping itself through fundraising and referrals, and how the counselling Backup helps provide can be transformative.
16:00 – The process of applying, how help is tailored to the individual, and the time it takes to get help is outlined.
21:12 – Sarah asks what happens if long-term help is needed, and then what happens if you enquire on someone else’s behalf. 
29:27 – Rick stresses how easy it is to ask for help and Nikki talks about how it’s completely non-judgemental.

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

25 April 2025
Backstage with Backup
E8: How To Be A Financially Savvy Freelancer

Guests: Suzi Green Tour Manager at Healthy-touring.com, Founder of The BACK LOUNGE and Mental Health Advocate, and Paul Jones, Event production and management specialist at Ethix Management, and founder of UK Live Event Freelancers Forum.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Suzi and Paul talk to Sarah about a series of Financial Literacy workshops they’re hosting for freelancers working in the live entertainment industry.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:
1:16 – Suzi and Paul outline their roles in the industry, why they decided to create the Financial Literacy Workshops.

6:20 – Suzi and Paul outline why financial planning isn’t necessarily freelancers’ top priority, but why it’s important and beneficial to do.

16:20 – Sarah asks for a brief overview of what will be covered in each of the three workshops and the experts that will be giving information and advice.

29:26 – Paul talks about the How to Become a Savvy Freelancer session at PLASA Leeds that he, Suzi and Backup Chair Piers Shepperd are taking part in, and Suzi invites people to send in questions in advance.

Useful resources and links related to this episode:
A link to the recorded version of the courses will be linked here after they have taken place in May.

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

7 March 2025
Backstage with Backup
E7: Freelancer and Backup Recipient Jayne Ross

Guest: Jayne has worked in the entertainment and corporate sector since the early 80s, first in theatre, moving to corporate full time in the 90s. She has been a show caller, on site producer, and stage manager, amongst other roles.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Jayne and Sarah talk about her career, what happened to her medically, her experience when she went back to work, and how Backup’s help, along with other organisations, has been vital.

Warning –some people may find the details upsetting

Episode key topics + chapter markers:
0:50 – Jayne outlines her career, the start of her medical problems, Covid lockdown, and the impact of a 2022 car accident.

7:00 – Jayne talks about her injury claim against the driver who hit her, Equity’s support through the process, and how counselling and her northern sense of humour helps her cope. 

10:00 – Jayne and Sarah discuss how her physical health has impacted her ability to work and her financial situation, how Backup has helped and its quick and easy the process.

19:00 – Jayne highlights how attitudes in the industry have changed towards her and the lack of disabled access for crew in venues, particularly during build days.

27:28 – Jayne explains her struggles, and the incredible kindness and generosity from people in the industry.

29:20 – Jayne emphasises that freelancers don’t have a formal safety net for physical or mental health issues, how tragedy changes processes, but that they don’t seem to last. 

30:54 – Sarah asks Jayne for final words of advice for people who might find themselves in a similar situation to her.

32:18 – Update on Jayne’s situation and how she hopes that this podcast can help to remove the stigma around disabled crew in the industry.

Useful resources and links related to this episode:
Music Support for MHFAider training (FREE for Freelancers)
Hub of Hope find the right support for you, in your

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

1st November 2024
Backstage with Backup
E6: Erica Basniki - Recovery Is Not A Bad Word

Guest: Erica Basniki is a writer who specialises in brand language, tone of voice, and content strategy. She trained as an audio engineer, and then had a career as an audio industry journalist. She is also a passionate mental health and recovery advocate.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to be able to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Erica and Sarah discuss Erica’s personal experience of alcohol addiction and recovery, her ongoing journey with mental health issues, and her desire to help normalise these by promoting industry-wide discussion.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:
2:46 – Erica and Sarah discuss the importance of medical help to recover from  alcohol addiction.

5:39 – Erica talks about how her identity revolved around her ability to drink, starting at the age of 19 and her denial that she had a problem.

8:53 – Erica discusses how genetics, trauma and mental health issues affect a person’s predisposition to alcoholism, how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism.

12:05 – Erica relays the point where there was no denying she had a serious problem, but not knowing what to do about it. Followed by her first steps on her journey to recovery.

19:50 – Erica explains how the process of recovery means changing your mind, in the most literal sense, her resistance to asking for help, how it’s not possible to do that alone, how she found a sense of community through organisations that is essential to recovery.

26:00 – Erica emphasises how a dependence on alcohol isn’t a choice and not the fault of the person going through it. How organisations like Music Support and Roadies in Recovery are helping the industry.

Useful Resources / Links
Music Support: Addiction & Recovery Awareness Workshop
Roadies In Recovery: Weekly sessions / access info here under Backup's Resources Page and 'Support Groups'
MITC: Industry Therapist / The Music Industry Manual

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

Friday 13th September 2024
Backstage with Backup
E5: Talking About Neurodiversity

Guests:
Phil Wright: An award-winning Senior Mix and Spatial Engineer, Phil trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.  Initially working at Sound By Design Ltd, he formed Phil Wright Sound in 2012, producing productions around the globe. He mixes live show recordings at his home studio and also collaborates on product development and design. He teaches on the Theatre Technology course at Guildhall School and was a member of the Executive Board at the ASD.

Jess Allan:  Having worked in the industry for over 25yrs in various roles, Jess is Backup ‘s Charity Coordinator. She is passionate about supporting the freelance community, especially in regard to mental health and wellbeing.
Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to help spread the word about the great work Backup does.

In this conversation: The challenges and advantages of being neurodiverse are discussed, how Phil navigates working in the touring industry, and how mental and physical health can be protected through openness and changing attitudes

Episode key topics + chapter markers:
*Profanity warning
2:28 – Phil talks about his early ADHD diagnosis and how he discovered he was autistic

4:00 – Phil's experiences since he has been more open and honest about his diagnosis particularly with younger crew members

5:00 – Jess highlights the importance of industry awareness. Phil notes that creative people can also be neurodiverse, how and why the industry appeals to them and the challenges they face

9:20 – Phil and Jess discuss changing attitudes, how panels like the Neurodiversity panel at PLASA can help the younger industry cohort and their employers, and how he’s mentored ASD students using his real-life experiences  

16:28 – Phil discusses how honesty about how a tour schedule was unhealthy for his mental and physical health, helped change the regime and the need for healthier touring  

20:16 – Phil talks about how his autism diagnosis meant he stopped masking and can voice his concerns

Useful resources and links:
Neurodiversity Week resource hub

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

Guest: Piers Shepperd is director of international technical production practice, Wonder Works. His three-decade career has spanned design, production management, audio, lighting, automation and the development of cutting-edge manufacturing. He has been involved in over twelve Olympic Ceremonies, helped build the largest ever World Expo site in Dubai and can name both Her Majesty the Queen and Queen the rock band as clients. 

He is also a Trustee of Backup and became Backup Chair in 2022. He is an expert in managing multiple stakeholders, mindfully guiding talented teams through a myriad of obstacles to deliver work in sometimes challenging environments, all of which he brings to his role at Backup.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to be able to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Sarah talks with Piers about his role in Backup as Chair, current needs of the industry, how Backup looks after recipients and the role Backup plays in supporting education on issues that effect the industry.

Episode key topics + chapter markers :
2:58 –Piers talks about his history with Backup and how and why he got involved in the first instance.

4:15 – The changes Piers has seen in the intervening years and how Backup has adapted.

7:10 – Current needs of the industry; increasing need for help with mental health,  pressures people are facing.

9:12 – Sarah asks Piers if there are any plans he has in mind for the coming months. Piers talks about listening to recipients to make sure the process is managed and follow up care is put in place along with other initiatives that mean Backup is there to help ahead of a time, heading of problems before they become crises.

12:07 – Sarah and Piers talk about the need for education on current issues, both within Backup itself and the industry in general.  

15:00 – Piers highlights the fact that change doesn’t happen overnight and the need for long term programmes to ensure that change happens to ensure people’s welfare, including training people as Mental Health First Aiders.  

17:30 – How enabling people to g

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

Thursday 31st August 2023
Backstage with Backup
E3: Music Industry Therapist Collective, Tamsin Embleton

Guest: Tamsin Embleton, attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist specialising in working with musicians and music industry professionals at all stages of their careers, founder of the MITC, and compiler and editor of Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to be able to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Tamsin and Sarah discuss the challenges for crew working in the touring industry; how their mental, as well as their physical health can be protected.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:
5:34 – Sarah asks Tamsin to help her correct an assumption she made in E1 about the disparity in mental health issues between men and women
8:47 – The stresses that come with touring, how the industry could help itself and support the people working in it
12:38 – Tamsin talks about the impact and repercussions the pandemic has had on the industry
15:04 – Pressures crew face;  job insecurity and why this leads to both physical and mental health problems
20:19 – How the touring lifestyle can exacerbate problems with addiction, a shift in culture and attitude on tour could help
28:05 – Tamsin highlights a new initiative from MITC and Roadie Medic, the MITC Manual and the shift in attitude to mental health issues
36:52 – Post tour recovery and the impact of touring on personal relationships

Useful resources and links related to this episode :
MITC -  info on services as well as 'Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual'
Freelancers - Backup's AJ Bursary for FREE MHFA training  via Music Support  Companies - The ABTT and  Music Support  provide MHFA training for companies

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

Friday 30th June 2023
Backstage with Backup
E2: The Wellbeing Hub at Backup’s Kart-Fest – The Village Fete

Guests: Backup’s Jessica Allan, Laura Newton, Development and Operations for MITC, and Music Support’s Chief Executive, Eric Mtungwazi.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to be able to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Jess, Laura, Eric and Sarah discuss Kart-Fest – The Village Fete, Backup’s biggest fund raising event of the year, and it’s new Wellbeing Hub. 

They talk about why this new initiative is so important in helping to raise mental health awareness in the entertainment technology industry, why it’s so vital to change attitudes towards mental health in general, the importance of having more trained Mental Health Health First Aiders in the industry, what each organisation does on a day-to-day basis, and what will be on offer on the day.

Episode key topics + chapter markers :
1:34 – Jess explains what the Wellbeing Hub is all about and why it’s so important
5:34 – Laura talks about what MITC is, what it does and why it was set up
6:19 – Jess explains why Backup works with MITC 
7:54 – Laura tells us what MITC will be offering during Kart-Fest
10:39 – Eric explains Music Support’s role in the industry
14:24 – Jess emphasises the importance of Music Support and Backup’s role in training Mental Health First Aiders 
16:33 – Eric tells us about what’s on offer from Music Support during Kart-Fest
17.29 – Jess talks about the sessions available and new initiatives that are being announced on the day

Useful resources and links related to this episode :
Backup's AJ Bursary for FREE MHFAider training  via Music Support
Music Support for MHFAider training, Addiction & Recovery Awareness Workshop 
Music Industry Therapist Collective for industry therapists and to purchase your copy of their Touring and Mental Health Manual

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...

Thursday 18th May 2023
Backstage with Backup
E1: It's OK to not be OK

Guest: Scott Arnold is managing director of Autograph, pre-eminent suppliers of audio equipment to the theatre industry.  He is also a Trustee of Backup Tech.

Host: Sarah James runs PR agency Gasoline Media and is proud to be able to help spread the word about the great work Backup does, taking care of their Press & PR.

In this conversation: Scott and Sarah discuss the topic of mental health and the entertainment technology industry's attitude towards this and the need for change.  He talks about his own journey with anxiety and the help he received which is what inspired him to work with Backup and his desire to help other industry colleagues.

Scott also talks about the steps Autograph has taken to support its employees mental health and hopes it will encourage other companies in the industry to follow suit.

Sarah and Scott also emphasis the importance of having more trained Mental Health Health First Aiders in the industry.

Episode key topics + chapter markers :
1:27 - Why Scott wanted to become a Backup Trustee
2:45 - Scott’s journey with general anxiety disorder and Autograph's support
4:57 - How therapy and understanding can help everyone
6:25 - The hole in the industry’s understanding of mental health
7:55 - The debilitating aspects of anxiety. How simple understanding helps alleviate it
14:25 - The importance of the MHFAider training
15:42 - It’s OK not to be OK
16:35 - How Backup provides a safe place to talk
20:25 - The best £240 Autograph ever spent
23:10 - Getting rid of the mental health stigma
24:42 - How the industry should be looking after freelancers

Useful resources and links related to this episode :
Freelancers - Backup's AJ Bursary for FREE MHFAider training  via Music Support Companies - Music Support MHFAider training for staff
Hub of Hope -  Find the right support

Support the show

Backup Tech - The UK’s Registered Technical Entertainment Charity That Provides Financial & Wellbeing Support To Technical Industry Professionals.
“We help people get back on their feet”

How Backup Tech can help :
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Are you struggling with Mental Health and need to speak to someone?
Is there someone you know who needs help with any of the above?
If so, visit our 'How We Help' page for details on our support, or call our 24hr Helpline 0800 464 7068

Did you find this episode useful?
Our many successes are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Please help us by supporting us

• Website: https://www.backuptech.uk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backupuk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backuptechuk/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/backup-tech-charity/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BackupCharity

...