10 March 2026
Backstage with Backup
E12: Why MHFAider Training for Freelancers Is Important

Guest: Norman Beecher, a Learning and Development Specialist who works with Music Support, the organisation that provides the Mental Health First Aider training Backup funds for freelancers on the technical side of the music industry, and other organisations.

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

In this conversation: Norman tells us about the training Music Support offers, and why it’s so important that as many people are trained as possible.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:

2:52 – Norman talks about his previous and current role at Music Support and with other organisations and what being a Mental Health First Aider helps equips people to do.
12:28 – Sarah asks Norman what made him decide to pursue this as his career and how his lived experiences help in the role.
20:05 – Norman and Sarah discuss the stigma, lack of knowledge and shame that used to surround mental health and addition, how far things have come in terms of awareness and attitudes, but that there is still work to be done.
25:25 – Norman emphasises how important the funding Backup gives for Mental Health First Aider training for freelancers on the technical side of the music industry.
27:00 – Sarah asks Norman what people can expect from Mental Health First Aider training, and how it helps both professionally and in peoples’ everyday lives.
38:30 – Sarah asks Norman if there is any feedback on how effective the course is from the industry at large.

For Info on Backup's AJ Bursary for MHFAider Training and to sign up via Music Support - Click Here

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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

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11 February 2026
Backstage with Backup
E11: The comfort of knowing help is there if you need it

*WARNING This episode includes discussion of a serious road accident and its aftermath, including injuries. Some listeners may find this distressing. Listener discretion advised.

Guest: Luke is Founder of Bear Bright Studios, a commercial sales developer and rental and touring specialist. He is currently Designer Relationship Manager with performer tracking technology manufacturer, Follow-Me, and an Ambassador for Backup Tech.

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

In this conversation: Luke tells us about his traumatic experience while on tour, the resulting stresses on his mental health, his more recent experience when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, the comfort of knowing Backup was there to help, even though he found he didn’t need to use it, and how that led to him becoming a Backup Ambassador.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:

2:01 – Luke tells us about the accident that happened while he was production manager on tour with Gary Numan, how it impacted him, and the support and advice he got from Music Support.
12:25 – Sarah asks Luke what led to him become an active part of supporting Backup. Luke talks about his brain tumour diagnosis and his surgery during the pandemic.
15:21 – Luke explains how and why he reached out to Backup before his surgery, why he decided not to take it, and why he’s now helping Backup.
16:40 – Luke and Sarah talk about the unique pressures of the music touring environment and how Backup helps.
20:28 – Sarah asks Luke what being a Backup Ambassador involves.
21:30 – Sarah asks Luke how he is now.

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/

2 December 2025
Backstage with Backup
E10: Help in a crisis

Guests: Sally and Rob Taylor, and Hannah Evans, the parents and sister of Adam Taylor, who was a sound engineer and DJ Adam Fabulous.

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: The Taylor family talk about Adam’s support of Backup and how the charity helped when he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

Episode key topics + chapter markers:

3:01 Rob and Sally tell us about Adam, his childhood, and what lead to him being an audio engineer and DJ.
9:28 Rob talks about Adam’s time at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, how the technical course he completed changed his life, and how he became DJ Adam Fabulous.
13:38 Sally shares Adam's career start from his first job as sound engineer on Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre, to how he travelled the world on various shows from theatre to corporate events, but still somehow managed to fit being a DJ and father into the mix.
16:00 Rob and Sally tell us stories about Adam that most stick in their minds, from meeting The Prodigy to taking Rob to the 90th Anniversary of Abbey Road Studios, and making everyone’s day at a gig on Brighton beach.
21:38 Sarah asks about why Adam was so passionate about supporting Backup.
25:15 They discuss what it meant to have Backup provide financial support during such a difficult time.
30:42 Sarah asks if they’d had any experience of how easy the process of asking for help was.
34:09 Rob and Sally explain what they’re doing to raise money for Guildhall students in Adam’s memory.
40:49 Rob talks about technical entertainment industry family and how being part of it is a comforting support network. Hannah explains that Backup’s support was above and beyond what a charity normally does, the support given by St Christopher’s Hospice, and how the love Adam always gave out came flooding back to him.

Useful resources / links related to this episode:
Adam Fabulous Scholarship https://gsmd.ac.uk/in-memory-of-adam-taylor

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/

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/

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/

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 area

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/

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/

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/