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

...