Share

cover art for THIS IS ME! Living and performing with Bipolar Disorder with Natasha Cayabyab

Backstage Curry

THIS IS ME! Living and performing with Bipolar Disorder with Natasha Cayabyab

Season 1, Ep. 29

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mark is in conversation with Natasha Cayabyab, a young performer who is making an impact, not just for her talent, but for her courage and honesty in sharing her journey with Bipolar Disorder.

Natasha talks about her diagnosis, the challenges she's faced, and the daily realities of living with a condition that's often misunderstood. From navigating mood swings to developing a strong support system, she shares how she manages her mental health while continuing to pursue her dreams and build a successful career.

This candid conversation dives into the importance of self-awareness, therapy, medication, and routine — as well as challenging the stigma around mental illness that still exists in the theatre and beyond. Whether you live with Bipolar Disorder yourself or simply want to better understand the condition, this episode is a must-listen.


More episodes

View all episodes

  • 45. THERE’S SOMETHING ELSE FOR ME OUT THERE! with Mark Bajerski

    54:57||Season 1, Ep. 45
    How Yorkshireman Mark Bajerski left the UK for Spain and became a physic healer.Years ago, Mark Bajerski left the UK for a life in Spain, not knowing what the future would hold. He accepted an invitation to attend some spiritual meetings and suddenly discovered that he possessed a psychic awareness. Mark turned this accidental experience into a way of life and has now become known as, “The Healer of Hearts” with his own form of physic healing. In this episode, Mark tells his story and describes the work he does, work which led him to become an acclaimed empathic healer to athletes, artists, students, celebrities and anyone needing support in facing their life challenges. He was voted Spain’s number one Psychic in 2012 and 2013 and has his own Pure Energy Healing Academy. This episode is a glimpse into Mark’s world.
  • 1. STAGE, SCREEN AND WINNING! with Liza Sadovy

    44:55||Season 44, Ep. 1
    Olivier Award winning actress Liza Sadovy, discusses appearing in musicals, plays and being nominated.Currently appearing in a new play, “Daniel’s Husband”, Liza Sadovy is enjoying a successful and prolific career. Her theatre credits include, “Company”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Wicked”, “Sunday In The Park With George” and “Into The Woods” amongst many others. Liza won an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress In A Musical for her portrayal of Fraulein Schneider in, “Cabaret”, in London and was nominated the following year for her performance as Aunt Eller in the Young Vic production of, “Oklahoma”. Here she discusses being known as a musical theatre performer as well as her reputation in plays, TV dramas and films. Liza describes what it’s like to be nominated for awards and if winning has made any difference to her career. 
  • 43. OH YES IT IS! with Peter Duncan

    41:18||Season 1, Ep. 43
    Pantomime season is in full swing, (Oh yes it is!) - actor Peter Duncan describes what this famous theatrical tradition means to him.Actor and ex Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan has starred in, directed, written and produced many pantomimes during his long career. In this episode, Peter describes being a part of this yearly Christmas theatrical event since childhood and how he’s managed to bring panto to theatre audiences all over the UK, including creating his own online productions.
  • 42. NO BATTLE FOR TRAFALGAR! with HELEN ENRIGHT

    38:50||Season 1, Ep. 42
    How Trafalgar Entertainment became a global, award-winning production company.In 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment was created and now concentrates on new productions, venues, live music, comedy and Performance Arts, (with the company Stagecoach).Trafalgar owns 21 venues, including spaces in London and around the UK. Helen Enright is the Company Secretary and Chief Operating Financial Officer- here she tells the Trafalgar story, also describing how productions are chosen, created and cast. Plus how and why venues such as the three main theatres in Eastbourne have been taken over.  
  • 41. I REALLY NEED THIS JOB! with Beverley Callard

    01:00:52||Season 1, Ep. 41
    Back in 1989, the new McDonald family was being written into the storylines of Coronation Street and the search to find an actress to play Liz McDonald began.Beverley Callard was one of the hot favourites and here she describes the audition process, how much she wanted to be a part of this legendary series and how she’s learned to cope with the fame and attention Coronation Street has brought her.
  • 40. AND SUDDENLY I BECAME ME! with Sarah Greene

    44:51||Season 1, Ep. 40
    EPISODE 40. AND SUDDENLY I BECAME ME!How presenting, Blue Peter, changed the life of Sarah Greene.After a guest appearance on, Blue Peter, Sarah Greene was invited for an audition to become one of the presenters on the programme in the early 1980’s. As an actress, enjoying some success at that time, Sarah had never considered television presenting, but she got the job and during her three year stint on the most famous children’s show in the world, her life and career changed. Sarah discusses with Mark how she was able to find her true, ‘on screen’, self during that time and how, Blue Peter, led to her having the successful career she’s still enjoying today.
  • 39. 26 MILLION VIEWERS! with Susan Penhaligon

    48:06||Season 1, Ep. 39
    Actress Susan Penhaligon talks about starring in the ‘70’s TV drama series, “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” and about the industry today.First broadcast on ITV in 1976, “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” was highly impactful and watched by millions. This controversial drama about the secrets and desires of a dysfunctional family, was critically acclaimed at the time and brought actress Susan Penhaligon fame and many career opportunities. Still performing today, Susan discusses the series and tells us why she has no thoughts of ever retiring.
  • 38. IT’S NOT A TRAGEDY! with Finty Williams

    47:43||Season 1, Ep. 38
    Behind the scenes of the new STEPS musical, “HERE AND NOW”, with cast member Finty Williams.After a successful Gala performance in Manchester of the musical, “Here and Now”, which features songs by the top selling pop band, STEPS and which is receiving 4 and 5 star reviews-actress Finty Williams talks about her role in the show and about embarking on a UK and Ireland tour.https://actingforothers.co.uk/donate/
  • 37. THE FAR EAST PHANTOM with Nicholas Pound

    49:20||Season 1, Ep. 37
    Performer Nicholas Pound describes being a part of the spectacular Asian tour of the musical, “The Phantom of the Opera”.A long way from his home in Sussex, the experienced performer, Nicholas Pound takes Mark behind the scenes of the 2025 Asian tour of the worldwide epic musical theatre success, “The Phantom of the Opera”. Two weeks after opening in Bangkok, Nicholas talks about the highs and lows of embarking on this theatrical adventure.