What does performing do for wellbeing of the person on stage?

In this moving conversation, host Sarah Gorev chats with Mat Ricardo - a cabaret and variety performer who's been entertaining audiences for nearly 40 years - about something most of us never consider: how being on stage actually supports his wellbeing.

Mat shares his remarkable journey from being a shy, stuttering kid locked away in his bedroom to becoming a confident performer. But here's the twist - he didn't just learn to perform. He deliberately constructed a version of himself that helped him exist in the world!

You'll discover:
• Why the stage became Mat's unexpected safe space - the place where he feels most in control
• How creating one version of yourself can transform all the other parts
• What happened when Mat received his autism diagnosis three years ago
• The concept of "masking" and why unmasking is such profound work
• His beautiful pre-show ritual
• Why distraction isn't shallow - it's actually a collective mindful moment
• The "fantastic weirdos" backstage who became his chosen family

Mat also talks about his brilliant new book "The Magic in You" - what his publisher called a "stealth help book." Disguised as a guide to circus tricks, magic, and comedy, it's actually teaching kids about dealing with failure, handling bullying, building friendships, and understanding mental health. (And yes, it includes how to pick locks!)

This conversation explores creativity, identity, neurodiversity, and finding wellness in surprising places. Mat's honesty about the autism diagnosis being the beginning of a journey (not the end) and the work of figuring out which parts of yourself are there to make others comfortable will resonate far beyond the neurodivergent community.

Whether you're interested in the creative process, curious about how we construct the versions of ourselves we need to be, or simply want to hear a genuinely different perspective on wellness, this episode offers something special.

It's warm, honest, occasionally funny, and proves that safe spaces show up in the most unexpected places.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in creativity and wellbeing, neuro-diversity, autism, performing arts, personal transformation, or simply hearing real conversations about finding your own path to wellness.

Mat's book "The Magic in You" is available now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-You-Mat-Ricardo/dp/0571383963

Find Mat on social media and YouTube for tour dates and his beautiful short films.

Website: https://www.matricardo.com/

Substack (new things every month): https://matricardo.substack.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MatRicardo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matricardo

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/matricardo

This podcast is here to inform and inspire curiosity, not to tell you what to do. Everything discussed reflects the personal experiences of our guests, and Sarah doesn't personally endorse any particular practice or approach. You're always in the driving seat — it's entirely your choice whether to explore further. Where guests offer the chance to try things for yourself, you'll find links below. And as always, nothing here is suggested as a substitute for personalised advice from your own healthcare professionals.

Thanks for listening.