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Welcome to The Waffle Shop Joining me in the studio this week is the brilliant Matreya You may recognise Matreya from his time on the X-Factor when he identified as Mason Noise. Following on from a series of traumatic events and a lot of inner work, Mason has now reinvented himself on so many levels We have a waffle about all things music, mental health and his upcoming interview series From Darkness to Light that is taken his brand new single 'I See The Light' to a whole new level. Maitreya also opens up about the highs and lows of fame, stepping away from his public persona, and embracing life as an independent artist. We deep dive into the healing power of creativity, the mental health tools that helped him rebuild, and how he found purpose beyond performance. This episode is a deep dive into identity, evolution, and the magic that happens when you stop performing for others and start showing up for yourself. If you want to find out more, head to the below links: Matreya The Waffle Shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining me in the studio this week is the brilliant singer/songwriter ADMT We have a waffle about the connection between music, mental health, and personal growth. We also dive into ADMT’s journey of self-discovery, the role of therapy in managing anxiety, and how songwriting became a lifeline through his toughest moments. From the unexpected success of his viral cover of 50 Cents‘Best Friend’ to the deeper message behind his original work, ADMT opens up about the importance of vulnerability, purpose, and turning pain into power. It’s honest, it’s raw, and surprisingly uplifting (with a few laughs thrown in, obviously). So if you’ve ever felt lost in the noise, this one’s your reminder that your voice is worth finding and blasting through a speaker. If you want to find out more, head to the below links: ADMT The Waffle Shop Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining me in the studio this week is one of my favourite people, Montana! In this episode we dive headfirst into the emotional rollercoaster of relationships, heartbreak, and the glorious chaos of being single. Expect laughs, oversharing, and maybe a little too much honesty as we unpack why self-love is hotter than any situationship—and why cutting off your ex and your toxic friend might just be your 2025 glow-up move. From gut instincts to ghosting, and friendship breakups that hurt more than that one time you got dumped via voice note (rude), this episode is equal parts therapy and stand-up. If you want to find out more, head to the below links: The Single Bestie The Waffle Shop Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining me for a waffle is the sensational Shar Cooterie! Shar Cooterie is a bold and brilliant drag performer, best known for her live vocals, sharp wit, and political flair. Winner of Drag Idol UK 2024, she’s wowed audiences with her signature “Honey Roast Glam” — a playful mix of camp, cabaret, and heartfelt storytelling. Since starting drag during lockdown, Shar has become a standout figure in the UK scene, earning acclaim for shows like Well Swung and Nice to Meat You. Offstage, she’s a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. We have a waffle about the psychology of performance, the creative evolution of a drag persona, and the deep personal journey behind Shar’s signature style, “Honey Roast Glam.” From playful beginnings during lockdown to captivating stages across the UK, Shar shares her journey with self-discovery, reclaiming identity, and embracing joy through drag. The conversation explores the importance of embracing your inner child, challenging societal norms, and using humour and art as a tool for advocacy. The waffle also goes into brand new territory which led to a powerful conversation about the important issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, including transphobia, media narratives, and the power of representation. This episode is a celebration of freedom, empathy, and the fearless pursuit of authenticity! If you want to find out more, head to the below links: Shar Cooterie The Waffle Shop Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! JACK IS BACKKKK! Joining me for a round two is the brilliant, BRIT Award Winning, Singer, songwriter Jack Garratt! Jack opens up about the inspiration behind his haunting new single ‘Catherine Wheel’ and his forthcoming album ‘Pillars’, reflecting on the importance of authenticity in his creative process and how rituals and self-care help him stay grounded in an often chaotic industry. We also get a bit deep about the realities of body dysmorphia, navigating self-sabotage, and how music has served as both a mirror and a medicine. Jack introduces the concept of love as a structure of three core pillars — self-love, platonic love, and romantic love — and the conversation explores the need for balance and presence in all three. Despite the heavy topics, Jack brings humour and relatability, reminding us that it’s okay to laugh while healing and that being yourself is the most radical thing you can be. If you want to find out more, head to the below links: Jack Garratt The Waffle Shop Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Today I'm by Natasha Wicks — a professional cuddler and mental health therapist — to explore the transformative power of touch and the often misunderstood world of cuddle therapy. Natasha shares her unique journey into this unconventional form of healing, explaining how cuddle therapy supports emotional well-being by helping clients feel safe, seen, and supported. The conversation dives into the impact of the pandemic on human connection, the therapeutic role of music and cold water therapy, and the growing need for non-sexual physical touch in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world. Taylor and Natasha also unpack techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and how it’s used to help process trauma. Together, they debunk common myths about cuddle therapy and highlight how intentional, platonic touch can play a crucial role in mental health, self-worth, and emotional regulation. If you want to find out more about Cuddle Therapy please check out Natasha's work - https://natashawicksmindmatters.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining Taylor for a waffle is the exceptionally talented Sydnie Christmas! Sydnie Christmas is the powerhouse vocalist who stole the nation’s heart as the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024. Known for her emotional performances and unforgettable voice, Sydnie opens up about her journey through the music industry, her rise to fame, and the mental and emotional strength it takes to stay grounded under the spotlight. Sydnie and Taylor explore the importance of resilience, humour, and self-belief in the face of public judgment, online negativity, and the overwhelming nature of sudden success. Sydnie shares how she uses music as both an emotional outlet and a tool for healing — especially when working on her latest single, We'll Meet Again a touching tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The conversation is an honest, uplifting reminder of the emotional power of music, the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people, and why staying in your own lane is key to surviving and thriving in a comparison-driven world. If you want to find out more, head to the below links: The Waffle Shop Podcast Sydnie Christmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining me in the studio is the brilliant Ellie Forsyth! Ellie joins me for a waffle about her journey to happiness, healing, and self-discovery. Ellie opens up about her formative years, the emotional armour she built through family dynamics, and her career in the prison service, which reinforced her need to appear strong. But behind the bravado was a woman searching for peace and purpose. Ellie also opens up about her Mum's dementia diagnosis and how it became a pivotal moment that forced her to confront grief, seek support, and redefine her idea of happiness. We also explore the importance of therapy, vulnerability, and community, and how sharing your story—no matter how painful—can not only transform your own life but also help others feel seen and supported. The episode also touches on Ellie’s own podcast, You Look Happier, which was born from her own healing process. This episode is a reminder that happiness isn’t found—it’s built, one brave step at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining me in the studio is the brilliant Dan Shrigley! Dan Shrigley joins me for a deep dive into the often unspoken challenges of men's mental health, loneliness, and the journey of personal growth. Together, we explore how personal experiences shape our mental well-being, the struggles that can arise as we evolve, and the emotional toll of outgrowing relationships. Dan shares insights into the importance of creating safe, non-judgmental spaces for men to open up — and how connection can be one of the most healing tools we have. This episode is a reminder that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It encourages listeners to take action, seek support, and discover purpose — even in the smallest of steps. If you want to find out more, head to the below links: The Waffle Shop Podcast Dan Shrigley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back babyyyy! Joining me for my first waffle of 2025 is the brilliant Omar Foster! Omar is an incredibly talented chef and MasterChef finalist known for his bold flavours and creative flair in the kitchen. With a passion for modern twists on traditional dishes, Omar has quickly become a standout voice in the culinary world. His journey on MasterChef captivated audiences and showcased his commitment to excellence, innovation, and heartfelt cooking. He joins me for a waffle about his journey so far, personal growth, culinary exploration, and navigating identity. We waffle about the impact of the pandemic on Omar's culinary journey, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of support from loved ones. Omar shares insights on finding one's own path and the lessons learned from participating in MasterChef, emphasising the significance of self-discovery and the ongoing journey of personal development. He reflects on the influence of his family, particularly his mother's work ethic, and discusses the empowerment of women in the culinary industry. This episode is a really nice reminder of how important it is to embrace your identity and be unapologetically you! If you want to find out more, head to the below links: The Waffle Shop Podcast Omar Foster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! In this episode Taylor and Luke take a trip down memory lane and take a look back at 2024 and the songs that have soundtracked it all! From winning awards, two live shows and hitting 1 MILLION downloads, it's been quite the year! They delve into the importance of self-awareness and validation, share insights on personal growth and the future of the podcast.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop Today I'm joined in the studio by the incredible Emma Conway! Emma is a podcast host, author, YouTuber and the creator of Brummy Mummy of 2. She joins me for a chat about her journey so far, her recent heart surgery and the importance of being kind. We also have a waffle about all things content creation and the complexities of being a parent in the age of social media. Emma shares her experiences with openness and vulnerability online, the importance of community support, and the balance of positives and negatives across social media We also have a bit of a deep dive into the importance of personal boundaries while being open and honest with her audience. She reflects on the impact of social media on self-perception, the importance of authenticity, and the supportive community she has built! Bloody loved this waffle so I hope you do too! If you want to find out more about Emma and her B&M hauls, click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop Today's episode is an incredibly special one as I'm joined by the incredible David Holmes David is an actor, artist, stuntman, podcaster, and now author of 'The Boy Who Lived.' He joins me for a waffle about his journey so far, the writing process, how he became Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double on the Harry Potter series, and how he navigates the world after a devastating accident left him instantly paralysed. David's story is a story of determination, inspiration, and humour, and it was an honour to hear it firsthand. I first heard of David after I watched his documentary with my Mum. For followers of the podcast, you will know my Mum is also in a position where she requires 24-hour care after an operation went wrong. David's documentary was incredibly inspiring for us as a family and for the first time in a long time, we had hope We also had a waffle about all things mental health, coping mechanisms, and of course music. I really hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did and please make sure you get a copy of his brand new book, The Boy Who Lived Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop Today we are straight from winning at The Independent Podcast Awards to the studio with fellow podcaster Tom McCormick! Tom joins me for a waffle about his brilliant podcast 'Inside A Mind', which aims to provide relatable conversations about mental health struggles and provides some incredible tools that the listener can implement We also delve into Tom's ADHD journey and the misconceptions surrounding it. ADHD seems to be a bit of a buzzword at the moment, so it was refreshing to hear Tom's take on the diagnosis process and the dangers of social media's impact on self-diagnosing The conversation also touches on the need for boundaries to protect mental well-being, the struggle with work-life balance, and the concept of 'mental masturbation' in productivity. I really hope you enjoy it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LIVE IN LONDON!! This waffle is coming to you live from Cheerful Earful Festival in London! Joining Taylor for a waffle is his podcasting wife Emma Tindall and the extended waffle family, James Allen! The guys hit the on switch to the Rejection Hotline and hear from you lovely lot about all things rejection and how we handle it, which of course ends in pure chaos! They dive into the various forms of rejection, including romantic and friendship rejections, and hear from the LIVE audience the various ways they have got back at people! Hope you enjoy the episode, and a huge shout out to Cheerful Earful for hosting us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.