Advertise on podcast: The Waffle Shop

What if the way you speak to yourself is the very thing holding you back? Today I'm joined by Dr Marianne Trent, a Clinical Psychologist specialising in trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. We have a waffle about everything from self-compassion, curiosity, and learning how to quiet the inner critic. From imposter syndrome and people-pleasing to trauma, burnout, and emotional resilience, Dr Marianne breaks down the hidden patterns that shape how we think, feel, and respond to the world around us. We explore why so many of us struggle to give ourselves the same kindness we offer everyone else, and how curiosity can be the key to real personal growth. The episode dives into the idea of “glass and rubber balls” in life, helping us understand what truly deserves our energy and what’s okay to let bounce. Dr Marianne also shares practical tools for managing overwhelm, including grounding exercises, mindfulness techniques, breathing practices, and ways to reconnect with yourself when life feels too loud. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, overthinking, or feeling like you’re never “enough,” this conversation will hit home. To find out more about Dr Marianne, please head to the below links: Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/73D4CLEHa52JRtLPInXBPV?si=c6a5ef228bb149b2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariannetrent/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop! Joining me for a waffle is the incredible Dominic McGregor, former co-founder of Social Chain and author of I’m Never Drinking Again , for a raw and unfiltered conversation about addiction, resilience, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Dom opens up about the reality behind early success, sharing how launching a business at just 19 came with pressures he wasn’t prepared for. What looked like a dream on the outside quickly became overwhelming, as alcohol crept in as both a coping mechanism and an amplifier for deeper struggles. From navigating trauma, including experiencing a terrorist attack, to hitting a personal breaking point that led to suicidal thoughts, Dom doesn’t hold anything back in this honest reflection of his darkest moments. At the heart of the conversation is the turning point, the decision to stop drinking and take back control. Dom shares what sobriety really looked like for him, not just quitting alcohol but completely rebuilding his mindset, routines, and sense of identity. He introduces the idea of resilience as something you train, like a muscle, and breaks down how small, consistent actions can reshape your mental strength over time. The episode also dives into practical tools that have supported his journey, from gratitude and perspective shifts to the role of music, structure, and daily habits in maintaining balance. A recurring theme throughout is the importance of community, having people around you who understand, support, and challenge you in the right ways. This is an episode about confronting reality, finding strength in vulnerability, and proving that no matter how far things slip, it’s possible to rebuild something stronger. For more information please head to the below links: Dominic McGregor I'm Never Drinking Again Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if slowing down is actually the key to moving forward? In this episode, I sit down with Bren, founder of One Wellness, for a real and reflective waffle about navigating chaos, finding clarity, and building a life that actually feels aligned. This isn’t about quick wins or overnight success, it’s about doing the inner work, showing up with discipline, and getting honest about your “why.” Bren opens up about his journey from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to creating structure, purpose, and resilience in both life and business. We dive into the tension between growing something fast and staying grounded, and why so many of us struggle with guilt when we try to slow down. This conversation is packed with practical insights on managing stress, avoiding burnout, and creating boundaries that actually stick. From journaling and mindfulness to embracing solitude and tuning into your emotions, Bren shares the tools that have helped him stay consistent and connected to himself. We also get into the power of reflection and manifestation in entrepreneurship, why discipline beats motivation every time, and how learning to embrace change, instead of resisting it, can completely shift your perspective. If you’ve been feeling stretched, stuck, or unsure of your next move, this episode is your reminder to pause, reset, and realign with what really matters. If you want to find out more about Bren, please check out the below One Wellness: https://www.instagram.com/onewellness_cv/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the pain you’ve been carrying could become the very thing that helps someone else feel less alone? That exactly what my incredible guest this week has done! Joining me for a waffle is the incredible Georgia Denton, creator of Mark My Words, for a raw and honest conversation about grief, childhood trauma, addiction, mental health, and hope. Georgia opens up about losing her dad at just six years old, growing up around addiction, and how poetry became her way of processing pain and helping others feel less alone. What started as a personal outlet has grown into a platform that resonates with people across the world and has even caught the attention of Lindsay Lohan and Bella Hadid! We also have a little waffle about imposter syndrome, social media boundaries, healing through creativity, and how vulnerability can create real connection. A deeply moving episode about resilience, honesty, and turning your darkest moments into something meaningful. If you want to find out more about Georgia, please check out the below: Mark My Words: https://www.instagram.com/markmywords.x/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your identity doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes people expect? Today I’m joined by Lewis Oakley for a raw and honest waffle about bisexuality, identity, stigma, and what it really means to live authentically in a world that still struggles to understand nuance. Lewis opens up about his personal journey, from childhood and realising he was bisexual at 19, to navigating the unique challenges that come with coming out as a bisexual man. We get into the myths, the misconceptions, and the frustrating double standards that still exist both inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community. This is a conversation about visibility, vulnerability, relationships, representation, and the courage it takes to be fully yourself. We also dive into Lewis’s work as a writer, advocate, and author of Bisexuality: The Basics, as he shares why education, honest conversations, and better representation matter now more than ever. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, boxed in, or judged for simply being who you are, this episode is one you need to hear. To find out more about Lewis, head to the below links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewyoaks/ Bisexuality: The Basics - The Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Waffle Shop Podcast! Ever feel like somewhere between the burnout, the busy schedule, and pretending you’re totally fine… you accidentally lose yourself a little bit? Yeah. Same. Joining me for my comeback episode is the brilliant Ellie Forsyth who is the host of the incredible You Look Happier Podcast We have a waffle about what happens when podcasting starts to feel more like a character than a connection. After spending so much time holding space for everyone else, this episode is all about what it means to finally turn that care inward. From identity wobbles and emotional crash outs to rediscovering joy in the little things, this is a vulnerable reset. No polished version. No pretending. Just the real stuff. This is the start of a new chapter, one with more honesty, more laughter, more heart, and probably a few life plot twists along the way. If you’ve ever felt a bit lost, burnt out, or like you’re trying to find your way back to yourself…this episode might just help! For more information about Ellie please make sure you check out the brilliant You Look Happier podcast 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 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.