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.