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

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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.