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

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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/

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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....

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