HAVE YOU HEARD?

The Waffle Shop // Taylor James podcasts to help with anxiety and PTSD

Published on March 13, 2021

Have You Heard? is a series where the Pod Bible team meet the people behind the podcasts you may not have heard of yet. While the Oh. My. Pod. section in the magazine gives a quick shout out to shows of that ilk, Have You Heard? aims to go deeper in an effort to spread awareness for shows that deserve more exposure! We recently heard from Taylor James, creator the interview podcast about mental health, The Waffle Shop. He talks about podcasting to help cope with anxiety, his love of a certain Pod Bible founder’s podcast, and going to see Adele with his mum…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name’s Taylor James and I’m the host of The Waffle Shop Podcast, which was created to help myself open up about my mental health, coping mechanisms and those minor inconveniences that just wind me up. Don’t get me started on wasps, work of the Devil! It sounds quite selfish but I’ve learnt so much about myself by just listening to others waffle about their journey. I now have a bit of a platform that encourages others to open up and waffle about how they’re feeling and even made some lifelong friends in the process!

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

One of the first podcasts I ever listened to was Off the Beat & Track with Stu Whiffen, I genuinely fell in love with it, I’m a bit of a music nerd so to have the chance to have an insight to some iconic peoples record collection was a bit of a dream come true for me.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

The Waffle Shop actually started as part of my therapy for my anxiety and PTSD after nearly losing my mum to an operation gone wrong. I did the typical thing of bottling everything up and ended up in a very vulnerable position. With the help of my sister and best mate I reached out and got the help I needed….and then COVID hit!

Instead of running the risk of going backwards I decided to get out of my comfort zone and give it a go, its safe to say that it was the best decision I ever made as its completely turned my life around.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I’d again say Off the Beat & Track with Stu, I love the relaxed vibe and how it feels like I’m sat in the room having a beer with my mates talking about all things music and the impact it has. I think I’d also say Table Manners with Jessie Ware and her brilliant mum, I haven’t been able to see my mum for nearly a year due to restrictions so it has that ability to really feel like home. These two are definitely my biggest inspirations I love a light hearted chat where anything goes and hearing people’s stories and the basics like what food they eat and music they listen to.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

My dream guest would have to be Adele. If I was able to have a waffle with the legend herself I think I could die a very happy man
I have a strong connection to her music and she was the last gig me and my mum went to together before everything happened.
I genuinely love everything about her and that laugh is just infectious, so I’m not closing The Waffle Shop until she’s joined me, just throwing out there into the universe….

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far as a podcaster?

The biggest thing I’ve learnt is to not take myself too seriously, we’re living in a very serious world at the minute but The Waffle Shop has allowed me to really break down a lot of walls for me. Its allowed me to really express myself, my emotions and completely ripped me out of my comfort zone! If you had said a year ago I’d be hosting a top 10 podcast and hosting live episodes to over 4000 people I would have laughed straight in your face. It’s allowed me to learn so much about myself and my mental health as well as show me that it’s ok to not be ok. It’s basically free therapy! Who doesn’t love a freebie!

What episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

I’d say the perfect introduction to The Waffle Shop would be my episode with the incredible Pandora, she’s a DJ on Heart FM with the most incredible story. We clicked straight away! We’ve both used a lot of pain and hardship and used it as motivation to just keep going. Hearing stories like Pandora’s really gives me that fire in my belly and gives that reassurance that yes life can be incredibly difficult at times but it doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of!

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

I’m a bit rubbish with keeping up with all the different forms of social media however I’m most active over on Instagram at @waffleshoppodcast! Always up for having a waffle so feel free to drop me a DM! I’m also available on all streaming platforms so grab your headphones and join me for some waffle with some of my favourite people!