#97 Taylor James - The Shocking Truth About Podcast Guest Fees - Why I Walked Away - Podcaster, Entrepreneur, Producer

If you're a podcaster feeling the pressure to land bigger guests, a content creator questioning whether growth is worth the grind, or someone wondering why your passion project stopped feeling fun - this conversation will help you reconnect with why you started in the first place.Taylor James is the creator of the hit podcast The Waffle Shop and Managing Director of Twenty Two Productions. After building his show for five years and interviewing increasingly high-profile guests, Taylor made the surprising decision to step away from hosting entirely. Now on the production side, he helps other creators build sustainable shows without burning out - and he's rediscovered the joy that made him fall in love with podcasting.In this episode, you'll learn:Why chasing bigger guests can actually damage your show's authenticity - and the hidden costs no one talks aboutThe real reason Taylor walked away from a successful podcast after five years of consistent growthHow to recognize when external pressure is overriding your creative instincts - including the guest expectations trapPractical ways to balance quality and quantity without sacrificing your mental health or your messageThe surprising benefits of live shows for building genuine audience connectionHow to navigate the competitive podcasting landscape while staying true to your original purposeWhat changes when you shift from host to producer - and how it reignited Taylor's passion for the mediumThis conversation includes honest reflections on paid guest appearances, the pressure of personal branding, and real talk about what sustainable content creation actually looks like.#podcasters #podcasting Sign up to indiip for free at indiip.com/podcastIf you liked this episode, we may enjoy our first recording from June 2024:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrOI9KPa9E8Fully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Taylor James: Cold/Soft Opens vs Trailers & Intro Approach00:05:24 Authenticity, Over-Professionalising & The Comparison Trap00:11:29 Growth Landscape, Consistency & Quality vs Quantity00:17:54 Solo Episodes, Burnout & Rediscovering Purpose00:29:57 Future Plans: From The Waffle to Half a World Away00:40:34 Storytelling, Big Guests, Status & Promo Etiquette00:59:10 Live Shows, Music Angle & Wrap-Up***LINKS***Taylor’s Instagram https://bit.ly/3X5PTxLhttps://twentytwo.productions/Join the indiip beta:indiip.com/beta15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:awakenoutofcontext.comAwaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Last week I had an absolute disaster at HYROX London. It was my first Pro race in almost two years. I figured that, since I was going to have this conversation with my coach, Paddy Maher, it might be interesting for you guys to listen in on the sorts of things we chat about when looking to improve HYROX times.We took a deep dive into the different stations, weaknesses, strengths, and stats from the day. We looked at what exactly went wrong, whether my approach to pacing with heart rate was optimal, and whether it was a good idea or not to go to the cinema beforehand. We also talked about whether I’m simply fighting genetics with HYROX Pro and if I should even continue in this weight class.We explored why, despite feeling the strongest I’ve ever felt going into a competition, I struggled so much on the sled pull, and what we’ll do differently next time. Plus, we discussed some of the strategies we’re going to put in place to improve for my next HYROX Pro race.I’m hoping that, if you’re in a similar position to me and looking to improve your HYROX time, you’ll take some insights from this chat and hopefully feel a bit less alone if you’ve been struggling with similar things.Please enjoy this conversation with Paddy Maher.#hyrox #coaching #hyroxlondon Sign up to indiip for free at indiip.com/podcastIf you liked this episode, I’ve curated a list of episodes similar here:https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLMebuClQRf0-w8w31XGwd4r2JIkuq-Vw9/videosFully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Intro & Pre-Race Expectations00:00:45 Race Plan, Warm-Up & Heart-Rate Strategy00:06:22 Splits Review & Pacing Across Stations00:10:30 Lunges Hamstring Tweak & Wall Balls Struggle00:15:36 Priority Fixes: Sled Pull, Lunges, Wall Balls & Burpees00:19:51 Pro vs Open: Motivation & Goals00:26:10 Training–Life Balance, Recovery & Late Race Timing00:33:21 Season Timing, Redemption & Heart-Rate Strategy00:45:59 Aerobic Base: Bike & Building Volume00:50:03 Run Volume, Social Runs & Weekly Structure (Stockholm Plans)00:53:13 Closing & Coach Links***LINKS***Paddy’s Websitehttps://bit.ly/4g55IvPPaddy’s Instagramhttps://bit.ly/4g9AXGchttps://www.instagram.com/industry13sf/?hl=enJoin the indiip beta:indiip.com/beta15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:awakenoutofcontext.comAwaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Disclaimer: This episode contains mature content about sex, relationships, and personal experiences. The discussion is educational and intended for adult listeners. Nothing shared constitutes professional medical, therapeutic, or legal advice. Always practice safe sex, prioritise consent, and consult qualified professionals for personal health concerns.Tatiana Ashborn is a sex educator and host of "Dirty Talk/Under The Sheets with Tatiana Ashborn," where she creates open, shame-free conversations about intimacy and relationships. This was an extremely free-flowing chat between Tatiana and I, with us both opening up on our personal experiences of sex and relationships.In this episode, we explore:- How growing up around her brother, his mates, and visiting musicians shaped views on sex, relationships, and the double standards between men and women- Why traditional sex education focuses on fear and pregnancy rather than pleasure, consent, and healthy exploration - and what's actually missing from the conversation- The real story behind Jason appearing on Naked Attraction, including the application process, the manufactured behind-the-scenes reality, and how prior experiences with skinny dipping made the nudity feel surprisingly normal- Red flags in modern dating that might actually be green flags depending on your perspective - including not drinking, religious gym-going, and having a sex education podcast- The connection between music and intimacy, from awkward sex playlists to how creativity and sexuality intersect in unexpected ways- What it's really like running a successful in-person podcast with two recordings a day, managing pre-interview anxiety, and learning to truly listen rather than just wait for your turn to talkThis conversation includes candid stories about first sexual experiences, navigating judgment as a sex educator, and the evolution from anxious question-reading to authentic conversational interviewing.#sex #relationships #podcasters Sign up to indiip for free at indiip.com/podcast90 Day Cold Plunge Video:https://youtu.be/-ER321hoJ4gFully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 When Tatiana First Became Aware Of Sex00:04:18 Sex Education Work & How Tatiana Defines It00:08:06 First Sexual Experience & Losing Virginity at 1600:14:26 Generational Differences in Sexual Behaviour & Pornography Access00:18:04 First Time Watching Porn & Vintage Erotic Film Discussion00:22:09 Interviewing Her 90-Year-Old Grandma About Sex00:29:22 Value of Elders, Cross-Cultural Perspectives & Grandparents' Wisdom00:35:27 Naked Attraction, Jason's Experience on the Show & Behind the Scenes00:49:43 Dating After Four Years Single & Anxious Attachment Style00:57:57 Body Confidence, Rejection & Naked Attraction Reflections01:01:24 Red Flags vs Green Flags in Dating01:07:33 Shared Values in Relationships & Compatibility Tests01:14:11 Optimal Time to Wait Before Sex in a New Relationship01:19:57 Music Production, Music & Sex Connections01:24:42 Personal Music Journey & Song writing Struggles01:27:17 Sexual Innuendos in Everyday Life01:35:41 Travelling for Three Years While Running a Podcast01:40:10 Podcasting Nerves, Batching Episodes & Interview Preparation01:48:49 The Art of Listening & Interviewing Techniques01:56:24 Learning from Early Podcast Episodes & Embracing Growth02:02:22 Upcoming Projects & Teaching Sex Education02:04:48 Daily Habits, Calendars & Routines for Success02:09:29 Closing Remarks & Where to Find Tatiana***LINKS***https://www.tatianaashborn.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/tatianaashborn_https://www.tiktok.com/@tatianaashborn_Join the indiip beta:indiip.com/beta15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

If you're someone who's ever cringed at the sound of your own voice, felt judged for using "like" or "um," or wondered why certain accents feel more credible than others - this conversation will help you understand the hidden forces shaping how we communicate and how to use your voice with confidence instead of shame.Valerie Fridland is a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno, and author of Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. With decades of research into how language actually works in the real world, she's dedicated to dismantling the myths and judgments we carry about speech patterns. Through accessible science and cultural analysis, Valerie helps people understand that the vocal habits they've been told to eliminate are often markers of connection, adaptability, and social intelligence.In this episode, you'll learn:Why vocal fry, uptalk, and filler words like "um" and "like" serve powerful communication functions - and what they actually signal to listenersHow accent bias and language policing create hierarchies that have nothing to do with clarity or intelligenceThe psychological reasons we hate hearing our own voices on recordings - and what this reveals about self-perceptionWhy younger generations adopt certain speech patterns as markers of identity, empathy, and in-group belongingHow to reframe your relationship with your voice by understanding the difference between linguistic evolution and actual communication problemsPractical ways to speak with authority and confidence without erasing the natural patterns that make you relatableThis conversation includes real examples of how speech patterns shift across generations, regions, and social contexts - helping you see your voice as a tool for connection rather than a source of insecurity.#linguistics #professor #accents Sign up to indiip for free at indiip.com/podcastFully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Valerie Fridland: Changing Accents, Authenticity, Hiring Bias, Chris Williamson & Comprehension 00:12:20 New Book on Accents & Why ‘Moist’ Sounds Unpleasant 00:21:08 Backchannels, Podcaster Tics & Self-Monitoring 00:28:07 The Many Meanings of ‘Like’ 00:33:11 Status & Prestige, Vocabulary, Audiobooks vs Reading 00:44:44 Improving Speech: Analyse Your Habits, Not ‘Diction’ 00:49:28 Favourite Words: ‘Cellar Door’, Sonority & the Many ‘R’s 00:54:09 Proto-languages, Jaws, Muffled Speech & Prenatal Hearing 01:00:44 Closing ThoughtsIf you liked this episode, you might like these too:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMebuClQRf0_uXZRSNrXYQ9Wgp-Zk-0yk***LINKS***https://www.valeriefridland.com/Join the indiip beta:indiip.com/beta15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

If you're an entrepreneur stuck at a revenue ceiling, a coach who helps others succeed but struggles with your own money blocks, or someone who works hard but never seems to get ahead financially - you'll gain practical tools to transform your relationship with money through a proven six-step process that's helped clients go from zero to eight figures.Morgana Rae is a author and money coach who went from financial struggle to teaching the Financial Alchemy Method that's generated over $12 million for clients who started at zero. After discovering how her unconscious "money monster" was sabotaging her success, she developed a process that transforms invisible blocks into tangible financial results through grounded practices that address the root emotional patterns driving financial behaviour.In this episode, you'll learn:• The Money Monster and Money Honey technique - how to identify and transform the unconscious saboteur blocking your income (including the visualization process that reveals why you're pushing money away) • The complete six-step Financial Alchemy framework that takes you from limiting beliefs to sustainable wealth creation • How to use the "Money Savior" concept to break free from situations where you feel trapped or powerless financially • Practical daily habits including success journaling, weekly priority setting, and preemptive gratitude practices that rewire your brain for financial momentum • Real client transformations - including someone who borrowed money to hire Morgana and went on to earn over $12 millionThis conversation includes specific techniques you can implement immediately, along with stories from Morgana's personal journey from being hit by a car at 16 to becoming a sought-after money mindset expert working with clients worldwide.Disclaimer: This episode discusses personal development and financial mindset work. The content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or therapeutic advice. Individual results may vary, and any financial decisions should be made in consultation with qualified professionals appropriate to your specific situation.#money #coaching #success Sign up to indiip for free at indiip.com/podcastFully Timestamped Chapter List 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:10 Renaissance Faire Upbringing & Early Alienation 00:06:03 Purpose, Inequality & Car Accident 00:20:28 From Unnecessary Suffering to Money Work & 2003 Rock Bottom 00:37:33 Money Monster to Money Honey Origin Story & First Shifts 00:55:42 Financial Alchemy: Six Steps & 2008 Reset 01:01:26 Six-Step Deep Dive, Client Wins & 100 Weddings 01:14:31 Who She Coaches; Money Honey for Men 01:20:22 Where Clients Get Stuck & Prompts that Help 01:26:29 Jason’s Money Insight & Healing 01:32:02 Money, Love & the ‘Bank’ Problem for the Rich 01:38:27 Boundaries, Money Honey & Meeting a Buddhism Professor 01:42:41 Dating While Wealthy - Choose Character Over Characteristics 01:47:06 Daily Habitts, Rituals: Requests, Priorities & Success Journal 01:54:23 Bali Retreat Details & ContactIf you liked this episode, I’ve curated a list of other episodes you might like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMebuClQRf08P0UXfiilUCQA9YN8m951D***LINKS***Morgana’s Website:https://bit.ly/4iiH5xgMoney Goddess Retreat (Bali)https://bit.ly/4rmtR6MJoin the indiip beta:indiip.com/beta15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Last week I convinced myself that my entire mission was b******t - that maybe all I wanted was money and attention. Then I got a notification that completely shifted my perspective.This episode is about that moment of clarity, and the exact framework I built as a result: how to rebuild your life with just 60 minutes a day using the Triple F approach (Foundational + Friends & Family + Forward Momentum).If you've tried everything but can't stick to anything, this one's for you.Join the free indiip beta: indiip.com/betaI Couldn't Get Out of Bed. This 90-Day Challenge Changed Everything. https://youtu.be/-ER321hoJ4g?si=Yx6gmI34IKDhSRhNLINKS:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Three years ago, I couldn't get out of bed. My alarm would go off with a personalised message - "today is a new day, Jason" - and I'd lie there paralysed, staring at stained wallpaper, unable to take even the first step into my day.Then I created a 90-day challenge that completely transformed my identity, discipline, and how others perceived me. Not just my habits - but who I fundamentally believed I was.In this episode, I'm giving you the exact three-step framework I used to go from rock bottom to becoming someone who shows up consistently, does hard things, and commands respect.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:- The 3-step framework for designing challenges that transform your identity (not just build habits)- Why 90-day timeframes create deeper shifts than shorter commitments- How documenting your journey publicly creates an accelerated feedback loop that reinforces your new identity- The unexpected social benefits of completing challenges - including how people suddenly see you as magnetic and worth collaborating with- Real examples: my cold water challenge, David Goggins' Navy SEAL transformation, Jocko Willink's 4:30am accountability, and the "hardest geezer" who ran across Africa- Why doing something for charity can overcome the mental block of feeling selfish about self-improvement- How discipline in one domain (like cold water) transfers to completely different areas of life (sobriety, fitness, relationships)TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 My rock bottom journal entry00:01:55 The solution: 3-step challenge framework00:04:40 The wedding conversation that changed everything00:06:35 Identity shift and discipline transfer to other life domains00:07:15 David Goggins: from obese to Navy SEAL00:08:00 Building authority through public documentation00:09:00 Examples: Hardest Geezer, Jocko Willink, £1 to £1M challenge00:11:10 Your challenge: take action todayRESOURCES:Start your free month of accountability tracking: indiip.com/podcast(First 5 people get personal accountability support from me)I'm Jason Berry - a habit tracking entrepreneur and podcaster who transformed from someone who couldn't get out of bed to a person known for discipline and showing up. Through my own journey and examples from David Goggins, Jocko Willink, and others, I reveal how public challenges create lasting identity shifts that ripple across all areas of life.This episode includes my vulnerable journal entry from my lowest point and the wedding conversation that changed my relationship with my cousin.OTHER EPISODES LIKE THIS:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMebuClQRf08486wZSMosnGDb2lZFFJbo#davidgoggins #discipline #90daychallenge #identityshift

Sign up to indiip for free at indiip.com/podcastIf you're a high performer in business or sport, navigating grief, or exploring faith without dogma - and want practical ways to rewire unhelpful patterns - this conversation will help.Caryn Bird is a hypnotherapist and grief-retreat facilitator who transformed the loss of her son into purpose-led work. She helps athletes and everyday people build confidence, composure and performance through grounded practices that turn belief into calm, focused action.In this episode, you'll learn:- What hypnosis actually is and how to rewire negative thought patterns- Why affirmations only work when aligned with belief - and why one clear goal beats a dozen scattered statements-How to discern spirit signs and navigate faith with or without psychedelics- Practical grief support for bereaved parents, including simple at-home steps for acute loss- Real results from swimmers, boxers and Olympians - Tools for moderating alcohol and building non-negotiable daily habits- A brief micro-practice to connect with GodThis conversation includes stories from elite athletes and tools you can use today.Disclaimer: This episode discusses bereavement. It is for information only and is not medical, psychological or legal advice. Psychedelics are mentioned; legality, risks and suitability vary by location and person - seek qualified guidance. Hypnosis may complement but should not replace professional care.If you liked this episode, I’ve curated a list of other episodes you might like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMebuClQRf0_uXZRSNrXYQ9Wgp-Zk-0yk#mindset #grief #hypnosisFully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Affirmations, Belief & Law of Attraction00:00:46 Caryn Bird’s Life Journey & Background00:03:01 Loss of Son, Memoir & Spiritual Opening00:06:16 Spirit Visits, Senses & Signs00:08:43 Psychedelics & Feeling Connected to the Other Side00:14:12 Cultivating Faith Without Psychedelics00:17:53 Communication vs Hallucination00:20:18 How Faith Shapes Her Work00:23:11 Intuition, Surrender & Listening00:26:34 What Is Hypnosis?00:30:53 Rewiring Negative Pathways00:32:27 Athlete Mindset: Confidence, Calm & ‘Even Ifs’00:36:23 Affirmations: Why They Work (When Believed)00:41:08 One Goal vs Many Affirmations00:42:15 Success Stories (Swimmer, Boxer, Olympian)00:44:44 Grief Retreats for Bereaved Parents00:46:49 At-Home Grief Steps & Resources00:49:46 Hypnosis Use Cases: Smoking, Flying & Weight00:53:36 Moderating Alcohol with Hypnosis00:58:55 Non-Negotiable Daily Habits01:00:15 Micro-Practice to Connect with God01:01:02 What’s Next: Retreats, Sessions & Travel01:02:00 Closing Remarks***LINKS***Caryn’s Website & Other Links:https://bit.ly/4qBIDGa https://WinWithHypnosis.comEmail list for bereaved parents: https://carynbird.com/unimaginable-gift-retreat/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-bird-80418a1b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carynbird/?hl=enFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/caryn.seavittebirdCheck out indiip for free:https://bit.ly/indiippodcast15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Sign up to indiip for free by heading to indiip.com/podcastIf you’re interested in balancing ambition with inner peace, you’ll get a lot from today’s episode.Max Stephens is a coach and writer exploring deep meditation, self-transcendence and practical psychology for high performers.Today we covered a lot of ground including - growing up in an addicted household, Max’s India epiphany and early meditation experiences, family, forgiveness and gratitude to parents, building balanced drive without apathy through parts work and healthy scepticism. Circles of concern, altruism and what truly motivates top performers - the real purpose of meditation and working through inner conflict - deep practice, psychedelics and selflessness. The structure behind his book “What the F*** Do You Actually Want?” with client stories and practical starting points: forgiveness, mortality, radical honesty and how to forgive.I hope you enjoy the episode!#mindset #highperformance #psychologyFully Timestamped Chapter List 00:00:00 Intro Trailer for Max Stephens 00:00:33 Journey: Addicted Household, India Epiphany & Deep Meditation 00:08:14 Family, Forgiveness & Gratitude to Parents 00:22:49 Balanced Drive Without Apathy: Parts, Scepticism & Self-Transcendence 00:35:30 Circles of Concern, Altruism & Motivation in High Performers 00:50:59 Meditation’s Real Purpose & Working Through Inner Conflict 00:57:13 Deep Practice, Psychedelics & Selflessness 01:05:07 Book: What the F*** Do You Actually Want? Structure & Client Stories 01:15:22 Starting Points: Forgiveness, Mortality, Radical Honesty & How to Forgive 01:19:00 Closing: Mortality Reminder, Future Plans, Links & Outro***LINKS***Max’s Website:https://bit.ly/3KYWLJmCheck out indiip for free:https://bit.ly/indiippodcast15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj

Sign up to indiip for free by heading to indiip.com/podcastIf you’re looking to improve as a leader or are looking to deepen your self-awareness and emotional regulation, I really think you’ll enjoy today’s episode.Collin Henderson is a mindset coach who specialises in leadership communication, psychological safety, identity-based behaviour design and practical mental skills for high performance. Today we discussed the four horsemen of communication in leadership, what mindset really means at work, building psychological safety, the limits of the body versus the mind, assessing mindset (self-awareness, focus and self-talk), identity and the Truth Triangle, habits, MITs and environment design, and a four-minute mental workout (Breathe, I Have, I Am, I Will).I hope you enjoy the episode!#leadership #mindset #selfimprovementFully Timestamped Chapter List00:00:00 Intro & Four Horsemen of Communication in Leadership 00:02:08 What Is a Mindset Coach? Defining Mindset 00:09:25 Implementing Mindset & Psychological Safety at Work 00:18:46 The Body Has Limits, the Mind Is Limitless 00:21:28 Assessing Mindset: Self-Awareness, Focus & Self-Talk 00:44:22 Target Attracts the Arrow: Identity (Truth Triangle) 00:51:24 Habits, MITs & Behaviour Design (with Environment) 00:58:59 Four-Minute Mental Workout (Breathe, I Have, I Am, I Will)If you liked this episode, I’ve curated a list of other episodes you might like here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMebuClQRf0_uXZRSNrXYQ9Wgp-Zk-0yk***LINKS***Collin’s Instagram:https://bit.ly/49ba837Collin’s Website:https://bit.ly/3KYWLJmCheck out indiip for free:https://bit.ly/indiippodcast15% Off Bare Bar (CODE: JASE):https://bit.ly/barejaseMY STUFF:Awaken Out Of Context Podcast (YouTube & Podcast Links):https://bit.ly/3tk8FVvFollow Me On Instagram (@awakenoutofjason):https://bit.ly/3RAkKQj