The Waffle Shop

At first, The Waffle Shop might confuse breakfast enthusiasts. For instance, If they're looking for culinary tips, this isn't the place. But for those who listen close, they're likely to find intrigue in what host Taylor James and his guests discuss. Or, that is, in what he and his guests "waffle on about."

Sure, Merriam-Webster says "waffle" is a noun, "a crisp cake of batter baked in a waffle iron." Or, used as a verb, its primary definition is to waver or hesitate over something. But James takes "waffle" to mean a heartfelt chat. Thus, The Waffle Shop allows him and his guests to "have a waffle."

Guests range from superstar singer Ed Sheeran to Tiger King antagonist Carole Baskin to James's own sister. What do they waffle on about? The topics are focused on mental health and ways to improve it.

The introductory episode of The Waffle Shop ends with a rallying cry of sorts. James says, "I promise you now, opening up, reaching out for help, it doesn't make you weak. In fact, it makes you strong." In that show, he explains how he almost lost his mother a few years earlier. She experienced complications after routine surgery and slipped into a coma. James and his family even believed they'd have to make the horrible decision to take her off life support. But when the day came to do so, she started showing signs of life.

James's mother recovered, but the experience left him shaken. It took years to open up about his feelings over that heart-wrenching journey. But when he did, he decided to go big. The Waffle Shop allows James to compare notes with musicians and others who also pushed through some tough times. It's a great listen and reminder that everyone faces struggles and that help is all around.