Meet Taylor Friedel

We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Friedel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I grew up being very shy and often focused on meeting other people’s expectations, always trying to do the ‘right thing.’ I was constantly comparing myself to others, which held me back and was exhausting. I let my insecurities and fear of judgment shape how I saw myself. But over time, I began to realize that true confidence doesn’t come from trying to please everyone else—it comes from embracing who I am and learning to trust my own voice.

As I got older, I realized that everyone is wrapped up in their own lives and challenges. It was a turning point for me—I stopped living for others’ expectations and started focusing on what truly made me happy. I’ve always had a creative side, and wanted to lean into that.

Starting my podcast has been one of the most therapeutic and fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. It’s given me a space to express myself, embrace my creativity, and genuinely enjoy the process—without worrying about what others might think. I’ve learned that if people are talking about you, it’s often because they’re avoiding reflecting on themselves. And that’s okay!

When I look at where I am now, I know my younger self would be so proud of who I’ve become. The strength I’ve gained and the confidence I’ve found are things I once thought were out of reach.

To anyone chasing a dream: don’t let fear or the opinions of others stop you. Do it for you. Love yourself, embrace your creativity, and trust that you’re better for it. Everyone has their own struggles—so focus on living authentically and passionately.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve always been a huge podcast fan—so much so that I almost never listen to music anymore. It’s all about pop culture or true crime podcasts for me, haha! I started my podcast because it was something I had always wanted to do, but for a long time, I hesitated—worried about what others might think or whether it would even go anywhere. One day, though, I just had this feeling that I had to go for it, so I did. I started brainstorming that very day.

What excites me most about my podcast is that it’s my creative outlet, a place where I can share my passion for giving advice, editing, and discussing what’s happening in the world—whether it’s breaking news, internet trends, or celebrity gossip. I love the idea of giving people something to tune into that offers a little escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether I’m talking about the latest pop culture buzz, sharing advice on different topics, or diving into topics like how to combat seasonal blues, there’s always something for everyone.

What I aim to create with this podcast is a space where listeners can take a break, have some “me time,” and enjoy content that’s fun, relatable, and sometimes even a little unexpected. There are no limits to what we discuss, and that’s what makes it so special.

I’m committed to keeping the podcast going for as long as I can, and I’m so excited to continue growing and sharing new episodes. Be sure to check it out every Saturday for a fresh dose of entertainment and insight!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were passion, creativity, and self-trust.

Passion: I wanted to share why I started a podcast, especially with so many out there already, and what makes podcasts such a personal form of entertainment. For me, it’s all about passion—my love for pop culture, giving advice, and editing. Podcasts are the perfect way to combine those interests. They offer a unique intimacy and connection that other media can’t replicate. When you find a podcast you love, it becomes part of your routine, and waiting for the next episode feels like a small highlight of your week.

Creativity: I’ve always had a creative side, and when I started my podcast, creativity was key in making the content feel fresh and engaging. For anyone starting out, I’d say don’t be afraid to experiment. Tap into your creative instincts and let your content evolve naturally. Creativity is about trial and error, so give yourself the freedom to make mistakes and learn along the way.

Self-Trust: I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is that life is too short to hold back. I used to second-guess myself a lot, but I realized that trusting in myself and my decisions was essential. You don’t always have to have everything figured out at the start, but you have to trust that you’re capable of figuring it out as you go. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to take the leap and trust that you can handle whatever comes your way. Life’s too short to let fear hold you back!

For anyone just beginning, my biggest advice is: trust yourself, embrace your creativity, and focus on what you already know. You don’t need to be an expert to start—you just need to have a passion for what you’re doing and the confidence to follow through.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, specifically with podcasting, it’s often because something goes wrong with the audio or video, or I’m worried about whether the topics I’m covering are resonating with my audience. It can be stressful when things don’t go as planned, but I’ve learned to take a step back and approach the situation with patience. I remind myself that not everything will go perfectly, and sometimes, troubleshooting or re-recording is just part of the process. If you’ve ever had to re-record , you get the struggle, haha.

One of the most helpful strategies I use is having solid routines. I’ve found that starting and ending my day with a routine really helps me stay grounded. In the mornings, I like to take time for myself— making a cup of coffee, journaling, and ice rolling my face! It sets a positive tone for the day. In the evenings, I make sure to unwind through reading, going for a walk, and taking a break from screens. These simple habits keep me focused and help me avoid getting too caught up in the stress of it all.

Ultimately, I think it’s about finding balance and not letting the pressure of perfection take over. Giving myself space to breathe, stay organized, and keep a routine has been key to staying productive without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/literallyywhattt
• Instagram: @literallyywhattt
• Youtube: @literallyywhattt
• Other: TikTok: @literallywhatpodcast
  Spotify: Literally What?!
  Apple Podcasts: Literally What?!