Awesomely Off-Topic: Books, Brands, Business and Everything Else We’re Not Supposed to Say Out Loud

Taz Thornton and Asha Clearwater
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🎙️ Awesomely Off-Topic is the podcast that dives headfirst into the business of being brilliantly, messily, unapologetically you. Hosted by award-winning speaker trainer and business and personal empowerment coach Taz Thornton, alongside publishing powerhouse, book mentor and content coach Asha Clearwater – expect bold conversations about building a business and life that actually fits you, not the other way round. We’ll talk personal brand, visibility without the ick, microbooks with major impact, ADHD-friendly approaches, messy launches, business flops, spiritual sidequests and all the stuff no one told you you were allowed to say out loud. We’re doing this on a shoestring – raw, unedited and totally unscripted. No fancy studio, no big budget, no gatekeeping. Just hit record and go. Real talk. Tangents. Swearing (probably). Useful insights. And a whole lot of permission to do it your way. It’s chaos. It’s clarity. It’s Awesomely Off-Topic.

  1. 🎙️ S2 E7: Why Rest Feels Like Cheating (And What That Says About Us)

    5D AGO

    🎙️ S2 E7: Why Rest Feels Like Cheating (And What That Says About Us)

    Rest can feel like cheating, even when you’re running on empty, and that uncomfortable truth says a lot about how we’ve been trained to measure worth. We’re coming off a bank holiday weekend and we thought a couple of nights away near Sherwood Forest would mean proper downtime. Instead, we caught ourselves doing what so many self-employed people do: packing the laptop “just in case”, checking scheduled posts, grabbing b-roll, and turning a break into a softer version of work. We share what finally helped us drop into something more restorative, what we call Star Child energy: wandering the woods, using the Merlin app to notice bird song, watching tiny wildlife in the undergrowth, and letting ourselves feel wonder again. We also talk about that modern habit of seeing everything through a phone lens, and why being present is sometimes the most rebellious productivity choice you can make. Then real life lands. A call about mum going into hospital snaps the nervous system straight back into alert mode, and it raises a bigger business question: does your business have your back when emergencies happen? We dig into rest guilt, ADHD brains, hustle and grind conditioning, and why “stopping” is often harder than starting. We also explore practical ways to ring-fence empty days, build genuine recovery time, and even create outdoor workshops that get people out of the office and back into creativity. If this hits home, subscribe, share it with a fellow business owner, and leave a review. What would you change this week to protect real rest? Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    37 min

  2. APR 28

    🎙️ S2 Episode 6: The Longest Unlearn

    Some beliefs don’t just sit in your head, they invoice you every day. We’re talking about the “truths” we inherited from family, school, workplaces, and culture, then carried for years without checking the evidence. The big one? That low, sticky story of “I’m not good enough”, how it shows up as rejecting compliments, feeling like the odd one out, and slipping into self-criticism when we’re overtired or burnt out. We zoom out into money mindset and business growth, because scarcity thinking doesn’t stop at your bank balance, it shapes what you think you’re allowed to earn. We dig into classic money myths, the guilt around freedom when you’re self-employed, and the employee mindset that keeps entrepreneurs stuck in timekeeping shame, admin avoidance, and undercharging. We also talk about status symbols and visibility, including how looking “too successful” can trigger judgement, and why chasing the optics can quietly wreck cashflow. Then we get honest about bias and belonging: accents, class stories, inverted snobbery, and the way exposure to new rooms can force real unlearning. We unpack the fear around VAT registration in the UK, why “earning more will kill your business” is a myth, and what actually matters: systems, preparation, and not treating the extra 20% as yours. We finish with a line we want you to steal: you don’t have to keep lying in the bed you made. If it no longer serves you, burn it and build something better.  Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave us a review.  Which belief are you ready to unlearn next? Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    49 min
  3. 🎙️ S2 Episode 5: Why Being Good At What You Do Isn’t Enough Anymore

    APR 21

    🎙️ S2 Episode 5: Why Being Good At What You Do Isn’t Enough Anymore

    Some people are brilliant at what they do - yet still get overlooked, underpaid, underbooked or stuck wondering why things are not moving. In this week’s episode, Taz and Asha unpack the uncomfortable truth that talent alone is rarely the full answer. Being good matters, of course, but visibility, relationships, consistency, confidence, timing, courage and how you show up in the world all play a part too. Expect honest chat, practical truths, a few laughs, some gloriously off-topic detours involving recycling and apple turnovers, and plenty to think about if you know you have more to give but are not seeing the results yet. If you have ever thought, “But I’m really good at what I do… so why is this so hard?” - this one is for you. Follow Awesomely Off-Topic so you never miss an episode, and come say hello on socials. Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    1h 1m
  4. 🎙️ S2 Episode 4: Myth-Busting: What Nobody Tells You About Visibility

    APR 14

    🎙️ S2 Episode 4: Myth-Busting: What Nobody Tells You About Visibility

    🎙️ Episode 4: Myth-Busting Visibility - What Nobody Tells You Everyone bangs on about visibility like it’s the golden ticket. Show up. Go viral. Get a TEDx talk. Land some PR. Build a following. Job done… right? Not quite. In this episode, we’re getting honest about the side of visibility that doesn’t make the highlight reel. The stuff people don’t warn you about. The expectations that don’t match reality. And the bits that can feel brilliant one minute and deeply uncomfortable the next. We talk about:  Why “just showing up” isn’t a strategy  The truth about TEDx talks, PR, and going viral  What visibility actually looks like behind the scenes  Being recognised in real life (and why it can feel a bit weird)  Trolls, backlash, and having your values out in the open  Why one big moment won’t build your business  The quieter, more sustainable way to grow your visibility There’s also a story in here about a client who found Taz through a random lockdown interview with Heather Peace - which pretty much sums up the real message of this episode: visibility doesn’t always work the way you think it will. It’s not about one big break. It’s about consistency, connection, and actually giving a shit about the people you’re here to serve. Quick note: this episode was recorded on 10th April, so when we mention Taz’s birthday being “tomorrow”, that was true at the time… just not when you’re listening! If visibility has ever felt confusing, frustrating, or a bit like smoke and mirrors, this one’s for you. Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    50 min
  5. 🎙️ S2 Episode 3: Bookable or Broke?

    APR 7

    🎙️ S2 Episode 3: Bookable or Broke?

    BOOKABLE OR BROKE? What most speaker training misses Speaker training is everywhere right now - and so are the promises. Big stages. Big fees. Fully booked calendars. But what happens when you’ve paid thousands… and still aren’t getting booked? In this episode, we’re getting properly honest about what’s actually going on behind the scenes of the speaker training industry. Because having a great story and a polished talk is only part of the picture - and for a lot of people, it’s not the part that’s missing. We talk about:  why powerful talks still don’t get bought  what most speaker training completely overlooks  the difference between a “good speaker” and a bookable one  why relying on speaker agencies alone won’t cut it  how to shape your talk so people actually want to pay for it  the red flags to watch out for before you invest We also share practical tips on stagecraft, storytelling, getting your first gigs, and building a speaking profile that lasts - not just one that looks good on paper. If you’ve ever wondered why some speakers get paid and others don’t, this one matters. Follow the podcast so you don’t miss what’s next - and if this hits home, come and tell us what had the biggest impact for you. Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    53 min
  6. 🎙️ BONUS EPISODE: Erm, Hello New People!

    APR 5

    🎙️ BONUS EPISODE: Erm, Hello New People!

    We woke up this morning and something slightly weird had happened… there were a lot more of you here than there were a few days ago. So if you’ve just found us, this is a quick hello. We talk books, brands, business… and quite a lot of things we probably shouldn’t say out loud. This episode was recorded in the car on the way to see Taz’s mum in hospital, so expect tangents, traffic cones, red kites, and absolutely no editing whatsoever. If you’re new here - you’re very welcome. Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    13 min
  7. 🎙️ S2 Episode 2: The First Time Someone Paid For Our Brains

    MAR 31

    🎙️ S2 Episode 2: The First Time Someone Paid For Our Brains

    Do you remember the first time someone paid you for what’s in your head… not what’s in your hands? In this episode, we rewind to the messy, brilliant, slightly chaotic beginnings of getting paid for our brains. From £45 “I’ll charge you for my time then” moments… to kitchen table strategy sessions… to building a business off the back of relationships, reputation and being brave enough to ask. We talk about: The shift from “can I pick your brain?” to “here’s my rate”Why most people underestimate what they actually knowHow one small opportunity can open doors you didn’t even know existedWhat working with celebrities really taught us (hint: they’re just people)The power of relationships, referrals, and doing things properlyAnd why asking the question you’re scared to ask changes everythingIf you’ve ever thought, who am I to charge for this? This one’s for you. Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    52 min
  8. 🎙️ S2 Episode 1: Before The Books and Businesses

    MAR 24

    🎙️ S2 Episode 1: Before The Books and Businesses

    Welcome to season 2. This time, we’re bringing a bit more shape to the chaos - starting by going right back to where it all began. Before the books, the businesses and the podcast, we were both young journalists learning fast in local newsrooms. In this episode, we talk about the lessons that stayed with us - writing hooks, interviewing people, working to deadlines, spotting spin, standing your ground and learning how to communicate with people from every walk of life. It’s a look back at the roots of what we do now, with plenty of newsroom memories, banter and a few thinking points to take away. Something you’d love us to know? Send us a message - we’d love to hear from you. Support the show ✨ Unfiltered. Unedited. Awesomely Off-Topic. New episodes every Tuesday. Follow us on Instagram for more rants, rambles and random brilliance: 👋  @AwesomelyOffTopic, plus our co-hosts @thetazthornton + @ashaclearwater

    52 min
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About

🎙️ Awesomely Off-Topic is the podcast that dives headfirst into the business of being brilliantly, messily, unapologetically you. Hosted by award-winning speaker trainer and business and personal empowerment coach Taz Thornton, alongside publishing powerhouse, book mentor and content coach Asha Clearwater – expect bold conversations about building a business and life that actually fits you, not the other way round. We’ll talk personal brand, visibility without the ick, microbooks with major impact, ADHD-friendly approaches, messy launches, business flops, spiritual sidequests and all the stuff no one told you you were allowed to say out loud. We’re doing this on a shoestring – raw, unedited and totally unscripted. No fancy studio, no big budget, no gatekeeping. Just hit record and go. Real talk. Tangents. Swearing (probably). Useful insights. And a whole lot of permission to do it your way. It’s chaos. It’s clarity. It’s Awesomely Off-Topic.

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