Finding Your People: Mohammad Khan on Pickleball, Belonging, and Building Community

Finding Your People: Mohammad Khan on Pickleball, Belonging, and Building Community

In this episode, Taylor sits down with Mohammad Khan, founder of Capital City Pickleball, for a conversation about community, belonging, and what it means to create something that brings people together. Mohammad shares his experience immigrating to Texas from Saudi Arabia shortly after 9/11 and the challenges of growing up feeling like an outsider. They talk about the lessons he learned through Boy Scouts, how those experiences shaped his confidence and leadership style, and why building community has become such an important part of his life. The conversation also explores Mohammad's entrepreneurial journey, his unexpected introduction to pickleball, and how a simple idea grew into one of Austin's most vibrant and welcoming communities. Along the way, they discuss friendship, connection, resilience, and why finding your people matters more than ever in an increasingly disconnected world. It's an honest conversation about identity, purpose, and the power of creating spaces where people feel like they belong. You can find Capital City Pickleball at capitalcitypickleball.com and @capitalcitypickleball on Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation! Follow us on Socials @whothepodcares www.whothepodcares.com [https://www.whothepodcares.com/] Theme song by: Carl Thiel [https://carlthiel.com/]

Chats for the Love Hungry: Valerie Nies on Comedy, Dating Over 40, and Writing Through the Mess

In this episode, Taylor sits down with comedian and writer Valerie Nies for an honest and unfiltered conversation about comedy, dating, and starting something new later in life. They talk about dating over 40, Valerie’s journey into stand up, and how she’s learned to turn messy, real life experiences into material on stage and on the page. Valerie shares what it’s been like finding her voice, pushing through discomfort, and learning to be seen in a way that feels both vulnerable and empowering. The conversation also dives into heartbreak, bombing on stage, and the connection between pain and humor. Along the way, they discuss confidence, creative expression, and why some of the best things come from moments that don’t go according to plan. It’s a thoughtful and funny conversation about reinvention, radical honesty, and figuring it out as you go. You can find Valerie on socials @valeireknees If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation! Follow us on Socials @whothepodcares www.whothepodcares.com [https://www.whothepodcares.com/] Theme song by: Carl Thiel [https://carlthiel.com/]

Behind the Noise: Kevin McKeown on Black Pistol Fire, Vulnerability, and Going at Your Own Pace

In this episode, Taylor sits down with Kevin McKeown of Black Pistol Fire for an honest conversation about music, creativity, and learning to tune out the noise. They talk about the band’s new album, Kevin’s songwriting process, and the pressure artists feel to constantly feed the algorithm and stay relevant online. Kevin shares why he’s learning to slow down and create at his own pace, even when the industry pushes artists to move faster. The conversation also dives into life on the road, the highs and costs of touring, and how routines like running, cold plunging, and meaningful connection help keep things grounded. Along the way they discuss collaboration, vulnerability in songwriting, and how Kevin is thinking about the future of Black Pistol Fire. It’s a thoughtful conversation about creativity, mental health, and what it means to keep making art without losing yourself in the process. You can find the band at blackpistolfire.com [https://www.blackpistolfire.com/] and @blackpistolfire on all socials If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation! Follow us on Socials @whothepodcares www.whothepodcares.com [https://www.whothepodcares.com/] Theme song by: Carl Thiel [https://carlthiel.com/]

More Than Water: Jason Shiver on Waterloo, Leadership, and Staying Real

In this episode, Taylor sits down with Jason Shiver, CEO of Waterloo Sparkling Water, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what it actually takes to build a brand in one of the most competitive industries out there. From fighting for shelf space against beverage giants to obsessing over flavor in a category full of mediocrity, Jason breaks down the unglamorous realities behind Waterloo’s rise. They dig into what leadership looks like when you refuse to sacrifice people for growth, why culture isn’t just a buzzword, and how staying values-driven in high-pressure moments shapes everything from hiring to long-term strategy. Jason also opens up about personal health changes, cancer impacting his family, and how those experiences reshaped his priorities both at work and at home. Along the way, they explore sobriety, Austin’s influence on the brand, and what it means to lead without ego while building something that lasts. This conversation goes beyond sparkling water—it’s about resilience, responsibility, and staying human at the top. You can more on Waterloo at www.drinkwaterloo.com [https://www.drinkwaterloo.com/] and @waterloosparkling on socials  If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation! Follow us on Socials @whothepodcares www.whothepodcares.com [https://www.whothepodcares.com/] Theme song by: Carl Thiel [https://carlthiel.com/]

Talking To Myself: A New Year Bonus Episode

In this bonus New Year solo episode, Taylor sits down without a guest for the first time to answer listener questions and reflect on a year that didn’t go according to plan. He talks openly about the highs and lows of 2025, including ending a long term relationship, moving back from Argentina, losing a job, navigating a serious concussion, and what it took to keep going through it all. Along the way, Taylor digs into topics listeners asked about—touring life and what a tour manager actually does, fitness routines, mental health, spirituality, regrets, and the unexpected lessons that have come from starting this podcast. This episode isn’t about resolutions or having things figured out. It’s an honest check in at the start of a new year, focused on reflection, community, and answering real questions from the people listening. If you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or just human heading into January, this one’s for you. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation! Follow us on Socials @whothepodcares www.whothepodcares.com [https://www.whothepodcares.com/] Theme song by: Carl Thiel [https://carlthiel.com/]