Who Cares?! with Taylor Wallace

In this episode, Taylor sits down with former Indeed CEO Chris Hyams for an honest conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really feels like to be the person making the hardest decisions.Chris shares his unlikely path from addiction and recovery to leading a billion dollar company. They discuss the emotional weight of overseeing a company of 15,000 employees, navigating the uncertainty of COVID, and the painful reality of making layoffs that affected thousands of families. Throughout the conversation, Chris reflects on how recovery, humility, and servant leadership shaped the way he approached one of the toughest jobs in business. The conversation also explores why Chris chose to leave Indeed after more than a decade, his work in responsible AI, and why he believes artificial intelligence is one of the defining ethical challenges of our generation. Along the way, they discuss imposter syndrome, transparency, power, and what it means to lead without losing your humanity. It's an honest conversation about the unseen cost of leadership and why the people at the top are often carrying more than anyone realizes.Learn more about Chris's work at chrishyams.substack.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

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 InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

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 @valeirekneesIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

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 and @blackpistolfire on all socialsIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

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 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 @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

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 @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

Taylor is joined by creative strategist and podcaster Mitchell Cohen for a conversation about courage in the smallest moments. They explore why imposter syndrome never really leaves (and why it doesn’t have to), and how Mitchell’s "Now Not How" mantra helps bypass perfectionism long enough to actually start. He breaks down the 20 seconds of courage framework and the surprising leverage in tiny risks that open big doors. They get into lessons from talking with founders, choosing environments that support who you want to be, and the difference between forcing growth and designing for it. Along the way they touch on travel, identity, choosing alcohol free, and what happens when you stop living in “shoulds” and start following resonance instead. If you need a spark to take the next small step, this episode will hand it to you.You can find Mitchell at mitchelllandon.com and on socials @mitchelllandonIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

Taylor sits down with good friend and health & life coach Jen Russell for a grounded look at reinvention: leaving a 20-year education career, starting a coaching practice, and learning to choose joy over endless “optimization.” Jen demystifies what coaching actually is (and isn’t), how identity shifts stick, and why support beats going it alone. From there, Jen shares the curveball that changed everything—winning $$$ on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?—and how “getting everything she wanted” exposed what really needed healing and became the catalyst for sobriety and a truer path. You’ll also hear her practical take on “manifesting”, why embracing strategic mediocrity frees up energy for what matters, and the role of nature, community, and scuba in keeping joy alive. If you’ve wondered whether it’s too late to start over—or how to change without losing yourself—this one’s for you. Follow Jen at jenrussellcoaching.com and @jenrussellcoaching on SocialsIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

Taylor  sits down with bodywork specialist Alex Fascia to trace an unlikely path—from teenage bands and Whole Foods shifts to building a thriving, patient-first bodywork practice. Alex shares how a skateboard injury sparked his obsession with anatomy, why movement is medicine, and what fascia actually does (and doesn’t). They dig into launching a business in the pandemic, staying accurate in wellness claims, the mental health side of working solo—and how social media can connect, inform, and even change your life. If you’re curious about smarter self-care and the behind-the-scenes grind of building a wellness practice, this one’s for you.Follow Alex on Instagram and TikTok @alex_fascia or visit alexfascia.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

Taylor sits down with singer-songwriter Cobi for a raw and revealing conversation about what success really means as an artist—and as a human being. Cobi traces his journey from early days in Gentleman Hall, walking away from a record deal with Island Records, to finding his own voice as a solo artist. Along the way, he opens up about the pressure of chasing momentum, the grief of losing his parents, and the ways fatherhood has reshaped his priorities and sense of purpose.Together, Taylor and Cobi dismantle the myth of overnight success, showing instead how persistence, community, and mentorship shape creative lives. They talk about the freedom and challenges of going independent, the push-pull between ambition and meaning, and the deeper “why” that fuels art beyond ego or accolades. Whether you’re a musician, creator, or just someone navigating the messiness of life, this conversation is a reminder that failure only happens when you stop trying—and that showing up, even when it’s hard, is what really matters.You can find Cobi on socials @cobimusic and www.cobimusic.netIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

Taylor hits record for the very first time with longtime friend and artist Amy Long. Together they confess launch-day terror, swap horror stories about overthinking, and unpack how repetition—not perfection—pushes any craft forward. From Amy’s flying-truck paintings to Taylor’s podcast baby, they get honest about imposter syndrome, social-media anxiety, and why you shouldn’t wait for anyone’s permission (or a fully developed frontal lobe) before you try something new. Expect laughter, a little cursing, and a mutual reminder that the only way out of fear is straight through it.Find Amy on socials @rainboyslawer or her website www.amylong.art If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel

In this special introduction episode of Who Cares?!, host Taylor Wallace opens up about why he’s starting this podcast and what listeners can expect. Taylor shares his vision for honest, meaningful conversations with musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who have something real to say about the human experience.From embracing “playful ignorance” to resisting the pressure of perfection, Taylor talks candidly about his own fears of being in the spotlight while still feeling a deep pull to create community and connection. Who Cares?! isn’t about gurus or quick fixes—it’s about asking honest questions, uncovering nuggets of wisdom, and reminding each other we’re not alone in this messy, beautiful life.Join Taylor on this journey as he sets the stage for the conversations to come.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might appreciate this conversation!Follow us on Socials @whothepodcareswww.whothepodcares.comTheme song by: Carl Thiel