WISH I KNEW × Riyadh Khalaf
From hiding who he was as a teenager in Dublin… to interviewing global icons like Bill Gates.
Riyadh’s story is one of courage, identity and self-worth. In this episode, we talk about growing up bullied, performing drag in secret, losing work for “sounding too gay”, and the moment he decided he would never contort himself to fit again.
We explore:
- Coming out in a mixed Catholic–Muslim household
- The duck egg that unexpectedly changed his life
- Drag, confidence and reclaiming self-expression
- Rebuilding his relationship with his dad after coming out
- Why choosing one authentic version of yourself changes everything
This conversation is honest, funny, emotional - and a reminder that confidence doesn’t come from being chosen. It comes from choosing yourself.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink, mould or perform to belong - this episode will resonate.
Podcast Partner: Heights
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#SelfWorth #ComingOut #LGBTQStories #Confidence #PersonalGrowth

Jo Good is a broadcaster, former actress, and one of the most recognisable voices in British media - with a career spanning decades across radio, television, and now YouTube, where she’s built a loyal following as @middleagedminx in her 70s.

What began in traditional media has evolved into a new chapter on social platforms, where Jo brings the same warmth, confidence, and curiosity to a new generation — once describing it as “doing Zoella, but for an older generation.”

In this episode of Wish I Knew, Jo shares what it really takes to stay relevant, visible, and creatively fulfilled over a long career. We talk about reinvention later in life, moving from broadcast to social media, and why confidence, ambition, and curiosity don’t have an expiry date.

We also explore independence, choosing not to have children, living alone by choice, navigating public setbacks, and why defining success on your own terms is the key to long-term fulfilment.

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for anyone questioning whether it’s too late to change direction, start again, or live life differently.

💙 Podcast Partner: Heights

This episode is supported by Heights – science-backed supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and focus.

Get 20% off your first month:

🔗 www.heights.com/wishiknew

Code: WISHIKNEW20

Aimee Connolly is the founder of Sculpted by Aimee, one of the fastest-growing and most respected beauty brands in the UK and Ireland.What started on beauty counters at 16 became a global brand built on self-belief, education, and an obsessive focus on community.In this episode of Wish I Knew, Aimee shares the real story behind building Sculpted – from backing herself at 23, to navigating doubt, growth, leadership, and the pressure of scaling a business without external investment.We talk about trusting your gut, building loyal communities, balancing creativity with commercial reality, and what it actually feels like to grow from a one-woman operation to a team of 100+.This is an honest, practical conversation for anyone building a brand, leading a business, or considering taking the leap.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:10 Starting on beauty counters at 1607:00 Sales, confidence & resilience11:00 Why she backed herself at 2315:00 The early turning points in Sculpted19:00 Cutting through noise & outside opinions24:00 Bootstrapping & scaling without investment31:00 Community-led growth & brand loyalty38:00 Leadership, pressure & personal resilience46:00 Balancing CEO life & founder visibility53:00 Highs, lows & redefining success59:00 Advice for aspiring founders💙 Podcast Partner: HeightsThis episode is supported by Heights – science-backed supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and focus.Get 20% off your first month:🔗 www.heights.com/wishiknewCode: WISHIKNEW20

#AimeeConnolly #SculptedByAimee #BeautyFounder #BuildingABrand #FemaleEntrepreneur #FounderPodcast #WishIKnew

Caspar Lee was one of the first creators to rise to global fame on YouTube, building a 7 million subscriber audience in his early twenties before making the decision to step away from the platform and build something new.

In this episode of Wish I Knew, Caspar reflects on early success, comparison, and the pressure of growing up publicly online. We talk about knowing when to walk away, transitioning from creator to entrepreneur, and how his definition of success has changed over time.

We also explore the realities of the creator economy today - from payments and professionalism to building long-term businesses beyond content - alongside a more personal conversation about anxiety, identity, public judgment, and relationships in the spotlight.

This is a thoughtful conversation about ambition, evolution, and building a career that lasts - beyond the highlight reel.

💙 Podcast Partner: Heights

This episode is supported by Heights - science-backed supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and focus.

You can get 20% off your first month using the link and code below:

🔗 www.heights.com/wishiknew

Code: WISHIKNEW20

Emily Trenouth has built her career by doing things differently - navigating modern business, the creator economy and leadership on her own terms. Now, she brings that same perspective to Wish I Knew, a podcast where ambition meets honesty.

Each week, Emily sits down with founders, creators and cultural leaders shaping business and modern work, diving into the real moments behind their success. From career pivots and mindset shifts to self-belief and personal growth, these are honest conversations about what it actually takes to build a life and career you love.

Expect practical insight, thoughtful perspective and the motivation to keep moving forward - even when the path isn’t linear.

Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes of Wish I Knew.