WS Podcast

By Woj SalskiSociety & Culture Business Arts Books Philosophy Investing

WS Podcast episodes

September 07The Business of Secondhand Fashion: AI, Dynamic Pricing & the Future of Resale | Woody Lello (ep. 261)
What if secondhand fashion could work more like the stock market, with real-time data, dynamic pricing and AI helping businesses understand what products are actually worth?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Woj sits down with Woody Lello, philosophy graduate and Co-Founder of Truss Fashion, to explore the rapidly changing world of secondhand fashion, resale technology, AI, entrepreneurship and startup survival.
Woody's journey is anything but conventional. From studying philosophy to building a technology company in the resale industry, he explains why philosophical thinking may actually be one of the most useful tools for navigating the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.
We explore:
why philosophy can prepare you for entrepreneurship
how thought experiments can help founders make decisions with incomplete information
why the secondhand fashion market is becoming increasingly professionalised
how AI and market intelligence can transform resale businesses
why secondhand goods could increasingly be priced according to real-time supply and demand
how dynamic pricing can create more value for buyers, sellers and brands
Woody's concept of "kill criteria" and knowing when it's time to walk away from a startup
how founders can avoid sunk-cost thinking and emotional attachment
why comparing yourself to other founders on LinkedIn and social media can be incredibly misleading
the role of luck, consistency and survivorship bias in entrepreneurial success
how the resale industry is moving from peer-to-peer marketplaces towards professional, business-driven models
Woody also opens up about the psychological side of being a founder, including impostor syndrome, uncertainty, comparison and the pressure to succeed.
One of the most interesting ideas in the conversation is the concept of "kill criteria": instead of emotionally deciding whether to continue or quit, define the conditions in advance. If you haven't reached specific milestones by a certain point, you walk away.
It sounds simple, but could this be one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sunk-cost fallacy?
The conversation also asks bigger questions about the future of fashion:
Is secondhand fashion becoming the next major data-driven industry?
Can AI make resale more efficient and profitable?
And in a world obsessed with overnight success, is simply staying in the game the real competitive advantage?
Whether you're interested in AI, fashion, secondhand clothing, resale, startups, entrepreneurship, philosophy, dynamic pricing, sustainability or the future of retail, this episode offers a fascinating look at an industry undergoing a fundamental transformation.
From philosophy to fashion. From intuition to data. From peer-to-peer resale to an intelligent secondhand economy.
To contact Woody, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woody-lello-b34321bb/
To see the company's page: https://truss.fashion
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 25 min
August 3110 Years in the UK Changed Me Forever: Leaving Scotland & Finding My Way Home (ep. 260)
What happens when you spend 10 years away from home, and eventually realise that going back might be the next step forward?
In this special episode of the WS Podcast, Woj reflects on nearly a decade of living in the UK, Scotland and Edinburgh, as he prepares to leave the country and return to Poland for a completely new chapter of his life.
This isn't just a story about moving countries. It's a conversation about identity, personal growth, relationships, creativity, culture and the strange experience of becoming a different person while living abroad.
After 10 years in Scotland, what has changed? And what has stayed the same?
Together, we explore:
🇬🇧 what 10 years living in the UK taught Woj about life
🏴 why Edinburgh and Scotland became such an important part of his story
🇵🇱 what it feels like to move back to Poland after living abroad
🧠 how living in another country can completely change your self-awareness and identity
🌍 why living abroad allows you to see your own culture from the outside
🗣️ how speaking another language can change the way you think and behave
❤️ the challenges and lessons of long-distance relationships
🎙️ why you shouldn't wait for the perfect equipment, money or circumstances to start a creative project
🔨 how bootstrapping can turn a small idea into something meaningful
🧭 why uncertainty, discomfort and major life transitions can accelerate personal growth
Woj also reflects on the evolution of the WS Podcast, including the humble beginnings of recording episodes in a makeshift wardrobe studio, and why simply starting was more important than having the perfect setup.
Living abroad can give you something difficult to find at home: distance from your own assumptions.
You begin to question what you thought was normal. You see your culture differently. You discover parts of yourself that may never have emerged if you had stayed in the same place.
And eventually, you may realise that going home doesn't necessarily mean going backwards.
It can mean coming home with a completely different perspective.
This episode explores some deeply personal questions:
Who are we when we're removed from everything familiar?
Can another language change your identity?
What does "home" actually mean?
Why do we wait for perfect conditions before starting?
And what happens when one chapter of your life comes to an end?
Whether you're interested in living abroad, Scotland, Poland, personal development, self-discovery, relationships, creativity, entrepreneurship, travel or finding your purpose, this episode is a reflection on what it means to leave one life behind and have the courage to begin another.
10 years in the UK. One chapter ending. Another beginning.
And perhaps the greatest lesson is this:
You don't need to have everything figured out before you take the next step.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 39 min
August 24Why Are So Many People Struggling to Find Purpose? Commitment, Brotherhood & Building a Meaningful Life | Alex (ep. 259)
Why does modern life make it so difficult to feel truly fulfilled?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Woj sits down with his friend Alex for an honest conversation about purpose, career changes, relationships, commitment, and what it really means to build a meaningful life.
From growing up in South Africa to building a new life in the UK, Alex shares the lessons he's learned through major life transitions, martial arts, sport, and the pursuit of work that genuinely aligns with his values.
Together, we explore:
why so many people feel lost despite having more opportunities than ever
the challenge of changing careers and finding meaningful work
how sport and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu improve resilience, confidence, and mental health
why authentic friendships are becoming increasingly rare
the cultural differences between South Africa and the UK
the importance of long-term commitment in an age of instant gratification
why marriage can become one of the greatest catalysts for personal growth
how difficult conversations create stronger relationships and deeper human connection
Alex also reflects on moving away from traditional career expectations to pursue work that feels more purposeful, while sharing why some of life's greatest rewards are found on the other side of discomfort.
The conversation explores some of the biggest questions facing our generation:
Why are so many people searching for purpose?
Is modern life making us less connected?
What role do friendship, marriage, and community play in long-term happiness?
And how can we build a life based on meaning rather than simply achievement?
Whether you're interested in personal development, psychology, relationships, purpose, martial arts, mental health, or building a meaningful life, this episode offers practical wisdom and honest reflections on becoming a stronger, happier, and more intentional person.
Sometimes the biggest changes in life don't come from finding the perfect career, they come from finding the right people, embracing commitment, and having the courage to keep growing.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 54 min
August 17How Do You Stay Free in the Digital Age? Privacy, AI, Bitcoin & the Future of Human Creativity | Phil (ep. 258)
privacy #AI #bitcoin #freedom #personaldevelopment
What does it really mean to be free in a world where everything is connected, tracked, and increasingly automated?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Woj sits down with Phil, writer, teacher, and contributor to the Bitcoin and freedom technology ecosystem, for a thought-provoking conversation about freedom, privacy, creativity, and the future of being human.
As artificial intelligence reshapes the way we work and communicate, and digital surveillance becomes part of everyday life, how do we protect what makes us uniquely human?
Together, we explore:
what true freedom really means beyond money
why time may be our most valuable asset
the decline of deep reading and why books still matter
whether AI can ever replace genuine human creativity
how writers can thrive in the age of large language models
why privacy is a fundamental human right—not something to hide
how technologies like Signal, Proton, and Bitcoin help individuals reclaim digital sovereignty
- why travelling, learning languages, and experiencing different cultures expand the way we think
Phil also shares his journey into Bitcoin and explains why freedom technology isn't about paranoia, it's about maintaining autonomy in an increasingly digital society.
This conversation explores some of the defining questions of our time:
Can we remain free in an AI-driven world?
Is privacy becoming a luxury?
What skills will remain valuable as automation accelerates?
And why might authentic human stories become more valuable than ever before?
Whether you're interested in privacy, artificial intelligence, Bitcoin, writing, philosophy, personal development, or the future of technology, this episode offers practical insights into living more intentionally while protecting your freedom in the digital age.
In a world of algorithms and automation, your greatest advantage may simply be remaining deeply, authentically human.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
Check out Phil's work:
His website: https://totallyhumanwriter.com
Freedom Fiction: https://21futures.com
Books: https://konsensus.net/books - Get 10% off Bitcoin books with the code THW
Mentioned privacy tools education page: https://privacytools.io
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 27 min
August 10What If Reality Is More Than Matter? Consciousness, Faith & Fatherhood | Aaron (ep. 257)
What if reality is more than just matter?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojtek welcomes back Aaron for a wide-ranging conversation that explores consciousness, faith, fatherhood, and what it means to live with greater purpose in today's world.
Beginning with questions about simulation theory and the nature of reality, the discussion gradually unfolds into something much deeper: how becoming a father, rediscovering Christianity, and embracing personal responsibility transformed Aaron's outlook on life.
Together, we explore:
whether consciousness is more fundamental than matter
the surprising relationship between science and spirituality
what fatherhood teaches about love, sacrifice, and meaning
why guilt can quietly shape our lives—and how to let it go
how podcasting and honest conversations become tools for growth
the importance of standing guard over your thoughts and living intentionally
Rather than treating science and faith as opposing forces, this conversation asks whether they might simply be exploring different dimensions of the same reality.
Whether you're interested in consciousness, psychology, philosophy, Christianity, fatherhood, or personal development, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of some of life's biggest questions, and why asking better questions may be more important than having all the answers.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Mentioned Episodes:
"Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" - https://fountain.fm/episode/9jfKtgu9ulSugzjZKkO6
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast/
YouTube:https://youtube.com/@w.salskicreativeworks?si=vduv475byjqWChqV
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net: @wspodcast
2 hr 7 min
August 03Why Nobody Teaches You How Credit Scores Really Work | Reza Rahman (ep. 256)
Why do so many intelligent people struggle with money, even when they work hard?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojtek sits down with Reza Rahman, Founder & CEO of Ava Finance, to uncover how the modern credit system really works, and why understanding it could save you thousands of dollars throughout your lifetime.
Your credit score influences far more than most people realise. It affects the interest rates you pay, your ability to buy a home, finance a car, and even the opportunities available to you. Yet millions of people are never taught how the system actually works.
Together, we explore:
what a credit score really measures
the habits that build excellent credit over time
the difference between good debt and bad debt
why compound interest can either build wealth or trap you in debt
how AI can help people make smarter financial decisions
why the financial system often feels unnecessarily complicated
how technology can simplify personal finance without taking away your control
Reza also explains how Ava Finance is using artificial intelligence to help consumers monitor debt, improve their financial health, and navigate a system that often rewards complexity over clarity.
The conversation also tackles some of today's biggest financial questions:
Why is consumer debt continuing to rise?
Is the banking system designed to be confusing?
Can AI become your personal financial coach?
And what simple habits can dramatically improve your long-term financial future?
Whether you're trying to improve your credit score, understand debt, buy your first home, invest more wisely, or simply become financially confident, this episode offers practical insights that can have a lasting impact on your life.
Financial freedom rarely comes from earning more, it often begins with understanding the rules of the game.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
49 min
July 27 How Do You Rebuild Your Life After Addiction? Actor Ruaraidh Murray on Sobriety, Creativity & Finding Purpose (ep. 255)
Can losing everything become the beginning of your greatest chapter?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojtek sits down with Ruaraidh Murray - Scottish actor, writer, and creator of the upcoming Edinburgh Fringe play Steak Out for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, recovery, creativity, and building a meaningful life.
After beginning his acting career as a child and spending more than two decades working in London's creative industry, Ruaraidh found himself battling addiction while surrounded by the highs and lows of the entertainment world. Sobriety became the turning point that not only transformed his personal life but also unlocked a new chapter as a playwright and storyteller.
Together, we explore:
• how childhood success shaped his acting career
• the hidden realities of addiction and the journey to sobriety
• why creativity often emerges from life's greatest struggles
• how writing became a path to healing and self-discovery
• the importance of discipline, professionalism, and showing up every day
• how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo cultivate resilience, humility, and presence
• the changing culture of Edinburgh and the impact of community on our lives
• why embracing discomfort is essential for growth
Ruaraidh also shares the story behind Steak Out, his brand-new dark comedy premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at the Gilded Balloon. Drawing on years of life experience, humour, and tragedy, the play blends sharp comedy with deeply human themes in a way that only lived experience can produce.
Whether you're passionate about acting, writing, theatre, addiction recovery, martial arts, creativity, or personal growth, this conversation offers timeless lessons on resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose after adversity.
If you're attending this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, be sure to check out Ruaraidh Murray's new play Steak Out at the Gilded Balloon.
Link to the show: https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:7121/
Ruaraidh's Instagram: @ruaraidhrurymurray
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Mentioned books and media:
"Into the Woods" - https://amzn.eu/d/079RPAWx
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 39 min
July 20Who Are You Without Your Job? Identity, Purpose & Living a Meaningful Life (ep. 254)
Who are you when your job title is taken away?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojciech sits down with his former university supervisor, Alistair, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, career pressure, and what it really means to build a fulfilling life.
In a world where many people define themselves by their profession, promotions, or achievements, this discussion asks a deeper question: Is your career really your identity?
Together, we explore:
why tying your self-worth to your job can lead to burnout
the hidden cost of staying in work that no longer fulfils you
the difference between pursuing excellence and chasing perfection
why schools should teach emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and life skills
practical ways to manage stress through mindfulness and present-moment awareness
how "managing by fact" can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making
the importance of curiosity, listening, and remaining open to new perspectives throughout life
Alistair also shares the lessons he leaves his university students with before graduation, not just about succeeding in their careers, but about becoming better human beings. The conversation explores why happiness, meaningful contribution, and lifelong learning often matter far more than status or job titles.
Whether you're questioning your career, searching for greater purpose, navigating stress, or simply trying to live more intentionally, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a life that reflects who you truly are, not just what you do.
Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to stay curious, embrace change, and recognise that your identity is far richer than any title printed on a business card.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Mentioned books and media:
"The Power of Now" - https://fountain.fm/episode/HaIFBWGLCKk8VfQO2PzZ
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 28 min
June 29 First principle approach to running self funded projects: Free Markets and Start-Ups (ep. 253)
entrepreneurship #freemarket #bitcoin #opensource #personaldevelopment
Can you build a successful business without investors, venture capital, or chasing rapid growth?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojtek sits down with Akilan — a PhD student, computer scientist, entrepreneur, and open-source builder — to explore the first-principles approach to entrepreneurship, free markets, and the power of patiently building self-funded projects over the long term.
Raised in Dubai, one of the world's fastest-growing and most entrepreneurial cities, Akilan shares how its culture of hard work, competition, and personal responsibility shaped his outlook on business and life.
We explore:
why self-funded (bootstrapped) businesses can outperform venture-backed startups
the philosophy of building slowly and thinking long term
how first-principles thinking can simplify entrepreneurship
the role of free markets and competition in driving innovation
open-source business models and decentralized technology
Bitcoin, Monero, gold, and hard assets versus fiat currency
the future of AI, automation, and software entrepreneurship
why family, discipline, and low time preference matter for success
Akilan also explains why he believes the best companies are built piece by piece over many years, creating small profitable components that eventually become something much bigger. Instead of relying on outside funding, he advocates for ownership, sustainability, and solving real problems for real people.
The conversation also touches on some of the biggest challenges facing the modern world:
Is traditional education preparing people for entrepreneurship?
Why do bureaucracy and excessive regulation stifle innovation?
Can open-source communities and decentralized technologies create a better future?
And what kind of mindset is needed to build lasting freedom in an increasingly complex world?
Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, startups, free markets, Bitcoin, technology, personal development, or building a business from scratch, this episode offers practical insights into creating value, thinking independently, and playing the long game.
Listen to the full episode to discover why the future may belong to patient builders, self-funded projects, and those willing to think from first principles.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Mentioned books and media:
"Sovereign Individual" - https://youtu.be/bhe1h-MJEcY?si=uQ0Eyctb-Nhgvcwg
Show Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories%5C_podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net @wspodcast
1 hr 54 min
June 22 Why More Oil Workers Are Moving Into Renewable Energy | Offshore Wind, Discipline & Modern Life (ep. 251)
renewableenergy #offshorewind #selfimprovement #oilandgas #careergrowth
What does it take to transition from the oil industry into the future of renewable energy?
In this episode of the WS Podcast, Wojtek sits down with Niall Gibb to discuss his remarkable transition from 13 years in oil and gas to managing operations on one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms.
But this conversation goes far beyond energy.
Together, they explore:
the future of offshore wind and renewable energy
leadership and high-performance work environments
the importance of discipline, exercise, and routine
intermittent fasting and modern nutrition
the hidden dangers of technology, distraction, and burnout
work-life balance in rotational offshore careers
building resilience through challenge and responsibility
Niall also discusses the unique work-life balance created by rotational offshore work and how it allowed him to spend more meaningful time with his family while continuing to push himself physically and mentally.
This conversation goes beyond careers and energy systems.
It’s about adapting to change, building resilience, and creating a life with intention in a world filled with distraction and comfort.
Whether you’re interested in renewable energy, self-improvement, discipline, or modern masculinity, this episode offers practical insights into growth, balance, and long-term thinking.
All the love, all the power, all of the time!
If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski
Check out Innov8 Initiative - https://www.ecitb.org.uk/working-for-industry/ecitb-innov8-group/
LinkedIn Post about the 'Creating a Clean Energy Workforce' - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/industry-and-parliament-trust_last-night-we-launched-our-2026-event-programme-activity-7416822586715832320-MYpW?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAACmxFJIBTSP7GYIW87AZfFevafkqiByWfGs
Mentioned books and media:
"Amusing Ourselves to Death" - https://amzn.eu/d/01vhRkuI
Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast/
YouTube:https://youtube.com/@w.salskicreativeworks?si=vduv475byjqWChqV
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a
Primal.net: @wspodcast
1 hr 30 min

About WS Podcast

From the publisher's feed

In search of wisdom and self-awareness, "WS Podcast" offers narratives drawn from real-life experiences, insights into mindful living, and actionable ideas to enhance your life…