Life’s a Fantastic Joke

About Life’s a Fantastic Joke

Welcome to LAFJ.pod, a podcast by Life’s a Fantastic Joke Follow for discussions about mental health, emotional and physical wellbeing, spirituality, and human wellness hosted by @jakefball You will hear conversations about the struggles and successes of finding ✨meaning✨ in the modern world with people who intrigue or inspire me. Life’s a Fantastic Joke is a UK-based small business that sells sustainable, slow fashion clothing, sporting designs commissioned by independent artists, and which is committed to donating 25% of its profits to mental health charities.

Publisher

Jake Ball

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

19 Jan 2021

Latest episode

3 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Mar 2025

   #14 Katy Tannler - "Creativity thrives in chaos"

   Today’s guest is Katy Tännler, a British freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator, based in Switzerland. Admired by us for designing the iconic globe print for Life's a Fantastic Joke, she has since worked with many prestigious brands. This conversation covers topics from imposter syndrome, faith, mental health, alternative medicine, and much more! It was recorded in December 2023. Be sure to check out Katy's artwork via her socials @katyalicetannler on IGTalking of imposter syndrome, I've been sitting on this episode for over a year but have finally broken free from the fear of perfectionism as a barrier to creativity. Hoping to share many more conversations like this one so please feel free to comment your thoughts on what you'd like to hear - from guest suggestions to interesting topics - as well as what you liked or didn't like about the episode. #creative (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creative) #podcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast) #lifesafantasticjoke (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lifesafantasticjoke) #mentalhealth (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mentalhealth) #smallbusiness (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/smallbusiness) #sustainablefashion (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sustainablefashion) #artist (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/artist) #creative (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creative) #slowfashion (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/slowfashion) #circular (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/circular)

2. 

   3 Mar 2025

   #13 Eniz Koltas - "Beauty in the struggle"

   Welcome to Episode 13 of the Life’s a Fantastic Joke podcast. Our guest this episode is Eniz Koltas, who is a nutritionist, personal trainer, and coach - passionate about using his platform for helping men realise their full potential - with advice on managing mental health, boosting testosterone, building routine, and training safely in the gym. In this episode we discuss masculinity, health, family, fitness, nutrition, icing your balls, and much more. Note: this episode was recorded in November 2023 and while there have been numerous studies and articles written about the effects of icing your balls to increase testosterone, at the point of publishing there is no clear correlation. Listeners should do their own research before following any of the advice discussed in this episode. I hope you enjoy the show - please be sure to rate this episode with any number of stars. And remember… Life’s a fantastic joke…! #podcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/podcast) #creative (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/creative) #secondvideo (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/secondvideo) #smallbusiness (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/smallbusiness) #masculinity (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/masculinity) #mentalhealth (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mentalhealth) #motivation (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/motivation) #inspiration (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/inspiration)

3. 

   11 Nov 2023

   #12 AKIRA THE DON

   Hello and welcome back to the Life’s a Fantastic Joke Podcast with me, Jake Ball. This is Episode 12 featuring the wavelord himself, creator of Meaningwave, AKIRA THE DON! I've loved listening to Akira's music for many years now and he continues to dominate my Spotify Wrapped every year. He has released many great albums in his unique Lo-fi style which draw upon the spoken wisdom of many great names such as Alan Watts, Jocko Willink, Gary Vaynerchuck, Jordan Peterson, David Goggins, Naval Ravikant and even the words of Marcus Aurelius. This conversation covers many topics from Akira's creative process, his experience in the music industry, advice to young aspiring artists and creatives, his view on the world and his interpretation of Life's a Fantastic Joke! I hope you enjoy this episode and Akira's evident wisdom and passion - if you haven't heard his music go and check it out now! You can also follow us on Instagram @lafj.pod to see some behind the scenes workings as well as info on future guests! Let me know if there’s someone you’d like me to talk to or a topic you’d like to hear covered - see you next time! *** as always, a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting all this way. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 *** Share it, review it, tell your boss about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews and get following on Spotify 😘 ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

4. 

   16 May 2023

   All We Have Is Now. S3E1 with Laura Jessica Walker and Ilias a.k.a. INDEMO

   Hello and welcome back to the Life’s a fantastic Joke Podcast with me, Jake Ball. This is season 3 episode 1 with Laura Jessica Walker and her son Billy or Ilias a.k.a INDEMO. Laura is a mental health nurse by trade who is now a full time coach for senior leaders struggling with burnout. Indemo is an artist, songwriter and a producer who is also diagnosed with ADHD. The title of this episode is “All We Have Is Now” (alternatively “School Is Horrible, Man” We talked about 3 golden habits for managing your mental health, consistency & discipline, cold water swimming, the school system and the challenges it poses for people with ADHD, imposter syndrome and meditation (and so much more!) Go and check out the wonderful work these two do via their Instagram pages @laurajessicawalker and @iamindemo. You can also follow us on Instagram @lafj.pod to see some behind the scenes workings as well as info on future guests! Let me know if there’s someone you’d like me to talk to or a topic you’d like to hear covered. *** as always, a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting all the way into this THIRD season. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 *** Share it, review it, tell your boss about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews and get following on Spotify 😘 ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

5. 

   29 Apr 2023

   Welcome to the Life’s a Fantastic Joke podcast with Jake Ball

   Hello and welcome to the Life’s a Fantastic Joke podcast with me, Jake Ball. This is a project that I’m relaunching in 2023 to coincide with mental health awareness week. I want to have conversations about mental health, life, meaning, spirituality, and happiness with people that I’m intrigued by. The aim is to talk to guests about the struggles and successes of managing their mental health and wellbeing. Hopefully we’re going to find some common themes and that we can become more resilient by sharing stories and ideas with each other. For this 3rd season, I have decided to rebrand from Balls Deep Pod to the Life’s a Fantastic Joke podcast, taking the name of my small ethical clothing business which is committed to donating 25% of its profits to mental health charities. If you like the sound of all that, check out the Instagram page @lafj.podcast or the website lifesafantasticjoke.com … I look forward to hearing your thoughts !

6. 

   19 Oct 2021

   Encouraging Vulnerability. S2E4 with Paul McGregor

   Welcome back to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this fourth episode of the second season I talk to Paul McGregor (@pmcgregorcom) who is a public speaker, entrepreneur, mental Health advocate and founder of every mind at work (@everymindatwork) TWs: suicide, depression, anxiety, death We talked about: Vulnerability in the workplace, Body image, Coping with loss, Self judgement & balancing Wellness with enjoying life. We also talked about Active listening, Changing perceptions around MH, And about Paul’s experience of suicide. This season has seen a bit of an extended hiatus for a number of personal reasons, most notably moving cities and starting a new job but also just the daily challenges we talk about in this episode. There are a couple of people I have earmarked to talk to to round off this season which should conclude in 2021. I’ve got a very exciting project that I’m hoping to launch by spring of 2022 so will be looking at how I can balance the podcast with that and my actual day job ! In the meantime if there’s anyone you’d like to hear me talk to or topics you’d like to hear me talk about then please get in touch ! Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Thanks to those of you who submitted their thoughts ahead of this week’s episode ! *** as always, a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting all the way into this SECOND season. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 *** Share it, review it, tell your boss about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby and get following on Spotify 😘 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

7. 

   8 Jun 2021

   So What, Now What? S2E3 with Maria Miles

   Welcome back to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this third episode of the second season, I talk to Maria Miles (@maria.miles) who is a final year medical student and who runs the Leeds branch of Sexpression (@sexpressionuk @sexpressionleeds) - a charity which provides sex and relationship education to 11-18 year olds. CWs: sex, homophobia The topic of this discussion was “Healthy Relationships” and I wanted to ask Maria about her work with Sexpression and how Sex Ed has changed since I was at school. We also ended up talking about STD myths, defining your relationships & setting boundaries, breakups, communication, and consent. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Thanks to those of you who submitted their thoughts ahead of this week’s episode ! *** as always, a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting all the way into this SECOND season. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 *** Share it, review it, tell your old schoolteacher about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby and get following on Spotify 😘 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

8. 

   25 May 2021

   Belong Before You Believe. S2E2 with Tristan Lury

   Welcome back to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this second episode of the second season, I talk to Tristan Lury (@tristan_lury) who is the founder of the Bridge the Gap Football (@bridgethegapfootball) - a charity which is creating footballing communities that connect with young adults across the UK. TWs: grief, violence I wanted to ask Tristan about brotherhood and forming communities in his life, including the work he has done to start Bridge the Gap Football. We also discussed small talk and unlocking deeper convos, grief, faith, common purpose, mental health (ofc), negative masculinity (in football culture), switching off from social media et CETERA. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Thanks to those of you who submitted their thoughts ahead of this week’s episode ! *** as always, a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting all the way into this SECOND season. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 *** Share it, review it, tell your childhood sweetheart about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are now on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

9. 

   18 May 2021

   Positive Changes. S2E1 with Izzy De George

   Welcome back to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this first episode of the second season, I talk to Izzy De George (@izzydegeorge) who is the founder of the Positive Changes in Placement campaign (@positivechangesinplacement) - challenging universities to strengthen their policies and wellbeing services for placement students. TWs: suicide, depression, anxiety and some strong language, kids I wanted to ask Izzy about her experience pursuing this incredible cause in memory of her brother, Harrison, who died by suicide in December last year while working on a placement as part of his PGCE. We also discussed counselling, working during the pandemic, living alone and some of the other positive movements which have been inspired by her brother. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Thanks to those of you who submitted their thoughts ahead of this week’s episode ! *** as always, a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting all the way into this SECOND season. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 *** Share it, review it, tell your childhood sweetheart about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are now on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

10. 

    23 Feb 2021

    Living is a form of bravery. Episode 6 with Désirée Fong

    Welcome to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this sixth and final episode of the first season, I talk to Désirée Fong (@smongalong) who is a post graduate researcher in Security, Conflict & Human Rights at the University of Bristol. Désirée also has an MSc in Gender and International Relations. I wanted to ask her about trauma surrounding her experience of being shipped from Hong Kong to the UK when she was just 8 years old, what is meant by the term “toxic masculinity”, and what aspects of her mental health she has been working on. We also ended up talking about denial, wokeness, racial abuse, philosophy and the time I wore a dress to kindergarten. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Thanks to those of you who submitted their thoughts ahead of this week’s episode ! *** ALSO I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have been listening and supporting over the last 6 weeks. It is so encouraging to hear from those of you who find this podcast helpful! Please keep the feedback coming and keep spreading the love. 💞💞💞 I have a couple of bonus episodes up my sleeve but then will be taking a short hiatus to reflect on S1 and to see where I want to take this next!*** Share it, review it, tell your postman about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are now on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

11. 

    16 Feb 2021

    A time for everything. Episode 5 with The Reverend Jon Finch

    Welcome to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this fifth episode I talk to The Reverend Jon Finch, leader at Saint Mary’s Church in Southampton (@saintmaryschurch). I wanted to ask him about separating his work and ‘life’ relationships as well as his views on what the bible can teach us about mental health. We also ended up talking about family, community, routine, the human experience, and prayer. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Thanks to those of you who submitted questions for this week’s episode ! Share it, review it, tell your pet rabbit about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are now on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

12. 

    9 Feb 2021

    Surviving not thriving. Episode 4 with Dr Molly Dineen

    Welcome to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this fourth episode I talk to Dr Molly Dineen (@drmollydineen) who last year graduated early to support the NHS during the pandemic. I wanted to hear about Molly’s experience of becoming something of a spokesperson for other junior doctors in her situation through an ongoing whirlwind of media attention. We also ended up talking about her daily routines, stigma as a barrier to moderation, and finding purpose in being kind to others. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Share it, review it, tell your second cousin about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are now on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

13. 

    2 Feb 2021

    Talk more, be kind. Episode 3 with Seb Ward

    Welcome to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this third episode I talk to writer, poet and mental health campaigner Seb Ward @porteous52 I wanted to hear about his experiences with mental health and his journey with BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) as well as his recent campaigns to raise money for CALM (campaign against living miserably). https://everpress.com/calm-fundraiser-boys-cry-too Seb was kind enough to perform some of his spoken word poetry, entitled ‘Stand Down’ which is very relevant to the discussions around male mental health. We also ended up talking about identity, moobs, masculinity, body image, poetry, suicide, depression and grief. A few very hefty subjects covered in this episode so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel affected by any of the topics discussed. I’d also recommend texting ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 or calling the CALM helpline (0800 58 58 58) if you are looking for confidential and professional support. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Share it, review it, tell your great aunt about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. We are now on apple podcasts so send me those 5🌟 reviews bby 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

14. 

    26 Jan 2021

    Hope will keep you alive. Episode 2 with Isabel Taylor

    Welcome to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this second episode I talk to UX Designer and wellness influencer Isabel Taylor @feelgoodbebetter I wanted to find out what helpful routines she uses to stay on top of her mental health and what things she still struggles with as a normal human despite all this. We also ended up talking about hope, habits, sleep, cold showers and of course✨meaning✨ Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Share it, review it, tell your mum about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. 💦💦💦 Big thanks to Jack AKA @jakanmusic for the super sexy super synthy “balls deep” jingle - keep listening to hear that beauty ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

15. 

    19 Jan 2021

    Happiness: only real when shared. Episode 1 with Fin Hampton

    Welcome to the Balls Deep Podcast! In this first episode I talk to ultra marathon runner and Instagram inspo poster @runwithfin. I wanted to find out about his relationship with discipline and what impact exercise has on his mental health. We also ended up talking about authenticity, community, clichés, ✨meaning✨ and happiness. Let me know what you think via insta @balls.deep.pod - I’ll be using interactive stories to hear your thoughts on the topics that are up for discussion. Share it, review it, tell your mum about it, all that usual podcasty stuff would be much appreciated. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Intro/outro music: Life Is by Cosimo Fogg (201) https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_life-is Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/9MXUHYGvBVY

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

12,169

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

30

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

0