DJ Speedsta has responded to recent comments made by OkaySwisher following his appearance on Spreading Humours Podcast, where he reflected on his experience working on the Up To Speed Podcast. The remarks quickly sparked conversation online, with listeners questioning the conditions behind the platform and the nature of its collaborations.
Addressing the situation directly, DJ Speedsta acknowledged the claim that OkaySwisher was not paid but made it clear that this was never a hidden detail. He explained that the arrangement applied to everyone involved during the early stages of the podcast, framing it as a shared understanding rather than an isolated experience.
“So, I was very disappointed in the way he said it. He didn’t lie to any of them. No, he wasn’t getting paid. None of us is getting paid. You’re not getting paid. Even the people who are there are not getting paid,” he said, clarifying that transparency had always been part of the process.
He went on to describe the foundation of the podcast as something built on long term vision rather than immediate financial reward. According to DJ Speedsta, contributors were aware from the beginning that the platform was still developing and that any financial benefit would come later. The focus, he explained, was on growth and consistency.
Speedsta further explained how the collaboration began, noting that payment came up early in the discussions. He said he understood the request, but the podcast was still in its early phase and not yet generating income. “He’s not lying. When I hit him up, I had this idea, and he asked for money from the start. From the start, before it even started,” he said.
He added that his approach at the time was to prioritise building the platform first, with plans to revisit payment discussions later once the show had grown. “When you get paid, I explained to him, I said, let’s build, but let’s speak on the 10th episode,” he said, noting that the intention was always to reassess compensation at a later stage.
“Podcasts get sponsors after a long time. You have to build, so you either have to want to build or leave it. This is not a money thing,” he shared, reinforcing the idea that participation was rooted in shared ambition.
The timing of the conversation has drawn even more attention, as the podcast has recently begun securing sponsorship. With a partnership now in place with Play Energy Drink, Speedsta pointed out that financial opportunities are only starting to surface after sustained effort behind the scenes. “Funny enough, we’re even saying that because now we’ve got money now. We just got our ones,” he said, highlighting how the narrative has shifted just as the platform begins to see returns.
Looking back at his initial engagement with OkaySwisher, DJ Speedsta revealed that the topic of payment was raised early on. He recalled proposing a structure where the team would first establish the podcast before revisiting financial discussions at a later stage. While he admitted he was not in a position to offer payment at the time, he mentioned making smaller contributions where possible, including assisting with transport costs during earlier recordings.
“When I hit him up, I had this idea, and he asked for money from the jump. I said, let’s build, but let’s speak on the 10th episode,” he explained, offering context to their working dynamic.
As reactions continue to circulate online, DJ Speedsta also addressed how quickly narratives can form on social platforms. He expressed concern that the situation had been framed in a way that lacked full context, something he believes his own platform allows him to correct. “I’m actually very grateful for the podcast so that I can just speak about certain situations. I can just talk, speak my truth,” he said, positioning the show as a space where he can address matters openly.
The exchange between the two media personalities has added another layer to ongoing discussions about creative collaboration, expectations and the realities of building independent platforms. While both perspectives have been heard, DJ Speedsta’s response brings clarity to his stance, emphasising that the journey behind Up To Speed Podcast has always been about collective effort before financial reward.
