Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

S6 E6: Mary Lunnen on Your Compass Rose Speaks Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in.  I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. Join me as I travel virtually to Wadebridge, a town in north Cornwall, England, to meet up with writer, artist and Global Life Coach, Mary Lunnen.  I first met Mary through a mutual friend and frequent guest on TTT, Liz Humphreys. Liz shared three “rediscovery cards” in an Instagram Post.  These rediscovery cards are used by Mary for guided meditation and reflection. Dare to Blossom Life Coaching with Mary is based around the principle of rediscovering our inner wisdom and awakening to a sense of wellbeing.  She has recently published her book, “Your Compass Rose Speaks: Rediscover Your Inner Wisdom”, which is the culmination of her work over the last twenty years since establishing Dare to Blossom Life Coaching in 2003. Thank you for joining Mary and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you, Mary, for sharing your insights on coaching, on seeking an inner wisdom, on embracing the unknown and being open to possibilities Listeners,  I invite you to meet up with Mary on her website, Dare to Blossom, Facebook, and Instagram. I know that you will be inspired by the Mary’s story and her dedication to living boldly within a complex, ever-changing world. Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your journey leads you. Music by Epidemic Sound David Celeste: "First Resolution" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BP26BafzZF/ David Celeste: "The Wind in Her Hair" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GEVInFWSj4/

S6 E5: Elizabeth Gauffreau on the Art of Writing Short Stories "I should have gone to see Mother sooner, I suppose, but her letters had been arriving with the same regularity as always, so I had no inkling that anything might be wrong. Truly, Mother’s letters were cheerful as ever.  She writes such lovely descriptions of the winter birds at the feeder outside the solarium." Elizabeth Gauffreau, A Morbid CravingWelcome to Tea. Toast. & Trivia. Thank you for listening in! I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you.  I am delighted and thrilled that my dear friend, writer and poet, Elizabeth Gauffreau, has come back to share her insights on the art of writing a short story.   We are once again bridging the 3897 kilometers, as the crow flies, between New Hampshire and Vancouver.  Liz is a gifted writer who specializes in fiction and poetry that delves into the themes of family and place. With a bachelor’s degree in English/Writing from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in English/Fiction Writing from the University of New Hampshire, she has honed her skills and crafted a compelling body of work. I have read Liz’s short story “A Morbid Craving”, published by Lamplit Underground, several times over the past weeks. Her ability to capture four points of view within a very complex narrative was riveting.   It is time to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Thank you for joining Liz and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you Liz for sharing your insights and reading.  You continue to inspire me. Listeners, you can meet up with Liz on her website  lizgauffreau.com, Substack, Amazon, and Goodreads You are only an internet click away from a place where stories dwell. Until next time we meet, safe travel wherever your adventures lead you. Music by Epidemic Sound: David Celeste "The Heart" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BNRLqsHty4/ Gavin Luke "Dream Corridor" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eZm5S0GHOe/

S6 E4:  Celebrating “Up Helly Aa” with Sarah McBurnie January 30, 2024, the Last Tuesday of January. The fire festival of Up Helly Aa is happening. A huge torchlight procession of hundreds of Vikings is marching through the streets of Lerwick, carrying flaming torches and singing traditional Norse skalds. Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am you host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. I have arrived in Lerwick, Shetland to meet up with my friend, Sarah McBurnie who was our guide on our 2018 Shetland adventure.  Up Hella Aa is happening.  Sarah has invited us to celebrate Shetland’s Norse heritage with her.   I have always wanted to attend Up Helly Aa, so join me for a Viking adventure that promises feasting, music, and dancing! Up Helly Aa or Up Holy [Day] All A Celebration of Norse Heritage! On January 30, 2024, the last Tuesday of January, the fire festival of Up Helly Aa is happening in Lerwick, Shetland. This festival carries a rich tapestry of influences that give it a unique flavor and significance. The first influence stems from the Yuletide celebrations, which traditionally began on the 5th of January, known as Old Yule, and culminated in Up Helly Aa, 24 days later. This final day was marked with fire, feasting, and frolic, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The second influence is rooted in the old Shetland custom of guizing, where individuals disguised themselves, visited friends’ houses, performed turns, and then revealed their true identities. This tradition added an element of surprise and merriment to the festivities. The celebration of Shetland’s Norse heritage is a central pillar of Up Helly Aa. In the north of Scotland, the Vikings, who were feared in other parts of the world, are celebrated as symbols of strength and resilience. The Norse heritage is embodied in the iconic sight of a burning longship, symbolizing the journey of a deceased Norse Jarl to Valhalla, an evocative and powerful tribute to the Viking legacy. The amalgamation of these influences creates a vibrant and captivating Viking adventure at Up Helly Aa, as participants pay homage to Shetland’s rich and enduring Norse heritage. Northlink Ferries has taken this opportunity to look back at the other years that were significant for Up Helly Aa: Up Helly Aa through the years. Edgar Hopp "Phoenix Rising" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/IKHlHvgHSN/ Kikoru "Clouds Over Mountains" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EbaDeotpAO/

S6 E3: Norman Orenstein on Composing, Producing and Recording Music Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you. I am travelling virtually to Toronto, Ontario where the music scene is vibrant and diverse, from indie rock to hip-hop, jazz to electronic.  I am thrilled that Canadian musician, composer and producer, Norman Orenstein, has joined me today to discuss music and the creative process. Norman is the President of NORMAN ORENSTEIN MUSIC INC. (NOM Inc.), specializing in music production and publishing. As a member of The Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL), he brings over 20 years of experience in composing, arranging, and recording live musicians for feature films, television movies, and television series. Norman is the controller of the NOM Music Library, where he negotiates with record companies, writers, and publishers to secure synchronization and master use licenses. His expertise in the industry has led him to be a panelist at prestigious events such as the North By Northeast (NXNE) Music Festival and the Worldwide Short Film Festival Symposium, where he shares his success stories and insights on the director-composer relationship in film and TV music. With an extraordinary background in music composition and production, Norman continues to contribute his talents to the world of film and television, creating captivating music scores that enhance the storytelling experience. Thank you for joining Norman and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.  Norman's music is featured in the podcast. The introduction piece was entitled "Highliner. The piece featured in the closing comments was from Norman's score for the film "Kidnap Capital." And a very special thank you Norman for sharing your insights, knowledge, and experience. It is an honour to showcase your music in our conversation. You have given us a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind your work.   I am inspired by your passion for music and storytelling. Listeners, I invite you to meet up with Norman Orenstein on and his website Norman Orenstein Music to experience his amazing, unforgettable music. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Thank you for joining Norman and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by Norman Orenstein- ⁠Norman Orenstein Music⁠ (used with permission) "Highliner" "Kidnap Capital" Norman's Score from the film Kidnap Capital

S6 E2: Celebrating Robert Burns with Address to A Haggis Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. Burns is best known for his poetry written in the Scots language, with works such as “Auld Lang Syne,” “Address to a Haggis,” and “Tam O’ Shanter.” His poetry often reflects themes of love, nature, and Scotland’s cultural heritage. Robert Burns’ influence on Scottish literature and culture is profound, and his work continues to be revered and celebrated through events like Burns Suppers, which are held annually around the world to commemorate his life and literary contribution. Haggis holds a significant place at a Burns Supper due to its historical and cultural connections to Robert Burns and Scotland. The traditional Scottish dish, immortalized in Burns’ poem “Address to a Haggis,” is celebrated as a symbol of Scottish heritage and a tribute to the poet’s legacy. Its inclusion in the supper reflects the deep appreciation for Burns’ work and the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and traditions. The ritual of addressing and consuming the haggis is a poignant and festive way to honour the impact of Robert Burns on Scottish literature and identity. Come join me to celebrate Robert Burns with his iconic “Address to a Haggis”! The vivid imagery and spirited language invite us to join in the festivities of a Burns Supper and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Scotland’s beloved national poet. Music by Traditional "Auld Lang Syne (Traditional Version" Epidemic Sound ⁠www.epidemicsound.com/track/H9ncuJOolx/

S6 E1: D.G. Kaye on her podcast “Grief - The Real Talk” Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you.  I am delighted that blogger, non-fiction writer, memoir author and podcaster, Debby Gies and I are connecting Toronto and Vancouver, Canada. Debby is a Canadian author, writing under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. She writes about real life and the events that she has had to navigate through and overcome.  Her intent is to inspire others by sharing her stories and the lessons that have come along with them. In her podcast “Grief – The Real Talk”, Debbie speaks from the heart and from personal experience.   She takes listeners through the painful journey of her grief after losing the love of her life, sharing her observations about the changes that occur during the grieving process. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this profound and moving conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for joining Debby and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a special thank you, Debby, for sharing your insights on grieving. Losing a loved one is an inevitable part of life. It is a deeply emotional and challenging experience that requires careful consideration. I invite you to meet up with Debby on her blog, D.G. Kaye Writer.com , on her podcast– Grief, The Real Talk, her Amazon Page and on Goodreads.  It is a place that welcomes profound conversations that reminds us to Live, Love, Laugh and Breathe.  Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by David Celeste "The Bloom of Her Skin". Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/8KN2JKoLoG/

S5 E23: A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” is a delightful prose work by the Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas. First published in 1954, the piece is a nostalgic and vivid recollection of the author’s childhood memories of Christmas time in Wales. Thomas takes readers on a journey through the sights, sounds, and experiences associated with the festive season.' Through rich imagery, Dylan Thomas portrays the joy and excitement felt by children as they anticipate the arrival of Christmas. He reflects on the small yet significant moments that make the holiday special, like gathering with loved ones, enjoying festive meals, and engaging in playful adventures. The narrative is imbued with a sense of warmth, whimsy, and the universal nostalgia that accompanies the holiday season. Thomas's prose captures the essence of childhood innocence and the timeless magic of Christmas, creating a lyrical and enchanting atmosphere that resonates with readers of all ages. "A Child's Christmas in Wales" celebrates the beauty and wonder of the holiday season. This year, I chose "A Child's Christmas in Wales" to celebrate the joy and laughter of the festive season. As I read Dylan Thomas's remembrance of long ago Christmases, I recalled my childhood memories of family and friends, dinners and singing, hugs and laughter. May this festive season bring you warmth, laughter and cherished moments with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Rebecca Music from Epidemic Sound: Megan Wofford "Deck the Halls" (piano Version) https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Erq5jycgqC/ Home for the Holidays "Home for Christmas" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/sdKFLVmayx/ Howard Harper-Barnes "Christmas Wonders" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Jb1FWEg88c/ Howard Harper-Barnes "The Gift of Giving" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UzvWf4Pq8E/ Johannes Bornlöf "The First Fall of Snow" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UzvWf4Pq8E/ John B. Lund "A Christmas Lullaby" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Mor63mOsPB/ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” is in the Canadian public domain.

S5 E22: Eglund on The Emergence of AI Technology “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”  Marcus Aurelius Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you. The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic of debate among experts in the field. AI has been around for decades, but recent advances in technology have allowed for rapid development in the field. As AI continues to evolve, it will become increasingly integrated into our lives and businesses. Should we fear the emergence of AI technology? Will AI control our lives and take away our jobs and careers?  Will AI be used to create malicious software?  Will AI replace human creativity and knowledge?" To discuss these questions, I am travelling virtually over 7900 kilometers to Berlin, Germany to meet up with my friend, Eglund, journalist and writer. Eglund is an engineer and publicist. He worked as a science journalist and reporter in Africa for several German newspapers.  Since 2005, his focus has been on the environmental initiatives. As a specialist journalist for renewable energies, he works within media related to the ecological energy transition, first of all about solar energy.  Eglund has in-depth experience with AI in optimizing the efficiency of solar energy systems.  As a journalist and writer, he has insight into how AI will impact on creative endeavours. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Thank you to you, Eglund, for sharing your insights on Artificial Intelligence.  We are living in a complex world that demands our highest participation.  It is heartening to know that we can all make a difference. Dear listeners, thank you for joining Eglund and me on Tea Toast & Trivia.  Stay tuned for another stimulating conversation with Eglund.  Music by Howard Harper-Barnes "The Light From Within" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/OiHw16ODbX/

S5 E21: Paul Andruss on Storytelling, Bards, & Sir Walter Scott’s Lochinvar Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia! Thank you for listening in. I am you host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. I am heading across the ocean to Wales, a beautiful country full of magic, mystery, music, and brilliant writers and poets.  I am excited to reconnect with a great storyteller – Paul Andruss. Paul is the author of the Young Adult magical realism trilogy, the Jack Hughes Books. He has written several short stories and novellas.   Over the past several months, Paul and I have been exploring the evolution of storyteller.   Who were the bards of old?  What stories have come through the centuries?  How do we add our stories to the greater narrative of humanity. This is your invitation to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Listeners, thank you for sharing this moment with Paul and me on Tea Toast and Trivia. I invite your to meet up with Paul on Goodreads and on Amazon.  You are only an internet click away from a daring and exciting adventure. This is your invitation to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Until next time, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures take you. Music by Epidemic Sound Bonnie Grace "Portal" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/p6RFg3iUtu/ Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "The Fellowship" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/RvoaSQzcbj/ Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "The Bard's Tale"https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/1mht2puewa/

S5 E20:  Catherine Cavendish Reading “The Haunting of Henderson Close” Welcome to Tea. Toast. and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. Bookstores, libraries, and coffee shops are great places for book readings. There is something extraordinary about hearing the voice of an author reading their stories. Their voice and intonation are nuanced by the many hours of effort putting pen to paper.  They created the characters, structured the plot, and lived every twist and turn that creates bumps in the storyline.  Public libraries and bookstores have expanded their reach into a global community. Book readings have gone virtual.  We are learning to embrace technology in new ways.  Welcome to the podcast series, “Authors Reading their Books”, which brings authors and their books from across the world to your home.  I invite you to put the kettle on and join the conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. I am delighted that Catherine Cavendish has graciously agreed to be our guest author reading from her novel, The Haunting of Henderson Close.  In the depths of Edinburgh, an evil presence is released. Listen to Cat’s voice take you to Edinburgh with her atmospheric novel. Be prepared – you will feel the approaching dread of horror. Thank you for joining Cat and me on Tea Toast & Trivia “Authors reading their Books.” And a very special thank you, Cat, for reading from The Haunting of Henderson Close.  I read this book late into the night with the lights on! Listeners, I invite you to meet up with Cat on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, Mastodon, Goodreads, Amazon, and her website and blog, Catherine Cavendish. You are only an internet click away from being swept away on a haunting adventure.  Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Epidemic Sound: Music Jon Björk “Colossal Terror” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/uIztS7Sbkb/ Trailer Worx “Basement Nightmares” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/gR4dlFGYNQ/ Trailer Worx “Danger Lures” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/oRcCuDUQej/ Howard Harper-Barnes “Hope and Prayers” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/OF8HRp9uXx/   Epidemic Sound: SFX Composition Horror https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/uIztS7Sbkb/ Piano Keys https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/BcPE25v5uw/ Swoosh https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/DeeA0Vle4F/ Drone Dark Scary https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UIwDy30jBc/

"The very first work of art in the street that I took pictures of was in Winnipeg. It is a Charlie Chaplin mural, with a fab story behind it. I posted it in 2013." Resa McConaghy Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you. I am heading over the Rocky Mountains across the Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, to the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario to meet up with Resa McConaghy, blogger, artist, photographer, and established costume designer in film, television, and digital media.  Resa has worked her costume designer magic on productions for Showtime, ABC, Disney, CBS, CBC, Hallmark, and more.   She brings out personalities with her costume designs and adds dramatic moods to each scene by balancing texture and colours. Resa’s passion for photography and outdoor ephemeral art, is captured in her website, Graffiti Lux Art & More, Today, Resa invited us to walk with her as she explores the vibrant art murals found in the alleys, side streets, and neighbourhoods of Toronto. Thank you for joining Resa and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you and shout out to Resa – you live life with compassion, hope, and bold enthusiasm. Listeners, I invite you to meet up with Resa on Graffiti Lux Art & More and her website  Art Gowns and You are only an internet click away from the world art, adventure, glamour and fantasy. Exciting News Update: Resa's 1500th post Gala Celebration is happening Thanksgiving weekend 2023! I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by Kikoru "Seeing the Truth" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/MRrj00qtFC/

S5 E18: Brian on Fear of Missing Out Welcome to Tea Toast and Trivia Thank you for listening in! I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you. Today,  I’m heading over the Canadian Rockies to St. Albert, Alberta. Brian, my brother, has come back to continue the conversation  on embracing a greater journey. How do we live the fullest in that stage of life that we find ourselves in? How do we embrace the twists and turns that life gives us? How do we gracefully give up the things of youth and embrace the age of active wisdom?   Today, Brian and I will be discussing FOMO, which is the short form of “fear of missing out.” FOMO is that uncomfortable, even anxious, feeling you get when think that other people might be having a good time without you. FOMO can happen at any stage of life “from childhood to old age” Thank you for joining Brian and me on this conversation. Until next time we meet, safe travels wherever your adventures take you. Music by Eric Williams "When I'm Out With You" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/uHpfYQgRg0/

S5 E17: D Wallace Peach On A Poet's Voice moonlight stitches lace frosty hems on scarlet leaves glints of fallen stars D. Wallace Peach, Word Weaving # 1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. The Moons of Autumn: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, edited by Colleen M. Chesebro and JulesPaige is a profound exploration of Japanese and American syllabic poetry. The theme of this journal was influenced by the Harvest, Hunter’s, and Frost moons, which are the names given to the three full moons that transpire during the autumn months. Within the pages of this poetry collection, the diverse mix of syllabic poetry has ignited my desire to explore a poetic journey. Today, I am delighted that D. Wallace Peach whose poetry is featured in “The Moons of Autumn” has joined me to give voice to her poetry. Welcome to podcast series, “A Poet’s Voice”, which brings words of poetry from across the world to your home. Diana lives on my side of the world, just south of the Canadian Border. She is a best-selling author of fantasy fiction who loves writing poetry. An avid supporter of the arts in her local community, she organizes and publishes annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography. She and her husband live in a log cabin, situated on a mountain. She has found a place of belonging, surrounded by evergreens in the lush, green wilderness of the Oregon rainforest. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for joining Diana and me on Tea Toast & Trivia to reflect on the beauty of poetic words. Thank you, Diana for sharing your insights on how poetry allows us to describe the world around us in unexpected ways. This has been a wonderful conversation. Listeners you can meet up with Diana on her website D. Wallace Peach Books, Amazon and Goodreads. You are only an internet click away from journeys that enrich the soul. Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep reading and reciting poetry. Safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by: Kikoru "Sitting by the Shore"https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/pRliUujadr/ Trevor Kowalski "For What Is Right" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/WzOf5ZyHdy/ Gavin Luke "To the Moon and Beyond" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/H6shp6f3WB/ More Than Family "Choir Hymn" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/zLlZB2Y3zt/ Benjamin Monday "The Secretary's Daughter" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/xtiAcqdEac/ Epidemic Sound

S5 E16: Dr Derek Bryce on Cultural Heritage, Destinations and Tourism "I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am you host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. I am travelling virtually to Glasgow, Scotland, where I am meeting up with Dr. Derek Bryce, Senior Lecturer Marketing, The University of Strathclyde. Derek’s research has been influenced by his extensive involvement in the UK and Canadian travel management sector and his academic studies in tourism and business.  His PhD in Cultural Studies has positioned him to bring a strong historicist and humanities perspectives to teaching and research in the Marketing domain, where his contextual focus is on Cultural Heritage, Destinations and Tourism Why do we travel? Does our heritage influence our choice of destination.  Do we feel a connection with the locations of our ancestors?   These are the questions that will be discussed today. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Thank you, Derek, for sharing your knowledge, experience, and insights. You reminded me that travel offers us a chance to expand our horizons and gain a better understanding of the world around us. Travel opens our minds to new ideas and perspectives, to recognize that our personal stories link to the past, influence the future, and become interwoven within the greater narrative of humanity. Listeners, thank you for joining Derek and me on Tea Toast and Trivia. “See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. Ask for no guarantees, ask for no security.” Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451 Music by Trailer Worx "Morning Lights" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yO0oRrARBw/

S5 E15: Dave Astor on Being a Blogger and a Writer Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I’m looking forward to sharing this moment with you. Today, Dave Astor and I are once again bridging the 3,923 kilometers between Montclair New Jersey and Vancouver, British Columbia Dave is the author of the 2017 literary-trivia book “Fascinating Facts About Famous Fiction Authors and the Greatest Novels of All Time” and the 2012 memoir “Comic (and Column) Confessional.” Dave serves as a National Society of Newspaper Columnists board member and writes the weekly “Montclairvoyant” topical-humor column for Baristanet.com.  Dave’s weekly Sunday morning blog posts on DaveAstorOnLiterature.com generate great conversations, which have prompted me to think, consider and share my thoughts over the past years.  I am delighted that Dave has graciously agreed to join me to discuss what it means to be a blogger and writer.  It’s time to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Listeners, thank you for joining Dave and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you Dave for sharing your insights on blogging and writing, sharing ideas, and creating spaces for connections and conversations. In closing, I wanted to share a quote from Dave’s book, Fascinating Facts: “Literature can send our minds to another time and place, allowing us to forget our lives and troubles for a few precious hours.  It can educate us about history, open our minds, increase our empathy, make us think, give us things to converse about, and/or provide plenty of excitement along with the escapism.” Dave Astor I invite you to connect with Dave on Dave Astor on Literature.   You are only an internet click away from meeting up with a great discussion with kindred spirits. Until next time, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by More Than Family "House of Cats and Dogs" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/r0PqZ90QzU/

S5 E14: Luanne Castle on A Poet’s Voice “Note how the red rose,velvet worn by early frost,clings confidentlyto its own treacherous stem,never accursed by mirrors.” Luanne Castle Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia.Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. Today, I am delighted that Luanne Castle poet, writer, blogger and art journalist has joined me to give voice to her poetry. Welcome to the podcast series, “A Poet’s Voice”, which brings words of poetry from across the world to your home. Luanne Castle’s poetry explores the breadth and depth of the human experience. In her book, Kin Types, she speaks of the hopes and challenges of ordinary lives from the past. Her first collection of poetry, Doll God, studies traces of the spirit world in human-made natural objects.  Today, Luanne shares her thoughts and insights on her latest poetry collection “Rooted and Winged.” I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for joining Luanne and me on Tea Toast & Trivia to reflect on the beauty of poetic words. Thank you, Luanne, for sharing your insights on how poetry allows us to describe the world around us in unexpected ways.  This has been an extraordinary conversation. Listeners you can meet up with Luanne Castle on her websites Writersite.org, and  Luanne Castle, Amazon,  Instagram, and Goodreads.  You are only an internet click away from poetry that enriches the soul. Until next time we meet, dear friends, keep reading and reciting poetry. Music By Epidemic Sound Jon Björk "Calcifer" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/VLISBRrfkD/ Johannes Bornlöf "Dancing in the Rain" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/5mSFeLx0wa/ Johannes Bornlöf "As I Dream" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/4cUBo6wPFR/ Trevor Kowalski "The Reunion" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/7jwK8DH0WQ/ Aerian "Endurance" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GQmo9r7nDO/ Trevor Kowalski "For What Is Right" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/WzOf5ZyHdy/

S5 E13 Julie Riso on A Winter Walk February 2022, Winter: this one so cold, dark, eternal. Outside the window, a moon encased in ice vapor, cradled in the forest’s naked embrace. A languid ascent from the realm of dreams. A gentle command: release to receive. Be open to that which you never considered. J.D. Riso La Vagabonde Vs. The Machine February 26, 2023 Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. I am delighted and thrilled that writer, Julie Riso, from her Substack “Wish I Were Here” blog and I are connecting Vancouver and Northern Michigan for a discussion on A Winter Walk. Julie has created a space that welcomes authentic conversations. She writes that many years ago, she chose to follow an unmarked path – the one filled with detours, dead ends, hitchhikers, kitschy roadside attractions, and unexpected destinations. I knew immediately that I found a kindred spirit. “Wish I Were Here” is Julie’s travel memoir that explores her journeys through place and time. She inspires readers to live their personal stories and to recognize the connection to nature and all creatures who share our world. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation. Thank you for joining Julie and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a special thank you, Julie for sharing your insights on a Winter Walk, of creating space for personal reflection and communion with nature.  You have inspired me, and I know that you have encouraged listeners to recognize the importance of solitude, of seeking an inner journey.  It is where our story begins and becomes interwoven within the fabric of all that has come before and all that will come after. I invite meet up with Julie on  Wish I was Here. It is a place that inspires us to wait, listen to our hearts, discover our dreams, and walk with nature in peace with ourselves and with all who walk this earth. Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by Johannes Bornlöf "Let's Run Away Together" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/k2mc9bQtD4/

S5 E12: Julianna Wagar on the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and the Lyon in Mourning Project Sing me a song of a lad that is gone, Say, could that lad be I? Merry of soul he sailed on a day Over the sea to Skye.   Billow and breeze, islands and seas, Mountains of rain and sun, All that was good, all that was fair, All that was me is gone. Sing me a Song of a Lad that is Gone By Robert Louis Stevenson Vocals and music by Julianna WagerWelcome to Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I look forward to sharing this moment with you. The 1745 Jacobite rebellion has been romanticized in literature and media.  However, this was a difficult and complex period.  The stories of those who lived during this time have been captured in “The Lyon in Mourning” manuscript, which was compiled by Rev Robert Forbes.  The tragic Battle of Culloden shattered the hopes of restoring the Stuarts to the throne.  The communities and social structure of the Scottish Highlands were changed forever.   Dr. Leith Davis, Professor of English at Simon Fraser University and Director of Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Scottish Studies, is currently investigating and creating a Digital Humanities project on “The Lyon in Mourning”.   This project is a collaboration with the National Library of Scotland and SFU’s Digital Humanities Innovation Lab.  Today, I am joined by Julianna Wagar, Dr. Davis’s research assistant, to share her thoughts on the Lyon in Mourning project. Julianna recently completed her BA at Simon Fraser University in English, Gender, and Women’s Studies. She is currently working towards her MA in English at SFU. Her research interests include eighteenth-century Scottish literature, women’s literature, and Scottish women’s travel writing. I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue on Tea Toast & Trivia. I invite you to meet up with Julianna and Dr. Leith Davis at the Centre for Scottish Studies at Simon Fraser University. The Centre, located at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby campus, provides a focal point for faculty, students, and all who are interested in exploring Scottish history and culture and the connections between Scotland and Canada in the contemporary global landscape.  It is a place where the past reaches out to our time and reminds us to live boldly, with courage and hope. Until next time we meet, dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you. Music by Trabant 33 "Dreams of the Brave" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/zhMobBG9tX/

S5 E11: Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene on Dead of Winter and Creating Epic Stories “As the moon cast its light on simple grave markers, the air was split by a sliver of pale gray light. It shimmered like the giant star sapphires of ancient Tiglath. Thunder pealed. The splinter of light seemed to bulge forward and retract, again and again, until it shattered as if lightning had struck. The sound reverberated through the ground. Gravestones toppled.” Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, Prologue, Journey 1 Forlorn Peak Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia. Thank you for listening in. I am thrilled that Teagan Geneviene has joined me on Tea Toast & Trivia to discuss her epic narrative, ⁠Dead of Winter⁠. The adventure is presented in a series of 14 Journeys that begin in the Flowing Lands at Forlorn Peak. The heroine, Emlyn, is a 12-year-old girl who sees and hears spirits. She receives a supernatural warning that she knows is not about the weather: “Winter is coming!” Teagan makes brilliant use of serialization to enhance a reader’s experience, encouraging us to savour the narrative and to reflect with expectation to what comes next. I finished Dead of Winter during a horrendous snowstorm which added atmospheric energy as the storyline moved into the final scene.  I marvel at Teagan’s ability to bring together a magnificent epic with elegance, humour, and compassion.  I laughed and cried, worried, and fretted over what was to become of Emlyn, Zasha, Osabide and all the characters that she brought to life.    Thank you for joining Teagan and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a special thank you, Teagan for sharing your insights and experiences in creating “Winter Is Coming.” I invite you to meet up with Teagan at Teagan’s Books . You are only an internet click away from meeting up with Emlyn, her teacher Osabide, and The Watcher.  You will  be swept away on an exciting adventure. It is time to put the kettle on and add to this exciting discussion. Until next time we meet, safe travels wherever your journey leads you. Music by Deskant "As Loch Awe Weeps https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/6PagpxgiQC/ Music by Edgar Hopp "Guarded Skies" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ibxNuh7UM4/ Epidemic Sound

S5 E10: Brian on Transitions Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia! Thank you for listening in! Life is full of transitions, from the small daily changes to the major life-altering events. Navigating these transitions can be challenging and overwhelming, but it’s a necessary part of growth and progress. Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new city, or experiencing a personal loss, transitions can be difficult to navigate.  Perhaps when we experience uncertainty and ambiguity, that is when we do our best work. Embracing new stages in life is recognizing that change is inevitable. It is our opportunity to experience a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live and engage. Brian, my brother, came back to continue the discussion on embracing a greater journey.  Today, we are looking at transitions and life cycles. How to navigate the stages of life. (This podcast was recorded during the months of a Canadian Winter. Brian lives in Alberta known for cold weather and sunny skies. I live in Vancouver rainforest.) So put the kettle on and add to the conversation on TeaToastTrivia.com. I am your host and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you I will be taking a short break from blogging and podcasting to head out into an adventure.  I and will be back soon and look forward connecting over the blogosphere. During this time, comments will be closed. Thank you for your understanding. Music by Eric Williams "When I'm Out With You" Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/uHpfYQgRg0/