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