Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

S7 E11: Christmas Tea with Jane AustinUnwrapping the GiftsThere is something timeless about sharing tea at Christmas. It is a ritual of warmth and conversation. This year, I invite you to join me for A Christmas Tea with Jane Austen, a special Tea, Toast & Trivia episode that celebrates the enduring gifts Jane left to us: wit, companionship, and resilience.My own journey with Jane began in Bath, where her world comes alive in the graceful curves of the Crescent and the lively spirit of the Assembly Rooms. It found its quiet conclusion in Winchester Cathedral, where she rests beneath a simple stone that belies her extraordinary legacy. Between those two places, Bath’s laughter and Winchester’s peace, I began to understand how deeply Jane’s voice continues to echo across time.In this Christmas reflection, I explore how Jane’s humour sparkles like gold, how her characters offer companionship like frankincense, and how her courage shines through life’s trials like myrrh. Together, these three gifts remind us that love, friendship, and laughter remain, as ever, the true riches of our lives.So brew a pot of tea, find a quiet corner, and join me for a Christmas tea with Jane Austen, a woman whose words continue to illuminate the human heart.From my family to yours — may your Christmas be bright, and your New Year gentle!RebeccaMusic by Epidemic SoundChristmas On My Mind (Instrumental Version) by About Ivy https://www.epidemicsound.com/mu...Angels We Have Heard on High (Instrumental Version) by Jordin Sparks https://www.epidemicsound.com/mu...Silent Night (Instrumental Version) by Jordin Sparks https://www.epidemicsound.com/mu...AcknowledgmentWith heartfelt thanks to the many wonderful participants of the Jane Austen Festival 2023 in Bath, England (https://janeausten.co.uk/pages/f...) , whose enthusiasm and creativity bring the Regency world to life each September. The photographs shared here were taken during my visit and are presented in celebration of Jane Austen’s enduring legacy. This series is offered purely in appreciation of literature, history, and the community that continues to honour her spirit.

S7 E10: The Night Before ChristmasWelcome to Tea Toast & Trivia. Thank you for listening in to a Christmas Eve reflection on the poem that changed how we see Christmas.Christmas Eve brings us once more to words that have shaped the wonder of generations. Tonight, we return to Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved poem, a story that reminds us that imagination, generosity, and joy are timeless companions.Clement Clarke Moore, born July 15, 1799, was a writer and American Professor of Oriental and Greek Literature, Divinity and Biblical Learning at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City. Clement Moore had strong ties to the seminary, for it was his generosity that led him to donate land — his private apple orchard — upon which the seminary was built. The Seminary remains on that same parcel of land, located at Ninth Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets, in an area known as Chelsea Square.Clement Moore accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. He was a writer and a poet, a professor and scholar. He served twice as President of Columbia College (now Columbia University) and as a board member of the New York Institution for the Blind.Clement Moore published several academic works, including A Compendious Lexicon of the Hebrew Language (Collins & Perkins, 1809). But it was his poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, more commonly known as The Night Before Christmas, that captured the hearts of children young and old. With these poetic words he changed the way we see Christmas.A Visit from St. Nicholas was published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel in 1823. Clement Moore had second thoughts in 1837, when he eventually told everyone that he had penned the poem. Many believe that it is the most well-known and beloved poem written by an American poet. We read it every Christmas, most often on Christmas Eve, and reflect on Christmases past when we were young and heard the familiar words read by our parents and grandparents. Santa and the tradition of Christmas gift-giving were transformed by this poem.There is a particular stillness that arrives with Christmas Eve, the hush before the dawn, the anticipation of joy renewed. As we listen to these familiar lines once more, we honour the enduring spirit of generosity and imagination that binds us together across generations.Until the next cup is poured, dear friends,Merry Christmas from Tea, Toast & Trivia.RebeccaMusic by Epidemic SoundChristmas Snow by Mike Franklynhttps://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/f2e78ede-e8e3-3c38-a3d1-67254d5a4a28/

S 7 E9: Yvonne Thevenot on Mentorship in a Changing WorldIn 2021, I had the privilege of sharing a conversation with my friend and business strategist, Yvonne Thevenot about mentorship in a changing global world. At that time, we were navigating the uncertainties of a pandemic, learning how to work, connect, and find meaning within new digital and emotional landscapes.When I listened again to our conversation a few weeks ago, I realized that this discussion is even more relevant today. We continue to live through an era of profound transition, one that asks not only for adaptability but for empathy, courage, and shared wisdom. Mentorship remains one of the most essential ways we grow together. It is a bridge between experience and aspiration, between what we know and what we are still becoming.Yvonne embodies the art of mentorship. A certified change expert and business transformation specialist, she approaches every challenge with humanity and insight. Her work is client-focused and people-centric, grounded in the belief that real transformation begins with listening. As an executive mentor and thought partner, Yvonne creates a space where dialogue becomes discovery, and where confidence and capability flourish.When I think of Yvonne, I think of generosity, the kind that lifts others, encourages self-trust, and keeps momentum alive when the path feels uncertain. Mentorship, after all, is not easy, for either mentor or mentee. It is a commitment to growth, to reflection, and to seeing the potential in another person.I invite you to put the kettle on and revisit this inspiring conversation on Tea, Toast & Trivia.Thank you, Yvonne, for your extraordinary capacity and compassion — for reminding us that mentorship is not about hierarchy, but about shared humanity and creative resilience. You continue to inspire me, and I know you will inspire others to participate confidently and compassionately in a world that needs both courage and kindness.Listeners, you can connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn to continue this important dialogue.Until next time, dear friends keep the tea and conversation flowing, and take a moment to celebrate the mentors who light your way.RebeccaMusic by Epidemic SoundUphill Aspiration by Trevor Kowalski https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/0902d291-6a03-4116-9b64-2bb56c8c7435/

The Power of the Word – A Conversation with Mary Jo MaloWelcome to Tea, Toast & Trivia!Today, I am returning to one of the most memorable conversations ever shared on this podcast—an intimate and profound exchange with poet, Mary Jo Malo.Though Mary Jo has stepped away from blogging, her words continue to move through the world like quiet currents – clear, enduring, and deeply felt. She reminds us that poetry is not only read, it is spoken, embodied, and lived. Her belief in reading poetry aloud resonates deeply with my own journey as a reader and listener.In this episode, Mary Jo shares her creative process, her poetic beginnings, and the enduring power of language to wound, to heal, and to carry us across time. To honour her voice, I have chosen to republish our conversation. Because some words, like hers, are meant to be heard again and again.A word has powerWhether mined bydemagoguesfor controlor carved into stonefor memorial…destroy the wordYou stealtime.— Mary Jo Malo, SteleI invite you to listen with open ears and an open heart. This conversation is a celebration of poetry’s enduring presence in our lives and a tribute to the people who tend the flame of language.So put the kettle on, and join the conversation.RebeccaMusic by Epidemic SoundEternally Yours By David Celeste https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/K8gUW0Gb5B/

S 7 E7: Dr. Rick Nason on It’s Not ComplicatedWelcome to Tea, Toast & Trivia. Thank you for joining the conversation.Today, we’re connecting Vancouver to Halifax, bridging the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Canada in a dialogue that explores the art of thinking differently.m delighted to welcome Dr. Rick Nason, professor at Dalhousie University and author of the thought-provoking book It’s Not Complicated: The Art and Science of Complexity in Business. In this compelling work, Dr. Nason challenges conventional thinking and invites readers into the world of “complexity thinking”—a dynamic, human-centred approach that helps us navigate uncertainty, unpredictability, and the tangled systems that shape our lives and work."It’s not complicated—it’s complex. And that changes everything.”  From our conversation with Dr. Rick NasonThe first time I met Rick, he offered a piece of advice that stayed with me: “Embrace the emergence.” It was a moment that made complexity feel not just theoretical, but deeply personal. How do we distinguish between the complicated and the complex in our everyday lives? How do we respond with creativity, resilience, and insight?These questions matter more than ever in a world that often demands immediate answers—when perhaps what we need are better questions.So put the kettle on, pour a cup of tea, and join us for a conversation that will shift your perspective on problem-solving—and maybe even on life itself.It’s not complicated—it’s complex. And that changes everything.”A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Rick Nason for sharing his profound insights on how we, as individuals, can navigate the beautifully intricate world around us.And to you, our listeners—thank you for joining Rick and me in this conversation: It’s not complicated – it’s complex.Rick reminds us that complexity isn’t something to fear—it’s an invitation to grow, to imagine, and to approach life with curiosity and courage.May we continue to explore, reflect, and create space for new possibilities.Until next time, dear friends—keep embracing the emergence.RebeccaMusic by Epidemic SoundAdmitting the Truth By  Trailer Worxhttps://www.epidemicsound.com/track/wyeQ8OerS5/