Teddy & The Bassman

All good things must come to an end...

It’s probably inevitable that Episode 45 is a bit more somber, as we tackle the main issue on everyone’s mind.   While that hungry wolf, COVID-19, prowls outside, looking for its next meal, Teddy & The Bassman are staying well-sequestered in Steampunk Towers, staying focused on keeping positive and finding ways to keep alert and well. Hygge is explored a bit further, as is tapping and other activities to alleviate the tedium of staying indoors. Teddy embarks on ukulele lessons, and the Bassman flexes his jigsaw puzzle prowess. And of course, it wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without the usual mélange of vintage commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music. Stay safe out there, everyone. That wolf is relentless, and no respecter of age, affluence, wealth or fame. But we can put it down for good if we all work together.

It may be March, but we are still trying to keep our New Year resolutions, which is why Episode 44 is dedicated almost entirely to our favourite music.   Both of us have chosen 4 songs by different artists, and we talk about why we love them and what makes them so special to us. Hopefully this will inspire you to seek out these talented musicians and give them some love as well.   Teddy introduces the Bassman to Hygge, and explains why it just might save her sanity during the SAD season, and shamelessly plugs the revised edition of her cookbook, Brits and Grits: The Victoria Tea Room Cookbook and Almanac.   And of course, it wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without the usual mélange of vintage holiday commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Episode 43 is very merry indeed! Have a Ho Ho Ho as Teddy and The Bassman take a moment to celebrate the season. Because it’s Christmas, we do things a little differently. No guests, no Steampunk Cellar, No Keeper, just us, talking about the things that mean something to us.   Teddy pushes back on the naysayers of early decorating with some cold hard facts. The Bassman waxes lyrical (wax, get it?) about immortality, and Teddy suggests ways of showing stress, that most unwelcome guest during the holidays, the proverbial door. We also celebrate the Sacred, or True Masculine and Feminine, and muse about the coming year. And it wouldn't be Christmas without a reading of The Bassman's poem "Christmas Day". It also wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without the usual mélange of vintage holiday commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music.

Episode 42 rolls in just in time for thanksgiving – and we have so very much to be thankful for.   Special guest Dave LaPage grants us the most honest and moving interview to date. In it, Dave speaks candidly about the struggles he faced coming out in a very fundamentalist Christian home, and his hopes and dreams for the future. We couldn’t make up our mind for The Keeper; Dave helps us pile a few more things we can live without in the Steampunk Cellar, and The Bassman holds forth on one of his more unusual quizzes.   And of course, it wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without the usual mélange of vintage commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music.

Two episodes in the same month? Must be spring!   In Episode 41, special guest, Sara Tolson, has been on our guest bucket list since we first started podcasting. Sara is a phenomenal young performer, friend, and all-round great human being, and it was great having her with us in the Steampunk Library.   We open the hungry maw of the Steampunk Cellar for not one but two offerings, and the Keeper is probably our most delicious yet.   It wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without a naughty quiz, and Sarah happily joined in with the debauchery. A great time was had by all. And of course, it wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without the usual mélange of vintage commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music. And don’t forget to hang on until the end – here there be bloopers.

Yeah, we’re embarrassed at how long it’s been! When real life gets in the way, it really gets in the way.   In Episode 40, we have a very special guest, Melanie Williford, of Courageous Crossing Productions and a podcaster in her own right – Thespis in The Green Room. She tells us her fascinating journey in the theatre and inspires us with her fearless pursuit in achieving her goals and dreams. We have a failed Keeper, but we manage to find one for the glass case.   We also want to thank YOU for your patience with us. We promise it won’t be another six months between episodes! But of course, it wouldn’t be a T&TB episode without the usual mélange of vintage commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music. And don’t forget to hang on until the end – here there be bloopers.