S8 E3: Graciela Gonçalves Da Silva on Sharing Silences

“I learned to share silences, paying attention to things that I did not understand, and there was no chance to ask, but just being there was enough to enjoy it. This was deeper than any words I wished to use. Life was suddenly filled with humble adventures.” Graciela Gonçalves Da Silva

When Graciela first shared this reflection with me during our 2023 conversation on Tea, Toast & Trivia, I sensed that she was speaking from a place beyond explanation. Not offering conclusions. Not trying to persuade. Simply describing what happens when we learn to stay present long enough for meaning to emerge on its own.

She is an Argentine artist now based in Los Angeles, with murals and public works spanning cities across the world. Her characters, colours, and stories live not only on walls, but in the daily rhythms of the communities that encounter them. Whether in bustling urban centres or quieter neighbourhoods, her work invites pause, recognition, and gentle curiosity. Since that conversation, Graciela’s creative life has continued to unfold on a truly international scale.

I’ve recently reconnected with Graciela, and once again I’m struck by how naturally she moves between inner reflection and outward action. Her practice still begins with characters and story, but it is grounded in a deep respect for the shared space of public art and the people who live alongside it.

Graciela has just completed a major new mural as part of the Doha Walls Festival in Qatar. Alongside the finished work, she developed a thoughtful public workshop, a kind of “warm-up”, designed to help people cultivate what she calls Explorer’s Eyes. Her intention was both generous and quietly radical: to offer viewers tools for seeing more deeply, even if they encounter the mural later online, far from the wall itself.

For Graciela, street art has always been collective. Once a mural enters the world, it no longer belongs solely to the artist. It belongs to the people who walk past it, live with it, and carry it forward in memory. This recent project reflects that philosophy beautifully, extending the conversation beyond the wall and into shared reflection.

For those discovering her for the first time, this republished podcast episode offers a gentle introduction to her way of thinking, creating, and listening. And for those who have followed her work over the years, it feels like a return, not backward, but deeper.

I’m delighted to share that Graciela has promised to come back for a new conversation, where we’ll talk about this latest project, her evolving practice, and how creativity can hold wonder, compassion, and fragility all at once.

So I invite you to put the kettle on. Settle in. And listen with the part of you that knows how to share silence and recognize a humble adventure when it appears.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

Finding Rain by Emily Rubye

https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/2bb07938-482d-34c5-9103-17827c3ae792/

A Conversation with Eglund

Welcome to Tea, Toast & Trivia.

I’m Rebecca Budd, and I’m so glad you’re here. I look forward to sharing this moment with you.

Today’s conversation marks the beginning of a new journey for us. One that reaches across generations, languages, and lived experience. We are beginning a series titled Faust: Unravelling the Great Enigma, and I can think of no better person to open this exploration with than our guest, Eglund, joining us from Germany.

For Eglund, Faust is not simply a great literary work encountered later in life. It is part of the cultural air he grew up breathing. Like every German schoolchild, he learned Faust in school. He recited passages in class. He absorbed its presence long before he could fully grasp its depth.

But Faust did not remain a school text for him.

The copy Eglund owns today once belonged to his mother, a quiet, tangible inheritance. And it was only years later, as an adult, that he truly understood what Faust was asking of him. Not as an examination subject, not as a cultural obligation, but as a living work, one that speaks differently at different stages of life.

That, to me, is one of Faust’s great truths. This is not a work we “finish.” It is a work we return to.

In this first conversation, Eglund shares what it means to grow up with Faust, to carry it unconsciously for years, and then to meet it again, awake, questioning, and deeply aware of how urgently it speaks to our modern moment. We talk about inheritance, memory, education, and the strange way certain books wait patiently until we are ready to hear them.

This podcast is not about mastery. It is about companionship. We are entering Faust slowly, thoughtfully, and together, allowing it to ask its questions without rushing toward answers. If you are new to Faust, you are welcome here. If you have carried it quietly for years, you are welcome too.

Let us begin.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

Whisper of the Pines by Howard Harper-Barnes

https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/8b2cd55e-c124-37a8-87a0-d1df75911e12/

S8 E2: Dave Astor On Books Keep Us Centered

In a world that moves quickly, speaks loudly, and rarely pauses for reflection, books continue to offer something quietly radical: steadiness. They slow us down. They ask us to listen. They remind us that complexity has always existed and that human beings have long turned to stories, ideas, and language to make sense of it all.

Today on Tea, Toast & Trivia, I’m delighted to welcome back Dave Astor for a thoughtful conversation about how books help keep us centred in uncertain times. This is not a discussion about reading lists or literary trends, but about reading as companionship, as a way of orienting ourselves when the world feels fragmented, overwhelming, or simply too fast.

Together, we explore why books still matter, how reading creates inner stillness, and what happens when we give ourselves permission to step away from the noise and return to the page. It’s a conversation about humour, empathy, attention, and the deep human need for stories that help us live with greater clarity and care.

So pour yourself a cup of tea, settle into a comfortable chair, and join us. This is a gentle reminder that even in a complex world, there are places we can return to, and books are often among the most faithful.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

“No River Wide Enough” by Airae

https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/25d1f5fb-ac34-3626-981a-a57d2740a1eb/

S8: E1: Turning the Page: Welcoming 2026 with Tea, Toast & Trivia

There is something quietly ceremonial about the first episode of a new year. It feels less like a launch and more like opening a door, pausing on the threshold before stepping forward.

As 2026 begins, I wanted to start Tea, Toast & Trivia not with urgency or prediction, but with reflection. This opening episode, “Turning the Page: A New Beginning for 2026,” is an invitation to slow down and consider where we’ve been, what we carry with us, and how we choose to move forward.

Each of us lives a story that is constantly unfolding. Some chapters are marked by celebration, others by transition, loss, or quiet reorientation. Over the past year, I’ve experienced those shifts firsthand, moments that reminded me that while we cannot return to earlier pages, we can carry their wisdom into what comes next.

This episode reflects on that truth. It is shaped by memory, by gratitude, and by a deep belief in what Meister Eckhart called “the magic of beginnings.” Not the kind of beginning reserved for youth or grand reinvention, but the kind that appears whenever we are willing to pause, listen, and imagine anew.

At its heart, this podcast remains what it has always been: a place for quiet conversations in a noisy world. A space where reflection matters, listening is honoured, and a simple cup of tea can open the door to something meaningful.

I’m so glad you’re here at the beginning of this new chapter. Whether you’ve been listening since the early seasons or you’re just joining me now, thank you for being part of this shared journey. Listen to the episode and if it speaks to you, I hope you’ll linger with the words, with your own thoughts, and with the pages you’re turning in your life.

May the year ahead be filled with moments well-lived, stories well-loved, and beginnings trusted.

Until next time,

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

“Smell of Morning Coffee” by Franz Gordon

https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/c56a59ac-d55b-44c2-b40e-083f23daae8a/

S7 E11: Christmas Tea with Jane Austin

Unwrapping the Gifts

There 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!

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

Christmas 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...

Acknowledgment

With 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 Christmas

Welcome 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.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

Christmas Snow by Mike Franklyn

https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/f2e78ede-e8e3-3c38-a3d1-67254d5a4a28/

S 7 E9: Yvonne Thevenot on Mentorship in a Changing World

In 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.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

Uphill 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 Malo

Welcome 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 power
Whether mined by
demagogues
for control
or carved into stone
for memorial…
destroy the word
You steal
time.

— Mary Jo Malo, Stele

I 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.

Rebecca

Music by Epidemic Sound

Eternally Yours By David Celeste https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/K8gUW0Gb5B/