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.

Boy, you just couldn’t shut Teddy up in this podcast – I think she had been hitting the caffeinated coffee or something ;)   In episode 39, we introduce a brand new fixture – The Keeper! (Yes, you have to use the reverb setting when you say that – it’s in the book), which is the antithesis of the now-Legendary Steampunk Cellar. With The Keeper, instead of choosing things to throw away, we are picking our very favourite and putting them into the glass case to display forever. In its inaugural episode, we’ll be choosing The Keeper for best songwriter and best rude insulting name.   But we didn’t want the Steampunk Cellar to feel left out, so we tossed a couple of bones down there to keep it happy until dinnertime. We review Teddy’s new book The Chine, as well as the Bassman’s continuing improving health, our new daily routine, Unsolved Mysteries, and Serena Williams. Then, we finish up with a sobering discussion about Incel, a growing and disturbing sub culture. 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.

Welcome to Episode 38, our second post-stroke podcast – I think you’ll agree that the Bassman is sounding better every day. We are joined by the Podfather himself, the God of Pod, Evan Harris. This is also part one of a crossover podcast with the newly ressurected Lucky Ten Thousand podcast.   Recording a podcast is always fun with Evan, who is a true force of nature. We tackle some fun subjects ranging from nostalgia to Star Trek, and we have a big ol’ KFC Value bucket of items to toss into the Steampunk Cellar. And please don’t forget to vote in the Podcast Awards for The Bearded Ones and the Lucky Ten Thousand – there’s still time! 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.

Well, never let it be said that Teddy & The Bassman don’t lead an interesting life. We apologise for the long dry spell between episode 36 and this one, but life has a way of jumping up and biting you sometimes, and boy, did it bite us.   On February 28, 2018, an event happened that would forever change our lives – Bassman suffered a series of strokes, followed by major surgery. It has completely altered how we live and think and work, and we had to share it with you. 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.

Episode 36 – what a wild ride. We spend a fantastic 90 minutes speaking with Mark Milbourn, coming to you from sunny Sway in Hampshire, England. Mark and the Bassman go all the way back to the early 1980’s, when they were members of Fat Profit, a popular local band. Mark is a singer, songwriter, deep thinker, and champion giggler. You’ve never heard so much laughter on T&TB.   Because we were Skyping with Mark across the pond, some of the audio isn’t quite the quality we would like, but we still felt the subject matter and the craic were worth a little imperfect sound. The three of us share a frank and thought-provoking discussion on religion and beliefs, sex and the dysfunctional Christian, and Mark and the Bassman take a stroll down memory lane with a few old jokes and war stories.   Teddy gives an update on the Audible version of Her Minder (read by none other than The God of Pod Evan Harris, who graciously sent her one of his reading bloopers). The Steampunk Cellar is open for business, and Teddy finally gets her way.   All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music courtesy of Fat Profit’s glory days – get out your padded Miami Vice jackets and your espadrilles – it’s 1985 again!

Happy 2018, everyone! We’ve started the year off right with a podcast featuring Catherine Furlong and the return of our first ever podcast guest, The One and Only Brian Coker. And if two awesome guests aren’t exciting enough, we were paid a visit from a special Mystery Guest – roll on, 2018!  Brian tells us about his work in theatre and on his own personal fitness, as well as his special VIP trip to Disney World, his favourite place on earth. The Steampunk Cellar is open for business, and we get downright philosophical during an Either/Or quiz. All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials and jingles, interspersed with a plethora of cool music.

Two podcasts in two weeks? Wow! It must be Christmas! While The Bassman is busy at Centre Stage with his play Merry Christmas Shirley, Teddy takes over and compiles a ‘best of Christmas’ section, featuring commentary from Catherine (The Queen, or as she likes to be known, Phred) and the God of Pod, Evan Harris. Favourite Christmas songs and traditions are discussed, and both Teddy AND the Bassman share some very personal insights on Christmas.  It wouldn’t be a Christmas podcast without the Bassman’s Christmas poem, and Teddy’s Snow day story. Teddy also shares some thinky thoughts about exactly what Christmas is all about.  All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music.  Featured Music: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Tommy Dorsey and Steampunk ChristmasJingle Bells – Pete Rugulo OrchestraChristmas Time is Here – Vince Guaraldi TrioBoogie Woogie Santa Claus – Patti PageSleigh Ride – Phil SpectorMerry Christmas Darling – The CarpentersI Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Roy WoodMerry Christmas Everybody - SladeFairytale of New York – Kirsty McColl & The PoguesWhat Child Is This? Vince Guaraldi TrioLet It Snow – Gloria Estefan‘Zat You, Santa Claus? Louis ArmstrongTwelve Days of Christmas – The ChipmunksWexford Carol – Alison Kraus and Yo Yo MaHappy Holiday – Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gormet

Another action-packed episode, featuring the Queen Phred (AKA Catherine our daughter) and a very special guest, Jennifer Allyn-Perri, a very talented, funny lady, who simply sparkles with warmth and charm throughout the podcast. With Thanksgiving done and Christmas looming, we start dashing headlong into the holiday season. Jenn reveals her first love, opera, and how her father inadvertently turned her on to this genre.  Several items are banished to the Steampunk Cellar, and Bassman delivers a quiz that is both naughty and nice.  All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music.  Featured Music: Come On A My House – Rosemary Clooney Shoop – Salt n Pepa Sally B. Goode – Carroll Brown Canary In A Coalmine – The Police That’s The Way – KC & The Sunshine Band Theme – Top Cat Theme – The Avengers Linus & Lucy – Vince Guraldi Holiday For Strings – Michael LeGrand Scuttlebuttin’ – Stevie Ray Vaughn

We have a full house in Episode 32 – the ever awesome Queen Catherine (or as she is also known – Phred) joins us for a special visit from the UK. And if that wasn’t sweet enough, we are joined by the very first person who ever asked to be on our podcast (it just took us 32 episodes to get her here!) DeAna Earl!  DeAna talks with us about her life as an entertainer on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and what it takes to learn how to fly. We discuss learning how to dance, the difference between different British accents, and how to develop that thick skin needed to survive in the entertainment business. All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music. Featured Music: Theme – The Love BoatStormy Monday – Little Joe CookKiko And The Lavender Moon – Los LobosWho Killed Big Bird? Barry Adamson4Evermore - Anthony DavidThe In Crowd – Ramsey Lewis TrioUsed To Rule The World – Randall Bramblett

Episode 31 continues our fascinating discussion with the legendary Brian Reeder and Andre Webb! We start off with a lightning round quiz, where Brian reveals the perils of a tequila hangover, and Andre gives us a glimpse into the afterlife. The conversation turns serious as we discuss the recent events in Charlottesville, and the frustrations facing America’s citizens in the light of our government and country’s current climate. The four of us agree: Love is the only cure. Please join us for our most significant and relevant podcast to date. All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music. Featured Music: L’Realite – Amadou and MariamI Can’t Run – Paul SimonTrouble Town – Jake BuggBridge Over Troubled Waters – Aretha FranklinPoughkeepsie – Over The Rhine

Wow! What a couple of weeks it’s been – first, we got to spend some awesome time with our darling Alexandra Hernandez and her beautiful family. And if that wasn’t enough, we also got to finally podcast with none other than Brian Reeder and Andre Webb! If you’ve listened to many of our podcasts, you will have heard of Brian. He is one of our earliest and most loyal cheerleaders; he is the Bassman’s superhero sidekick (to understand this, you’ll have to listen to our crossover podcast with The Bearded Ones), and he is a super-talented force of nature you just love being around.  Together with his good friend (and now our good friend, Andre Webb), he is planning his own podcast, and he and Andre stopped by one afternoon to join us. We can honestly say that this podcast was a life-changing, life-affirming event. It was so extensive we’ve split it into two podcasts, so you can have twice as much fun with us. Brian and Andre are so inspirational.  We start off asking about Brian’s start as a performer, then ask about influences. From there, we learn the legend of J.J. Coolbreeze, and what Andre would like to tell his Great-great-great-great grandchildren. We salute Lefties, and wax nostalgic about the perfect day. All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music.  Featured Music: Diamonds – Steam Powered GiraffeGot My Mojo Working – Muddy WatersCheaper To Keep Her - MFSBGroove Is In The Heart - DeLiteHobo Dan – Carroll BrownSit Down Servant – The Staple Singers Intermission – The CarpentersStart It Up – Robben Ford

It’s not everyday you get to record a podcast with true legends, but we had that opportunity in Episode 29.  To commemorate our two-year anniversary as podcasters, we share a very special podcast crossover episode with the guys that started it all for us, Evan Harris and Jason Underwood, those Gods of Pod themselves, The Bearded Ones! These guys were so much fun – you can tell from all the laughter and the lunacy we shared.  And when you’ve listened to our podcast, hop over to the Bearded Ones, and listen to the other half of the evening. On our side, we discuss the true meaning of ‘fully functional’, Teddy gives Jason lessons on how to talk dirty during sex, and we find out exactly what Evan would be willing to do for $35,000.  All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music. Featured Music: Theme Tune: The Bearded Ones – Evan HarrisFried My Little Brains – The KillsSinner Man – Nina SimoneSexy - Muffin ManIncidental Music – Smack The PonyKali Yuga - Echobelly My Sunny Girlfriend – The MonkeesHelter Skelter – The Beatles

THIS PODCAST CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE. Whew! What an episode! We started on Father’s Day, and it took Teddy until Thursday to mix it all down – we got talking and just couldn’t seem to make ourselves stop!  Episode 28 covers a huge range of subjects, from reminiscing about our dads, strong women in movies and television, Murdoch Mysteries, and our amazing singer/songwriter friend Carroll Brown (whose music features heavily in this episode). We talk about learning how not to give a F&*%, as well the National Archive of media. Bassman becomes Ranty McRantface, and Teddy explains why she is an enigma wrapped in bacon. All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music.  Featured Music: Theme Tune: NBC Sunday Mystery Movie – Henry ManciniHoneybee – Steam Powered GiraffeSally B. Good – Carroll BrownBarnacle Bill and Betty – Carrol BrownLosing My Religion – Lacuna CoilScuttle Buttin’ – Stevie Ray Vaughan Dois Nardestes – Clay RossPsychopomp – Thank You ScientistTheme Tune – Murdoch MysteriesRetrograde – James BlakeSweet Savannah Nights – Carroll Brown

In Episode 27, we welcome back our gorgeous daughter Catherine, who came to Steampunk Towers to celebrate her 25th birthday. We spent a great evening setting the world to rights.  We revisit some vocab words that sum up difficult and complex emotions, listen to the world’s most relaxing music (shown to reduce stress by 65%), and send another offender down into the Steampunk Cellar. We also review the Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why, Bassman gives Teddy and Cat a naughty quiz, and we start our new regular feature on tea with a discussion on Pu-erh. All this, along with the usual mélange of vintage commercials, silly jingles and cool music.  Featured Music: No Can Do – Hall and OatesRun Boy Run - WoodkidWeightless – Marconi UnionCome to Poppa – Bob SegerTea for Two – Teddy Wilson & His OrchestraCry On My Shoulder – Bonnie RaittJolene – Dolly Parton (on 33rpm)Whenever I Call You Friend - Kenny Loggins and Stevie NicksBilly’s Gone – Level 42