Join Melina Schein (aka The Saucy Soprano) for the sauciest podcast around! A geographically-misplaced, Argentine-born, Manhattan-raised, out-of-work Jewish Opera singer living in Western Canada, Melina is on a pandemic-fuelled mission to reinvent herself. Whenever the world stops making sense, she focuses on what does: music and food! In Saucy Talk, Melina gathers her friends and colleagues from around the world for good gabbing, fabulous food and memories of music to turn Covid on its tuchis!
The Saucy Soprano welcomes Dr. Victor Jacob, a recently retired dentist from Ontario. Dr. Jacob retired shortly before Covid hit but continues to locum at his former clinic in service to his longtime patients. He discusses coming out of the most recent lockdown on his side of the country, the many new health protocols that have been put in place at his clinic, and his continued sense of service and duty as a health professional. Dr. Jacob shares his thoughts on isolation, retirement and his personal sacrifices during these unprecedented times. Saucy Talk enters Season 4, "HEROIC HEALERS," welcoming heroes from the medical profession who have been risking life and limb to keep us safe during these pandemic times. We learn how COVID has affected their lives personally and professionally, their thoughts on our government's response to the virus, their response to anti-maskers/vaxxers and much more.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Dr. Victor Jacob
The Saucy Soprano welcomes Dr. Fred Dyck of Kelowna, British Columbia. After many years in family medicine in Vernon, Dr. Dyck made a major life shift. He retired as a general practitioner just months ago and is now working as a hospitalist at Kelowna General Hospital. He is right on the front lines and discusses what that has meant for him, the rigid protocols of working in a hospital, concerns for his family's health and more. Dr. Dyck emphasizes the importance of looking to the experts and trusting the science with his pragmatic and realistic point of view.Saucy Talk enters Season 4, "HEROIC HEALERS," welcoming heroes from the medical profession who have been risking life and limb to keep us safe during these pandemic times. We learn how COVID has affected their lives personally and professionally, their thoughts on our government's response to the virus, their response to anti-maskers/vaxxers and much more.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Dr. Fred Dyck
The Saucy Soprano welcomes Dr. Bill Sanders of Vernon, British Columbia. Dr. Sanders is in the early stages of his well-earned retirement, after an illustrious career that took him from kinesiology to phlebology to dermatology, as well as a longtime family practice. Dr. Sanders discusses his perspective on the pandemic as he has been observing it from outside the office, as well as his thoughts on the latest vaccines, the province's response to the crisis from the beginning and through to the present, and his concern for his colleagues on the frontlines. Saucy Talk enters Season 4, "HEROIC HEALERS," welcoming heroes from the medical profession who have been risking life and limb to keep us safe during these pandemic times. We learn how COVID has affected their lives personally and professionally, their thoughts on our government's response to the virus, their response to anti-maskers/vaxxers and much more.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Dr. Bill Sanders
The Saucy Soprano welcomes nurse Brittany Kette of Vernon, British Columbia. Brittany's career has taken her from labor and delivery nursing to a fertility clinic in Toronto, then back to the Okanagan Valley. Family has always come first for Brittany, and she discusses the many challenges of not only balancing her time, but having immuno-compromised children during a pandemic. We also learn of Brittany's latest health and business endeavor which has been life-changing for her and many others. Saucy Talk enters Season 4, "HEROIC HEALERS," welcoming heroes from the medical profession who have been risking life and limb to keep us safe during these pandemic times. We learn how COVID has affected their lives personally and professionally, their thoughts on our government's response to the virus, their response to anti-maskers/vaxxers and much more.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Brittany Kette
The Saucy Soprano welcomes general practitioner Pete Henley of Vernon, British Columbia. Originally from Kent in the southeast of England, Dr. Henley maintains his fabulous accent and discusses which of the many UK accents in the sexiest! We learn how Dr. Henley's career has taken him from dentistry to maxillofacial surgery to family practice, and how he and his family maneuvered the big life changes of a move from the UK to the Okanagan Valley. Dr. Henley chats about the many pivots in his clinic, his outlook on the current vaccine news and what it's like to moderate a public Facebook coronavirus group comprised of almost 6,000 people.Saucy Talk enters Season 4, "HEROIC HEALERS," welcoming heroes from the medical profession who have been risking life and limb to keep us safe during these pandemic times. We learn how COVID has affected their lives personally and professionally, their thoughts on our government's response to the virus, their response to anti-maskers/vaxxers and much more.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Dr. Pete Henley
The Saucy Soprano welcomes dentist Ken Lawrence of KPL Dental in Vernon, British Columbia. We learn what drew Dr. Lawrence into dentistry and how he juggles his busy schedule with being a devout family man to his wife and three busy children. Dr. Lawrence describes the stringent new health protocols which he and his staff have had to adapt to in the office, and what it has meant for his patients and his practice as a whole. We also discuss Dr. Lawrence's predictions on the future of his industry and what life will look like moving forward.Saucy Talk enters Season 4, "HEROIC HEALERS," welcoming heroes from the medical profession who have been risking life and limb to keep us safe during these pandemic times. We learn how COVID has affected their lives personally and professionally, their thoughts on our government's response to the virus, their response to anti-maskers/vaxxers and much more.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Dr. Ken Lawrence
World-renowned composer, conductor and orchestrator Lee Holdridge is a multiple Emmy and Grammy award winning musician who has worked with Placido Domingo, Barbra Streisand, John Denver, Whitney Houston and many other top celebrities. Coming to us from his home in Los Angeles, Lee reflects on the many challenges facing performing artists during these times. With arts always put on the back burner, Lee maintains that live performance is what keeps people going, especially during trying times. Tune in to hear how Lee is staying creative during the pandemic (dogs play a big part in this!) and listen to the advice he offers on self discipline, trusting the experts, relinquishing ego and looking to the higher ground to get ourselves through.Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Lee Holdridge
All the way from New York, performer, teacher, and collaborative pianist Dr. Alison d’Amato feels exceptionally lucky to be working online and carrying on mentoring young artists. A founding member of the Vancouver International Song Institute, The Florestan Project, and a faculty member at the University of Buffalo, Alison is in high demand worldwide as a teacher and a performer. Listen in as Alison chats about her love of British Columbia, her gratitude for the wonders of technology that have made her online initiatives possible, and her newfound love of baking. She reflects on what the essential nature of theatre is and how thinking outside the box may create new performance genres for future generations.Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Dr. Alison d'Amato
Virtuoso violinist Susan Aylard keeps incredibly busy as a featured touring artist and core player with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Cod Gone Wild and The Rocky Mountain High John Denver tribute band. Her “rough pearl” style has earned her acclaim worldwide. When Covid hit, Susan faced a major identity crisis. Tune in to hear how she has completely reinvented herself as an artist (“Sass Art” wearable art) and how she has redefined the meaning of “essential.”Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Sue Aylard
The Saucy Soprano chats with bassist, Dragstrip Devils member, and guitar pedal creator Neil Graham to learn how Covid has affected his life and livelihood. While he misses his live gigs and multiple performance personalities (punk horror and psychobilly, to name a couple), his work with Dr. Scientist Sounds is busier than ever and the guitar pedal industry is thriving. Neil is keeping his creative juices flowing through this work as well as building his own synthesizer. Tune in to hear more about his fascinating success story!Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Neil Graham
Pianist, arranger, director and producer Carol Colpitts has had an incredible career which shows no sign of slowing down. She has worked with Canada’s best actors, singers, theatre and opera companies, and has never known what it's like to "not be busy." During these crazy times, she is finding the gifts in spending time with her family and arranging music for a future album, while awaiting the return of live performance and reinventing herself. Carol also pays tribute to her late mother, Dorothy, who greatly influenced her love of music. Join Carol and The Saucy Soprano as, together, they "hit the wall."Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Carol Colpitts
Arts educator and renowned performer Craig Thomson is one of the most sought-after saxophonists in the Okanagan Valley, known for his robust tenor sound richly anchored in the jazz tradition. His passion for both music education and live performance has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Craig discusses the changes he's had to make within his teaching career and the grieving he's doing over the loss of his performance work due to Covid while still finding the gifts during this forced pause. He also talks about performance burnout and how his outlook on gigs may be changed permanently. Tune in to hear what this incredible (and very TALL) musician has been doing to keep his sanity during our unprecedented times!Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Craig Thomson
Renowned musician, composer and award-winning conductor Rosemary Thomson is a big deal. Under her leadership, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra has flourished over the past decade, and most recently, she has been appointed Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna. She has conducted worldwide and has led major orchestras in all corners of the globe with her innate ability to tell stories through music. During this "forced pause," she has been feeling both “deeply grateful and deeply sad.” She has also been making some major life changes and looking to the future with optimism and renewed creativity. Listen to her chat with The Saucy Soprano and learn what makes the Maestra tick!Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers, and conductors from around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Buy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Rosemary Thomson
Drummer Aaron Anderson is one of the Okanagan Valley's most sought- after musicians and has toured the world as a drummer-in-demand. Aaron has successfully pivoted to online teaching, but is missing his previously busy life as a performer. Following a recent massive health scare and a triple bypass, he has changed his life completely. How has COVID stress affected his health and his outlook? Listen to learn more.Season 3 of Saucy Talk welcomes musicians, composers and conductors from the around the world. We learn what they've been doing to keep financially afloat, creatively sane, and what their thoughts are on the future of the post-pandemic arts.Aarons Links:Gary Cable ProjectMargit Sky ProjectAarons FacebookBuy Melina A Matzo Ball HERE!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Aaron Anderson
Guitarist Sean Bray is a full time working musician in high demand, with an extensive pedigree across the globe. From New York to Toronto to British Columbia, Sean encompasses multiple musical genres with his original sound and style. When the world shut down, Sean found himself with a lot of time on his hands. Find out what he's been up to, how he continues to make his artistic impact on the world and which of his guitars he would rescue in a fire!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Sean Bray
Chef Yuki of Vernon, BC's famed Bamboo Beach Fusion Grill, reminisces about her childhood in Japan and how food was "in her blood" for as long as she can remember. With a major pivot from a bustling downtown restaurant to pandemic-induced take-out only, tune in to find out how this local chef and restaurant owner is making it all work.For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Yuki Takeuchi
Marion Lewis, the grande proprietress of The Vibrant Vine Winery and Okanagan Estate Villa Winery chats with the Saucy Soprano about her culinary background (she trained at Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America), how it has influenced her building one of the country's most successful and award-winning wineries and how Covid has affected her legacy. For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Marion Lewis
The Saucy Soprano interviews the woman behind the cookbook that started it all: author Leah Koenig and The Jewish Cookbook! All the way from Brooklyn, NY, Leah discusses what goes into producing a cookbook of such epic proportions, and her thoughts on The Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through each and every one of her recipes!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Leah Koenig
Returning guest Jason Ferrante takes a short sojourn from talking about his renowned operatic and teaching career to chat about all things culinary, including his spot on the premiere season of Master Chef Canada with Gordon Ramsay, and what "might have been." For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Jason Ferrante
Sue Vignola created a culinary empire called Rancho Vignola, known across the country for its quality, caliber and excellence. How has COVID affected her longtime business and her ever-growing team of devoted employees? Find out by tuning in now!For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Sue Vignola
Vlad Forgac was launched into the food industry quite unexpectedly. Tune in to hear how he and his ex-wife found themselves running one of the most successful European delis in Vancouver, and the customer service, authenticity and nostalgia they endeavor to bring their patrons. Vlad opens up about his daughter's pandemic-induced struggles, what it's like owning a business with your ex, and how they have managed to stay afloat during the pandemic. For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE.Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Vlad Forgac
Join Melina and long-time restaurant industry and hospitality specialist Brittany Johnston to learn what restaurant life looks like during a pandemic. Brittany discusses her personal rise within the industry, her continued commitment to her craft, and her latest collaboration with a pioneering vegan restaurant in Kelowna, British Columbia.For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE. Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Brittany Johnston
Saucy Talk enters Season 2, "Cunning Culinarians," welcoming guests from the food industry across the globe. We have chefs, restauranteurs, cookbook authors, hospitality gurus and many more to discuss how Covid has affected their industry.Chef Ross Derrick of Kelowna has had to do a major pivot to keep his business alive and thriving. Listen to how he totally transformed his restaurant and set his sights on new and unique culinary ventures, plus what he believes the future of the restaurant industry will look like once the plague has passed.For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE. Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Ross Derrick
The Saucy Soprano welcomes contralto Lynne McMurtry, world-renowned opera singer and vocal instructor living in Buffalo, New York. Together, they discuss how COVID has affected the careers of opera singers worldwide, how Lynne has pivoted to an online teaching platform and what gifts have come out of trying times.For more content like this, and to follow The Saucy Soprano's culinary and personal pandemic journey, subscribe to The Saucy Soprano blog HERE. Don't forget to check out The Saucy Soprano on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE. Host: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Lynn McMurtry
The Saucy Soprano connects with acclaimed vocal tenor, TV-and-film vocal coach and sought-after teacher Frederik Robert of Vancouver, who discusses pandemic life on the set of his latesttelevision series. Listen in as the two discuss spirituality in times of duress, how to “escape” themayhem and finding the gifts in the chaos.For more content like this, and to follow the Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through 400 Jewish recipes, Subscribe to the Saucy Soprano blog hereHost: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Frederik Robert
The Saucy Soprano welcomes New Zealand singer, actor and golden-voiced colleague Nic Kyle, joining us from his British Columbia quarantine as he awaits his return to Kiwi-land, and to the stage. Melina and Nic met on tour with Sound the Alarm Music/Theatre's production of Music of the Night, a tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber. The tour was scheduled to go cross-country when Covid hit. Unlike many fellow performers, Nic will return to the stage in Christchurch, where the pandemic is almost a distant memory.For more content like this, and to follow the Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through 400 Jewish recipes, Subscribe to the Saucy Soprano blog hereHost: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Nic Kyle
The Saucy Soprano welcomes acclaimed operatic tenor, vocal teacher, mentor, and coach Jason Ferrante all the way from Florida. The two have a lot of catching up to do since their days together at Juilliard. Hear how Jason has adapted his teaching career during these Covid times and what he has considered as an alternate career!For more content like this, and to follow the Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through 400 Jewish recipes, Subscribe to the Saucy Soprano blog hereHost: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Jason Ferrante
The Saucy Soprano is joined by coloratura soprano extraordinaire, Megan Brunning, who was at the height of her dream career when live performance shut down worldwide. She may not be singing at the moment, but she can make a mean eggplant earring! Listen in for her thoughts on opera, cruise ships, and broccoli!For more content like this, and to follow the Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through 400 Jewish recipes, Subscribe to the Saucy Soprano blog hereHost: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Megan Brunning
The Saucy Soprano connects with producer, director and theatre impresario Alan Corbishley of Sound the Alarm Music/Theatre in Vancouver. Tune in to hear what Alan’s been doing tomaintain his sanity, keep his creative juices flowing and ponder the future of the arts once thepandemic has passed.For more content like this, and to follow the Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through 400 Jewish recipes, Subscribe to the Saucy Soprano blog hereHost: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Alan Corbishley
The Saucy Soprano chats with Welsh tenor Peter Karrie, named “The World’s GreatestPhantom” for his 30+ years of singing the legendary role on stages worldwide. Find out what Peter is up to during the UK lockdown, and how he’s still managing to entertain the masses. From writing musicals to singing on street corners, there is never a dull moment in the world of Mr. Karrie. For more content like this, and to follow the Saucy Soprano's journey of cooking through 400 Jewish recipes, Subscribe to the Saucy Soprano blog at www.thesaucysoprano.comHost: Melina Schein (The Saucy Soprano)Guest: Peter Karrie