Valerie's Variety Podcast

As a podcaster I am always searching for a great story, I was galavanting through an antique store and found this book by Margaret Echard, based on a true story about her family, set in the 40s – the book, smelled good, it felt like it was SOMETHING more than paper and ink and it’s green hard cover texture. A collection of juicy secrets and skin tingling worthy words, a collection of mystery, deceit and intrigue. A good story has to have LOVE and DEATH (did you know this) I bought this book and within the cover there was an insignia ______

I tell stories for Audible as a side hustle, I know how to produce my voice for satiable listening ears..or so I’ve been told. I’m a project manager by day. I like the challenge of putting things together in a consolidated view, playing with files, organizing, planning, keeping people motivated. It’s the process I love.

My CAST knows the vibe I give, “please don’t give up on me now…”

I read the book, cover to cover, did some investigating on the people, places and history of the author and the book itself. I could only find one, 1 person who left a review about this book and he, it turns out is Canadian, and an actor…my idea was forming.

What if I made this book into an audio drama? What if I got a bunch of people who use their voice(s) to tell stories like podcasters and voice over artists, and actors…what if I did this?

Lots of ideas begin to ruminate, I carried the book with me, wrote copious amounts of notes, picked apart all of my favourite podcasts for their best tricks and tips and included those and some of my own from my over 100 episodes.

Lots of sleepless nights, late nights & early mornings.

I put out my feelers…leaned on my community of voice artists and the excitement was contagious which was sort of inline with the covid pandemic feel, a sense of connection to the world going through the pandemic together, ALONE, isolated.

We recorded this all REMOTE in our own homes, ALONE, I collected these clips and files, processed, processed some more, spliced, added music, mixed and mastered for hours, and days and minutes…

I asked for more from my CAST of 25, can you add this line, can someone play this on the piano, I had people drop out, other CASTs friends wanted to join, and their moms and their kid’s are involved, roommates, wife and husbands, friends of friends, even my husband got in on it when I needed titles read, miscellaneous lines added here and there.

It has to stay a secret, only this ^^ one guy knows the truth, the book name

Welcome to ProjectDF, it’s a mystery, it’s a side project that I am so proud of, it’s a collection of amazing talent from across this country of Canada, across the United States of America as well as into Australia..the talent runs far and wide.

If you’re still reading by this point, thank you for your support, thank you for listening and sharing and leaving comments. Thank you to Kylee and Rafe and London as my main characters who didn’t give up well over a year into this – it all paused, but they stuck with it and came through for me, for this…Project DF Podcast.

episode 117 season 3

Today I welcome to the show Tamira Ci Thayne, author, animal activist, book designer, and founder and former CEO of Dogs Deserve Better. She reached out to me to produce an audiobook, Reboot Ranch by Eileen Watkins and I just fell in love with Tamira’s purpose - to inspire, assist and entertain animal lovers, activist and rescuers in your fight for the animals. She fits perfectly into my theme of READ and CREATE. Think Books for Animal Lovers, think books that tug on your heart strings and you want to learn more about rescue operations, slaughter houses, adoption and donating. Welcome to the show Tamira!

QUESTIONS I'M DYING TO KNOW ABOUT TAMIRA

First break: How did you get into this, how did the name come about, Who Chains You? What happened that changed you?

Second Break: How did you get a passion for saving animals? Younger?

Third Break: What was the start of the book…after Dogs Deserve Better?

Fourth Break: What would be your ideal, infrastructure to get your business where you want it?

Fifth Break: Do you read all of the books you publish? Whats the Criteria?

Sixth Break: Do you have a favourite book in your repertoire?

Seventh Break: The Olympic Animal Sanctuary, true story?

Eighth Break: It went to the Dogs, Tamira’s Book

Ninth Break: Eileen Watkins book Reboot Ranch (insert retail clip)

Tenth Break: Her platform for people to tell their stories?

Eleventh Break: List off some of the more unique stories about animals in your publishing house? Snails, Hermit Crabs, Sloth Bears (dancing bears)

Twelth Break: A book that has done so well, unexpectedly, think rats!

 Thirteenth Break: How do you read these books, does it take a toll?

Fourteenth Break: Starfish Story..

Fifteenth Break: Who’s your audience?

Sixteenth Break: The books that Tamira writes..

Eighteenth Break: The people who harm animals…

Nineteeth Break: A personal story about turtles that has impacted me..

Twentietth Break: One piece of advice for helping animals and rescue shelters..

Twenty Onth Break: Tamira asks me…

Twenty Second Break: What’s next for Tamira. & What is a Piegon Shoot?

Twenty Third Break: Coronavirus Impact..

Season Three - video cover art

Follow Tamira & Who Chains You

Website @ Who Chains You

Instagram @Freedom Chaser Books

Facebook @Freedom Chaser Books

Twitter @Freedom Chaser Books

Follow Me:

Website @ ValerieMoss.ca

Instagram @ValerieJMoss

Facebook @VSMoss

YouTube @

episode 116 season 3

Gotta Learn Beyond Yourself

Hey everyone it’s Valerie here today I have a guest that I follow on IG she has a create catchy handle of a name - she plays with textures, paper, sews and does it to pleasure and for her own therapy, guest is Val from ValLoves2Create from Ig. think of breaking the rules when it comes to building up a project. Think of the pressures of being a mom and the heartache and love we go through all day every day with this being we’ve brought into the world. Val has this disposition of a favourite teacher that would make you believe you can do anything. Well that’s because she was a teacher, and likely has something to do with having 3 brothers. I hope you feel inspired after this episode and take the time to Check out Val’s IG. We also have a giveaway, one of Vans incredible journals… enjoy the show! We also have a giveaway. Oh my gosh it’s so beautiful. 

Our down to earth chat and what we covered:

* Welcoming Val to the show…* Tell me about your art form…* Did your background in teaching feed this passion…* Val or Valerie or Annie or ‘Berge’* Pick a photo…tissue paper, magazine pages, cardboard, stitching, fabric and I can go on…* Journal do you use photos?* do you have a favourite* Do you have a favourite time of day…* Is this scrapbooking?* What’s your best tip* It’s cold here * Florida vs Jersey* Who were you named after?* Do you post on IG daily?* Other hobbies, umm yep* Favourite books

Season Three - video cover art

Follow ValLoves2Create

Instagram @ValLoves2Create

YouTube @Val Vaganek

Her Giveaway...just leave a note, comment, hello, whatever you feel inspired to say after the episode:

Follow Me:

Website @ ValerieMoss.ca

Instagram @ValerieJMoss

Facebook @VSMoss

YouTube @ValerieJMoss

Pinterest @VJMoss

The show music is call ‘Girl’ by Text me Records and Leviathe

The cover art, storytelling and production is by me, Valerie Moss.

episode 115 season 3

What Does it Mean to be Human?

Today’s show we are welcoming Brandi Fleck from the Human Amplified Podcast where I have been a guest on her show and I have also wrote under a pen name an article for her blog. Brandi has a journalism background, she’ve overcome childhood abuse in a variety of forms and her mission is to seek out the good in humans, what being human means on an amplified level. So settle in for this wholesome interview with this gal from Tennessee and how she has learnt and continues to learn about us as the human race, it’s her mission!

The Questions we Delve into:

* Why the Name change from On Being Human to Human Amplified?* When you decided on your artwork?* When you commit to your Socials?* Popular and Favourite Episodes?* Tell us about the shooting in Nashville?* That Guest has has permeated your soul?* A Bombing?

Season Three - video cover art

Follow Brandi

Website @ ValerieMoss.ca

Instagram @Human Aplified

Facebook @ Human Amplified

YouTube @Human Amplified

Pinterest @Human Amplified

Twitter @Human Amplified

Follow Me:

Website @ ValerieMoss.ca

Instagram @ValerieJMoss

Facebook @VSMoss

YouTube @ValerieJMoss

Pinterest @VJMoss

The show music is call ‘Girl’ by Text me Records and Leviathe

The cover art, storytelling and production is by me, Valerie Moss.

Stay Tuned for the next season, season 3 on Valerie’s Variety Podcast with your host me, Valerie Moss from Studio 17

episode 114 season 3

Her Worth comes from Within

Todays guest is RonaLafae also known as hoot, she shares the behind the scenes stories about her book that your’s truly narrated. This book is full of murder and forgiveness, it’s full of love and hate along with healing all from her near death experience memoire..enjoy the episode. London also sits with Rona and asks questions about spirits and ghost about Rona’s book and London’s own experiences…so stay tuned and you’ll never guess who’s house Rona was married…and you’ll get a sneak peak into chapter 1 in it’s entirety at the end of the episode, so stay turned! 

* Describe the Cover…near death experience* What inspired you to write about this experience…* Rona’s psychic Grandmother was ‘her happy place’ * What was my biggest takeaway, the discovery of the grandma being dead…* Tell me about the most difficult story that she needed to tell…and Rona’s advice…looking for death but she found life* The boys camp this lodge full of throwaway teenagers…the firewalk* What have you learnt most about yourself after writing this book..* Locking Horns…Grandfathers…charted destinies* Talk about the man you saved - vision quest…chills, scared and nervous* The Halloween Party that changed everything, 24 hours later…* My favourite story, ‘she’s a hot dish’ * A survivor of Mt Saint Helens and the loss of her 1st crush..* So…what’s next for your Rona, a movie….professional, and personal goals* Pinkie was her pig, and her best friend

Maybe the next time you’re thinking about a lost friend or relative you’ll see something that makes you take pause, according to Rona that is not by accident, it’s on purpose. After completing her memoire she did do a reading for me, this was over the phone, and I did send her a list of questions and people that I was curious about so she could meditate on them. I asked about my husbands health, my friend Kristi and here’s a few things she said…

* my husbands health is actually better than it’s ever been, he’s actually younger inside now then he has been, and if you’ve been listening to my show for the last few years you’ll remember my husband had heart surgery and he’s is incredible health now* My mom…this infamous mother I discuss sometimes…one thing my mom has said for over 20 years is that she’s an orphan, My mom was never an orphan, she did however lose her mom when she was 16 and her dad when she was 40 but grew up in a home with all 5 kids and 2 parents…Rona used this word when describing my mom…which was very validating.* My friend Kristi…this is a friend that I lost a few years ago, she was a dear friend of mine, you know that easy convenient friend that just clicks and works, Rona said she’s around me sometime, when I see a flicker out of the corner of my eye when I’m working in my studio…this happens ALOT

I could go on about this reading as it was very impactful, she spoke alot about my voice over work, and to encourage me to continue to, try everything that comes my way - but don’t spend money on it just do it as I love to do it…

Here comes London convo with RonaLafae as well as Education of Hoot and chapter 1 in it’s entirety. The music for this episode is called Tackle Box Blues in memory of Rona’s Mom and her love for working with her dad at the gas station…you’ll have to read or listen to the book to find out why this is so important…

As I come closer to the end of this season, I’m looking for ideas for next season, and a co-host, if you’re thinking of starting a podcast and have some great ideas for a theme, let me know, reach out to me. 

Coming up before the season ends we meet Tamira Thayne from Who Chains you Publications and he love to rescuing and bringing attention to all thi...

episode 113 season 3

It Made a Difference to that One

Hey everyone it’s Valerie here, today’s guest Eileen Watkins is incredible. She’s poised, genuine and all class. She rides horses every week and has written a book about her life around horses, that I had the privilege to narrate and produce for her through Who Chains You Publications. Eileen and I get right personal about this book, the characters and best of all the horses, and they are rescues. 

This book/ episode is full of horse knowledge where the characters are from and how true the stories really are. She has a love for horses on many levels and is very educated on breeds, their personality traits and the hidden underground world. We also get into her next chapter lol and her cozy mysteries series. And this series is about a cat groomer. 

Just a side note this was recorded early in 2021 over video Eileen in Jersey and me, in Calgary. 

Also I just need to mention that some of the topics discussed are about the less positive side to the horse rescue world like PMU Farms around the middle and slaughter houses is discussed towards the end. It’s graphic and definitely eye opening and sad. 

* Sooo your love for horses...* So let’s set the stage for the book...* Let’s talk about some of the verbiage...* One thing Eileen does…* Josh and his horse whisperer...* Patches and Murphy...* Is there anything you left out that would have included now?* Where can people find you and what’s next?* Humour and People, finding connection... * Slaughter Houses…we went there...* Here’s where the stories for Reboot Ranch came from* Off the record* Valentine how can you not lover her and love how the horses communicate non verbally all the time. 

Season Three - video cover art

So those of you who are new to my show, thx for listening you got a pretty great interview with an incredible author and writer from New Jersey. genuine take of my personality and Eileen’s to and our sensitive sides. The star fish story is told twice in the book and both times makes me tear up. Because we were on video I too saw Eileen’s soft side come through when speaking about  her beloved Brenda her horse and The character Valentine the horse in the book ‘that everyone loves’ is portrayed after.Eileen is always trying to include humane practice anecdotes throughout her book to just make people aware about animals treatment. And working towards a common cause - rescuing one horse at a time. 

After 35 years in journalism isn’t that a feat in and of itself. She’s been a writer for many years…and was approached to write cozy mysteries series - what a flattering compliment. 

Before we close I’d like to say thank you to Eileen, I just love how pragmatic she is, truly grounded and just so articulate with her answers - having a writing background and getting to play with words all day helps! We have a connection now and I sure hope you enjoyed today’s interview. 

Tomorrow’s show, we will play chapter one in it’s entirety so you get a glimpse of the book I fell in love with. 

Links to Reboot Ranch and all her books and where you are can find her are in my show notes. 

As we start to wrap up this season I still have a few shows coming up with people that will make you take pause. you’re going to meet Tamira from who chains you - the publisher for Eileen’s book Reboot Ranch, and her strong affiliation to rescuing animals of all types it’s in her DNA drives her. 

Also, RonaLaFae hoot her incredible memoirs and my audio production of her book, full of love and betrayal, rejection,

episode 112 season 3

'Meshuggeneh'

Hey Everyone, it’s Valerie here, todays show is with Melina Schein of The Saucy Soprano where we talk all things like covid, without work, a new side hustle or two like her Blog and Podcast along with learning a great work in Yiddish that is so appropriate for the times we are living through, meshuggeneh - which means 'that's so crazy' in Yiddish. She's tackling The Jewish Cookbook by Leah Koenig based our of New York. Melina is making her way through EVERY. SINGLE. RECIPE in order...She's creating quite the fan base check out her Instagram @TheSaucySoprano and you will know why.

Enjoy this episode with Melina, her wit, and charm is just so magnetic.

This lady Melina Schein from The Saucy Soprano falls into my theme of EAT and CREATE so famously, she’s vivacious and funny and her cooking and photos of her cooking are exceptional although I’ve never gotten the opportunity to even try something…such as a life with a friend who lives far away…we also both narrate for audible and belong to the same ‘study group’ this is how you become friends with people, same passions, foods and a sense of humour. Her claim to fame though is through her voice, she’s an incredibly successful opera singer, that has been put on hiatus (for now) due to the pandemic so she’s turned her focus to food, Jewish food…welcome to the show Melina.

BREAK ONE - MUSIC AFTER INTRO

BREAK TWO - insert music “ where do you get your inspiration”

BREAK THREE - insert music… “ the title is…”

BREAK FOUR - insert music… “ who taught you how to cook”

BREAK FIVE - insert music…"do you have a big family?"

BREAK SIX - insert music "favourite dish"

BREAK SEVEN - insert music "do you know the person that wrote the book?"

BREAK EIGHT - insert music - tell us a bit about your podcast, The Saucy Talk

BREAK NINE - insert music - your singing is incredible

BREAK TEN - insert music - your singing then Juilliard - from New York to... Wait, What?!

BREAK ELEVEN - insert music - "who was funny around you…?"

BREAK TWELVE - insert music - "popular show or episode"

BREAK THIRTEEN - insert music - "do you have a set schedule formula?"

BREAK FOURTEEN - insert music "she wants me to be a guest…"

BREAK FIFTEEN - insert music  "if you like me which I believe…"

BREAK SIXTEEN - insert music "do you read?" Your favourite book is Gone ....

BREAK SEVENTEEN - insert music "let’s end on a yiddish word, Meshuggeneh!"

Guest Melina Schein IS The Saucy Soprano

She's in the Paper

Melina Schein, The Opera Singer, recently made the news with her saucy soprano glitz and glam, check out this article:

episode111 part2 season3

Dave and Sarah are my guests today and it's about their Book, Skeletons in my Closet

Hey Everyone, this is part two, it would be advantageous for you to listen to part one first as we delve way more into his book, their partnership in writing it and I’ll finish reading the story from yesterday about his son…more about being undercover, inspiring and life lessons we will get into today.

Page 69 here’s the continuation of the story we left on in the last episode…full disclosure I couldn’t stay composed through this reading of this section by Dave, it was him and his son….First Impressions continue reading this…happy my son, sat in the cart as we made our way….

my guest today

The Book is Called Skeletons in my Closet, Life Lessons from a Homicide Detective. I should mention, the topics discussed in this book are not for children and some of the these might also be triggers as we review crime scenes and stories in some depth. However, it’s all around a basis of what he’s learn, Dave Sweet about being a homicide detective.

Questions Discussed in the InterView

Dave: Tell me about your grandfather, Justice of the Peace for Alberta

Sarah's Books:

* Duke out at the Diner* Kiss Me in the Rain - Option for a Movie* Claiming Love

Sarah: What is the case that has stuck with you?

A Young Boy...

Colloquilasm...

Something else that was so Interesting...

We have this one Guy...

Yeah it's like what you were saying with words...

Throughout Dave and Sarahs book, there’s little anecdotes of lessons like this:

* If you wish to keep your relationship in proper balance, remain true to your word* Absolutes can be dangerously laminated and void us of creative, advantageous thoughts* Define what success actually means to you

When I started this whole podcasting gig and trying to figure out why I wanted to do this, I actually used the word legacy to my hubby - leaving a legacy of me behind for my daughter. An audioblog, and audio scrapbook of my life in these verbal snapshots, hmm I guess I’m not the only parent who fills this way.

Tomorrow we delve in their partnership, cases that stuck with them and the people in these cases, how the stories and the lessons came to be and much more.

let's discuss Skeletons in my Closet, Life Lessons from a Homicide Detective

Find Dave Sweet and Sarah Graham

Dave & Sarah @ UnconventionalClassroom

Published Through @ Mischievious Books

Find Sarah on Instagram @ Sarah Kades Graham

More about Dave @ CBC

His story on 'The Detectives' called Hatred @ Imdb

Follow Me:

episode111 part1 season3

Dave and Sarah are my guests today and it's about their Book, Skeletons in my Closet

Hi Everyone it’s Valerie here, todays show is part 1 of 2 and sort-of from my archives, not that I’ve released this episode before BUT I did this interview late in 2019, and we my guest and I had BIG plans, like plans for a series and more…but alas covid hit and boom done with these plans (FOR NOW). This is a special interview, actually one of my first interviews with a writer, an author, from Calgary, and a Detective. This is his book we are going to be discussing today with him and his co-writer slash confident, Sarah Grahams. 

The Book is Called Skeletons in my Closet, Life Lessons from a Homicide Detective. I should mention, the topics discussed in this book are not for children and some of the these might also be triggers as we review crime scenes and stories in some depth. However, it’s all around a basis of what he’s learn, Dave Sweet about being a homicide detective.

Also, this is back when, before covid, before social distancing and way before our lives changed in so many way. Like we share microphones, sat at the same table, hugged and drank tea and water for hours, in the same room without shields…ahhh the good ol days…I digress, you’re in for a real treat in the next few episodes so sit back and enjoy.

Questions Discussed in the InterView

Here's the description...

Describe the Cover...

Actions don't make headlines...

How did you two meet, Dave and Sarah?

What inspired you to write the book Dave and how did Sarah help?

Chapter 4, white picket fences...

Surveillance and how it effects Dave, and his family...

This was one of the hardest parts of the story for me…being a mom and knowing how innocent kids are and what they see, and love in their parents are one in the same, a scruffy dad is the world to this little boy. You’ll hear the rest of this story on the next episode tomorrow.

Throughout Dave and Sarahs book, there’s little anecdotes of lessons like this:

* Find your passion and master it* People will say extraordinary things when given the space to be heard* Sometimes the easiest person to lie to is yourself* It is not hard to be a bit better than average

When I started this whole podcasting gig and trying to figure out why I wanted to do this, I actually used the word legacy to my hubby - leaving a legacy of me behind for my daughter. An audioblog, and audio scrapbook of my life in these verbal snapshots, hmm I guess I’m not the only parent who fills this way.

Tomorrow we delve in their partnership, cases that stuck with them and the people in these cases, how the stories and the lessons came to be and much more.

let's discuss Skeletons in my Closet, Life Lessons from a Homicide Detective

Find Dave Sweet and Sarah Graham

Dave & Sarah @ UnconventionalClassroom

Published Through @ Mischievious Books

Find Sarah on Instagram @ Sarah Kades Graham

episode 110 season 3

Crawdads & Dogs

"Crawdads": are explained as the synonym of the words crawfish and crayfish that is used to mean the aquatic animal that looks like a small lobster and lives in rivers and streams, can also be called crawdaddies..."Search & Rescue SAR Dogs": a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of small, non retractable claws and a barking, howling or whining voice - in other words man's best friend! They also, spring into action assisting humans during difficult times. They track people lost in the wilderness or those lost after a natural disaster. These Search and Rescue or SAR dogs can find Alzheimer's patients who have wandered away from a care facility.

Todays show falls under the category of "READ" under my show brand EAT|READ|CREATE as I'm sharing two awesome books First Where the Crawdad's Sing by Delia Owens AND Second: The Search by Nora Roberts

ENJOY THIS EPISODE

Recently I put a request out on my FB page in need of a book to read IMMEDIATELY. Don't you get this feeling, when you are climbing into bed at night and you're like UGH I forgot to download a book...or oh MAN I finished my book last night - I don't feel like TV... this is where I was at sooo - what's a girl to do but post on Social Media. here's two books that I've read recently and I had to share these with you. Where the crawdad's Sing was the first suggestion by Elaine, however many of the commented concurred that this was indeed a must read...The second was from one of my go to artists Nora Roberts, a quick easy read but with a twist that seemed like you could figure it out - but NOPE wrong...

Where the Crawdad's Sing by Delia Owens

* Where the Crawdad's Sing we will review first:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENONMore than 6 million copies soldA Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club PickA Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade "I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!"--Reese Witherspoon"Painfully beautiful."--The New York Times Book Review

Where the Crawdad's Sing by Delia Owens Book Description:

For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens.

Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

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