Toasts and Jams

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Ruby Francis, singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose distinctive blend of soul, jazz, R&B and alternative pop has earned her a reputation as one of the UK's most unique musical voices.We talk about Ruby's creative journey, from finding her identity as an artist to learning how to protect her inner voice in a world full of noise and expectation.The conversation moves through authenticity, therapy, heartbreak, romance and the role personal experience plays in creating meaningful work. Ruby reflects on the importance of being honest in her music, how creativity can help us understand ourselves, and why sharing personal stories is often about connection rather than self indulgence.We also explore the relationship between music and visual art, the inspirations behind her work, and how artists translate feelings, experiences and ideas into something others can connect with.It's a thoughtful and wide ranging conversation about creativity, identity, self discovery and the courage it takes to be truly yourself.Ruby's Song:Visions – Stevie Wonderhttps://youtu.be/fy4fMlLj_B8?si=3KwvN3SvYtE42nAzRuby's links:Pages of Philosophy Albumhttps://ffm.to/pagesofphilosophyalbumBandcamp / Vinylhttps://rubyfrancis.bandcamp.com/album/pages-of-philosophyInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ruby_francis/Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsSpotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gff6dFVOoYlPrm8zhTsXAProduced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex Catt.

We talk about Josh’s journey into music, from discovering drum & bass at a young age through Shy FX and pirate radio culture, to learning confidence through DJing and finding creative identity while studying at art college.The conversation moves through ADHD, therapy, self medication, childhood anger and the complicated relationship between creativity and chaos. Josh reflects on confidence, escapism, emotional baggage and the different ways people learn to manage themselves while navigating creative industries.It’s an honest and wide ranging chat about music, identity, mental health and the experiences that shape creative people behind the scenes.Josh’s drink of choice:English Breakfast TeaJosh’s Song:Shy FX & T Power – Feelingshttps://youtu.be/a8girPCgHE0?si=4ZC5iIvh4OpgsdjvJosh’s links:https://www.instagram.com/joshparkinson/https://itsjoshparkinson.com/Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsSpotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Louis VI, musician, producer and artist whose work moves through hip hop, jazz, soul and a deep connection to the natural world.We talk about Louis’ journey through music, from growing up in London listening to Dizzee Rascal, Nas and Kanye West, to discovering writing through the Roundhouse and finding his own voice as both a rapper and producer.The conversation moves through identity, diaspora, creativity and the role nature now plays in his work. Louis reflects on Dominica, field recordings, indigenous knowledge and why reconnecting with the sounds of the natural world can be so powerful for our minds, bodies and communities.It’s a thoughtful and wide ranging chat about music, memory, family, nature and the importance of listening more closely to the world around us.Louis's Song:   • Learn  Louis's links:  / itslouisvi  Subscribe to be the first to know about the next exhibition https://www.natureaintaluxury.comBig thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsSpotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Steven Camden, also known as Polarbear, poet, storyteller and one of the UK’s most distinctive spoken word voices.We talk about Steven’s journey through performance and storytelling, from early poetry slams and chaotic workshop experiences to developing a voice that connects across audiences and spaces.The conversation moves through the strange and often surreal world of live poetry, the rules, or lack of them, and how those environments can shape you creatively. We also get into the evolution of artistic expression, from raw, unfiltered ideas to more considered storytelling, and how creativity often grows through experimentation, discomfort and play.It’s a wide ranging chat about finding your voice, embracing the unexpected and learning how to communicate ideas that actually land.Steven’s song choice:https://youtu.be/7nxWP9BhI7w?si=D1oFiQ39WrquH7YvSteven's links:www.bearstories.orgBig thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsSpotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gff6dFVOoYlPrm8zhTsXA

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Olivia — a photographer known for capturing honest, human moments that go beyond the surface.We talk about Olivia’s journey into photography and how her personality plays a central role in her work, from embracing her quirks to building trust quickly with the people she shoots.The conversation moves through what authenticity really means in a world of polished content, the balance between analog and digital approaches, and why real, lived experiences still carry something you can’t fake or recreate.We also get into the importance of connection, instinct, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves — plus a brilliant story about photographing Harry Kane and the determination it takes to capture something genuine.It’s a wide-ranging chat about creativity, people, and finding the real in everything you make.Olivia’s Song Choice:https://youtu.be/clXS_1NJC_Q?si=K8RxVe-teBa9Zu1GOlivia’s website and Instagram:oliviarosephotography.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/oliviarosegardenProduced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex CattBig thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsToasts & Jams Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Ollie Olanipekun — creative director and founder of Flock Together and OpenAREA.We talk about Ollie’s journey from starting out with a youth culture blog to building a globally recognised creative agency, and what it takes to grow something from the ground up.The conversation moves through what creativity really means and how differently it shows up for everyone, the role of youth culture in shaping the future, and why some generations struggle to understand what’s coming next.We also get into nature, focus and mental clarity, including how stepping outside can unlock new ways of thinking, alongside a wider conversation around environment, identity and perspective.It’s a wide-ranging chat about building, evolving and staying open to new ideas.Ollie's Song Choice:Three 6 Mafia - Stay Flyhttps://youtu.be/vBjzAdpZzf0?si=DX1m3...Ollie's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ollie_ranger/Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex CattBig thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsToasts & Jams Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

We welcome DJ and producer Emerald to Toasts & Jams for a conversation exploring fate, physics, and the way our lives unfold.From the Big Bang to festivals, creativity, and the unknown, this episode moves between the cosmic and the personal, asking whether anything really happens by chance, or if it is all part of something bigger?Alongside the bigger questions, we get into Emerald’s world, including her drink of choice, tequila, and the track (or tracks) that soundtracked her teenage life.Expressive language warning!Emerald's song choice:https://youtu.be/sU_Cwfn15ds?si=DuhSDf7QGN_UMFv6Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex CattEmerald's Links:Instagram.com/emeraldroselewisPreciousstonesrecords.bandcamp.comBig thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsToasts & Jams Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

We welcome award-winning writer and director Akinola Davies Jr to Toasts & Jams as he shares insights into making My Father’s Shadow, the messiness of real life, and his secret love for musicals.My Father’s Shadow is showing now (March 2026) in select cinemas across the UK for one more week:https://mubi.com/es/myfathersshadowAkinola's song choice:https://youtu.be/cE-bnWqLqxE?si=guRrmgMDbVz-qpz3Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex CattBig thank you to The Collective Acoustics:https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/Toasts & Jams links:https://linktr.ee/toastsandjamsToasts & Jams Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gff6dFVOoYlPrm8zhTsXA?si=2o6UFtxkSIS-kQIyusWuoA&nd=1&dlsi=d8e0914c0e014b4c