Barb's Tea Service, an award-winning podcast!

Barb and Chris of Barb's Tea Service receive ONTV's Spirit Award

Barb's Tea Service podcast not only celebrated its one-year anniversary this month, but it also received an award from ONTV Studios, home and mentor of podcast team Barb and Chris Gulley. 

Last week, at ONTV's annual banquet, which brings together all the support and talent (on the latter, personally, we'll add air quotes), Chris - my studio engineer, co-host and arm candy- and I were incredibly surprised and honored to be the recipients of a "spirit" award which recognized the commitment to our weekly studio recording as well as embracing the newer technology of remote podcasting. And, anyone who knows the Barb's Tea Service podcast team, it's not hard to figure out who spearheaded that effort. 

Ian Locke, Executive Director at ONTV, announces Barb and Chris Gulley as spirt award recipients.

In fact, Ian Locke, ONTV Executive Director, recognized Chris as the first to not only "check out" the studio's remote podcasting equipment, but as one who took it to the next step by purchasing equipment for our own "on-the-road" programs.

Meeting up with old friend, Anita K.

The ONTV banquet - our first - was held at Palazzo di Bocce and it was a fun night meeting up with old (hello, Anita!)  and new friends, indulging in delicious food and taking part in a  tribute to the entire ONTV studio team:  staff, volunteers, interns, producers and, yes, even a podcast team featuring a tea lady and her arm candy. 

ONTV banquet showcased BTS podcast's early adoption of remote podcast equipment.

Although a next-day tea event prevented us from staying late to participate in bocce ball, we will make sure we keep the calendar clear next year in order to compete with our ONTV family on the bocce ball lanes. 

Spirit award to be displayed in a place of honor. 

We had to give a shout out to not only Ian, but Joe Johnson, Joey Tysick and Tracy Marsh who keep us focused and field all our questions and come to our aid whenever we've hit the wrong button or pressed no buttons at all. 

Also, thanks to all our "special guests" over the past year:  Rob (times 3!) and Megan and Rik and Carol. We appreciate your engaging contributions!

Arm Candy and BTS podcast tech guru

A delightful surprise to be honored by ONTV!

We're thrilled to be recognized by ONTV, but, honestly, it's icing on the cake.  Our regular trips to the studio feel more like visiting family than just "renting" space. 

Starting our second year, we're ready to expand our production skills, take on more adventures and more tea and tea-adjacent topics. 

As we like to stay at Barb's Tea Service, "please stay tuned".