Martin Christy is one of the pioneers of the modern fine chocolate movement. He is the founder of Seventy%, and co-founder of both the International Chocolate Awards and the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting. For decades, Martin has championed a deeper understanding of fine chocolate — its origins, flavours, craftsmanship, and the cacao and people behind it — and today teaches the art of chocolate tasting through courses around the world.

Martin and I go back many years, and I was fortunate to be one of the original judges for the International Chocolate Awards. In this episode of Like a Pearl, we talk about his journey into the world of fine chocolate, how our understanding of chocolate has evolved, and what it really means to taste rather than simply eat it.

We also explore the extraordinary complexity of cacao, the relationship between origin and flavour, and the knowledge and attention that go into developing a palate. As with so many creative disciplines, learning to taste is partly about learning to slow down, pay attention, and notice what is already there.

This conversation was recorded some time ago and has been waiting in the wings ever since. Listening to it again, I was struck by its evergreen quality, and I’m delighted to finally share it. Martin’s passion, curiosity, and dedication to understanding and communicating the nuances of chocolate make this a conversation as much about taste, craftsmanship and sensory experience as it is about chocolate itself.

Learn more

Martin Christy / Seventy%: https://www.seventypercent.com/

International Chocolate Awards: https://www.internationalchocolateawards.com/

International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting: https://www.chocolatetastinginstitute.org/

Like a Pearl: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

About Like a Pearl

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada. Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Credits

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of “There’s Always Tomorrow” by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from Whisky Scented Kisses on Cellar Live.

If you’d like to hear the album, listen to Whisky Scented Kisses here

Adam Blasberg is an award-winning photographer whose work spans portraiture, advertising, and visual storytelling. A Graphis Gold and Silver Medalist whose photography has also been featured in Applied Arts, Adam has worked on campaigns and creative projects across Canada, the United States, and Europe, helping artists, organizations, and businesses tell compelling stories through images.

In this episode of Like a Pearl, Adam and I talk about the art and craft of photography, what goes into creating an image that truly connects, and the relationship between photographer and subject. We explore his creative process, the importance of curiosity and observation, and how years of experience have shaped the way he approaches his work.

We also talk about fatherhood and the ways it has influenced Adam’s creativity, priorities, and perspective — both in his work and in the life he has built around it. And, on a personal note, we talk about working together: Adam photographed the cover of my album Whisky Scented Kisses, creating an image that became an important part of the album’s visual world.

As with every Like a Pearl conversation, the episode closes with Adam’s own pearls of wisdom for anyone navigating a creative life.

Learn more

Adam Blasberg: https://www.adamblasberg.com/

Like a Pearl: https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

About Like a Pearl

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada. Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Credits

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of “There’s Always Tomorrow” by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from Whisky Scented Kisses on Cellar Live.

If you’d like to hear the album, listen to Whisky Scented Kisses here

In this episode of Like a Pearl, I’m joined by Grazyna Sommerfeld, a tango dancer and co-founder of Alive Tango Victoria. Originally from Poland and now based in Victoria, British Columbia, Grazyna’s life took an unexpected creative turn when she discovered Argentine tango — a passion that would lead her far beyond learning the steps.

Over the years, Grazyna travelled regularly to Buenos Aires, studied Spanish, immersed herself in the music and culture of tango, and became a familiar face in the milongas she loved. What began with the simple experience of seeing tango danced live grew into a deep and lasting relationship with the dance and the world surrounding it.

Back home in Victoria, Grazyna has helped foster a growing tango community through Alive Tango Victoria and the Victoria Tango Marathon, creating opportunities for others to discover and experience the dance that has brought so much to her own life.

We talk about Buenos Aires, music, dance, curiosity and dedication, and about what can happen when something unexpectedly captures your imagination and you choose to follow it. Grazyna’s story is a wonderful reminder that the creative path doesn’t always announce itself in advance — sometimes it begins simply by paying attention to what calls you.

Learn more:

Alive Tango Victoria

https://alivetangovictoria.ca

Like a Pearl

https://www.daphneroubini.ca/podcast

About Like a Pearl

Like a Pearl is hosted by Daphne Roubini, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur originally from London, England, now living in Vancouver, Canada. Through conversations with artists, musicians, cultural leaders, and other inspiring guests, Like a Pearl explores the experiences, insights, and pearls of wisdom that shape a creative life.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or creative—or simply someone looking to live your life more creatively—Like a Pearl offers conversations that inspire curiosity, creativity, dedication, and the motivation to follow your own creative path.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and the pearls of wisdom shared along the way, and find inspiration for living your own life more creatively.

Credits

Host & Producer: Daphne Roubini

Original Artwork: Rich Katynski

Sound Engineering & Editing: Sheldon Zaharko

Theme Music: Instrumental version of “There’s Always Tomorrow” by Daphne Roubini & Black Gardenia, from Whisky Scented Kisses on Cellar Live.

If you’d like to hear the album, listen to Whisky Scented Kisses here