Episode 106 – Escape to Ravioli Mountain, with Bobby Hedglin-Taylor

In this episode, I talk to Bobby Hedglin-Taylor “The multi hyphenated artist”. Trapeze artist-actor-dancer-singer-acrobat – impressionist-author-officiant-aerial sequence choreographer-stand up comic-mixologist-teacher-coach.

About Bobby

“BOBBY HEDGLIN-TAYLOR (theatrical aerial designer and circus trainer). His work featured Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, and rock concerts.  He was the Cirque choreographer for RWS & Holland America Cruise line and performed twice with the band Phish at Madison Square Garden New Year’s Eve shows.  The Author of 2 books #ShitMyMamaSays-a humorous look at life while dealing with dementia (available on Amazon!) and Escape to Ravioli Mountain-a memoir in food (Coming this fall!)”

The inescapable pandemic

Just a few days into the pandemic, Bobby lost his beloved mother to the virus. Just two days later, he contracted it himself and has taken several months to recover to full health. As part of the healing process on the one-year anniversary of his mother’s death, he started to write his book, filled with all the quotes he had shared on his social media accounts #shitmymommasays. Bobby jokes that his mom has visited more countries with her books, than she did when she was alive.

Bobby loves to cook, and he revisited his recipes and ‘Escape to Ravioli Mountain’ that he started to write over ten years ago. It’s a mixture of original recipes from his grandmother, and some that he has reworked to suit the modern palate.

Life growing up

Ravioli Mountain was an endearing term, used to describe the mountain where Bobby and his extended family lived. A mix of Italian and Greek immigrants, life was never dull, and food was always at the centre.

How did you end up in New York at theatre school?

Many of his family were theatrical and musical. Bobby laughs that his family can’t speak if they tie their hands together. However, leaving home was a tough choice, supported by his drama teacher.

It was his rite of passage, and his opportunity to become his own person, outside the shadow of the mountain.

What does the future hold?

Bobby is keen to get back to performing, and loves to make people laugh. He will be finding multi hyphenated opportunities soon.

Quick fire!

  • What is your most positively memorable meal? Grandma’s gnocchi with butter and lemon
  • What food reminds you of childhood? Wheel pasta with peas
  • What have you got for tea? Cucumber and dill Sandwiches

Bobby’s links

My links

Did you revisit any skills (such as cooking) in the pandemic? Let me know!