XM Divas

The diva and the divo are back in the booth, this time with a different point of view! We're lucky to have the fabulous stage director Eve Summer. We discuss everything from new staging ideas post pandemic and fresh re-tellings of age old stories while simultaneously building audience. We've enjoyed lots of interviews with lots of singers but this point of view is, indeed, entirely different!

Social Media!! It is legitimately everywhere. The diva and the divo sit down with Aaron Dodge, the social media master, to talk about harnessing the power that can be social media. With endless possibilities for an artist set on self promotion Aaron leads us through the technology jungles giving us invaluable insights and tips for all these platforms but especially the newer to the scene Tik Tok. With the singer, actor, dancer, director directly linked to their daily promotion you can't miss the diva/o conversation with Aaron Dodge. 

BROADWAY IS BACK BABY!! The diva and divo can barely contain their excitement. Theaters are opening back up in the big apple and friends are getting back to work. Megan and Johnathan chat with the incomparable Raquel Suarez Groen of Broadway fame. Raquel chats with the diva/o about what she has been doing during her time off and after doing hundreds of performances as Carlotta in Phantom how excited she is to get back to it!

The diva and divo are back together again! Today, as we continue moving forward into a more positive space as companies and colleagues continue to announce live performances in a world post-pandemic, the diva puts on her marketing hat! We discuss the exciting space of “Opera-tunities”. Is opera bingeworthy? Is there a continued need for the virtual space as we head back to the stage? What about the chance to build a base with a different sort of opera-goer? The marketing mezzo talks big picture ideas about the exciting ways opera can branch out as we finally start to put this nightmare of a year in the rear-view.

TOGETHER AGAIN!! After a couple of months of interview episodes with some absolutely incredible guests the diva, Megan Miller, and the divo, Johnathan White are back together again! It’s just he and she along with a little bit of hope! With many us getting vaccinated the industry is starting to...dare we say it... make plans for the future! With that in mind Megan and Johnathan talk about everything auditions...from college to general to summer programs. Come spend some time with the diva and divo as they reminisce about their own experiences and talk about the future of how the audition process may look like in the industry. 

We are so excited to extend a warm welcome to two incredibly talented women, Kathryn Lewek and Janai Brugger! You may have seen Lewek on the stage in more complex roles as her voice fares well as The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s famed “Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)” or even Ginevra in “Ariodante”. Brugger has not only had several impressive roles (such as Pamina in “The Magic Flute), but she’s also a vocal coach on the Resonance app and has had her voice featured on one of the episodes of “Lovecraft Country”. Both have had a huge impact on the opera community and we can’t wait to shed a little light on their genius. 

Our final guest of the Black History Month series is one you won’t want to miss! Known for her astounding voice, masterful performances, and passion for opera, Denyce Graves is an absolute opera star. Not only that, but she’s using her new foundation (The Denyce Graves Foundation) to advocate for the revival of The National Opera House which was originally The National Negro Opera House. This commitment to the arts and passion for diversity is what makes us proud to have her on the show!

This week’s guest for our fourth Black History Month episode is one of incredible caliber! Join us as Kenny Overton introduces the wildly talented Mark Rucker. His voice has been heard all over the world, leaving critics in awe of his ability to bring characters to life. 

We are delighted to welcome our guest Babatunde Akinboboye, founder of HipHopera, to our third episode for Black History Month. Akinboboye, known for his revolutionary mixture of hip hop and opera, will be joined by our favorite co-host Kenny Overton.

For our second weekly installment celebrating Black History Month, the diva and divo are excited to have our very special co-host, Kenny Overton from the “Black Opera” live broadcast! In addition, we are also honored to invite the talented Othalie Graham, whose performances have captivated countless audiences. The Charlotte audiences will remember her brilliant portrayal of Lady Macbeth in 2019 which she had added to her already vast repertoire. Conversations continue about us moving forward as better artists and better people post-pandemic.

The diva and divo bring in February with a bang. Fresh off a spread in Opera News and a Grammy Nomination Kenny Overton from Black Opera joins the duo for an honest and open conversation. More exciting than that Kenny has agreed to join the show for the entire month! With so much content and so many exciting headline guests expect an episode EVERY WEEK while we celebrate Black History Month.

Megan & Johnathan hosted Opera Carolina's pre-show dialogue with the with composer Douglas Tappin and the incredible cast of "I Dream." We are excited for you to listen to this incredible dialogue with the entire cast on the production of I Dream and the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. #opera #operacarolina #idream #ocidream

Megan Miller is joined once again with guest host Johnathan White to continue their conversation on Pandemic Productions. The diva and divo are once again joined by two guest callers, this time by performers from two different productions. Fan favorite of XM divas Reginald Smith Jr discusses his Atlanta Pagliacci and newcomer Veronique Filloux discusses her Cosi in Pittsburgh. Both callers have ideas for measures we can take so that our art form can grow even during these difficult times. 

In these difficult time...erm...during this unprecedented...well we’ve all grown tired of sentences that start with those words...the diva and divo get together to hash out what has surely been a trying year for all of us. What’s the future of our industry? How do we fix it? Who knows...but whatever it is we will get through it together. Cheers to a better year...bring on 2021

The diva, Megan Miller, is joined by the divo, Johnathan White to discuss this most wonderful time of year. However, for performers of all types, there are certainly stories of Ho-Ho-Horrendous parties and events that center around this magical time of year. They reminisce about some of these ridiculous stories while being joined by a guest caller to share some other outlandish tales. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus all performers can relate to some of these merry mishaps.

After a bit of a hiatus an XM Diva is back in the booth joined by a guest host, Johnathan White, to talk about productions during the Pandemic. Fresh off a production himself, the divo joins the diva with some guest callers, Chrissy Amon and Michael Colman, to talk about their recent performances of Cosi fan tutte with Opera Grand Rapids and how opera in general can move forward during this crazy time. 

Allergies can be difficult to deal with as a singer-- or in our normal lives for that matter. XMDivas is here to help! We sat down with Dr. Klotz and got the skinny on treatment options with singers in mind. This episode is in partnership with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) and Opera Carolina. For more info about CEENTA Visit https://www.ceenta.com For more info about Opera Carolina Visit https://operacarolina.org/  

On this episode we have the extreme honor of talking with the Current Miss America and composer Nia Franklin. We loved talking to Nia about music education, just one of the things she's passionate about! In case you didn’t know Nia has been a teacher and music mentor, and has written over 100 songs, including one she began performing at age five. For the Miss America 2019 competition, Franklin sang “Quando m’en Vo'” from Puccini’s La Boheme and wowed audiences and judges alike. So put on your pageant best and download our latest episode!  

The divas get to chat with Babatune Akinboboye, nigerian American Baritone, youtube sensation and founder of Hiphopera. For more info about Babatunde and Hiphopera visit https://hiphoperaworld.com/

The Divas dive into modern operas with relevant topics for today. Highlighting public figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Martin Luther King, Jr., and more. Not to mention, you’ll get their unfiltered review of Kayne West’s opera Nebuchadnezzar.

The Divas pay tribute to Opera America’s 50th Anniversary Campaign #meetopera. #meetopera is an opportunity for opera companies, artists and fans to introduce opera to new and experienced opera-goers in a way that celebrates the vitality and variety of opera across America. Want to know more? Visit operaamerica.org

Megan Miller is joined once again with guest host Johnathan White to continue their conversation on Pandemic Productions. The diva and divo are once again joined by two guest callers, this time by performers from two different productions. Fan favorite of XM divas Reginald Smith Jr discusses his Atlanta Pagliacci and newcomer Veronique Filloux discusses her Cosi in Pittsburgh. Both callers have ideas for measures we can take so that our art form can grow even during these difficult times. 

The XM Divas are back with another installment of Opera Virgins. Popping the cherry of opera virgins is one of the Divas' favorite things to do and on today's episode, Megan and Xela invite two new guests to the show: Aaron Dodge of The Littlefield Company, and Erin Breeden, owner and head mermaid at blue tide creative. Aaron and Erin discuss their first opera experiences and play a game of "Composer or Potato" - modified from Classic FM's quiz. Make sure you listen to the end to find out who won!

The Divas, Xela and Megan, continue thier series"More Than a Body". The #Metoo movement exists to help people speak out about their experience and make sure that people don't feel alone. This interview, with special guest Zachary James, details one singers experience with  "special treatment" from a person in power. 

In this series, More Than a Body, the Divas Xela and Megan examine some of the challenges singers (and performers) face. Soprano Kathyrn Lewek joins us with a special interview focused on her recent ecnounter with body shaming.

Don't worry, the Divas didn't Ghost you.  They're back with a quick update. Tune in and find out what Xela and Megan have been up to.

The Divas are listening to the Greatful Dead in a whole new way after their interview with Tom Constanten, Keyboardist of the Greatful Dead. Find out how Tom, and his avant garde musical tastes, ended with and influenced the Grateful Dead, what he's been up to since and what types of operas he finds interesting.

Interview with mezzo soprano Leyla Martinucci. We ask her all about growing up in an Opera family and following in her Father's Footsteps.

A recent OPERAtunity took Xela and Megan to Paris, France for Paris Fashion Week. Find out what inspired the Opera Recycles initiative, what it has to do with fashion, and how it continues to gain momentum.

The Divas, Xela and Megan get a chance to interview a fellow diva, the dynamic soprano Alyson Cambridge. Find out how Alyson champions the art form and strives to eradicate the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding the original "O" word- OPERA.

Xela and Megan get personal with their Personal Trainers about the differences on training an opera singer verse their typical athletic clients. The Divas talk about the challenges they face on their fitness journey and Personal Trainers JJ Johnson with Club Fitness and Jamie Eastley of Strong(her)360 to talk about their latest challenge: training Opera singers.

When it comes to cultivating the creative minds of Charlotte there is no better Duet than Matt Olin and Tim Miner of Creative Mornings CLT. In this episode, Xela and Megan we discover how CMCLT has cultivated a monthly forum encouraging adullts to PLAY; unlocking their creative nature.

Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. We know love can be messy, but just how mess it gets depends on your Valentine. Ever wonder if your significant other is  secretly a tenor (or not so secretly acting like one)? Ahhh tenors- a special breed. We love them, their egos, and their special charm. The Divas’ special guest and tenor extraordinaire, Johnathan White sits down with Xela and Megan to explain -and dispel- some of the myths about tenors.

in this Special Edition Episode John & Miller, of CLT Podcast fame, join the Divas to talk Opera and the Super Bowl. You're not imagining things, Opera + Football! From the National Anthem to iconic commercials, Opera, like the Patriots, seems to make an appearance every Super Bowl. Tune in to hear Xela & Megan highlight some of Opera's iconic Super Bowl moments.

In this onsite interview with Bold Missy's Brewmaster Carli Smith the XM Divas find out what the brewery born from the celebration of great Bold Missies has in common with Opera!   

We said goodbye to 2018 and now XM Divas is ringing in the new year with a guide to help you put your best foot forward into 2019. 

Move over Nutcraker and make room for Handel's Messiah- The Divas, Xela and Megan talk about this iconic holiday classic. Tune in for some fun facts and surprises! Music Credits :  Myers Park United Methodist Church - 2019 Lessons & Carols performance of "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah - listen to the whole service here: https://youtu.be/b7qDxQtD-sU Carnival Messiah Steelband- "Hallelujah" listen here: https://youtu.be/SI0QKrIOp-A  

Looking for the ultimate employee?  Opera singers totally fit the bill. XM Divas gives you the quick and dirty on what skill sets opera singers have and why you should hire them. 

It's that time of year again! XM Divas compiled their list of the top "Christmas songs you love to hate" as told through the eyes of opera singers. 

The journey to opera for many singers can be a struggle. That's why XM Divas lay out the truth about side hustling and the wide variety of opportunities that are available. 

Halloween is almost here and XM Divas are here to help you choose a costume...with an Operatic Twist. The world of Opera is overflowing with extravagant costumes. XM Divas share their top picks for classing up your Halloween.   Wanna hear the full length tracks? Follow the youtube links below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eOnIRopojY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvaYMl8yZv4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0PMq4XGtZ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmuFOuh3QHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaV6sqFUTQ4&start_radio=1&list=RDIaV6sqFUTQ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHM3zMBQxTQ&start_radio=1&list=RDJHM3zMBQxTQ  

Who says pregnancy and opera don't mix? In this episode, the Divas talk to two performing mommies-to-be in Kathryn Lewek and Melinda Whittington while Megan reveals a pregnancy of her own. (1:59) Megan talks about finding out about being pregnant during Rigoletto (5:01) Megan welcomes our guests, Kathryn Lewek and Melinda Whittington (6:35) Katie talks about being the first pregnant Queen of the Night (10:21) Megan introduces Melinda, her performances and her pregnancy (15:38) Megan asks about the changes Katie experienced in her voice when she was carrying (19:01) The ladies talk about the potential of pumping during a performance (25:22) Xela talks about some of the breathing techniques singers can use depending on how they're carrying (31:05) Katie talks about how the baby's movements affect her singing (35:40) Megan asks the ladies what their go-to pregnancy food is (38:50) Xela gives an update as to where all the ladies are with their pregnancies XM Divas is hosted by Xela Pinkerton and Megan Miller, and recorded in Charlotte, NC. Our producers are Andy Goh and Stephanie Vitale. Remember to rate, subscribe, favorite and review us on your podcast platform of choice, it helps up get discovered by other listeners! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@xmdivas), and bookmark our website, xmdivas.com.  

With Opera Carolina deep into the production of Marriage of Figaro, Xela is the lone Diva on the mic in this episode. Joinging her, however, is Robert Mack, a member of the critically-acclaimed Three Mo' Tenors and a leading member of the American Spiritual Ensemble. Mack has performed with Opera Carolina several times, including a production of Porgy and Bess. (1:46) Robert Mack introduces himself and talks about his history with Opera Carolina (4:01) Xela asks Robert about what his dream role would be (6:47) Robert talks about his family and how he got into singing (14:03) Xela and Robert talk about their experience with the Martina Arroyo Foundation (18:21) Robert talks about the challenges of race in opera (23:19) Robert and Xela talk about Opera Noir and its significance in promoting diversity in opera XM Divas is hosted by Xela Pinkerton and Megan Miller, and recorded in Charlotte, NC. Our producers are Andy Goh and Stephanie Vitale. Remember to rate, subscribe, favorite and review us on your podcast platform of choice, it helps up get discovered by other listeners! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@xmdivas), and bookmark our website, xmdivas.com.

This week, the XM Divas caught up with American actor and operatic bass Zachary James. Known for his role as Lurch in the Broadway production of The Adams Family, Zachary James has also portrayed Abraham Lincoln, cameo'd on 30 Rock and performed with some of the world's top opera companies. (2:50) Zachary talks about the importance of seizing opportunity (5:40) Xela asks about introducing new pieces (8:58) Xela asks Zachary about his most harrowing or possibly dangerous experiences while performing (11:45) Zachary talks about having to try new things and continue to evolve to stand out from the crowd (13:14) Zachary gives some advice to aspiring opera singers (17:04) The Divas play a clip of Zachary in The Adams Family, Zachary discusses (20:43) Zachary talks about the demands of playing eight shows a week  (22:26) Xela asks about Zachary's upcoming performances at the Met Opera, and what it means to him to have his family see him perform (25:29) The Divas and Zachary talk about how they could use social media on stage or during a performance to give viewers an opportunity to experience opera from the performer's point of view XM Divas is hosted by Xela Pinkerton and Megan Miller, and recorded in Charlotte, NC. Our producers are Andy Goh and Stephanie Vitale. Remember to rate, subscribe, favorite and review us on your podcast platform of choice, it helps up get discovered by other listeners! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@xmdivas), and bookmark our website, xmdivas.com.

One of the Divas' favorite things to do is to pop the cherry of opera virgins. On today's episode of XM Divas, Megan and Xela invite two guests who recently had their first opera experiences to the show: local CPA and fellow podcaster Nesha Pai (Piece of the Pai) and KISS 95.1 radio host Roy Brown. Nesha and Roy discuss their first opera experiences and also play a game of "Opera or Cheese" - modified from Classic FM's quiz. Make sure you listen to the end to see who took home the "Big Cheese Champion" title! Try your luck here! This week on XM DIVAS Podcast…. ( 3:34): Roy Brown talks about his first Opera experience. ( 8:09 ): Nesha Pai talks about her first Opera experience. ( 15:40 ): Megan, Xela and guests play the game “Opera or Cheese” (game created by Classic FM) XM Divas is hosted by Xela Pinkerton and Megan Miller, and recorded in Charlotte, NC. Our producers are Andy Goh and Stephanie Vitale. Remember to rate, subscribe, favorite and review us on your podcast platform of choice, it helps up get discovered by other listeners! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@xmdivas), and bookmark our website, xmdivas.com.

Megan and Xela are back with the Four P's of Opera. Unfortunately, Podcasting isn't one, but maybe it should be. Either way, the Divas give you the down and dirty on this episode of XM Divas. (1:14) First P of Opera - Pretending to Practice (1:56) Second P of Opera - Procrastinating Practice (4:10) Third P of Opera - Perceiving to Practice (4:51) Fourth P of Opera - Actually Practicing (7:02) Bonus round, the fifth P of Opera! XM Divas is hosted by Xela Pinkerton and Megan Miller, and recorded in Charlotte, NC. Our producers are Andy Goh and Stephanie Vitale. Remember to rate, subscribe, favorite and review us on your podcast platform of choice, it helps up get discovered by other listeners! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@xmdivas), and bookmark our website, xmdivas.com.

Today is Part II of the Divas' takeover in NYC! Megan and Xela are backstage at the Metropolitan Opera talking with Elizabeth Caballero, soprano who plays the part of Mimì in Giacomo Pucinni's La bohème.

It's officially audition season in the world of opera! That means it's time to get your arias ready and polish up your backing music. The divas take a trip up to NYC to talk to two of their favorite performers in person: Stacy Dove and Raquel Suarez-Groen. Megan and Xela talk to Stacy at the Roosevelt Hotel and Megan talks to Raquel solo at the Magestic Theatre during her prep for her role as Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera.

This week on XM DIVAS Podcast…. Alright, we are back for another episode of XM Divas. Today, we are talking about how to prep for an opera. Scenario 1: you’ve been cast in an opera. What is the first thing you do?

It may be the start of summer, but the Divas are taking you back to school. Jump into Opera 101 as Xela and Megan review five things you should know about Opera in this edu-taining episode.