This week we talk with the hardest working musician in Chicago, Dave Govertsen. Dave is such a great musician and such a kind individual. We talk about musicianship/musicality, The Simpsons, how their baby already has a more impressive resume than me, and why it pays to be able to learn difficult music. But above all, … Continue reading Episode 17: Doing the Work with Dave Govertsen →

Everyone! I got DJ to do my show! Dj was a magnificent guest and it was so cool to get to catch up with him and have a nice conversation for all of you to hear! DJ is the head of production for the Van Buren Fine Arts Center in Van Buren, Arkansas as well as … Continue reading Episode #16: Doing the Work with DJ McRoberts →

This week we talk with Billy Dwyer and Jason Carlson! They might be the next great comedy duo. All I’m saying is that Jason might be the world’s greatest musical straight man. They also happen to be amazing musicians and wonderfully insightful people. We talk about staging overtures, getting stabbed in the throat by broken … Continue reading Episode #15: Doing the Work with Billy Dwyer and Jason Carlson →

This week we have EMILY BIRSAN!!!!!! Emily is an incredibly creative and talented soprano and an alumna of the Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She is SOOOOOOOO funny and charming and was a pleasure to talk to. We talk about hearing colors, the art of Egon Sheile (his paintings make me feel … Continue reading Episode #14: Doing the Work with Emily Birsan →

This week we have our first non-musician! Sara Stock is a graduate of the Conservatory at Second City and Improv Olympic in Chicago and a fellow Apron Person at Howells and Hood on Michigan Avenue. We talk about auditioning, losing self, fear and anger, and how to let a lifelong dream die with grace and … Continue reading Episode #13: Doing the Work with Sara Stock →

This week I talk with Heather Youngquist. She’s nice. We talk about Mad Men. #spoileralert? Also check out Chicago Folks Operetta for tickets and information about Madame Pompadour

IT’S BERNARD HOLCOMB! Bernard is a personal positivity hero of mine and a spectacularly articulate singer. He is so incredibly genuine and caring. I saved this one for a while because I knew how special it was.  Our conversation runs the gamut of emotions from deep and profound to utterly ridiculous. Enjoy!

Happy 10th episode!!! This week we talk with Oliver Camacho of the OperaNow! Podcast. He is endearing and intelligent and was a blast to chat with. We talk about the BAMFs of early music recording, our musicological dreamboats (i.e. why I feel about Philip Gossett the way I used to feel about Batman), and all … Continue reading Episode #10: Doing the Work with Oliver Camacho →

In this episode Aaron and I talk about the old school Bel Canto technique of our forefathers. We talk recording techniques, why it’s important to have a great teacher, and why Thomas Hampson is the handsomest, most wonderful man in opera.

In this episode Justin Berkowitz and I talk about having super successful musicians in your family, deadlines as the best practice incentives, and, of course, alcohol. Enjoy!