XM Divas

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. 

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.