Passionate Performer Podcast
¡Hola! I’m Melissa V. Cartwright - Latin singer, songwriter, actress, voice coach, and passionate performer just like you. Over the past 25 years, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of life as both a hobby and professional vocalist—and I’m still at it. In this podcast, we’ll tackle the challenges we face - from forgotten lyrics and shaky nerves to vocal fatigue and booking gigs. Think of me as your voice coach and partner-in-crime, here to help you problem solve so that you shine and show up as the best version of yourself. We’re in this TOGETHER, so grab your café or put me in your headphones. Let’s take the next right step toward performing with freedom, confidence, and JOY.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Struggling to project your voice no matter how hard you try? It’s not just about singing harder, but smarter. Let's see what's holding you back and help you unlock the power, and confidence you want when you perform.Join the Passionate Performer Program membership HERE.REFERENCESJustin Stoney - New York Vocal CoachingMeredith Colby - NueroVocal MethodBelt BoxMUSIC"It's Time"By: Melissa V. CartwrightAll rights reserved © 2025

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Ever find yourself struggling to get through your set, feeling like your voice is giving out way too soon? Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to high-demand gigs, vocal fatigue can sneak up fast. In this episode, we break down why it happens—lack of rest, hydration, warm-ups, and even how you structure your set list—and what you can do to fix it. PLUS, get your hands on my free Pre-Show Warmup Video
Hit play and let’s learn to manage your energy, optimizing your voice for longevity, and making sure your performances stay strong from start to finish!Join the Passionate Performer Program membership HERE.MUSIC"It's Time"By: Melissa V. CartwrightAll rights reserved © 2025

Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Where has she been?? We're taking the same honesty & joy from Cafecito with the Coach, but diving deeper into our performance careers with a name change and new strategy.Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Melissa is here to help you navigate the highs and lows with actionable advice and candid conversations. Get ready to solve challenges, boost your stage presence, and perform with confidence.Subscribe, leave a comment, and unleash your full potential as a performer!Join the Passionate Performer Program membership HERE.MUSIC"It's Time"By: Melissa V. CartwrightAll rights reserved © 2025

Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Melissa shares one of her most vulnerable moments as a voice & performance coach, which also sparked a 10-year journey into a developing a method that helps singers show up and perform the way they've always dreamed of. PLUS - a super special announcement that will get you fired up to get out there and perform with PASSION!
Let's connect over on Instagram and don't forget to leave a review!
RESOURCES:
SLAY THE STAGE workshop - begins July 8, 2024
Join the NEW Passionate Performer Program
Ep. 54: Anxiety - My Superpower
Ep. 43: When you DON'T get the gig
Ep. 27: How to fill your artistic cup
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022

Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Celebrating PRIDE with trans voice coach & artist, Chris Gallego. You'll be inspired and motivated by Chris's journey and the wonderful work happening inside her studio. It's a thoughtful and fun cafecito for artists and allies alike!
This episode is also available on YouTube. If you're feeling inspired, don't forget to leave a review!
RESOURCES:
Chris Gallego
SLAY THE STAGE workshop - starts July 8, 2024
Voicepreneur Program
Brené Brown
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022

Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Vocal health professionals and singing teachers, Christina Kent and Megan Durham, join Melissa for a heartfelt cafecito, encouraging us to examine how we've become trapped as "performing perfectionists." Their new class helps voice professionals break free from mentally unstable practices, allowing us to sing with freedom and redefine what it means to sing for ourselves.
Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit the PODCAST page.
This episode is also available on YouTube.
RESOURCES:
Christina Kent
Megan Durham
Unlearning Perfectionism in the Voice Studio Class
Brené Brown
The Perfection Trap by Thomas Curran
Self-Compassion: The Power of Being Kind To Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher K. Germer
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022

Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Get ready to cozy up with Melissa as she shares her candid journey in this encore interview with Laura Seipert, the music therapist and host of The Mindful Voice Teacher podcast! Melissa dives into her diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, revealing how it's been a game-changer in her approach to coaching singers, crafting art, hitting the stage, and just living life. You'll hear all about how this diagnosis has sparked a whole new level of compassion and awareness, shaping every aspect of her journey.
Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit the PODCAST page.
RESOURCES:
The Mindful Voice Teacher Podcast
Brené Brown
Spice Up Your Song FREE Training
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022
"Sweet Future"Jexa G© 2023 JAY RECORD

Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
One of our first Cafecito guests is BACK with a brand new book! Voice teacher and now author, Gabriel Weiner, shares a café with Melissa to continue an important conversation on why we're OVERTHINKING when we sing, how it's stopping us from finding vocal freedom, how it can affect our mental health, and how to get back a place of singing with intuition.
This episode is also available on the MVC Performance YouTube channel.
Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit the PODCAST page.
RESOURCES:
Gabriel Weiner
How To Sing Without Thinking book
@gabrielweiner.voice on Instagram
Ep. 3: Celebrating our individuality with Gabriel
Spice Up Your Song FREE Training
Melissa's Renee Rapp REEL
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022
"Sweet Future"Jexa G© 2023 JAY RECORD

Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
We're celebrating Mental Health Awareness month, as we delve into the inspiring world of Kevin Simmons, affectionately known as the Singing SLP. Kevin's innovative approach to speech-language pathology incorporates the power of music to aid his clients. Through his practice and his sensory barbershop, he not only helps individuals improve their articulation but also fosters safe and inclusive spaces for listening and connection. Join us as we explore how Kevin uses melody as a tool for empowerment and expression, creating harmonious transformations in the lives of those he works with.
This episode is also available on the MVC Performance YouTube channel.
Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit the PODCAST page.
RESOURCES:
The Singing SLP on YouTube
@singingslp on Instagram & TikTok
Jessie Ginsburg @sensory.slp
Alexandria Zachos @meaningfulspeech
Spice Up Your Song FREE Training
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022
"Sweet Future"
Jexa G
© 2023 JAY RECORD

Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Do you feel like doors are slamming in your face? Buckle up and be inspired by Melissa's guest, Jennifer Pyle - actress, producer, and co-owner of BAB on 3 Productions. Frustrated with waiting to get booked, she took charge, founding her own empire. Jennifer not only pursued her creative dreams but also urging us all to seize control of our destinies and get OUT there!
This episode is also available on the MVC Performance YouTube channel.
Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit the PODCAST page.
RESOURCES:
Jennifer Pyle on Instagram
BAB on 3 Productions on YouTube
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022