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

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

Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Melissa's gonna help you gear up for summer gigs - from sprucing up your promo materials to expanding your network, leveraging social media, and thinking of non-traditional places to perform. Let's make sure your summer schedule is filled with unforgettable performances!
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.
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022

Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Join Melissa & Sarah Joy Kane, a seasoned theatre pro, as they spill the beans on dealing with tricky directors and shaking up the theatre scene. Sarah's got the lowdown on navigating those tough directorial waters and she's all about injecting some fresh vibes into theatrical productions. From juicy communication hacks to thinking outside the box with performances, Sarah's dropping gems for actors. Don't miss out on this lively chat about flipping the script and embracing perfectly imperfect performances!
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 the MVC Performance YouTube channel.
REFERENCES & SOURCES:
Sarah Joy Kane website
Drew Boudreau
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022

Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Melissa sits down with the incredibly talented jazz singer, songwriter, and winner of the Z Theater's 2023 Proteus Music Contest, Chloe Youtsey, for a heartfelt chat about her musical journey. From the early days of finding her voice to the thrilling moments of performing on stage, Chloe shares it all, encouraging all artists, no matter where they find themselves, to embrace the beauty in every moment they've been given.
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 the MVC Performance YouTube channel.
REFERENCES & SOURCES:
Chloe Youtsey website
Tickets to her April 19 show
Zieders American Dream Theater
Join the START SINGING™ mini-program
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022
"Fashion Pop Background Modern" Royalty Free Music
© 2019 331

Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Are you having a hard time believing that you're capable of achieving your artistic goals as a performing vocalist?Where is that coming from? Melissa's going to help you get to the heart of those thoughts that are holding you back and spark some courage. Get ready to take that next big step towards owning your spotlight in the world of performance!
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.
REFERENCES & SOURCES:
Ep. 45: How to be your own voice coach
Dr. Brene Brown
Dr. Nicole LePera post
Join the START SINGING™ mini-program
Reclaim The Stage workshop
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022
"Fashion Pop Background Modern" Royalty Free Music © 2019 331

Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Join Melissa for a quick episode packed with easy exercises to strengthen your lower vocal range. Plus, she's got a Swiftie-inspired POP SONG PRACTICE session for you to sing along with.
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.
REFERENCES & SOURCES:
Join the START SINGING™ mini-program.
Follow @mvcperformance on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube
https://www.mvcperformance.com
MUSIC:
"Cafecito with the Coach" Theme Music by Melissa V. Cartwright © 2022