XM Divas
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Megan Miller (The Diva) and Johnathan White (The Divo), both professional opera singers, have set forth to bring you their uncensored opinion on the stigmas and stereotypes that surround the world of Opera. Not because you asked for it but because they are sick of everyone thinking that opera is still the fat lady from looney tunes singing in her horned Viking helmet. Listen in on their crazy journeys as they give listeners a sneak peek behind the curtain and into the lives of today’s modern opera singers, wine addictions, health & fitness routines while traveling, insight on how opera has influenced every damn commercial on TV today, and of course your weekly dose of opera realness.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
Megan Miller (The Diva) and Johnathan White (The Divo), both professional opera singers, have set forth to bring you their uncensored opinion on the stigmas and stereotypes that surround the world of Opera. Not because you asked for it but because they are sick of everyone thinking that opera is still the fat lady from looney tunes singing in her horned Viking helmet. Listen in on their crazy journeys as they give listeners a sneak peek behind the curtain and into the lives of today’s modern opera singers, wine addictions, health & fitness routines while traveling, insight on how opera has influenced every damn commercial on TV today, and of course your weekly dose of opera realness.
Language:
English
Contact:
5613517723
Website:
http://xmdivas.com/
Email:
xmdivas101@gmail.com
Episodes
We're BACK...and so are Auditions!!
4/27/2021
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...
Duration:00:25:30
Kathryn Lewek and Janai Brugger |Performing amidst COVID-19
3/16/2021
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...
Duration:00:42:07
Exclusive Interview with Denyce Graves
3/2/2021
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!
Duration:01:20:15
Celebrating Black History Month with Mark Rucker
2/23/2021
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.
Duration:00:48:27
Celebrating Black History Month with Babatunde Akinboboye
2/16/2021
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.
Duration:00:40:09
Celebrating Black History Month with Othalie Graham
2/9/2021
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...
Duration:00:46:36
Celebrating Black History Month with Kenny Overton
2/2/2021
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.
Duration:00:38:46
Interview with the Cast of I Dream
1/26/2021
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
Duration:00:46:40
Opera in the Pandemic - Part 2
1/19/2021
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.
Duration:00:32:26
Suck it 2020!
1/5/2021
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
Duration:00:19:18
Holiday Horror Stories
12/22/2020
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...
Opera in the Pandemic - Part 1
12/8/2020
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.
Interview with Dr. Klotz : Dealing with Allergies
5/13/2020
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/
Duration:00:19:37
Interview with Nia Franklin
3/19/2020
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...
Duration:00:15:54
Interview with Babatunde Akinboboye
2/19/2020
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/
Duration:00:26:57
REAL OPERA
2/5/2020
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.
Duration:00:16:56
#MeetOpera | Opera America’s 50th Anniversary
1/22/2020
The Divas pay tribute to Opera America’s 50 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
Duration:00:15:43
Opera Virgins
10/24/2019
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...
Duration:00:33:31
More than a Body: Part 2
10/9/2019
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.
Duration:00:21:06
More than a Body: Part 1
9/25/2019
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.
Duration:00:28:02