Episode 35 - Hi friends! We had the most inspiring chat with Melissa Wegner, Executive Director with the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and the Laffont Competition. She walks us through international outreach, how the Met picks and develops singers and why mentorship, mental health and practical skills all matter, just as much as talent.

If you’re an aspiring singer, you’ll love her clear audition checklist (voice, musicianship, interpretation and career potential), plus reality checks about covers, timing and when to jump into the professional world. She also explains the newer, kinder side of industry training: financial coaching, performance psychology, intimacy coordinators and real community support.

Tune in for honest, friendly and super-useful advice whether you’re auditioning, considering a young artist program, or just want an insight into how singers can thrive in this wild opera life.

Episode 34 - Hey friends! Come hang with Helena and Adam as they catch up for a meandering chat: from hilarious Aussie lingo (like the Poddy) to TikTok triumphs and the importance of great repetiteurs.

We get the tea on viral videos, strange fan mail, masterclasses with young performers and even nude stage stories. Tune in and laugh along.

Episode 33 - Hi friends! Jump on in to this thoughtful, laugh-out-loud conversation with David Hobson as he shares tales of writing a rock opera version of Macbeth, swinging metres above a stage without a net and the time a hubcap doubled as a bonnet. It’s full of backstage madness, career pivots and genuine advice for young singers.

Expect candid stories about touring, teaching, authenticity in performance and why great artists keep learning. Don't miss this one!

Episode 32 - If you’re into behind-the-scenes opera gossip, this episode is for you. We hang out with Gerard Quinn and Chloe Morgan as they unpack life in Germany’s Fest system: the crazy rehearsal hours, costume nightmares, language mishaps and that infamous director who had everyone talking.

Expect high notes, wild backstage moments and honest talk about surviving and thriving in the Fest life.

Episode 31 - Watch out! We jumped in the car, braved the rain and took you straight into the Melbourne Recital Centre for the Herald Sun Aria final. Expect backstage vibes, on-road banter and honest takes on six incredible young singers. There’s talk about conductor magic, judging pressure and how repertoire and orchestra placement can change everything. Grab some road trip snacks and join us!

Episode 30 - Welcome back, friends! Catch up with Simon Lobelson, baritone, conductor, teacher and "angry fiddler" as he chats to Helena and Adam about Mozart obsessions, contemporary opera surprises and the honest lessons he gives to young singers.

Tune in for warm laughs, practical teaching gems and delightfully weird stories from the stage (think Kafka insects, squeaks, burps and farts). It’s a cozy chat with a great mate. Don't miss this one.

Ep 29 - Helena and Adam are back for a mischievous chat with Helen Hogh: artist manager, custard tart courier and the kind of honest, fiercely-caring person every singer hopes for. You’ll hear about the messy, human side of helping manage careers, like turning down gigs, holding artists’ hands after performances and why a good manager is basically your backstage superhero.

It’s funny, candid and full of fascinating insights. Tiaras and Tanqueray even make cameos.

Episode 28 - Today it's just Helena and Adam and it's like you're just hanging out with us while we talk about upcoming gigs, oratorio and Helena's new teaching studio. We trade Aussie food hot takes (dim sims, mushy peas and pie floaters) and reminisce about touring pranks and backstage hijinks.

Come for the opera gossip, stay for the laughs and don't miss Bastien's cameo at the end...