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...

Episode 27 - Hey friends! Join Helena and Adam as they hang out with Wagnerian superstars, Christine Goerke and Brian Mulligan. The conversation wanders from crocodile headed costumes and cupcake mishaps to mozzarella-in-the-dressing-room survival hacks. They get real about finding the right repertoire, the terrifying-but-beautiful leap into Wagner and the backstage camaraderie that keeps you going through four-hour marathons. Funny, warm, and full of oddly specific opera life hack, you’ll laugh, you’ll learn and you might never hear a duck noise the same way again.

Episode 26 - Hi friends! Don’t miss Helena and Adam’s fascinating chat with the brilliant conductor, Ben Northey. He tells stories from his jam-packed life on podiums around the world, including that now-famous mallet catch, how opera is its own glorious chaos and why great conducting is really about connecting people, not just waving arms. We chat about mentoring, bringing Indigenous voices to the orchestral stage, managing an insane schedule and little rehearsal tricks that actually work. It’s warm, funny and full of behind-the-scenes gold. Tune in if you love music, want to understand what a conductor really does, or just want a brilliant, honest conversation with someone who’s living at full tilt.

Episode 25 - Hey friends! We’re back for Season 2! Join Helena and Adam as they kick off the new season with the fabulous actor, director and producer, Melanie Hillman. They chat about Mel’s new Sondheim revue, Colour and Light, and the joys of reworking classics. It’s full of rehearsal gossip, pandemic-era logistics and important takes on casting and representation. It’s witty and nerdy in the best way - perfect for anyone who loves theatre, Sondheim or a good backstage story.

Episode 24 - Hey there, friends! Grab a comfy spot because it’s the Season 1 Finale and we’ve got a whirlwind of opera shenanigans waiting for you. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of laughs and a lot of high notes, literally! This time, we’ve pitted tenor against tenor in a game show format! It’s the brilliant Henry Choo, the hilarious Mark Cunningham and the amazing Christopher Turner in a head-to-head operatic showdown. We’ve got custom buzzers, impromptu jams and some cheeky confessions. From barns to unexpected onstage nudity, our talented tenors spill all the tea. And yes, there’s a chat on eating pizza! It’s definitely an episode packed with moments you won’t want to miss. Listen in and we’ll be back with Season 2 in September!

Episode 23 - Hey there! This episode is an absolute delight as we sit down with the brilliant Adrian Tamburini. From his journey across opera stages to starring as Hades in ’Hadestown’ in Australia, Adrian opens up about his diverse career and love for music. You’ll hear about his unique voice journey, shaping roles and how he connects with audiences. Adrian shares the challenges of an eight-show week, his magical moments on stage and he wades in on the great pizza cutlery debate. As a gifted mentor, he also talks about the art of teaching and the transformative power of singing. It’s personal, fun and certain to leave you inspired! Don’t miss out on this musical adventure!

Episode 22 - Hi friends! Wow, do we have an episode for you! With just 2 more episode to go in season 1, Adam and Helena chat about her epic 22-year adventure in the UK, filled with thrilling opera performances, quirky accommodation tales and a citizenship ceremony! In this special installment, Helena shares her announcement about moving back to Australia and what it means for her career and personal life. We reminisce about our days at the Royal Academy of Music, share laughs over Helena’s move into the ’noisy building’, and delve into what it’s like packing up over two decades of life abroad. So, come join the chat, as Helena and Adam laugh, reflect, and navigate the rollercoaster that is an artist’s life.

Episode 21 - Hey there, friends! Dive into this episode where we chat with the fascinating and inspiring Sharon Kempton, a renowned Australian opera singer and performance coach now based in Germany. We discuss Sharon’s incredible journey from Australia to the vibrant opera scene in Germany and Sharon shares her unique approach to mindset coaching as she helps performers and other professionals overcome barriers to reach new heights in their careers. Her stories are not only motivational but offer valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their skills and self-confidence. Curious about what it takes to thrive in the opera world and beyond with the right mindset? Tune in to find loads of laughs, lessons and lovely conversations!

Episode 20 - Hey there, friends! We’re thrilled to have you join us in this fun and thought-provoking episode. We’ve got a special guest, Theresa Borg, who’s a powerhouse in Australia’s performing arts scene. Theresa wears many hats as a director, writer, artistic director and performer, and she’s here to share some fascinating insights with us. This episode is loaded with laughter and some seriously interesting discussions about opera, theatre and Theresa’s journey. We even dabble in the absurdity of certain operatic storylines and ponder how to inject a bit more fun and logic into them. So, if you’re curious about the magic behind the curtain, the secrets of standing still while singing or how to seamlessly integrate orcs and ukuleles into a performance, you’ve come to the right place. Hit play and let’s get started!

Episode 19 - Hey there, friends! Ready for a fascinating episode about vocal health? Join us as we chat with the multi-talented Samantha U’Ren, a speech pathologist with an opera singing background. Samantha shares her unique insights into vocal health, diving deep into her journey from singing to speech pathology and the important lessons learned along the way. Discover why your voice can lead you to incredible opportunities or unexpected situations, like Helena’s high-note escape from a tricky scenario! Learn about the realities of using corticosteroids for vocal issues, the importance of getting your voice checked by professionals and what exercises are good look after your vocal cords. You’ll hear personal stories, tips, and plenty of laughs in this episode that’s not only informative but fun! Whether you’re a singer, teacher or just a lover of good stories, you’re guaranteed to learn something new. So grab your favourite drink, get comfy and listen in.

Episode 18 - Hi friends! You’re in for a real laugh in this episode, featuring the incredible mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton. Helena, Adam and Jamie dive into some seriously delightful mischief, including rubber ducks, questionable drawing skills, and garlic noodles. It’s a cocktail of high notes, high jinks and heartwarming stories that will leave you smiling. Whether you’re an opera aficionado or just someone who loves a good laugh, this episode has it all. From memories at the Met to designing the ultimate Jamie Barton dinner party, the banter is irresistibly charming. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a second! 🎶🐤❤️

Episode 17 - Hey there! Join Helena, our mischievous operatic soprano, and Adam, our former opera singer turned producer, as they dive into the world of live performance where the show must always go on. In this episode, they tackle the art of staying in the moment amidst life’s chaos and share candid stories about the unpredictable nature of live music, from giggle-inducing audience interactions to tales of personal resilience. Whether you’re in the industry or just adore the vibrant world of opera, there’s something here for you. So, grab your favourite snack and tune in for a mix of real conversation and lots of laughs!

Episode 16 - Hey there! So, Helena is currently in the vibrant heart of Madrid, living her best opera singer life. Imagine waking up to views of the Royal Palace and diving headfirst into Spain’s unique and bustling culture. It’s been quite the experience between her having multilingual convos, sampling local foods and learning new music, all while navigating rehearsals that stretch well into the night. Listen in to hear all about her journey so far!

Episode 15 - Hey there! We’re back with another fun episode from Helena Dix, international opera singer known for singing spectacular high notes and Adam Miller, former opera singer known for getting stuck in trees while singing high notes. Today they chat about the challenges of staying motivated amid life’s chaos. Join us for a cozy conversation sprinkled with laughs, stories of resilience, and perhaps a few tips on overcoming those tempting Netflix marathons. Whether you’re an opera fan or just in need of a motivational boost, this episode will leave you smiling.

Hi there, friends! 🎶 Welcome back to our operatic meandering chats. This episode continues the fascinating conversation with Sarah Playfair, legendary British casting director, who has lent her Midas touch to nearly every major opera institution in the UK. She shares tales of her journey from being a dresser for the iconic Sir Ian McKellen to the world of opera casting. Her stories about casting debates and backstage opera secrets are sure to keep you glued to your favourite podcast app! So grab a cup of tea (or a piece of pizza, knife and fork optional 😉) and settle in for an episode filled with warmth, laughter, and a treasure trove of insights.

Helena Dix and Adam Miller dive into an incredibly funny and fascinating episode featuring Sarah Playfair, legendary British opera casting director. Her stories from decades in the industry are simply captivating. From working on Kenneth Branagh’s ’The Magic Flute’ to Sarah’s thoughts on the importance of a singer’s online presence in today’s digital age, it’s a deep dive into the heart of casting. You’ll hear surprising audition tales, her perspectives on the industry’s evolution, and what it really takes to stand out. So, if you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of opera casting, this episode is definitely for you!

Episode 12 - Hey there! Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of opera with Helena Dix and Adam Miller. In this episode, we explore the unpredictable journey of staying healthy as a performer – and yes, we even talk about mismatched socks and bizarre pre-show rituals! From the funny to the slightly weird, this episode has it all. Plus, find out what it’s like when your career is your greatest passion, and health becomes your biggest challenge. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a peek behind the curtain of an opera singer’s life. Enjoy!