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.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 25 minutes
- Episodes
- 77
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Ep. 77: Two Words That Changed My Singing (and Can Change Yours)
As singers, we put ourselves in spaces that test us—auditions, competitions, performances—and so often, the inner dialogue we carry into those moments is, “Am I good enough?” But what if the question…
Ep. 76: Am I Ready For A Tour? with Faith Candino
We're kicking off season 3 with professional musical theatre actress Faith Candino! Fresh off the second leg of the Chicago National Tour, she joins Melissa to unpack what it really takes to know if …
Ep. 75: Booked & Blessed And Then I'm Not. What Should I Do? with Emily Hatch
Professional artist, voice specialist, coach, and podcast host, Emily Hatch, joins Melissa to talk about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with career setbacks. We unpack the fear and self-doubt…
Ep. 74: Should I Take The Gig If It Doesn't Pay?
You’ve been at this for a while, but you’re still settling for paid performances that have you feeling like you really don’t want to do it anymore. Let’s break down why you’re feeling this way, and h…
Ep. 73: Why Does My Mouth Get So Dry When It’s Time To Perform?
That dry-mouth feeling is "no bueno" – especially when it’s time to step up to the mic. Melissa’s breaking down the real issue behind the issue, and how to troubleshoot your performance when this hap…
Ep. 72: Why Does Everyone Think This Song Is Right For Me, But It Feels So Wrong? with Christopher Brent Davis
Non-binary vocalist, music director, and voice coach, Christopher Brent Davis, joins Melissa to unpack a question so many performers wrestle with - sharing their personal journey of being vocally mis…
Ep. 71: I've Practiced The Song 100 Times And It STILL Doesn't Sound Right!
Melissa chats about that all-too-familiar feeling when a song just isn’t clicking, no matter how many times you practice. She’ll help you stop stressing about sounding like the original and start fin…
Ep. 70: My Teen's Arts Program Feels Toxic. Should I Get Involved?
Are you worried about your teen's involvement in the arts, but noticing toxic behaviors like favoritism or precasting? Join us as we navigate the delicate balance between nurturing creativity and add…
Ep. 69: What Do I Do If I Have A Vocal Injury? ENCORE with Kerri Ho
In this special encore episode from Season 1, vocal coach, professional singer, and songwriter, Kerri Ho, shares her personal journey of how she navigated vocal nodules, what her rehabilitation proce…
Ep. 68: Should I Start My Own YouTube Singing Channel? with Shari Bennett-Jackson
Thinking about starting a YouTube channel for your singing but feel stuck? Singer, songwriter, and voice coach Shari Bennett-Jackson joins me to break down common fears, content myths, and simple ste…
Ep. 67: HELP! I Was Told I Need To Sound More "Pop"
Ever been told your voice sounds too Broadway or too classical for a pop audition or performance? Don’t panic. This episode is your guide to making a smooth shift into pop vocal territory. We’ll talk…
Ep. 66: WORLD VOICE DAY - Why Do I Sing?
Today, in celebration of World Voice Day, we are delving into an essential topic: 'Why Do I Sing?' This episode is dedicated to all the long-time singers out there who might have lost their spark and…
Ep. 65: I'm Ready To Get Booked. Where Do I Begin? with Marta Spirk
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to put yourself out there, THIS is it. Professional singer, speaker, and business coach Marta Spirk is sharing her real-world experience and best booking strategies …
Ep. 64: My Audition Sucked. How Can I Bounce Back?
Rebounding from a disappointing audition can be tough. Whether the accompanist played your song wrong or nerves got the best of you, this episode explores why these setbacks hurt and how to prepare f…
Ep. 63: Why Can't I Stop Crying When I Sing?
Getting emotional on stage is one thing—losing control is another. If tears keep hijacking your performances, this episode will help you understand why it happens, stop judging yourself, and what you…
Ep. 62: Can I Create My Own Cabaret? with Gina Morgano
Ever dreamed of putting together your OWN show? Professional singer, voice coach, and cabaret queen, Gina Morgano, is gonna show us how! PLUS, Melissa gives you an exclusive behind the scenes look at…
Ep. 61: I Haven't Recorded Any Music Yet. How Can I Prove I'm Legit?
Who says you’re not a “real” artist? You don’t need a full album to prove yourself! In this episode, we’re talking about how to build credibility, book gigs, and show off your talent—even if you have…
Ep. 60: Why Can't I Sing Louder?
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 …
Ep. 59: Why Am I Losing My Voice 30-minutes Into My Set?
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 f…
Ep. 58: Mama's Back & Rarin' To Go!
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 p…