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...

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 hacks, 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.