Divas, Ingénues & Vixens Podcast

All in a Day's Opera: Le Nozze di Figaro
Disguises, desire, misunderstandings, and a whole lot of people hiding behind doors. Just another day in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro!

But beneath the delightful chaos lies an extraordinary world of human emotion, brought to life through Mozart's brilliant music and Lorenzo Da Ponte's storytelling.

This week on Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity welcomes two remarkable artists from the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's production of The Marriage of Figaro: internationally acclaimed soprano Ellie Dehn, returning to the role of the Countess, and mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Brown, making her professional role debut as the wonderfully bewildered Cherubino.

Through four unforgettable arias, Ellie and Ashlyn reveal the artistry behind these characters, the ways our understanding of music evolves with experience, and Mozart's extraordinary orchestration of emotion.

From the Countess's longing and renewed resolve to Cherubino's breathless excitement and vulnerability, discover why this centuries-old opera still feels so wonderfully human.

One extraordinarily complicated day. Two remarkable artists. And music that still has something to teach us.

As the days grow shorter and the world feels a little darker, where do we find the light? And what if we could create some of our own?

Singer-songwriter Eileen Carey has built an independent career around music that encourages us to keep going, keep growing, and find a little joy along the way. Blending Ohio rock, California pop, and Nashville country into a sound she calls West Coast Country, Eileen brings an infectious optimism to her music—and to the way she moves through the world.

In this episode of Divas, Ingénues & Vixens®, we explore the art of writing hopeful songs without ignoring life's disappointments, the freedom of defining success on your own terms, and the importance of making room for creativity and kindness. From legendary Los Angeles music venues to elaborate Halloween traditions, Eileen reminds us that creating light doesn't always require a grand gesture.

Featuring music from Eileen Carey throughout the episode, including “Every Day,” “Meet Me Halfway,” “On the Rise,” and “This Is Where,” shared with the artist's permission.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply keep creating—and share a little of that light with someone else.

What happens when musicians from around the world come together to share their songs, traditions, and stories? And what happens when the music follows them home?

Kansas City singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Miki P. traveled to Jordan for an international folk music exchange through Ethno World, joining musicians from across cultures to learn, collaborate, and perform. In just three days, they explored 18 songs, discovering new rhythms, languages, and musical traditions—and finding connection far beyond the notes on the page.

But one of Miki's most surprising discoveries came when she was asked to share a song from her own country. Halfway around the world, a British fiddler introduced her to Elk River Blues, an Appalachian folk tune that gave Miki a new appreciation for the musical traditions of home.

Just hours after returning to Kansas City, Miki performed that song at the Lyrical Belles showcase at Knuckleheads, where host Amity Bryson witnessed firsthand how deeply the experience had moved her.

Now Miki returns to Divas, Ingénues & Vixens® to reflect on cultural identity, friendships, the complicated relationship musicians have with their art, and the extraordinary power of music to connect us.

Featuring a special live excerpt of Miki P. performing Elk River Blues.

Some experiences don't reveal their full meaning all at once. They continue to grow within us, long after we've returned home.

A Language of Her Own: Ezgi Karakus
What happens when an extraordinary classical cellist decides that one musical language simply isn't enough?

Turkish-born, Kansas City-based cellist, composer, and vocalist Ezgi Karakus has built an international career that moves effortlessly between classical music, Turkish folk traditions, jazz, and psychedelic Turkish disco. From performing with Ensemble Ibérica to creating original music inspired by the sounds of her childhood, Ezgi is an artist who refuses to stop exploring.

In this conversation with Divas, Ingénues & Vixens®, Ezgi shares the vulnerability of discovering her singing voice, the freedom of improvisation, and a remarkable story from her teenage years when music became a language more powerful than words. She also takes us inside Ensemble Ibérica's upcoming musical journey to Türkiye, where Kansas City musicians and audiences will experience the traditions, history, and sounds of her homeland.

Along the way, we explore what it means to trust the moment, find connection across cultures, and remain curious—even after years of mastering your craft.

Cellist. Composer. Singer. Explorer.

Ezgi Karakus is creating a musical language all her own.

What happens when the opera singer you were at 22 grows into the blues artist you were always becoming?

Lauren Anderson has spent years finding out.

From classical voice training and a career in music therapy to Nashville, The Voice and Team Snoop, Lauren’s path has been anything but a straight line. Now she joins Amity for a candid—and often very funny—conversation about what happens when technique meets instinct, when “doing it right” gives way to making the sound you actually want to make, and why finding your voice doesn’t mean you’re finished discovering it.

They talk vocal grit, the mysterious “muddy mix,” lessons that take years to understand, caring for a working voice, learning to trust your own instrument—and eventually, letting go of the need to ask permission.

Because the goal isn’t to become a different singer.

It’s to become more and more yourself.

Featuring Lauren Anderson’s new release, “Got It All” and the growl that got Snoop to turn his chair during "Midnight Train to Memphis"