Divas, Ingénues & Vixens Podcast

Opening night of Porgy and Bess at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City did not disappoint. In this special ENCORE episode, I reflect on Michelle Bradley’s Bess debut, the remarkable sense of community onstage, and the devastating beauty of Gershwin’s American masterpiece. From the power of “Summertime” to the storm that changes everything, this production reminds us why opera endures: that heartbreak is part of the beauty.

What does it mean to witness a woman trying to survive? In this episode, Amity turns her lens toward one of the most complex female roles in the American repertoire: Bess in Porgy and Bess. In conversation with acclaimed soprano Michelle Bradley, who brings Bess to life with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, this episode explores autonomy, embodiment, vulnerability, and presence under pressure. Together, they unpack the musical and dramatic architecture of Gershwin’s score, from the fragile hope of “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” to the quiet devastation of the final act. Through a contemporary lens — touching on community care, harm reduction, and moral agency — this conversation asks not whether Bess is redeemable, but what she asks of us as witnesses. Amity also guides listeners through key scenes that illuminate Bess’s development, offering context for opera newcomers and seasoned music lovers alike. Whether you love opera, musical theatre, or jazz, this episode reveals how Porgy and Bess continues to shape American sound — and why it resonates deeply in Kansas City in 2026. This is not an episode about resolving Bess. It’s about staying with her.

Special Edition: Preserving Women’s Legacy In this special, follow up episode the focus shifts to the Women Religious Archives Collaborative and the vital work of preserving the stories of Catholic sisters in the United States. Joined by Sr. Sue Durkin and historian Dr. Carol Coburn, we explore how women religious built the institutions that shaped American education, healthcare, and social justice — and why protecting their legacy matters now. Because history survives when someone chooses to remember.

The Broadway musical SUFFS by Shaina Taub* tells the story of suffragettes fighting to be heard. But what about the women who built the institutions that made change possible?* In this episode, I speak with performer Marya Grandy [Carrie Chapman Catt] and Sr. Sue Durkin of the Women Religious Archives Collaborative about voice, leadership, archives, and the quiet endurance of Catholic sisters whose impact shaped American life. Some women marched. Some women built. All of them matter. Because preserving women’s history isn’t nostalgia — it’s responsibility. {Stay tuned for a special edition follow up episode or check out additional materials at www.AmityHBryson.com}

In this fourth installment of What Does Music Smell Like?, I am joined once again by Lauren and Taylor of Apothogothic to unveil LILITH—a scent shaped by desire, boundaries, and sovereignty. Together, they reflect on the arc of year one—MIRAGE, WILDE, EMBER, and now LILITH—and the way seasons, playlists, and lived experience inform the creative process. From Sophie B. Hawkins to Joni Mitchell, Jill Scott to TRIBE (and more!) the LILITH playlist traces a musical journey of I want. I protect. I stand. The episode’s finale is a slow, intentional unboxing, inviting listeners to co-create the experience as scent, sound, and story merge. Through the archetypes: The Diva claims aesthetic sovereignty—luxury, worth, and presence. The Ingénue discovers intimacy and first-time wonder. The Vixen recognizes this is not self-care, but self-definition. This episode is a celebration of women-led artistry, creative ritual, and the joy of building something with intention. LILITH marks both a culmination—and a bold invitation into what comes next. Find the full video of the unboxing on INSTAGRAM @AmityBryson

Lyrical Belles return for a follow-up conversation as the collective prepares for their upcoming live show at Knuckleheads on February 12. Building on their original origin-story episode (S1 Ep. 6) this conversation moves beyond how the group began and into what the work looks like now — onstage, behind the scenes, and within the evolving Kansas City music community. The founders reflect on how the collective has grown, how performing together continues to shape their artistry, and what makes a Lyrical Belles show distinct from other live music experiences. The conversation explores collaboration, creative momentum, and the energy of women creating side-by-side in a listening-room style space. Tickets available at Knuckleheads.com   

In this episode, I explore how Mozart’s operatic women trace a developmental arc of feminine consciousness—from emotional awakening (the Ingénue), to selfhood and vocal power (the Diva), to embodied relational intelligence (the Vixen), and finally to something radically new: moral agency. Through arias by Pamina, the Countess, Fiordiligi, Zerlina, Susanna, and Vitellia, we hear how Mozart composes not just characters, but inner lives in motion. The episode reveals Mozart as a composer of subjectivity, showing how women in his operas become the emotional and ethical centers of their worlds—capable not only of feeling and choosing, but of transforming others through forgiveness, clarity, and conscious presence.

In this episode, Amity explores the Tony Award–winning musical Kimberly Akimbo, a tender and unexpected story about time, identity, and choosing adventure. From Jeanine Tesori’s luminous score to a heroine who lives between youth and age, this is a reflection on hope, mortality, and what it means to stand—cleverly akimbo—in your own life.

In this January episode of Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity invites listeners into a thoughtful, generous, and deeply musical meditation on what it means to begin again. Through stories from the studio, philosophy, and personal experience, she explores why she proudly claims, “I am not a purist”—and why that stance opens richer, more honest ways of listening and making art. Answering listener questions from Evie in MN and Isak in TX, along the way, Amity celebrates the living relationship between creator, song, and listener—the heart of why certain music continues to matter across generations. Equal parts reflection and inspiration, this episode asks you to shed what no longer serves you, honor what sustains you, and step into the new year with curiosity, courage, and openness. Whether you arrive as a Diva, an Ingénue, or a Vixen, you’ll leave feeling invited to listen more deeply, trust your instincts, and begin January with renewed presence, wonder, and possibility.

This week on Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, Amity sits down with Black Hôk, a rising young blues band from Kansas City, as they prepare to head to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge. Before the music takes over Beale Street, we pause to explore what it really means to play the blues—as a form, a feeling, and a living tradition. From the foundations of 12-bar blues to Kansas City’s rich musical legacy, this episode connects past and present, honoring the artists who built the road and the young musicians now walking it. A January reflection on beginnings, grit, and carrying the blues forward.

This New Year’s Day, Divas, Ingénues & Vixens offers a retrospective look at the year behind and the year ahead. Amity reflects on the relationships, artists, and turning points that made the past year so meaningful. From iconic artists to emerging voices, from first conversations to meaningful partnerships; through stories, gratitude and reflection this episode invites listeners to begin the year with intention, curiosity and joy. Less about direction, this episode is an invitation to stand Tall, stay Curious, and say YES to what’s next!

On Christmas Day, we pause at the turning of the year—where ancient winter fires meet familiar carols. This episode traces the Twelve Days of Yule and the Twelve Days of Christmas, honoring mothers and matriarchs, endurance and wonder, family and song. Joined by the joyful voices of a six- and seven-year-old, Amity reflects on how light returns not because we rush it, but because we listen, gather, and endure. Through the lens of the Diva, the Ingénue, and the Vixen, Christmas becomes not just a celebration, but a remembering.

I sat down with Marilyn Maye to discuss her Holly Jolly Folly Day performance on December 21st at 3:30 pm at The Folly Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. [Tickets available at follytheatre.org] Marilyn Maye brings a celebration of curiosity, intention, and joyful devotion to song. Through the lens of Divas, Ingénues & Vixens, this festive episode honors Marilyn Maye’s timeless artistry—from her unforgettable appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to her enduring influence today—and invites us to embrace a little folly, a lot of wonder, and the belief that joy—and great singing—only grow richer with time. Happy Everything and Merry Always!!!

In this festive episode I unwrap a lineup of brand-new holiday music from rising artists and powerhouse women—including Lauren Anderson’s fiercely independent “‘Neath the Mistletoe” and SEYKO’s heartwarming “Better to Believe.” I'll also share a Santa inspired new recording from folk icon Dar Williams and highlight a few women-owned businesses bringing extra sparkle to the season. Part music discovery, part celebration of community, and fully wrapped in Diva, Ingénue, and Vixen magic, this episode is your invitation to believe, connect, and let the holiday glow in. Tune in and brighten your December!

Whether you crave the symphonic power of Handel’s Messiah at the Kauffman, the candlelit Baroque magic of Spire Chamber Ensemble, jazzy vibes with the KC Jazz Orchestra, or a singer-songwriter afternoon with Nicole Springer… there is holiday sparkle everywhere you turn. I’ve rounded up many magical events of the season on this week’s episode of Divas, Ingénues & Vixens—so grab your calendar, grab your cocoa, and let’s step into the Plaza lights together. If you have an event to add email me at amity.bryson@gmail.com before 12/10; I'll give you and your event a shoutout in the next episode!

This special episode of gratitude and reflection is built on songs that personify the warmth and colors of the season; each song is performed live by me; all rights have been secured. Enjoy this little concert and my thankful musings!

Lauren and Taylor of Apothogothic join me to reveal the newest scent in their series: Velvet Ember! It is like hot chocolate for your ears!  We discuss the smells inspired by the playlist and deep dive into listening. Use code DIVAS15 for a 15% discount at Apothogothic.com

The November 20th Lyrical Belles show at Knuckleheads is going to be a big one!  These three women are incredible artists: Nicole Springer, Katie Ziegler and Lauren Anderson are stellar musicians and amazing women!  You do not want to miss this show--learn more in today's episode. Hear about Nicole's experiences traveling the world, Katie's new life adventures and Lauren's appearance on The Voice airing now on NBC. Frank at Knuckleheads is kicking off the Thanksgiving holiday by throwing open the doors for FRANKSgiving: one ticket gets you in the door for all four stages!  Come celebrate with us next Thursday at 8 pm.  Tickets available at KnuckleheadsKC.com

Enjoy the continued Maestra series within the podcast: conversations with women conductors.  Four conductors collaborate to lead Carmen KC a women's choir performing a free concert of ELEMENTS on November 22 at 3 pm at Hillcrest Christian Church (11411 Quivira, Overland Park, KS) Dr. Sheri Cook Cunningham, Dr. Melissa Grady, Elizabeth Mulkey and Roxanne Martin bring their voices and their joy for music to this ensemble.  Learn more about the conductors, the music, and the women of the ensemble in this episode.

Sage Christie dropped a new concept album LITTLE DEATHS on October 24th.  This album is an exploration of life, love, grief, change, and finding home.  The orchestrations are fantastic and so fitting to each song; after recording the album five times, I think Sage really nailed it!  You are going to love it!   Listen to their lyrical and musical analysis along with some music theory easter eggs (wait for it!)