89: God's Glory or Ours?: Reclaiming the Joy of Performance Part 1 with Melissa V. Cartwright 08.22.25

Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying the spotlight? This week we talk with singer, songwriter, and voice coach Melissa V. Cartwright about what it means to grow up evangelical, wrestle with performance, and deconstruct the old programming that told us our art could only be “for God’s glory.” Together, we explore perfectionism, fear, and how to reclaim joy, play, and the freedom to be fully seen.Melissa’s Bio:Singer, Songwriter, and Bilingual Voice and Performance Coach Melissa V. Cartwright is the founder of MVC Performance and the host of Passionate Performer PODCAST (in fact, Emily was a guest on her show—and we’ve the episode below). With over 25 years of experience in TV, radio, studio work, and musical theatre, she helps artists step on stage with confidence—whether it’s their very first open mic or a headlining show. __________________________________________________Where to find Melissa:Website: www.mvcperformance.comInstagram: @mvcperformanceTikTok: @mvcperformancePassionate Performer Podcast: on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube__________________________________________________References:Emily’s episode on the Passionate Performer Podcast, aired 6/25/25“31: How to Start Over: New Beginnings and the Power of Resilience” with Amber Mogg Cathey 05.03.24 - Honestly, Dear Listener podcast episode“53: Can We Motivate Ourselves without Kicking Our Own Butts?” with Amber Mogg Cathey 10.04.24 - Honestly, Dear Listener podcast episodeMorning Pages - from The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron Shiny, Happy People, Season 2: A Teenage Holy War - TV series on Amazon PrimeTIMECODES0:00 - Intro5:11 - Growing up in fundamentalist Christianity as performers6:38 - Melissa’s history & deconstruction14:53 - Communication & overspiritualization19:17 - “I don’t have to hate God to not buy into the bullshit”19:33 - Worship leading & our bids for connection23:18 - The weight of overspiritualization & perfectionism25:26 - Performance: for God or for you? & FEAR32:00 - Do we need constant saving?32:48 - From saving the world to play