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What happens when a world-class performer stops chasing perfection—and starts choosing presence?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sean Panikkar, an American tenor of Sri Lankan heritage whose career spans the world’s most renowned opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Albert Hall, La Scala, Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and the English National Opera. Many also recognize Sean from America’s Got Talent as a member of Forte, the operatic tenor trio that captivated millions.

Sean reflects on how the pandemic reshaped his relationship to his work, his family, and himself. After years of constant international travel, the sudden pause brought him home—and revealed just how deeply he missed the rehearsal room, the creative process, and the joy of making art. That space helped him reconnect to his “why” and renew his gratitude for the work he once risked taking for granted.

We explore his unconventional path into music, the mindset that sustains a long and demanding career, and the surprising place where he finds the most joy—not in applause, but in rehearsal and collaboration. Sean shares how releasing the need for perfection liberated him as a performer, allowing him to step onstage with trust, freedom, and presence. As he puts it, live performance is never flawless—but it is always true to the moment.

We also talk about reliability, preparation, working smarter rather than harder, and the values that anchor him—especially fatherhood. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder: when we let go of control and fully arrive, we’re often right where we’re meant to be.

As STOPTIME: Live in the Moment approaches five years of conversations (almost six!), I’m revisiting and re-sharing a few favorite episodes—conversations that continue to resonate and meet us exactly where we are. This one felt especially worth returning to.Thank you for listening—and for being part of this journey.— Lisa 💜

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