We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sammi “siren” Sadicario a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sammi “Siren”, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” said the Little Engine That Could. If I believe I can do it, you can bet I’ll make it happen. My mom always told me, “the only thing you have control over is how hard you work.” She instilled in us the value of putting our money where our mouth is and taking action on our dreams. If you can work for it, you can achieve it. This was immediately put to the test as a teenager on scholarship at a theatre focused High School, where I was given life building opportunities to perform in front of thousands of people at a young age. I stepped on campus at 7:30 am and left at 10pm, after rehearsal. The work was consistently hard, especially when every day you’re faced with rejection. But I learned that hard work pays off. I never needed to be the best, I just needed to work the hardest. That was my motto. In theatre, like in life, so much is out of your control. You can’t control what roles you get or how people perceive you. You can’t control your natural talent (and there were so many people who were way more talented than I was). But you can out-work everyone. I still wear my high school class ring, reminding me of all that I learned from that rigorous program. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
The first time I stepped onstage, I was 8 years old. My stage? A soccer field. While my teammates chased goals, I dodged soccer balls, showing off my dance moves, and delighting in the sheer joy of performing—much to the dismay of my coach. By the end of the season, he threw up his hands and told my parents, “Get that kid in theatre.” And so they did. That moment set the stage for a lifelong love of storytelling, connection, and performance.
Performing isn’t just a passion—it’s my identity. From that soccer field to stages across the country, I’ve spent over two decades mastering the art of storytelling. At 13, I earned my first paycheck to sing, and years later, I graduated from Penn State with a degree in Musical Theatre and a minor in Religious Studies, exploring the intersection of performance and ritual. My career has taken me from national tours to starring in off-Broadway productions and even two years as a Barbra Streisand impersonator on a cruise ship.
But performing isn’t the whole story. In August 2022, I started offering a free monthly workshop in Austin, TX called Public Speaking Playful Practice. This class has become a cornerstone of my career and community impact. Over 300 students have walked in and out of its doors, each leaving more empowered, confident, and connected than when they arrived.
For me, this class is more than a community offering—it’s my rehearsal ground. Public Speaking Playful Practice is where I refine my craft and share my passion. It’s part stand-up comedy, part teaching, with a little singing, mental health, and personal development infused. I like to think of it as my third one-woman show. And, like any great performance, it’s transformational—for both me and my students.
Through this class, I’ve helped professionals, creatives, and everyday individuals overcome their fear of speaking, unlock their voices, and embrace their power. Whether students come for personal growth, professional development, or sheer curiosity, they leave with something unexpected: a renewed belief in their ability to connect, inspire, and be heard.
This class represents everything I believe about the voice: it’s not just a tool for communication—it’s the foundation of connection, trust, and leadership. Your voice signals your emotions, intelligence, and confidence before you even finish a sentence. Mastering it means mastering how the world perceives you.
On a deeper level, I see the voice as the bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds. It’s proof that a greater consciousness exists. To me, the voice is creation itself. Whether through “the word” or the big bang, sound is where it all began. This belief is the foundation of everything I teach and create.
Now, I’m blending my love for teaching with my passion for performing, creating transformational art that bridges entertainment and empowerment. My focus is on growing my YouTube channel, The Sammi Show, into a live performance talk show with a studio audience in Austin. Combining singing, stand-up, improv, interactive teaching, and self-expression, it’s a space where storytelling meets transformation—a thesis on happiness and the ripple effect of sharing our voices.
Whether I’m performing onstage, hosting a class, or creating online content, my goal is the same: to leave people feeling seen, heard, and deeply connected—to themselves and others.
As I continue workshopping The Sammi Show and growing my YouTube community (@sammithesiren), Public Speaking Playful Practice remains at the heart of my work. It’s not just a class—it’s a space for connection, growth, and rehearsal for life itself.
For bookings, workshops, podcast interviews, or coaching inquiries, visit www.SammiSpeaks.com or email me at [email protected].

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities or skills stand out as the most impactful in my journey:
1. Learning to Feel My Voice Instead of Just Hearing It
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of feeling my voice, not just hearing it. So many people ask me, “Can anyone learn to sing?” My answer is always yes—they’re just out of tune. Retuning yourself isn’t just about singing; it transforms your mental health, financial stability, relationships, and overall sense of empowerment. It leads to deeper family connections, fewer arguments, and more alignment in life.
For me, this truth revealed itself after a traumatic car accident. To process the fear and trauma, I went home and danced to release the trapped energy in my body. Then Vienna by Billy Joel came on the radio, and something shifted. For the first time, I stopped just hearing my voice—I felt it. I began to sing and was perfectly in tune, feeling the resonance in the room and the vibration in my body. That moment changed everything. I gained massive control over my voice while experiencing complete freedom. This is the level of connection I wish for everyone: a voice that vibrates with empowerment, clarity, and confidence.
How I do it: I start by connecting with my body. I practice humming or singing, focusing on how it feels rather than how it sounds. I build awareness of the energy my voice creates in a room. Singing isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.
2. The Skill of Empowered Self-Talk
Your words create your reality. One of the most transformative skills I’ve developed is the ability to turn negative thoughts into empowering ones. I teach a method that uses the words you speak to shift your mindset: Change your words, change your life. Practicing this has made me happier, more confident, and more harmonious in my relationships.
Empowered self-talk is a game-changer. It helps me quiet my inner critic, communicate with authenticity, and lead with kindness. This skill has helped me reduce conflict, attract better opportunities, and become a magnet for the life I want. The way I speak to myself determines the energy I bring into every room, every conversation, and every decision.
How I do It: When I notice a negative thought, I reframe it into something constructive. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never figure this out,” I’ll tell myself, “I’m learning as I go.” I focus on the words I speak to myself, knowing they hold the power to shape my reality.
3. Taking Imperfect Action
Whether on stage or in life, I’ve learned that the most impactful moments happen when I let go of perfection and trust the flow. This has been true in my singing, my speaking, and even in my relationships. Some of my greatest breakthroughs came from taking messy, imperfect action—and allowing myself to be seen anyway.
When I’m tuned into myself and the energy of play, I lead with empathy, confidence, and charisma. I don’t try to control the moment; instead, I focus on feeling it and responding authentically. This is where true connection happens.
How I do it: I stop waiting to feel “ready.” I start with what I have and allow myself to take imperfect action. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, sharing my art, or having a tough conversation, I trust myself to figure it out as I go. Messy action is better than no action, and it’s often the only way I grow.
Bonus: Resilience
Underlying all of these skills is the foundation of resilience. Life will test you—through failures, challenges, and unexpected setbacks. The ability to rise again, to recalibrate, and to stay committed to your growth is what sets you apart. I’ve fallen on my face (in public, and one time in front of 900 people) countless times. I laugh it off, and keep going.
What I do for myself: I celebrate small wins, forgive myself when I stumble, and always return to the practices that ground me—whether it’s singing, journaling, or dancing through life. Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about always getting back up.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been focus and intentional action. As a lifelong creative, the possibilities always feel endless—which is both a blessing and a challenge. For a long time, I struggled with scattered thinking and saying “yes” to anything that came my way. But this year, I’ve learned the power of saying “no” to what’s not for me, so I can fully welcome in what is for me.
This shift hasn’t been easy. It takes major discipline, a clear vision of where I want to go, and a deep belief in myself. Saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with my goals means trusting that the right ones will come. It also means stepping into a new version of myself—one that’s bold enough to focus on what truly matters and leave behind what doesn’t.
I’ve also realized that where I’m going next isn’t where I was yesterday, and that requires growth. It takes a different mindset, a new set of habits, and a fresh perspective to step into the future I want to create. Every day, I work on becoming the next best version of myself. That means reflecting on what hasn’t worked before and being willing to try something different. Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s been the most transformative part of my year—and it’s opening doors I never thought possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.SAMMISIRENMUSIC.COM / WWW.VOICEEXPERTS.COM
- Instagram: @sammithesiren
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammi-sadicario-38aa5b117/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sammisadicario






Image Credits
Photo Credits:
Lola Love (Passionfruit Productions)
Dauss Miller Photography
Michael Kushner Photography
Stephanie Cowan Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
