ConversationsRadio
Ep.235
Tori Gideon
Singer Songwriter
Wednesday
October 28th, 2026
Mike and cohost, actress Violet Tinnirello welcomed singer songwriter and actres Tori Gideon
to ConversationsRadio​
From Atlanta, Georgia,12 years old Tori Gideon is a singer-songwriter and recording artist with a love for music that started almost as soon as she could talk. She began singing at the age of two, and some of her earliest songwriting attempts included a song about her curly hair and another about snow for her little sister. What started as childhood creativity has grown into a genuine passion for writing songs, performing, and connecting with people through music.
Tori's musical influences are as colorful as her personality. From Bon Jovi and Led Zeppelin to Janis Joplin, Pink, Avril Lavigne, and Christina Aguilera, she loves artists who bring powerful vocals, big personalities, and real emotion to their music. Her own songs reflect that mix of classic rock energy, pop melodies, and meaningful storytelling.
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She's currently developing her music under the guidance of Mama Jan Smith, the renowned vocal producer and artist developer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, alongside producer and mentor Jesse Owen Astin. She has also studied voice for years with Debbie Walker and is expanding her musicianship by learning guitar, ukulele, and piano.
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Her debut single, Glitter Punk 1985, is a fun, 80s-inspired pop-rock song encouraging her generation to put down their screens and experience life beyond technology. Her second release, Jericho's Wall, explores faith, courage, and finding strength when facing life's challenges.
One of the things closest to Tori's heart is using music to help others. Inspired by the loss of a friend to childhood cancer, she helped create Glitter Star Fest, a music and arts event benefiting the American Cancer Society's fight against pediatric cancer. The event brings kids together to use their creativity to make a difference, something Tori believes young people are never too young to do.
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The American Cancer Society has teamed up with 12-year-old rock star Tori Gideon to headline
GLITTER STAR FEST, a family-friendly community event sponsored by the American Cancer Society designed to shine a light on Pediatric Cancer through music, art, creativity, family activities and service. The heart of the event is kids helping kids. Every dollar raised throughout the evening will benefit the fight against Pediatric Cancer. LEARN MORE
Outside of music, Tori is a curious kid who loves history and reading. She often imagines the stories she's learning as plays or songs, finding creative inspiration in unexpected places. She also enjoys playing tennis, creating art, and studying acting with Erik Lingvall at Catapult Acting Studios
Tori dreams of one day becoming the youngest female artist to sell out Madison Square Garden, but her hopes for music go far beyond performing on big stages. More than anything, she wants her songs to spread light, joy, peace, and love, and to put smiles on people's faces.
For Tori, music isn't just about being heard. It's about making people feel something, bringing them together, and hopefully making their day a little brighter.
Check out Tori's homepage ToriGideon.com for links to her amazing music and events
Follow Tori on Instagram @torigideonofficial
Our Cohost
Violet Tinnirello
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Violet Tinnirello is an American actor, singer, and dancer from New York's Hudson Valley who is known for her work as Charlie on Sesame Street. As a lifelong fan of all Jim Henson’s work, it was a dream come true when
Violet was cast to play the first child cast member on Sesame Street in nearly 20 years. She's won
Young Entertainer Awards for Best Actress in a recurring role (TV) for her work on Sesame Street in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025!
​ Violet appeared with her fellow Sesame Street family in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.
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She began her performance career at the age of four and has appeared in many commercials including Lunchables, Red Lobster, Stop & Shop, Holiday Inn, Nickelodeon and LEGO. She appeared on NBC's America's Got Talent and Pharrell Williams ‘HAPPY’ – Both in the book and music video. She is also a successful voice actor having voiced characters "Cappie" on Nick Jr's Wallykazam and "Penny" in the Nickelodeon short, The Thing About Babies.
Violet has appeared in short films including A Force for Good, which is about the universal power of compassion. She appears on Cyberchase on PBS as Alex and has been seen on Saturday Night Live multiple times with Kristin Stewart, John Mullaney, Saoirse Ronan and more!
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Violet loves to perform on the live stage. Throughout the Broadway labs, workshops, and even the run at the iconic Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, Violet spent over two years working on Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz. She loved playing the role of Shirley Temple and showcasing her tap-dancing skills - her favorite dance style. She also sang and danced in the cabaret style shows both at The Laurie Beechman Theater and Stage 72 at The Triad. In a tribute to Broadway’s return, Violet joined a cast of Broadway kids in “We’re Gonna Come Back”, directed by Janine Molinari.
Most recently, Violet appeared on stage as 'PeterPan' in Shuffles NYC production ot 'Peter Pantomime' and Violet can also be seen in Shelby Kaufman's ' Swan Fake'
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Violet Tinnirello is a supporter of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation! JMF is a global nonprofit dedicated to early diagnosis, treatments, and ultimately, future cures for Primary Immunodeficiency through awareness, advocacy, and research.
Learn more about the foundation at https://info4pi.org
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Follow Violet on Instagram @violettinnirello​
Mike and Violet had a inspirational chat with Tori!
Thanks for listening live!
Stay Tuned for the Podcast
ConversationsRadio
Ep.235
Tori Gideon
Singer Songwriter
Wednesday
October 28th, 2026
