A Voice and Beyond

What if you could change the world with your wallet?

In this inspiring episode, sustainability expert and author Dr. Diane Osgood joins Marisa Lee Naismith to share the power of your shopping superpower. Discover how every purchase—from your morning coffee to your next outfit—can help protect the planet, promote fair labor, and support women-owned businesses.

Drawing from decades of experience working with global leaders and major corporations, Dr. Osgood reveals practical ways to make more ethical, impactful buying decisions—without sacrificing convenience or joy.

This is not just a conversation about sustainability—it’s a movement for conscious living, empowerment, and positive global change.

Tune in now to learn how you can shop with purpose and use your superpower for good.

Books:

Where to purchase Your Shopping Superpower:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/41VKSIZ

Audiobook: https://rbmediaglobal.com/audiobook/9798895946558/

Find Diane Oswood here:

Website: https://www.dianeosgood.com/
Substack: https://dianeosgood.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-osgood/

Find Marisa online:

Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarisaleenaismith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.lee.12
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avoiceandbeyond3519/videos

Resources:

MLN Coaching Program: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/mentoring/
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/ebook-thriving-in-a-creative-industry-dr-marisa-lee-naismith/

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! https://lovethepodcast.com/avoiceandbeyond

Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media and tag us @avoiceandbeyond — we’d love to hear your perspective!

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In this vulnerable solo episode, Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith shares her personal journey through anxiety — from years of fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt to rediscovering peace, presence, and joy.

Through her story, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what anxiety really is from a medical and emotional perspective, how it affects the mind and body, and what steps can help you find balance again.

Marisa opens up about the tools that helped her transform her life — from hypnotherapy and daily routines to boundaries and gratitude — proving that it’s possible to live with calm and clarity even after years of struggle.

If you’ve ever battled anxiety, burnout, or the constant pressure to “hold it all together,” this episode is a reminder that you are not alone — and you have the power to rewrite your story.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to break free from anxiety, reclaim your peace, and live a life that feels grounded and joyful.

Find Marisa online:

Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarisaleenaismith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.lee.12
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avoiceandbeyond3519/videos

Resources:

MLN Coaching Program: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/mentoring/
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/ebook-thriving-in-a-creative-industry-dr-marisa-lee-naismith/

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! https://lovethepodcast.com/avoiceandbeyond

Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media and tag us @avoiceandbeyond — we’d love to hear your perspective!

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In this second part of my interview with Kenneth and Joanne Bozeman, we move beyond their personal journey and dive into the profound legacy they’ve built as educators and mentors. From blending voice science with artistry to guiding generations of singers and teachers, their insights speak to the heart of what it means to nurture both voices and human beings.

This is an episode about legacy, influence, and the power of teaching with authenticity and compassion.

Tune in for a rich and inspiring conversation that will leave you reflecting on your own impact, both personally and professionally.

Find Ken and Joanne here:

Websites:

http://www.kenbozeman.com/
https://faculty.lawrence.edu/bozemank/
https://studiobos.com/joanne-bozeman
For hypermobility/hEDS/POTS - https://www.chronicallysinging.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.bozeman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.h.bozeman

Books:

Practical Vocal Acoustics https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/practical-vocal-acoustics-9798765156513/
Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy 2: Motivating Acoustic Efficiency https://www.voxped.com/KVP2.html
Singing Through Change: Women's Voices in Midlife, Menopause, and Beyond.

Find Marisa online:

Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarisaleenaismith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.lee.12
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avoiceandbeyond3519/videos

Resources:

MLN Coaching Program: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/mentoring/
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/ebook-thriving-in-a-creative-industry-dr-marisa-lee-naismith/

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! https://lovethepodcast.com/avoiceandbeyond

Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media and tag us @avoiceandbeyond — we’d love to hear your perspective!

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In this special two-part series, we welcome Kenneth and Joanne Bozeman—two remarkable voices whose lives and careers have been intertwined through love, music, and a passion for teaching.

In Part 1, Kenneth and Joanne open up about their personal journeys, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped their lives and careers. From their early experiences and influences to the challenges they faced along the way, this episode reveals the humanity behind their artistry and scholarship.

Through candid storytelling, Kenneth and Joanne share how their partnership has sustained them through life’s highs and lows and how values like resilience, curiosity, and authenticity guided them both personally and professionally, as well as building a meaningful legacy.

Find Ken and Joanne here:

Websites:

http://www.kenbozeman.com/
https://faculty.lawrence.edu/bozemank/
https://studiobos.com/joanne-bozeman
For hypermobility/hEDS/POTS - https://www.chronicallysinging.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.bozeman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanne.h.bozeman

Books:

Practical Vocal Acoustics https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/practical-vocal-acoustics-9798765156513/
Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy 2: Motivating Acoustic Efficiency https://www.voxped.com/KVP2.html
Singing Through Change: Women's Voices in Midlife, Menopause, and Beyond.

Find Marisa online:

Website: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarisaleenaismith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marisa.lee.12
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avoiceandbeyond3519/videos

Resources:

MLN Coaching Program: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/mentoring/
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/product/ebook-thriving-in-a-creative-industry-dr-marisa-lee-naismith/

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! https://lovethepodcast.com/avoiceandbeyond

Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media and tag us @avoiceandbeyond — we’d love to hear your perspective!

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In this heartfelt solo round, Marisa Lee explores the transformational power of personal boundaries and why they are a vital part of self-care and emotional freedom.

Far from being harsh or rigid, boundaries are a way of teaching the world how to treat you. They are rooted in self-respect and clarity. Whether it’s emotional, physical, time, or digital boundaries—each one helps you reclaim your energy, honour your values, and create space for healthy, life-giving relationships.

Marisa shares real-life examples, explores what happens when boundaries are violated, and reflects on her own journey of learning to set boundaries as a way of reconnecting with her truth and her voice.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why boundaries are essential, not optional
How boundaries are like the rules of a game—guiding fairness and flow
The difference between walls and healthy limits
How to spot when your boundaries have been crossed
Practical phrases to start setting boundaries today
Why setting boundaries is the greatest act of self-love

This episode will inspire you to pause, reflect, and make choices that protect your peace, honour your truth and rediscover your voice.

Show Description:

In this empowering solo episode of A Voice and Beyond, host Marisa Lee gets personal about one of the most transformative tools for self-growth: boundaries.

Discover why boundaries are not fences to keep people out—but loving frameworks that protect your peace, clarify your values, and nurture mutual respect. You’ll learn how to recognise when your boundaries are being crossed, how to begin setting your own, and why honouring your needs is a radical act of self-care.

Whether you’re a creative, performer, leader, or simply someone ready to reclaim your time, energy, and your voice, this episode will help you step forward with courage, clarity, and compassion.

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In this powerful episode of A Voice and Beyond, Marisa Lee sits down with Dana S. Diaz, a woman whose story will both break your heart and fill it with hope.

Dana is the author of Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame, and Rising from the Ashes—a memoir trilogy chronicling her survival from generational abuse, emotional neglect, and a 25-year marriage to a narcissistic abuser. But more than survival, Dana’s story is about reclamation—of her voice, her identity, and her life.

We explore:

What it means to be silenced as a woman—and how to break that silence
How generational trauma impacts identity and worth
The inner work of healing from narcissistic abuse
How Dana reclaimed her voice through writing and speaking
What true empowerment looks like after survival
Her message for every woman who feels unheard or unworthy

This conversation is a profound reminder that your voice matters and that even the quietest whispers can become a roar.

Episode Description:

What happens when a woman who’s been silenced her entire life finally finds her voice?

In this deeply moving episode, bestselling author and abuse recovery coach Dana S. Diaz joins A Voice and Beyond to share her journey from trauma to triumph. Drawing from her powerful memoir trilogy—Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame, and Rising from the Ashes—Dana opens up about growing up in a home where she wasn’t wanted, enduring a 25-year marriage to a narcissistic abuser, and how she found her way back to herself.

This is more than a story of survival—it’s a call to every woman who’s ever been told to stay silent. Dana’s message is clear: your voice is your power.

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In this powerful and eye-opening episode of A Voice and Beyond, we sit down with James Porfido—a highly respected criminal defence attorney with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate the justice system and reclaim their lives.

James, a former prosecutor and Law Professor, he has more than 18 years experience as TV Legal Analyst and offered commentary on many high profile criminal cases Harvey Weinstein, Casey Anthony, Scott Petersen, Robert Blake, Phil Spector, Menendez Brothers, Michael Jackson, OJ Simpson,, and numerous others. James has dedicated his career to defending clients facing some of life’s most difficult moments—from criminal charges to wrongful accusations. But this conversation goes far beyond legal advice; it’s about human resilience, dignity, and the fight to have your voice heard.

In this episode, we explore:

⚖️ What it really means to stand up for your legal rights—and why many people don’t know they have them
⚖️ How facing criminal charges can impact your job, family, and mental health
⚖️ Why everyone deserves fair representation, no matter their circumstances
⚖️ The myths and misunderstandings people have about the legal system
⚖️ Stories of hope and redemption from clients who rebuilt their lives after legal battles
⚖️ How James balances fierce advocacy with empathy, compassion, and ethics

Whether you’re curious about the legal system or simply love stories of resilience and justice, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and reminded that no one is beyond help — and no voice is too small to matter.

Connect with James Porfido:

Website:

www.porfidolaw.com

www.einhornlawyers.com

https://podmatch.com/guestdetailpreview/1731628169639288fbbaa343d

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales

https://www.amazon.com/Unequal-Justice-Search-Balance-Scales/dp/B0DHWT1N8D

Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media and tag us @avoiceandbeyond — we’d love to hear your perspective!

Find Marisa Online:
•Marisa's website
•Marisa's Instagram
•Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website

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In this powerful episode of A Voice and Beyond, we sit down with Matt Soule—survival self-defence expert, breathwork leader, one of the first certified Wim Hof Method instructors in the U.S., and now creator of his own unique training system, "The Cold Club."

Matt takes us on an extraordinary journey through the science of stress mastery. From teaching self-defence and martial arts to leading breathwork retreats around the world, Matt's mission is to empower people to take control of their stress response and unlock their highest potential.

Together, we explore:

The healing power of cold exposure and breathwork
What the Wim Hof Method really is—and how it’s been changing lives
How Matt helps people manage trauma, autoimmune conditions, and anxiety
The balance between discipline and surrender in building resilience
How ancient survival skills meet modern-day science
Why emotional mastery is the key to peak performance and joy

Matt also shares deeply personal stories—from his own challenges with childhood trauma to the breakthroughs he's witnessed in special forces veterans and everyday people alike. This is a must-listen episode for anyone ready to reclaim their power, cultivate clarity, and ignite their inner fire.

Find Matt Online:

Matt's website
Matt's Instagram
Matt's Facebook
Matt's LinkedIn
Matt's Twitter
Matt's YouTube

Find Marisa Online:

Marisa's website
Marisa's Instagram
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email info@drmarisaleenaismith.com or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/179

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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In this dynamic and inspiring episode of A Voice and Beyond, Marisa Lee is joined by Sally Prosser, a powerhouse voice coach and confidence expert who helps people unlock their authentic voice and speak like they mean it.

We dive deep into:

The surprising blocks that keep us from speaking with confidence
How your voice is connected to your identity and purpose
The power of the throat chakra and what it means to be energetically aligned
Why confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about being aligned
How to overcome self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome
Tips for presenting, performing, and showing up fully in your life and work
Sally’s own journey from broadcast journalist to intuitive speaking guide

Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, dreaming of speaking on stage, or just trying to express yourself more authentically, this conversation will help you rediscover the magic and power of your voice.

Find Sally Online:

Sally's website
Sally's Instagram
Sally's TikTok
Sally's Facebook
Sally's Linkedin
Sally's upcoming book 'Voiceprint'

Find Marisa:

Marisa's website
Marisa's Instagram
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/178

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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In this deeply personal solo episode, host Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith shares the story behind her recent time away from the podcast — a journey marked by burnout, reflection, and ultimately, renewal.

Marisa opens up about the emotional and physical toll that burnout can take, even on the most passionate and purpose-driven individuals. She takes you behind the curtain, sharing candid moments of vulnerability, loss of identity, and the quiet power of rediscovery.

With honesty and heart, Marisa reflects on the pivotal role singing played in helping her find her voice — not just as a performer, but as a woman, a mentor, and a guide for others. She explores how the voice we use on stage and in life can be a mirror to who we truly are, and how reconnecting to that voice can lead to profound transformation.

Whether you're on your own path of rediscovery, navigating burnout, or simply need a dose of inspiration — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

Why Marisa needed to step back from the podcast
The 5 major signs of burnout and how they showed up in her life
How childhood singing became a guiding force for healing
The importance of identity, rest, and alignment
A renewed vision and purpose for A Voice and Beyond

This episode marks a powerful relaunch of A Voice and Beyond, with a fresh mission to inspire, educate, and empower.

Your voice matters. Let this episode remind you it’s never too late to pause, reset, and rise again—stronger, clearer, and more you than ever before.

Find Marisa Online:

Marisa's website
Marisa's Instagram
Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/177

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jennifer Nash, a leadership expert and consultant who has guided Fortune 50 organizations such as Google, Ford, Exxon Mobil, JP Morgan, IBM, Boeing, and Verizon to exceptional success. As the founder and CEO of Jennifer Nash Coaching & Consulting, Dr. Nash has dedicated her career to helping leaders connect people and performance, driving remarkable results.

With a distinguished 25-year career, Dr. Nash has held executive and leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting and Ford Motor Company. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan. Her insights have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, and she has presented her research at Columbia University. As a Harvard/McLean Institute of Coaching Fellow, she continues to influence the field of leadership coaching. In 2023, Dr. Nash published her acclaimed book, "Be Human, Lead Human.”

In today's episode, Dr. Nash shares her inspiring journey from the creative arts to the corporate world, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated business environment. Through her observations and research, she has identified the key characteristics of outstanding leaders, and Dr. Nash's mission is to reintroduce the human element into business leadership, focusing on essential topics such as parenting, role modeling, conflict resolution, self-care, and the intrinsic work necessary for effective leadership.

Dr. Nash also addresses the current leadership pandemic, discussing how COVID-19 and social media have exacerbated this issue. Join us for a compelling conversation filled with valuable insights and practical advice for leaders at all levels. Don't miss this captivating episode of A Voice and Beyond.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
6:57 - Imposter syndrome and career transitions
12:06 - Leadership and management practices during Covid-19
20:24 - Relationship building and the impact of technology on mental health
29:28 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
33:31 - Personal growth and conflict resolution in the workplace
51:03 - Leadership skill, empathy and self-care

Find Jennifer Online

Jennifer's Website
Jennifer's Book
Jennifers's Instagram

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/176.

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In this episode of A Voice and Beyond, we welcome the remarkable Andrea Arlington as our guest. Andrea is a trauma-informed Certified ICF Professional Life Coach, interventionist, minister, former television personality, model, and the author of "Revelations of a Bad Mom."

Andrea bravely shares her powerful journey through generational trauma, family recovery, mental health, homelessness, and addiction. She opens up about her unintended rise to infamy following her daughter’s heroin addiction, which led to thefts from numerous Hollywood celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton, a saga documented in the movie "Bling Ring." This episode delves into the generational trauma Andrea unknowingly passed down to her daughter and the profound impact it had on their lives.

Andrea’s upcoming book, "Revelations of a Bad Mom," goes beyond her personal story, addressing the deep-seated insecurities many women, especially mothers, struggle with. It’s a raw and heartfelt exploration of how these insecurities shape our lives and the journey of healing through addiction, loss, and family turmoil. Andrea’s story is one of resilience, showing how she and her daughter have emerged, not just surviving, but thriving.

As a professional life coach, Andrea now dedicates her life to mending the intricate webs of family systems, healing generational trauma, and nurturing relationships, with a keen focus on reconnecting with the often-neglected inner wounded child.

Join us as Andrea Arlington shares her inspiring story and recovery message, aiming to motivate others towards healing and empowerment.

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
7:07 - Mental health, addiction, and relationships
18:29 - Addiction, trauma and healing with a mother and daughter
27:15 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
40:27 - Healing generational trauma and repairing family dynamics
53:14 - Improving relationships through self-awareness and communication

Find Andrea Online

Andrea's Website
Andrea & Alexis's recent Netflix interview
Andrea's Instagram
Andrea's YouTube

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/175.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we delve into the important topic of neurodiversity with the esteemed Dr. Shannon Coates, returning for the second part of a captivating two-part discussion on neurodiversity-affirming voice pedagogy. Dr. Shannon is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, dedicated to developing support strategies and deepening our understanding of individual student needs within the singing voice community. Her mission is to normalize and eradicate the stigma surrounding neurodivergence.

Dr. Shannon Coates, an acclaimed educator and international voice pedagogy presenter, has been a leading voice in championing neurodiversity in vocal pedagogy. In this interview, Dr. Shannon will guide us through understanding how neurodivergence can manifest in teaching studios and share effective strategies to support neurodivergent learners, addressing challenges related to motivation, distraction, and prioritization. She provides invaluable insights into recognizing our own biases and their impact on teaching. Dr. Shannon particularly emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students feel seen and valued, regardless of their support needs, life experiences, or identities. She also discusses her views on student-led learning versus compliance-based pedagogy, highlighting its benefits for all singers, not just those who are neurodivergent.

This thought-provoking interview with Dr. Shannon Coates is essential listening for every singing voice teacher and beyond. Join us for this enlightening and inspiring conversation. Don't forget, this is part 2 of the interview; part 1 was featured in last week’s episode, no. 173.

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
7:46 - Accommodating students with neurodiverse needs in voice lessons
24:47 - Neurodiversity-affirming voice teaching techniques
26:30 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
30:59 - Pedagogy, inclusivity, and empathy in the voice studio
40:49 - Neurodiversity, accommodations and inclusive teaching practices

Find Shannon Online

Evolving Voice
The VoicePed UnDegree
Live Lecture Replays
Instagram
Facebook

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/174.

Follow me on

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are diving into the very important topic of neurodiversity. We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Shannon Coates for a compelling two-part interview on neurodiversity-affirming voice pedagogy. Dr. Shannon has been a strong advocate for fostering inclusivity, developing support strategies, and enhancing our understanding of individual student needs within the singing voice community. Her efforts aim to normalize and eliminate the stigma surrounding neurodivergence.

Dr. Shannon Coates, an esteemed educator and international presenter on voice pedagogy, is also the creator of The Vocal Instrument 101 Online Course and VoicePed UnDegree. She has been a prominent voice in advocating for neurodiversity within vocal pedagogy. In this interview, Shannon will begin by discussing the various types of neurodivergence, the associated behaviour patterns, and the current diagnostic processes.

Dr. Shannon will help us understand how neurodivergence can manifest in our teaching studios and how we can adopt more effective teaching strategies for neurodivergent learners. She provides valuable insights into recognizing our own biases and addressing their impact on our teaching. Particularly, Dr. Shannon emphasizes creating a welcoming space where all students feel seen and valued, regardless of their support needs, life experiences, or identities.

This is a powerful and thought-provoking interview with Dr. Shannon Coates that every singing voice teacher and beyond should listen to. Join us for this essential conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire. Remember, this is part 1 of our 2-part interview with Dr. Shannon, and part 2 will be released in the episode to follow.
Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
7:02 - Neurodiversity in singing voice pedagogy
20:22 - ADHD, autism, and mental health diagnosis and awareness
27:13 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
35:50 - Neurodiversity and communication challenges
43:25 - Accommodating neurodiverse singers in voice lessons

Find Shannon Online

Evolving Voice
The VoicePed UnDegree
Live Lecture Replays
Instagram
Facebook

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/173.

Follow me on

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Welcome to another episode of A Voice and Beyond! This week, we have an incredible guest for you—John R. Miles. John is a keynote speaker, a combat veteran, and the host of the #1 ranked alternative health podcast, Passion Struck with John R. Miles, which has garnered over 17 million downloads from listeners in 169 countries. He is also the author of the acclaimed book "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

Today, John will share some of the inspirational work from his book which combines behavioural science research, peak performance strategies, and real-life narratives from industry titans such as Oprah, Elon Musk, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Astronaut Wendy Lawrence, many of whom John has had the privilege to interview and work with.

Drawing from his insights, experiences, and the very essence of the human spirit, John’s navigates through self-sabotage and doubt to empower you to confront and transcend your limiting beliefs. This ultimately paves the way for a life without boundaries. Recognized as one of the top thinkers in personal mastery and a Premier 100 Leader, John shares how we can break free from the inner confines of personal limits, overcome the barriers that hold us back, and harness the transformative power of intentionality.

John's story is both timely and compelling. In an era where burnout, mental health challenges, and the search for purpose are more prevalent than ever, John’s journey from corporate success to profound personal realization brings hope, inspiration, and actionable insights. If you’re ready to craft a life that truly matters, this interview with John R. Miles is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com **and unlock your full potential today.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk**.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
06:49 - John’s personal journey
13:28 - Finding authenticity and fulfilment
27:13 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
33:41 - Reducing self-doubt and building fulfilment
42:15 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
48:46 - Personal growth, self-love and constant learning

Find John Online

John's Website

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/172.

Follow me on Instagram.

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Welcome to another episode of "A Voice and Beyond." This week, we are thrilled to introduce Brian Johnson, an accomplished entrepreneur and philosopher with over 25 years of experience. As the founder and CEO of Heroic, Brian has successfully raised over $20 million, building and selling two leading social platforms. His Heroic membership and coaching program have transformed the lives of tens of thousands globally, backed by research for their transformative impact.

Brian is not just a business leader, but also a digital influencer. His YouTube channel boasts over 225,000 subscribers and 20 million views, while his podcast has garnered 16 million downloads. He has been featured in the documentary "Finding Joe" alongside luminaries like Deepak Chopra and Tony Hawk. His latest venture, Heroic, launched its MVP Training Platform in April 2022, showcasing his expertise, which has been sought by institutions such as the US Military Academy at West Point. Brian has also been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal, and Brian regularly engages with global thought leaders on top podcasts.

In this episode, Brian and I dive deep into philosophical discussions around topics that are explored in his book, "ARETÉ: Activate Your Heroic Potential." Brian explains how he combines ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools into a life-changing protocol, proven by leading well-being labs to create lasting impact. His approach offers a timely solution to universal struggles, providing actionable steps for not just surviving but thriving in today's fast-paced world. Brian’s method is holistic and scientifically grounded, offering listeners a comprehensive roadmap to a more heroic life.

Tune in for this enlightening episode with Brian Johnson. It’s time to navigate life's complexities, embrace challenges, and activate your heroic potential.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Julianne Kay's and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk**.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
07:21 - Self-discovery and finding meaning in life
15:54 - Heroism, leadership and personal growth
24:28 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
35:54 - Living a virtuous life and developing self-awareness
46:27 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
57:31 - Relationships, self-love and personal growth

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Welcome to this episode on courage, a fundamental quality that drives us to lead a life of purpose and fulfillment. Life demands the best of us, challenging us to rise out of our fears and comforts into the zones of peak performance. This conversation is deeply personal to me because I believe that within every human lies an incredible capacity to be strong, push past limits, and experience a broader range of joy, health, vitality, success, and achievement.

However, many of us make excuses about why we aren't courageous or can't have what we deserve. We often fall into a victim mindset, believing that our challenges and struggles are beyond our control. This mindset holds us back from achieving our true potential.

Courage isn't just about overcoming fear. It's about tapping into those things that push us to new levels and heights, not being defined by fear. Today, I'll share five areas to evaluate your level of courage and five strategies to improve it. Think of courage as a muscle that needs consistent exercise. By repeatedly stepping out of your comfort zone, you can strengthen your courage muscle.

The life you want to live is worth the effort. While it won't be easy initially, it is possible, so challenge yourself to explore your courage. Dedicate yourself to being a courageous person and dare to live the life you've imagined. It's time to step out of the wings and take center stage in your life because you are worth the effort. Always have been and always will be. Until next time, go out there every single day and realize you are stronger than you ever imagined.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. With her unique approach. Dr. Joyce bridges the gap between the intuitive and the logical, creating a paradigm shift that amplifies your impact on the world. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? My dear friend Dr Glenn Livingston has a transformational new book that you can read for free as a listener of A Voice and Beyond. Visit www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
12:56 - Fear and comfort with change
17:20 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
26:51 - Developing the courage to say no and prioritize goals
40:29 - Setting bigger goals, ignoring negative opinions and finding courage
46:55 Building courage, self-awareness and supportive relationships

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In this episode of A Voice and Beyond, we revisit episode #60 with Lori Sonnenberg, who dives into the complexities of vocal health with our brilliant guest. Lori is a Chicago-based Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Voice Specialist, and Singing Voice Specialist, renowned for her expertise in treating voice disorders. She is also the founder of Sonnenberg Voice, a clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive voice care for speech, breathing, and singing.

Voice issues often stem from vocal fold injuries, overuse, or improper use of the voice mechanism. These issues can severely impact one's ability to perform daily tasks, particularly for professional voice users such as singers, actors, and public speakers. Lori's clinic specializes in treating muscle tension dysphonia, recovery from voice injuries, professional voice care, post-operative voice recovery, and addressing technical voice issues for singers.

In our conversation, Lori offers a detailed overview of what an initial consultation at her clinic entails, including the diagnostic process and treatment strategies. She emphasizes the importance of prevention and shares insights on how voice teachers can identify potential problems in their own voices and those of their students. Lori also underscores the necessity of seeking specialist help promptly to avoid long-term damage. Lori highlights the importance of supporting singers through their vocal challenges rather than shaming them, debunking misconceptions about vocal pathologies across different genres.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in voice health, whether you are a professional voice user or simply someone looking to improve and maintain their vocal quality. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from Lori Sonnenberg and learn how to better care for your voice.

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
12:10 - Voice therapy and functional voice disorders
18:32 - Muscle tension dysphonia diagnosis and treatment
27:57 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
34:44 - Vocal folds swelling and its impact on voice quality
55:04 - Injuries in various singing genres
1:08:19 - Vocal issues after Covid-19

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of A Voice and Beyond. This week, we are honoured to have Nicole Byars, the owner and founder of Honest Yoga, join us. Nicole is not only passionate about yoga, personal growth, and her signature backwards hats, but she also has a profound personal journey with trauma. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Nicole has navigated the complex emotions of shame, sadness, and embarrassment, ultimately finding a sense of relief and healing through yoga.

In this episode, Nicole shares her journey of transforming pain into purpose by establishing Honest Yoga, a sanctuary designed to help others heal from trauma in a supportive community. Her studio is a testament to the power of yoga in fostering recovery and growth, creating a safe space where people can feel a sense of belonging.

Nicole addresses common misconceptions about trauma, explaining that it is often associated solely with extreme events like war, natural disasters, and abuse—what she refers to as big ‘T’ trauma. However, she emphasizes that little ‘t’ traumas, which are more everyday experiences, are just as significant and impactful. Nicole believes that everyone has encountered some form of trauma, and recognizing this is crucial for healing. A key part of her philosophy is the importance of feeling a sense of belonging and that a foundation of community is essential for mental health.

Join us as Nicole Byars delves into these insights and shares her expertise on how we can all better understand and heal from trauma. Tune in to this heartfelt and enlightening conversation.

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
6:41 - Nicole’s journey to yoga
15:18 - Trauma, easting disorders and using yoga to heal
26:14 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
36:29 - Trauma and it’s effects on mental health
49:03 - Trauma, yoga, and community connection
57:39 - The power of setting intentions and living a yoga lifestyle

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Boosting your personal energy is essential for achieving success and living a fulfilling life. As someone once said, the world belongs to the energetic. If you need a mantra to guide you back to your best self, demanding accountability and providing the stamina to achieve anything, remember this: the power plant does not have energy; it generates energy. We must be the generators in our lives. By consciously intending to take command of our mind, body, and energetic source, we can choose to amplify our energy. This conscious choice allows us to spark our lives, increase our energy, and avoid depleting it through our thoughts, actions, behaviours, and emotions. Building an abundant and replenishing energetic bank account is within our control.

Let's be honest: the root of all success is your energy—the stamina in your mind, heart, actions, and the habits you create. To help evaluate where your energy stands, I use a four-part energy gauge with my clients. This evaluation goes beyond daily routines, diving into the essence of how you feel in four key areas of your life. This process serves as a quick accountability assessment, encouraging you to reflect deeply on your current state of energy.

Find a quiet place, free from distractions, and take the time to think about these benchmarks. It's more than just a conversation—it's an honest look at your energetic life. This reflection aims to reignite your energy, bringing renewed enthusiasm and engagement to all parts of your life—mentally, physically, and emotionally. While it's challenging to get the best out of ourselves, remember that the foundation of all success begins with energy. Let's embark on this journey to rediscover the spark and excitement for life with a new sense of aliveness.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Karen Lyu, whose book 'Singing in Tune' takes a truly holistic approach to singing and contains clearly defined, yet simple-to-understand lessons, exercises, and practical tips for developing body awareness and maintaining a healthy, in-tune, and skilled voice. Get your copy now at www.singingintunebook.com
Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? My dear friend Dr Glenn Livingston has a transformational new book that you can read for free as a listener of A Voice and Beyond. Visit www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Singing In Tune Book by Karen Lyu
6:20 - Brain optimisation and mental stamina
20:47 - Energy levels, resilience and overcoming cravings
24:56 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
32:14 - Advertise your product or service on the podcast
40:50 - Physical activity, diet, sleep and mental health
46:28 - Improving mental and physical well-being

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This week on Voice and Beyond, we revisit an enlightening episode with my dear friend and colleague Dr. Travis Sherwood. Travis, who was recently honoured for his article “Powerful Dynamics: Exploring the Evolution of the Master-Apprentice Tradition,” has been recognized with an honorable mention in the 2023 Richard Sjoerdsma Award for Excellence in Writing.

Travis holds advanced degrees from the University of Southern California and just recently was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor of Voice at San Diego State University's School of Music and Dance. His active performance career includes recent engagements with the Amarillo Opera, Opera a la Carte, La Jolla Symphony, and various international festivals.

In addition to his performance career, Travis frequently leads masterclasses and lectures on artistic literacy, student-centered pedagogy, voice pedagogy, and vocal literature. He recently presented “A Compassionate Shift to a More Student-Centered Pedagogy” at the Cal-Western NATS Conference.

In this episode, Travis delves into his research on the master-apprentice model's traditions and limitations. He explains how this model enforces a hierarchy in the teacher-student relationship, often leading students to prioritize their teacher’s insights over their own, hindering their expressive and autonomous voice exploration. Travis advocates for evolving teaching practices to create safer, more supportive learning environments.

Join Dr. Travis Sherwood and I for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges traditional teaching methods and encourages reflection on fostering creativity and independence in voice education.

This episode is proudly sponsored by The LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework™ . Go to www.somaticvoicework.com and reserve your spot today to become part of a growing community dedicated to revolutionizing vocal education for generations to come.

In This Episode0:00 - Sponsored Ad: The LoVetri Institute of Somatic Voicework™
7:52 - History and impact of the master-apprentice model in music education
19:29 - Limitations of the master-apprentice teaching model in voice lessons
26:11 - The limitations of a traditional teaching approach
31:17 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
52:27 - Teaching voice lessons, emphasizing student-centered practices
53:48 - Sponsor the podcast
1:07:11 - Student-centered learning in voice education

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we introduce you to Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a distinguished neurologist and creator of the brainSHIFT Protocol. She is a leading authority in stress management and leadership wellness, and her recently released book, The Busy Brain Cure: The Eight-Week Plan to Find Focus, Tame Anxiety, and Sleep Again, is already making waves. Dr. Romie is also a highly sought-after speaker, and her work has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, NBC, and TEDx.

In this episode, Dr. Romie tackles the pressing issue of "Busy Brain" syndrome and the dangerous glorification of stress and burnout, which have far-reaching consequences for all of us. This crisis affects productivity, performance, and mental well-being, and it robs us of countless hours of vital sleep.

With the world still grappling with the aftermath of a pandemic, stress levels are at an all-time high. "Busy Brain" syndrome is a crisis with far-reaching effects, and Dr. Romie shares some solutions from her ground-breaking book, The Busy BrainCure. During the episode, I share that I completed the Busy Brain protocol, and not surprisingly, the results came back saying that I had brain strain. Thankfully, Dr. Romie talked me through some of the options available to help me.

I love that Dr. Romie’s expertise is not just academic; it's practical, actionable, and urgently needed in today's high-stress work environments. Whatever you do, be sure to go and listen to this insightful and very important conversation with Dr. Romie Mushtaq.

In This Episode0:00 - Sponsored Ad: The LoVetri Institute of Somatic Voicework™
6:12 - Leadership and mental health in high-stress environments
15:27 - Stress V’s Anxiety
24:16 - Impact on sleep and hormones
29:56 - Stress, anxiety and burnout in today’s society
31:11 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
43:53 - Sponsor the podcast
48:00 - Comfort food and social connection

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In this week’s episode of A Voice and Beyond, we delve into the challenging issues associated with food cravings, overeating, and bingeing with renowned psychologist Dr. Glenn Livingston. As the CEO of a multi-million-dollar consulting firm serving Fortune 500 clients in the food industry, Dr. Livingston brings a wealth of experience to the table, having sold a staggering $30,000,000 worth of marketing consulting services throughout his career.

Disillusioned by the limitations of traditional psychology in addressing issues of weight and food obsession, Dr. Livingston embarked on a decades-long journey of research. Through his work with patients and a self-funded program involving over 40,000 participants, he gained deep insights into the nature of food cravings and overeating.

What sets Dr. Livingston apart in the weight loss industry is not just his professional expertise but also his personal journey. Having overcome his own battle with obesity and food addiction, he offers a unique perspective rooted in firsthand experience. In today’s show, Dr. Glenn shares his ground-breaking theories and research, which have also been featured in his brilliant book Defeat Your Cravings as well as in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and many others, as well as on major media platforms including ABC, WGN, and CBS radio. Dr. Glenn gives you, our listener, the unique opportunity to download his transformational book for free at www.DefeatYourCravings.com/Beyond . You can also find the link in the show notes. It’s time to unlock a healthier, happier you with Dr. Glenn Livingston.

This episode is proudly sponsored by The LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework™ . Go to www.somaticvoicework.com **and reserve your spot today to become part of a growing community dedicated to revolutionizing vocal education for generations to come.

Last chance to get your copy of 'Singing in Tune' by Karen Lyu - www.singingintunebook.com In this Episode**0:00 - Sponsored Ad: The LoVetri Institute of Somatic Voicework™
6:36 - Obesity, food obsession and personal experience with weight loss
14:24 - Overcoming food addiction through self-awareness and self-control
25:20 - Decision fatigue and strategies for simplifying daily choices
27:39 - Sponsored Ad: ‘Singing in Tune' hybrid Ebook by Karen Lyu
35:04 - Willpower, decision fatigue, and shame in relation to personal growth
42:56 - Binge eating, emotional trauma and mental health
49:45 - Sponsored Ad: Defeat your cravings
1:03:03 - Healthy eating habits and food rules

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Join us for this week’s episode of A Voice and Beyond, where we embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. We delve into the significance of clarity in defining our true identities and aspirations, recognizing the energy and determination needed for self-improvement. According to research, a lack of clarity can hinder progress and limit our potential for growth and fulfilment, and our conversation highlights the importance of regular self-assessment in overcoming challenges around clarity. By consistently asking ourselves challenging questions about who we are and what we aim to achieve, we can find clarity and purpose in our endeavours.

Throughout the episode, we provide practical steps to cultivate self-awareness, set intentions, and align actions with desired outcomes. We share insights into the transformative power of consciously choosing and embodying the traits we desire through intention and habit. Our aim is to empower individuals to take control of their lives and to embrace clarity as a driving force for personal evolution and fulfilment. We welcome you to join us on this journey of self-discovery and growth on A Voice and Beyond. It is time to unlock the power of your true potential within yourself.

In this episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: The LoVetri Institute of Somatic Voicework™
5:41 - Personal growth through self-awareness
11:40 - Decision making
18:10 - Finding clarity and purpose in life

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we're thrilled to have Chris Johnson return to the show for the second instalment of his informative interview. In this episode, Chris, an esteemed vocal coach with international recognition, delves into dispelling more of the most widespread myths surrounding singing and singing voice training. With a background in vocal manual therapy and myofascial release Chris has extensive experience as both a singing teacher and vocal, bringing a holistic perspective to his training approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and voice.

As we navigate the vast expanse of the internet, we encounter a bombardment of information, much of which is misleading. From YouTube tutorials to social media posts, misinformation regarding singing techniques and voice coaching inundates our screens. In an industry lacking regulation, self-proclaimed experts promise to deliver the key to vocal excellence.

Chris addresses misconceptions surrounding crucial aspects of vocal training, such as support, placement, the necessity of a certain tone qualities across different singing styles. Join us as we unravel these myths and gain valuable insights into nurturing healthy vocal production.

Tune in to Part 2 of my conversation with Chris Johnson, and if you missed Part 1, you can catch up in Episode #159.

In this Episode0.00 - Sponsored Ad: Singing In Tune Book by Karen Lyu
5:53 - Vocal placement and sensation in singing
15:08 - Singing technique and support strategies
30:28 - Beauty in singing, is subjective and influenced by cultural norms
42:26 - Resonance strategies for singing in different genres
52:26 - Myths about classical singing and its impact on contemporary vocal training
1:03:20 - Vocal coaching and education with Chris Johnson

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome Dr. Teri Baydar, a leadership development consultant and Certified Professional Coactive Coach with over 17 years of experience who focuses on guiding C-Suites and high achievers towards personal growth for the greater good. She has worked with various organizations like the Boston Consulting Group, Harvard University, Pfizer, and more. Her expertise lies in transformational thinking and helping clients develop traits like calmness under stress, self-awareness, confidence, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.

Dr. Teri, who is also an inspirational speaker, host of the podcast Paradise Reclaimed Podcast, and emerging author, discusses her book "Flip Your Switch" on today’s show. Dr. Teri provides actionable steps and profound concepts to offer life-changing insights, regardless of where listeners are in their personal journey. She shares strategies for navigating life's difficult choices and equips listeners with skills and tools to unearth the magic within themselves and the world. Whether you're a thinker, an aspiring leader, or someone seeking to make a difference, Dr. Teri's book promises to resonate and inspire growth and transformation. If you are ready to make a change in your life, you don’t want to miss this interview with Dr. Teri Baydar.

In This Epsiode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Singing In Tune Book by Karen Lyu
6:04 - Leadership, Consciousness and Precognition
15:47 - Social constructs influence on our behaviour
29:15 - Inner critic in creative industries
44:02 - Personal growth and confidence
52:09 - Love V's War and the importance of creating value

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In our modern, fast-paced world, the struggle to maintain focus has become increasingly difficult for all of us, impacting various aspects of our lives. One reason for this challenge is the constant bombardment of information competing for our attention. From our smartphones buzzing with notifications to endless streams of information on social media platforms, our attention is constantly being pulled in multiple directions, making sustained focus a daunting task. Additionally, factors such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue further hinder our ability to concentrate on those important tasks at hand.

Ultimately, the inability to focus not only undermines our performance and well-being but also diminishes our capacity to fully engage with the world around us, limiting our potential for growth and fulfilment. Today’s show is a masterclass on how to increase your level of focus as we explore five key areas that can transform our lives when given the attention and focus they deserve. By keeping these key building blocks of achievement on our mental dashboard, we can unlock a life of joy, significance, and abundance.

This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com **to learn more.

In this Episode**

00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Institute
09:19 - Desire: The Starting Point of Achievement
18:27 - Direction: Planning Your Path
25:55 - Discipline: The Key to Consistency
32:22 - Distraction Detachment: Managing Interruptions
41:29 - Destructive Self Talk: Changing Negative Patterns
53:25 - Conclusion and Encouragement for Personal Growth

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The internet is a minefield of information, but it is also rife with misinformation, and when it comes to voice teaching, as an industry, we are not excluded from the bombardment of information. Whether it’s a YouTube video, an Instagram post, a TikTok video, or a post on a social media forum, there is an inundation of misinformation regarding how to sing, voice training techniques, and singing teachers and coaches themselves showing us how they believe it should be done. We are in an unregulated industry, and anyone can claim to have discovered the holy grail of vocal greatness. Therefore, this week on A Voice and Beyond, I asked Chris Johnson to return to the show as our special guest and voice geek, to spill the tea and shed the truth about some of the most widely spread myths that apply to singing.

Chris Johnson is an internationally acclaimed singing teacher and highly experienced vocal coach, who has been trained in vocal manual therapy, massage, and myofascial release, and his training perspective respects the whole self. He is the founder of the singing teacher training organization 'Teach Voice’, and co-founder of one of the most popular podcasts for singers, 'The Naked Vocalist’. Chris has also had a professional performance career and truly understands the demands on today’s singers, and the vital role voice training plays in developing and sustaining healthy vocal production.

This is a two-part episode, and in this Part 1 episode, Chris is going to address myths around the role of a singing teacher versus a vocal coach, tension, placement, and the role of the breath in the hierarchy of singing. It is a fascinating and informative episode, and Part 2 will be released in three weeks.

In this Episode

00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute
03:00 - Navigating the Sea of Misinformation in Voice Teaching
06:22 - Myth 1: Singing Teacher vs. Vocal Coach – Understanding the Difference
10:19 - Myth 2: The Role and Reality of Tension in Singing
17:10 - The Evolution of Musical Styles and Singers’ Adaptations
23:26 - Myth 3: Is Shouting Really Unhealthy for Singers?
28:57 - Debunking Vocal Myths: Breathiness and Whispering in Singing
34:29 - Myth 4: Does Singing Truly Start with the Breath?

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This week on "A Voice and Beyond," we're thrilled to introduce our inspiring guest, Veronica Karaman who wears many hats as the founder of True Champion Coaching, a performance coach, speaker, and author of "The Champion’s Way." Not only is Veronica a seasoned professional golfer, having competed in the US Open and achieved the title of TN Senior Women's Open Champion, but she also firmly believes that each one of us harbours a champion within us. Over the past four decades, Veronica has dedicated herself to helping others unlock their full potential and perform at their best.

In today’s episode, Veronica shares invaluable insights on overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of our success. She emphasizes that whether we're singing or swinging a golf club, there is a champion residing within us. I love Veronica’s perspective that the only difference between singing and swinging is the "w" in between, and that singing and golf have much more in common than we realize.

According to Veronica, true greatness emanates from embracing our whole selves, and understanding that our worth is more than trophies or performance outcomes. True victory lies in the freedom to embrace both success and failure, recognizing that our value isn't based on our achievements. It demands superior passion and focus.

Veronica describes her 12-week coaching program, offering insights into her strategies for empowering individuals to silence their inner critic and unleash their inner champion. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's authentic voice and pursuing one's dreams with unwavering determination, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way.

This is a beautiful and inspiring interview with Veronica Karaman, one that I’m sure will unleash the champion within you.

In this Episode

00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute
01:49 - Introduction to Today's Episode
06:10 - Welcoming Veronica Karaman
11:07 - Veronica's Journey in Golf and Coaching
20:45 - The True Traits of a Champion
33:42 - Developing the Champion Mindset
47:20 - Exploring the Champion Zones

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In a world where productivity is often equated with completing tasks on a to-do list, it's crucial to redefine what true productivity means. Productivity isn't just about ticking off items; it's about efficiently achieving desired outcomes. It's measured not only by the quantity of work completed but also by its quality and the effectiveness of achieving goals within a given timeframe.

Some may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive, while others excel effortlessly in all aspects of life. Time management plays a pivotal role in productivity and success across personal and professional spheres. Effective time management brings order, control, and reduces stress, ultimately enhancing our overall sense of well-being.

Considering time as a finite resource, it's essential to distinguish between spending and investing it. Unlike spending, which yields no future value, investing time in meaningful pursuits creates long-term benefits. Shockingly, the average person spends significant portions of their life pursuing meaningless activities, leaving only a fraction of time for personal growth and fulfilment.

To maximize the limited time available, it's important to invest it wisely. This involves adopting effective time management strategies to prioritize essential tasks and activities aligned with personal goals. By doing so, we can create the life we desire and make the most of our time. Throughout this episode, five key time management skills, tips, tricks, and hacks will be shared to empower you to invest your time wisely so you too can achieve your dreams and aspirations.

In this Episode

00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute
02:54 - The True Essence of Productivity
09:12 - Investing Time Wisely
10:27 - Energy vs. Time Management
21:56 - Handling Time Bullies and Self-Care
27:37 - Maximizing Gap Time
32:37 - Removing Distractions for Better Focus

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am very excited to introduce this week’s very special guest, Jeannette LoVetri, who, by the way, needs little introduction as she is one of the most recognised and highly acclaimed voice teachers from around the world. Jeanie is my CCM inspiration, and I wanted to honour her and the work that she continues to do, not only in sharing her knowledge and skills in the CCM sector but also in legitimising CCM from a pedagogical standpoint in our teaching community. Jeanie is a true pioneer, and her success has come about because of her remarkable resilience, curiosity for learning, and sheer tenacity. Jeanie has certainly paved the way for the rest of us who teach singers across the broad range of CCM styles, so we too can be respected and acknowledged alongside our classical colleagues for the work that we do in the singing voice field.

This episode is a recap of sections of a two-part interview I did with Jeanie in 2022, and I wanted to replay this interview as I feel it is important right now, more than ever, to be advocating for the training of CCM singers. Let’s create a movement and see if we can create change in academic music programs to accommodate singers who want to pursue a career in the CCM music market. To listen to the full interview, please refer to episodes 66 and 67.

In this Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:35 - Jeannette LoVetri's Introduction and CCM Advocacy
24:46 - Reflecting on Personal Experience and Vocal Health
33:33 - A Transformative Gala Performance
45:56 - Expanding the Teaching Program and Faculty
52:37 - The Importance of Somatic Awareness in Singing
1:06:39 - Upcoming Plans and Reflections on Legacy

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This week on A Voice and Beyond our very special guest is Cristina Ramirez, a serial entrepreneur who brings her empowerment curricula to audiences everywhere across the United States. Her programs have been implemented across 41 states to over 10,000 individuals, ranging from children to executives. A veteran of Wall Street and Silicon Valley, Cristina is an award-winning coach, the best-selling author of the book Empowered by Discomfort, an Ironman triathlete, and a US Snowboard National Silver Medalist.

Cristina begins by talking about her own personal battles and the journey that ultimately led her to create her brilliant coaching program, which focuses on discomfort as a pathway to confidence. Cristina believes that our words serve as the expression of our inner dialogue, and the stories we consistently tell ourselves become our beliefs, acting as gatekeepers to our actions. She tells us that by recognizing and acknowledging our fears, we can ultimately control our thoughts and responses to life's challenges, leading us to an empowered life. Cristina explains to us that in life, progress often demands incremental steps forward, emphasizing that we should honor and acknowledge each stage of our journeys, rather than fixate on future achievements for happiness.

Christina shares many of the coaching strategies she uses with her clients to help them overcome the various obstacles that are standing in their way of success and how they can be applied to performing artists whose limiting beliefs are holding them back in their careers. This is truly a beautiful and uplifting interview with Cristina Ramirez, one that I learned so much from, and I’m sure you will too.

In this Episode

00:00 - Introduction and Overview
02:35 - Cristina Ramirez: From Wall Street to Empowerment Coach
07:07 - Battling Inner Demons and The Path to Recovery
17:20 - Empowerment Strategies and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
46:03 - Redefining Success and Navigating Life's Challenges
57:42 - Embracing Discomfort for Empowerment

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For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/155.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we discuss the impact of mental fatigue and how it significantly impairs cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and overall success. Mental fatigue has been proven to reduce concentration, productivity, and problem-solving skills while disrupting emotional regulation and increasing stress levels. Furthermore, chronic mental fatigue can lead to burnout, threatening your ability to attain long-term goals and live in a state of well-being. Contributing factors to mental fatigue can include poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and cognitive overload from multitasking and simply asking your brain to take on too much throughout the day.

In this episode, we help you identify its causes and share four lifestyle modifications you can make to combat mental fatigue, such as reducing screen time, prioritizing sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. These adjustments can improve memory, productivity, and creativity while reducing stress and promoting emotional balance. Managing mental energy through rest, stress reduction and mindfulness is essential for sustained success and fulfillment. By removing unnecessary tasks and responsibilities, individuals can mitigate mental fatigue and optimize their chances of success. It's imperative to prioritize self-care and adopt strategies to preserve mental energy for your long-term health, well-being, and fulfillment. If you’ve been finding it difficult to focus, be productive, and ignite your creativity, passion, and purpose in your day, perhaps it is time to check in and see if you may be suffering from mental fatigue.

In this Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:30 - Identifying Mental Fatigue
08:30 - Fuelling the Brain with Nutrition
15:48 - Eliminating Decision Fatigue
21:55 - Avoiding Morning Technology Overload
26:38 - Prioritising Sleep
32:49 - Summary and Action Plan

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Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Giji Dennard, whose journey began with the pivotal moment of meeting her father for the very first time at the age of 17. This encounter sparked a lifelong passion for understanding and fostering healthy father-child relationships, which have become her professional signature.

Giji's speaking prowess first ignited in high school, where she clinched the state championship in oratory, and since then she has dedicated more than five decades to engaging and inspiring audiences with her captivating narratives, candidness, and empathy. With a multifaceted career spanning over three decades, Giji has gained insight into the many aspects of the human experience. Her professional career has included leading roles in multinational corporations and training thousands of professionals over the last 20 years. Giji is also the author of four acclaimed books.

In today’s show, Giji's conversation with me explores topics around healing father-child relationships, unleashing personal and professional greatness, forgiveness, and the pursuit of passion. This is a beautiful and inspirational interview with Giji Dennard.

Find Giji Online

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LinkedIn
Facebook

In this Episode

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome
06:48 - Giji's Professional Journey and Passion
13:01 - Meeting Her Father and Relationship Dynamics
21:13 - Inspiration for "Hungry for Wholeness" and Healing
34:19 - The Three R's of Healing and Forgiveness
51:57 - Learning to Receive and Exploring Identity
1:08:07 - Conclusion and Final Insights

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/153.

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Over the past few weeks, I have been on a teaching tour in the USA, where I have been working predominantly with classical singers and teachers who want to learn more about contemporary commercial music styles. The feedback was overwhelming, and many of the singers expressed they had a deep desire to sing this music, but there was limited opportunity in higher education. Many of the teachers were surprised to learn that many of our philosophies and approaches aligned, but it is just that our teaching is geared towards creating a different aesthetic. I was extremely grateful and humbled by all the positive feedback. I believe it is time for higher education to embrace this music and there needs to be a hierarchical change for this to happen. My trip has inspired to replay segments of a former interview with Matt Edwards and Jacqulyn Zito-Edwards, this week on A Voice and Beyond.

Matt and Jacqulyn have been working together on some ongoing research into the roots of the academic bias against popular music. You can go back and listen to episodes #99 and #101 for a full recap.

Jacqulyn is an adjunct assistant professor of voice for the musical theatre program at Shenandoah Conservatory and serves on faculty at the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute. Matt has been working at Shenandoah University since 2010 as an Associate Professor, within the Voice and Musical Theatre departments. He is also the Coordinator of Musical Theatre Voice and Artistic Director of CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute. In this fascinating episode, Matt and Jacqulyn delve deeply into the history of the classism and racism that has perpetuated the status quo in the training of CCM singers. I will let this interview speak for itself.

In this Episode

02:35 - Introduction to Contemporary Commercial Music in Voice Training
05:36 - Historical Bias Against Popular Music in Academia
13:15- Exploring the Roots of Academic Bias
22:37 - Impact of Historical Racism and Classism on Music Education
32:10 - The Need for Inclusivity in Music Education Today
41:20 - Personal Experiences with Resistance in Academia
52:15 - Moving Forward: Strategies for Inclusive Voice Training

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Find Jacqulyn Online

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Many of us enjoy a drink after work, I love having a drink on the weekends, but at what point does our relationship with alcohol become problematic? Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Andrew Culkin, author of Amanda: A Cautionary Tale of Alcoholism, which speaks the truth about alcoholism not only from the perspective of the person who has the addiction but also describes the suffering of those around the alcoholic.

On February 21st, 2020, Andrew’s wife of twenty-five years, Amanda, passed away from alcoholism. During her nearly two decades of decline, Amanda had attended seven rehabs, received four DUI convictions, and had several accidents. The stigma and shame attached to the disease only made her situation more difficult, as it drove her into isolation and depression.

Andrew describes alcoholism as a health disease that is no different from cancer or heart disease because alcoholics have no desire to be alcoholics any more than a cancer patient wishes to have cancer. Therefore, he has made it his mission to promote a different perspective on how we observe a struggling alcoholic. He tells us that the shame and embarrassment of the alcoholic needs to be met with empathy, care, and knowing they have support instead of condemnation and embarrassment.

During this interview, Andrew explains the 4 stages of alcoholism, why some people are more susceptible to succumbing to the disease, and his own traumatizing and exhausting experiences throughout Amanda’s alcoholic career. This interview is surely thought-provoking, and at times, very triggering for me. Whatever you do you don't want to miss Andrew Culkin’s story.

In This EpisodeIntroduction and Overview - 00:00
The Problem with Alcohol - 02:36
Andrew Culkin's Personal Story - 05:36
Impact on Family and Realization - 25:01
Seeking Help and Rehabilitation - 34:43
Final Days and Reflections - 43:36

Find Guest Online

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According to research, 80% of people are not practicing their New Year's resolutions by the end of January. Chances are you may be one of those people, but my intention through this episode is to check in with you and help you become one of the 20% who have that winning edge in 2024. I am going to give you four ways you can move the needle forward and stick to the commitment you made to yourself on January 1st.

If you’ve hit a wall, don’t beat yourself up; there is still time to turn this around, and you are not alone in this. Most people don’t know where to start, so in this episode, we are going to look at factors that impact your winning edge. We’re going to look at the building blocks of achievement that will create that mindset for success. So whatever you do, I don't want you to shy away from the stormy seas and sit at a harbor, watching your goals and aspirations go by and thinking maybe one day it will be your turn. No, it's time now to set sail to have that desire to reach a new destination a greater and more meaningful life. You can grow into a person who is ready to experience the journey of achieving all those things you desire. It’s time to reach another level of joy, significance, abundance, and wealth in your life.

In This Episode:2:30 – New Year's Resolutions
6:15 – The Ebb and Flow of Life
12:50 – Purpose and Desire is Essential
20:29 – How to Find Your Direction
27:11 – The Why and How of Discipline
36:30 – Self Talk is More Important Than You Think
45:09 – In Closing

Find Marisa Online:

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For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/150.

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According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, over 40% of adults will try to change their behavior at some point this year, and 92% will fail to keep their commitment. This week on A Voice and Beyond, our guest Shelly Lefkoe is going to help unlock the superhuman in us that is stuck in a maze of self-made beliefs that prevent all of us from taking action. Shelly, who is an international Speaker Belief Eliminator Extraordinaire, the co-founder and President of the Lefkoe Institute, as well as the founder of Parenting the Lefkoeway, has made it her life’s mission to set people free from their self-imposed prisons by eliminating one limiting belief at a time. Shelly’s science-based method has helped over 200,000 people in over 120 countries experience profound life shifts by clearing the root cause of people’s challenges and permanently getting rid of hidden beliefs.

Shelly discusses how we can identify and eliminate counterproductive thoughts and emotional and behavioral patterns holding us back from achieving our potential; how we can effortlessly and rapidly remove self-defeating patterns like procrastination, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome; the way to experience breakthroughs without breakdowns and help to achieve natural confidence; and how to gain incredible energy, inner peace, and freedom.

I could relate to so much of what Shelly spoke about and had so many aha moments during this interview, and I’m sure you will too.

Find Shelly Lefkoe Online

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LinkedIn

In This Episode2:36 - Intro
11:41 - Changing Peoples Beliefs
26:38 - Why people cling to beliefs that hurt them
36:15 - Shelly’s latest book about beliefs and behaviour
40:54 - Self-esteem, failure, and a growth mindset
1:04:52 - Limiting beliefs and personal growth

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/149.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, our guest is ASHOK GUPTA, an internationally renowned speaker, filmmaker, and health practitioner who has dedicated his life to supporting people through chronic illness and achieving their full potential. Ashok is also a leading expert in the field of neuroimmune-conditioned syndromes (NICS) and the mind behind The Gupta Program. With a background in neuroscience and a focus on integrative healthcare, Ashok has captured international recognition for his contributions to treating NCIS, a condition that often baffles traditional healthcare systems. Ashok explains that the various conditions that fall under NICS, including ones such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivities, long-term COVID-19, and mold illness, affect an increasing number of people. Ashok himself suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome around 25 years ago when he was studying at Cambridge University. Through the neurological research that he conducted, he managed to make a full recovery, and Ashok then set up a clinic where he began to treat others.

During this interview, Ashok guides us toward understanding these complex syndromes more comprehensively and why they are rising in prevalence globally. He also offers insights into new, evidence-based approaches grounded in neuroplasticity, substantiated by multiple published randomized controlled trials on Long Covid, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and fibromyalgia. This is a very interesting interview with Ashok Gupta, who has dedicated his life to ensuring others do not go through the same challenges as he has had on his journey to recovery through conventional medicine. I was fascinated by this interview, and I am sure you will be as well.

Find Ashok Gupta Online:

Website
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LinkedIn

In This Episode:2:36 - Introduction
7:08 - Gupta’s history
8:47 - Neuroimmune diseases
16:26 - Brain retraining for NICS
21:15 - Neuroimmune conditions and their prevalence in Western societies
23:07 - How many people suffer from NICS?
30:30 - Prevention and treatment of NICS
35:59 - Gut health’s impact on mental health
38:12 - Brain retraining, neuroplasticity, and it’s effectiveness
55:30 - Holistic health strategies

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/148.

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As a society, it appears we are simply not coping with today’s work and life demands, and the pandemic has further amplified what seems to be an epidemic of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in our population. This week on Voice and Beyond, we welcome back to the show Heidi Moss Erickson, an acclaimed performer, voice educator, and scientist who first appeared on the show two years ago in episode no. 35. Since then, both Heidi and I have struggled with the grief of losing loved ones, and in this interview, we speak frankly about the impact of our loss, our grieving journeys as survivors of suicide, and our own personal struggles with anxiety and depression.

This is a two-part conversation about healing, the resilience of the human spirit, and shining a beacon of light on these difficult topics, from the perspective of two people who are not healthcare experts, medical practitioners, or psychologists, but rather we speak from a place of experience, neuroscience, and an understanding of biology. Heidi will explain the difference between the brain and the mind, how the two are interrelated, and share science-based information on how we can improve our brain health to optimize our mind health.

It is our intention to give hope to others who are struggling with their own grief or mental health issues; however, I would like to stress that some of the content may be triggering; therefore, if you or someone you know is struggling, we have included links to where you can seek help in the show notes. This episode serves as a timely reminder, as we head into the festive season, to check in and connect with loved ones. Remember, this is part one of a two-part interview with Heidi Moss Erickson, and part two will be released after the holiday season.

In This Episode2:36 - Introduction
5:36 - The Limitations of Brain Imaging
15:46 - Brain Health and Decision Making
18:52 - The Brain of Addicts
24:09 - Stress and News Consumption
28:07 - Improving Brain Health
32:32 - Teaching Anxious Students
42:27 - Resilience and Hope

Find Heidi Online

Website
Facebook

Support

Australia - Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Australia- Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
USA - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call 988
UK - Crisis Text Line -Text 'SHOUT' to 85258

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In This Episode1:15 - Introduction
5:59 - Grief and mental health after a suicide loss
15:57 - Mind vs brain
21:08 - Mental health and circadian rhythms
28:39 - Mindset, emotions, and self-regulation
34:14 - Brain health, mindset, and mental health
38:38 - Trauma and lifestyle interventions

Find Heidi Online

Website
Facebook

Support

Australia - Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Australia- Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
USA - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call 988
UK - Crisis Text Line -Text 'SHOUT' to 85258

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/146.

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Earlier this year, I was interviewed by Miriam Schulman, host of The Inspiration Place, a podcast where Miriam offers education and inspiration to others who are on their creative journeys.

Miriam believes that the creative journey is a thrilling adventure, and it's filled with ups and downs. It's about taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing your unique artistic voice, and this is a replay of my interview, where Miriam asks me to share my own creative career adventures. I also share my thoughts on perfectionism and how it can hold us back from pursuing our creative endeavors, the value of prioritizing self-care and the role it plays in our creativity, as well as self-belief as a crucial component of achieving our creative goals.

It was a blast hanging out with Miriam Schulman, and I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed spending time with Miriam on her podcast, The Inspiration Place.

In this Episode

2:30 - Introduction
10:33 - Marisa's journey
12:29 - Marisa: The OG Hannah Montana
15:31 - Dealing with Perfectionism
18:35 - Just Get Started!!
21:09 - Challenge: An Opportunity for Growth
22:09 - M.E.D.S. for Self-care
28:13 - Performance Mastery Coaching Program

Find Miriam Online:

Miriam's Website
Miriam's Facebook
Miriam's Instagram
Miriam's LinkedIn

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/145.

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If this episode doesn’t convince you to start taking a preventative approach to your health, I don’t know what will! According to our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond, Dr. Michael Young, our healthcare systems are being dictated and controlled by multi-national corporate structures, such as pharmaceutical companies and insurance firms, and as a result, we, the general public, are facing medical vulnerability. These corporate structures decide the cost as well as how, when, and where we access healthcare.

Dr. Young is a fourth-generation physician certified by the American Board of Urology. Upon completing his training, Dr. Young went into private practice; however, ten years ago, he became very frustrated and disappointed with the medical and healthcare delivery systems and wanted to become more involved with instigating change, inventions, and innovation. Dr. Young now holds three faculty positions at the University of Illinois and has authored a series of fictional books depicting the frightening reality of what is currently occurring in our healthcare systems. He explains that these books are the by-product of his frustrations and experiences as a practicing physician, and his mission through these books is to inspire dialogue between healthcare providers and patients.

To be honest, this was a jaw-dropping conversation with Dr. Young. It was shocking for me to hear that medical care and the cost of medicine are the leading causes of bankruptcy in the US. You would think that prevention would be at the top of the list for the healthcare industry; however, according to Dr. Young, in the medical industry, pharmaceutical companies are essentially drug dealers in suits. The healthcare industry is more interested in selling a disease than trying to sell prevention or a cure. Dr. Michael Young certainly blows the whistle on the healthcare system, and what you will learn may shock you. For the sake of your health, be sure to go and listen to this show.

In this Episode

6:36 - Meet Dr. Michael Young
12:39 - The Flaws in the System
16:57 - Who is 'The corporation?'
29:01 - The 3 Books: Fictionalized Reality
32:02 - The Healthcare in the United States
43:54 - "Has anyone tried to silence you?"
49:00 - Dr. Young's advice for our audience.

Find Dr. Michael Young Online:Website: https://michaeljyoungmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.j.young.986
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoung9296/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaeljyoungmd
Books: https://michaeljyoungmd.com/books

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/144.

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Have you ever wondered why some voices sound authoritative, nurturing, energized, or motivating? What are the various vocal qualities required for different situations? This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome back our special guest Dr. Belinda McMahon, a singing and spoken voice teacher and researcher in the field of vocal identity, for part two of her two-part interview.

Belinda operates a highly successful coaching business, VoicepPrint Professionals, where she works with entrepreneurs, executives, and other professionals. In today’s show, she shares some of her secrets on how we can elevate our communication skills for greater influence and impact using specific voice qualities, tones, volumes, pace, pitch, and energy. Belinda believes that through the correct training, we can all learn to use our voices in many different ways to ensure that how we sound is a true representation of who we are, especially if we feel a disconnect between the two. Other topics discussed in this episode include the importance of resonance for sustainability, particularly in those occupations where there is significant and intense voice use and how our voices are connected to our sense of identity.

Belinda describes my unique vocal qualities and what my voice says about me, and to learn more about what Belinda had to say, be sure to listen to this most fascinating interview with Dr. Belinda McMahon. Remember this is part 2 of a 2-part interview with Belinda, and part 1 was last week’s episode #142.

In this Episode

10:21-Speech and tone
20:55-Hearing our own recording
30:08-Identity, Accent, and Vocal Health
38:42-Disconnect between who you are and how they sound.
49:24-Voice qualities and their perception in different contexts.
55:32-Voice tone and its impact on credibility
59:54-Breaking down Tony Robbins' voice

Find Belinda Online:Website: http://www.voiceprintprofessionals.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoicePrintProfessionals/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceprintprofessionals/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-mcmahon-43430455/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VoiceprintProfessionals

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/143.

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Have you ever wondered what your voice says about you? Well, this week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome as our special guest Dr. Belinda McMahon, a singing and spoken voice teacher who holds a PhD from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. This is part one of a two-part interview with Belinda as she discusses her fascinating research investigating vocal identity and how that work has led her to develop a much deeper passion for this field, inspiring her to create her own business, VoicePrint Professionals. In this program, Belinda works with entrepreneurs, executives, and other professionals to help them elevate their communication skills for greater influence and impact.

In today’s show, Belinda explains how the voice is the single most important aspect of communication, over and above facial expressions, body language, and the words we use. She shares with us the voice qualities that are required to enable a speaker to clearly communicate their intentions and ideas, how they can use their voice to increase authority, how we can build trust and rapport, and ensure people listen to you using specific voice qualities, tones, volumes, pace, and energy. Belinda also does a deep dive into topics around how vocal technique influences vocal identity, how her research has changed the way Belinda approaches teaching singers, and how we ensure, as voice teachers, that we don’t impose our biases around what a singer’s vocal identity should be.

This is a most fascinating interview that will certainly have you listening and to be honest, there was so much that was helpful for me in this interview. Whatever you do, be sure to listen to today’s show with Dr. Belinda McMahon, and remember this is part 1 of a 2-part interview with Belinda, and part 2 will follow next week.

In this Episode

7:41-Studying Vocal Identity
16:00 - Influences and influencers formed our vocal Identity
21:37 - Intentional and Unintentional Imitation
26:37 - How do voice teachers avoid imposing their biases on a voice?
39:05 - "My Job"
40:32 - VoicePrint Professionals: Speaking Voice Coaching
47:50 - The autonomic nervous system reacts to the sounds we're hearing
51:05 - Importance of Resonance, Tone, Speed, and Pitch as a speaker

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/142.

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Last month, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Rush Dorsett as part of a brilliant 14-day virtual summit. The Awaken Your Voice Summit is an annual event targeted at professional and emerging performing artists and voice users seeking alternative pathways to awaken the power of their voice to communicate (singing/speaking/writing) more clearly and effectively.

The Awaken Your Voice Summit is offering a holistic approach to voice training. This event included live vocal practices, demonstrations, training, and intimate conversations with Grammy award-winning performers, as well as Master teachers. It was an opportunity to create an inspiring and transformational experience for participants to explore their voices in a much deeper and more authentic way.

During my candid interview with Rush, I was asked to share my personal story, my professional journey, and my career experiences, which included the highlights and pitfalls I encountered as an award-winning singer. I was given the opportunity to offer some pearls of wisdom to the listeners about how they, too, can discover their own voices in the most authentic manner.

At the end of the interview, I gave away my free eBook which you also can access via a link in the show notes. I’d like to thank Rush Dorsett for allowing me to share this interview with you.

In this Episode
4:52 - Introduction
10:10 - Overcoming being silenced
16:00 - Identity, resilience, and healing from trauma
28:07 - Resilience, inner strength, and creating safe spaces for growth
46:30 - Daily Regime
48:59 - In Gratitude – My Daily Self Journal
1:03:31 - The eBook and Performance Mastery Coaching Program

Find Rush Online:
Website: https://rushdorsett.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rushdorsetthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064364934765
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rushdorsett/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rush-dorsett-83441365/

And you could add this as a freebie to go with it: https://www.embodiedvoicecoaching.academy/vocal-quiz

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/141

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Check out my eBook here:https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/

In Gratitude – My Daily Self Journal:https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome Kassandra Reinhardt. Kassandra is a Yin & Vinyasa yoga Instructor, a YouTuber with over 2 million subscribers, a published author, and the face behind Yoga with Kassandra. In this episode, Kassandra begins by discussing her journey into yoga. She was an 18-year-old dancer who suffered from anxiety and body image issues and always felt that she was being highly scrutinized in the ballet world. Kassandra tells us that she fell in love with the practice of yoga because she was able to remove herself from a place of judgment, depletion, and burnout. Yoga has also helped Kassandra manage her stress and anxiety while increasing her flexibility and strength, among many other benefits.

In today’s show, Kassandra demystifies many of the myths, misconceptions, and spiritual philosophies around yoga, and most importantly, she shares with us its many benefits — such as how it can positively impact our mindset, improve our flexibility and mobility, and nourish all the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of us. Kassandra also explains how we can develop mental health discernment by setting daily intentions, the benefits of scheduling time for self-care practices to ensure we are not depleting our energy supplies, and the importance of prioritizing ourselves while helping others.

Ultimately, Kassandra desires to help people feel good in their bodies and broaden their minds through simple yet effective practices and exercises.

Find Kassandra Online:Website: https://www.yogawithkassandra.com/ — 30-DAY YOGA CHALLENGE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithkassandra/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KRYoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga_with_kassandra/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassandra-reinhardt-8a6a4bb4/

Kassandra Has Released:I Radiate Joy: Daily Affirmation Cards
My Yoga Journey: A Guided Journal

Her Books:Year of Yoga: Rituals for Every Day and Every Season
Yin Yoga: Stretch the Mindful Way

Her App:Yoga with Kassandra

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/140.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we share part two of my two-part interview with Lyndia Johnson. Her celebrated abilities as a vocal coach and in artist development are both highly respected in the music industry. Lyndia, also known in the Music Industry as “MzLyndia”, has built a relationship with the Recording Academy which has become a long-recognized and well-respected collaboration. She has also served on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and a vocal consultant and clinician for MusiCares and Grammys. She holds both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Voice and has been invited to serve as an Associate Professor of Practice in Pop Voice at the University of Southern California back in 2018. Proudly, she was the first African-American Professor of Voice engaged by the Thornton School of Music.

From Pop, K-pop, R&B, and Gospel to Musical Theater, MzLyndia's artists can be heard around the world. In this episode, she delves deeper into her work preparing world-acclaimed music artists not only for the recording studio but also has the privilege of sharing the strategies she uses for assisting and supporting these artists when they face vocal issues amid a major tour. MzLyndia emphasizes the importance of understanding the performance and venue demands of our working students to ensure that what you are teaching, pedagogically, is relevant on stage, in a live situation.

MzLyndia is an avid voice scientist, and she explains how this knowledge guides and informs her contemporary musical instructional style. She tells us that in a live concert, much of the vocal acoustics setup is configured in technology and can be dealt with by an audio engineer with the push of a button. MzLyinda explores the idea that, as singers, we are vocal athletes, and all athletes sustain injuries at some point. Therefore, it is time to stop shaming and improve the support systems for our singers.

There's so much more to unpack in this episode as MzLyndia shares her knowledge, philosophies, and lived experiences. Remember this is part two of a two-part interview, and part 1 is last week’s episode #138.

In this Episode
2:36-Introduction
6:32-Dealing with preconceived ideas and Limitations
18:19-Vocal health and rehabilitation for singers
22:02-Vocal Pathology Factors
32:14-Popular music in higher education
58:06-Embracing imperfections in singing and storytelling
1:02:21-Singing, anxiety, and personal growth

Find MzLyndia Online:Website: https://www.sterlingvoicecoaching.com/about
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndia.johnson.94/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mzlyndia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SterlingVoice
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lyndia-johnson-59504028

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/139.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are very honored to have Lyndia Johnson as our special guest on the show. This is part one of a two-part interview with Lyndia, who is known in the Music Industry as “MzLyndia.” MzLyndia is not your average singing teacher and vocal coach. From touring with major artists to collaborating with music producers, she has spotlighted the need for vocal artist development in the music industry for over 25 years. Her celebrated abilities as a vocal coach and in artist development are highly respected. She has served on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, as a vocal consultant and clinician for MusiCares, and was one of the original architects of the Grammy’s Vocal Camp. Her relationship with the Recording Academy has been a long-recognized and well-respected collaboration.

In this interview, we delve into Lyndia’s vocal journey as she shares with us that her career success as a well-established opera singer was based on a unique combination of years of operatic study and growing up being influenced by the voices of Aretha, Gladys, Etta James, and Mahalia Jackson. Lyndia later transitioned her career to become a highly sought-after vocal coach among Pop, R&B, Gospel, and Musical Theatre artists who desire to brand and transform their voices.

Lyndia also offers a service uniquely intended for Producers and Recording Artists. In the recording studio, Lyndia’s role as a vocal coach is not only to solve any vocal problems that occur in the recording session but to work alongside the record producer to help enhance the singer’s voice and to ensure the producer can capture the best tone/timbre and vocal delivery possible all while avoiding costly delays. According to Lyndia, this gives the producer the freedom to create a highly marketable and vocally attractive finished product that can then be sustainable for touring.

This is a most fascinating interview with Lyndia Johnson, one of the music industry’s most acclaimed vocal coaches. Remember this is part one of a two-part interview and part 2 will be released next week.

In this Episode
2:35 - Introduction
8:32 - MzLyndia's Journey
10:22 - Opera training and cultural identity
19:27 - MzLyndia reflects on losing her voice
23:06 - Learning Voice Science
28:49 - Music industry, voice coaching, and legacy
36:49 - Artist uniqueness in live performances vs. recordings
49:47 - Voice coaching and artist development

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/138.

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In this week’s episode, we are discussing people pleasing, a problem that most of us struggle with. A "people pleaser" can best be defined as someone having a strong desire to please other people even if pleasing others comes at their own expense. What most people do not realize is that when they are saying yes to someone else, sadly, there is a good chance they are saying no to themselves.

In this episode, I offer some tools to help create the self-awareness required to catch yourself out in those moments when you feel that pressure to please other people. These tools are designed to help you overcome that terrible pressure that starts to override your ability to put yourself first. I share ideas that will help you set healthy boundaries and prevent common issues that can be the consequence of people-pleasing. Such as having low self-esteem, constantly needing approval from others, learned helplessness, or the fear of rejection or criticized by others.

I intend to help you understand that it is possible to set healthy boundaries in any form of relationship, personal or professional, without guilt. You can interrupt this default behavior of being a people pleaser and create a different pattern of behavior that allows you to put your goals and needs first. You can change and start making conscious decisions in your day-to-day life that truly empower you. It is time for you to step out of the wings and take center stage in your life.

In this Episode

2:30 – Introduction
4:16 - What is a people pleaser?
6:51 - Negative impacts of being a people pleaser.
9:41 - Healthy balance and setting healthy boundaries.
18:26 - Dealing with the pain of discomfort.
21:40 - The price of being a people pleaser.
23:54 - People around you are not living the same kind of life as you do.
27:01 - Find your people!

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/137

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we have a most delightful conversation with our special guest — Link Forester. In this interview, Link shares his rare blend of humility, faith, and a good sense of humor, all of which have enabled him to grow and move through the trials of becoming a parent much earlier than planned, a risky career change, and the tragic death of his son. He is currently working in the financial services industry, leading a thriving financial planning and wealth management business.

During COVID, Link decided to write his autobiography called The Side Road, which takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and finding purpose amidst life's unexpected twists and turns. As a seasoned traveler and adventurer, he tells us that he draws from his own experiences navigating the ups and downs of life to offer practical insights and wisdom to his readers. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Link inspires us to embrace the unexpected detours and challenges life presents to find joy and meaning in the journey. He encourages us to step off the beaten path, explore new avenues and possibilities, and trust our inner compass to guide us toward our true purpose.

Whether you're at a crossroads in your life or simply seeking inspiration and guidance, Link offers a fresh perspective on the transformative power of embracing all that life has to offer. This is a beautiful and candid discussion with Link Forester as he takes us on a journey with his many personal experiences, stories, and reflections.

In this Episode
2:35 - Introduction
14:03 - Qualities for success
18:12 - Life's Curveball & How Link dealt with it
26:23 - Importance of humility, faith, and a good sense of humor
33:07 - For those people who haven't found their purpose in life
35:04 - Importance of having a small group of friends
41:47 - Was there any regrets?
50:01 - Link's book: The Side Road

Find Link OnlineWebsite: https://linkforesterauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/link.forester.1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesideroadbook/
His book: https://linkforesterauthor.com/the-book

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/136.

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Our special guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Danielle Soccio. She is a Melbourne-based singer, voice teacher, speaker, and creator of the Awaken Your Voice Program.

In this episode, Danielle began by telling us about her longstanding professional career as a touring, musical theatre, cabaret, and TV circuit performer and how she started to fall apart vocally amid her performance career. When this happened, she realized some essential technical elements were missing in her training and decided to immerse herself in the emerging voice science and various other modalities hailed as the holy grail of singing. However, it was after the grief and loss of her mum’s passing that Danielle discovered that all the technical training, she had received did not address the impact that this emotional trauma was having on her voice. Inspired by this, Danielle embarked on a new trajectory in her teaching and began to study and use a holistic approach to voice training, using embodiment modalities with great success.

Based on her personal and professional experiences, Danielle created a truly remarkable voice teaching program — Awaken Your Voice, that helps singers become confident, courageous, and impactful artists by tapping away at their emotional and physical roadblocks. This is a beautiful and philosophical interview with Danielle Soccio and one you will thoroughly enjoy listening to.

In this Episode

2:36 – Introduction
7:10 – How it all started for Danielle
13:15 – Something doesn’t feel right
18:28 – The impact of emotional trauma
35:19 – Applying the “woowoo” holistically
46:25 – Awaken Your Voice Program
48:22 – Creating that safe space in the studio

Find Danielle OnlineWebsite: https://www.daniellesoccio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.soccio.3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellesoccio_awakenyourvoice/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniellesoccioawakenyourvo6914

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/135.

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In this week’s episode, you and I are going to have a conversation about the one thing you need to do this week. And there's a reason why you and I are going to talk about this today, and it’s because I know you need to hear this. We are to discuss the importance of learning the art of doing nothing.

You probably think that I have gone mad because I am always talking about how to be more productive, but there is a method to my madness! I promise you! It is a message I need to hear and the message everybody needs to hear right now. Stress levels are so high because society has taught us that we need to be switched on always.

The theme of this episode is about cutting yourself a break and to breathe. We are always running from one thing to the next, and it’s time to find 30 minutes this week to switch off. I assure you that when you step back into being productive, creative, or being that person life demands you to show up as, and you will be even more remarkable. You will have more energy, be more creative, and have more focus and clarity. You will start to recognise the things that truly matter. So, I dare you to find 30 minutes this week where you do nothing. It is time to stop, do nothing, and take a breath of life.

In this Episode

1:10 – Introduction
6:49 – Doing nothing VS Always doing something
11:51 – Your Phone
13:21 – FakeAgram
15:47 – Living up to impossible standard
17:05 – You can say NO, you know
20:46 – Your energy and your time
23:42 – what does doing nothing look like for you

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/134

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Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Joshua DeTillio who is the chief administrative officer at Gulf Coast Medical Centre, as well as, an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. Based on his sixteen years of experience in healthcare and hospital administration, Joshua was inspired to design an essential how-to guide on building and maintaining your own wellness plan.

In this episode, Joshua speaks about the many reasons why he created his popular hospital-wide wellness program called Healthy You, Healthy Team, Healthy Company. He explains that nothing is more important to a company than its employees, and nothing is more important to the employees than their health. Joshua believes that a wellness plan can keep a work team happy, fit, and motivated while lowering business costs and increasing efficiency and all you need is a roadmap to success. Joshua firmly believes that business leaders must become role models for their employees and he offers employers a roadmap presented in eight stages, ranging from learning how to be an inspiration to incentivizing participation, and from using data to refining practices.

Joshua also discusses the current situation regarding increasing health costs and he tells us that it is 5% of the population who contribute to 90% of those rising costs. Joshua states that it is his mission to decrease health costs by improving the health of others.

This interview is full of wonderful advice, whether you wish to embark on your healthcare journey or want to improve on it, Joshua DeTillio gives us some simple, no-fuss steps to follow throughout our conversation in this show.

In this Episode1:15- Introduction
8:42- What defines good health for Joshua
9:45- Why does most people fail when it comes to health and longevity
15:40- What happens when people started eating healthier
17:14- Food is addictive too!
21:29- The Program: Healthy You, Healthy Team, Healthy Company
28:24- Dairy, the most challenging food
33:45- The benefit companies get from the program.

Find Joshua **Online

LinkedIn:** linkedin.com/in/joshua-detillio-376b1684

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-You-Team-Company-Organization/dp/1544510837

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/133.

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Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Dr. Jenevora Williams, who returns to the show to speak candidly about her teaching career, from her early teaching days and the journey that has led to where she is presently in her role as the Co-Founder of Vocal Health Education. She has earned the respect of our voice community as a leading exponent in the field of vocal health and singing teaching. After a successful career in Opera, she turned her attention to investigating healthy and efficient vocal function. The combination of academic study and practical experience has resulted in her unique perception of understanding the human voice.

In this interview, Jenevora shares her career journey, the many battles she provoked and endured along the way, and the harsh lessons learned both personally and professionally. This discussion is focused around the importance of collegiality, compassion, and understanding in our singing voice community and how leading in this way can have positive outcomes for our students.

Jenevora is an advocate for student-centred learning and the teacher training that she has co-created as part of Vocal Health Education endorses a person-centred philosophy. She explains the importance of this philosophy, the barriers she is trying to breakdown through this work, and how VHE has been developed for all teachers, irrespective of age, stage of development, or experience. This is a truly honest and rare look into her career and I appreciate her willingness to so openly share her stories and thoughts on the show. I felt honoured to hold space for this discussion with Dr. Jenevora Williams and I am sure you will love hearing her story.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
5:36 – Philosophy based on Person Centered interactions
25:57 – The people who chose to work with Dr. Jenevora
26:47 –Fear-based barrier or a defense
38:04 – How social media has exacerbated the problem of bias
53:57 – Vocal Health Education is coming to Australia
1:02:42 – Vocal Health First Aid training

Find Dr. Jenevora **Online

Websites:**https://jenevorawilliams.com/
https://www.vocalhealth.co.uk/
https://www.evolvingvoice.co.uk/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JenevoraWilliamsEvolvingVoice

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jwevolvingvoice/

Her Upcoming Event:www.vocalhealth.co.uk/australian-tour

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/132.

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Did you know that the desire to have more money and to eliminate debt, are both rated in the top ten list of personal goals people aspire for? If you find yourself constantly worrying about your financial situation and don’t know how to make a shift from being broke to having an abundant lifestyle, then today’s episode is for you. No one can deny there are many aspects around money that we can’t control that continue to put us under financial stress, such as increasing living costs triggered by an economic downturn. Unexpected expenses created by this downturn can definitely stand in the way of us achieving financial goals. However, many internal obstacles can also stand in the way of our financial success.

Despite all good intentions, many people fail to achieve financial freedom due to their limiting beliefs around money. These beliefs can be a result of growing up in a family where there was a terrible, negative narrative towards money and you have unknowingly developed a poverty mindset or you may simply disrespect money without realising it. Whatever it is that is causing you to have an unhealthy attitude towards money, we reveal how to recognize these limiting behaviours and how you can create a healthier money mindset.

Money can be a sensitive topic for many, but now is the perfect time to check in on your money mindset. Whether you want to generate more wealth in order for you to live a life of abundance or to serve your mission to improve the lives of others, this episode is dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals.

In this Episode

1:10 – Introduction
3:09 - What can prevent you from achieving your financial goals?
7:43 - Do you have a poverty mindset?
10:25 - The work starts with you!
13:08 - Money wasters disrespecting money
15:55 - You can be ethical and have good morals even if you have money.
22:47 - The importance of investing your money.
24:25 - Creativity also needs abundance to flourish.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/131

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we have the most delightful guest, Sloane. She is the Founder of Beyond The Edge Retreat – a transformative, peak experience for professional women. This was one of the most insightful interviews I have ever had with so many brilliant and life-changing pearls of wisdom being shared by Sloane. She begins by sharing her remarkable story of courage, vulnerability, and radical self-love.

Sloane explains her career journey that started as an extremely successful business attorney working for the fourth target law firm in the world and how she transitioned to becoming a renowned guide for women seeking to break free from hustle culture. Sloane realized that she was not living the life of deepest pleasure and fulfillment, and now, her life and work are all about tapping into the deepest parts of ourselves to create lasting success and happiness.

In this episode, Sloane shares many of her life’s philosophies on how we can all cultivate greater pleasure in every aspect of our lives, how we can tap into the life we truly want through science-based manifestation, the importance of living life in alignment with who we truly are, the greatest lies we tell ourselves and there is so much more. This episode is not only dedicated to empowering and uplifting women but also for all the men who wish to step into the greater version of themselves.

This is such a beautiful interview and I trust that you will love listening to Sloane as much as I did.

In this Episode
1:15 - Introduction
15:05 - The Definition of True Pleasure
33:35 - How to Manifestation
55:31 - Women's Biggest Struggle
49:48 - Intuition: Women's Superpower
52:00 - Women in the Male-dominant Field
57:19 - Women and Feeling
1:05:49 - Sloane's Advice for Women and Men

Find Sloane OnlineWebsite: https://www.therealsloane.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartandsloane/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandsloane/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sloane993/featured

See also her upcoming retreats:September 12 - A New Approach to Unlocking Your Desires & Attracting What You Want Workshop
Begins September 18 - Falling in Love with Yourself Course

For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/130.

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This episode of A Voice and Beyond is proudly sponsored by Vocal Health Education.

Dr. Jenevora Williams and Stephen King are the founders of Vocal Health Education, and they’re coming to Australia in January 2024. VHE has trained over 2000 people in a holistic approach to understanding people and their voices. Are you interested in the whole person and how a variety of factors will affect their health and well-being? Have you noticed how vocal health is related to overall health and well-being? Learn more at www.vocalhealth.co.uk/australian-tour

As many of you know, acoustics is not my thing. I make no secret of the fact that I don’t understand acoustics, how it is applied, or its relevance in the singing voice studio, especially as someone who is in the CCM sector. This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am thrilled to continue into part 2 of my two-part interview with Dr. Brian Gill, whose interdisciplinary journey has resulted in an approach to voice that aims to unite voice science with practical application more clearly.

In this discussion with Brian, my mission was to get him to do the hard sell. I asked Brian to explain why I should develop a deeper understanding of acoustics and convince me of its advantages. It led us to totally geeking out on all things singing voice pedagogy: from a philosophical standpoint and beyond. Topics of intense discussion included; what evidence-based and science-based really mean in terms of voice training, the current trends in voice teaching, weaponizing knowledge, the importance of meeting our students where they are at, a potential divide in the singing voice community, especially for the teacher in the private studio, the future of voice training and so much more.

If you want to know if I was persuaded to go and learn more about acoustics, you'll have to listen to the episode. It is full of so much information, but it is also full of so many laughs. I know you are going to enjoy listening to Dr. Brian Gill, and if you missed part 1, it was last week’s episode 128.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
5:33 – Evidence Based vs Science Based
16:04 – The value of a holist workshop
38:23 – Weaponized knowledge
46:53 – Master “Apprentice” Model vs “Master” Apprentice Model
59:16 – Philosophical side of Pedagogy
1:14:03 – What are you up to next?

Find Brian OnlineWebsite: https://gillmindfulvoicetraining.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gill_mindful_voice_training/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillmindfulvoicetraining/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/129

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Brian Gill. This is part 1 of a 2-part interview with Brian, a world-renowned educator, singer, voice researcher, and founder of Gill Mindful Voice Training. At present, he is a Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. In today’s show, he takes us on a journey throughout his 35-year performance career as a singer and bass player performing multi-genre: opera/classical, hard rock, heavy metal, funk, country, musical theater, Indian classical, and jazz.

He explains how he managed to successfully transition across this landscape of music styles and how that experience has given him a depth of understanding of the vocal parameters required to teach singers to be stylistically authentic across genres. Brian believes that as voice teachers, we must engage with any style we are going to teach and that in order to learn a style, one must be immersed in that music for a significant amount of time. Brian has dedicated his life to demystifying voice and tells us that one of the greatest misconceptions about the voice is with regards to the notion of support. Brian opens up about his mentors, his proud teacher moments, and so much more.

This is such an engaging interview with Dr. Brian Gill. And remember, this is only part 1 of my interview with him. Next week in part 2, we go in-depth in our discussion around all things pedagogy.

In this Episode

1:15 – Introduction
14:20 – Classical Training: A different beast!
20:30 – Advantage of experience in teaching
37:04 – The greatest myth about the voice
39:20 – The Invisible Instrument
54:05 – Nonlinear source filter interaction

Find Brian Online

Website: https://gillmindfulvoicetraining.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gill_mindful_voice_training/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillmindfulvoicetraining/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/128

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Today we’re going to talk about burnout, so I want to ask you – Are you feeling lethargic and struggling with productivity lately because mentally, you’ve been feeling absolutely exhausted even before you start to work each day? Well, if this sounds like you, it may well be that you are suffering from burnout. And yes, this is a real thing.

Right now, our society is experiencing an epidemic of burnout because there are so many people who are worrying about their families, their jobs, their livelihoods, the rising cost of their mortgages, how they are going to feed their children, while some are having to take care of aging parents also. This is causing us all to feel mentally and physically exhausted, sapping our motivation, and constantly feeling emotionally and mentally drained and overwhelmed. However, burnout is complex and usually not caused by just one thing. Some of these causes can be self-inflicted too. But the good news is that burnout doesn’t have to hang around in your life.

And in this episode, we are going to identify five steps that you can take to help you reclaim your physical and mental energy to put you back into an alert and action-oriented state.

In this Episode

1:10 – Introduction
7:51 – Number 1 high-quality brain fuel
16:47 – Number 2 decision fatigue
23:24 – Number 3 your email inbox
28:39 – Number 4 prioritize sleep
34:33 – Number 5 is exercise
37:23 – Burnout is a really complex thing

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/127

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome Dr. Veronica Anderson. As an intuitive guide and relationship coach, Dr. Veronica brings a unique blend of medical and spiritual expertise to her clients. She began her successful career as an eye surgeon after graduating from Princeton University and Rutgers Medical School. However, Dr. Veronica discovered that despite her success which offered her a lifestyle anyone envious of, she did not feel in alignment with her career and made a huge career shift. Today, she is a licensed physician, practicing psychic, and Kolbe Certified™ consultant with a diverse background as an integrative medicine physician. She is also the author of 4 best-selling books.

In today’s show, Dr. Veronica explains how she pivoted her career, and shares how she finds deep fulfillment in guiding individuals to overcome unique and complex issues through tools such as the Kolbe Assessment and Human Design. She helps high-achieving professionals cultivate successful careers, healthy habits, and relationships by teaching them how to be their authentic selves and appreciate their true identities.

On the show, Dr. Veronica gives me the results of my Kolbe Test and breaks down my unique strengths and characteristics and how they play out in the workplace and in day-to-day life. Dr. Veronica also explains how she became aware of her psychic and intuitive abilities and shares some of those unbelievable experiences with us. This is a must-listen interview with Dr. Veronica Anderson.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
13:05 – Every person has a soul journey
29-38 – What is Human design
32:39 – 5 types of human design
43:13 – When things aren’t working
49:23 – What is a quick start?

Find Dr. Veronica Online

Website: www.drveronica.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drveronica/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drveronicaanderson/
Books: https://drveronica.com/introduction/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/126

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome back to the show Kristin Roney and Mark Moliterno for part two of their two-part interview. Mark and Kristin are highly trained classical singers with very successful performance careers, and together they form YogaVoice®. It is a unique pedagogical program that combines several traditions of Yoga philosophy and practice with Systematic Voice Technique to develop authenticity and wellness in the art of singing and personal communication.

Kristin and Mark believe that the voice is an energetic instrument that manifests through a physical mechanism, and YogaVoice® is a gateway to functional efficiency in the voice, irrespective of style. Their approaches help singers access what is already there within them and their own voices. They explain that your body tells you the truth, and you just have to know what to listen for. In this episode, Mark and Kristin further describe the benefits of YogaVoice®, how this work and applied in the voice studio, their teaching philosophies of balancing science and yoga, and the importance of student learning and there is so much more.

Once again, this is such a brilliant interview with Kristin Roney and Mark Moliterno. I encourage all voice teachers to listen with a healthy balance of being receptive to learning about different modalities so that our students can benefit from our open-mindedness. I am sure you will love the information we have to offer in this episode, and remember this is part two of my interview with YogaVoice®, and you can find part one in last week’s episode no. 124.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
5:03 – How a session could look like
16:44 – Start with your own space first
28:34 – Teaching is being vulnerable
30:48 – Student-centric approach
39:39 – Their advice for the singing community

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/125

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As voice teachers it is important, we have a healthy balance of being open to different modalities that can help our students communicate who they truly are in the most authentic way possible. This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome Kristin Roney and Mark Moliterno, who formed YogaVoice® together. This is a two-part interview as there is so much to unpack around our discussion on YogaVoice®; a unique pedagogical program that combines several traditions of Yoga philosophy and practice with Systematic Voice Technique to develop authenticity and wellness in the art of singing and personal communication.

Both Mark and Kristin are accomplished classical singers with extremely successful performance careers and have studied vocal pedagogy in higher education. Mark studied with Richard Miller for many years and tells us that the work of Richard Miller is the backbone of YogaVoice® and what they do vocally in YogaVoice® is the gateway to functional efficiency in the voice, irrespective of style. It is not exclusive to classical singing. They believe that "the voice" is an energetic instrument that manifests through a physical mechanism, and YogaVoice® is a way to help singers access what is already there within them and within their own voices.

In this episode Mark and Kristin also dispel many of the myths around the practice of yoga, such as it being a spiritual practice, and they best describe yoga as a technology, which in their practice, is a gateway to ultimately elevate, empower, and free the voice. And for those who believe that one needs to be fit and flexible to undertake this program, Mark and Kristen tell us that they meet the individual needs of their clients with an ease, steadiness and comfort in their practice. Mark and Kristin explain the benefits of YogaVoice®, how this work is applied in the voice studio, the philosophies behind the program, and much much more.

This is such an enlightening interview with Kristin Roney and Mark Moliterno, and remember that this is only part one of a two-part interview with YogaVoice® with part two will be released next week.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
6:35 – How Mark and Kristin started
15:28 – Yoga’s impact on singing
34:04 – What makes YogaVoice Unique
21:33 – Scientific, Pedagogical, and Yoga
41:48 – The 7 Chakras

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/124

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Today, I talk about those aspects in your life that create a distorted lens and prevent you from finding the joy, contentment, and success you desire. It’s crazy how easily we can be seduced by those thoughts and beliefs that don’t serve us, especially around things such as inadequacy and lack. These stories we tell ourselves suggest that we are viewing our lives as incomplete, and we are constantly searching for that missing piece of the puzzle to complete us.

In this episode, I delve into what may be keeping you from feeling complete and how you can set yourself free from some of this internal dialogue and those external attachments that are distorting the lens through which you view your life. It is time to reclaim your thoughts and enable your empowering beliefs that are going to propel you forward. It is time to take off your distorted lens and live a life full of possibility, a life you truly deserve. You are worthy, always have been, and always will be.

In this Episode1:09 – Introduction
4:54 – Take charge and win back your life
8:44 – I'm always a work in progress
14:53 – It's not possible to please everybody
18:27 – Start valuing ourselves
25:54 – Set ourselves free

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/123

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This week on A Voice and Beyond we welcome Shirin Etessam, who is an entrepreneur, author, as well as, a transformational speaker. Shirin has built a massive reputation as a seasoned and highly successful media executive and has produced numerous films, original television series, and specials.

In this episode, Shirin begins by sharing her personal story about a pivotal event that upended her life in 2013 that led to a realization that everything in her life was internally broken, even though she had checked off all the external markers and accomplishments that had been set by others. Shirin explains that we are taught, at an early age, that to be worthy, to find true happiness, and to be “somebody,” you have to accomplish many things, but those accomplishments may not bring you true satisfaction and joy. Shirin describes the journey which inspired her to write her book FREE TO BE: A Six-Week Guide to Reclaiming Your Soul, released last June 20th. It guides the reader through her six-week program to rewrite their personal story.

The lessons found in the book are those that she has used with major corporate clients including Apple, ABC, BBC, Virgin, Intel, Facebook, and many more. This interview is peppered with moving personal stories, as well as, scientific-based studies to help us understand how we can move from a place of living to the expectations of others to living a more satisfying and fulfilling life on our own terms. This is a beautiful and candid interview with Shirin Etessam.

Find Shirin OnlineWebsite: https://www.shirinetessam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirinetessam/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shirinetessam
Book: FREE TO BE: A Six-Week Guide to Reclaiming Your Soul

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
5:54 – How she got started in the film industry
14:27 – The pressure to leave a mark
32:53 – Spiritual Health and Wellness
38:56 – Breaking down the book into 6 weeks
49:30 – When we are the most humble, we are most open
1:04:56 – Advice for people who are living a muted life

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/122

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Free to Be: A Six-Week Guide to Reclaiming Your Soul

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am so excited to announce that we have quite a treat for you as we replay a "tease" from three of my favourite guest interviews. This throwback episode is a masterclass to help raise awareness around how we, as voice teachers, can manage some of the most common issues relating to the care of our students when they are most in need.

I offer these to you as I believe that as a voice teaching community, it is important to keep an open mind to the various kinds of modalities that can be of assistance to a singer who may be suffering from a voice disorder or requires help to manage their anxiety, especially around stage performance.

Our return guests include Walt Fritz who was featured in Episode #75. Walt is a licensed physical therapist who has been teaching Myofascial Release continuing education since 1995. In 2020, Walt rebranded and launched Manual Therapies Seminars, a new training program where he continues to teach all types of therapists internationally.

Our second guest is Dr David Juncos, a clinical psychologist, performance coach, voice workshop lecturer, and co-author of the book ACT for Musicians, David is a "third wave" therapist, with additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, otherwise known as (ACT). David describes ACT as an evidence-based psychotherapy that aims to promote mindfulness and acceptance and he explains how he has been able to successfully treat performance anxiety in musicians, as well as singers, using this treatment approach. You can check out David's full interview in episode #55.

Our final guest is Lori Sonnenberg, our guest on episode #60. Lori is a Chicago-based Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Voice Specialist, and Singing Voice Specialist whose clients include professional performers, educators, and speakers. In her voice clinic, Lori works exclusively with voice and breathing disorders and specializes in muscle tension dysphonia-related disorders, recovery from voice injuries, professional voice care and support, post-operative voice recovery, and problematic technical voice issues for singers.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss out on as our brilliant lineup of guests offers their insights, approaches, and philosophies relating to the health and care of singers in the voice studio.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
5:32 – Walt Fritz
20:45 – Typical types of problems Walt works on
32:49 – Dr. David Juncos
37:52 – Third wave behavioral therapy
56:42 – Lori Sonnenberg
1:02:21 – Muscle tension dysphonia

Walt Fritz
WaltFritz.com
Facebook.com/walt.fritz/
waltfritzseminars.com/resource-page/

Dr. David Juncos
actformusicians.com
Facebook.com/dave.juncos
Researchgate.net/David-Juncos

Lori Sonnenberg
sonnenbergvoice.com
facebook.com/sonnenbergvoice
Instagram.com/sonnenbergvoice
Linkedin.com/in/lori-l-sonnenberg

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/121
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Tranquility has been described as the new modern-day luxury, and peace of mind is something that we can all gift ourselves. However, the problem is that most of us don’t know how!! In life, you cannot rely on the randomness of the world and the randomness of life to bring you joy. Every day you need to spend time planting the seeds of a healthy, positive mindset in the soil of the day ahead. You won’t feel positivity by accident. You need to set the intention and take those actions in your life. You need to activate a healthy and joyful mindset. Peace of mind can come at no cost, and you can achieve this state of tranquility by having a regime of taking your MEDS every day to help you maintain a positive mindset.

In this episode, I am going to prescribe the MEDS that will help make the shift you need for a more joyful and positive mindset. I promise you, you won’t have to visit the drugstore, you won’t be out of pocket, and there are no side effects, just the shift you need to experience the joy of life. Such experiences can have transformative effects on your quality of life so that in the moments that matter, you’re able to anchor down and go for it.

In this Episode

1:09 – Introduction
2:44 – Peace of mind by taking your MEDS
4:35 – M is for Meditation
9:41 – E is for Exercise
14:31 – D is for Diet
19:15 – S is for Sleep
24:38 – Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/120

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Our guest on A Voice and Beyond this week is JO BHAKDI, the founder and CEO of Serenity. Jo has a Master’s in Economics and has held numerous executive positions with a focus on business model innovation and technology.

However, the sudden passing of his mother through cancer, made him question the medical system and he was further inspired to found The Serenity system. Jo describes this system as the most advanced genomic and AI-driven preventative care system in the world. He tells us that Serenity has been created with a vision of extending the healthy human lifespan by a decade within a decade. He believes that early detection is key in many of our 21st-century illnesses and that preventive medicine can reduce our risk of early death very dramatically.

In March this year, Jo launched a new preventative healthcare platform called 20QUESTIONS.life, which is a first-of-its-kind platform. In today’s episode, Jo talks about the gaps in our current global healthcare system, the importance of preventative medicine and early detection, and how his healthcare platform can direct us to a healthier future.

This is a most fascinating and eye-opening interview with Jo Bhadki, one you don’t want to miss especially if you care about your health and longevity.

Find Jo Online

Jo's Websites: CHOOSESERENITY & 20QUESTIONS
Jo's Instagram
Jo's YouTube
Jo's LinkedIn

In this Episode

1:15 – Introduction
4:28 – How Serenity Came to be
15:22 - What is 20Questions?
29:36 – Standard of Care
32:09 – For people who can’t afford the system
34:42 - Ai in healthcare

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/119

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we have part 2 of a two-part episode with Dana Lentini, a noted pedagogue who is an expert in teaching the child singer. In today’s episode, Dana delves deeper into some of the methodologies she has developed for training young singers. Dana describes some of the pathways she has created to teach technique in its most simplest form for children, in order to give them a whole comprehensive experience in the singing lesson.

Dana debunks many of the myths surrounding teaching young children, such as, it is dangerous to teach children to sing, that it is not possible to teach them technique, and that children do not have the attention span to sit through a singing lesson. Dana explains that it is all good things in moderation for the child singer, especially when it comes to intensity and duration. Dana also shares some of her concerns around the master-apprentice model and tells us that it is important to be student-focused when we teach children. We must pace lessons for them so they stay engaged and have fun, even while they are still learning the fundamentals of singing.

Dana believes that if we are receptive to the idea of working with this age group, not only can it open our doors to a larger community of students, but it can be a most joyful and rewarding experience.

This episode is packed with so much valuable information, remember this is part 2 of my interview with Dana Lentini, and if you missed part 1, it was last week’s episode no 117.

Find Dana Online

Dana's Website
Dana's Facebook
Dana's Instagram
Dana's LinkedIn
Dana's Book

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
3:41 - Teaching fun little foundational techniques
9:00 - Dana's book and how it came to be
21:04 - Myth around teaching children voice lessons and technique
28:28 - How to deal with the children's parents
40:15 - Advice in wrapping up the episode

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/118

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we have part 1 of a two-part episode with Dana Lentini, who is a noted pedagogue and the author of Teaching the Child Singer: Pediatric Pedagogy for Ages 5-13. Dana is an expert in teaching methodologies for this age group, and her articles and podcasts have been distributed worldwide.

In this episode, Dana addresses many of the myths surrounding teaching young children and why there is such a resistance towards teaching pre-pubescent singers amongst many teachers. Dana firmly believes that there needs to be a mindset shift around teaching this age group, because if teachers do so, they will find there are many benefits, not only for children, but also their parents e.g., singing does not require the purchase of an expensive instrument but will still offer many musical benefits for the child. Everyone, irrespective of age can discover and celebrate their unique voice through singing, including children. Dana affirms that teaching children to sing can set them up for success while they go through the voice transition during puberty.

Dana also shares her ideas around the master-apprentice model and tells us that teaching children in the same way we were taught at a university, is not the way to teach this age group. We must pace lessons for children, so they stay engaged and have fun – even while they are still learning the fundamentals of singing. Dana describes some of the pathways she has created to teach technique in its most simplest form, in order to give a whole comprehensive experience in the singing lesson.

This episode is packed with so much valuable information, and remember it is only part 1 of my interview with Dana Lentini and part 2 will be released next week.

In this Episode1:15 – Introduction
5:51 – Singing as a child for Dana.
9:33 – How she started teaching children.
15:02 – Singing doesn't require the purchase of an expensive instrument.
28:11 – Benefits of group classes
34:49 – Impact of cultural traditions on children’s singing voice
41:47 – Born to sing kids

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/117

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This podcast episode is deeply personal to me but I just had to share it, because I am over the trap of dealing with a narcissistic. This is a personality disorder in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. A narcissist charges through life as though everything they embody, from their ideas, to their pursuits, to their problems, to their needs, is a way higher priority than yours. They love nothing more than bathing in themselves—their accolades, their dramas, their ideas and even their victimhood.

This kind of behaviour is so destructive, in fact for me, it was not only destroying me, but it has torn a family apart. In life, there comes a time when enough is enough, and you have to walk away because you are losing an ongoing pointless battle. This is such a toxic situation which can manifest and impact your mental well-being.

In this episode, it is my intention to share my own experiences around narcissism, and I am going to break down what a narcissist is, the typical traits of a narcissist, and how you can deal with a narcissist.

A little disclaimer though, I am not a mental health expert, and I am not here to give advice. I will just share some scenarios with you that may help you if you are dealing with this in your own life right now. Just know that it is not you. You could very well be dealing with a narcissist.

In this Episode1:09 - Introduction
7:28 - What is a narcissist?
11:51 - Living with a narcissist
18:14 - How to deal with a narcissist
21:57 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/116

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As someone from the creative and performing arts industry, I know that the business and side of what we do, is often the most challenging and most overlooked. Our finances are geared towards investing in professional development with a specific focus on improving our skillset and talent and there is little or no investment in building our understanding of how we can build a sustainable income in a creative industry.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am delighted to welcome MIRIAM SCHULMAN, who is an artist, author, and host of the podcast The Inspiration Place, which is listened to in more than 100 countries around the world and is currently in the top .5% of podcasts globally. Miriam is also the founder and creator of The Artists Incubator Coaching Program, a program where she has helped thousands of artists around the world develop their skill sets and learn how to generate six-figure incomes from their passion.

Recently, Miriam released her new book – ARTPRENEUR: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity (HarperCollins; Jan. 31, 2022). In this episode, Miriam discusses her brilliant book and some of her strategies and principles that have been proven to help creatives grow a thriving business, her practical tips on marketing, scaling, and pricing, offer guidance on how to develop the right mindset in business and why selling in alignment with your core values, creates more sales. So, if you are keen to improve your bottom line in your creative business or beyond, this interview with Miriam Schulman is not to be missed.

Find Miriam Online

Miriam's Website
Miriam's Facebook
Miriam's Instagram
Miriam's LinkedIn

In this Episode1:15 - Introduction
3:56 - Miriam’s story of becoming an entrepreneur
22:06 - Growing an online business
28:07 - Building an email list
32:47 - Miriam’s book ‘Artpreneur’
48:29 - Time spent learning new tactics
57:56 - Miriam’s one piece of advice

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/115

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This week on A Voice and Beyond we welcome the two brilliant voice teachers behind “The Mindfulness of Singing” – Dr Denise Bernardini and Toni Crowder. Between them, they have over fifty years of experience, teaching private voice lessons at a university level, as well as within their own private studios.

Dr Denise Bernardini is a sought-after clinician, teacher, presenter at many national and international voice conferences, and author. She holds a certification from the American Board of Neuro Linguistic Programming and has created her own coaching business helping all kinds of artists change their mindset, reach their goals and breakthrough their limiting beliefs.

Toni Crowder is a voice teacher, clinician and very talented singer song writer who has combined her training and background as a Music Educator, Music Therapist, certified YogaVoice® practitioner, and Yoga Alliance Registered yoga teacher to create an active and safe studio for her students.

In this week’s episode, they come together to talk about the various modalities they have studied, how they have combined and adapted these to create an innovative teaching program for singers and why they were inspired to write their number one bestselling book on Amazon, The Mindfulness of Singing; Creating a Harmonious Mind, Body, and Spirit™.

Toni and Denise share with us, that this book fulfils a dynamic niche in the explosive mindfulness market, and they speak about how a mindfulness practice can be applied in the teaching voice studio, the benefits of this practice for the student and the outstanding results they have achieved using a mindfulness practice with singers. There are many philosophical discussions had in this episode regarding vocal pedagogy and it is an episode you must be sure to listen to with Dr Denise Bernardini and Toni Crowder.

Visit www.mindfulnessofsinging.com to learn more.

In this Episode
1:15 - Introduction
6:32 - A little background on Denise
8:45 - A little background on Toni
21:27 - Filling the missing gap
33:20 - Creating a safe space
46:57 - Denise & Toni’s book ‘The Mindfulness of Singing: Creating a Harmonious Mind, Body, and Spirit’
59:43 - Who the book is for

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/114

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Are you someone who often has trouble with things like starting new projects, or making decisions? Do you believe that everything has to be perfect before you can share it with the world? Do you feel like you can never trip up? Perhaps you suffer from perfectionism, and this is a real thing, which is crippling for all those who experience it.

If you suffer with perfectionism, just know that it is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can drive you to do your best work and achieve great results, but on the other hand, it can be paralysing, leading to procrastination and anxiety. It can help you achieve your goals, but it can also interfere with your success. Therefore perfectionism is not always helpful and it can prevent you from taking risks and reaching your full potential in life.

In this episode, we discuss how perfectionism can become a problem, especially when we start to set impossible goals that are totally unattainable for ourselves. We help you deal with your expectations around perfectionism, and offer you three ways you can begin to let go of your perfectionism.

In this Episode1:09 - Introduction
7:42 - Perfectionism and control
11:43 - Just get started
16:20 - Unrealistic goals
20:05 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/113

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Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Patricia Crisafulli, who is an author, New York Times Bestselling Storyteller, communications consultant, and founder of FaithHopeandFiction.com. As a former journalist, Patricia has been published in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, as well as the Christian Science Monitor.

Patricia tells us that as a child, she had a terrible stutter and through writing she discovered her voice, as it gave her a means to authentically communicate what she needed to say. Her first published book Remembering Mother, Finding Myself: A Journey of Love and Self-Acceptance was featured in the national media, including Cosmopolitan magazine. In this book Patricia writes about the tragic loss of a mother being one of the most traumatic experiences of a woman's life.

Since then, Patricia has gone on to becoming an award-winning New York Times best-selling author of numerous fiction and non-fiction books. Patricia believes that fiction and non-fiction are the intersection between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Within each of her stories, she discovers pieces of herself and she finds safety and empowerment in that acquired knowledge. In her latest work, Secrets of Ohnita Harbor, Patricia explores the miracles and mysteries that occur in ordinary life. Her mission is to help people discover and embrace the story of their own lives and uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary. Patricia explains that in our lives, just like a mystery story, signs are like clues and if we follow the signs we will come to understand that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

Other topics Patricia speaks about are the importance of self-acceptance, our gut being the rudder that directs us to the truth in our lives, the empowerment and safety that comes from knowledge, and much, much more. This is a beautiful and empowering interview with Patricia Crisafulli.

In this Episode1:16 - Introducing Patricia Crisafulli
7:09 - What lead Patricia to writing
15:07 - Knowledge is power, but it’s also safety
41:30 - Being in flow and self-acceptance
47:45 - The problem with social media today
55:13 - Living life in the black vs the grey

Find Patricia Online

Patricia's Website
Patricia's Facebook

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/112

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Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond, is Megan Durham who currently serves on the voice faculty at the University of Louisville. Megan works as a Singing Voice Specialist, partnering with laryngologists (ENTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to habilitate singers, actors, and professional voice users who have experienced vocal injuries. Megan uses an integrative approach to vocal wellness that cultivates mind-body-voice awareness for maintaining authentic communication.

She explains that by cultivating mindfulness, self-inquiry, and an emphasis on observation rather than correction, this collaborative work provides an approach to voice care that empowers individuals to more clearly identify their voice and its innate creative agency. She uses several different modalities which includes yoga, to help establish composure in times of anxiety, depression and trauma, through breath, physical postures, mudra, and sound. Megan further explains her trauma informed approaches to teaching voice, what it means to be trauma informed, the impact of trauma on our singing bodies, how to create a feeling of safety for our students, and the ways in which we can successfully set boundaries within our teaching voice studios.

This a most fascinating, interesting and not be missed interview with Megan Durham.

In the Episode1:15 - Introduction
11:22 - Megan’s journey of self-discovery
16:52 - How yoga and pilates changed her voice
32:37 - What is involved with being a singing voice specialist
51:09 - What is trauma-informed
1:09:44 - The importance of self-care in creating safe spaces
1:18:03 - What Megan is working on next

Find Megan Online

Website
Instagram

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/111

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Over the past few months, many of my guests on the podcast have spoken about the importance of authenticity, and honouring our most authentic selves. It seems to be a hot topic that is constantly coming up in my interviews, whether I’m speaking with a singing voice teacher, a healthcare professional, a business coach or a relationship expert. They all stress how important it is to travel through life as our most authentic selves, and yet it’s something so many of us struggle with in life, myself included.

This struggle is real for many of us due to our lack of self-esteem, fear of judgment by others, or an overwhelming desire for others to accept us. Then, there are other factors such as past experiences, perhaps from our childhood, while we were growing up that have led us to shut down because we were shut down when we spoke our truth. This experience has taught us to mistakenly believe that it isn't safe to be genuine and authentic.

In today’s episode, I’m going to share with you my take on what is means to be authentic and unpack some basic reasons why you may be holding back on honouring your most authentic self. So if you’re not being true to yourself right now, your own personality, your core values, and your inner self, regardless of the pressure that you're under to act otherwise, then listen up! This episode is for you because we are going to share three basic ways you can step into your authenticity.

In this Episode1:09 - Introduction
7:04 - Learning to be authentic
13:55 - Stop comparing yourself to others
21:01 - Turn your focus inward
26:16 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/110

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This week’s guest is Humble the Poet.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am thrilled to introduce you to Humble The Poet, a Canadian-born rapper, spoken-word artist, poet, internationally bestselling author who began his career pathway as an elementary school teacher. Humble has since been featured on major media outlets all around the world and has a massive social media following with more than 2.6M followers on YouTube alone. Over the past few years, Humble has also had huge success with his first two book releases: UNLEARN & THINGS NOBODY CAN TEACH US, both of which have become international bestsellers. In this episode, we talk about his latest book release which is titled HOW TO BE LOVE(d): Simple Truths For Going Easier On Yourself, Embracing Imperfection & Loving Your Way To A Better Life . In his latest book, Humbles writes about many concepts and themes around love, a word that has been googled over 14 billion times.

Today, Humble explains what he believes is the true definition of love and adds that to discover true love, we must complete ourselves and strengthen our relationship with self, first and foremost before we open ourselves to discover love. Humble also shares his insights on the journey of love, things people do wrong in their pursuits for love, the biggest myths around love, and why we should not fall in love with potential. There are so many of his pearls of wisdom shared by Humble.

In this Episode1:14 - Introduction
7:46 - How Humble came into poetry
15:15 - Talking about Humble’s books
21:40 - Humble’s definition of love
38:57 - The influence on relationships by social media
43:31 - The role our parents play in our love story
51:26 - Is there such a thing as conditional love?
53:56 - Deal breakers in relationships
1:06:48 - Humble’s final words

Find Humble the Poet Online
New Book * Website * YouTube * Instagram*

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/109

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This week’s guest is Jess Baldwin.

This week on a Voice and Beyond, we welcome the multi-talented Jess Baldwin, who is a creativity and artist coach, contemporary voice specialist, indie soul singer-songwriter and producer, as well as the owner of True Colours Voice and Artist Coaching. Jess has also created Singing in Popular Musics, which is a centralised space where voice teachers and vocal coaches can learn from the great pioneers and experts in Popular Musics singing and pedagogy. Jess shares with us that she created this space to help other voice teachers expand their focus beyond vocal technique to a more complete picture of a popular musics’ singer’s needs by regularly providing carefully curated articles that keep up with the rapidly changing world of Popular Music.

In today’s episode, Jess talks about her own personal and professional journey throughout academia and how she transitioned from her formal classical voice training to performing, writing and producing across popular music styles. Jess explains how she developed her own pedagogical approaches across the broad range of popular musics’ styles, why she refers to CCM as Popular Musics, the importance of student led learning, and what it means to be authentic in performance. Part of our conversation was also about advocating for change in the field of CCM singing voice pedagogy in academia. There is so much more in this show as Jess and I really dig deeply in some of our discussions. This is a brilliant and candid interview with Jess Baldwin. One you don’t want to miss.

In this Episode1:15 - Introduction
8:02 - How Julia cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way” helped her discover her own voice.
18:08 - What is the purpose of academic music spaces?
31:29 - Where did you pick up your teaching approaches?
37:10 - What has inspired your teaching?
42:32 - Do music industry professionals and record labels use the term “popular music”?
55:56 - Singing in Popular Music and how it started.
1:02:07 - How can we be sure that our teaching approaches are student-led?
1:08:30 - What do you want your legacy to be?

Find Jess Online

www.truecolorsvoiceandartist.com
www.jessbaldwin.medium.com
wwww.singinginpopularmusics.com
www.jessbaldwin.com

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/108

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Do you feel stuck or in a rut? Instead of moving forward, it feels as though you are trapped in a pothole. You appear to be living what most would call the perfect life, but deep down, you still feel unfulfilled. You may have a good job, a great relationship, a beautiful family and amazing friends, but you feel stuck, and like something is missing in your life. You want to be doing more with your life and you want more for your life, but you can’t seem to get out of that funk. This is something we’re all challenged with at one time or another in our lives. We all go through those periods in our lives where we feel stuck or in a rut and we don’t know how to get out of that mindset and how to start taking action. If you’re running on autopilot or going through the motions, there are ways you can get unstuck.

In today’s episode, we are going to figure out why you may be feeling stuck and help you identify the root cause of your feelings. I will share some really basic ideas that can help you narrow down your strategies to regain your sense of purpose and create that forward momentum you need to start over again, feeling more motivated, productive, creative and inspired to get you going on those very things you have been putting off.

In this Episode1:11 - Introduction
5:40 - Setting yourself up
13:29 - People pleasers
19:59 - Overwhelm holding you back

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/107

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This week’s guest is Neil Cannon.

One area of self-care we can all do better at, whether we want to admit it or not, is nutrition. When it comes to nutrition, we're all too eager to ignore the evidence and yet nutrition is undeniably a major contributor to our quality of life, and longevity. If this is an area of your life you have been neglecting, you won’t want to miss this week’s episode of A Voice and Beyond with special guest Neil Cannon. Neil is one of the most insightful and thought-provoking guests I have ever had on the podcast and if he doesn’t inspire you to take a good look at your own lifestyle habits, I don’t know who will.

Neil is a nutrition & health professional, speaker, coach, podcast host and bestselling author of The Vitality Secret. In this interview, he shares with us that as he was growing up, he suffered from chronic illnesses and his battle with these health conditions inspired him on a journey of discovering the relationship between many common chronic illnesses and poor nutrition. Neil reveals that inflammation is the root cause of some of the most common chronic health challenges that exist today, such as diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, many common digestive challenges, arthritis, obesity, low testosterone, low energy, brain fog, migraines and many more. He believes that anyone can improve their health by combating chronic inflammation and he gives us examples of how to reverse engineer some of these conditions using a number of different approaches, covering the physical, mental and emotional pillars of healing. Neil also discusses some of the greatest misconceptions about health and wellness, the main environmental toxins in the 21st century, the impact of chronic stress on our bodies, how medicine and the health industry has become a modern business and so much more. You don’t want to miss out on this episode, especially if you or someone you know is suffering from a chronic health issue.

In this Episode1:15 - Introducing Neil Cannon
9:42 - Western Medicine
14:07 - What it means to be a health and vitality expert
18:39 - Diagnosing chronic illness and symptoms
36:56 - What is EMF and how does it affect you?
52:27 - Listening to your body
57:31 - What are toxins?

Find Niel Online

Neil's Website
Neil's Book
Instagram
YouTube

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/106

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This week’s guest is Jacob Starks.

What I love about the entertainment business is how everyone has a story to share and everyone’s journey is so unique. This week on A Voice and Beyond, we introduce you to Jacob Starks, who is a singer/ dancer currently performing in the cast of Aladdin on Broadway. I am so excited to introduce you to Jacob as I had the pleasure of meeting him for the time in 2018 on the cruise ship Celebrity Solstice, where he was performing as a production cast singer in his first contract for Celebrity. Last year, we caught up again in the Mediterranean on the ship Celebrity Beyond, where he told me that his dream was to go to New York and perform in a music theatre show on Broadway. Well, he has done it!!

Prior to working for Celebrity, Jacob was employed at Walt Disney World in The Festival of the Lion King, with FELD Entertainment; and Universal Studios Japan.

In this episode, Jacob shares his unique journey that has led him to landing his dream job. Despite not having had any formal voice training, dropping out of college and being fired by two different entertainment companies, he believes that these life events have led him to where he is now. Jacob also discusses the audition process that landed him his dream role, the busy rehearsal schedule, the expectations of production companies, his own experiences as someone belonging to a minority group and the general demands of being a performer on Broadway. Jacob Starks is one of my very favourite people and I am sure you are going to love him as well.

In this Episode1:27 - Introducing Jacob Starks
7:14 - Jacob’s training and growing up in Louisiana
17:20 - Do you feel like not having formal training held you back?
26:42 - Auditioning for a role at Disney World
35:35 - Finishing up with Celebrity and auditioning for Broadway
40:53 - Do you have to be part of a union?
42:40 - Is it who you know?
1:04:49 - Is covid still impacting the shows on Broadway?
1:14:16 - What’s next for Jacob?

Find Jacob Online

Jacob's Instagram
Performance Reel on YouTube
Jacob's Facebook

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/105

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Are you letting fear hold you back from the life you dream of or the person you dream of becoming? Life is so demanding of all of us, and there will be bad days and setbacks. It’s all about how we deal with it. One of the best ways to move through life is by letting go of fear. Don’t let your fear hold you back. This takes courage and once you embrace courage, it will lead you to believe in your abilities and allows you to see the world from a different perspective. Letting go of fear gives you the power to chase after things that are important to you. In this episode, we will help you change your perspective around fear from a negative perspective to a positive one.

It’s time to start celebrating the positives in your life and become your own cheerleader. Recognise the effort it took to overcome your fears and celebrate those wins you had to get to where you are at right now. As you begin to live more courageously in your life, know that your actions and outcomes will speak volumes. It’s time to keep pushing yourself to step outside of your comfort zone consistently. Don’t let fear hold you back. You only have one chance at this life. Without question, the life you want to live is worth the effort. You are worth it. Always have been and always will be.

In this Episode1:10 - Introduction to today’s episode
6:22 - Start by acknowledging your fears
10:47 - Own your fear
15:57 - Ask more for what you want
20:24 - Don’t let your fear hold you back

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/104

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This week on A Voice and Beyond we continue delving into the world of Popular Music education in academia, as we release part two of our two-part interview with our guest, Caleb James who is a Senior Lecturer in the Bachelor of Music at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University and is the Course Convenor of the Popular Music Program.

In Part 1, Caleb shared his career pathway from a highly successful career in the music industry as an award-winning touring performer, international songwriter and music producer, working at a high level with Record Labels, and Distribution Labels, and how he transitioned into an academic career in a supervisory role. In this episode, Caleb discusses how he has developed and continues updating the course content for the popular music program, which is growing in demand every year.

Although QCGU has adopted such an innovative popular music program, Caleb understands that not all academic institutions are so receptive or progressive when it comes to change. Caleb describes some of the roadblocks that teachers, educators and the institutions themselves may encounter while trying to update and create new curricula. He tells us quite candidly that when developing new academic music programs, it requires a commitment to controlled chaos. He believes that students who do arts’ degrees don’t want to go down traditional learning pathways and it takes steady calculated risks to create an environment where students are excited to be there to learn.

Remember this is Part 2 of a two-part interview with Caleb James and Part 1 of this interview, is episode number 102. Once again, I am really thrilled to be sharing another episode with Caleb, my boss from QCGU.

In this episode1:06 - Welcoming back Caleb James
4:24 - The origin of the popular music programme at QCGU
15:17 - The Popular Music Program today
23:20 - Writing 20 songs in 1 day
30:37 - What Caleb looks for during auditions
36:27 - Self Care
50:03 - Caleb’s one piece of advice

Find Caleb Online

Caleb's Website & Music
Caleb on Instagram
Caleb's Griffith Profile
Caleb on LinkedIn

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/103

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Over the past few weeks on A Voice and Beyond, we have been delving into the world of Popular Music education in academia and this week we will continue on with some of that discussion with our guest, Caleb James who is a Senior Lecturer in the Bachelor of Music Program at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University and Course Convenor of the Popular Music Program within that institution. For over 20 years, Caleb has facilitated hundreds of music projects nationally and internationally and has been involved at a high level with Record Labels, Distribution Labels, and Tours performing hundreds of shows in a range of successful bands all around Australia.

Caleb shares with us his career pathway from that highly successful career in the music industry as an award-winning international songwriter and music producer, and how he transitioned into an academic career in a supervisory role. Caleb is the course content creator in the Popular Music Program, and he has developed a program that is meeting the demands of today’s music students, current music markets and music consumers internationally. In this interview, you will be inspired by Caleb’s deep passion for songwriting, and his teaching philosophy which is to unlock that artistic passion within his students.

I might just add here that Caleb is my boss at QCGU and I am really thrilled to speak with him about our very exciting, unique, and innovative popular music program. One that we are all proud to be a part of. This is a not to be missed episode.

In this episode3:02 - Introducing Caleb James
5:30 - Caleb’s introduction to the music industry
19:41 - Songwriting and Touring
34:59 - Transitioning into a teaching role
46:07 - Developing a Popular Music Program

Find Caleb Online

Caleb's Website & Music
Caleb on Instagram
Caleb's Griffith Profile
Caleb on LinkedIn

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/102

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we continue with part two of our most informative interview with Matt Edwards and Jacqlyn Zito-Edwards. If you haven’t already listened to part 1, please go listen to episode #99 where we introduce our discussion into some of the important and crucial discoveries that Matt and Jacqulyn have made during their ongoing research into the roots of the academic bias against popular music education.

In today’s fascinating episode, Matt and Jacqlyn delve even further into the history of classism and racism that was evident in American society during the late 19th century and into most of the 20th century. Matt and Jacqlyn explain that the curricular recommendations of the National Association of Schools of Music are still built on those 19th and 20th-century beliefs, and these recommendations are now irrelevant and outdated. It is time to start thinking about the world we live in now, and the students we are serving now. They believe it is time to diversify and we, as teachers in the voice community, can make a difference and we can lead the charge toward initiating change, updating curricula and creating new pathways within academic systems. Matt and Jacqlyn affirm that we, the voice teaching community, are the ones who need to have open and welcoming conversations about the future of popular music education because academia is not set up to figure this out. There are many other great recommendations, important facts and brilliant pieces of advice shared within this episode around the teaching of popular music styles, or CCM as we know it. You do not want to miss it.

Please remember this is a two-part interview of our fascinating and most informative discussion with Matt Edwards and Jacqlyn Zito-Edwards and you can find part one in episode number 99.

In this Episode1:15 - Welcoming back Matt and Jacqlyn
13:18 - Students being told “they’ll be able to sing anything”
24:01 - Student centred learning
34:20 - The forums on social media
37:38 - Higher Education
42:30 - Listening to your students
48:43 - Teaching students the music they want to learn

Find Matt & Jackie Online

www.edwardsvoice.com
Matt's Book
www.ccminstitute.com

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/101

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This week, I am so proud and very excited to be launching our 100th episode of A Voice and Beyond.

Since releasing my first episode in March 2021, there have been a number of shifts in the show’s format, the show’s target audience, and the show’s content, but most importantly, the podcast has made a difference to many of the listeners who engage with the show every week. It has shifted lives from chaos to calm, from anxiety to peaceful bliss and from a negative mindset to a positive one.

The biggest shift that has happened to me personally, is that I have stepped into my own sense of “self.” It has truly been a reflective and empowering journey of self-discovery as host of this show. I have learned that I am enough and the greatest lesson I would like to share with you in our 100th episode is that you are enough, and the work we must do to empower ourselves in our lives starts with “self”.

In this week’s 100th episode, I would like to share my four greatest “self” lessons that I have learnt over the time producing A Voice and Beyond that have helped me step into my greatest self.

In this Episode1:10 - Introducing Episode 100
6:43 - #1 Self Love
13:24 - #2 Self Care
18:09 - #3 Self Reflection
22:50 - #4 Self Worth
27:03 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/100

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we have a very special episode lined up for you. This is part one of a two-part interview in which we welcome Matt Edwards and Jacqlyn Zito-Edwards, who have been working together and conducting ongoing research into the roots of academic bias against popular music.

Jacqlyn is an adjunct assistant professor of voice for the musical theatre program at Shenandoah Conservatory and serves on the faculty at the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute. Matt has been working at Shenandoah University since 2010 as an Associate Professor, within the Voice and Musical Theatre departments. He is also the Coordinator of Musical Theatre Voice and Artistic Director of CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute.

In this fascinating episode, Matt and Jacqlyn delve into the history of the classism and racism that was evident in American society during the late 19th century and into most of the 20th century. Matt and Jacqlyn explain that it is important to understand the history in order to unravel why the bias against popular music styles continues to perpetuate in higher education. Matt and Jacqlyn share with us that these biases have been handed down generationally, and contribute to the continued delay in expanding popular music education in higher education.

Matt and Jacqlyn are advocating for change in the status quo of music education programs and believe that as a voice community, it is time to create change in the cultural hierarchy in voice education. As they explain, it’s not a battlefield of pedagogical approaches, but of trying to gain a better understanding of the world we all work in now. This is a not to be missed interview with Matt and Jacqlyn.

Please remember this is part one of a two-part interview with Matt Edwards and Jacqlyn Zito-Edwards. Next week, we will be proudly celebrating our 100th episode release and part two of this interview will go live the week following our special 100th episode.

In this Episode1:16 - Introducing Matt and Jacqlyn
11:27 - Transitioning from classical to teaching CCM
26:34 - Bias in Popular music in High Education
29:00 - The inspiration behind their research
40:13 - Theodore Presser’s impact on music publishing
51:42 - Music enrolment is falling

Find Matt & Jackie Online

www.edwardsvoice.com
Matt's Book
www.ccminstitute.com

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/99

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are so honoured to have Tyran Parke as our special guest. Tyran is an award-winning singer, actor, director and recording artist. Since graduating from WAAPA in 1999, Tyran has played some of the truly great roles written for music theatre, all of which have received stellar reviews. He is currently the Head of Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), the Executive Producer of the Australian Musical Theatre Festival and the Artistic Director of Clovelly Fox Theatre Company.

In today’s episode, Tyran talks frankly about the Music Theatre industry from his own personal and professional perspective as someone who has performed, written, workshopped, directed, taught in the theatre industry and has creatively consulted all over Australia and in NZ for many years. It is a not to be missed episode, especially for anyone who is currently involved in the performing arts in a creative role, or is a student, an emerging performer, teacher, or who simply loves theatre.

Tyran Parke shares so many pearls of wisdom for all to learn from. So without further ado, let’s go to today’s episode.

In this Episode0:00 - Introducing Tyran Parke
15:18 - Finding the best idea in the room
21:23 - The greatest piece of advice he has ever been given
31:26 - Checking in with yourself and your biases
44:02 - What is the number one mistake people make in auditions?
50:13 - How the mega-musical has changed the sound of musical theatre.
1:02:30 - Why do we have sensitivity readers for productions?
1:12:23 - Advice for those who want to get into the performing arts industry.

Find Tyran online

www.tyranparke.com
Australian Musical Theatre Festival

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/98

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Are you living the best of who you think you are right now? Are you living your life to your full potential? In life, we won’t feel joy by accident, we won’t achieve successful outcomes by accident, and we won’t show up at our best by accident. We all need to set intentions for our lives.

In this episode, we discuss how we can cultivate a healthy and joyful mindset irrespective of what is happening around us by setting intentions for the life we want to live, and the person we want to become in the here and the now. An intention isn’t necessarily a goal or something that we measure, it’s simply a commitment to ourselves. It’s a promise we make to ourselves that aligns with our values. We encourage you to stop relying on the randomness of the world and the randomness of life to bring you what you so desire.

Now is the time to become very deliberate in your words and in your actions and begin setting daily intentions in order to cultivate the future of your dreams. Listen and connect to your internal guide. I promise you, you will begin to create more powerful moments, in more moments of your day.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/97

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Money can be a sensitive topic for many, but as we head into the new year, now is the perfect time to check in on your money mindset. Did you know that the desire to have more money and to eliminate debt, both rated in the top ten list of resolutions people aspire for each and every new year? Unfortunately, despite all good intentions, most people fail due to their limiting beliefs around money. If you find yourself constantly worrying about your financial situation, and you don’t know how to make a shift from being broke to an abundant lifestyle, then today’s episode is for you. Whatever it is that is causing you to have an unhealthy attitude towards money, we reveal how you can shift those limiting behaviours to create a healthier money mindset. Whether you want to generate more wealth in order for you to live a life of abundance or to serve your mission to improve the life of others, this episode is dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals in 2023.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/96

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So many of us set our goals for the new year ahead with all good intentions and then………procrastination sets in! How often do you begin an important task and then suddenly find yourself standing in front of the coffee machine five minutes later? You feel as though you are going nowhere fast in life because instead of moving forward toward your goals, it feels like you’re stagnating and could be doing more with your life. It could be that you are guilty of procrastination. This is the act of delaying or postponing an important task and what we end up doing is that we focus on less urgent, more enjoyable, and far easier activities instead.

In today’s episode, I will share some simple ideas that can help you manage your day, and have you feeling more motivated, productive, creative, and inspired to get you started on that very thing you have been putting off. You have one life and you have the potential for greatness. Let us help you beat procrastination today, so you can win back your life in 2023.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/95

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Are you someone who is constantly doubting themselves and you feel that your authentic self is not valuable enough? Do you compare yourself to others and feel like an imposter? Imposter syndrome is a real thing and it can affect anyone irrespective of background or skill level. To put it simply, imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling like a phony & feeling as though at any moment you’re going to be found out as a fraud.

Unfortunately, if this is you, you will never feel the satisfaction that comes from personal authenticity, and achieving the things that you aspire to.

In this episode, we want to inspire you to stop faking & stop conforming, especially as we near the end of the year. Now is the time for you to release your bottomless level of potential. You have the ability to live life on your own terms & add a level of value to the world that no one else can. It’s time for you to make the next phase of your life shine.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/94

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This week’s guest is Leah Canali, whose career journey has seen her achieve great success for over 20 years as a vocalist, songwriter, session singer, and commercial jingle composer. Leah is a multi-genre master with a voice that has been described as having a signature smoky soulful tone, with a healthy dose of coveted whistle tones.

Leah is known as the Queen who sings for Queens and in this episode, Leah shares her many career highlights which include becoming one of the go-to vocalists and songwriters for the RuPauls Drag Race franchise, having written, recorded and performed with many of the franchise’s stars. In 2021, Leah co-wrote, produced and sang on “The Taste” EP which debuted at #5 on the iTunes Pop Charts and featured the song “Come Through” which went viral on TikTok. Her many performance credits include The Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Pride Toronto, World Pride, World Fashion Week, as well as The Official Inaugural Party of Barack Obama. Leah gives us an insight into her career trajectory, her songwriting process, the skills that emerging artists need in order to have sustainable careers, how she manages her own vocal health during a busy working schedule, the importance of self-care for performing artists, issues around misogyny in the performing arts and so much more. This episode with Leah Canali is not to be missed.

Find Leah online

leahcanali.com
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube
BandCamp

In this episode04:40 — The Origin Story of Leah Canali
08:30 — Healthily Equipping Different Instruments
15:07 — The Genre That’s Connected to the Soul
16:51 — An Arrangement Towards Unexpected Things
20:07 — The Queen Who Sings for Queens
27:19 — BTS on the Queen’s Iconic and Memorable Songs
32:43 — What is the Credibility of an Artist?
36:17 — The Inaugural Party of Obama
38:56 — Making Performing a Steady Income
42:01 — Being a Woman in the Music Industry
44:50 — A Good Performance Reflects a Healthy Body
55:17 — Leah’s Achievements and Goals
59:23 — Best Piece of Advice to Emerging Artists

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/93

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Research shows that your genetics load the gun, but it is your lifestyle that pulls the trigger. Despite this being the case, so many people continue to self-sabotage their health and longevity and according to this week’s guest, Leah Coutts, if you don’t fully believe that you are worthy, you will self-sabotage your health and well-being, whether you want to or not. Today, we welcome Leah who is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Research Department at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, as well as a health and fitness coach, a bodybuilding and prep coach, a posing coach, a pro bodybuilder and owner of Soulfulveganfitness, a health and lifestyle business!

Leah shares her incredible journey into the health and lifestyle industry that began when she was misdiagnosed by her doctors as a child and was inspired even further when she was again facing another misdiagnosis as a teenager. Leah defied all the limitations that were placed upon her by the medical profession at the time with sheer determination. This led her to succeed in areas of her life that were deemed impossible.

Based on her own experiences with the medical profession, along with other life events, it has become Leah’s mission to empower others to make positive changes in their lives and to guide them to develop a mindset of not accepting other’s limitations. Leah is truly inspirational as she offers so many great pieces of advice in this episode.

Find Leah onlinewww.soulfulveganfitness.com – Health and Fitness Coaching
www.consciousphysiquecoaching.com – Bodybuilding and Competition Coaching
Instagram: @leahmarie_figurepro

In this episode05:09 — A Calling to Fitness and Academia
14:01 — Pushing Through What Genes Dictates
17:39 — Deconditioning the Preconditioned
22:50 — To Be Empowered Is to Be the Best Self
38:23 — Breaking Society’s Dictation Towards Body Image
40:16 — Listening to the Voice of the Mind and Body
49:07 — The Meaning Behind Soulful Vegan Fitness
54:02 — Catering Towards a Personalized Fitness
59:46 — History’s Narration That Needs To Be Fixed
01:02:17 — The Habit of Being Purposeful for the Morrow
01:07:11 — The Great Purpose of Leah

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/92

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This week on a Voice and Beyond, we welcome, Travis Sherwood, who holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. Travis currently serves as Assistant Professor of Voice and Vocal Area Coordinator on the faculty of San Diego State University, School of Music and Dance. Travis frequently lectures and presents on the subjects of artistic literacy, student-centred pedagogy, voice pedagogy, and vocal literature.

In this episode, Travis discusses his research into the traditions, evolution and limitations of the master-apprentice Model. Travis tells us that this learning environment establishes a clear hierarchy of power in the teacher-student relationship. He explains that the master-apprentice tradition is rooted in the experiences of the master, requiring students to value the teacher’s observations of their voice over their own. From an inferior position, students become dependent on their teachers, often ignoring their bodies in pursuit of the “correct” way to sing. Additionally, in this teacher-centred pedagogy, students frequently silence their artistic and technical instincts.

Travis warns us that by perpetuating this tradition, we are not creating safe spaces where students can be expressive, artistic and explore their voices autonomously. He states that there are still certain elements of this tradition permeating in our profession and as voice teachers we must check in on ourselves to ensure we are not perpetuating this teaching model. He suggests we can begin by questioning whether out teaching is grounded in a student-centred philosophy and that our teaching values and builds off the knowledge and experiences of our students. As a mentor and co-learner, we must listen to students with an empathetic ear, responding to their needs and encouraging their sense of individual agency. Travis believes that as we move into the future, the master-apprentice model can limit the possibility of evolution in the voice teaching field.

This is a most fascinating and informative interview with Travis Sherwood and one that will inspire many to reflect on their teaching practices.

https://travissherwoodbaritone.com/

In this episode:
06:11 — The Background of a Master
07:43 — Experience From a Student-Centered Teacher
11:08 — Master-Apprentice: The Status Quo
20:08 — The Effects of the Traditional Model
21:19 — Breaking Free From Dependency
23:33 — The Limited Perspective of the Overseer
29:22 — Teachers Being Life-Long Students
32:11 — Reverberating the Student’s Language
35:36 — The Things That Permeated From the Histories
37:54 — The Evolution of Teaching the Voice
40:38 — Balancing Act of Voice Science
44:17 — Harms of High Art and Lower Art Mentality
50:42 — Is It an Open or a Closed Repertoire?
01:01:05 — Be Student-Centered: Grounding the Pedagogy
01:03:54 — Travis’ Best Advice

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/91

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What is the status of your self-worth at present? How do you determine your self-worth? Many people base their value on things such as how many friends they have, their income, what car they drive, what neighbourhood they live in, the number of social media followers they have, and even their relationship status. All these are external factors and in this episode, we talk about how our worth is at the core of our very selves—our thoughts, our feelings, and our behaviours. These are all intimately tied to how we perceive our value as human beings, our internal sense of simply being good enough and worthy of love and belonging from others. If you are struggling with your self worth this episode is for you. Today’s show offers you three simple steps to help you increase your self worth.

In this episode
01:10 — What is Self-Worth?
06:18 — You Determine Your Self-Worth
07:57 — Challenge Your Inner Voice
08:30 — Self-Worth Rooting from Childhood Experiences
10:42 — Practicing Self-Compassion
11:37 — Joy and Sorrow
12:46 — Learning Self-Compassion
14:35 — Don’t Tear Others Down to Build Your Self-Worth Up
15:05 — Stop Gossiping Other People!
17:30 — When You Value Yourself, You Value Others
18:17 — Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/90

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Our guest in this week’s episode is Risa Groux, a functional nutritionist, certified autoimmune coach and author of the new book, FOODFRAME: Diet is a Four-Letter Word.

In her practice, Risa deals with a number of diseases which include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, digestion issues, thyroid problems, and hormone imbalances, just to name a few. She believes that education is key to improved health and the more educated we are about health and nutrition, the more improved life quality we can all lead. One of the problems we face is misconceptions about the various diets that are available and Risa tells us that not all diets will allow us to thrive. She believes that a one size fits all approach to nutrition doesn’t work and that people should be eating according to their current health status. Risa helps us break down the most popular mainstream diets, which include Paleo, Ketogenic, Autoimmune Protocol, Vegan, Low FODMAP and Low Lectin diets and shares with us those who would benefit from these various diets based on their health problems.

Risa states that our genetics load the gun when it comes to our health, but that it is our lifestyle that pulls the trigger and one example of this is the current health crisis facing our children who have a one in three chance of becoming a type two diabetic due to the overconsumption of sugar in that part of our population.

Risa offers many pearls of wisdom when it comes to some of the measures we can take to improve our overall health and well-being by not only minimising sugars, but also by alleviating bad oils, doing a simple detox, including a daily intake of vital supplements and the benefits of getting back to cooking at home and eating meals at the table as a family rather consuming fast foods. There is so much in this episode with Risa Groux you don’t want to miss.

Find Risa Online

Website
Facebook
Instagram

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/89

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Recently, I was invited to be a guest on a Facebook Live event with Anne Leatherland, who is a voice educator, business coach and the founder of Vocal Intuition based in the United Kingdom. During this interview, I was asked to speak about the process of researching and writing my book “Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles: A Pedagogical Framework”, as well as my own professional CCM journey which led me to an academic career path. In this episode, I decided to share this interview as I believe it is time for CCM to be respected and valued equally to classical music and no longer be treated as its poor relation, especially in academia.

This interview offers quite a rare insight into my 45 years of CCM industry experience, how I fell in love with this music as a young child, my award-winning career as a pop/rock vocalist, my serendipitous transition from performance career to teaching CCM styles, and my shock introduction into higher education as a mature aged post-graduate student. It was here that I realised that the music I had built a whole career upon, was not legitimised from an academic or pedagogical standpoint. This shock revelation launched my research into CCM singing voice pedagogy, write a book based on the results of that research and has inspired me to become an advocate for this music.

In this episode, I speak candidly about the status quo in higher education, and that it is time to listen to not only the needs of our students, but also the demands of music markets, music consumers, and music industry personnel as a voice community. I would love to hear from you if any parts of this interview resonated with you. A big thanks goes to Anne for having me as a guest and allowing me to speak on this topic.

In this episode06:05 — Marisa’s Humble Beginnings
11:57 — Was Classical Singing a Thing?
17:31 — An Advocate for the CCM Community
24:42 — Music’s Supply and Demand
29:05 — Authenticity: The Most Important Ingredient
32:48 — The Special CCM Pedagogy
35:48 — Not Just Knowledge. Set It Up Your Voice!
37:23 — Warming Up to a Different Language
39:26 — Dismantling Their Articulated Backgrounds

Find Vocal Intuition Online

Website
Instagram
Facebook

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/88

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How are you coping in your life at present? Are you constantly in a state of overwhelm and feel as though you have too much going on? You’re spending every day simply treading water and you feel that it's not possible to catch up. This is the time that it’s most important to reset and recalibrate in order to get back to neutral, so you can manage your day, your week and your life in general. But, how do we get back that vibrancy when we’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed? In this episode, I’m going to talk you through three behaviours that may be causing you to spiral out of control and offer you some coping mechanisms around those habits. If you’re ready to move from chaos to calm, overwhelm to transforming your life, listen up!

In this episode
01:09 — 3 Coping Strategies
06:08 — #1. Learn to Prioritize
07:19 — Take Control of Your Situation and Remain Positive
08:57 — Allow Yourself to Breathe
09:43 — #2. Distraction Detachment
11:59 — Focus On What You Are Doing
13:04 — Set Yourself Up for Success
14:04 — #3. Congruence
15:32 — Avoid spending time with negative people
16:20 — How Often Do You Make a Decision?
18:46 — Trust Your Intuition
19:34 — Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/87

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This week's guest is Joyce Anastasia.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, I share a most inspiring interview with our special guest, Joyce Anastasia. Joyce is a transformational leadership consultant, with over 20 years of experience in multidisciplinary psychology, creative arts, business and leadership. In this episode, Joyce discusses some of her other roles as an educator, writer and visionary activist with a lifelong passion to inspire new ways to lead by wisdom and congruence. Joyce travels internationally alongside contemporary Western businesses, and their leaders, Indigenous Cultures and their wisdom keepers working with them to bridge the gap between Western and Indigenous cultures, encouraging new ways to manifest the critical shifts needed to create a more thriving planet.

Recently, Joyce published her book Extraordinary Leadership During Extraordinary Times. The primary focus of this book is to motivate us to discover personal ways to positively impact who we are and transform the systems that define our world. Joyce also shares her views on the importance of exploring creativity, the positive impact of good teamwork skills in the workplace, how a harmonious home life can set you up for a more positive business life, and the implications of operating out of fear in our day-to-day lives. This is a truly fascinating and profound interview with Joyce Anastasia, one not to be missed.

Find Joyce online

Website
Book

In this episode05:19 — Where Did It All Begin?
11:21 — The Vision in the Playground
15:27 — Blessing or Curse
21:28 — Sharing the Gift to the World
26:27 — How Do Clients Reach You?
29:54 — The Process of Intuition
35:43 — Choosing to Transform Ourselves
40:19 — Triumph Over a World Full of Fear
46:37 — Steps Towards Global Transformation
51:39 — The Key Is Being Authentic
57:04 — Bridging the Gap Between Western and Indigenous
01:03:59 — The Seven Vital Keys
01:06:10 — Joyce’s Soul Print

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/86

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This week's guest is Cate Frazier-Neely.

Cate Frazier-Neely is a Singing Voice Specialist, a voice teacher with specialisation across many styles, a musician, an author, a visual artist and Somatic Educator. She is also involved in the Arts for Physical and Emotional Health. Cate candidly calls herself a traditionalist who is a rebel and in this episode, she reveals why. Cate explains that her own voice training was based on a traditional Western European Classical model, but has since stepped out to explore, perform and teach across other styles. Cate explains that as voice teachers, we need to step out of our own paradigms and we must continue to find opportunities to learn and adapt in our ever-evolving field. Cate also offers her views on different topics around singing voice pedagogy, the limitations of methodologies, the benefits of teachers having had a performance career and so much more. She shares many of her own personal and professional experiences within the singing voice industry, including those significant moments in time when she was silenced as a woman and as someone who trying to instigate change within the teaching community. There is so much to unpack in this interview with Cate Frazier-Neely and I am sure you’re going to enjoy listening and learning with Cate as much as I did.

https://www.Catefnstudios.com
https://www.instagram.com/catefnstudios/
https://singingthroughchange.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/singingthroughchange/

"Where to Learn from Me for Free in 2022"
https://www.catefnstudios.com/writings//better-answers-to-some-post-presentation-questions

In this episode05:57 — Humble Beginnings
10:31 — The New Thing in Music Education the You Never Knew
13:31 — What is Classical Singing?
20:37 — The Territories Where You Think You Should Teach
24:29 — The Stains of Superiority and the Wisdom From Age
29:37 — Lessons for the Big Wigs
35:54 — Knowing the Heart, Not Just Technique
41:54 — Inspirations of the Great Teachings
46:18 — Do You Have the Right Motive to Teach?
49:28 — Putting the Muzzle on You
56:18 — Making a Stand and Using Your Voice
01:02:14 — Perspective as a Singing Voice Specialist
01:04:16 —Kate’s Mission
01:06:55 — It’s Okay Not to Know Things

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/85

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If someone asked you to recall the last time you were kind to yourself, would you struggle to bring up that memory? What does it mean for you to be kind to yourself? Do you practise self-kindness? Perhaps you find the word “self” off-putting – it seems selfish or self-centred somehow. In this episode, we discuss the importance of being kind to ourselves first, because being kind to others must start with self. It is not selfish and the truth is, self-kindness is also an essential component of good mental health. Research shows that when we carry out an act of kindness, the brain releases serotonin, the feel-good hormone which has a calming effect and stimulates positive feelings in the body. Imagine what this can do for your life! Today’s episode offers three simple ways to treat yourself with kindness and how to incorporate acts of self-kindness into your life each and every day.

In this episode01:06 — What Does It Mean to Be Kind to Yourself?
03:29 — Love Yourself First
04:57 — 1. Stop Setting Unrealistic Expectations for Yourself in Any Given Situation
10:46 — 2. Self-Compassion
11:56 — What Is Self-Acceptance?
13:06 — Making Mistakes and Learning From It
15:31 — 3. Do Something That Brings You Joy Everyday
17:12 — Importance of Me Time
18:46 — Giving Yourself a “Break”
20:24 — Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/84

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This week's guest is David Sisco.

This week we have part two of our two-part brilliant interview with David Sisco, a New York based freelance voice teacher, and multi-hyphenate artist, whose work life also encompasses being a published author, performer, music director, and commissioned composer. In this episode, David delves deeper into many important topics relating to our singing voice community, as well as his own teaching philosophies.

David discusses his intention to create a safer space in his teaching studio, by holding space for his students to foster curiosity, joy, and passion and to learn to trust their individuality and not be in judgement of it. He believes that as voice teachers it is our job to invite the uncomfortable, and we must all learn to fail better and not be guided by our own limiting beliefs of what we think the voice can do and what the individual student is capable of. Our biases and our knowledge should not act as a barrier between ourselves and the student. David admits that he calls himself a voice teacher and is not a voice scientist and that is ok. He shares, that as voice teachers, we love our labels and that as a voice teaching community we must stop shaming one another, know our lane and come together to uplift each other.

As David says so beautifully, it is time to celebrate all styles of singing in performance and research. This is a most inspirational and honest interview with David Sisco that is not to be missed.

David's Links:

Website
Performing in Contemporary Musicals
Mastering College Musical Theatre Auditions
David's YouTube
Gualtieri & Sisco's YouTube
Soundcloud

In this episode03:33 — The True Master-Apprentice Model
06:22 — Essential Requirements in Creating Safe Spaces
08:21 — Own Kind of Pedagogy in Musical Theater
11:29 — Efficient and Sustainable Singing
18:05 — Finding Stewardship for Ourselves
22:16 — Establishing Teacher-Student Boundaries
23:12 — Unleash Your True Self, Unlock Your Potential
25:31 — Shifting Archetypal Essence
28:03 — Rising Above Imposter Syndrome
31:10 — Extended Safe Spaces for Both Students and Teachers
32:25 — What’s Next for David Sisco?
37:15 — Piece of Advice for the Singing Voice Community

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/83

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This week's guest is David Sisco.

This is part one of a two-part interview with David Sisco, a New York-based voice teacher, who regularly lectures nationally and internationally on all things relating to singing voice pedagogy. David describes himself as a multi-hyphenate artist whose life work centres around exploring music, drama, writing, and teaching, finding great inspiration and commonalities in each. During this interview, David speaks candidly about his own personal and professional journey, which led him to an enduring career in the performing arts. He discusses how he developed his teaching skills, and that he calls himself an equal opportunity borrower because his teaching approaches have come from a variety of different sources. David firmly believes that we, as voice teachers, must become life-long learners and we need to invest in ourselves, so we can invest in our students. Furthermore, David states that it is important to honour knowledge and that as a voice community, we must continue to learn and grow together.

During our conversation, David talked about his teaching philosophy and how can we hold safer spaces for our students where they can allow themselves to become more vulnerable and to tell their stories, with honesty and without judgement. David affirms that we should be encouraging our students to become more curious and explore the possibilities of their voices and allow for playfulness.

Finally, David speaks openly about his beliefs regarding the status quo of voice programs within higher education, where students are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a university degree. He discusses the importance of providing context in student learning and that we must help our students understand the industry in which they are pursuing a professional career.

Remember this is part one of a two-part interview with the brilliant David Sisco and part two will follow next week.

David's Links:

Website
Performing in Contemporary Musicals
Mastering College Musical Theatre Auditions
David's YouTube
Gualtieri & Sisco's YouTube
Soundcloud

In this episode08:15 — David’s Earliest Memory of Singing
16:22 — Effects of Self-Sabotage
18:30 — Mental Emotional Connection in Singing
19:31 — The Importance of Sharing Your Voice With Students.
21:12 — David’s Happiest Time as a Performer
23:15 — Looking After Yourself Before Others
25:04 — David’s Teaching Career
28:14 — Benefits of a Student-Centered Type of Learning
30:16 — “If You Are a Teacher, You Are Life Long Learner”
33:16 — The Science of Teaching vs. Intuition.
36:31 — The Science of Teaching
40:53 — Creating a Safe Space for Students
42:12 — Are Educational Institutions Equipping Students With the Skills They Need to Be Employable?
45:21 — “Performing a Contemporary Musicals” Book by David Sisco and Laura Josepher

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/82

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This week's guest is Valeria Gary.
Have you ever wondered about the impacts on phonation for those who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease (PD)? In this episode, we speak with Valeria Gary who is a Health Coach and a Speech Language pathologist working within the healthcare industry. In 2015, Valeria transitioned her career as an SLP, to providing therapy to patients with PD, and works as a volunteer for Parkinson’s Foundation in Georgia and as the owner of Total Body Cognition and Southeast Parkinson’s Speech Services.

Currently, there are approximately 10 million people worldwide suffering from PD and in our conversation, Valeria explains that PD is a neurodegenerative disease, which means that it impacts the brain and the patient gradually worsens over time. She tells us that at this time, there are no known causes or cures for PD, however, with the correct medications and support, patients can maintain a good quality of life.

PD not only impacts the body but Valeria talks about the many ways it can affect phonation, such as patients experiencing reduced volume, monotone pitch and breathiness or hoarseness in the voice. She stresses that early intervention is most beneficial for the patient and it is easier to maintain function than to regain some. Valeria describes the clinical work she does with her patients, demonstrates some of the vocal exercises she uses along with their desired outcomes and how we as a voice community can create inclusive spaces for PD patients to enjoy and reap the benefits of singing. This is an informative and important episode for all of us to learn more about this terrible disease.

In this episode04:06 — Valeria Gray’s Health Background
06:56 — Specializing in Parkinson’s Disease
08:56 — Michael J. Fox’s Impact on Parkinson’s Awareness
12:11 — Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
15:15 — Is Parkinson’s Disease Fatal?
17:47 — Deep Brain Stimulation’s Benefit
18:33 — Development of Speech Degeneration
21:33 — Valeria’s Treatment Plan for Patients
26:44 — Barriers of Speech Therapy
29:25 — Frequency of Treatment
31:20 — Youngest Parkinson’s Disease Patient
31:54 — Patients Experiencing Depression and Anxiety
33:13 — Singing and Parkinson’s
40:35 — Cure for Parkinson’s Disease
45:17 — Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
46:24 — SpeechVive Device

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/81

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How often do you start your day feeling tired, stressed and dreading having to turn up because you don’t feel ready to face the day? Do you find that you are feeling burnt out and maxed out even before you walk out the door in the mornings? Could it be that you are someone who is always looking after everyone else’s needs and you have been neglecting your own? If this is the case, as I’m sure it is for many of us especially those of us who are educators, the problem is that you can’t take care of anyone else’s needs, if you are not taking care of your own. Now is the time for you to release your bottomless level of potential, live life on your own terms & add a level of value to the world that no one else can. In this episode, we share three simple steps on how you can step up self-care, which simply means taking better care of yourself. So many of us are constantly neglecting this area of our lives. We feel guilty about putting ourselves and our needs above others, even though we must do this as a way to protect, preserve and respect ourselves. It is time to win back your life, upgrade your happiness, and feeling of aliveness and become more present, productive and energised.

03:22 — What Is Self-Care?
04:53 — Why Self-Care Is So Important?
08:05 — Physical Self-Care
09:08 — Having Proper Nutrition, Proper Sleep, and Great Physical Activity Is Essential When It Comes to Self-Care
10:58 — Mental Self-Care
12:13 — Becoming Your Number One Cheerleader
13:10 — Pay Attention to How You Talk to Yourself
14:32 — Emotional Self-Care
16:04 — Journaling as an Effective Form of Emotional Self-Care
18:53 — Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/80

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome back Duncan Rock, one of our all-time favourite guests, from episode number 29, to discuss the very important topic of nutrition. For those of you who haven’t been introduced to Duncan, he is a professional baritone who has had an enduring career touring internationally with numerous opera companies for many years. After a life-changing event, Duncan decided to transition into the health and well-being field and is now a qualified nutritionist with a specialisation in promoting good health for performing artists, a registered exercise professional, and a member of the Royal Society for Public Health. Whilst studying for his Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, Duncan quickly learned that the best way to positively improve our health and longevity is through proper nutrition. Every day, we are being bombarded with information through the media regarding what constitutes good nutrition, the latest fad diet that promises the holy grail for weight loss, and the list goes on. This can be very confusing and in this episode, Duncan helps us to better understand what proper nutrition means by doing some myth busting. He explains how an appropriate nutrition plan not only promotes a healthy lifestyle that can enrich our lives, but it is the best way to defy all-cause mortality. Duncan tells us that we are currently living in an obesogenic environment in the western world and that the impact of overnutrition in our society has surpassed the impact of malnutrition. In today’s show, he not only shares his knowledge and philosophies on nutrition but also gives us hints and tips on some of the most basic things we can do on a daily basis to improve our eating habits. This is a most insightful interview with Duncan Rock and is not to be missed, especially if you are looking to improve your overall health and well-being.

www.duncanrocknutrition.com
Instagram: @duncanrock_nutrition

In this episode07:09 — Transitioning to the Field of Diet and Nutrition
12:12 — Poor Eating Habits as Top 3 Cause of Cancers
16:10 — Is Vegan Diet the Worst Diet Style?
20:41 — What Constitutes a Bad Nutrition?
25:15 — Type of Foods That Are Addictive
28:31 — Foods That Trigger Depression and Panic Attacks
41:55 — Eating the Correct Quantity of Food
46:00 — Carbohydrates vs Calorie Intake
48:12 — Carbohydrates’ Role in Serotonin Production
49:16 — Benefits of Fasting
53:13 — Hunger and Mindset Behind
56:34 — Importance of Knowing Your Metabolic Rate
57:15 — Fact or Myth: Breakfast Is the Most Important Meal of the Day
1:00:58 — Top 5 Recommend Foods
1:03:09 — Worst Foods You Could Possibly Eat

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/79

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This week’s guests are Kayla Saunders & Dominique Petit Frere.

In July, A Voice and Beyond embarked on a “Beyond” adventure on a cruise ship sailing around the Mediterranean, but it wasn’t all play for me, as I had the pleasure of doing something that I hadn’t done before and that was to interview two guests simultaneously, in an in-person situation. Kayla Saunders and Dominque Petite Frere were two of the production cast singers performing onboard the ship, Celebrity Beyond, and they sat down and shared their own personal experiences as singers working within the cruising industry, in a tell-all interview. They explained the audition process, the gruelling rehearsal schedule, their work demands and performance expectations. We also discussed Kayla and Dom’s regime for maintaining good vocal health, but most importantly, how they take care of their physical, mental and emotional health and well-being while living in a pressure cooker environment, onboard a ship. Other important topics we delved into were how the cruising industry can provide support for its performers, for example, having a vocology team on standby to support vocalists’ healthcare needs, but also how the industry can further promote and create policy around inclusivity, belonging, equity and diversity. This is an eye-opening interview and I felt very privileged sitting in the company of both Kayla and Dom as they spoke so candidly about their personal experiences in an industry that can continue to improve support for its performers.

www.kaylasaunders.com
www.Domlepetitfrere.com

In this episode05:35 — Kayla’s Musical Influences
07:44 — Dom’s Formal Musical Education
14:11 — Transitioning to life onboard a Cruise Ship
23:10 — Appointing a Vocal Captain
26:52 — What Is a Black Track?
31:10 — Impact of Manipulating the Voice
40:58 — Celebrity Beyond
54:21 — Responsibilities of a Vocal Captain
57:43 — Vocal Warmup Exercises
1:01:04 — Taking Care of Their Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health on the Ship
1:07:17 — Typical Production Show’s Schedule
1:13:58 — Things the Company Can Do Better for Artists
1:19:57 — Is There a Gender Bias in Terms of Pay?
1:24:47 — Being Black in the Entertainment Industry in Terms of Inclusivity
1:33:30 — Advice for Other Performers Coming to the Ship
1:36:39 — Kayla & Dom’s Next Plans

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/78

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This week’s guest is Elisa Stancil Levine.

Elisa Stancil Levine is a world-class decorative artist and author of the book ‘This or Something Better’. Elisa describes herself as a writer, a maker, a nature lover, as well as, a little woo woo. In this week’s episode, Elisa shares her most inspiring life story, describing how she overcame adversity and the terrible trauma she faced from a young age, to how she became a very highly successful businesswoman, and the founder of Stancil Studios, an award-winning nationwide company. Elisa tells us that she was silenced as a very young child, and lived under a shadow of shame when she suffered the trauma of physical abuse from her grandmother and unthinkable sexual abuse at the hands of her step-grandfather. However, it was during this time she found peace in nature and began a beautiful relationship and trust for her outdoor surroundings. As a teenager, Elisa faced further trauma when her son was stillborn, and she felt she did not have a voice, but once again she found strength in nature and discovered that as a woman, she was resilient and could achieve success and greatness. Elisa believes that we all can harness nature as our greatest guide to living our most joyful and fulfilling life, just as she did, especially in the moments when she was silenced. Elisa shares many wonderful stories and the lessons that she has learned through the journey of her most incredible life. This is an awe-inspiring episode with Elisa Stancil Levine.

In this episode
06:06 — From State Park to Outdoor Theater
12:34 — Elisa’s First Realization of Wanting to Have a Voice
18:20 — Elisa’s Trauma With Her Step Grandfather
21:28 — Shadow of Shame From Childhood Trauma
23:07 — The Famous Nun: Sister Mary Karina
24:12 — Beginning of a Huge Pivotal Point
26:04 — Misogyny in the 1960’s
29:44 — Another Crushing Time
30:50 — Dealing With Tremendous Loss
35:01 — How Elisa Spent a Year With Her Son
36:34 — How the Remodeling Business Began
41:08 — The Mindset of a Problem Solver
43:33 — Being Out in Nature
46:53 — Influence of Nature
46:53 — One of the Most Rewarding Project of Stancil Studios
1:03:20 — Handling Fear and Healing From Past Trauma

Find Elisa Onlinehttps://elisastancillevine.com/
https://www.facebook.com/elisastancillevineauthor
https://www.instagram.com/elisastancillevine/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/77

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This week’s guest is Alfred Jackson.

Alfred is a pop and R&B recording artist from LA. Just recently, I had the great pleasure of meeting Alfred on a cruise ship, where he was a guest entertainer performing with the boyband, Uptown. I was captivated by Alfred’s talent, energy, charisma and charm on stage and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview him in person on the ship. This was a fascinating conversation with Alfred who shared his professional journey, throughout the entertainment industry, which began at the age of nine and has led him to numerous and a diversity of career highlights. Some of these include being cast in numerous musical theatre productions such as the Book of Mormon in Sydney Australia, directing West Side Story, touring in the Man in the Mirror across the US, entertaining at Universal Studios Japan and performing with numerous boy bands.

Alfred has also had a very successful recording career as a singer-songwriter being signed to numerous music labels. At the age of 14, he was signed to his first record deal and he talks about how he was mistreated and body shamed at such a vulnerable young age. He shares with us that it was his mother who kept him grounded in an industry that could have destroyed his life. Over the years, Alfred has released two original albums which have been inspired by his own life experiences. His latest body of work is titled, UGLY, in which he shares his deeply personal account of his life and the importance of legacy. Alfred also discusses how he takes care of his physical, mental and emotional health in an industry where self-care is. You are going to love this interview with Alfred Jackson as he shares his stories, experiences and advice for others wishing to pursue a career in the music industry.

In this episode
07:27 — Alfred’s Singing Journey
10:00 — Singing Influences during his Young Age
12:48 — Transitioning to a Professional Singing Career
14:26 — Having a ‘Momager’ and its Impact on His Career
22:44 — Belonging to a Boy Band Group
25:48 — Singing a Healthy C5 in Pure Belt
30:32 — Our Voice Tells Us Where to Listen
32:26 — Impact of Traveling
34:19 — Warm-up Rituals
41:35 — Learning to Support the Voice
42:17 — Getting Into Musical Shows
44:48 — Working in Universal Studios in Japan for 4 years
47:45 — What Do You Do for Self-Care?
50:08 — Was There Ever a Time in Your Career That You Didn’t Feel Enough?
54:40 — Alfred’s New Album “U.G.L.Y”
56:14 — Advice for up-and-coming Artists
57:13 — Piece of Advice for Singing Teachers

Find Alfred Online
Website: www.alfredjackson.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/alfred.jackson.7 Twitter: www.twitter.com/ajismusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/alfredjacksonmuzic

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/76

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This week’s guest is Walt Fritz.

As a voice teaching community, it is vital to keep an open mind to the various kinds of modalities that can be of assistance for a singer who may need help. This week’s guest is Walt Fritz, a licensed physical therapist who has taught Myofascial Release continuing education since 1995 and set up his training program, Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars™. In 2020, Walt rebranded his work and launched Manual Therapies Seminars, a new training program that he continues to teach all types of therapists including massage therapists, speech-language pathologists, voice professionals, physical therapists, and occupational therapists internationally. Walt also runs a closed physical therapy practice in New York where he treats select patients, including singers. He believes that singers are vocal athletes, and he realised the benefits of applying manual therapies to singers, a modality that was and still is typically thought to be applicable exclusively for traditional sports athletes. Walt describes his approach as creating a therapeutic relationship with his patients, where he asks them to collaborate in a constant back and forth, seeking to elevate and empower them to be a true partner in the process of evaluation and decision making. This is a truly informative interview with Walt as he also shares how issues regarding postural alignment can be overplayed, the importance of meeting and accepting patients where they are at, how we must allow a person to be heard, and listen to them without judgement and as practitioners, it’s not about the approaches we use, it’s about offering compassion and empathy. There is so much more. You are going to love listening to this episode with Walt Fritz.

Instagram: @waltfritzpt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walt.fritz/

Website: www.WaltFritz.com

In this episode04:50 - Walt’s Training Background
09:19 - What is Myofascial Release?
12:42 - Benefits of an Iterative Approach
15:28 - Deficit as a Blessing
17:58 - Athletes Within Artists
22:02 - The Aid Which Physical Therapy Gives to Singers
26:15 - Diagnostics Preview
31:07 - Priors: A Concept in Psychotherapy
34:05 - Emboldened Patients with Therapist’s Selflessness
38:27 - Reimagining Yourself to Embrace Changes
41:51 - Significance of Proper Posture
48:09 - The Method of Patient-Centered Care
51:12 - Ensuring Mutual Learning is Possible and Judgements are Mitigated
56:05 - Defining Touch Base Intervention
1:02:45 - Greatest Lesson Learned About the Voice
1:03:47 - Piece of Advice for the Singing Voice Community

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/75

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Is your life needing an injection of happiness and positivity? Maybe it’s time to give your attitude to life a spring clean? Perhaps your thoughts and behaviours need a massive sprucing up. You may be someone who blames life, blames others, your job, the pandemic, anything and everything, but have you ever considered that it could be you that’s the problem? Your lack of happiness could be a result of some negative behaviours and your current circumstance is a manifestation of these. You may not realise that your happiness and success in all parts of your life is your personal responsibility. It’s time to become accountable and stop blaming external situations or other people for your shortcomings or your lack of joy.

Not everything in life is in our control, but our actions are and positive action is necessary for a joyful and remarkable life. Today, I am going to share with you five unwanted behaviours that I believe have the potential to stifle your happiness and once these are banished from your life, you will be far better off. My hope is that by the end of this episode, you will be able to catch yourself next time you are about to fall into the trap of one of these five behaviours so you can start to experience the happiness and desire and truly deserve.

In this episode01:06 — Is Your Life Needing an Injection of Happiness and Positivity?
02:38 — Life Is Always Not Smooth Sailing
04:12 — Number 1: Stop Trying to Please Everybody
05:09 — Don’t Let Anyone Tell You What Is Realistic and Achievable or Not
07:23 — Number 2: Stop Talking Negatively About Yourself
09:03 — Out Thoughts Are Not Always the Truth
10:45 — Number 3: Stop Gossiping About Others
13:24 — Become Cheerleaders and Not Haters
14:40 — Number 4: Stop Holding On to the Past
15:45 — See How Far You’ve Come in the Present
18:01 — Number 5: Stop Stressing About the Future
21:04 — Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/74

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Listen now on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alika-hope-and-change/id1504324652

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This week's guest is Shannon Coates.

This is part II of my interview with Dr Shannon Coates, who is an educator, international presenter on Voice Pedagogy, creator of The Vocal Instrument 101 Online Course and in more recent times creator of the VoicePed UnDegree. In this episode, we continue with Shannon’s candid interview as she delves deeper into some of her teaching philosophies, and her beliefs regarding the current state of academic systems that are presently not delivering the training required to equip CCM singers for a professional career. Some of the topics Shannon shares her views on include, how we as voice teachers must ensure that what we think and what we do aligns with our core values and that it is essential that we check in with our biases in order to create inclusive voice studios. Furthermore, Shannon explains that there is more than one way to achieve results, and as voice teachers, we must be open to the possibilities of what a voice can do and how the voice can work efficiently to create the tonal outcomes required by the singer. We must not get stuck in a binary system where something is either right or wrong because the voice is a complex system that is different from person to person. Shannon’s mission is to continue to make vocal pedagogy practical, applicable and accessible, for everyone, especially for those outside of academia. There is so much more in this is a brilliant interview with Dr Shannon Coates.

Online Course: https://drshannoncoates.com/the-vocal-instrument-101-online-course/

03:24 – Personal experience with being silenced
07:49 – Discussion Post
10:13 – Dr. Shannon’s Pet project
13:42 – Teaching different techniques
15:08 – Understanding the possibilities of what the Voice can do
18:44 – Treating Voice as a complex instrument
21:04 – Understanding Formants in voice
26:32 – Things missing in terms of Singer’s Higher Education Training
31:09 – The Academic system’s promise
33:34 – Is CCM teachable in the academic system?
35:52 – Finding your authentic sound
40:38 – The Voiceped Undegree program
42:41 – What’s next for Dr. Shannon?
46:42 – Thoughts on Methodologies
51:52 – One piece of advice for the singing voice community

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/73

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This week’s guest is Shannon Coates.

This is part I of my interview with Dr Shannon Coates, who is an acclaimed voice teacher, international presenter and creator of The Vocal Instrument 101 Online Course. This is a candid interview with Shannon as she begins by sharing her earliest memories of how she discovered the joy of singing as part of a musical family and the journey that led her to a highly successful teaching career. Shannon tells us that she began her teaching career, as an independent studio voice teacher where she worked with a broad range of students. Shannon explains that her own professional and teaching experiences, inspired her to create training programs and resources for teachers outside of academia to equip them with the skills and knowledge that are most useful for them. Shannon had discovered that all the classical tuition received did not give her the tools she needed for contemporary singing. The other realisation for Shannon was that the majority of voice pedagogy classes were being taught by classical voice teachers who had never owned or operated an independent voice studio themselves. Furthermore, she believed that independent studio teachers, were unable to access the training they required without sacrificing time away from the studios, and losing income. In this episode Shannon also shares with us the qualities that she believes that a good teacher should possess, the core components of her training programs and how these are relevant and beneficial to the teaching voice community. Remember this is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Dr Shannon Coates and part 2 will be released next week.

Online Course: https://drshannoncoates.com/the-vocal-instrument-101-online-course/

In this episode

04:00 – Getting to know Dr. Shannon Coates
07:15 – Earliest memories of singing
12:12 – Musical education history
14:12 – Dr. Shannon’s work experience
15:42 – Being a Worship Leader
17:36 – Say ‘Yes’ and figure it out
19:48 – Choosing not to teach
20:46 – First teaching gig
23:09 – Obtaining a Classical Voice Degree
25:31 – Transitioning from Traditional to Online voice lessons
28:48 – Creating resources and working with Voice Teachers
30:39 – The Vocal Instrument 101
40:55 – Finding independent studio teachers
45:27 – Important things a Voice Teacher should know

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/72

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Anita Chat
Anita Chat is the podcast for growth-oriented goal-getter women looking to level up!
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How often do you start your day feeling tired, and you find that you’re stressed out, burnt out and maxed out even before your work day has commenced? We all want to feel more alive, full of joy and energized, but some of us don’t know how to make this happen. If you’re lacking the mental focus and the energy you need to deliver the best of yourself, you can begin by customising and carving out a morning routine that will help you set the tone for your whole day. In today’s show, I am going to share some ideas on how you can win back your life, upgrade your happiness, and be more present, more productive and have the energy you need, just by making some changes to your mornings. Don’t waste the opportunity to live your best life. It’s time now to realign with your passion and purpose. Make that choice, to create change and I promise you that by setting up a three step morning routine that works for you, it is possible to live the life you dare to dream of.

In this episode01:10 – Making changes to your morning routine
03:57 – Align yourself with Purpose and Passion
05:22 – The 5AM Club
09:26 – Step 1: The First 20 Minutes is to exercise or just move
10:58 – Gentle reminder for singers
12:27 – Step 2: Meditation
14:53 – Mental Fatigue and Lack of Mental Focus
15:46 – Step 3: Journaling or Personal Development
17:30 – Find things that will bring you joy
18:32 – Personal Development
19:29 – Conclusion
20:57 – Learn the simple discipline of mourning routine

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/71

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This week’s guest is Serena Sterling.

When someone feels as though they are being silenced, this can have tremendous physical, and psychological consequences for that person as they feel ignored or not heard. This week’s guest is Serena Sterling, who is a certified Life Coach and author of the book ‘Pain: A Love Story'. In this episode, Serena shares her story regarding the chronic physical and emotional pain that she endured as a result of feeling ignored at various times in her life. Serena tells us that in her childhood, she began to complain about “imaginary” pain to gain attention from her family, and after months of pretence, this eventually manifested into Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a condition she still has today. While working as an international journalist, Serena was based in New York's financial district during the September 11 attacks. As a result of the trauma she experienced during those attacks, she was later diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was told by her doctor that there was no cure. Serena’s life began to spiral as she started snorting cocaine in her kitchen to help her cope and hold down her job. Not wanting to accept this as a lifetime fate, she discovered mind-body healing techniques that transformed her mental, emotional, and physical health. Witnessing what seemed like a miraculous transformation, Serena decided she needed to share this with the world. She later received a master’s and a doctorate in clinical psychology in order to bridge the gap between science and emotional health. Serena is committed to helping others with physical and emotional pain feel better fast with various modalities that have been proven to cure chronic pain. This is a candid interview with Serena as she not only shares some of the darkest moments in her life but also offers advice to those who feel as though they are being silenced as well as how we can all listen better.

In this episode05:08 – Donna’s Childhood
07:56 – Seeking Attention from Parents
09:09 – Psychosomatic Disorder
10:03 – Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
15:20 – Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
17:16 – Depression + PTSD
19:10 – Cocaine helping her Chronic Fatigue
23:20 – Victim Mentality
26:29 – Body Mind Healing Techniques
28:25 – Communicating with the body
32:40 – Diagnosing patients through Kinesiology
40:19 – Message behind the book “Pain, A Love Story”
46:18 – Advice to someone experiencing pain
50:37 – Best way to help someone in pain
51:36 – What's the greatest lesson you've learned about yourself?

https://www.drserenasterling.com/

Instagram: @drserenasterling

Book, Pain: A Love Story

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/70

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This week’s guest is Donna Cameron.

As a result of Covid 19, it’s undeniable that over the past couple of years, almost all of us have been impacted in some way by the pandemic and have experienced a form of grief or loss. This week, we welcome back to the show, Donna Cameron who is a qualified psychologist with over 20 years of experience in private practice and in this episode Donna discusses both these very topics. Donna shares with us how loss has been felt globally and some continue to grieve the loss of their jobs, their businesses or their incomes, while others, including children, have been affected by the loss of social connection with their friends, and family during those times of isolation. Sadly and so tragically many have experienced the loss of a loved one. Irrespective of the loss, everyone’s journey and experiences throughout this time have been different, and for many, they are unsure of how to overcome grief and adversity. Donna helps us understand what grief is, as well as how it impacts us physically and emotionally and she also breaks down the five stages of the grieving process. Donna offers advice on coping mechanisms that will allow us to process grief in a more positive manner and shares with us what to say to someone who is in the midst of the grief, without minimising their emotions. This is such an extremely timely episode as we return to day-to-day life in our new normal. There are there so many brilliant pieces of advice offered by Donna. So whether you or someone you know is grieving or dealing with loss, this is a not to be missed interview with Donna Cameron.

In this episode05:42 – Loss and Grief experience
11:31 – Different types of Grief and Loss
14:35 – What is Grief?
16:25 – Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Grief
17:38 – Heartbreak
20:17 – Redirecting Anger to Something else
24:57 – Acceptance
28:10 – Grieving Death vs Grieving through breakup
30:57 – Best Way to Heal
36:16 – Routines and Patterns
40:33 – Right and Worst things to say to someone grieving
45:00 – Grieving: Men vs Women
50:44 – Explaining Loss and Death to children
56:27 – The best piece of advice for a person dealing with their own grief

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/69

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No Need to Explain with the Mental Health Mamas
Parenting is hard. When you have a child who doesn’t fit neatly into a box, it can be...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

How to Live Your Best Life Now! Listen to the Good Life Project Podcast.
Insights, ideas & stories from leading voices and experts that help you live a good life.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Hosted by Ariel Richard - Listen now on your preferred podcast platform.

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Do you have some kind of limiting behaviour or habit that is holding you back and it’s preventing you from moving forward in your life? There’s no denying that we all are, indeed, creatures of habit. Our minds and bodies are dependent on stimulants, actions and patterns that come to define who we are. Usually, these habits are sneaky behaviours that develop subconsciously and quietly creep up on us. So whether it’s trying to quit smoking, cutting out junk food, or having that glass of wine, habits can be hard to control, but even harder to break. Every action comes from an original thought pattern. Therefore, if you really want to break old habits, create new ones, and have a total lifestyle transformation, you will need to change more than just your habits. It will require a shift in mindset and in this episode, we’re going to share how you can work towards creating that shift in 66 days. It’s been scientifically proven that we need to make a commitment for 66 days toward habit installation and in today’s show, we discuss ways to remove that habit and create a new default behaviour. These ideas may seem very simple, but are truly very powerful, and can apply to most kinds of habits. As humans, we have the ability to adapt and take a habit out of our lives, and it’s time to learn how you can rewire your brain, install a new habit and it get into a CAN DO attitude in 66 days.

In this episode01:10 – Do you have a limiting behaviour?
02:09 – Habit vs Routine
05:50 – What is a Habit?
06:18 – Routine Triggers
09:16 – Be Obnoxious (Days 1 – 22)
10:04 – Share with others
11:28 – Self-Analysis (Day 22 – 44)
13:15 – Become the person of your dreams
15:07 – Find the Light (Day 44 – 66)
16:04 – Shifting your mindset
17:50 – Own your experiences

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/68

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Listen to Take on Board Podcast hosted by Helga Svendsen.
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/take-on-board/id1470154064

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This week’s guest is Jeannette LoVetri.

In today’s episode, I am delighted to share part two of my conversation with our guest, Jeannette LoVetri who is one of the most recognized and highly acclaimed voice teachers from around the world. We learn more about Jeanie and the journey she embarked on as a voice teacher, the sacrifices she had to endure to create change and the reaction she received from the greater voice community when she coined the term Contemporary Commercial Music in 2000. Jeanie tells us that until that time, all music outside of classical music was deemed low art and she explains that she had to be intentional and very strategic to gain the respect of her classical colleagues.

During our chat, Jeanie further describes Somatic Voicework™, her trademarked method, which she developed to be applicable in a very practical way, and was the result of her 40 years of studying the voice as well as her own professional experiences. She tells is that it was her vision to create a training program that was inclusive and welcoming and where the learning was conducted in a kind and sharing environment.

Jeanie shares so many pearls of wisdom, such as, what qualities she believes are essential for a good singing teacher to possess, the influence of voice science in singing voice pedagogy, her personal self-care regime, her legacy and so much more. Jeanie was so generous with her time and you are going to love getting up close and personal with Jeannette LoVetri.

link to the summer Institute: https://bwcommunityarts.bw.edu/teacher-education/lovetri-institute/

Link to the free webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rf-mqqT4rGtH5shlPPzKlFluKmcdfzATZ

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/66

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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This week’s guest is Jeannette LoVetri.

Jeannette LoVetri is one of the most recognized and highly acclaimed voice teachers around the world. This is part one of a two-part interview round with Jeanie. In this episode, we have the honour of learning more about Jeanie and the journey which led her to a remarkable performance and teaching career, but most importantly, what inspired her to create the term Contemporary Commercial Music in 2000. CCM as we know it is now widely used in academia, science and research. Jeanie talks about those who inspired and influenced her learning of all things connected with the singing voice, and how she constructed her pedagogical approaches, which ultimately led her to develop, Somatic Voicework™, Jeanie’s trademarked method which she created in 2002, and is now taught at Baldwin Wallace University every summer.

Jeannette is a trailblazer and continues to work hard to instigate changes in the way CCM is perceived within the singing voice community and what I learned is that Jeanie’s success, has come about from her remarkable resilience, and curiosity for learning and sheer tenacity. I absolutely loved hanging out with Jeanie as she shared her stories, her struggles and her triumphs. I’m sure you are going to love listening to this episode and don’t forget this is part one of my interview with Jeanie and in next week’s episode, we will release part II.

In this episode
03:32 — Introducing Jeannette LoVetri
10:33 — Growing up in a musical family
14:11 — Getting into Manhattan School of Music
19:00 — Exposure to Broadway professionals
21:09 — Classical Training experience
24:13 — Realizing her voice didn't fit the mould
26:21 — The Voice Foundation at Juilliard School
29:16 — Attending the symposium for 10 years
33:44 — Writing a Complaint Letter to the Voice Foundation
34:55 — Doing research with Dr. Silver
43:05 — Putting electrodes and experimenting with her vocal cords
46:16 — Officially introducing the term CCM in a forum in 2000
48:23 — What really is Contemporary Commercial Music?

link to the summer Institute: https://bwcommunityarts.bw.edu/teacher-education/lovetri-institute/

Link to the free webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rf-mqqT4rGtH5shlPPzKlFluKmcdfzATZ

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/66

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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How many of us are always saying yes, even when we really want to say no? Are you constantly finding yourself in situations where you feel as though you're going against your values, and your own priorities simply to please others? If you are someone who puts aside the very things that you need in your life, for the sake of others, help is on its way. In this episode, we delve into why you have the irrepressible urge to be a people pleaser and how this can be detrimental to your life, your goals, your values as well as your energy levels. If you want more out of life and you are looking to achieve greater things, you must learn to say no now and get comfortable with the discomfort of saying no.

Today’s episode discusses ways in which you can make yourself the priority in your life and start focusing on your own needs and desires by setting boundaries, and how you can learn to say no when a boundary violation occurs. We explain the importance of examining your motivations and intentions for saying yes, e.g. it may be that you do things only because you fear rejection or seek approval from others. Remember that putting your own needs first, doesn’t mean that you can no longer be a kind and thoughtful person. You must continue to be kind, but most importantly you must be kind to yourself first. It’s time to learn to say no and stop putting the needs of others before your own future happiness.

In this episode01:10 – Being a People Pleaser
03:17 – Stop being a YES person
06:18 – The price we pay for saying YES to everyone
08:10 – Feeling like a bad inconsiderate person
09:14 – Learn to say NO now
10:05 – Feeling Guilty
13:27 – Strong healthy relationship
14:19 – Energy Levels
17:11 – Action steps to stop being a people pleaser?
17:28 – Establishing boundaries and violation
19:10 – Saying No to a text request
20:34 – Continue being kind on your own terms

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/65

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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This week's guest is Kimberley Bell.

Body shaming and having a distorted self-body image can lead to negative thought patterns and these thoughts can sometimes trigger eating disorders in some people, which can be life-threatening such as bulimia, binge eating and at the opposite end of the spectrum, anorexia. Kimberley Bell who is a Registered Nutritionist and Master NLP Practitioner, is this week’s guest on our show and she candidly opens up about her own personal struggles with an eating disorder which resulted from being body-shamed as a teenager going through puberty. She shares how this ultimately led to her relationship with food spiralling out of control and she became a binge eater. What she discovered when she went to seek help was, that in order to beat binging, you have to fix both the physical and emotional triggers. She tells us, that it doesn’t matter how mentally strong you are, if your body is crying out for nutrients, it’s going to be extremely difficult to resist a binge on mental strength alone.

Kimberley found that the most powerful way to stop is to target both the physical and mental aspects. In today’s show, Kimberley explains the benefits of the program she has founded in order to help other women overcome eating disorders, called Mind Your Nutrition, and she also gives us some excellent advice on what sensible eating for good nutrition consists of. There is so much great information shared in this episode that relates to all of us, irrespective of whether we or someone we know is struggling with an eating disorder.

In this episode05:05 — Kimberley’s career and early nutrition journey
16:58 — 3 Main Eating Disorder Categories
19:27 — When do eating disorders become life threatening?
20:59 — Signs of an Eating Disorder
24:41 — Has COVID-19 spiked an increase in Eating Disorder cases?
25:11 — Does Social Media play a big role in food and body relationships?
27:21 — Kimberley’s Nutrition Program
31:41 — Should the word “diet” be removed / replaced from the English language?
36:42 — Food companies’ propaganda’s and advertising impact
40:24 — Worst foods to eat in terms of overall health
45:24 — Types of Weight Loss Diets
48:02 — Benefits and Importance of Fasting
51:24 — Correlation between eating a type of food and mental health issues
55:30 — Kimberley’s nutrition advice for the voice community

Kimberley's LinksInstagram: @mindyournutritionnz
Website: www.mindyournutrition.co.nz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSXXpPGuH87R9WVdO_4qTA

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/64

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For the Love of Podcast
Learn what the best podcasters in the world are doing to stand out!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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This week's guest is Associate Professor Irene Bartlett!

In the music industry, it is very difficult to sustain a long and enduring career, but our guest this week, Associate Professor Irene Bartlett has successfully navigated her music career and shares with us her secrets to longevity as a member of the voice community. Irene worked as a professional CCM singer for over 50 years and during that time transitioned into other roles such as a becoming voice teacher, a voice researcher, a contributing author and an international voice presenter. Currently, Irene is the Head of Pedagogy, Coordinator of Contemporary Voice & Voice Pedagogy Programs, the Head of Jazz Voice Studies and is proudly an associate professor, at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University in Queensland, Australia.

Irene is truly a trailblazer and a visionary and her knowledge and experience as led her to develop a unique and inclusive approach to teaching vocal pedagogy, which is not only based on voice science but also on her teaching philosophy that good singing is good singing. She continues to be an advocate for legitimising CCM from a pedagogical standpoint and opens up about her professional journey, her greatest accomplishments, how remaining relevant is key to sustainability and longevity, and the importance of family first and legacy. This is a brilliant not to be missed interview with my good friend, colleague, and mentor Associate Professor Irene Bartlett.

In this episode01:16 – Introducing Associate Professor Irene Bartlett
05:36 — Irene’s Singing background
14:16 — Teaching at Queensland Conservatorium
19:31 — Classical Colleagues’
24:09 — Irene’s path to success
27:25 — Vocal Pedagogy Program
33:21 — What constitutes good singing?
40:48 — Is it detrimental to a CCM singer’s vocal health to be classically trained?
48:38 — Voice teaching’s greatest revolution
49:59 — Most common diagnosis in her studio
52:17 — Irene’s teaching philosophy
54:29 — Colleagues or institutions trying to silence her
1:05:29 — Finding balance between work and family
1:07:48 — Irene’s greatest accomplishment
1:12:00 — Greatest piece of advice the singing voice community

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/63

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For the Love of Podcast
Learn what the best podcasters in the world are doing to stand out!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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Are you living in the past or do you dwell on events that belong in your past? If this is you, ask yourself how can you live a happy life in the present, when you can’t let go of what’s already happened? Instead of focusing on the here and now, you find that you’re caught up ruminating, stuck in a web of reflection and brooding on your past mistakes. The more you engage in this behaviour, the more disempowering your future will become.

In this episode, I share the good news, that your past is merely a part of your learning journey that forms a previous chapter in your life. I explain that your past is not you, and what happened was simply a situation or an event. It is something that is done and dusted, and it’s time now to make peace with your past. I discuss how you can realign your life and take back control of your past by creating healthy habits that guide you towards living your very best life every single day in the here and the now. So the next time a negative thought crosses your mind, you have the tools to steer your mind away from it, stop berating yourself, step out of a victim mentality and learn the process of forgiveness. You are worth the effort! Always have been and always will be!

In this episode

01:16 – Stop Living in the Past

03:32 – Courage to Forgive

05:13 – Free yourself from the past and move on

06:26 – The effects of negative thinking

09:44 – Allowing negative self-talk to happen

10:36 – Living Life in a Positive and Authentic Way

12:22 – The Victim Mentality

14:05 – Coping with victim mentality mindset

16:01 – Being a Survivor

17:15 – The Power of True Forgiveness

18:28 – Don’t wait for an apology

20:40 – Best gift you give to yourself is forgiveness

21:05 – Taking control of your past

22:00 – Learning from experiences and move on

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/62

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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This week's guest is Meredith Colby.

Meredith Colby is an author, teacher, speaker and the creator of Neuro-Vocal, an approach to teaching singing for popular music styles based on brain science. In this episode, Meredith speaks candidly about her professional career, the demands of the CCM industry for singers, the lack of formal training for the styles she was performing and the vocal issues she encountered as a classically trained singer working in a touring rock band. She firmly believes that the many years of classical training she received did not give her the tools she needed to sustain the styles she was performing and ultimately led to her vocal burnout. These experiences inspired her to research and write her book, Money Notes, in which she introduces Neuro-Vocal, a fast, effective training approach that encourages healthy singing habits for microphone singers and is based on neuroscience.

Neuro-Vocal teaches students to steer changes in their brains and to be guided by these changes as they occur. Meredith breaks down her approach which has been proven to achieve remarkably fast results and puts the student in the driver's seat. Not only that, but equips singers with tools for a healthy voice that will last for a lifetime? There is so much to unpack in this show and I know you are going to love all the information Meredith has to share with us.

In this Episode

04:11 – Meredith's earliest singing memories

09:16 – Frustration for not being able to sing loudly

12:18 – The kind of music Meredith was performing

13:01 – Classical music experience

17:48 – Ignoring her voice’s health warning signs

25:50 – How did you hear your voice?

26:43 – Talking to a Laryngologist and avoiding surgery

30:53 – Aha moment from Cyndi Lauper and Patti LaBelle

31:22 – Transitioning to being a voice teacher

34:50 – The Neuro Vocal Method

40:25 – The Alexander Technique

54:17 – Being a Vehicle for the Composer’s Intent

1:00:49 – Helping people find their own voice

1:01:50 – Training program exercises

1:14:23 – Meredith's greatest piece of advice for the singing voice community

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/61

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This week’s guest is Lori Sonnenberg.

Lori Sonnenberg is a Chicago based Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Voice Specialist, and Singing Voice Specialist whose clients include professional performers, educators and speakers. In her voice clinic, Lori works exclusively with voice and breathing disorders and specialises in muscle tension dysphonia related disorders, recovery from voice injuries, professional voice care and support, post-operative voice recovery, and problematic technical voice issues for singers.

In this episode, Lori explains what is involved in the initial consultation with a patient, including the diagnostic process and gives us an insight into the treatments she uses to assist her patients to recover from voice disorders and pathologies. Prevention is better than cure and Lori explains how we as voice teachers can detect when there is a potential problem occurring within our own instrument as well as that of our students and when to proactively seek the help of a voice specialist before it’s too late.

Lori also discusses the impact of COVID on the singing voice, misconceptions concerning the incidence of vocal pathologies across genres, how we as a voice community can listen better and the importance of supporting and not shaming singers through voice problems. This interview with Lori Sonnenberg is a must-listen.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/60

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How often do you begin an important task and then you suddenly find yourself standing in front of the coffee machine just five minutes later. Ask yourself, do you feel as though you are going nowhere fast. Instead of moving forward, it feels like you're stagnating and could be doing so much more with your life is the amount of time you're spending distracted amongst all the chaos and the drama far greater than the time you're being productive.

In today's episode, we are going to figure out why you may be distracted and I will share some simple ideas that you can use to manage your day.

In this episode

1:10 - Do you get distracted often?

2:15 - Take time out to release and reset

4:37 - Check in on your progress to stay focused

6:40 - Cultivate a disciplined mindset

9:38 - Take charge and develop purposeful habits

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/59

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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Do you experience feelings such as self doubt, fear, anger, anxiety, guilt, shame, or perhaps even regret? Try not to get caught up worrying about worse case scenarios, as they may never happen. We're all having to come to terms with the fear of what "could" happen next. Now more than ever, on any given day, we all have a moment where we struggle with our fears. If you are always stressing about the future, you will be held to ransom by this overwhelm. You are never going to give yourself the opportunity to experience the joys of the here and the now. You must shift your focus to the present. I promise you that you aren't going to know yourself.

In this solo episode I focus on the importance of dedicating time for yourself, leveraging stress to our advantage, letting go of our future worries and allowing ourselves to embrace the unknown.

In this episode

1:10 - Do you often feel overwhelmed?

2:36 - Find time for you

3:45 - Leverage stress to your advantage

4:58 - Don’t fear the future

7:03 - Allow yourself to let go and embrace the unknown

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/58

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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How many of us have been told that we can’t sing, or that we can’t hold a tune in a bucket or we have simply been told please don’t sing? Whether we hear this from a family member, a singing teacher, or as I did from a choral director when I was in high school, this kind of discouragement can potentially silence many who will choose not to ever sing again.

In this episode, our guest is Linor Oren, a singing teacher from Amsterdam, who didn’t sing until she was 21 years old, because of the impact of her father’s words and actions as a child as he relentlessly and unknowingly pushed her way from singing. Linor shares with us how she finally discovered the joy of singing, however, once she launched into her performance career, as a professional opera and musical theatre singer, she suffered terribly from performance anxiety as a consequence of these childhood experiences. Linor tells us how these lived experiences ultimately led her into a teaching career, where she has developed a specific training program called Sing Well. The teaching philosophy behind her program was inspired by a need to help other singers overcome all the obstacles she had been confronted with on her journey of discovering her own voice.

Linor also has a popular YouTube channel with millions of views from almost 60,000 subscribers and she talks about one video in particular where she conducted a social experiment with approximately 20 willing participants. She surveyed them to find out how many of them had been told they could not sing and the consequences this had on them ever singing again. The results are surprising and to hear what happens, you must listen to this episode with Linor Oren.

In this episode

08:08 – Was singing culturally accepted in Israel?

09:55 – Her Father’s impact on her singing ability

14:36 – Her biggest obstacle in having performance anxiety

17:55 – How did she overcome her anxiety

24:33 – The Non-Stop Principle

26:01 – Studying voice formally and moving to Amsterdam

27:29 – Breaking up with the love of her life

30:21 – Developing her voice teaching approach

36:20 – Bright Spots Concept

38:12 – Linor’s teaching philosophy

41:10 – Does mental and emotional status impact a student’s voice?

44:03 – The Negative Self Talk

46:32 – Walking up to random people in the park to ask questions about singing

58:46 – Linor reacting to Freddie Mercury and getting 4 Million views

1:02:04 – Linor’s YouTube career

1:04:44 – Linor’s first solo performance

1:07:59 – Linor’s biggest advice to aspiring singers

Linor’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LinorOrenvoiceteacher

Linor’s Blog: https://singwell.eu/voice-tips/

Linor’s Courses: https://singwell.eu/overview-singing-courses/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/57

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A few months ago, I had the pleasure of being interviewed on the podcast, The Wander Mom Diaries, hosted by Mandie Kramer. The theme of the podcast centres around self-care, overcoming adversities, and empowering women and, my story and messaging certainly dives into all three! During my conversation with Mandie, I allowed myself to become vulnerable as I began to share my personal story of how I had to overcome one major challenge in my life, after another, including being a suicide survivor, the challenges of being a single mum whilst having a hectic schedule as professional in the music industry and how I was silenced by my culture and my community. Eventually I discovered I could stand up and use my voice in life, and It is my intention to release this episode as I truly want to inspire other women, that no matter where they are at, no matter what adversities, they are having to deal with, there is a way to live your best, most authentic life each and every day and please know you are beautiful just as you are. You are stronger than what you think. I hope you find something within this episode that will empower you to follow your dreams and embrace the woman that you are.

For all The Wander Moms socials visit https://linktr.ee/wandermomdiaries

In this episode

01:16 - Introducing this episode with Mandie Kramer

03:22 - Mandie's introduction from our episode on The Wander Moms Podcast

12:44 – My early career background

14:32 – Loosing my first husband

18:00 – Struggling with Mental health and developing bulimia

20:06 – Meeting my second husband

22:38 – What helped her act to step up and leave her environment?

24:16 – My advice for other mothers

29:12 – Opportunities for moms looking for a singing career

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/56

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Today’s guest is Dr David Juncos.

Dr David Juncos a clinical psychologist, performance coach, a voice workshop lecturer, and co-author of the book ACT for Musicians, which is due for release in the coming months. David shares that he considers himself to be a "third wave" therapist, with additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy otherwise known as (ACT). In this episode, he describes ACT as an evidence-based psychotherapy that aims to promote mindfulness and acceptance and he explains how he has been able to successfully treat performance anxiety in musicians, as well as singers, using this treatment approach.

David also answers questions around willingness and avoidance and how they relate to dealing with problems such as anxiety, including performance anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as depression. David breaks down the signs and symptoms of all of these issues and identifies the possible impairments that filter into the lives, work and relationships of those who are suffering with these problems.

This is such a powerful and informative episode and one of the most important pieces of information that resonated with me, is David reinforcing the idea that we, as teachers, should only do what we have been trained to do and that if we ourselves, are in trouble, we must seek help. There is so much to unpack in this episode, so be sure to listen carefully.

In this episode

1:17 - Introducing Dr David Juncos

6:33 - David’s inspiration to study psychology

14:01 - David’s motivation to work with singers

23:05 - How to access ACT psychotherapy

28:37 - Where do we draw the line between therapist and teacher

39:29 - What is depression and how does it differ from anxiety?

43:16 - Dealing and treating with addictions

45:04 - Is one addiction harder to treat than another?

46:33 - CAGE screener technique for identifying alcohol addiction

51:38 - Particular drugs more prevalent amongst musicians

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/55

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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We are so excited to announce it is our first birthday. Yes, it is one year since we launched our very first episode of A Voice and Beyond and to celebrate this exciting milestone, we would like to share some brilliant highlights from our interview rounds, where our internationally acclaimed voice teachers and music artists offer their pearls of wisdom from lessons they have learned throughout their own personal and professional experiences in the music industry, in the teaching studio and beyond.

Each guest shares with us their empowering words of advice, as they speak candidly about their own journeys of self-discovery, self-care and self-awareness. It is through these lessons, we can all learn and grow, reconnect with our most authentic selves, and discover our voices in song as well as life, so we too can empower others, including our students.

It has been a real joy spending time with all my guests and I am truly grateful for their contribution to the show. We hope that you enjoy part two of our two-part birthday celebrations.

In this episode

0:01 - Introduction to our Birthday Celebration of Voices

1:44 - Donna Cameron from Episode 4

9:53 - Petra Raspel Borzinski from Episode 46

13:48 - Sarah Marshall from Episode 33

19:41 - Emma Ferris from Episode 23

23:53 - Duncan Rock from Episode 29

27:24 - Elina Winnel from Episode 37

31:11 - Chris Johnson from Episode 15

35:05 - Dr Nidhi Krishnan from Episode 30

37:43 - Grace Ng Ee Wern from Episode 40

40:18 - Peter Edwards from Episode 39

44:50 - Julie-Anne Whitfield from Episode 25

50:09 - Jen Haddix from Episode 49

53:51 - Heidi Moss Erickson from Episode 35

59:48 - Evan Dunn from Episode 52

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/54

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We are so excited to announce it is our first birthday. Yes, it is one year since we launched our very first episode of A Voice and Beyondand to celebrate this exciting milestone, we would like to share some brilliant highlights from our interview rounds, where our internationally acclaimed voice teachers and music artists offer their pearls of wisdom from lessons they have learned throughout their own personal and professional experiences in the music industry, in the teaching studio and beyond.

It has been a real joy spending time with all my guests and I am truly grateful for their contribution to the show. We hope that you enjoy part one of our two-part birthday celebrations.

In this episode

1:16 - Introduction to our Birthday Celebration of Voices

1:44 - Dr Elizabeth Blades from Episode 2

5:06 - Dr Jenevora Williams from Episode 5

8:50 - Dr Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher from Episode 6 & 7

12:27 - Ashlie Amber from Episode 9

16:02 - Lisa Popeil from Episode 11

20:01 - Brenda Earle Stokes from Episode 50

25:31 - Chris Johnson from Episode 15

28:05 - Dr Elizabeth Benson from Episode 13

32:00 - Dr Wendy LeBorgne from Episode 17 & 18

35:44 - Nancy Bos from Episode 20 & 21

39:18 - Dann Milton from Episode 32

44:16 - Nadine Manion from Episode 24

46:51 - Heidi Moss Erickson from Episode 35

51:15 - Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin from Episode 47

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/53

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Today’s guest is Evan Dunn.

Many of us identify so strongly with the thoughts that are running through our minds that we begin to believe those thoughts and sometimes it can be difficult to sort through all the doubts and uncertainties that you experience in the process. However, our thoughts do not define us and they are not always the truth. Mindfulness is a practice that helps us to dis-identify with those thoughts and manage our emotions so we can live a far more intentional life.

Evan Dunn is a mindfulness coach for Take the Stage Coaching, a professional opera singer and host of Take the Stage Coaching podcast. Evan describes mindfulness as a way to discover who we truly are, connect to our deepest feelings, learn how to process these feelings and ultimately become more empowered in the future. Evan believes that we all have the power to design a life where we feel so much better than we at present and the only person who can make that happen is you.

In this episode Evan explains the true meaning of mindfulness, he gives us some tools we can use to become more mindful and the benefits it can have on all us in our relationships with others as well as our own physical, mental and emotional health. The past lives as a memory and the future as thoughts. We all have a choice in life and you don’t want to miss Evan’s great advice for designing the lives we choose for ourselves.

In this episode

1:16 - Introduction

10:17 - Evan's early performance career

11:58 - What is Take the Stage Coaching?

15:40 - Mindfulness explained

29:45 - Tools that Evan uses to teach mindfulness

31:28 - A mindfulness role-play example

49:28 - Is Meditation a mindfulness tool?

53:45 - Resources available to learn more about mindfulness

1:01:40 - As voice teachers how can we help our students

1:04:51 - Evan's personal mindfulness discoveries

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/51

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Over the past two years, life has thrown us a curve ball and it’s been hard to set goals, as results are uncertain, and the future is unpredictable. As we walk through each day, it can be difficult to think about what is going to happen in 100 steps time because we don't know how the ground is going to change. However, in life we won’t feel joy by accident, we won’t achieve successful outcomes by accident, and we won’t show up at our best by accident, we need to design the future we desire by setting intentions. An intention isn’t necessarily a goal or something that we measure, it’s simply a commitment to ourselves. It’s a promise we make to ourselves that aligns with our values.

In this episode, we discuss how we can cultivate a healthy and joyful mindset irrespective of what is happening around us by setting intentions for the life we want to live, and the person we want to become in the here and the now. We encourage you to stop relying on the randomness of the world and the randomness of life to bring you what you desire. Now is the time to become very deliberate in your words and in your actions and begin setting daily intentions to cultivate the future of your dreams.

In this episode

1:11 - Are you living your life to your full potential?

6:23 - What is an intention?

8:52 - Setting intentions every day

14:03 - Segment intending explained

19:21 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/51

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Today’s guest is Brenda Earle Stokes.

Brenda Earle Stokes has built an extensive and sustainable professional career as an accomplished pianist and vocalist skilled across classical, jazz, pop, rock, R&B and Music Theatre styles. Her curiosity and voracious appetite for music has led her to become an internationally acclaimed performer, composer, and educator. Since 2018, Brenda has been busy creating a suite of online courses which is now called "The Versatile Musician".

In this episode, Brenda takes us on her extensive music industry journey as she reveals that her sustainable career was built on being resourceful, entrepreneurial, and by simply figuring it out. Brenda believes that versatility is key and the more we learn, the more opportunities we will create not only as performers but also as teachers because the more tools we have in our toolbox, the more students we will attract and retain. Brenda reveals how her performance career experiences inform and guide her student-centric teaching approaches. She explains that in order for our students to acquire the necessary skills that are useful and relevant to them, for whatever it is they want to pursue, we must customise our teaching. Brenda also discusses an existing culture of dumbing down singers in music programs within higher educational institutions, the problems associated with gender bias in the music industry, the importance of being strategic and how to create and seize opportunities for employment. This is such a fun and informative show with Brenda Earle Stokes.

In this episode
1:16 - Introducing Brenda Earle Stokes

7:56 - Brenda’s early love for music

18:53 - Transitioning into the professional world

22:40 - Life performing on board a cruise ship

31:55 - Brenda’s move to New York City

39:41 - Brenda’s transition to teaching piano and voice

46:30 - Are higher education training programs serving the next generation adequately?

52:12 - Training programs that Brenda has created and how they have evolved

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/50

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Today’s guest is Jen Haddix.

Jen Haddix is a certified yoga teacher, a self-love coach, and host of the podcast The Self-Love Yogi. In this episode, Jen shares parts of her traumatic childhood which led to her journey of healing, forgiveness, overcoming addiction, managing Bi Polar and ultimately discovering self-love. Jen tells us that she spent most of her earlier years trying to escape from the chaos, the drama and the vulnerability that constantly surrounded her, using addiction to things such as drugs, working out and dating to medicate herself. Jen explains that she did not have the tools or the skills to overcome the shame, responsibility and guilt she felt as a victim of abuse. It was when Jen was at the lowest point in her life, that she discovered yoga and ultimately it was yoga that saved her.

Jen believes that as a western society we have become so disconnected from our feelings, our minds and our bodies and she now uses her personal experiences and knowledge to empower others to connect to their authentic selves, discover their voices when they feel they are not being heard and to heal from the traumas they have endured. This is an inspirational story of resilience, tenacity and the strength in overcoming adversity and I’m sure you too will be in awe of Jen Haddix, just as I was.

In this episode
1:06 - Introducing Jen Haddix

4:28 - Jen’s upbringing and early childhood experiences

17:01 - Jen’s turning point and healing journey

19:12 - Discovering Yoga and finding balance through yoga teacher training

29:52 - Jen’s favourite starting point for Yoga beginners

46:36 - Self-love coaching and how Jen uses her experiences to help others

54:06 - Tips for those who don’t have a self-care regime & how they can get started

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/49

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Everybody wants freedom!! Whether we want financial freedom, we want more free time, or we want the freedom to follow our dreams, whatever freedom we desire can only be achieved through discipline. Discipline and freedom may seem as though they live on opposite sides of the spectrum, however, discipline equates to freedom in every aspect of life. If you are seeking financial freedom, you must have financial discipline. If you desire more free time, you must be more disciplined with your time management skills.

In this episode, we explain that discipline is not something we are born with, it’s a learned behaviour and just like any other skill, it requires daily practise and repetition. It must become a habit. The message we share is, that if you want to transform your life in a positive way, that transformation will not happen by itself. You need to be committed and consistent to make it happen. We discuss what it takes to become more disciplined and offer four key strategies that will lead you to the path of a more fulfilling life of freedom. A lifelong journey of discipline will lead to a lifelong journey of freedom!

In this episode

01:10 - Everybody wants freedom

05:28 - Eliminate Temptation

09:01 - Have a Morning Routine

13:49 - Set clear goals and a plan to execute them

17:39 - Create a schedule and follow it

19:24 - Your path to freedom

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/48

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Today’s guest is Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin.

Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin is a world-class performer, voice researcher, author and educator who has travelled and taught students from all over the world, as well as lectured nationally and internationally on numerous topics relating to singing voice pedagogy, and vocal style. In this episode, Trineice speaks candidly about the struggles she endured in higher education where she discovered that there was a disconnect between academic singing and the singing that she grew up within her church community.

Triniece explains the more time she spent trying to sound academically correct, the more authentically incorrect her singing became. This motivated her to study voice on a deeper level and she completed her doctoral studies seeking to understand the cultural aesthetics and components of a vocal performance in gospel music. Based on her research, Trineice created Soul Ingredients, her trademarked teaching methodology, which focusses on student centred learning and encourages personal expression across African American based styles such as jazz, gospel, R & B, blues and other pop styles.

In this episode, Triniece also shares her views on why educational institutions still endorse a one size fits all Eurocentric training model, the responsibilities of representing the black community in the singing voice community, and much much more. You do not want to miss today’s show with Dr Triniece Robinson Martin.

In this episode

1:15 - Introducing Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin

8:09 - The early days of Trineice finding her voice

16:07 - Trineice explains her decision to write her PHD on Gospel Pedagogy

26:45 - The importance of singing with authenticity

31:42 - Finding freedom of expression within herself

41:26 - Uncovering tensions surrounding CCM around the world

49:23 - Our collaboration with Elizabeth Benson

53:44 - Trineice introduces her business Soul Ingredients

1:05:59 - Trienices performance career past and present

1:11:32 - As we travel through 2022, what can we do better?

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/47

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Today’s guest is Petra Raspel Borzinski.

Petra is an accomplished musician and educator, who is trained in psychology, somatic therapy and cognitive-behavioural approaches. Petra speaks candidly about how her limiting beliefs around perfectionism, led her to suffer from performance anxiety throughout her entire career. Based on her own personal experiences, as well as the knowledge she acquired through her own education, Petra teaches performing artists how to regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies and their deepest values so they can perform and live freely. In this episode, Petra confesses that she has an obsession with learning and how this desire for knowledge has given her a deeper understanding of trauma and other mental health and emotional concerns, especially within the performing arts industry. Petra believes, that as voice teachers, we must never become complacent and it is important for us all to become perpetual learners, and this includes educating ourselves around areas of mental health. Petra explains, the more informed we are regarding the numerous ways to establish safe spaces in the voice studio, the less likely we are to behave in a manner that will cause further trauma to our students. She discusses the importance of defining clear boundaries between the role of a voice teacher and that of a therapist in the singing studio. Petra shares that it is acceptable for us, as voice teachers, to have empathy and to hold space for our students to be heard, however, there needs to be a very clear distinction between these roles for the welfare of the teacher as well as the student. This is a most informative episode, jam-packed full of useful tips for us all.

Learn more from Petra on her website: www.singingsense.com

9:04 - Petra’s performance career in Germany

9:48 - Dealing with performance anxiety

16:08 - Petra’s inspiration for studying psychology

17:59 - How Petra’s psychology background helps her in the teaching studio

30:02 - Our responsibility as singing teachers

39:35 - The difference between trauma and a difficult time

45:55 - Supporting students who need additional assistance with learning

54:06 - Ensuring we are creating safe spaces for all

57:26 - Petra’s courses and webinars in mental health

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/46

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We share with you that it may not be your fault. Perhaps you have grown up in a family where there was a terrible, negative narrative towards money and you have unknowingly developed a poverty mindset or you may simply disrespect money without realising it. Whatever it is that is causing you to have an unhealthy attitude towards money, we reveal how to recognise these limiting behaviours and how you can create a healthier money mindset. Whether you want to generate more wealth in order for you to live a life of abundance or to serve your mission to improve the lives of others, this episode is dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals in 2022.

In this episode

3:40 - Do you have a poverty mindset?

5:49 - Do you know what you're spending money on?

9:07 - Are you a scrooge with money?

15:46 - My experience with lack of money and how I turned it around

17:43 - Improving your money mindset

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/45

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No day is perfect and in life, we need to have the mental energy to deliver our best, stay focused, feel vibrant & energised each and every day. If your ability to deal with the struggle and challenge of a bad day is dictating your ability to be your best self, live your best life & reach your goals, you need a centring practice, so that in the moments that matter, you’re able to anchor down & go for it. In this solo episode, I explain how meditation can help us to centre ourselves amidst the turmoil & the stress, and it can help us flip from angst to ease, from chaos to clarity. Meditation is a discipline that we can gift ourselves every single day. Your mind will thank you for it!

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/44

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It is the time of year, many of us start thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. You may be setting goals around things such as relationships, finances, new projects, quitting a bad habit, leaving a current job or starting up a new hobby or sports. The list is endless. But if you are someone who consistently gives up or throws the towel in on their goals, dreams and aspirations, it could be that you don’t protect your goals and treat them the way you would a family member. In this solo round episode, I share with you strategies that will help to ensure you don’t make your goals homeless. You can transform your New Year’s resolutions into your reality. It’s time now to focus on your desires, set the intention, plan your moves & go for it. You can do it! Make 2022 the best year of your life.

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Life is full of unforeseen situations or scenarios that create an unexpected set back & stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. Unfortunately, most of us don’t get to choose how stressful our lives are & at times we don’t have the opportunity to take it off our wish list. COVID-19 is a perfect example of that. As we near 2022, many of us begin reflecting on the year that was and start to visualise our future in the New Year ahead. If you are someone who consistently gives up or throws the towel in on their goals, dreams and aspirations, it could be that you need to reframe the way you interpret life. In this solo episode, I explain how the language we use, not only influences the way we think and feel, but it also manifests into our futures. The more we can work on reprogramming our thoughts, the closer we can come to making 2022 the best year of our lives. It’s mind over matter!

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As we near 2022, many of us begin reflecting on the year that was and start to visualise our future in the new year ahead. If you are someone who consistently gives up or throws the towel in on their goals, dreams and aspirations, it could be that you don’t believe that your authentic self is valuable enough. You may be suffering from imposter syndrome and living your life to the expectations of others. It’s time now to stop doubting yourself and to receive the gift of owning the day as the real you. In this solo round episode, I help you to transform your new year’s resolutions and make them your reality. Make 2022 the best year of your life. You are worth the effort, always have been & always will be.

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Grace Ng Ee Wern is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Jin Shin Jyutsu Physio-Philosophy energy healing practitioner and Level 3 certified Somatic Voicework teacher, who has a studio practice based in Singapore. It is there she has developed a unique and distinct approach to voice teaching and learning, drawing upon multi-disciplinary wellness practices to enhance the mental, emotional and physical well-being of her students. In this episode, Grace explains that her methodology actively incorporates a mind-body connection so that the voice is understood in the context of the holistic wellness of the person. Grace firmly believes that you cannot separate the mind, body and emotions from the voice and vocal issues are a result of disharmonies occurring within the student. She tells us that as teachers we need to honour the student wherever they are at in that moment in time and in order to deal with these voice issues we must resolve any underlying problems. Grace explains the major benefits to applying many non-traditional modalities in the voice studio. She describes the benefits of using hypnotherapy in assisting with and alleviating performance anxiety.

Proudly, Grace is the only voice teacher and the only Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner using this modality with singers. She has discovered that Jin Shin Jyutsu, which is an energy healing modality, can harmonise physical conditions that not only allows freedom of expression and authenticity but helps students overcome other issues relating to pitch, breathing, alignment, registers and range building. Grace demonstrates how these modalities can be applied simply and effectively with our students with amazing results. This is a fascinating interview with Grace Ng Ee Wern.

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Today's guest is Peter Edwards.

Peter is a natural therapist, who has dedicated his life to teaching others how to heal their bodies as well as their minds, after he had his dreams of competing in the World Roller Skating Championships shattered. Peter suffered a serious spinal injury in a surfing accident and despite seeking advice from various medical and health care professionals, he found little help for his chronic condition and sadly he continued to live in severe and constant pain. Peter shares that for the first time in his life, he experienced the bitter taste of depression and desperation. Based on a recommendation from a friend, Peter visited a natural therapist as a last resort and the results were life-changing.

This incredible experience inspired Peter to become a natural therapist himself, when he learnt that given the chance, the body can heal itself and it was possible for Peter to cure himself of his injuries. He explains that by supplying our mind and body with the right biological conditions, we can experience the incredible healing and regenerative power of our own body. This is a remarkable concept that has been long forgotten in today's modern world. Peter shares that many of the patients who visit him are suffering from chronic pain or 21st-century diseases that are being triggered by a negative mindset, poor lifestyle choices and the impact of technology. He breaks down each of these key concepts, and offers us the seven key secrets to staying young and healthy, successful and sexy, all of which he has used successfully with thousands of patients. Peter teaches us how to awaken our personal power and take back control of our lives and our health!

https://vitality.com.au

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In this episode

01:08 - Episode Introduction

3:48 - An introduction to Peter and his profession

9:26 - Peters impact on my family through his work

11:26 - The science of iridology

13:30 - Electromagnetic sensitivity

22:42 - Increase in stress due to covid

26:54 - Helping patience shift their mindset and improve their health

29:34 - 7 secrets to staying young & healthy, successful & sexy

31:24 - The reason and logic between starting treatments with a detox

43:15 - Why are people so hesitant to help themselves?

51:46 - How do we learn to heal ourselves?

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/39

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Every human being has the capacity to live an extraordinary life of joy, success, vitality, and achievement. However, so many people make silly excuses or give absurd reasons as to what they can’t have, don’t have, and about what they deserve. The three biggest decisions we make in life are how we think about ourselves, who we give our love to and what we do for money. In this episode, I would like you to do an audit around your mindset in these three key areas and where you need to make changes. This mindset shift can lead to you achieving that remarkable life.

If you haven’t impressed yourself lately, then it’s time to challenge yourself with some big mindset shifts. Now is the time to check in with those beliefs that don’t serve you, and give yourself a mindset shakeup. Value yourself and be willing and prepared to do whatever it takes to make the life you dreamed of a reality.

In this episode

00:58 - Episode Introduction

03:04 - My Mindset mission for myself

06:25 - Mindset around relationships

11:36 - Mindset around other people

17:29 - Mindset around work

25:30 - Episode Conclusion

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Today's guest is Elina Winnel.

Do you have problems with falling sleep or do you wake up during the night and have trouble falling back to sleep? It seems you aren’t the only one because, as a society, we are currently in the midst of a sleep deprivation crisis and this is partially due to a new level of high stress we are experiencing globally. Sleep is something we take for granted and this lack of sleep has become our new normal. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation and insomnia have a tremendous impact on us emotionally, physically, and mentally.

In this episode, we speak with Elina Winnel from the Sleep Expert, who is a world renowned sleep and insomnia coach, and she shares with us some of the major reasons why we may not be getting that all important deep sleep, and that it is possible to train ourselves for better sleep. Elina does some myth busting, as we usually associate lack of sleep with things such as caffeine intake, eating carbs at night, and room temperature and there are many other myths we believe are causing our sleep issues. However, according to Elina, these are not the real causes for our sleep deprivation problem and there are usually underlying issues such as our stress and anxiety levels that are at the root of the problem.

Elina believes that everybody has the ability to sleep well and a common sense approach is more effective to dealing with sleep problems. In order to solve these sleep disorders, it is important to tune in and reconnect with ourselves to resolve any underlying issues that are affecting our state of mind and in turn the quality of our sleep. She also shares with us the new and innovative techniques she has developed to help thousands of people across the globe reclaim their sleep and transform their lives. There is so much more information in this interview with Elina that will help you reignite your relationship with sleep.

Learn more on The Sleep Expert website: www.thesleepexpert.com

In this episode

01:08 - Episode Introduction

04:51 - Meeting Elina & hearing her personal journey with sleep

10:50 - What is the desired amount of sleep?

18:48 - Are their particular industries that struggle more with sleep deprivation?

22:38 - Myth-busting some of those common causes of lack of sleep

36:44 - Problems associated with lack of sleep

46:14 - Can we train ourselves for better sleep?

50:20 - A self-test for checking where you send your breath

55:42 - Some helpful practices to improve sleep

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Over the past few years, there has been much adverse press about touring singers suffering vocal fold pathologies; for example, in 2018 the pop icon Pink had to cancel a number of concerts in Australia due to illness. She was confronted with sensationalist media criticism and how can we forget all the negative press and public outcry over Adele’s vocal pathologies. I am embarrassed to say that there has also been many negative claims from the singing voice community regarding these vocal injuries, blaming the singers themselves for voice misuse and lack of training and technique. Aside from this school of thought, there are others in our singing voice community who continue to amplify the misconception that singing popular music styles, or what we call CCM, can be detrimental to a singer’s vocal health and longevity. I have sat on the sidelines, but in this episode, I replay an interview I did recently with Dr Jenevora Williams, where I was a guest on the podcast, The Thinking Voice. I was asked to share my own personal and professional experiences as a lead singer in a touring rock band and how these experiences, many of which were forced upon me, ultimately lead to my demise vocally, financially, physically, emotionally and mentally. I speak candidly about how I was treated as a commodity, the bullying and the shaming I experienced, the unrealistic expectations from managements, the gruelling lifestyle on the road, and sexual harassment.

This was a raw, emotional and difficult conversation with Jenevora, but I am grateful to have the opportunity to finally share this part of my life that I had locked away and never spoken about. These experiences had a deep impact on me but strangely enough these experiences have shaped who I am today, who I am as a voice educator and they influence my every day teaching approaches especially when working with emerging artists. This has made me far more empathetic with aspiring and professional vocalists, given me a great understanding of the workings and demands of the music industry. My message here is to managements to stop treating artists as commodities, and for the voice community to stop shaming singers who experience vocal pathologies. It’s time to be accountable and leave our biases at the door.

The Thinking Voice podcasts are part of Vocal Health Education. A community of over 1200 singers, singing teachers, voice coaches, classroom teachers, GPs, SLT/SLPs, osteopaths, physiotherapists, carers and patients. Learn more on their website! www.vocalhealth.co.uk

In this episode

01:08 - Episode Introduction

04:27 - Jenevora from The Thinking Voice introducing Dr Marisa Lee Naismith

07:41 - My story as a child who discovered a love of music

14:19 - Dealing with the loss of my first husband & my father

17:15 - My fresh start and high profile performance career in Queensland

20:28 - The beginning of my touring nightmare

26:15 - A typical day on the road with a touring rock band

32:23 - The early signs of physical, vocal and emotional fatigue

42:19 - The bullying and unrealistic expectations from management

45:52 - Finally parting with the rock band

53:20 - My return to the industry after my touring nightmare

59:36 - A message to my younger self

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Today's guest is Heidi Moss Erickson.

Heidi is an acclaimed performer, voice educator and scientist, who prefers to describe herself as a seeker. In this episode, we get a rare snapshot into Heidi’s personal and professional life as she opens up about what she defines as her serendipitous life. Heidi holds a double biology degree and a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, as well a music degree from Oberlin, and Heidi tells us how she was able to merge her passion for music, with her love of science.

In 2007, she suffered a rare facial paralysis and was told by doctors and singing teachers that she would never be able to sing again. Heidi shares with us the tremendous impact of this devastating injury, but also too how it inspired her deeper exploration into the science of singing and it was through her own investigation, perseverance, resilience, and adhering to a daily self-care regime that she was able to rehabilitate herself and prove everyone wrong. This life changing occurrence has allowed Heidi, to let down her barriers, become more vulnerable, accepting of herself and to continue on her journey of self - discovery.

In this episode, Heidi also discusses the similarities between music and science, the importance of neuroscience and voice training, how we must learn to accept mistakes when they occur in singing, in the same way that we do in a science experiment, the importance of playfulness in the singing lesson, the difference between the mind and the brain, the positives outcome adhering to a self-care regime and there is much more that you will learn from Heidi in this episode. You are going to love Heidi Moss Erickson.

In this episode

01:08 - Introduction

15:42 - Directing her science background towards singing

17:05 - Heidi Moss’s facial paralysis injury

22:14 - Coping from a physical, mental & emotional perspective

24:14 - Returning to singing again

33:15 - Heidi’s monster for negative self talk

37:32 - Obstacles during rehab and recovery

47:56 - Is there a difference between the mind & the brain

1:09:09 - Heidi’s view on historical pedagogical text

1:16:55 - Final closing questions for Heidi

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Stress is a word we throw around rather loosely in our everyday lives. We use it to describe those moments when we’re busy, overwhelmed, dealing with a new situation or just simply dealing with day-to-day life. But, what does it truly mean to be stressed?

Life is full of unexpected situations or scenarios that create an unexpected setback and stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. In this episode, we’re going to unpack stress, and how you can manage stress in your everyday life. Firstly, it’s important to accept that you can’t control everything in life and COVID-19 is a perfect example of this. Stress isn’t always a negative response, stress can be positive, as it keeps us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. It can be a short-term issue or a long-term problem, depending on what changes in your life. However, when it’s all becomes too overwhelming, there are some coping mechanisms that can help you in those moments of feeling stressed.

Today we discuss ways you can manage your stress levels by reframing your thoughts, sleeping soundly, exercising to shift your mindset, meditating to calm the mind and prioritising what is most important and discarding what isn’t. You can learn to live with stress and live your best life!

Check out 'The Stress Solution: The 4 Steps to a Calmer, Happier, Healthier You' by Rangan Chatterjee https://amzn.to/3m5BkYe

In this episode

00:58 - Introduction to stress

03:36 - What happens to the body

06:42 - Reframing how we think about stress

12:39 - Learning to prioritise our time

18:05 - The benefits of meditation

24:15 - The power of exercise

30:57 - Lack of sleep

36:35 - Conclusion

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The Stress Solution: The 4 Steps to Reset Your Body, Mind, Relationships and Purpose

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Today's guest is Sarah Marshall

Performance anxiety has been described as fear about one's ability to perform a specific task, usually in front of a group for people. Sarah Marshall describes performance anxiety as those random intrusive thoughts that flood our brain prior to and during a performance.

Sarah Marshallis a singing teacher, examiner and adjudicator with degrees in music performance, psychology and counselling. She uses her performance experience and psychology training to work with performers and educators to assist with managing performance anxiety and helping them to learn cognitive skills they can pass on to others.

Sarah reveals that she herself was crippled with performance anxiety, and this along with a family illness inspired her to enter into her private counselling practice, and to develop a performing artists’ educator’s course which helps teachers create an environment that can reduce performance anxiety.

Performance anxiety can be a result of many things such as past trauma or perfectionism. However, what she has found is that everyone is unique and their experiences, symptoms and methods for overcoming performance anxiety are also different.

Sarah draws together strategies from a range of fields including performance psychology research and performance practice of elite athletes and performers, that allows them to successfully maintain peak performance. She shares with us how we as voice teachers can help our students navigate stressful circumstances to manage performance anxiety. There is so much information packed into this interview with Sarah Marshall.

In this episode

01:08 - Introduction

09:16 - Getting to know Sarah Marshall

21:06 - What is Performance Anxiety?

26:14 - Main factors triggering Performance Anxiety

36:07 - Main reasons clients approach Sarah for help

44:40 - A role play performer scenario for perspective

57:39 - A Performance Anxiety story from Dr Marisa Lee Naismith

1:06:29 - Supporting students suffering from performance anxiety

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Today's guest is Dr Dann Mitton.

Dann is a classical bass singer, voice teacher and voice researcher and for many of us, we know Dann as founder and one of the moderators for the Facebook group, The New Forum for Professional Voice Teachers, where he inspires conversations, arouses our curiosity and creates a safe space for voice professionals to express themselves, share their thoughts and their knowledge.

In this episode, we really get to know and learn more about Dann, his professional and academic background, as well as his achievements and how these have informed his teaching approaches. Dann is also a keen consumer of voice pedagogy literature and is passionate about connecting low male voice singers with the information they need to excel. He shares his thoughts on historical traditions in voice education, and how these traditions alongside the current voice science inform the way we think about how the voice works today.

Dann discusses the reason for actively continuing his education and expanding his knowledge across all styles, the role of the singing teacher, his teaching philosophy, how students learn more effectively, his legacy and there is so much more. You are going to love getting to know Dann Mitton.

In this episode

01:08 - Introduction

05:26 - The New Forum for Professional Singers

07:25 - Who is Dr Dann Mitton?

24:41 - Dann’s performance career

46:34 - Teaching online v’s in the studio

1:00:25 - Dann and his love for books

1:17:29 - True or False rapid-fire questions

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Are you the CEO of your life?

The chief executive officer (CEO) is the top position in any organisation and they are ultimately responsible for its success or failure. This needs to be you in your life. Most people want to improve their lives but don’t know where to start, so in this episode we are going to look at FIVE building blocks of achievement, and how you can develop a CEO mindset. You can learn to successfully manage your life, your goals, your actions and how you turn up each and every day. We will address the behaviours that are holding you back from living the life you want for yourself, your family, your business and your future.

Discover how to take charge of your own destiny, become the person of your dreams and truly improve the quality of your happiness, achievement, personal mastery and success. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of others, it’s time to become the CEO of your life.

In this episode

00:58 - Introduction

02:00 - What is a CEO?

06:21 - First Key Step - The Desire

12:32 - Second Key Step - The Direction

18:05 - Third Key Step - The Discipline

23:22 - Fourth Key Step - The Distraction Detachment

30:44 - Fifth Key Step - The Destructive Self Talk

38:03 - Conclusion

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Today's guest is Dr Nidhi Krishnan.

Over the past many, many months, we have been inundated with news, views, perceptions, misconceptions and conspiracy theories around COVID -19. To be honest, I am just as tired of it as most of you are. Much of what we read is based on hearsay and what the media wants us to know and not being drawn from rigorous research. Let me say first and foremost, I stand for freedom of speech and freedom of choice. However, the unfortunate thing about this misinformation is that it is creating a great divide between friends, families and communities.

For this reason, we held an Ask Me Anything event some weeks ago where we invited Dr. Nidhi Krishnan to join us to respond to all your questions. Dr. Nidhi Krishnan is the registrar in the Pediatric Ward at Logan Hospital in Queensland, Australia and an adjunct lecturer at James Cook University. In this AMA, it was my clear intention to seek answers to the more common, & pertinent questions from a healthcare professional with a science background, who has derived her knowledge around COVID 19 from working on the frontline, as well as receiving daily updates from the appropriate official sources.

Questions were asked around the very existence of COVID-19 , what it is, how it’s spread, the variants, vaccinations, testing protocols, preventative measures we can take, the effectiveness of lockdowns, and the long term health impacts of having had COVID-19 survivor. All the information offered by Dr. Krishnan was explained in a very clear and concise manner that made absolute sense.

Based on the overwhelming number of requests to replay this AMA, we have decided to release the replay as an episode, so here it is. This episode is not about changing people’s opinions, it is about education and it is our hope that it may help to dispel some of the myths and conspiracy theories that are circulating in our communities creating so much angst and chaos. This is not to be missed information on COVID-19.

In this episode

01:09 - Introduction

05:16 - The aim of the Ask Me Anything event

06:31 - Introducing Dr Nidhi Krishnan

10:11 - What is Covid-19?

12:05 - What are the variants?

13:18 - How do we detect the virus?

16:53 - Who is at most risk of contracting Covid-19?

21:10 - The differences between the vaccines

27:10 - Why do we have to have two does of the vaccine?

29:30 - Ways to protect ourselves

31:17 - How effective are masks?

44:21 - The risk V’s benefit with vaccination

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Today's guest is Duncan Rock.

Duncan is a nutritionist who specialises in promoting good health for performing artists, a registered exercise professional, a member of the Royal Society for Public Health and a professional baritone who has been touring internationally with numerous opera companies for many years. After a life-changing event, Duncan decided to transition into the health and well-being field.

In this episode, Duncan shares his depth of knowledge as well as his inspiration for wanting to help others improve their overall health and wellbeing. He explains the significant physical and mental health benefits of exercise and describes the perfect exercise regime as a balance between cardio, core strength and weight training. He stresses that an exercise regime accompanied with an appropriate nutrition plan not only promotes a healthy lifestyle that can enrich our lives, but it is the best way to defy all-cause mortality.

Duncan states that we are currently living in an obesogenic environment in the western world and that the impact of over nutrition in our society have surpassed the impact of malnutrition, and this epidemic of obesity is directly linked to mortality rates. There are many other pearls of wisdom as well as some myth-busting regarding exercise and nutrition for the singer and beyond. You cannot miss what Duncan has to share with us in this interview and we invite your questions around any of the key concepts relating to health and wellbeing for Duncan to respond to in the next few weeks during our live AMA (ask me anything).

In this episode
01:08 - Introduction

17:30 - Duncan’s transition from performing to nutrition

31:42 - The benefits of physical exercise

37:36 - Is it important to have a balanced exercise regime?

46:09 - Where to start if you’re a beginner?

59:58 - Are there exercises singers should avoid?

1:23:26 - Duncan’s three pieces of advice

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At present, not only are we in the midst of a global pandemic, but we are also in the midst of a mental health crisis and a social revolution that is affecting everyone globally, including those in our singing voice studios, the music industry and beyond. As a voice community I know we can do so much better.

This episode is dedicated to all those who are being silenced and to ensure that we as a voice community are honouring all voices and creating safe spaces for everyone to be heard irrespective of race, gender, mental health concerns and professional standing within the music industry. I revisit interview rounds with Nancy Bos, Nadine Manion, Ashlie Amber, Chris Johnson, Dr Elizabeth Benson, and Donna Hughes who offer their pearls of wisdom as to how we, as voice teachers and other music industry personnel can improve our working and studio environments, and ensure that policies are being created to allow for freedom of voice, expressivity and authenticity.

It is our hope, that these perspectives, stories and experiences will help to inspire change and encourage others to embark on their own journey of reflecting on their own biases and looking at how they can improve the industry culture your new normal. Let’s say goodbye to mental fatigue and hello to a super-charged brain!

In this episode

01:08 - Introduction

03:01 - Nancy Bos

14:42 - Nadine Manion

29:22 - Ashlie Amber

42:41 - Chris Johnson

52:20 - Dr Elizabeth Benson

1:00:52 - Donna Cameron

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/28

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At present, not only are we in the midst of a global pandemic, but we are also in the midst of a mental health crisis that is affecting people of all ages, including children from all around the world. The RUOK organisation, is a non for profit harm prevention organisation that encourages people to stay connected and have meaningful conversations with others who are going through the most difficult times in their lives before they reach crisis point.

September 9th is RUOK Day which is a day this organisation seeks to raise awareness on the importance of creating a culture around support, connection and caring in the workplace environment. As we launch into RUOK week, we revisit some of the interview rounds, where the guests speak candidly about their own self-care regimes. In this episode, Dr Elizabeth Blades, Dr Wendy LeBorgne, Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, Lisa Popeil, Jenevora Williams and Ashlie Amber share their personal stories, experiences, and philosophies on the importance of self-care from a physical, mental and emotional health perspective and how their regimes of self-care have made a positive impact to their lives.

It is our hope, that these stories will help to inspire change and encourage others to embark on their own journey of self-care as well as to raise awareness for the RUOK organisation.

In this episode

01:08 - Introduction

03:17 - Self Care with Dr Elizabeth Blades

18:34 - Self Care with Dr Wendy LeBorgne

31:27 - Self Care with Dr Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher

40:37 - Self Care with Lisa Popeil

52:34 - Self Care with Dr Jenevora Williams

1:04:19 - Self Care with Ashlie Amber

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Right now our society is experiencing an epidemic of mental fatigue because there are so many people who are worrying about their families, their jobs, their livelihoods while having to take care of their children and some are having to take care of aging parents also.

The pandemic has caused us all to feel mentally exhausted, sapping our motivation, constantly leaving us feeling emotionally and mentally drained and in overwhelm. However, mental fatigue is complex and usually isn’t caused by one thing. Some of these causes can be self-inflicted too.

Contributing factors can be physical ones such as poor nutrition, and lack of sleep, or they can be cognitive because we’ve been asking our brain to do too much. It’s no wonder we feel mentally exhausted by the end of the day! Yet, that’s exactly how most of us operate on a daily basis.

Mental fatigue doesn’t have to hang around in your life and in this episode, we are going to identify some steps you can take to help you recharge your brain and live that life you were experiencing prior to the pandemic. Learn how you can move out of that state of mental fatigue, and reclaim your mental energy to put you back into an alert, action-oriented state.

We are going to check out the ways you can maintain brain function by reducing the use of your smartphone, tablet, and computer. Lifestyle modifications can also help such as getting enough rest, exercising and eating healthy food. It’s time right now to remove some of these tasks and responsibilities that have become part of your new normal. Let’s say goodbye to mental fatigue and hello to a super-charged brain!

In this episode

00:59 - Introduction

03:15 - What is mental fatigue?

06:53 - Give your brain high-quality fuel

10:25 - Tips for maintaining sufficient energy levels

14:24 - Benefits of prioritising sleep

20:45 - Benefits of physical activity

23:40 - Impact of decision fatigue

29:50 - Impact of over checking your emails

33:45 - Impact of too much time on our phones

38:33 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/26

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Today's guest is Julie-Anne Whitfield.

Every day in Australia, nine people end their lives by suicide and this is more than double the national road toll. For every one person who dies, there are 39 attempted suicides. What is even more frightening about these figures is that they are pre COVID -19 statistics and these numbers have increased dramatically over the past twelve months.

This week’s guest is Julie-Anne Whitfield who has been a Hospitality & Training Professional for over 35 years and four years ago, she proudly became an ambassador for RUOK? RUOK is a non for profit harm prevention organisation that encourages people to stay connected and have meaningful conversations with others who are going through the most difficult times in their lives.

In this episode, Julie-Anne discusses how the RUOK organisation contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and to build informal support networks within the workplace. Julie-Anne explains how we as friends, family and colleagues can become more alert to the behaviours of those around us, how we can recognise signs of difficulty or distress, how to have a conversation with someone who we identify is in need of help, and how to connect them to the appropriate support, long before they are in crisis. Julie- Anne stresses that it’s about trusting our gut and our intuition when we think someone is struggling with life and the importance of creating a culture around support, connection and caring in the workplace environment.

The message in this episode is that we can all make a difference!

In this episode
1:08 - Introduction

12:15 - What is RUOK?

23:09 - Why is there shame in asking for help?

26:40 - The four step action plan

32:11 - What is the right approach?

42:55 - The importance of checking back in

46:46 - Recognising the signs in a virtual world

51:38 - Finding more resources about RUOK

RUOK Website - https://www.ruok.org.au/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/25

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Today’s guest is Nadine Manion.

Nadine is an established and highly sought after singing teacher, vocal coach, presenter and researcher. In 2020, Nadine was awarded the Dr. Iain C. Medgitt Churchill Fellowship to investigate vocal technique and care of the transgender singing voice in the applied voice studio.

In this episode, Nadine discusses her research work in the field of transgender and gender-diverse singing voice and how this work has informed the practical approaches she has developed to train and support this group of singers. Nadine shares with us the significance of student-centric learning and she stresses that our teaching must be guided by the individual goals and specific needs of the trans singer and these must be addressed with care and sensitivity.

Nadine discusses many aspects of training trans singers such as the impact of hormone therapy on the voice, the vocal evaluation process for a transgender student, how to deal with expectations and perceived outcomes when it may become necessary to employ the services of a speech therapist, examples of exercises for range extension and there is so much more from Nadine. This episode is very informative for anyone working in the voice community and is helpful in creating gender-affirming spaces within our studios.

In this episode1:08 - Introducing Nadine Manion

7:18 - Nadine’s Transgender Research

16:00 - Creating a safe teaching space

19:30 - Impact of hormone therapy on the voice

31:10 - Helpful exercises for voice exploration

39:09 - Finding an authentic singing voice

43:07 - Explaining the term cisgender

47:09 - Exploring gender affirmation

54:33 - Nadine’s advice for the teaching community

56:34 - Nadine’s upcoming workshop for teachers

Find Nadine Manion online

Website: nadinemanion.com

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/24

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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Today’s guest is Emma Ferris.

Emma is from the Breath Effect & is a trained physiotherapist, acupuncturist, and Pilates, trauma and breathing coach who has made it her life’s mission to help others learn to thrive and reach their full potential. She has had the opportunity to work with thousands of clients over the years, helping them heal their discomfort, chronic pain, injury, illness, and disease and continues to heal many who don’t respond to traditional or conventional methods.

In this episode, Emma talks about the stress-breath connection and the results people can achieve when they reset their body and rewire their brain with improved breathing techniques. Emma speaks candidly about her relationship with a con man and the lessons she leant across her own crazy journey of trauma, recovery and survival and how that has inspired her to help others overcome their own adversities. From the emotions, body, mind, and heart, she believes that you can recalibrate those habits that may be stopping you from reaching your full potential or are keeping you stuck in fight, flight or freeze mode.

Emma states that our emotions are connected to our breathing and that breathing is the main driver for our level of stress. Beyond just a few slow breaths, it is about teaching your body to feel safe and recover from trauma. And there is so much more in this episode and I am sure you will be inspired by Emma Ferris.

In this episode

1:08 - Introduction

5:07 - Emma’s inspiration for breath work

9:26 - Early career & big life adjustments

14:39 - What is working on breath?

20:25 - Breathing’s influence on our heart rate

28:55 - Myths & misconceptions around breathing

35:37 - The breathing process. Nose or mouth?

47:02 - Exercises for breathing muscles

57:14 - Emma’s experience with a con man

Find Emma Ferris online

Cultivating Calm - For women wanting to find their healthiest version

https://www.thebreatheffect.com/cultivating-calm/

Breathe Right - Discover how simply breathing right can help you stress less and thrive more

https://www.thebreatheffect.com/breathe-right/

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/23

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How often do you begin an important task and you suddenly find yourself standing in front of the coffee machine five minutes later? Are you feeling as though you're are going nowhere fast because you simply can’t get started on that one task you keep putting off? Instead of moving forward, it feels like you’re stagnating and could be doing more with your life. It could be that you are guilty of procrastination.

When we talk about procrastination, it is the act of delaying or postponing an important task and what we end up doing instead is that we focus on less urgent, more enjoyable, and far easier activities instead. The problem with procrastination is that it can restrict your potential in life and undermine your career.

In today’s episode, we are going to figure out what is causing you to procrastinate and diverting your attention to other unproductive activities. I will share some simple ideas that you can use to manage your day, have you feeling more motivated, productive, creative and inspired to get you started on that very thing you have been putting off. You have one life and you have the potential for greatness. Let us help you beat procrastination today!

If you like this episode, please leave a review here – even a few words will help. Please post a screenshot of this episode on your social media account and be sure to tag us so we can thank you personally.

In this episode

00:59 - Introduction

03:48 - The problem with procrastination

07:13 - The hard facts

09:15 - The science of procrastination

13:23 - Communicating our Goals

17:44 - Lack of mental focus

18:25 - How to overcome procrastination

24:37 - Check your Environment

29:25 - Making the task more achievable

33:52 - Taking time out & setting an intention

36:37 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/22

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This is part II of my interview with the inspirational Nancy Bos. Nancy is an international speaker and clinician on singing and speech, as well as the acclaimed author of a number of best-selling books, including The Teen Girl’s Singing Guide. She is also co-author of the book Singing Through Change: Women's Voices in Midlife, Menopause, and Beyond which has touched the lives of many female singers who are going through perimenopause and menopause and those of us working with singers during that phase in their lives.

In this episode, Nancy speaks candidly about the changing female voice and the uncertainties women are confronted with physically, hormonally and vocally as they enter perimenopause and menopause. Her attitude is one of preparedness and education in order for women to understand what is about to happen throughout these difficult and unpredictable stages, before they begin to happen.

Nancy also describes the various hormonal changes experienced by women as they enter perimenopause and menopause and the most common challenges female singers will experience during this part of their lives. Nancy shares with us her mission is to encourage and educate women who love to sing that they are not alone.

Singing Through Change

In this episode1:09 - Introducing Nancy Bos

5:30 - Singing through change

7:52 - Perimenopause

12:33 - The impact on the vocal folds

19:19 - Menopause

21:14 - Nancy’s Menopause journey

24:57 - Marisa’s Peri-menopause journey

35:38 - The wrap up on menopause

37:28 - Nancy’s future plans & projects

42:50 - Nancy’s advice for women

Celebrate singing with Nancy Bos: https://celebratesinging.live/
Nancy's publishing company Studiobos

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/21

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Today's guest is Nancy Bos.

Nancy is an acclaimed author, international speaker, and owner of StudioBos Media, who has taught voice for over twenty years. As a globally recognized voice expert, Nancy truly believes that everyone has a right to sing and to use their voice. In this episode, Nancy explains that voice teachers are incredibly lucky people, because they have the opportunity to live out their passion every day and witness the joy of transformation and empowerment in their students. Nancy shares her personal story of how she had to unlock her own voice which had been suppressed as a child, as well as, overcome severe performance anxiety in order to help others reach their highest potential. She opens up about her life’s mission to inspire people all around the world to find the freedom to express, through voice, that part of who they are that connects us all. This is part one of a two part interview with Nancy and I’m sure you are going to truly be captivated by her wisdom and experiences. Without further ado, let’s go to today’s episode.

In this episode1:09 - Introducing Nancy Bos

6:49 - Nancy’s first singing lessons

11:17 - Change of direction

15:38 - Dealing with performance anxiety

30:11 - Singing through change

37:46 - Today’s generation of women

40:43 - Helping people find their voice

44:48 - Getting over performance anxiety

51:24 - Meditation

Celebrate singing with Nancy Bos: https://celebratesinging.live/
New menopause Book Singing Through Change
Nancy's publishing company Studiobos

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/20

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Over the past twelve months, all of us have had our lives thrown into chaos and every day brings with it the unknown. Now more than ever, on any given day, we all have a moment where we struggle with our fears and this struggle is real as we come to terms with the new normal.

In this episode, we are going to unpack courage and go through five important steps that will help you start stepping up your courage, boost your confidence and begin to live a full and meaningful life alongside your fears. You will learn that moving through life with courage, allows you to see the world from a different perspective.

Courage gives you the power to chase your dreams and seize opportunities as they present themselves. Embracing courage broadens the experiences you have in your life and most importantly, making courage a part of your life equips you with the ability to empower others to do the same.

In this episode:

0:58 - Introduction

05:32 - How to step up your courage

06:03 - Number 1. Acknowledging your fears

11:40 - Number 2. Owning your fears

18:28 - Number 3. Living your life to others standards

23:54 - Number 4. Asking for support

27:44 - Number 5. Avoid the negatives

31:25 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/19

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Today's guest is Dr Wendy LeBorgne.

Today we welcome back Dr Wendy in part II of her amazing interview, in which she shares with us her nerve racking Ted Talk experience, when she spoke on the topic of "Vocal Branding and How Your Voice Shapes Your Communication Image". In this episode, Wendy describes the elements of the voice which impact authentic and engaged communication. She believes that our voice is our most important communication asset which is unique to us and all our life experiences create our vocal story. By understanding and maximizing our communication strengths, this can lead us to successful and inspiring communication outcomes in all areas of our lives. Wendy describes how she helps others including politicians, Fortune 100 CEO's, presenters on network television, podcasters, and film actors discover and empower their authentic voices. We also have a little fun with my voice as Wendy breaks down the five key elements of voice that come together to create our personal voice brand.

Listen to Dr Wendy LeBorgne's Ted Talk

In this episode:
00:58 - Introduction

02:44 - Wendy’s TED Talk

12:11 - Quality & clarity of voices

19:29 - Changes in pitch over time

28:04 - Voice vulnerability exercises

36:37 - Trying new things with your voice

43:10 - What’s in the pipeline for Wendy?

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/18

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Today’s guest is Dr. Wendy LeBorgne.

Wendy is a highly sought-after voice pathologist, speaker, author, and vocal-athlete coach who works with a diversity of elite professional performers from Grammy award winning singers embarking on national tours, to those on the bright lights of Broadway.

This is part 1 of a two-part interview with Dr Wendy LeBorgne and in this episode, Wendy shares her approaches and philosophies to training singers and how she cares for vocal injuries. She believes that singers are vocal athletes, who not only embody the voice, but also the body, mind and spirit.

Wendy speaks candidly about some of the causes of vocal pathologies across all genres and how she prepares an elite vocal athlete for durability, strength and survival. Wendy also talks about what self-care means to her and how her personal regime of self-care has helped her survive the effects of the pandemic.

www.drwendyvoice.com

In This Episode:1:09 - Introduction

4:56 - Dr Wendy LeBorgne early career

10:56 - Most common issues found in singers

17:53 - Are there different pathologies for different genres?

23:22 - The birth of the vocal athlete idea

26:12 - Tips for optimal performance

38:54 - Juggling mother, wife & work demands

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/17

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Do you go through each day constantly feeling overwhelmed and you don’t know why?

Overwhelm in your life can be caused by external factors, such as traumatic life experiences that you cannot predict or prevent. However, your overwhelm may be coming from behaviours that are absolutely within your control and by making some simple changes, you have the power to eliminate overwhelm from your life. In this episode, we will break down the five bad habits, that you may be guilty of, that are leaving you in a chronic state of self-inflicted overwhelm and ultimately impact your ability to think and act rationally.

In this Episode00:58 - Introduction

02:37 - Overwhelm: Identifying the bad habits

04:24 - One: Stop being a YES person

12:33 - Two: Stop living in chaos

16:35 - Three: Don’t believe everything you tell yourself

23:18 - Four: Holding onto the past

27:52 - Five: Stressing about the future

30:27 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/16

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Today's guest is Chris Johnson.

Chris shares his journey as he transitioned from a successful performance career to becoming a leading vocal coach working with numerous major recording artists as well as leading Westend performers. As a singer who experienced vocal issues himself, Chris has a solid understanding of today’s industry demands. He discusses the strategies he employs for assisting others to overcome vocal pathologies and how it is possible for a vocalist to have a sustainable career while maintaining their unique signature sound. Chris proudly describes his new assessment training program, which is one of the numerous programs he has launched to assist our singing teaching community improve learning outcomes with students. There is so much more in this episode, including the impact of COVID 19 on Chris’s self-care regime you will not want to miss out on.

In this episode01:09 - Introducing Chris Johnson

16:44 - Experiences put into practice

27:36 - Dealing with managers and sustainability

29:37 - Commonalities with voice problems

46:37 - Chris’s new assessment program

56:18 - Chris’s new business teachvoice.com

1:00:00 - The Naked Vocalist Podcast

1:04:22 - Chris’s self-care routine

1:10:30 - Advice for new teachers

Linkshttps://www.chrisjohnsonvocalcoach.com

https://www.teachvoice.com

https://www.thenakedvocalist.com

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/15

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Motion is lotion and the message in this episode is that overall health, fitness, strength and posture are important to longevity and quality of life. Functional limitations will occur when you are not at optimal fitness and health, and your vocal health will flow on from that. In order to achieve long term success, happiness, good health and well-being you must participate in some form of physical activity every day. There are so many other positive benefits to being active which include an increase in brain function, concentration, productivity, and self-confidence. Everyone is unique and physical activity must be introduced gently and be tailored to suit your body, your genetics, age, fitness level, environment and how your physical health is affecting you. Now is the time to start moving your body to reap the benefits of physical activity. It is never too late to start!

In this episode

1:12 - Taking care of your instrument

5:10 - Three ways to take better care

9:14 - Function at your best

13:24 - Lack of exercise V’s Cigarettes

15:38 - Where to start?

18:56 - Secret to longevity with exercise

22:07 - The best workout for singers

26:18 - The downside of sitting all-day

32:18 - Make a plan and stick to it

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/14

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Today's guest is Dr Elizabeth Benson.

Elizabeth offers us a rare insight into her professional career highlights as a singer who performed across multi genres from classical art song to musical theatre and pop/rock. She describes the training regime that helped her manage the vocal demands of each style, how she built vocal stamina and created the requisite style elements across the spectrum of sounds. Elizabeth discusses the training program at Auburn University and how this boutique program is designed to ensure that students are offered every opportunity for success by not only learning the practical skills required to be a triple threat in the industry, but also how they can build other necessary skills such as resilience. Elizabeth shares her core values, inspiration for her book, and her personal mission now is for social justice and reform in the voice community in areas such as gender equality, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. There is so much more in this episode and I am sure you are going to love it!

Contact Dr Elizabeth Benson

Purchase Dr Elizabth Benson's Book

In this episode:

01:08 - Introducing Dr Elizabeth Benson

04:47 - Dealing with the pandemic

09:04 - Elizabeth’s early singing days

12:42 - Performing at Carnegie Hall

15:54 - Writing a cabaret

20:32 - Transitioning to voice teaching

25:25 - Auburn University programs

32:54 - Covid’s impact on current students

37:33 - Dr Elizabeths new book

45:00 - The belting chapter

48:42 - Resources within the book

49:39 - What’s next for Dr Elizabeth

55:46 - Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/13

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Training Contemporary Commercial Singers

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The use of the word alignment is subjective and can mean different things to different people. As voice teachers, we usually refer to alignment in the context of postural alignment. We understand that alignment is a necessary component for promoting healthy and efficient singing. However, to be in true alignment with authentic self means that we are balanced from a physiological, psychological, social and environmental perspective. From time to time, we can feel disconnected in our relationships with others, we may find ourselves in a job where we have lost our passion or we may feel physically disconnected in space and time. If you relate to any of these scenarios, you may well be in misalignment and this can impact all areas of your health, including vocal health. In this episode, I discuss alignment in all these four key areas and I share strategies that will help you realign to your authentic self.

In this episode

00:58 - What is alignment?

03:35 - My experience with a misaligned student

11.59 - Alignment with self

15:35 - Does this sound like you?

18:09 - Alignment with the environment

19:55 - Measures for checking in on your alignment

21:17 - My story of misalignment

28:15 - Physical Alignment

29:30 - Identifying physical habits

32:08 - Postural Alignment

35:34 - Affects on the voice

37:06 - Conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/12

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Today’s guest is Lisa Popeil.Lisa isa prominent voice teacher, voice researcher, musician, author and workshop presenter. Lisa shares her music industry experiences as a female recording artist who emerged in the 1980’s and how she has managed to sustain an enduring career in the industry by understanding the significance of resilience, tenacity and reinvention as a performing artist. Lisa describes how she has successfully transitioned across a variety of roles within the industry fuelled by her keen enthusiasm to learn, her natural curiosity and her love for music and the singing voice. This is a rare insight into Lisa’s personal and professional journey touring and performing with artists such as Frank Zappa and “Weird Al” Yankovic. In this episode, Lisa offers her pearls of wisdom based on her professional career that has spanned for over 50 years for the singing voice community to enjoy.

https://www.popeil.com/

In this episode01:08 - Introducing Lisa Popeil

09:01 - Lisa’s childhood

19.20 - Lisa’s early vocal training

22:57 - Deciding on a music school

24:03 - Lisa’s first job

28:35 - Writing music in the 80’s

33:55 - Where is the industry heading?

44:33 - Touring with Weird Al Yankovic

48:54 - Resolving problems on tour

52:19 - Managing sleep and self-care

1:02:09 - Staying resilient and humble

1:04:41 - The impact of performance experience

1:14:15 - Lisa’s current plans & projects

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/11

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Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our life, health and longevity and yet it’s becoming more and more neglected in our society. And this neglect comes with devastating consequences. As members of the singing voice community, our lack of sleep can compromise our immune system, energy levels, performance outcomes, stifle creativity and build tension in our working relationships. In this episode, we delve into the science of sleep, the need for a sleep revolution, address why you may have trouble sleeping, offer tips for improving sleeping habits and explain how consistent restful sleep can positively impact every area of your life. So if you or someone you know is a restless sleeper, this episode is not to be missed!

In this episode:

00.56 - The importance of Sleep

02.23 - Do you get enough sleep?

03.24 - Benefits of a good nights sleep

07:32 - How much sleep is recommended

08:17 - Problems associated with sleep

12:57 - Sleeps effect on Relationships

14:52 - Stress & anxiety from lack of sleep

19:32 - Solutions to help you sleep better

21:18 - Tip #1 Don’t eat too late

21:47 - Tip #2 Power down before bed

22:37 - Tip #3 All screens off

25:35 - Other useful tips for a better sleep

29:11 - In conclusion

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/10

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Today's guest is Ashlie Amber.

Ashlie Amber is a singer, actress and entertainer who is in the midst of an incredible music career as a black recording artist in Nashville, a music culture that historically has not embraced gender equality or diversity. As a child, she discovered the power of music and developed a deep connection to country music. However, as she began to pursue her professional career, she was stereotyped as an artist and was encouraged to sing music styles exclusively associated with black culture. In this episode, Ashlie Amber speaks candidly about her journey in the pursuit of her dream to become the “Beyonce” of country music. She shares with us that success has little to do with vocal ability and that social media, branding, a solid business and marketing plan, and the ability to negotiate contracts are vital for a career in the music industry.

Listen to Ashlie Amber's Music or Visit Ashlie Amber's website

In this episode01.07 - About Ashlie Amber

04:41 - Realising her love for singing

13:52 - Previous voice training

21:06 - Working onboard a cruise ship

29:46 - Singing Whitney & self-care

33:04 - Meeting Don Ellis Gatlin after a performance

36:06 - Signing Don Ellis Gatlin as her manager

38:30 - Women in country music statistics

43.39 - The music Ashlie Amber has released so far

46.20 - The importance of a good team

49.29 - Dealing with discrimination

55:01 - Make it happen mentality

1:00:10 - Covid’s effect on the voice

1:02:29 - Advice for up and coming artists

1:06:15 - Finding Ashlie Amber online

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/09

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Nothing in life is easy, or so we believe! Often we set goals and we fail, not because our goals are unrealistic, but we don’t have a plan for how we are going to achieve them. Whether you’re quitting a bad habit or picking up a healthier one, wanting to find a pathway to a better version of you, it is important that as you set about chasing those goals, you have a strategy. In this episode, we are going to get to the core of why you’re having trouble implementing your goals and we share the five key steps that will help you achieve anything you desire by understanding the process of goal setting.

In this episode

01:42 - Setting Goals on January 1st

03:26 - How I set my goals

05:40 - Achieving your goals

06:38 - The facts about goal setting

07:58 - Traps to avoid

09:23 - Start now (step one)

14:18 - Focus (step two)

19:16 - Competency (step three)

23:25 - Working in steps (step four)

29:27 - Check in regularly (step five)

31:26 - Overall conclusion

32:34 - Glo Atanmo’s Story

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/08

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Gillyanne and Jeremy candidly share their philosophies on a “one size fits all” and a “one method” approach to teaching singers. They believe these approaches do not take into consideration the student as a human being who has a spirit, emotions and physicality, and is not just a larynx. They stress the importance of a multi-faceted approach when working with a unique creative vocal artist in the voice studio. Gillaynne and Jeremy believe that context is everything, and discuss how this can also be applied to voice science.

In celebration of World Voice Day, Gillyanne and Jeremy stress the need for teachers to understand the significance of self-care and to acknowledge their personal self-care needs in order to best serve their students. They deliver their inspirational message regarding the importance of fostering healthy mindful connections and collaboration within our teaching voice community. Be kind to yourselves and to others.

Bios:

Dr Gillyanne Kayes is a voice researcher, trainer and singing voice expert, internationally recognised for her insight into function of the singing voice. Her books include the groundbreaking Singing and the Actor, Successful Singing Auditions, the Singing Express series, and This is a Voice commissioned by the Wellcome Trust. She has presented on singing voice at numerous conferences around the world, including PEVOC, PAS, EuroVox, ANATS, NEWZATS, BVA and ATHE. In her doctoral research Gillyanne investigated acoustic, physiological and perceptual aspects of female voice use in different genres. Her current mission is to influence and inspire vocal trainers to collaborate and grow.

Jeremy Fisher is a national prizewinning collaborative pianist, CPD accredited vocal coach and multiple bestselling author (7 books) on vocal and performance techniques. He has performed in every venue imaginable, including a tank museum, a department store window, in front of the royal family at Madame Tussauds, and 150 feet underground in a pothole. Jeremy has created many voice training resources including books, CDs, DVDs, Webinars, presentations, online streaming courses and a #1 app on Google Play – his goal is to get clear, practical singing information out in whatever format works for the singer. He uses a combination of cutting-edge vocal physiology, high-level musicianship and performance intuition to help singers and singing teachers find their own unique voice and style.

Together they are Vocal Process. They’ve been co-teaching for 25 years, and married for 21.

Links

Learn more about Vocal Process at the following:
The new Vocal Process Learning Lounge – 15 years of resources in one place

Jeremy’s latest book and audiobook “Why Do I Need A Vocal Coach? Stories, tips and hacks from the studio of a voice expert”

Our latest collaboration with the SOVT Singing Straw creator Oren Boder – the SOVT Streaming Course

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/07

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

Why do I need a vocal coach?: Stories, tips and hacks from the studio of a voice expert (How to [music])

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Together, Gillyanne and Jeremy are known as Vocal Process, the ‘power couple’ who have come to truly understand how collaboration, collegiality and the sharing of information can super charge your teaching and create momentum within your studio business. In this episode, they define their distinct roles within their business model and how the combination of their complimentary skills, along with some clever strategic planning has attributed to the success of Vocal Process. They offer a unique insight into how they manage their personal and professional lives and explain how personal self-care and finding balance is crucial for sustainability in all areas of life.

Bios:

Dr Gillyanne Kayes is a voice researcher, trainer and singing voice expert, internationally recognised for her insight into function of the singing voice. She has authored a number of books including the ground breaking Singing and the Actor, and has presented on singing voice at numerous conferences around the world. In her doctoral research Gillyanne investigated acoustic, physiological and perceptual aspects of female voice use in different genres. Her current mission is to influence and inspire vocal trainers to collaborate and grow.

Jeremy Fisher is a national prizewinning collaborative pianist, CPD accredited vocal coach and multiple bestselling author (7 books). Jeremy has created many voice training resources across numerous mediums including online streaming courses and a #1 app on Google Play. His goal is to get clear, practical singing information out in whatever format works for the singer. He uses a combination of cutting-edge vocal physiology, high-level musicianship and performance intuition to help singers and singing teachers find their own unique voice and style.

Together they are Vocal Process..

Links to:

The new Vocal Process Learning Lounge – 15 years of resources in one place

https://vocal-process-hub.teachable.com/p/the-vocal-technique-learning-lounge

Jeremy’s latest book and audiobook “Why Do I Need A Vocal Coach? Stories, tips and hacks from the studio of a voice expert”

Our latest collaboration with the SOVT Singing Straw creator Oren Boder – the SOVT Streaming Course

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/06

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

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Today’s guest is Dr Jenevora Williams.

Jenevora is a passionate pedagogue who shares her unique insights into the teaching of singing and the training of singing teachers. Over the years, Jenevora has received international acclaim from the voice community for her pioneering work into the training of young singers. In this episode, Jenevora discusses her keen interest in vocal health and how she transitioned from her work with young voices and turned her attention to investigating healthy and efficient vocal function for singers of all ages. As a leading expert in the field of vocal health, Jenevora, explains how her practical experience has resulted in a unique understanding of the human voice from a holistic perspective. She firmly believes that the voice should be examined from a bio/physical and social standpoint and describes how all these factors can have a significant impact on voice production and vocal health. Jenevora discusses her teacher training program which has a particular emphasis on singing voice rehabilitation.

For more about Jenevora, check out her website: https://jenevorawilliams.com

For more about her program in vocal health education go to: https://vocalhealth.co.uk

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/05

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Today's guest is Donna Cameron.

As a society, we’re full of stress and anxiety and these issues can consume us. Often it is our thoughts, our situations, both past and present as well as worrying about the future that can become extremely overwhelming. So how do we recognise when we are feeling stressed or suffering from anxiety? How do we address these issues when we still feel shame in admitting that we are in need of help? As a voice community, not only do we have to be our best selves when we show up to work every day, but so many of those we serve are also suffering from these silent illnesses.

In today’s episode, Donna Cameron, who is a registered psychologist with over 16 years -experience, dives deep into describing the symptoms and warning signs of stress and anxiety, the physical, mental and emotional changes that occur in our bodies when we are experiencing those conditions, and how our community and health system currently deal with these issues. Donna discusses how managing your stress cup is a powerful tool to help overcome these difficult health problems. She also offers an insight into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in our society and shares some practical strategies that the voice teaching community can implement to deal with these issues in the studio, especially with students who are in need of attention.

Bio: Donna Cameron

Donna has been a qualified psychologist for over 16 years working with children, adolescents, adults for anxiety, breakups and marriage/couples counselling . Based on her knowledge and experiences, she has written a self-help book called “Managing Your Stress Cup” and has a podcast “On the Couch with Donna Cameron”. She is often called upon to comment in printed publications and on the News. Donna is passionate about helping people and presents them with practical strategies that they can understand and implement. Her aim is to take the fear out of mental health and feels that when clients understand the language of their emotions that they can then make positive changes in their lives and for their mental health.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/04

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Everyone wants to have successful outcomes each and every day. But how do we do this? First we must set up our days with a morning routine that helps us develop a healthy mindset which will ultimately lead to us achieving our best lives. This episode uncovers the three important habits you can cultivate as part of your morning routine that will help you upgrade your happiness, feel more energized, be more present, more productive and help you win back your day, every day.
For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/03

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Today's guest is Dr. Elizabeth Blades.

Elizabeth describes her regime of self-care and how this program of self-care was crucial to her healing journey in the midst of turmoil. Elizabeth so generously shares her story, offers us her perspectives, and life philosophies. Elizabeth also explains how our intuition is smarter than our brain and we must trust what our intuition is trying to tell us. Her attitude of “This too shall pass” is extremely profound and is one that can help us all during these times of chaos and the anxiety of today’s society.

Elizabeth Blades, is currently a visiting Instructor of Music for the Performing Arts Division, School of Art and Design at Alfred University where she is teaching classes in voice and piano. In addition Elizabeth serves on the faculty of Shenandoah University, in Winchester, VA. She is the author of A Spectrum of Voices: Prominent American Voice Teachers Discuss the Teaching of Singing and co-authored with Samuel Nelson Singing with Your Whole Self: The Singer’s Guide to Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement. She also presents national and international workshops connected with her research in Moshe Feldenkrais and the Feldenkrais Method in vocal training. In October 2020 Elizabeth delivered the keynote address for the National Conference of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing

She is the founder and director of Vocalhealthworks, dedicated to advancing healthy vocal technique rehabilitating injured or endangered voices. She also founded and was producer/artistic director of the Allens Park Performing Arts Company, based in Allens Park Colo., which launched its maiden season in 2011.

A native of Hornell, NY, she recently returned to her hometown where she sings in the choir of Christ Episcopal Church.

Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Blades
https://thecouch.biz/

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In this episode, Marisa introduces her new podcast series and shares her incredible personal and professional journey which led her to create this show. Marisa explains how she was inspired by her own commitment to self-care, personal development and personal growth and her profound desire to help others reach their full potential in life.

Marisa reveals how the name of the podcast, A Voice and Beyond, is deeply connected to her philosophy towards the voice. She believes “The voice is a higher form of self-expression. Whether you are a part of the voice community or beyond, your voice is your unique gift and my mission is to empower others to take charge, discover their voice in life, share their gift with others, develop a positive mindset, and become the best and most authentic version of themselves to create greater impact every day”.

Marisa explains that our whole body is our vocal instrument and our instruments echo how we feel physically, mentally and emotionally. She offers strategies on how to improve our overall health and wellbeing and encourages a gentle daily regime of self-care that can be applied to achieve successful outcomes every day.

It is with great pride Marisa launches her first podcast episode and offers an insight into what will be coming up in future shows. She looks forward to you joining her every week for A Voice and Beyond.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/podcast

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My new book Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles is now available. You can learn more and get your copy at www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/publications

A Voice and Beyond: Recent Episodes

Dr Marisa Lee Naismith