A Voice and Beyond

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 OnlineWebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookIn this Episode00:00 - Introduction and Background04:46 - Giji's Professional Journey13:01 - Meeting Her Father for the First Time16:24 - Writing Journey and the Impact of Shared Stories21:39 - Healing and Hope in Father-Child Relationships22:32 - Giji's Relationship with Her Father23:21 - Understanding Different Types of Fathers For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/153.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2024

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 Episode02:35 - 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 Find Matt OnlineWebsiteFacebookFind Jacqulyn OnlineWebsite For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/152.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2024

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 Episode Introduction 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 OnlineWebsiteFacebookYoutube For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/151.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2024

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:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/150.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2024

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 OnlineWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn In This Episode 2:36 - 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.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2024

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:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInIn 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.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2024

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 Episode 2:36 - 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 OnlineWebsiteFacebookSupport Australia - Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636Australia- Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.USA - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call 988UK - Crisis Text Line -Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/146. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2023

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 Episode 1:15 - 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 OnlineWebsiteFacebookSupportAustralia - Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636Australia- Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.USA - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call 988UK - Crisis Text Line -Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/146. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2023

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 Episode2:30 - 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 WebsiteMiriam's FacebookMiriam's InstagramMiriam's LinkedInFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/145. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2023

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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2023

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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2023

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 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/142. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2023

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/rushdorsett https://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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram Check out my eBook here: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/ In Gratitude – My Daily Self Journal: https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/journalPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2023

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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2023

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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2023

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 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/138. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2023

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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2023

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 Online Website: 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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2023

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 Online Website: 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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2023

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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2023

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 Episode 1:15- 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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2023

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 Episode 1:15 – 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/ Upcoming Australian Tour: www.vocalhealth.co.uk/australian-tour For more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/132. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2023

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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2023

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 largest 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 Online Website: 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. Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2023

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 Episode 1:15 – 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 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/129 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2023

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 Episode1:15 – 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 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/128 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2023

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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2023

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 Episode 1:15 – 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 OnlineWebsite: 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2023

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 Episode 1:15 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2023

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 Episode 1:15 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2023

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 Episode 1:09 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2023

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 Online Website: 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 Episode 1:15 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2023

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 Episode 1:15 – 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://drmarisaleenPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2023

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 Episode1:09 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2023

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 OnlineJo's Websites: CHOOSESERENITY & 20QUESTIONS Jo's Instagram Jo's YouTubeJo's LinkedIn In this Episode1:15 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2023

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 OnlineDana's WebsiteDana's FacebookDana's InstagramDana's LinkedInDana's Book In this Episode 1:15 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on InstagramPerformance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2023

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. Find Dana Online Website: https://www.born2singkids.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.lentini Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lentinidana/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-lentini-9a480537/ Book: https://www.halleonard.com/product/371932/singing-kids-songbook-level-1 In this Episode 1:15 – 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2023

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 Episode 1:09 - 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2023

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 OnlineMiriam's WebsiteMiriam's FacebookMiriam's InstagramMiriam's LinkedInIn this Episode 1:15 - 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2023

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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2023

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 Episode 1:09 - Introduction 7:42 - Perfectionism and control 11:43 - Just get started 16:20 - Unrealistic goals 20:05 - ConclusionFor more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/113 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2023

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 Episode 1:16 - 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 OnlinePatricia's WebsitePatricia's FacebookFor more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/112 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2023

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 Episode 1:15 - 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 nextFind Megan OnlineWebsiteInstagramFor more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/111 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2023

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 Episode 1:09 - 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2023

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 Episode 1:14 - 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 BookWebsiteYouTubeInstagram For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/109 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram. Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2023

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 Episode 1:15 - 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 Onlinewww.truecolorsvoiceandartist.com www.jessbaldwin.medium.com wwww.singinginpopularmusics.com www.jessbaldwin.com For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/108 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2023

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 Episode 1:11 - Introduction 5:40 - Setting yourself up 13:29 - People pleasers 19:59 - Overwhelm holding you back For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/107 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2023

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 Episode 1:15 - 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 OnlineNeil's WebsiteNeil's BookInstagramYouTube For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/106 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2023

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 Episode 1:27 - 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 OnlineJacob's InstagramPerformance Reel on YouTubeJacob's Facebook For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/105 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2023

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 Episode 1:10 - 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 Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps! Follow me on Instagram.Performance Mastery Coaching - Take Centre Stage In Your Life!! Visit www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/coaching to learn more. 

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2023