Épisodes

  • Looking Inside the Voice / Vocal Health 101 with Natalia Łastowiecka
    May 5 2025

    In this episode my guest is Natalia Łastowiecka, an SLP specializing in voice, swallow, and upper airway.

    Natalia shares her personal journey from being a classical voice performance major to discovering her passion for speech-language pathology after facing vocal challenges herself. We discuss the importance of having a supportive team, including laryngologists and SLPs, especially for professional voice users.

    Learn about the significance of baseline assessments, the impact of vocal habits like throat clearing and coughing, and the best practices for maintaining vocal health. Natalia also highlights the importance of hydration, vocal warm-ups, and understanding vocal load to prevent injuries.

    Whether you're a singer, voice teacher, or just someone who uses their voice regularly, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to keep your voice healthy and strong.

    00:00:20 - Natalia's Journey to Becoming an SLP 00:02:09 - Importance of a Voice Care Team 00:02:37 - Laryngologist vs. Otolaryngologist 00:03:09 - Baseline Endoscopy for Singers 00:04:37 - Visualizing the Voice 00:05:02 - Impact of Throat Clearing and Coughing 00:07:33 - Creating Educational Content 00:09:05 - Basics of Vocal Health 00:11:10 - Preventative Vocal Health Measures 00:14:07 - Vocal Load Management 00:14:44 - Speaking Tips for Vocal Health 00:17:08 - Common Vocal Injuries 00:19:44 - Overall Health and Vocal Health 00:22:04 - Treatability of Vocal Conditions 00:24:22 - Study on Performance Spaces and Acoustics 00:25:42 - Where to Find Natalia Online

    Natalia's Instagram

    Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    For more info please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    27 min
  • Boundaries, Singing and the Nervous System with Elise Besler
    Jan 28 2025

    In this episode, I speak with the inspiring Elise Besler, a somatic voice and boundary coach known for her empowering and compassionate approach as a practitioner. Elise integrates somatic practices and nervous system regulation to help clients overcome barriers to singing, self-expression and communication.

    She shares her insights on the connection between the nervous system and effective boundary-setting, explains the role of the vagus nerve in singing, and discusses how singing can be a powerful tool for self care and healing.

    We also discuss exercises for managing performance anxiety, the challenges marginalized groups face in setting boundaries, and the importance of self-care in activism to prevent burnout.

    00:00:32 - Elise'sJourney and Approach 00:02:38 - The Deeper Well: Fear and Trauma in Voice Coaching 00:03:16 - Nervous System Regulation and Boundaries 00:05:28 - Singing and the Nervous System 00:07:54 - Radical Self-Care Through Singing 00:08:43 - Overcoming Fear of Criticism in Singing 00:10:27 - Childhood Experiences and Voice Suppression 00:13:42 - Practical Exercises for Performance Anxiety 00:19:26 - Tapping Exercise for Grounding 00:21:48 - Understanding Healthy Boundaries 00:24:42 - Universal Challenges in Boundary Setting 00:28:40 - Activism and Self-Care 00:32:07 - Negative Self-Talk and Imposter Syndrome 00:35:24 - Combining Somatic Work with Therapy 00:38:13 - Where to Find Elise

    Elise's Instagram

    Elise's Website

    Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    For more info please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    39 min
  • Unlearning Perfectionism, Healing Voices: Megan Durham on Trauma-Informed Voice Care
    Dec 21 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Megan Durham, a singing voice specialist and vocologist from Respire Vocal Wellness. Megan offers valuable insights into vocal rehabilitation, unlearning perfectionism, and the importance of body awareness for singers. She also discusses how we can transform the traditional 'master/apprentice model' in voice education, advocating for a more trauma-informed approach that fosters growth for both educators and students.

    00:00:00 - Introduction to Megan Durham 00:00:32 - Unique Approaches to Vocal Rehabilitation 00:03:55 - Unlearning Perfectionism 00:07:02 - Managing Perfectionism and Excellence 00:08:20 - Addressing Shame and Self-Criticism 00:12:24 - Compassionate, Body-Aware Voice Training 00:18:42 - Master-Apprentice Model in Voice Education 00:23:15 - Importance of Consent in Voice Training 00:28:26 - Creating Trauma-Informed Voice Education 00:33:10 - Self-Work for Educators 00:34:21 - Grounding Practices for Singers 00:39:27 - Integrating Yoga into Daily Life 00:41:32 - Where to Find Megan Durham

    Megan's Instagram: @respirevocalwellness

    Megan's Website

    Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    For more info on singing courses and singing lessons please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    42 min
  • Resilience, Self-Tapes, & Community: Navigating the Industry w/ Alison Araya
    Nov 6 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Alison Araya. Alison is a seasoned actress best known for her roles in "Julie and the Phantoms," "Peacemaker," and "Lucky Hank." We dive deep into Alison's journey as a performer and her process of characterization. She discusses the importance of resilience in the performing arts, how to navigate nerves during auditions, and the challenges of self-taping in today's digital age. She offers valuable advice for aspiring actors and performers, emphasizing the need for a supportive community.

    Whether you're an aspiring performer or a fan of Alison's work, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss this one!

    00:00:00 - Introduction to Alison Arraya 00:01:00 - Memorable Roles in Acting 00:02:30 - The Journey into Acting 00:04:00 - Cultivating Resilience in the Industry 00:05:30 - Preparing for Auditions and Managing Nerves 00:08:00 - Challenges of Self-Taping 00:09:30 - The Impact of Self-Tapes on Actors 00:12:00 - Post-Pandemic Challenges for Performing Artists 00:14:00 - Role Preparation Process 00:15:30 - Morning Routine Before Going to Set 00:17:00 - Challenges Faced in Difficult Roles 00:19:30 - Post-Set Rituals and Grounding 00:20:30 - Navigating Difficult Characters 00:22:00 - Thoughts on Streaming and Industry Changes 00:25:00 - Advice for Aspiring Actors 00:27:00 - Conclusion and Where to Find Alison

    Follow Alison on Instagram: @laalisonaaraya

    For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    For more info on singing courses and voice training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    28 min
  • Teaching the World to Sing: A Conversation with Renowned Vocal Consultant Greg Enriquez
    Jun 19 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Greg Enriquez. Greg is an internationally renowned vocal consultant and is regarded by entertainment professionals to be the most effective commercial vocal technique instructor in the industry to date. He has worked with singers, actors and dancers in every aspect of musical performance and is very often a guest lecturer at major voice conferences worldwide. He has been a vocal consultant for pop icons, Broadway stars and continues to train teachers of singing across the globe. He is an inspirational teacher and, as he puts it, he's teaching the world to sing one voice at a time.

    [00:03:59] Embracing the concept of 'next.'

    [00:08:21] Vocal science versus art.

    [00:09:07] Singing as an art form.

    [00:15:17] Consistency in vocal training.

    [00:19:50] What makes a good voice teacher or coach.

    [00:23:09] Working ourselves out of a job.

    [00:30:01] Technique influenced by Seth Riggs.

    [00:34:07]Industry demands on vocal performers.

    [00:36:31] Pursuing growth.

    Greg's Instagram page.

    Greg's website

    If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! :)

    Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.

    For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    For more info on singing courses and training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    38 min
  • Yoga for Every Body with Jo Hutton: How yoga helps us for performance and life.
    Jun 3 2024

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jo Hutton, a senior yoga teacher based in Newcastle. Jo runs a friendly online yoga studio aimed at helping everyday people relax and stretch amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

    When Jo walked into a yoga class for the first time over 15 years ago, she didn’t know her whole world would change forever. After seeing the transformational results that yoga brought to herself, she decided to dedicate her life to sharing the gift of yoga with others.

    In this episode, we delved into the essence of yoga, its ancient roots, and how its practice has evolved to address modern-day pain points.

    00:01:06 - how Jo defines yoga and it's many benefits 00:04:06 - advice for beginners 00:06:17 - yoga for performers and creatives 00:09:08 - how Jo's roots in the performing arts lead to yoga 00:15:05 - healing through yoga 00:17:04 - the pitfalls of self-improvement 00:21:06 - meditation myths and approaches 00:27:04 - breathing exercise for relaxation

    Jo's Website: https://www.happyyogacommunity.com

    Jo's Instagram

    If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! :)

    Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.

    For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    For more info on singing courses and training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    31 min
  • The Artist's Journey: Finding Your Creative Flow, Overcoming People-Pleasing, Healing CPTSD, Finishing Projects
    Mar 18 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Jessica Baldwin. She is the owner of True Colours Creativity and Artist Coaching. Jess is a creativity and productivity coach for singers.

    Her journey as an artist ran alongside her expansion from a voice and piano teacher into a creativity and productivity coach with trauma and neurodivergence training.

    True Colors Creativity Coaching provides creativity, voice, and executive function coaching to singers and creatives who want to finish projects that let them shine brighter.

    00:00:26 - Jessica's Background 00:00:53 - Exploring the Creative Mind 00:01:33 - Jessica's Journey in Music and Coaching 00:09:52 - The Concept of Artistic Journey 00:12:08 - Common Fears Among Vocal Performers 00:14:19 - Achieving Creative Flow and Completing Projects 00:22:09 - Hard Work vs. Perfectionism 00:27:17 - Addressing Complex Trauma in Artists 00:39:10 - Mental Health Stigma in the Performing Arts 00:40:15 - Overcoming Chronic People-Pleasing

    Jessica’s website: https://truecolorscreativity.com

    Jessica's Instagram.

    Creative Kickstart course: https://truecolorscreativity.com/creative-kickstart

    Singer’s Guide to Finding Your Authentic Voice: https://truecolorscreativity.com/subscribe-to-the-guide

    If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world!

    Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.

    For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida on Instagram.

    For more info on singing courses and 1:1 training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    59 min
  • Voice Therapy, Vocal Health & Redefining 'Singer'
    Feb 21 2024

    In this episode, I speak with Maurice Goodwin, M.S., CCC-SLP. Maurice is a Speech Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, voice teacher, and active performer living in Houston, TX. Professionally he specializes in the evaluation and treatment of the singing voice and voice disorders at The Texas Voice Center and also adjunct faculty at Lamar University in the graduate Vocology certificate program. He is a regular lecturer and presenter at national and international conferences focused on the health and education of professional voice users. He is passionate about vocal health education and the intersections of identity and voice.

    This episode covers:

    00:00:44 - Maurice's Journey into Voice

    00:01:20 - The Role of Voice Therapy

    00:02:45 - The Importance of Addressing Underlying Vocal Function

    00:03:32 - Common Voice Therapy Exercises

    00:04:14 - Moving Beyond Tools in Voice Therapy

    00:05:05 - Common Vocal Injuries and Compromises

    00:06:37 - Building a Voice Care Team

    00:08:13 - Recognizing Vocal Strain and Decline

    00:09:23 - Encouraging Exploration Over Performance in Voice Sessions

    00:11:10 - The Pressure of Performance and Its Impact

    00:12:10 - Voice Hygiene Tips

    00:13:13 - Understanding Muscle Tension Dysphonia

    00:15:11 - Voice Hygiene and Rest

    00:16:10 - Daily Voice Use and Its Impact on Singing

    00:17:24 - Acceptance and Joy in One's Voice

    00:18:30 - Voice Training and Improvement

    00:18:46 - Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers

    00:20:09 - The Mindset of Acceptance and What to Focus on

    00:21:27 - Confidence and Acceptance in One's Voice

    00:22:07 - The Interconnectedness of Life and Voice

    00:23:46 - The Broad Definition of Being a Singer

    Maurice's Website: https://www.mauricegoodwin.com/

    Instagram: @maurice_goodwin

    TikTok: @maurice_goodwin

    If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world!

    Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.

    For voice content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.

    www.alidavocalstudio.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    26 min