A Voice and Beyond

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we welcome Dr. Teri Baydar, a leadership development consultant and Certified Professional Coactive Coach with over 17 years of experience who focuses on guiding C-Suites and high achievers towards personal growth for the greater good. She has worked with various organizations like the Boston Consulting Group, Harvard University, Pfizer, and more. Her expertise lies in transformational thinking and helping clients develop traits like calmness under stress, self-awareness, confidence, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.Dr. Teri, who is also an inspirational speaker, host of the podcast Paradise Reclaimed Podcast, and emerging author, discusses her book "Flip Your Switch" on today’s show. Dr. Teri provides actionable steps and profound concepts to offer life-changing insights, regardless of where listeners are in their personal journey. She shares strategies for navigating life's difficult choices and equips listeners with skills and tools to unearth the magic within themselves and the world. Whether you're a thinker, an aspiring leader, or someone seeking to make a difference, Dr. Teri's book promises to resonate and inspire growth and transformation. If you are ready to make a change in your life, you don’t want to miss this interview with Dr. Teri Baydar.This episode is proudly sponsored by Karen Lyu, whose book 'Singing in Tune' takes a truly holistic approach to singing and contains clearly defined, yet simple-to-understand lessons, exercises, and practical tips for developing body awareness and maintaining a healthy, in-tune, and skilled voice. Get your copy now at www.singingintunebook.com In This Epsiode0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Singing In Tune Book by Karen Lyu6:04 - Leadership, Consciousness and Precognition15:47 - Social constructs influence on our behaviour29:15 - Inner critic in creative industries 44:02 - Personal growth and confidence52:09 - Love V's War and the importance of creating value Find Dr. Teri Baydar OnlineWebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookYouTubeFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/161.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

In our modern, fast-paced world, the struggle to maintain focus has become increasingly difficult for all of us, impacting various aspects of our lives. One reason for this challenge is the constant bombardment of information competing for our attention. From our smartphones buzzing with notifications to endless streams of information on social media platforms, our attention is constantly being pulled in multiple directions, making sustained focus a daunting task. Additionally, factors such as stress, anxiety, and fatigue further hinder our ability to concentrate on those important tasks at hand.Ultimately, the inability to focus not only undermines our performance and well-being but also diminishes our capacity to fully engage with the world around us, limiting our potential for growth and fulfilment. Today’s show is a masterclass on how to increase your level of focus as we explore five key areas that can transform our lives when given the attention and focus they deserve. By keeping these key building blocks of achievement on our mental dashboard, we can unlock a life of joy, significance, and abundance.This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more.In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Institute09:19 - Desire: The Starting Point of Achievement18:27 - Direction: Planning Your Path25:55 - Discipline: The Key to Consistency32:22 - Distraction Detachment: Managing Interruptions41:29 - Destructive Self Talk: Changing Negative Patterns53:25 - Conclusion and Encouragement for Personal GrowthFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/160.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

The internet is a minefield of information, but it is also rife with misinformation, and when it comes to voice teaching, as an industry, we are not excluded from the bombardment of information. Whether it’s a YouTube video, an Instagram post, a TikTok video, or a post on a social media forum, there is an inundation of misinformation regarding how to sing, voice training techniques, and singing teachers and coaches themselves showing us how they believe it should be done. We are in an unregulated industry, and anyone can claim to have discovered the holy grail of vocal greatness. Therefore, this week on A Voice and Beyond, I asked Chris Johnson to return to the show as our special guest and voice geek, to spill the tea and shed the truth about some of the most widely spread myths that apply to singing.Chris Johnson is an internationally acclaimed singing teacher and highly experienced vocal coach, who has been trained in vocal manual therapy, massage, and myofascial release, and his training perspective respects the whole self. He is the founder of the singing teacher training organization 'Teach Voice’, and co-founder of one of the most popular podcasts for singers, 'The Naked Vocalist’. Chris has also had a professional performance career and truly understands the demands on today’s singers, and the vital role voice training plays in developing and sustaining healthy vocal production.This is a two-part episode, and in this Part 1 episode, Chris is going to address myths around the role of a singing teacher versus a vocal coach, tension, placement, and the role of the breath in the hierarchy of singing. It is a fascinating and informative episode, and Part 2 will be released in three weeks. This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more.In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute03:00 - Navigating the Sea of Misinformation in Voice Teaching06:22 - Myth 1: Singing Teacher vs. Vocal Coach – Understanding the Difference10:19 - Myth 2: The Role and Reality of Tension in Singing17:10 - The Evolution of Musical Styles and Singers’ Adaptations23:26 - Myth 3: Is Shouting Really Unhealthy for Singers?28:57 - Debunking Vocal Myths: Breathiness and Whispering in Singing34:29 - Myth 4: Does Singing Truly Start with the Breath?Find Chris Johnson OnlineWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/159.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

This week on "A Voice and Beyond," we're thrilled to introduce our inspiring guest, Veronica Karaman who wears many hats as the founder of True Champion Coaching, a performance coach, speaker, and author of "The Champion’s Way." Not only is Veronica a seasoned professional golfer, having competed in the US Open and achieved the title of TN Senior Women's Open Champion, but she also firmly believes that each one of us harbours a champion within us. Over the past four decades, Veronica has dedicated herself to helping others unlock their full potential and perform at their best.In today’s episode, Veronica shares invaluable insights on overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of our success. She emphasizes that whether we're singing or swinging a golf club, there is a champion residing within us. I love Veronica’s perspective that the only difference between singing and swinging is the "w" in between, and that singing and golf have much more in common than we realize.According to Veronica, true greatness emanates from embracing our whole selves, and understanding that our worth is more than trophies or performance outcomes. True victory lies in the freedom to embrace both success and failure, recognizing that our value isn't based on our achievements. It demands superior passion and focus.Veronica describes her 12-week coaching program, offering insights into her strategies for empowering individuals to silence their inner critic and unleash their inner champion. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's authentic voice and pursuing one's dreams with unwavering determination, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way.This is a beautiful and inspiring interview with Veronica Karaman, one that I’m sure will unleash the champion within you. This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more.In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute01:49 - Introduction to Today's Episode06:10 - Welcoming Veronica Karaman11:07 - Veronica's Journey in Golf and Coaching20:45 - The True Traits of a Champion33:42 - Developing the Champion Mindset47:20 - Exploring the Champion ZonesFind Veronica Karaman OnlineWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/158.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

In a world where productivity is often equated with completing tasks on a to-do list, it's crucial to redefine what true productivity means. Productivity isn't just about ticking off items; it's about efficiently achieving desired outcomes. It's measured not only by the quantity of work completed but also by its quality and the effectiveness of achieving goals within a given timeframe.Some may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive, while others excel effortlessly in all aspects of life. Time management plays a pivotal role in productivity and success across personal and professional spheres. Effective time management brings order, control, and reduces stress, ultimately enhancing our overall sense of well-being.Considering time as a finite resource, it's essential to distinguish between spending and investing it. Unlike spending, which yields no future value, investing time in meaningful pursuits creates long-term benefits. Shockingly, the average person spends significant portions of their life pursuing meaningless activities, leaving only a fraction of time for personal growth and fulfilment.To maximize the limited time available, it's important to invest it wisely. This involves adopting effective time management strategies to prioritize essential tasks and activities aligned with personal goals. By doing so, we can create the life we desire and make the most of our time. Throughout this episode, five key time management skills, tips, tricks, and hacks will be shared to empower you to invest your time wisely so you too can achieve your dreams and aspirations.This episode is proudly sponsored by The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, offering comprehensive training for singing teachers and voice specialists. Dive deeper into the science and art of voice pedagogy with their unique programs. Visit www.ccminstitute.com to learn more.In this Episode00:00 - Sponsored Ad: The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute02:54 - The True Essence of Productivity09:12 - Investing Time Wisely10:27 - Energy vs. Time Management21:56 - Handling Time Bullies and Self-Care27:37 - Maximizing Gap Time32:37 - Removing Distractions for Better FocusFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/157.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, I am very excited to introduce this week’s very special guest, Jeannette LoVetri, who, by the way, needs little introduction as she is one of the most recognised and highly acclaimed voice teachers from around the world. Jeanie is my CCM inspiration, and I wanted to honour her and the work that she continues to do, not only in sharing her knowledge and skills in the CCM sector but also in legitimising CCM from a pedagogical standpoint in our teaching community. Jeanie is a true pioneer, and her success has come about because of her remarkable resilience, curiosity for learning, and sheer tenacity. Jeanie has certainly paved the way for the rest of us who teach singers across the broad range of CCM styles, so we too can be respected and acknowledged alongside our classical colleagues for the work that we do in the singing voice field.This episode is a recap of sections of a two-part interview I did with Jeanie in 2022, and I wanted to replay this interview as I feel it is important right now, more than ever, to be advocating for the training of CCM singers. Let’s create a movement and see if we can create change in academic music programs to accommodate singers who want to pursue a career in the CCM music market. To listen to the full interview, please refer to episodes 66 and 67.In this Episode00:00 - Introduction02:35 - Jeannette LoVetri's Introduction and CCM Advocacy24:46 - Reflecting on Personal Experience and Vocal Health33:33 - A Transformative Gala Performance45:56 - Expanding the Teaching Program and Faculty52:37 - The Importance of Somatic Awareness in Singing1:06:39 - Upcoming Plans and Reflections on LegacyFind Jeannette OnlineWebsiteInstagramFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/156.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

This week on A Voice and Beyond our very special guest is Cristina Ramirez, a serial entrepreneur who brings her empowerment curricula to audiences everywhere across the United States. Her programs have been implemented across 41 states to over 10,000 individuals, ranging from children to executives. A veteran of Wall Street and Silicon Valley, Cristina is an award-winning coach, the best-selling author of the book Empowered by Discomfort, an Ironman triathlete, and a US Snowboard National Silver Medalist.Cristina begins by talking about her own personal battles and the journey that ultimately led her to create her brilliant coaching program, which focuses on discomfort as a pathway to confidence. Cristina believes that our words serve as the expression of our inner dialogue, and the stories we consistently tell ourselves become our beliefs, acting as gatekeepers to our actions. She tells us that by recognizing and acknowledging our fears, we can ultimately control our thoughts and responses to life's challenges, leading us to an empowered life. Cristina explains to us that in life, progress often demands incremental steps forward, emphasizing that we should honor and acknowledge each stage of our journeys, rather than fixate on future achievements for happiness.Christina shares many of the coaching strategies she uses with her clients to help them overcome the various obstacles that are standing in their way of success and how they can be applied to performing artists whose limiting beliefs are holding them back in their careers. This is truly a beautiful and uplifting interview with Cristina Ramirez, one that I learned so much from, and I’m sure you will too.In this Episode00:00 - Introduction and Overview02:35 - Cristina Ramirez: From Wall Street to Empowerment Coach07:07 - Battling Inner Demons and The Path to Recovery17:20 - Empowerment Strategies and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs46:03 - Redefining Success and Navigating Life's Challenges57:42 - Embracing Discomfort for EmpowermentFind Cristina OnlineWebsiteInstagramLinkedInFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/155.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we discuss the impact of mental fatigue and how it significantly impairs cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and overall success. Mental fatigue has been proven to reduce concentration, productivity, and problem-solving skills while disrupting emotional regulation and increasing stress levels. Furthermore, chronic mental fatigue can lead to burnout, threatening your ability to attain long-term goals and live in a state of well-being. Contributing factors to mental fatigue can include poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and cognitive overload from multitasking and simply asking your brain to take on too much throughout the day.In this episode, we help you identify its causes and share four lifestyle modifications you can make to combat mental fatigue, such as reducing screen time, prioritizing sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. These adjustments can improve memory, productivity, and creativity while reducing stress and promoting emotional balance. Managing mental energy through rest, stress reduction and mindfulness is essential for sustained success and fulfillment. By removing unnecessary tasks and responsibilities, individuals can mitigate mental fatigue and optimize their chances of success. It's imperative to prioritize self-care and adopt strategies to preserve mental energy for your long-term health, well-being, and fulfillment. If you’ve been finding it difficult to focus, be productive, and ignite your creativity, passion, and purpose in your day, perhaps it is time to check in and see if you may be suffering from mental fatigue.In this Episode00:00 - Introduction02:30 - Identifying Mental Fatigue08:30 - Fuelling the Brain with Nutrition15:48 - Eliminating Decision Fatigue21:55 - Avoiding Morning Technology Overload26:38 - Prioritising Sleep32:49 - Summary and Action PlanFind Me OnlineWebsiteInstagramFacebook LinkedInFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/154.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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 Guest Welcome06:48 - Giji's Professional Journey and Passion13:01 - Meeting Her Father and Relationship Dynamics21:13 - Inspiration for "Hungry for Wholeness" and Healing34:19 - The Three R's of Healing and Forgiveness51:57 - Learning to Receive and Exploring Identity1:08:07 - Conclusion and Final InsightsFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/153.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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 Training05:36 - Historical Bias Against Popular Music in Academia13:15- Exploring the Roots of Academic Bias22:37 - Impact of Historical Racism and Classism on Music Education32:10 - The Need for Inclusivity in Music Education Today41:20 - Personal Experiences with Resistance in Academia52:15 - Moving Forward: Strategies for Inclusive Voice TrainingFind Matt OnlineWebsiteFacebookFind Jacqulyn OnlineWebsiteFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/152.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

Many of us enjoy a drink after work, I love having a drink on the weekends, but at what point does our relationship with alcohol become problematic? Our guest this week on A Voice and Beyond is Andrew Culkin, author of Amanda: A Cautionary Tale of Alcoholism, which speaks the truth about alcoholism not only from the perspective of the person who has the addiction but also describes the suffering of those around the alcoholic.On February 21st, 2020, Andrew’s wife of twenty-five years, Amanda, passed away from alcoholism. During her nearly two decades of decline, Amanda had attended seven rehabs, received four DUI convictions, and had several accidents. The stigma and shame attached to the disease only made her situation more difficult, as it drove her into isolation and depression.Andrew describes alcoholism as a health disease that is no different from cancer or heart disease because alcoholics have no desire to be alcoholics any more than a cancer patient wishes to have cancer. Therefore, he has made it his mission to promote a different perspective on how we observe a struggling alcoholic. He tells us that the shame and embarrassment of the alcoholic needs to be met with empathy, care, and knowing they have support instead of condemnation and embarrassment.During this interview, Andrew explains the 4 stages of alcoholism, why some people are more susceptible to succumbing to the disease, and his own traumatizing and exhausting experiences throughout Amanda’s alcoholic career. This interview is surely thought-provoking, and at times, very triggering for me. Whatever you do you don't want to miss Andrew Culkin’s story.In This EpisodeIntroduction and Overview - 00:00 The Problem with Alcohol - 02:36 Andrew Culkin's Personal Story - 05:36 Impact on Family and Realization - 25:01 Seeking Help and Rehabilitation - 34:43 Final Days and Reflections - 43:36Find Guest OnlineWebsiteFacebookYoutubeFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/151.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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:WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/150.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

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 OnlineWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInIn This Episode2:36 - Intro11:41 - Changing Peoples Beliefs26:38 - Why people cling to beliefs that hurt them36:15 - Shelly’s latest book about beliefs and behaviour40:54 - Self-esteem, failure, and a growth mindset1:04:52 - Limiting beliefs and personal growthFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/149.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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 - Introduction7:08 - Gupta’s history8:47 -  Neuroimmune diseases16:26 - Brain retraining for NICS21:15 - Neuroimmune conditions and their prevalence in Western societies23:07 - How many people suffer from NICS?30:30 - Prevention and treatment of NICS35:59 - Gut health’s impact on mental health38:12 - Brain retraining, neuroplasticity, and it’s effectiveness55:30 - Holistic health strategiesFor more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/148.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

As a society, it appears we are simply not coping with today’s work and life demands, and the pandemic has further amplified what seems to be an epidemic of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in our population. This week on Voice and Beyond, we welcome back to the show Heidi Moss Erickson, an acclaimed performer, voice educator, and scientist who first appeared on the show two years ago in episode no. 35. Since then, both Heidi and I have struggled with the grief of losing loved ones, and in this interview, we speak frankly about the impact of our loss, our grieving journeys as survivors of suicide, and our own personal struggles with anxiety and depression. This is a two-part conversation about healing, the resilience of the human spirit, and shining a beacon of light on these difficult topics, from the perspective of two people who are not healthcare experts, medical practitioners, or psychologists, but rather we speak from a place of experience, neuroscience, and an understanding of biology. Heidi will explain the difference between the brain and the mind, how the two are interrelated, and share science-based information on how we can improve our brain health to optimize our mind health.It is our intention to give hope to others who are struggling with their own grief or mental health issues; however, I would like to stress that some of the content may be triggering; therefore, if you or someone you know is struggling, we have included links to where you can seek help in the show notes. This episode serves as a timely reminder, as we head into the festive season, to check in and connect with loved ones. Remember, this is part one of a two-part interview with Heidi Moss Erickson, and part two will be released after the holiday season.In This Episode2:36 - Introduction5:36 - The Limitations of Brain Imaging15:46 - Brain Health and Decision Making18:52 - The Brain of Addicts24:09 - Stress and News Consumption28:07 - Improving Brain Health32:32 - Teaching Anxious Students42:27 - Resilience and HopeFind 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 85258For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/146.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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 Episode1:15 - Introduction5:59 - Grief and mental health after a suicide loss15:57 - Mind vs brain21:08 - Mental health and circadian rhythms28:39 - Mindset, emotions, and self-regulation34:14 - Brain health, mindset, and mental health38:38 - Trauma and lifestyle interventionsFind 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 85258For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/146.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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 - Introduction10:33 - Marisa's journey12:29 - Marisa: The OG Hannah Montana15:31 - Dealing with Perfectionism 18:35 - Just Get Started!!21:09 - Challenge: An Opportunity for Growth22:09 - M.E.D.S. for Self-care28:13 - Performance Mastery Coaching ProgramFind 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.

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 Episode6:36 - Meet Dr. Michael Young12:39 - The Flaws in the System16:57 - Who is 'The corporation?'29:01 - The 3 Books: Fictionalized Reality32:02 - The Healthcare in the United States43:54 - "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.

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 Episode10:21-Speech and tone20:55-Hearing our own recording30:08-Identity, Accent, and Vocal Health38:42-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 credibility59:54-Breaking down Tony Robbins' voiceFind 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/@VoiceprintProfessionalsFor more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/143.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.

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 Episode7:41-Studying Vocal Identity16:00 - Influences and influencers formed our vocal Identity21:37 - Intentional and Unintentional Imitation26:37 - How do voice teachers avoid imposing their biases on a voice?39:05 - "My Job"40:32 - VoicePrint Professionals: Speaking Voice Coaching47:50 - The autonomic nervous system reacts to the sounds we're hearing51:05 - Importance of Resonance, Tone, Speed, and Pitch as a speakerFind 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/@VoiceprintProfessionalsFor more, go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/142.Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!Follow me on Instagram.