Episode 12: About authenticity, with Elissa

It's September. Here in the northern hemisphere, the stirrings of fall are in the air and kids are headed back to school. 🍂🎒 So it feels like the perfect time for me to admit something important: I am changing, and my business is too. 

If you happen to have been following my work as a voice coach for awhile, you know that up until recently I've been primarily teaching vocal health and presentation skills. Twelve years ago I lost my voice very suddenly due to a combination of overuse, acid reflux, and muscle tension dysphonia. So I got laser-focused on healing myself. And then on helping others heal too, and speak with clarity.

I continue to teach voice and speech because it's crucial to have a clear channel with which to communicate. But if you think about the word VOICE for a moment, it means so much more than vocal health and clear speaking. It also refers to our message in the world. And the way we connect to others in our everyday lives. Over the years of my own healing, I've come to realize that my reason for wanting to have a healthy voice is so I can say something. And the something I say feels most powerful when it's coming from my deepest, most authentic truth.

This is why I started the "How To Speak Your Truth" podcast. So we can explore beyond the traditional boundaries of voice and speech training. So we can ask how to express ourselves more authentically and fully through the channel that is our voice. So that we can offer our voices to the world in a way that is kind, respectful, and uplifting. 

I have a personal mission statement, and it's this: To express myself more fully, more often, and to empower others to do the same. It's time that I share more about this with you. So this month's podcast theme is Authenticity, and this solo episode is all about what that means and how we can be *truly* authentic (not the fake instagram version). 

Yes, things have changed around here. I acknowledge that. If you're curious to hear me speak my truth and share why my work is expanding, I hope you'll tune into today's episode...

Listen here Apple Podcasts.

Listen here on Spotify. 

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Plus, want to practice speaking your truth beyond listening to the podcast? Check out the Speak Your Truth Membership Community HERE!

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Show notes: 

Here's that vitriolic email that started a deep exchange.

Check out the things coming up today when you search #authentic on Instagram... it's fascinating! https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/authentic/. And Elissa's screenshot from the day this episode was recorded is here.

The Second Circle, a book by Patsy Rodenberg that Elissa referenced about how to be more present.

Some insights into Elissa's experience at the University of Alberta MFA in Theatre Voice Pedagogy.

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For more info about the podcast and how to join the Speak Your Truth Membership Community, visit www.howtospeakyourtruth.com.

As a member of the Speak Your Truth Membership Community, you get:

• Enrollment in the How To Speak Your Truth online course,
• Live online group sessions with Elissa twice a month where you can ask your questions and be inspired by others’ stories.
• Exclusive behind the scenes footage of the podcast each week,
• Astrological insight on the new and full moons,
• And access to the membership forum where you can share your experiences and interact.

Learn more and sign up at www.howtospeakyourtruth.com.

You can find more info about Voice Body Connection and take the “What’s holding my voice back?” quiz at www.voicebodyconnection.com.

Production Credits:

Our Assistant Producer is Suzie Masser

Our Editor is Eilise Bonebright

Our Graphic Designer is Laura Sills

Our Photography is by Sophie Mathewson

Our Audio Consultant is Martin Carrillo of heardrum.org

And our theme song is “Waters of Body” by Strange Weather

Please note that Amazon links in the show notes are connected to the Voice Body Connection Associates account. All other partner links are acknowledged. Thank you for supporting the podcast!