The Sound Singer

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 SLP00:02:09 - Importance of a Voice Care Team00:02:37 - Laryngologist vs. Otolaryngologist00:03:09 - Baseline Endoscopy for Singers00:04:37 - Visualizing the Voice00:05:02 - Impact of Throat Clearing and Coughing00:07:33 - Creating Educational Content00:09:05 - Basics of Vocal Health00:11:10 - Preventative Vocal Health Measures00:14:07 - Vocal Load Management00:14:44 - Speaking Tips for Vocal Health00:17:08 - Common Vocal Injuries00:19:44 - Overall Health and Vocal Health00:22:04 - Treatability of Vocal Conditions00:24:22 - Study on Performance Spaces and Acoustics00:25:42 - Where to Find Natalia Online
 
Natalia's Instagram
Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram. 
For more info please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

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 Approach00:02:38 - The Deeper Well: Fear and Trauma in Voice Coaching00:03:16 - Nervous System Regulation and Boundaries00:05:28 - Singing and the Nervous System00:07:54 - Radical Self-Care Through Singing00:08:43 - Overcoming Fear of Criticism in Singing00:10:27 - Childhood Experiences and Voice Suppression00:13:42 - Practical Exercises for Performance Anxiety00:19:26 - Tapping Exercise for Grounding00:21:48 - Understanding Healthy Boundaries00:24:42 - Universal Challenges in Boundary Setting00:28:40 - Activism and Self-Care00:32:07 - Negative Self-Talk and Imposter Syndrome00:35:24 - Combining Somatic Work with Therapy00:38:13 -  Where to Find Elise
 
Elise's Instagram
Elise's Website
 
Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram. 
For more info please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com
 

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 Durham00:00:32 - Unique Approaches to Vocal Rehabilitation00:03:55 - Unlearning Perfectionism00:07:02 - Managing Perfectionism and Excellence00:08:20 - Addressing Shame and Self-Criticism00:12:24 - Compassionate, Body-Aware Voice Training00:18:42 - Master-Apprentice Model in Voice Education00:23:15 - Importance of Consent in Voice Training00:28:26 - Creating Trauma-Informed Voice Education00:33:10 - Self-Work for Educators00:34:21 - Grounding Practices for Singers00:39:27 - Integrating Yoga into Daily Life00:41:32 - 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
 

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 Arraya00:01:00 - Memorable Roles in Acting00:02:30 - The Journey into Acting00:04:00 - Cultivating Resilience in the Industry00:05:30 - Preparing for Auditions and Managing Nerves00:08:00 - Challenges of Self-Taping00:09:30 - The Impact of Self-Tapes on Actors00:12:00 - Post-Pandemic Challenges for Performing Artists00:14:00 - Role Preparation Process00:15:30 - Morning Routine Before Going to Set00:17:00 - Challenges Faced in Difficult Roles00:19:30 - Post-Set Rituals and Grounding00:20:30 - Navigating Difficult Characters00:22:00 - Thoughts on Streaming and Industry Changes00:25:00 - Advice for Aspiring Actors00:27:00 - 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

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

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 benefits00:04:06 - advice for beginners00:06:17 - yoga for performers and creatives00:09:08 - how Jo's roots in the performing arts lead to yoga00:15:05 - healing through yoga 00:17:04 - the pitfalls of self-improvement00:21:06 - meditation myths and approaches00:27:04 - 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