In this powerful episode of A Voice and Beyond, Marisa Lee sits down with Dana S. Diaz, a woman whose story will both break your heart and fill it with hope.

Dana is the author of Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame, and Rising from the Ashes—a memoir trilogy chronicling her survival from generational abuse, emotional neglect, and a 25-year marriage to a narcissistic abuser. But more than survival, Dana’s story is about reclamation—of her voice, her identity, and her life.

We explore:

• What it means to be silenced as a woman—and how to break that silence
• How generational trauma impacts identity and worth
• The inner work of healing from narcissistic abuse
• How Dana reclaimed her voice through writing and speaking
• What true empowerment looks like after survival
• Her message for every woman who feels unheard or unworthy

This conversation is a profound reminder that your voice matters and that even the quietest whispers can become a roar.

Episode Description:

What happens when a woman who’s been silenced her entire life finally finds her voice?

In this deeply moving episode, bestselling author and abuse recovery coach Dana S. Diaz joins A Voice and Beyond to share her journey from trauma to triumph. Drawing from her powerful memoir trilogy—Gasping for Air, Choking on Shame, and Rising from the Ashes—Dana opens up about growing up in a home where she wasn’t wanted, enduring a 25-year marriage to a narcissistic abuser, and how she found her way back to herself.

This is more than a story of survival—it’s a call to every woman who’s ever been told to stay silent. Dana’s message is clear: your voice is your power.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of A Voice and Beyond, we sit down with James Porfido—a highly respected criminal defence attorney with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate the justice system and reclaim their lives.

James, a former prosecutor and Law Professor, he has more than 18 years experience as TV Legal Analyst and offered commentary on many high profile criminal cases Harvey Weinstein, Casey Anthony, Scott Petersen, Robert Blake, Phil Spector, Menendez Brothers, Michael Jackson, OJ Simpson,, and numerous others. James has dedicated his career to defending clients facing some of life’s most difficult moments—from criminal charges to wrongful accusations. But this conversation goes far beyond legal advice; it’s about human resilience, dignity, and the fight to have your voice heard.

In this episode, we explore:

⚖️ What it really means to stand up for your legal rights—and why many people don’t know they have them
⚖️ How facing criminal charges can impact your job, family, and mental health
⚖️ Why everyone deserves fair representation, no matter their circumstances
⚖️ The myths and misunderstandings people have about the legal system
⚖️ Stories of hope and redemption from clients who rebuilt their lives after legal battles
⚖️ How James balances fierce advocacy with empathy, compassion, and ethics

Whether you’re curious about the legal system or simply love stories of resilience and justice, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and reminded that no one is beyond help — and no voice is too small to matter.

Connect with James Porfido:

Website:

www.porfidolaw.com

www.einhornlawyers.com

https://podmatch.com/guestdetailpreview/1731628169639288fbbaa343d

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales

https://www.amazon.com/Unequal-Justice-Search-Balance-Scales/dp/B0DHWT1N8D

Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on social media and tag us @avoiceandbeyond — we’d love to hear your perspective!

Find Marisa Online: 
•Marisa's website
•Marisa's Instagram
•Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website 

In this powerful episode of A Voice and Beyond, we sit down with Matt Soule—survival self-defence expert, breathwork leader, one of the first certified Wim Hof Method instructors in the U.S., and now creator of his own unique training system, "The Cold Club."

Matt takes us on an extraordinary journey through the science of stress mastery. From teaching self-defence and martial arts to leading breathwork retreats around the world, Matt's mission is to empower people to take control of their stress response and unlock their highest potential.

Together, we explore:

• The healing power of cold exposure and breathwork
• What the Wim Hof Method really is—and how it’s been changing lives
• How Matt helps people manage trauma, autoimmune conditions, and anxiety
• The balance between discipline and surrender in building resilience
• How ancient survival skills meet modern-day science
• Why emotional mastery is the key to peak performance and joy

Matt also shares deeply personal stories—from his own challenges with childhood trauma to the breakthroughs he's witnessed in special forces veterans and everyday people alike. This is a must-listen episode for anyone ready to reclaim their power, cultivate clarity, and ignite their inner fire.

Find Matt Online: 

• Matt's website
• Matt's Instagram
• Matt's Facebook
• Matt's LinkedIn
• Matt's Twitter
• Matt's YouTube 

Find Marisa Online: 

• Marisa's website
• Marisa's Instagram
• Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website 

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/179

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

In this dynamic and inspiring episode of A Voice and Beyond, Marisa Lee is joined by Sally Prosser, a powerhouse voice coach and confidence expert who helps people unlock their authentic voice and speak like they mean it.

We dive deep into:

• The surprising blocks that keep us from speaking with confidence
• How your voice is connected to your identity and purpose
• The power of the throat chakra and what it means to be energetically aligned
• Why confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about being aligned
• How to overcome self-doubt, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome
• Tips for presenting, performing, and showing up fully in your life and work
• Sally’s own journey from broadcast journalist to intuitive speaking guide

Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, dreaming of speaking on stage, or just trying to express yourself more authentically, this conversation will help you rediscover the magic and power of your voice.

Find Sally Online: 

• Sally's website 
• Sally's Instagram 
• Sally's TikTok
• Sally's Facebook
• Sally's Linkedin 
• Sally's upcoming book 'Voiceprint'

Find Marisa: 

• Marisa's website
• Marisa's Instagram
• Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website 

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/178

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

In this deeply personal solo episode, host Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith shares the story behind her recent time away from the podcast — a journey marked by burnout, reflection, and ultimately, renewal.

Marisa opens up about the emotional and physical toll that burnout can take, even on the most passionate and purpose-driven individuals. She takes you behind the curtain, sharing candid moments of vulnerability, loss of identity, and the quiet power of rediscovery.

With honesty and heart, Marisa reflects on the pivotal role singing played in helping her find her voice — not just as a performer, but as a woman, a mentor, and a guide for others. She explores how the voice we use on stage and in life can be a mirror to who we truly are, and how reconnecting to that voice can lead to profound transformation.

Whether you're on your own path of rediscovery, navigating burnout, or simply need a dose of inspiration — this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why Marisa needed to step back from the podcast
• The 5 major signs of burnout and how they showed up in her life
• How childhood singing became a guiding force for healing
• The importance of identity, rest, and alignment
• A renewed vision and purpose for A Voice and Beyond

This episode marks a powerful relaunch of A Voice and Beyond, with a fresh mission to inspire, educate, and empower. 

Your voice matters. Let this episode remind you it’s never too late to pause, reset, and rise again—stronger, clearer, and more you than ever before.

Find Marisa Online: 

• Marisa's website
• Marisa's Instagram
• Download your eBook: Thriving in a Creative Industry on her website 

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/177

Like this episode? Please leave a review here - even one sentence helps!

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jennifer Nash, a leadership expert and consultant who has guided Fortune 50 organizations such as Google, Ford, Exxon Mobil, JP Morgan, IBM, Boeing, and Verizon to exceptional success. As the founder and CEO of Jennifer Nash Coaching & Consulting, Dr. Nash has dedicated her career to helping leaders connect people and performance, driving remarkable results.

With a distinguished 25-year career, Dr. Nash has held executive and leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting and Ford Motor Company. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan. Her insights have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, and she has presented her research at Columbia University. As a Harvard/McLean Institute of Coaching Fellow, she continues to influence the field of leadership coaching. In 2023, Dr. Nash published her acclaimed book, "Be Human, Lead Human.”

In today's episode, Dr. Nash shares her inspiring journey from the creative arts to the corporate world, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated business environment. Through her observations and research, she has identified the key characteristics of outstanding leaders, and Dr. Nash's mission is to reintroduce the human element into business leadership, focusing on essential topics such as parenting, role modeling, conflict resolution, self-care, and the intrinsic work necessary for effective leadership.

Dr. Nash also addresses the current leadership pandemic, discussing how COVID-19 and social media have exacerbated this issue. Join us for a compelling conversation filled with valuable insights and practical advice for leaders at all levels. Don't miss this captivating episode of A Voice and Beyond.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
6:57 - Imposter syndrome and career transitions
12:06 - Leadership and management practices during Covid-19
20:24 - Relationship building and the impact of technology on mental health
29:28 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
33:31 - Personal growth and conflict resolution in the workplace
51:03 - Leadership skill, empathy and self-care

Find Jennifer Online

• Jennifer's Website
• Jennifer's Book
• Jennifers's Instagram

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/176.

In this episode of A Voice and Beyond, we welcome the remarkable Andrea Arlington as our guest. Andrea is a trauma-informed Certified ICF Professional Life Coach, interventionist, minister, former television personality, model, and the author of "Revelations of a Bad Mom."

Andrea bravely shares her powerful journey through generational trauma, family recovery, mental health, homelessness, and addiction. She opens up about her unintended rise to infamy following her daughter’s heroin addiction, which led to thefts from numerous Hollywood celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Lindsay Lohan, and Paris Hilton, a saga documented in the movie "Bling Ring." This episode delves into the generational trauma Andrea unknowingly passed down to her daughter and the profound impact it had on their lives.

Andrea’s upcoming book, "Revelations of a Bad Mom," goes beyond her personal story, addressing the deep-seated insecurities many women, especially mothers, struggle with. It’s a raw and heartfelt exploration of how these insecurities shape our lives and the journey of healing through addiction, loss, and family turmoil. Andrea’s story is one of resilience, showing how she and her daughter have emerged, not just surviving, but thriving.

As a professional life coach, Andrea now dedicates her life to mending the intricate webs of family systems, healing generational trauma, and nurturing relationships, with a keen focus on reconnecting with the often-neglected inner wounded child.

Join us as Andrea Arlington shares her inspiring story and recovery message, aiming to motivate others towards healing and empowerment.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude
7:07 - Mental health, addiction, and relationships
18:29 - Addiction, trauma and healing with a mother and daughter
27:15 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience
40:27 - Healing generational trauma and repairing family dynamics
53:14 - Improving relationships through self-awareness and communication  

Find Andrea Online

• Andrea's Website
• Andrea & Alexis's recent Netflix interview
• Andrea's Instagram
• Andrea's YouTube

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/175.

This week on A Voice and Beyond, we delve into the important topic of neurodiversity with the esteemed Dr. Shannon Coates, returning for the second part of a captivating two-part discussion on neurodiversity-affirming voice pedagogy. Dr. Shannon is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, dedicated to developing support strategies and deepening our understanding of individual student needs within the singing voice community. Her mission is to normalize and eradicate the stigma surrounding neurodivergence.

Dr. Shannon Coates, an acclaimed educator and international voice pedagogy presenter, has been a leading voice in championing neurodiversity in vocal pedagogy. In this interview, Dr. Shannon will guide us through understanding how neurodivergence can manifest in teaching studios and share effective strategies to support neurodivergent learners, addressing challenges related to motivation, distraction, and prioritization. She provides invaluable insights into recognizing our own biases and their impact on teaching. Dr. Shannon particularly emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students feel seen and valued, regardless of their support needs, life experiences, or identities. She also discusses her views on student-led learning versus compliance-based pedagogy, highlighting its benefits for all singers, not just those who are neurodivergent.

This thought-provoking interview with Dr. Shannon Coates is essential listening for every singing voice teacher and beyond. Join us for this enlightening and inspiring conversation. Don't forget, this is part 2 of the interview; part 1 was featured in last week’s episode, no. 173.

Ready to transform your life with the power of gratitude? The Ultimate Gratitude Journal is your guide to cultivating joy, positivity, and mindfulness with daily prompts, inspirational quotes, and space for reflection. Enjoy a special 30% discount for one week only by visiting www.drmarisaleenaismith.com/journal Start your journey to a more grateful and fulfilling life today!

In This Episode
0:00 - Transform your life with the power of gratitude 
7:46 - Accommodating students with neurodiverse needs in voice lessons
24:47 - Neurodiversity-affirming voice teaching techniques
26:30 - Sponsor the Podcast and reach a global audience  
30:59 - Pedagogy, inclusivity, and empathy in the voice studio
40:49 - Neurodiversity, accommodations and inclusive teaching practices 

Find Shannon Online

• Evolving Voice
• The VoicePed UnDegree
• Live Lecture Replays
• Instagram
• Facebook

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/174.

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This week on A Voice and Beyond, we are diving into the very important topic of neurodiversity. We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Shannon Coates for a compelling two-part interview on neurodiversity-affirming voice pedagogy. Dr. Shannon has been a strong advocate for fostering inclusivity, developing support strategies, and enhancing our understanding of individual student needs within the singing voice community. Her efforts aim to normalize and eliminate the stigma surrounding neurodivergence.

Dr. Shannon Coates, an esteemed educator and international presenter on voice pedagogy, is also the creator of The Vocal Instrument 101 Online Course and VoicePed UnDegree. She has been a prominent voice in advocating for neurodiversity within vocal pedagogy. In this interview, Shannon will begin by discussing the various types of neurodivergence, the associated behaviour patterns, and the current diagnostic processes.

Dr. Shannon will help us understand how neurodivergence can manifest in our teaching studios and how we can adopt more effective teaching strategies for neurodivergent learners. She provides valuable insights into recognizing our own biases and addressing their impact on our teaching. Particularly, Dr. Shannon emphasizes creating a welcoming space where all students feel seen and valued, regardless of their support needs, life experiences, or identities.

This is a powerful and thought-provoking interview with Dr. Shannon Coates that every singing voice teacher and beyond should listen to. Join us for this essential conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire. Remember, this is part 1 of our 2-part interview with Dr. Shannon, and part 2 will be released in the episode to follow.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
7:02 - Neurodiversity in singing voice pedagogy
20:22 - ADHD, autism, and mental health diagnosis and awareness
27:13 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
35:50 - Neurodiversity and communication challenges
43:25 - Accommodating neurodiverse singers in voice lessons

Find Shannon Online

• Evolving Voice
• The VoicePed UnDegree
• Live Lecture Replays
• Instagram
• Facebook

Ready to reach a global audience with your product or service? We offer multiple opportunities for advertisement sponsorship on A Voice and Beyond. Email [email protected] or visit the sponsor page to learn more.

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/173.

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Welcome to another episode of A Voice and Beyond! This week, we have an incredible guest for you—John R. Miles. John is a keynote speaker, a combat veteran, and the host of the #1 ranked alternative health podcast, Passion Struck with John R. Miles, which has garnered over 17 million downloads from listeners in 169 countries. He is also the author of the acclaimed book "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

Today, John will share some of the inspirational work from his book which combines behavioural science research, peak performance strategies, and real-life narratives from industry titans such as Oprah, Elon Musk, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Astronaut Wendy Lawrence, many of whom John has had the privilege to interview and work with.

Drawing from his insights, experiences, and the very essence of the human spirit, John’s navigates through self-sabotage and doubt to empower you to confront and transcend your limiting beliefs. This ultimately paves the way for a life without boundaries. Recognized as one of the top thinkers in personal mastery and a Premier 100 Leader, John shares how we can break free from the inner confines of personal limits, overcome the barriers that hold us back, and harness the transformative power of intentionality.

John's story is both timely and compelling. In an era where burnout, mental health challenges, and the search for purpose are more prevalent than ever, John’s journey from corporate success to profound personal realization brings hope, inspiration, and actionable insights. If you’re ready to craft a life that truly matters, this interview with John R. Miles is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends logic and intuition? Dr. Joyce Anastasia, an intuitive consultant with a PhD in quantum natural medicine is here to guide you. Visit www.leadbywisdom.com and unlock your full potential today.

Are you a singing teacher feeling isolated or second-guessing your lessons? The Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program, created by internationally renowned voice trainers Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, offers 57 hours of live online training and personalized support to help you unlock your full potential and enhance your students' vocal development. To learn more, visit www.vocalprocess.co.uk.

Are you constantly battling with food cravings, struggling to resist temptation, and feel like you just can't break the cycle? Visit  www.DefeatYourCravings.com

In This Episode
0:00 - Sponsored Ad: Lead by Wisdom with Dr Joyce Anastasia
06:49 - John’s personal journey
13:28 - Finding authenticity and fulfilment 
27:13 - Sponsored Ad: Free Book ‘Defeat your cravings’ by Dr. Glenn Livingston
33:41 - Reducing self-doubt and building fulfilment 
42:15 - Sponsored Ad: Vocal Process Teacher Accreditation Program
48:46 - Personal growth, self-love and constant learning

Find John Online

• John's Website

For more, go to drmarisaleenaismith.com/172.

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