Today, I interview Georgann Low who has a compelling story of facing inner struggle and losing her voice after a journey through the tumultuous landscape of the '60s and '70s. From an outspoken and sassy youth to a period of drug-induced turmoil, Georgann's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

After graduating from high school, Georgann spent years in New York and California, going to college until she dropped out to become a full-fledged hippie. The drugs she took opened amazing new perspectives, however her experience very quickly degenerated into a living hell of loneliness and paranoia - her sense of herself and her confidence were gone. She lost her ability to speak for a time. She was terrified of the world.

Eventually, at age 28, she gave up all drugs and learned to meditate which became her saving grace.

Yoga and meditation have been her tools for spiritual growth. Untrained in music, she became a professional singer starting out when she was 30 with Country and Blues and eventually moving into jazz. She still performs in clubs both here and in France with excellent musicians. She’s delighted to say she learned to speak French when living alone there.

In the days when she didn't speak, she took up drawing and continued to express herself through pen and ink and lots of color.

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Georgann is an international singer, artist, and author of the new memoir "Dancing Alone". She is known in musical circles for her unique blend of jazz. She is also an everyday mystic open to varied contemplative traditions.

Through meditation, she discovered her saving grace and regained her voice, empowering her to share her wisdom and gifts with the world. Her message resonates with all of us: open your heart, take a deep breath, and embrace the journey with a joyful spirit.

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Find Georgann here:
[email protected]
www.georgannlow.com
https://www.facebook.com/georgann.low
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgann-low-b65b5210/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Georgann-Low/author/B097YWBYW8?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview David Doerrier who faced childhood insecurities and a long battle with addiction. He embarked on a path of self-discovery that led him to rediscover his authentic voice and passion. David is a testament to the power of resilience and personal growth.

David found himself in careers that had him in front of people daily. He knew this was what he wanted to do. However, he had loud voices in his head that were telling him he was no good, laughing at him, and doing all they could to get him to give up.

Military, radio broadcasting, stage acting, training, voiceover. It wasn't until he was in his 50s that he could pinpoint where the insecurity originated, his narcissistic Mother. He knew something was wrong but had no idea what it was. He thought that the problem was him.

Through his engaging storytelling and personal experiences, David emphasizes the importance of ownership and connection in effective communication. He draws parallels between his own struggle to find a connection in his early life and his principles of engagement for speakers. Through his insights, David highlights the transformative power of finding one's voice and fostering meaningful connections in both personal and professional interactions.

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David Doerrier (Door-Re-Err) works with trainers, facilitators, sales organizations, and other presenters struggling to engage and impact their audience.

As an expert in the adult learning theory, David works with his clients to incorporate eight simple principles that are guaranteed to motivate any audience to listen, act, and be more likely to retain information, take the next step, and purchase your product or service.

David is a seasoned Toastmaster, proficient Instructional Designer, Train the Trainer and Facilitation expert, voiceover artist, and professional Santa Claus.

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Find David here:
https://presentyourwaytosuccess.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PresentYourWayToSuccess/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddoerrier/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVzREo_Y72yA9JMWPrHF5A 

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Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Tamara Herl whose getting up in front of a group of people to speak has always been hard for her. Tamara shares her compelling story of navigating through the challenges of finding her voice amidst family turmoil, societal expectations, and personal inhibitions.

Tamara sheds light on the transformative potential of embracing one's unique brilliance, tapping into the language of nature, and using creativity as a powerful means of self-expression and empowerment.

Tamara can now stand in front of an audience and speak about her passion. She has found that what works best for her is doing experiential processes with her audience, such as leading them in a guided meditation. That is where she really shines.

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Tamara Herl is a licensed professional counselor and registered board-certified art therapist. She shows socially conscious entrepreneurs how to use art and nature to get Divine guidance when they feel stuck or confused so that they can make the kind of impact they are meant to.

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Find Tamara here:

https://www.thewilddivine.us

https://thewilddivine.us/resources

https://facebook.com/tamara.herl.3/

https://www.facebook.com/foresttherapyguidecolorado

https://www.facebook.com/groups/640289957589385

https://www.instagram.com/tamaraherl/

https://twitter.com/TamaraHerl

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-herl-3164b68/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfbD0LznBKd5iTPFY1MNUw

https://www.pinterest.com/tamara_herl/

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Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Cindy Benezra who will share how she has emerged as a brilliant advocate for sexual abuse survivors. Her story is deeply moving, reflecting her struggles and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.

From a young age, Cindy endured abuse at the hands of her father, a dominant and intelligent man who shattered her innocence. The abuse left her voiceless, as she grappled with the confusion of what was happening to her. Over the years, she found solace in nature, particularly among the orange blossoms, where she sought refuge and discovered the power of healing through self-expression.

Cindy's path to healing was not linear, as she faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way. Through an array of modalities, including mantras, visionary work, journaling, and alternative therapies, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Her story showcases the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of finding one's voice after enduring profound trauma.

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Cindy is the author of Under The Orange Blossoms, an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, and the owner of a luxury event company.

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Find Cindy here:
https://www.cindytalks.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-benezra-932560158/

https://www.instagram.com/cindybenezra/

https://pinterest.com/cindybenezra

https://pinterest.com/cindytalks

https://www.youtube.com/cindybenezra

Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Ivna Curi. Ivna is a remarkable individual who has overcome significant struggles to find her voice and confidently speak her mind. Her journey from a shy and obedient girl to a powerful advocate for assertive communication is truly inspiring.

In our conversation, Ivna shares her transformative experiences, revealing the pivotal role courage played in her life. From her early days in Brazil, where she felt compelled to be the "nice girl" and avoid conflict, to her corporate career, where she battled anxiety and self-doubt, Ivna faced numerous challenges that hindered her from expressing herself effectively.

Everything changed when she encountered a mentor, who encouraged her to embrace courage and face difficult situations head-on. With his guidance, Ivna learned the art of assertive communication, a skill that completely transformed her interactions with others and propelled her into leadership roles.

Through her journey, Ivna discovered that courage, not confidence, was the key to speaking up and finding her voice. She emphasizes that focusing on courage allows us to act despite our fears and uncertainties, leading to real growth and effective communication.

Today, Ivna is on a mission to help others develop assertive communication skills and find their voices. As a respected thought leader, speaker, and coach, she provides workshops and talks that inspire professionals to confidently express themselves in various settings. Her dedication to promoting respectful speaking-up cultures in organizations helps build more inclusive and innovative workplaces.

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Ivna Curi helps people confidently speak their minds unapologetically at work in a way that is heard, understood, and taken seriously with assertive communication skills, without coming across as aggressive. She provides workshops, coaching, and talks. She also helps companies create a respectful speaking-up culture that drives engagement, productivity, DEI, and innovation. She is the host of the “Speak Your Mind Unapologetically” podcast show, a TEDx speaker, has more than 20 thousand students, has an international MBA from INSEAD, is a Forbes contributor, and is a former corporate leader.

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Find Ivna here:
https://assertiveway.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/
https://www.facebook.com/AssertiveWay/
Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/

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Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Anthony Kuo whose life journey took him from being tightly wound and trapped in the corporate world to breaking free and following his heart's desire. He joins us today to share his transformative experiences and how he has now dedicated his life to helping others find their own path to fulfillment.

Anthony Kuo's early life was shaped by the weight of immigrant family expectations and a musical background, where he excelled as a musician, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. However, despite his success, he realized that music did not bring him true joy. This realization ignited a quest to discover his authentic self and find a career aligned with his passions and interests.

Through various corporate experiences, Anthony embarked on a journey of self-discovery, facing burnout and discontent along the way. Each challenge led him to explore new career paths until he took a courageous leap and became a career satisfaction coach, helping others find fulfillment.

Today, Anthony empowers individuals to pursue fulfilling careers by embracing their true selves. His coaching enables clients to recognize their unique talents and interests, empowering them to make authentic career decisions, resulting in long-lasting satisfaction and success. 

If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your career, Anthony Kuo's story will deeply resonate with you. Don't miss the impactful episode where he shares valuable insights on unlocking your potential and creating a purpose-driven career and life. Tune in and be inspired to find your voice, overcome obstacles, and create the life you've always envisioned.

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Anthony Kuo is a Career Satisfaction Coach, Executive Coach, and Master NLP Practitioner. He empowers others to find their voice and thrive in their careers. 

He guides his clients through a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to be intensely curious about their true selves. By helping them say "no" to unsuitable situations and articulating their "yes," Anthony enables individuals to align their careers with their genuine aspirations. 

He emphasizes that self-knowledge and authentic expression are essential for meaningful success, and his coaching process transcends the typical career strategies to create a deeper connection between individuals and their professional paths. Through his impactful work, Anthony Kuo continues to inspire others to listen to their inner voices and act upon their own authentic desires.

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Find Anthony here:
https://www.untamedcareer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuo/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/

Free newsletter: https://www.untamedcareer.com/satisfactionseekers

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Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Sally Lotz whose early life was marked by the strict rules and limitations imposed by her family's conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses. In this oppressive environment, she endured abuse from her stepfather, forcing her to suppress her true self and become invisible. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others. 

At the tender age of 15, a revelation sparked within Sally when her mother discovered her non-Jehovah's Witness boyfriend. Confronted by the Elders, she witnessed the stark disparity in how her stepfather's actions went unpunished while her innocent connection with a boy resulted in harsh correction. It was during this tumultuous period that Sally discovered her voice, her means of expression and resistance against the injustices that plagued her life. 

Writing became her refuge, an outlet through which she could share her thoughts and feelings without fear of retribution. Yet, even in her newfound solace, she had to conceal her writings, stashing them away in her school locker or disposing of them to avoid detection. 

Forced to leave home at the age of 16, Sally sought shelter with her father, where she experienced an entirely different reality. As an only child in her father's care, she finally found a supportive presence, someone who listened and encouraged her to explore new horizons. However, the trauma she had endured lingered within her, manifesting as severe anxiety attacks and depression that confined her to the confines of her home. It was during this period of struggle that Sally, now a mother herself, embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, unearthing her voice once more. 

Now, Sally is a writer dedicated to crafting stories for children. Her literary works bear the underlying themes of hope, purpose, and compassion, offering inspiration to young readers while championing the underdog in subtle and captivating ways. In addition to her writing endeavors, she is currently a mentor and writing coach, running a program called "Write a Book in 30 Days: No Experience Required." Sally recently published her fourth book, "The Truth Is A Lie," a fictional work that delves into her experiences within the Jehovah's Witness community, exposing the contradictions and control within the organization extending her support to women seeking to share their own transformative tales of life changes, epiphanies, and pivots. She believes that by helping others find their voice, she empowers them to overcome adversity and thrive, offering a guiding light amidst the darkest of times.

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Sally Lotz is a writing coach, assisting women in sharing their own stories of transformation, guiding them through life's challenges and pivotal moments. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others, offering inspiration to embrace resilience and share their unique narratives. 

Sally is a mentor and a writing coach with her program Write A Book in 30 Days – No Experience Required. Her 4th book, The Truth is a Lie, was recently published. She is passionate about writing and teaching other people how to create with their words. She also enjoys speaking to groups about writing, growing up a Jehovah's Witness, or having ADHD. 

Find Sally here: 
https://www.sallylotz.com 
https://www.facebook.com/SallyJLotz2023 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyjlotz/ 
https://www.instagram.com/sallyjlotz/ 
https://twitter.com/SallyJLotz 
https://www.youtube.com/@howigotthere4184 
Free - 6 Steps to Getting Published https://www.sallylotz

Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Fabienne Slama, a Renaissance woman and an inspirational figure who has overcome tremendous challenges to become a beacon of light for others. Her journey began with a deep intergenerational trauma stemming from her family's North African background. Her great-grandmother's forced marriage at a young age set the stage for a lineage of women who struggled to find their voice and worth.

Despite these obstacles, Fabienne's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her forward. As a child, she excelled academically but faced difficulties fitting in due to skipping grades and constantly being the new kid in school. However, she learned to adapt and navigate these challenges, developing a sense of resilience and self-awareness along the way.

In her adulthood, Fabienne's life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a devastating divorce that left her emotionally shattered and financially destitute. Determined to rebuild her life, she delved into the power of the subconscious mind, discovering the transformative potential within. In a remarkable turnaround, she emerged from the darkness within three months, embarking on a journey of personal growth and empowerment.

Today, Fabienne Slama, also known as Fab, is a renowned hypnotist, author, and founder of FabYoulicious. Her mission is to awaken high-potential women and empaths, helping them overcome self-doubt and societal conditioning to unleash their true power. Through her work, she empowers women to break free from the belief that they are not enough and guides them on a transformative journey to become unstoppable forces of light in their homes, workplaces, and the world.

Fabienne's story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. From her early struggles as a young girl to her triumphant rise as a motivational leader, she exemplifies the power of personal transformation and the capacity for individuals to create positive change in their lives and communities.


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Fabienne Slama is a multi-faceted individual who has experienced various transformations throughout her life. Starting her journey as a biochemist for the French Atomic Energy Commission, she later ventured into the world of sculpting, creating powerful and evocative pieces in bronze and concrete. However, a difficult divorce left her devastated and penniless, pushing her to the brink of despair.

In the face of adversity, Fabienne discovered the power of the subconscious mind, propelling her to bounce back and reclaim her life. Today, as a renowned hypnotist and author, she is on a mission to empower high-potential women and empaths, helping them overcome self-doubt and move from being stuck to unstoppable. With her program, FabYoulicious, she guides individuals to unleash their inner light and share their unique gifts with the world, fostering a web of connection and transforming lives in the process.


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Find Fabienne here:
[email protected]
https://www.fabyoulicious.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabyoulicious/
https://www.facebook.com/fabslama
https://www.instagram.com/befabyoulicious/
https://twitter.com/fabyoulicious

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Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Sandy Rosenthal who after Hurricane Katrina, has faced the daunting task of exposing the truth behind the disaster. Despite lacking public speaking experience and facing challenges with her pronunciation skills, she fearlessly led an investigative team that exposed the mistakes of the Army Corps of Engineers and their subsequent attempts to conceal their errors.

Sandy's influential work is detailed in her book, "Words Whispered in Water," which chronicles her efforts to lead an investigative team and expose the Army Corps of Engineers as the culprits behind the levee breach. In this captivating memoir, she reveals the agency's attempts to cover up their mistakes, shedding light on the millions wasted in their efforts. Sandy's advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences, as she passionately advocates for the 62% of the American population living by levees, hosting a weekly podcast called "Beat the Big Guys." Through her podcast, she empowers her national audience to take on the big challenges in their own communities.

Sandy's resilience and drive are not limited to her professional endeavors. She leads an active lifestyle, playing tennis six days a week, practicing yoga, and finding joy in teaching her dogs silly tricks. Additionally, she cherishes her role as a grandmother, dedicating quality time with her two grandchildren in San Francisco every month. Sandy's extraordinary journey from a place of struggle to becoming a powerful advocate exemplifies her unwavering determination to make a positive impact and inspire change.

Sandy's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of finding one's voice and using it to effect change. Her journey is a source of inspiration for individuals facing their own challenges and seeking the courage to speak up and make a difference in their communities. Through her experiences, Sandy encourages others to embrace their authentic voices and overcome obstacles to create meaningful change in the world around them.
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Sandy Rosenthal is an extraordinary individual who rose to prominence in the aftermath of the most costly engineering disaster in US history, which claimed the lives of nearly 1400 people in the summer of 2005. In the face of adversity, Sandy embarked on a courageous journey to uncover the truth and seek justice for the victims. Despite lacking community organizing experience, she fearlessly led a team of individuals who shared her determination to expose the true culprits behind the catastrophe. Through her unwavering dedication and newfound voice, Sandy not only shed light on the responsible parties but also inspired widespread reforms in engineering practices.

Sandy's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of one person's resilience and determination. In the absence of others who knew the truth, she took it upon herself to lead the charge, defying all odds. Her ability to articulate complex issues and rally support from the public, media, and influential figures made her an influential advocate for justice. Sandy's ongoing commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the engineering industry continues to make a lasting impact, reminding us that one person's voice can spark profound change and prevent future disasters.
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Find Sandy here:
https://sandyrosenthal.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosenthalsandy/
https://www.youtube.com/user/LeveesOrg
https://www.instagram.com/leveesorg/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB4HqTcRvHO7YP3JFkdVpCi3vhIdHwkWI
https://www.wordswhisperedinwater.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po

Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview George McCalman who has always found solace in his art, which has served as a safe haven for him to freely express his thoughts and feelings. Against all odds, he rose. An African American in a white neighborhood, he defied discrimination. With creativity as his weapon, he forged his path to self-discovery.

McCalman is an artist and creative director based in San Francisco. He is known for his design studio, McCalman Co., which collaborates with a diverse range of cultural clients. George is also a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he documents Bay Area culture in his observed and first-person columns. His first book, "Illustrated Black History: Honoring The Iconic and Unseen," was published in 2022.

George's journey has not been without its struggles, having experienced the challenges of finding his voice and identity as an artist. Growing up in Grenada and later moving to New York City, George had to navigate being a young boy in a new educational system and culture. However, his introspective nature, sensitivity, and keen observations of the world around him shaped his perspective and artistic talents. 

With the influence of his mother and grandmother, George discovered his love for art and storytelling at a young age. Despite initially doubting his identity as an artist, he eventually embraced it and found his voice through the creation of meaningful illustrations. George's artistic journey has been marked by a pivotal moment in Mexico City, where he realized that he could merge his roles as an artist and art director. Since then, he has dedicated himself to both disciplines, continuing to explore and celebrate the stories and histories of marginalized voices in America through his art.

Join us as we delve into the world of George McCalman, witnessing the profound impact of his artistry, and discovering the resilience and determination that have propelled him on this extraordinary journey. Prepare to be captivated by his unique vision, as we explore how one individual's struggle can become an unyielding source of inspiration for us all.

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Educated as a fine art painter with a focus on philosophy, McCalman defines himself as an artist and creative director. In practice, that means he illustrates, designs, and writes about the complex concepts he explores in his work.

Other than being an artist, he is a creative director and Co-Principal of McCalman.Co. His background in the editorial world is a foundation of his storytelling, and his fine art practice has reframed his perspective on the importance of design. A culture columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, McCalman’s first book Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen won the 2023 NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work as well as profound accolades by The New Yorker’s Hilton Als, NPR, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Fast Company and many others.

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Find George here:
https://www.mccalman.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mccalman-7b705a5/

https://www.facebook.com/mccalman.co

https://www.instagram.com/george.mccalman/ 

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/illustrated-black-history-george-mccalman?variant=39981632782370

Support the show

I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.