Leo Ash Evens is a performer, educator, and voice professional whose career spans Broadway, the West End, national tours, and regional theatre. His Broadway credits include School of Rock, Shuffle Along, and Jesus Christ Superstar, with extensive work in West Side Story across London’s West End, the 50th Anniversary U.S. Tour, Houston TUTS, Barrington Stage, and North Carolina Theatre. His regional work includes Ragtime, Cabaret, Peter and the Starcatcher, Somewhere, and Gypsy, starring Patti LuPone. In addition to his stage career, Leo is a nationally recognized voiceover artist and the current voice of Simon Markets for Goldman Sachs. He is also the Owner and Director of Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA), where he is entering his eighteenth year preparing young performers for college auditions through a rigorous, artist-centered approach.

In this episode of On The Voice, Leo joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV to discuss his experience with ulcerative laryngitis - a rare and serious vocal condition that resulted in sudden voice loss and an extended period of recovery. He reflects on the realities of complete vocal rest, the emotional impact of losing his primary means of communication, and the patience required to rebuild trust in his voice again. The conversation explores the pressure performers feel to push through illness, the difficulty of deciding when to call out, and the long-term lessons Leo carried forward into his performing, teaching, and leadership work. This episode offers an honest look at vocal load, sustainability, and what it means to care for the voice across a demanding, multifaceted career.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Milan R. Amin, MD is a Professor of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at NYU Langone Health, Chief of the Division of Laryngology, and Founder and Director of the NYU Langone Voice Center. Since establishing the center in 2005, he has transformed it into an internationally recognized hub for cutting-edge voice, swallowing, and airway care — pioneering office-based laser and injection techniques and authoring more than 120 peer-reviewed publications. His work continues to shape the landscape of modern vocal health for singers, actors, educators, and professional voice users worldwide.

In this episode of On The Voice, Dr. Amin joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, for a deep dive into the specialty of laryngology and what professional voice users can expect during an evaluation. He breaks down how to identify symptoms that warrant a scope, the value of baseline imaging, and why multidisciplinary care is essential for both diagnosis and long-term vocal success. The conversation explores vocal fold scarring and sulcus — how they form, why they affect vibration, and the tiered decision-making behind treatment, from behavioral strategies to microsurgery. Dr. Amin also shares insights on vocal health during illness, emerging research in aging voice and rare diseases, and the future of wearable voice-tracking technology.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Samantha Joy Pearlman is a New York–based multi-hyphenate: a performer, singer-songwriter, writer, and voice teacher whose career spans original musical theatre, new work development, and contemporary music. She originated the role of Deb in The Art Tour Off-Broadway at Theatre Row, appeared as Mary Jane Gumm in Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz at Paper Mill Playhouse, and wrote and starred in the solo musical Devotedly, Sincerely Yours. Her band, Joy and the Wildfire, has toured throughout the Northeast and opened the pre-show party for Heart at Bethel Woods. As a vocalist, her sound has been praised as “rich, textured, and utterly captivating—like if silk and fire had a baby,” and she is the proud founder of SJP Voice Studio.

In this episode of On The Voice, Samantha joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss her journey through multiple vocal hemorrhages, navigating pseudocysts, understanding vocal load, and recovering from parathyroid surgery. She speaks candidly about resilience, vocal identity, and learning to embrace the voice she has rather than the one she thought she was “supposed” to have. 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Telly Leung is a Chinese-American, New York–born actor, singer, and educator whose career spans Broadway, television, and international stages. He’s currently starring as The Phantom in Masquerade, the immersive reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera. On Broadway, Telly has appeared in Aladdin, Rent, Godspell, In Transit, Allegiance, Pacific Overtures, and Flower Drum Song, and he originated the role of Boq in the Chicago company of Wicked. His screen credits include Glee, Warrior, among many others. A Carnegie Mellon graduate, Telly is also a director, theatre educator, and producer of the new holiday musical The Nice List.

In this episode of On The Voice, Telly joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, to discuss discovering and treating a vocal pseudocyst, navigating recovery after surgery, and how the experience redefined his relationship to stamina, identity, and the “show must go on” mentality. He reflects on learning to balance artistry with longevity and what it really means to sustain a professional singing career across decades.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary - always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

In this episode of On The Voice, Mackenzie and Jenna sit down with George Salazar - a half-Filipino, half-Ecuadorian actor, singer, and musician best known for originating Michael Mell in the Broadway hit Be More Chill, a role that earned him a Lucille Lortel Award, two Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards, and nominations from both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle. His show-stopping act two number, “Michael in the Bathroom,” has been streamed over 50 million times worldwide.

George made his Broadway debut in the 2011 revival of Godspell and has since starred in the Off-Broadway productions of Here Lies Love, tick, tick… BOOM!, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, and as Seymour in the Pasadena Playhouse’s critically acclaimed production of Little Shop of Horrors opposite MJ Rodriguez and Amber Riley. His television credits include American Crime Story: Impeachment and NBC’s Superstore, and he recently voiced “Happy” in Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White film.

In this episode, George opens up about his path from the 2nd National Tour of Spring Awakening to Be More Chill, how he artistically crafted the character of Michael Mell, and what a vocal hemorrhage taught him about pressure, identity, and redefining success as a vocal athlete. 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary - always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Ellen Lettrich , M.S, CCC-SLP, is a nationally certified speech-language pathologist, vocal coach, and theatre educator with over three decades of experience across Broadway and educational theatre. She served as Production Vocal Coach for Matilda and Hand to God and has supported performers from Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Color Purple, Cinderella, The Crucible, and West Side Story, among many others. As the Founder and former Director of MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions), Ellen has guided hundreds of young performers through the college audition process and now continues her work from Richmond, VA, while leading The Fund for College Auditions, a nonprofit providing access and support for aspiring theatre students nationwide.

In this episode, Ellen joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, M.S, CCC-SLP, to share her journey through vocal paresis and two pseudocysts - and how those experiences have shaped her empathy, teaching, and philosophy on vocal health. From vocal rest and recovery to advocacy for access in the arts, Ellen’s story is an inspiring look at resilience, curiosity, and care for the human voice.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary - always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Tyler Jones is a New York–based voice teacher and performer whose clients span Broadway, television, national tours, and the recording industry. A proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, he’s performed in productions like The Book of Mormon and Apple TV’s WeCrashed, and has coached for projects including Hulu’s Up Here. Tyler combines his performance career with a deep commitment to vocal health, strengthened by an observership at the Sean Parker Institute for the Voice and his work as an associate teacher to Mike Ruckles. Find him at www.tylerjonesvoicestudio.com and on Instagram at @tylerjonesvoicestudio.

In this episode of On The Voice, Tyler talks with hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP about navigating vocal injuries from college through his time on the national tour of The Book of Mormon, the impact of surgery, and how those experiences shaped his teaching philosophy. He shares candid stories about the psychology of singing, what it’s like to perform under pressure, and why understanding voice science—and finding community in recovery—are essential for any professional voice user. His insights speak directly to singers, teachers, and actors navigating the realities of vocal injury and resilience.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary - always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Nicole Zuraitis is a 2X GRAMMY-winning and 4X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist, and arranger, celebrated for her “heart as big as her remarkable voice” (Jazz Police). She’s a New York–based bandleader redefining vocal jazz and what she calls the “modern songbook.” Find her music on all streaming platforms, at www.nicolezmusic.com, and on Instagram at @nicolezmusic.

In this episode of On The Voice, Nicole talks with hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP about life on the road as a full-time touring artist, balancing an intense performance schedule with vocal health, and her own journey through vocal challenges—including lessons learned about speaking voice habits, recovery, and resilience. Her candid insights offer encouragement and community to any professional voice user navigating a vocal injury or supporting someone who is.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary—always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Episode 1: Meet The Hosts - Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia

In their very first episode, hosts Mackenzie Bykowski and Jenna Battipaglia, CCC-SLP open up about their own journeys through vocal injury, surgery, and recovery.

Jenna shares how a vocal fold cyst in college led her from being a musical theater singer, and contemporary commerical music songwriter, to speech-language pathologist - and what it felt like to lose, and then reclaim, her voice. Mackenzie recounts years of managing scar tissue, a vocal fold surgery during the pandemic, and the impact of managing an unpredictable instrument.

Together they reflect on the identity shifts, the importance of vocal care, and the mentors and clinicians who helped them find their way back - not just to singing, but to themselves.

Whether you’re a singer, actor, teacher, or anyone who relies on their voice, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a sense of community for anyone navigating a vocal injury or supporting someone who is.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary—always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.