Support the show

In this episode, Christine Schneider sits down with Speech-Language Pathologist Mairin Srygley and Personal Trainer Jamie Terry to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with hypermobility in voice training.

They explore how hypermobility affects vocal function, breathing mechanics, and overall movement, and share practical strategies for building strength, stability, and resilience in hypermobile singers.

Whether you’re a voice teacher, singer, therapist, or simply curious about the intersection of movement and vocal performance, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to learn:

• How hypermobility impacts the voice
• The importance of nervous system regulation in hypermobile bodies
• Practical exercises for building strength and stability
• Personal stories and real-world strategies from two leading experts

Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of hypermobility and how to unlock your body’s full potential.

Support the show

In this episode of The Visceral Voice Podcast, we explore the complex and essential role of hormones in overall health with Dr. Erica Kesselman, OB-GYN. From menstrual cycles to menopause, pregnancy to perimenopause, Dr. Kesselman breaks down how hormones shape our daily lives, well-being, and long-term health.

Topics We Cover:
Understanding the hormonal cycle and its effects on the body
How pregnancy, menopause, and birth control influence hormonal balance
Common hormonal imbalances and their symptoms

Whether you’re a singer, performer, or simply interested in learning more about your body, this episode is full of valuable insights from a trusted expert in women’s health.

 Subscribe to The Visceral Voice Podcast for more conversations about health, wellness, and performance!
Join the conversation – comment below with your thoughts and questions!

📩 Stay updated with our newsletter: www.thevisceralvoice.com

#TheVisceralVoice #HormonalHealth #WomensWellness #OBGYN #Podcast

Support the show

In this episode, Christine Schneider sits down with Michael Galyon to discuss his incredible journey from working in early education to becoming a social media mindfulness influencer. Michael opens up about his new book, Letting It Settle, and shares insights into his upcoming work conducting mindfulness practices for a live audience accompanied by a full orchestra.

Together, they explore the intersection of mindfulness, education, and creativity, offering inspiring perspectives and practical tools for finding calm and connection in a busy world. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation!

#TheVisceralVoice #FromChaosToCalm #Mindfulness #LettingItSettle #MichaelGalyon #SelfCare #OrchestralMindfulness

Support the show

In this episode of The Visceral Voice Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Alice Lam! With 25 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Lam has built a relationship-based practice in West Houston that embraces a whole-health approach to dental care. Her passion for creating beautiful smiles led her to explore the world of craniofacial pain and airway health, where she found her true calling.

Drawing from her personal journey with TMD and chronic pain, Dr. Lam deeply understands the complexities of human kinetics and interconnected oral issues. She has assembled a remarkable team of master practitioners—including movement specialists Mike Cantrell, MPT, AIA Fellow; James Anderson, MPT, AIA Fellow; Megan Bollinger, MPT, AIA Fellow, PRC; Tom Tardiff, DPT, AIA Fellow; and postural vision neuro-optometrist Dr. Heidi Wise, OD—to deliver a holistic approach that restores the body’s symmetry, balance, and optimal breathing patterns.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Lam is a passionate educator. As Visiting Faculty for the renowned Pankey Institute and former adjunct professor at Boston University School of Dentistry, she has inspired countless dental professionals. A leader in the field, Dr. Lam co-founded Applied Integration Academy (AIA) alongside her practice partners, bridging the gap between physical functional healthcare and dentistry for a collaborative, whole-body approach to treating movement dysfunction, craniofacial pain/TMD, and airway challenges.

Tune in to discover how Dr. Lam’s groundbreaking work is transforming the landscape of dental and functional healthcare!

Support the show

In this episode of The Visceral Voice Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Jillian Paige, founder of Meisner in Music, for a truly inspiring and insightful conversation. Jillian brings her deep expertise in integrating the Meisner technique with music training, offering a revolutionary approach to emotional authenticity in performance.

We discuss her personal journey in developing her work, the importance of emotional connection in musical storytelling, and how performers can unlock greater vulnerability and truth in their craft. Jillian shares her brilliant perspectives on bridging the gap between acting and music, and we explore how this practice can transform not only vocal performance but also personal expression, growth, and healing.

This episode is a must-listen for singers, actors, and creatives looking to elevate their craft by embracing the power of emotional presence.

To experience Jillian’s transformative work firsthand, The Visceral Voice Academy is hosting her for a virtual session on Wednesday, January 22nd, at 11 AM ET. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into her groundbreaking approach!

Support the show

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Eric Cobb for a fascinating exploration of how the tongue intersects with the nervous system, lymphatic health, breathing mechanics and more. We dig into the tongue's role not only as a critical player in vocalization but also as an influencer on bodywide functions. Dr. Cobb shares insights into how tongue positioning can impact the nervous system, optimize breathing patterns, and even support lymphatic health—all essential for vocalists, speakers, and anyone invested in voice care. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on the intricate connections that influence vocal quality and physical resilience, this episode is for you!

The creator of Z-Health, Dr. Eric Cobb is one of the world’s leading experts in harnessing the power of the neurology of movement to create extraordinary change in the human body.

Built on over 30 years of ongoing study combined with real-world, hands-on experience working with clients ranging from severely wounded veterans to Olympic gold medalists, Dr. Cobb has developed a global and holistic approach to health and performance based on the complex and ever-evolving interactions that occur between the brain and body.

Dr. Cobb is passionate about blending emerging research with established protocols to provide both practitioners and athletes with cutting-edge strategies aimed at eliminating pain and maximizing health and performance. Underlying everything he does is his deep-seated desire to help people realize the power they have to change, and then to help them find the tools and skills to unlock their potential.

With over 5,000 certified Z-Health professionals in 110 countries, Dr. Cobb’s work has played a pivotal role in bringing practical, neurologically-based training into rehabilitation, training and athletic systems around the world.

Support the show

In this episode of The Visceral Voice Podcast, I have a thoughtful conversation with Alie B. Gorrie, an advocate for disability representation in the arts. Alie shares her insights on how advocacy plays a vital role in making the arts more inclusive and accessible for artists with disabilities. We discuss the challenges these artists face and the importance of creating opportunities where all voices are valued. Alie’s work encourages us to reflect on how the arts can become more inclusive and supportive for everyone. Join us as we explore the impact of disability advocacy in shaping a more equitable arts community.

Be sure to check out our courses, and events at www.thevisceralvoice.com! And follow us on Instagram!

Support the show

In this episode of The Visceral Voice Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of sex steroid hormones and their impact on the voice throughout the female life cycle. From puberty to menopause, hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect vocal quality, flexibility, and function. Join us as we explore how these hormones influence the voice, discuss the implications for singers and voice professionals, and offer insights into managing these changes for optimal vocal health. Whether you're a singer, voice teacher, or just curious about the interplay between hormones and the voice, this episode offers valuable information for every stage of life.

Joanne Bozeman, co-author of "Singing Through Change: Women’s Voices in Midlife, Menopause, and Beyond," has been a voice teacher for nearly 50 years, beginning when she was completing her music training at the University of Arizona.  She taught singing at Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music for 26 years and was an actively performing soprano. "Singing Through Change" (2020), emerged from her long-standing interest in voice health and the relationship of hormones with voice throughout the female lifespan. She presents internationally on the subject for organizations including ICVT, BVA, NATS, PAVA, and she is a tutor with Vocal Health Education.

Be sure to check out our courses, and events at www.thevisceralvoice.com! And follow us on Instagram!

Support the show

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Christopher Cayari and Dr. Fellix Graham as we dive deep into the world of voice training for transgender and gender non-conforming singers. In this episode, we'll tackle crucial topics and common misconceptions in the field, including:

• Vocal Health: How should vocal health be managed during periods of significant vocal change for transgender students?
• Repertoire Recommendations: Discover favorite sources for gender-affirming repertoire suitable for those in early or mid-vocal transition.
• Effective Exercises: Beyond SOVT exercises, which specific exercises are recommended for voices undergoing changes due to testosterone?
• Impact of Hormonal Treatments: Learn about how estrogen and testosterone impact vocal training and what voice teachers should be aware of.
• Vocal Labels and Dysphoria: Examine the impact of traditional vocal labels on gender dysphoria and explore alternative labeling approaches.
• Voice Dysmorphia and Dysphoria: How do we support clients struggling with voice dysmorphia or dysphoria, particularly when progress is hard to perceive?
• Advice for Educators: Gain practical advice for voice teachers who are new to working with transgender students.

We are planning on a 2-part series, where we lay the groundwork for understanding and supporting transgender and gender non-conforming singers. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll continue to explore topics and answer questions that couldn’t be covered in this episode. Do you have questions? Send them in for part 2. 

Dr. Christopher Cayari (he/they; @ DrCayari on all the social media) is an associate professor of music at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. They specializes in popular music vocal styles such as vocal jazz, show choir, and musical theater. He has maintained a private voice studio since 2000, now located in the Chicago Loop and online. Christopher is an accomplished researcher-performer who blends research and art through autoethnography, a way to research society through exploring one’s own lived experiences. His one-person musical theater research revues have been performed across the US, Canada, and the UK. Their newest show premiered off-Broadway at the Musical Theater Educators Alliance conference in 2023, and they has also been a featured performer in Trans Voices Cabaret Chicago and Transcend Choir of NYC (which is the brainchild of my other guest, Dr Felix A Graham **like how I built in the TRANSition for you). 

Felix Graham, ED.D.C.T., is an NYC-based musician, writer and teaching artist whose practice explores the juxtaposition of voice, gender & identity. He has had two careers as a performer: initially as a classical singer & pianist, then post-transition branching into cabaret/queer musical theatre, resulting in, among other things, singing as the first openly trans-masculine artist at the Friar’s Club.
 
As a teaching artist, Dr, Graham works with trans/GNC singers and gives workshops nationally on trans voice, music & identity, and creating secure musical learning spaces for marginalized communities. He is the founder of TRANScend Choral & Community Music Foundation – a non-profit dedicated to gender-inclusive music and music education in New York City.

Support the show