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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Join us for an enlightening episode of "Gargles and SOVT: Techniques with an SLP," where we dive into the world of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercises and the benefits of gargling for voice health. In this episode, we explore the do's and don'ts of these essential vocal techniques with Sarah K. Brown, a highly respected singing teacher and licensed speech pathologist based in NYC.

About Sarah K. Brown: Sarah K. Brown is a singing teacher and licensed speech pathologist based in NYC. Before launching her own voice studio and going into full-time private work, Sarah maintained a clinical caseload at the Voice Center of Mount Sinai for 5 years, as well as an adjunct faculty position at Pace University. Her research has covered a wide variety of topics in voice, and she has presented nationally at the Fall Voice Conference. Sarah also regularly teaches singing masterclasses, most recently with Yale University School of Drama. Her specialized combination of singing background, performance experience, and clinical expertise have enabled her to serve Broadway performers, Metropolitan Opera singers, and TV/film actors. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Chapman University and an MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University.

In this episode, Sarah shares her expert insights on:

• The fundamentals of SOVT exercises and why they're crucial for vocal health.
• The proper technique for gargling and how it can aid in vocal care.
• Common mistakes to avoid when performing these exercises.
• Tips for incorporating SOVT exercises and gargling into your daily vocal routine.

Whether you're a professional singer, a voice coach, or simply interested in maintaining a healthy voice, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field and take your vocal care to the next level!

#thevisceralvoice #vocalhealthskb #sarahkbrown #vocal health #gargling #sovt #speechbubbles

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Join host Christine Schneider on The Visceral Voice Podcast as she welcomes Marita Stryker, an esteemed Assistant Professor of Music at St. Olaf College and Director of Musical Theatre, for an enlightening discussion on her groundbreaking research and dissertation focused on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). In this episode, Marita delves into the intricacies of working with students who have POTS in the voice studio, sharing insightful modifications and techniques to support these students' unique needs.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on how to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with POTS, drawing from Marita's extensive experience and expertise in voice science and contemporary singing styles.

About Marita Stryker:

Marita Stryker is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Music at St. Olaf College, where she directs the Musical Theatre program and teaches voice and contemporary singing styles. She is a PAVA-recognized Vocologist and movement specialist, whose teaching philosophy integrates contemporary singing, accessible voice science, and the mind-body connection essential for balanced and receptive artists.

Marita has held prestigious teaching positions at Shenandoah Conservatory, Oklahoma City University, and Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Tokyo. Her notable performance credits include the national tour of John Doyle’s Sweeney Todd and Tokyo’s 2019 duo-language production of The Last Five Years as Cathy. Beyond academia, Marita maintains a small virtual voice studio, coaching working artists in New York City, Austin, LA, and Tokyo.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of POTS in the voice studio and learn from Marita’s extensive experience and passion for accessible and inclusive voice education.

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

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In today's episode I have a conversation with Clinton Sherwood. Clinton is a multi-disciplinary performer and educator living in New York City with his husband and miniature poodle.

Clinton’s decade-long career in musical theatre spans from performing on broadway and national tours to becoming an accomplished music director and choreographer, creating award-winning dance-theatre pieces and supporting the development of new works in New York City.

Clinton studied musical theatre and dance at Millikin University, and went on to earn an MFA in musical theatre from San Diego State University. Clinton first began developing what has become a career’s work in understanding and disrupting the harmful and far-reaching consequences that some artistic education spaces can have on young artists. Clinton’s graduate thesis, “The Ego and The Educator”, was the catalyst that has led to Clinton’s ongoing research and practice in anti-oppressive facilitation.

Currently, Clinton teaches private voice to BFA musical theatre students at Pace University. They also work alongside former podcast guests Joey Harrell and Jared Trudeau at BroadwayVox, where Clinton teaches dance and voice to students and working professionals here in New York.

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

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In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Alien Partljič, a certified Modern Vocal Training coach and regional mentor for the Balkan area. Alien brings a unique perspective to the table as he delves into the intriguing topic of hypermobility and its profound effects on the voice.

Drawing from his extensive experience and training, including completion of a vocal massage therapy course with Stephen King and Robert Price, Alien sheds light on how hypermobility intersects with vocal performance. As a hypermobile individual himself, Alien's personal journey and curiosity have fueled his exploration into understanding the nuances of this condition and its implications for vocalists.

Through his Level 3 - Advanced vocal coach training course, Alien has embarked on in-depth research, uncovering valuable insights into the relationship between hypermobility and vocal capabilities. Tune in as we uncover the intricacies of this subject, exploring Alien's findings and how he incorporates them into his teaching methodology.

Whether you're a vocalist, vocal coach, or simply curious about the intersection of hypermobility and voice, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and perspective. Join us as we navigate through the fascinating realm of vocal dynamics with Alien Partljič.

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

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I am beyond excited to bring you a captivating conversation with the incredible Susan, a renowned voice teacher and consultant based in the heart of NYC, extending her expertise worldwide through online platforms.

In this episode, Susan shares her wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working with opera singers, musical theatre performers, cabaret artists, and recording talents across the globe. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of voicing and navigating the challenges that come with menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause.

Susan, a cherished friend, offers insights, tips, and wisdom gathered from her extensive career in helping voices reach their full potential. From the unique demands of the operatic stage to the nuanced world of recording studios, we explore how the voice evolves and adapts during different phases of life.

Check out Susan's Peri thru Post Course at susaneichhornyoung.com

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

Are you willing and able to become a Supporter of The Visceral Voice Podcast to help keep this podcast running? Please click here for our Patreon membership or here for a one-time PayPal contribution.

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In this episode, I have a conversation with my colleague Erika Young. Erika is a movement specialist and postpartum personal trainer with expertise in the pelvic floor, breath mechanics and posture.  Erika’s work has helped many performers resolve muscle tension dysphonia, avoid vocal surgery, improve breath support and optimize the body to improve vocal power and stamina.

Erika lives and works in Tennessee, where she cares for many of Nashville’s biggest voices. 
Her client list includes Grammy winners, Country Music Hall of Fame artists, Broadway performers, actors, newscasters and other professional voice users.  Erika helps them to prepare for the demands of the road and find more freedom and ease in their voices.

She has three teenage children and has personal experience in restoring the core and pelvic floor. Her athletic background includes gymnastics, track, triathlon and long track speedskating.  Her work is also informed by her history of traumatic brain injury, sensory integration and continuing education through the Postural Restoration Institute.  Erika works with the Vanderbilt University Voice Center, the Dayani Center, and in her private practice, Erika Young Coaching.

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

Are you willing and able to become a Supporter of The Visceral Voice Podcast to help keep this podcast running? Please click here for our Patreon membership or here for a one-time PayPal contribution.

Support the show