The way a voice actor sits, stands, and moves shows up in every recording, which is exactly why posture and tension management are part of professional training, not an afterthought.

In this episode of The Voice Boxes, voice actors Nettie Rose (vocal performance coach) and Jennifer Kellams (speech-language pathologist) break down how neck tension, muscle fatigue, and poor posture affect vocal performance and what trained professionals do differently to protect consistency across long recording sessions and multi-module projects.

The Voice Boxes Podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the training and body-awareness that goes into dependable, broadcast-ready voiceover work for eLearning, corporate training, healthcare, and educational media.

Key topics

• Neck tension and muscle fatigue
• Posture and spinal alignment
• Impact of tension on voice and vocal performance

Takeaways

• Poor posture and muscle tension can significantly affect voice quality.
• Changing posture and relaxing neck muscles can alleviate tension.
• Supporting the entire spine, not just the neck, is crucial for health.
• Hydration and magnesium help reduce muscle tension.
• Supporting your core and diaphragm enhances overall vocal function.

Sound bites

• "Tension makes us more aware and then tensing more."
• "Change your posture regularly to relieve tension."
• "Support your entire spine, not just your neck."

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Neck Tension and Muscle Fatigue
• 02:57 The Impact of Posture on Voice and Health
• 05:59 Strategies for Relieving Neck Tension
• 08:57 The Importance of Hydration and Core Support

Where to reach the show

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

Vocal stamina isn't luck. It's the result of habits trained professionals build deliberately, long before they hit "record."

In this episode of VoiceBoxes, voice actor and speech-language pathologist Jennifer Kellams teams up with voice actor and vocal performance coach Nettie Rose to unpack vocal fatigue, one of the most common threats to consistency on long recording sessions and multi-module projects.

They break down how hydration, sleep, nutrition, and stress management directly affect vocal stamina, and what trained professionals do differently to protect their instrument project after project.

Hosted by Vocal Coach (Nettie Rose) and SLP-credentialed (Jennifer Kellams) voice actors with a clinical understanding of vocal mechanics, The Voice Boxes offers a behind-the-scenes look at the training and self-management that goes into dependable, broadcast-ready voiceover work for eLearning, corporate training, healthcare, and educational media.

key topics

• Effects of fatigue on vocal cords
• Signs of vocal fatigue
• Importance of hydration and sleep
• Breathing and support during fatigue
• Stress and nutrition's role in voice health

Takeaways

• Fatigue can cause voice cracks, gravelly voice, and slurred speech.
• Yawning and hydration help relax throat muscles and improve voice.
• Dehydration and poor nutrition exacerbate fatigue and vocal issues.
• Recognizing early signs of fatigue can prevent long-term damage.
• Managing stress and getting restful sleep are crucial for vocal health.

Sound bites

• "Fatigue affects your voice early on."
• "Yawning relaxes throat muscles and boosts oxygen."
• "Energy drinks are not the best solution."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Fatigue and Voice Health
• 02:03 Signs of Vocal Fatigue
• 04:04 Overcompensation and Vocal Strain
• 06:03 Health Conditions Impacting the Voice
• 08:03 The Importance of Sleep and Sunlight
• 10:03 Impact of Dehydration and Cross-Contamination
• 10:50 Energy Drinks and Natural Boosts
• 11:59 Planning Your Energy Throughout the Day
• 13:08 Exercise and Movement for Energy
• 13:55 Final Tips for Vocal Care and Fatigue Prevention

Where to reach the show

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

In this episode, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams dive into how common tummy issues like acid reflux, bloating, and digestion discomfort can impact your voice. They share practical tips, dietary strategies, and humorous anecdotes to help voice users maintain vocal clarity and comfort.

Key Topics:

• The importance of managing stomach pressure before voice use, especially for speaking, singing, or voice acting
• How overeating and eating immediately before speaking can cause gurgles and burps that disrupt performances
• The benefits of waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before recording or presenting
• Tips for calming digestion, such as drinking carbonated water or warm water, and strategic food ordering
• The role of physical adjustments like pillows or position to reduce stomach noises
• Cultural and medicinal approaches, including herbal digestives and alcohol as muscle relaxants
• The humorous side of voice and tummy health, along with the importance of listening to your body

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to voice and tummy issues
• 00:16 - How eating habits affect voice clarity 00:36 - The impact of stomach gases and pressure on breathing 01:04 - Risks of over-eating before voice work
• 01:30 - Why burps happen and how to prevent them during recordings
• 01:51 - The importance of timing and letting digestion settle
• 02:03 - Using pillows and physical strategies to muffle digestion noises
• 02:19 - Effects of overeating on breath control and vocal support
• 02:42 - How the esophagus squeezes food and relieves pressure
• 03:07 - Techniques for calming digestion with food ordering
• 03:34 - The role of medications and natural remedies
• 04:19 - Curious tips from recording studios, like digestion cover pillows
• 05:07 - Sharing personal experiences with stomach illness and voice
• 06:05 - Quick fixes: carbonated water and herbal teas
• 06:37 - Pronunciation fun and flavor preferences (La Croix, cola flavored water)
• 07:48 - Cultural approaches, including traditional herbal digestives
• 08:01 - The proper order of eating to reduce gas buildup
• 08:45 - Use of Tums and natural remedies for indigestion
• 09:10 - Techniques like patting the stomach and burping to make room
• 09:39 - Enjoying sushi without discomfort and water's role
• 10:10 - Remedies like warm water and Asian medicinal practices
• 10:55 - Old wives' tales: alcohol and home remedies for stomach discomfort
• 11:16 - The humorous idea of using bourbon or whiskey to relax stomach muscles
• 11:55 - Alcohol as a muscle relaxer and medicinal aid
• 12:31 - Different cultural digestives: Uzo, Campari, and aperitifs
• 13:01 - The importance of taking care of your tummy before social or vocal engagement
• 13:34 - Inviting audience questions and future topics on medicinal and dietary solutions for voice users
• 14:09 - Closing remarks and encouragement to share experiences

Where to reach the show

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

In this episode, Jennifer and Nettie discuss the impact of acid reflux on voice health, including dietary triggers, lifestyle changes, and medical considerations. Perfect for anyone experiencing voice changes or reflux issues.

key topics

• Impact of acid reflux on voice
• Dietary triggers for reflux
• Lifestyle modifications for reflux management
• Medical and natural approaches to reflux
• Effects of reflux on vocal cords

takeaways

• Avoid fried, spicy, and acidic foods to reduce reflux
• Sleeping on the left side can minimize acid reflux
• Mint can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen reflux
• Water before bed can trigger reflux if not careful
• Lifestyle changes like diet and sleep position are crucial

"Tomatoes and lemons are highly acidic."

"Acid can burn the soft tissue in your throat."

"Lifestyle changes are key to managing reflux."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to acid reflux and voice health
• 01:24 Foods to avoid with acid reflux
• 03:09 How acid reflux affects the throat and vocal cords
• 04:28 The anatomy of reflux and its impact on voice
• 06:20 Lifestyle tips to manage acid reflux
• 08:15 Medical considerations and medication use
• 09:35 Diet and lifestyle adjustments for reflux relief
• 11:10 Summary and tips for managing reflux-related voice issues

Where to reach the show

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

In this episode, Jennifer Kellams and Nettie Rose kick off Season 2 of Voice Boxes with a fun, fast-paced preview of what’s coming next. They share the topics they’re most excited to explore, from vocal health and technique to the real-life factors that affect the voice.

What’s coming in Season 2

Jennifer and Nettie tease a packed season with episodes covering:

• Vocal gadgets and tools: what helps, what doesn’t, and what’s worth trying
• Acid reflux and GERD: how digestive issues can affect the voice
• Vocal range: what it really means to expand your range
• Warm-ups and cool-downs for the voice
• Personal confessions and lessons learned along the way
• Muscle tension, neck tension, and the connection between stress and the voice
• Breathy tone, pressed tone, and vocal effects
• Efforts in voice acting, including sounds that mimic being punched or shot

Why these topics matter

The hosts explain that voice issues often come from places people don’t immediately connect to their voice, like stress, fatigue, tension, and outside life. They also highlight how these subjects matter for voice actors, gamers, athletes, and anyone who uses their voice regularly.

Jennifer and Nettie invite listeners to send in questions by email or Instagram DM so they can answer them on the show and build future episodes around audience topics.

Where to reach the show

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

This episode explores the impact of hormones on the body and voice, including hot flashes, hormonal fluctuations during menopause, and how hormones like estrogen and testosterone influence vocal health and aging. Hosted by Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams, it offers practical insights and scientific explanations.

Key Topics:

• Hormonal impact on vocal cords
• Effects of estrogen and testosterone on voice
• Hot flashes and hormonal fluctuations during menopause
• Hormones and aging of the larynx
• Managing hormonal changes and vocal health

This episode explores the importance of hydration for overall health and vocal health, including practical tips on how to stay properly hydrated, signs of dehydration, and how hydration affects the vocal cords.

Key Topics:

• How hydration affects the body and vocal cords
• Signs of dehydration and overhydration
• Effective hydration strategies and tools
• Impact of diet and environment on hydration
• Hydration's role in vocal health and performance

In this conversation, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams explore the concept of subglottal pressure, its significance in vocal health, and the importance of diaphragmatic breathing. They discuss how improper tension in the throat can affect voice projection and share exercises to improve vocal control and health. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding the mechanics of voice production to enhance vocal performance and prevent strain.

In this episode of The Voice Boxes, Jennifer Kellams and Nettie Rose discuss the various environmental factors that can impact vocal health, including indoor and outdoor pollutants, allergens, and the importance of hydration. They explore how conditions like dry air and allergens can lead to throat irritation and vocal strain, and share practical tips for managing these issues to maintain vocal health. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a healthy environment for the voice, including the use of air filters, humidifiers, and mindful cleaning practices.

In this episode, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams discuss the importance of vocal health, particularly when dealing with sore throats. They explore common misconceptions about voice use during illness, emphasizing the need for gentle voice use and effective remedies. The conversation also covers hydration and nutrition strategies to support vocal health, concluding with listener engagement and encouragement to share personal experiences.