In this episode of Be Everything And More, I'm sitting down in person with Maruja Retana, a former pop singer who took a wild, honest pivot into what she now calls vocal psychology and it is exactly as fascinating as it sounds. We talk about what happens when you finally get the thing you dreamed about, and suddenly the fear is not "What if I fail?" but "Oh shit, what if this is real?" If you have ever wanted to be seen, heard, or taken seriously and then immediately panicked when the spotlight showed up, this conversation is for you.

Maru shares how her background in psychology and performance collided into a method that helps people work with their voice and their nervous system at the same time. We get into the invisible stuff that blocks your expression, like perfectionism, people pleasing, and that moment your throat tightens because your brain decided it is unsafe to be perceived. And yes, we go there with the inner critic. Not as the enemy, but as a loud little protector that needs a better job.

If you are building a brand, starting a podcast, writing a book, going after bigger rooms, or even just trying to speak up in your actual life, this episode will hit.

You will walk away with a simple, doable way to interrupt a spiral in real time, and a bigger question that will stick with you long after you hit pause. What would you create if your goal was connection, not perfection?

Key highlights and themes

• The psychology of being seen, heard, and perceived
• Why confidence drops the moment visibility increases
• Voice, nervous system, and mindset patterns creatives struggle with
• Performance anxiety beyond public speaking and singing
• Inner critic patterns that sabotage expression and self trust
• People pleasing, overthinking, and self censorship in women
• Visibility blocks for entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders
• Judgment, feedback, and fear of being misunderstood online
• Authentic self expression without burning out or shrinking
• Building presence and authority without forcing confidence

Stay Connected with Maruja:

Spiral to Flow [Free Gift]: https://marujaretana.kit.com/6ee9af5a24

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

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