Shows
No Wrong Notes with Veronica KokasTraining your voice like an athlete with Abby HalpinWe've got another fabulous interview episode! This week I'm sharing my conversation with Abby Halpin of Forte Performance PT. If you had no idea that physical therapy was important for singers and musicians...I didn't either! In this episode Abby shares important tools for singers and musicians, so that you can keep your instrument in tip-top physical shape. Enjoy!Find out more about Abby's work here: https://www.forteperformancept.com/Follow Abby on Instagram!Want to book a free trial lesson with me? Click...
2025-10-0946 min
Yap Sesh with VoiceProEdYap Sesh S2 E4: The Beach EpisodeThis week on Yap Sesh, Anna and Maurice are getting a little vibey with a true “beach episode.” From favorite warm-ups and the role of the inhale in performance, to playlists, grilling, and the joy of just letting voice feel good, they’re opening up about the tools and habits that shape both their work and their lives. Plus, they share details on their upcoming course Under Pressure: Customizing SOVTs for Professional Voice Users. Registration is now open at https://voiceproed.com/underpressureCreamy Braised Chicken with Pappardelle from The Kitchn: https://www.thekitchn.com/re...
2025-09-2737 min
Play Life LoudlyGuest Episode: Interview with Jared Borkowski, Sound Guitar LessonsThis is a special episode! Jared Borkowski invited me to speak with him on his YouTube Channel, Sound Guitar Lessons, about guitar-related aches and pains, recovery strategies, why guitar-related injuries happen, and more. Jared creates incredibly valuable FREE resources for guitarists everywhere and releases a new lesson video every week! And you can also check out his courses for more in-depth information.Abby met Jared years ago when he was helping her and Mr. Forte prepare for their "first song" at their wedding. He is wonderfully talented, kind, and thorough. If you are looking for guitar-related content...
2024-11-051h 47
The Dream TeamDream Team: Week 4Jim Szoke and Abby Halpin help everyone set their fantasy football lineups, check the waiver wires for sleepers, and make bold predictions for week 4 of the 2024 NFL season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-09-2624 minThe Dream TeamDream Team: Week 3Jim Szoke and Abby Halpin help everyone set their fantasy football lineups, check the waiver wires for sleepers, and make bold predictions for week 3 of the 2024 NFL season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-09-1928 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 18: How to Write your Workout ScheduleThe hardest part of anything is getting started. Let's discuss how to make a doable and forgiving plan to get started.7 Steps to Starting Your Workouts:1. Reflect on what has worked or not worked before this2. Set your duration: How long of a workout can you reasonably expect for yourself right now?3. Set your frequency: How many days a week would you like to plan on?4. Determine your non-negotiables: Which days are "nos" and which are "yesses"?5. Write down the schedule somewhere.6. Pick a "push it" and a "light" day weekly.
2024-09-0408 min
Running to the Core PodcastEpisode 51: Posture and Your Voice with Dr Abby Halpin, PTDr Abby Halpin is a Physical Therapist and Coach, and runs Forte Performance and Physical Therapy. Abby helps musicians, instrumentalists and performers feel and sound their best. She also works with athletes. With a doctorate in physical therapy and 13 years of clinical experience as a PT and personal trainer, Abby has carved out her path to include everything important – movement, music and making a difference. Abby is the host of the Play Life Loudly Podcast. In this podcast Abby talks about her role in this area, working with the pressure management systems...
2023-08-3145 min
Play Life LoudlyPiano teachers: Do you hurt while you teach?Abby talks about simple strategies piano teachers can use to reduce discomfort while teaching students from an article she wrote for the Vermont Music Teachers Association's newsletter.Major takeaways:Over 42% of pianists report pain, discomfort, and injury.Increased time spent playing piano, years of experience, and regularity contribute to higher reports of pain.Make your teaching set-up (aka ergonomics) do more work for you.Change up what you're asking of your body while you teach.Individualize your day of teaching based on your body's (and brain's) needs.Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical...
2023-05-2307 min
Up In My BusinessEpisode 11: Box Checking, Mindfulness, and Ditching Burnout with Emma JackIn this episode, you'll hear from my girl, Emma Jack. Emma (@pressplayphysio) is a light in this world for physical therapists and other healthcare practitioners who are finding themselves feeling burned out in life and in their work.Emma and I chat about chronic box-checking and the importance of knowing how to look within and making decisions that actually feel good is essential in this game of life.You'll hear things that Emma has never previously talked about on podcasts, her background as a physio and coach, and how she works with other physios to...
2023-04-1055 min
Up In My BusinessEpisode 10: Everything You Need For an Online CourseCreating an online course— you need a lot more than you would think! Time and time again, folks I work with go to create their course and they can't get over how much they didn't know they needed! In this episode, I go through all of those things with you. You'll learn my favorite tech necessities as well as the logistical things you need in place in order to launch your online course (but also things do not have to be perfect). You'll want to have a notebook ready for this one. ALLLL the notes.
2023-04-0341 min
The Visceral Voice PodcastAlternating Diaphragms - with Dr Abby HalpinIn this episode, I have another great conversation with Dr Abby about Alternating diaphragms. 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
2022-11-0735 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 16: Perfect Piano Posture ProblemsAbby talks about the concept of "good posture" for pianists, a review of the workshop she led for the Vermont Music Teachers Association last weekend.Major takeaways:There is no such thing as good or bad posture. Instilling that idea only makes a musician have to choose a body position and stick with it all the time in order to be good.Problems arise from a lack of variety more than the actual body position itself.Muscles are happiest when they are in their middle range, so whatever feels easiest, is probably right.Whenever talking about...
2022-10-2812 minThe Visceral Voice PodcastDiscussing Tension - with Dr. Abby HalpinIn this episode, Dr Abby and I have a conversation about tension, and how this word now has several different meanings and negative connotations. Tension is necessary for upright positioning and movement, but excessive tension is what we are wanting to eliminate. 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...
2022-10-2425 minThe Visceral Voice Podcast7 Pillars of Performance - with Dr. Abby HalpinIn this episode, Dr Abby and I discuss the 7 pillars of Performance and one we both like to add, the 8th pillar of Coordination. We also discuss the 'Queen of the chair,' the Central Nervous System.These 7 Pillars are Strength, Power, Speed, Agility, Stability, Mobility, Flexibility, (and we like to add Coordination).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...
2022-10-1029 minThe Visceral Voice PodcastIn vs Out of Network PT - with Dr Abby HalpinWelcome back to season 8! This Fall I have a series of conversation with Dr Abby Halpin about movement. In this episode we discuss In network vs out of network physical therapy, and things you may not know pertaining to your insurance plan. 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...
2022-09-2637 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 15: Rest and RecoveryBeing strategic and intentional about rest and recovery is imperative for a long, happy life of music-making.Topics Covered:1. The reasons singers and instrumentalists need rest.2. Active vs passive recovery.3. Strategies for scheduling rest while still working toward your music goals. 4. Strategies for quick recovery between takes or rehearsals.5. How recovery looks different from person to person.6. How recovery can feel like something you're adding into your routine rather than taking away from it.Other episodes to listen to related to...
2022-08-2514 min
Influence & Impact for LeadersEp 107 - 5 podcasts that changed my lifeI love listening to podcasts and find them a source of inspiration for my work and life. This week, I'm sharing 5 of my favourite non-leadership podcasts, an impactful episode and some of the lessons I've learnt from them. Beyond Busy hosted by Graham Allcott Episode: How To Stop Trying To Do Everything with Oliver Burkeman (7 January 21) Listen here: https://www.grahamallcott.com/podcast Feel Better, Live More hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee Episode 269: How To Eat Your Way To Better Health by Dr Rupy Akjila...
2022-08-1446 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 14: Meaningful Tasks and WordsToday's topic is about how important it is for musicians to work with coaches and providers who will actively seek out activities and conversations that are specific to their goals and activities.Take-aways:1. Abby has lunch with her elementary and middle school orchestra teacher. Reminisces about how much her music teachers have meant to her.2. Physical therapists and healthcare providers need to be watching their musician patients play their instruments.3. Musicians need to find PTs who know the requirements of being a musician and who can watch you play or sing in your session.
2022-07-2807 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 13: NATS Workshop ReviewAbby Halpin reviews the Disobedient Singing discussion she and Liz Frazer (aka the Salty Voice Teacher) led at the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) conference.She takes you through step-by-step the demonstration they did with singer and voice teacher Anna Diemer as well as their upcoming workshop for voice teachers in August.Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical Therapy, where she works with musicians, artists, and performers to help them feel and sound their best. WebsiteInstagramFacebookDisclaimer: This podcast episode...
2022-07-1913 min
The Voice SpaceAbby Halpin: Physical Therapy for Musical AthletesAbby Halpin of Forte Performance and Physical Therapy explains why approaching art from an athletic perspective with the help of a physical therapist can help you to conquer your technical challenges.
2022-06-2348 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 12: General UpdatesJust wanted to update you on what's coming up. Abby is attending the 57th National Conference for the National Association of Teachers and Singing (NATS). She and her dear friend and colleague Liz Frazer, aka The Salty Voice Teacher, will be leading a demonstration and discussion about how Physical therapists and voice teachers can partner up and break all the posture and breathing rules.Abby is also looking forward to chatting with Christine Schneider on her podcast, The Visceral Voice, about in-network vs. out-of-network care for singers.Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical...
2022-06-2006 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 11: How to train exhalationAbby talks about what to do if you're stuck in a state of over-inflation. She talks about the impacts of breathing patterns on musicianship and singing and how to train your exhalation to change patterns.Key Points:1. Quick review of hyperinflation, but make sure you listen to Episode 10 first!2. The reasons for training exhalation for musicians3. Three example exercises to improve exhalation range of motion for singing and playing music. 4. Practice your instrument or vocalize in those positions5. Reach out with questions!Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical T...
2022-06-0807 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 10: Breath stacking and hyperinflationStacking your breaths and using postural habits that put you in a state of hyperinflation makes breathing, singing, and playing harder.If you have these patterns you might feel some of the following:1. You can’t last as long through a phrase or need more catch breaths than you used to.2. You can’t get enough air in.3. You have a lot of shoulder and neck tension that does not change no matter how much you stretch.4. Your back is stiff if you stand for too long.5. You feel...
2022-05-1010 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 9: Moldy Flare-ups and Vulnerability HangoversAbby talks about her own experience with chronic pain and flare-ups due to mold exposure.Main points:1. You deserve care from someone who listens, does not interrupt, believes you, and makes a plan with you. 2. Our brains say a lot of conflicting things when we hurt.3. You are not alone in your pain experience. Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical Therapy, where she works with musicians, artists, and performers to help them feel and sound their best. WebsiteInstagramFacebookDisclaimer: This podcast episode is...
2022-04-2614 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 8: Can I get better at being loud? (and other diaphragm things)This is in response to a submitted question, "Can I get better at being loud?" This person has noticed that she isn't able to raise her speaking volume to match the crowded spaces she is returning to after years of quiet pandemic life.Main points:1. There are 7+ diaphragms in our bodies.2. They are areas that separate one area from another and help to manage internal and external pressures/forces on our bodies.3. They need to ascend and descend together to facilitate the movement of air and our bodies in general. 4. Working on the b...
2022-04-1911 min
House of RunThe Abby Steiner ShowShow Notes-House of Run Shirt-Easy Double Shirt-#BeatOrkney Shirt-State vs. States Shirt-Our iTunes page-House of Run Strava Page
2022-04-141h 54
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 7: Why Are My Hands Falling Asleep?Many instrumentalists deal with tingling and numbness in their hands while they play. Let's talk about why and what to do about it. Main Takeaways:1. You have to learn things to be proficient at them.2. The main resistance to doing anything is the getting started part.3. Nerves can get compressed, pulled on, or over-sensitized at any point along their pathway. 4. The location of your tingling, prickly, numb symptoms help your PT know what to do next. 5. Go see someone for this symptom - you don't have to live like this.
2022-04-1209 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 6: Do Virtual Sessions Really Work?Let's walk through a recent visit with a musical theater artist and teacher who needed help with a sticky diaphragm and trouble with breath support.Main Points:1. Someone said Abby's voice is soothing, so she wishes them a good night!2. Virtual care is not for everyone. Some people really need that hands-on care. 3. Virtual sessions are great for everyone else! You can get a LOT done in a short amount of time. 4. Abby walks you through a recent visit with a musical theater performer and teacher (a short nerd out about ribs an...
2022-04-0513 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 5: How to Build a Starter Strength WorkoutGiving all the info you need to build a well-rounded strength workout for beginners. Main Points:1. Go listen to Episode 4 first if you haven't.2. Five main movements to include in every workout.3. Other considerations, such as direction of movement, body regions, and how many body parts are moving at once.4. A summary of Fortissimo and how we can work together to get you started. Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical Therapy, where she works with musicians, artists, and performers to help them feel and sound their best. We...
2022-03-2907 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 4: Musicians Can Lift Heavy Stuff!Abby makes a case for adding strength training to your routine to improve your performance as a musician.Main points:1. Strength does not equal bulky, stiff, slow muscles. 2. Too many musicians have told me they have been advised NOT to lifting heavy things.3. Strength = max force you can produce against a load.4. Strength training makes you withstand more load. 5. Strength training allows you to be MORE flexible and MORE mobile!Next time: What should be in a starter strength program for musicians?Abby is the owner of Forte Pe...
2022-03-2206 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 3: How does breathing work, for real though?Let's break down the basic anatomy and physiology of breathing as it pertains to making music and staying alive. Abby gives a few updates on her own voice lesson progress.Main points:1. Oxygen in, CO2 out.2. Air moves toward areas where there is less of it. Once you breathe in, the air wants to go back out and vice versa.3. Ribs in/diaphragm up = exhalation.4. Ribs out/diaphragm down = inhalation.5. Your guts have to be able to slide up and down while diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles dome up and down together...
2022-03-1510 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 2: Why Do Injuries Happen?Abby Halpin, physical therapist and coach for musicians and artists, talks about why injuries happen and what to do when they do. She also shares why she greets the day like she greet you!Main points:1. Pain does not equal tissue damage2. Injuries happen when the load on your body outweighs the resilience you've built up.3. Don't give yourself training whiplash.4. Rest is not always (often isn't) the answer.5. You deserve care from a PT who knows what you need as a musician.6. Don't take "stop playing" as an answer.7...
2022-03-0306 min
Play Life LoudlyEpisode 1: Good Morning, World!Welcome to Play Life Loudly! Physical therapist and coach Abby Halpin introduces her podcast, in which she chats about what she wishes musicians knew about movement, health, and fitness.Abby is the owner of Forte Performance & Physical Therapy, where she works with musicians, artists, and performers to help them feel and sound their best. WebsiteInstagramFacebookDisclaimer: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
2022-03-0305 min
H2 SportsH2 Sports: Interview with Radio Voice of the Carolina Panthers, Mick MixonToday, Carolina Panthers Radio Network Host Mick Mixon sits down with Abby Halpin to talk about his career, retirement, and the Carolina Panthers. Mick and Abby talk Mick's time at Chapel Hill, his road to Charlotte, and how the Panthers look this season. Plus, will Mick attend Panthers games post-retirement?
Follow us on Social Media!
Abby Halpin:
Twitter: @abbymhalpin
Instagram: @abbymhalpin
John Halpin:
Twitter: @jhalpin37
Instagram: @jhalpin37
Follow the Pod!
Twitter and Instagram: @h2sportspodcast
2021-06-1838 minH2 SportsH2 Sports: 2021 NFL Mock DraftBack and better than ever, hosts Abby Halpin and John Halpin go back and forth over their predictions for this year's NFL Draft. Who is trading their picks? How many picks do the duo agree on? Find out in this week's episode!
Huge thank you to Scott Hanson for the amazing intro and plug for the podcast!
Socials:
Abby: @abbymhalpin on Twitter and Instagram
John: @jhalpin37 on Twitter and Instagram
Follow the Pod: @h2sportspodcast on Twitter and Instagram
2021-04-2449 minH2 SportsH2 Sports: Baseball. Is. BackThis week, Abby and John Halpin excitedly discuss the MLB's way of how they plan to play the 2020 season. The two break down details of the plan, new rules, and their predictions for the season where every game counts!
Follow H2 Sports on Twitter and Instagram: @h2sportspodcast
Follow Abby on Twitter and Instagram: @abbymhalpin
Follow John on Twitter and Instagram: @jhalpin37
2020-06-2941 minH2 SportsH2 Sports: Interview with Carolina Panthers Talk Host, Jim SzokeThis week, host Abby Halpin sat down with WBT/WFNZ Radio host Jim Szoke. The two discussed Jim's past, the offseason and draft of the Carolina Panthers, and what it was like working with H2 cohost, John Halpin.
Follow Jim on Twitter: @jimszoke
Follow H2 on Instagram and Twitter: @h2sportspodcast
Follow Abby on Instagram and Twitter: @abbymhalpin
Follow John on Instagram and Twitter: @jhalpin37
2020-06-1035 minH2 SportsH2 Sports: Interview with Head Football Coach Andy CaponeWeddington High School's head football coach Andy Capone sat down with host Abby Halpin today to talk about what he has been up to during quarantine. The two also discussed the two-time state champion coach's beginnings, his relationship with his players, five-star APB Will Shipley and the most fulfilling part of being a head coach.
2020-05-2029 minH2 SportsH2 Sports: Our Current MLB Dream TeamAbby Halpin and John Halpin debate the best of the best and create their own dream teams out of MLB's best active players. Players such as OF Mike Trout and SP Jacob deGrom were easy, no-brainers, but do the daughter-father duo agree that Javier Baez is top at shortstop? Find out in this week's episode of H2 Sports!
2020-05-0324 minH2 SportsH2 Sports: Recap of the 2020 NFL DraftIn their very first episode, Abby Halpin and John Halpin discuss the 2020 NFL Draft. The father-daughter duo have an in-depth discussion about how they think the first round went, and if top-10 picks like Joe Burrow, Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, Andrew Thomas, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert are good fits for the teams that drafted them.
They also discuss surprising picks, such as Henry Ruggs III and Jordan Love, and why the Dallas Cowboys are among the draft's winners.
2020-04-2634 min
FUELED WITH FIREDr. Abby Halpin, PT: Play Life LoudlyDr. Abby Halpin is the brainchild behind Forte Performance & Physical Therapy. Abby serves those who are seeking to improve their daily FUNCTION, increase RESILIENCE to adversity, and raise the level of their PERFORMANCE. Forte's mission is to LISTEN thoroughly and EMPOWER people to use movement in the way that serves them best, to excel and make an impact in their homes and communities, and to PLAY LIFE LOUDLY.
ADVICE FOR FUTURE PATIENTS: Consider your physical therapist your movement system consultant. Be ready with questions, be prepared to problem-solve, and stick to the plan.
EPISODE DETAILS:
Forte Performance & Physical Therapy
FUELHOUSE Gy...
2019-11-1452 min