Shows
The Voice of Early ChildhoodA guide to potty training The new government-backed Potty Training Guide moves away from the old 'readiness' model and promotes early, gradual learning and preparation from infancy. This article and podcast episode explore what the guidance means for families and settings, why coming out of nappies should be the final step in learning, and how practitioners and parents/carers can support confident, healthy toilet learning. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/ This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers...
2026-02-0245 min
BabaluRewind (Season 1 Finale)"Sometimes I think, what the f*** have I done?"To support this podcast: https://uneasytiger.com/supportContent warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Thank you so much for being a part of our journey for season one. If you enjoyed Babalu, please consider leaving us a rating and review, sharing our show with someone you think will love it too, or visiting uneasytiger.com/support...
2025-12-0342 minBabaluRewind (Season 1 Finale)"Sometimes I think, what the f*** have I done?"Thank you so much for being a part of our journey for season one. If you enjoyed Babalu, please consider leaving us a rating and review, sharing our show with someone you think will love it too, or visiting uneasytiger.com/support to shop our merch or to make a donation. All contributions will go towards the production of season two. >>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify
2025-12-0342 min
BabaluPause"We're all hiding something. Sometimes we don't even realize it."To support this podcast: https://uneasytiger.com/supportContent warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine Liao, Kathleen Gray, Lee Chen, Eileen Hsi, Adam Bozarth, Matthew Kimbrough, Chriselle Almeida, Circus-Szalewski, Greg...
2025-11-2637 minBabaluPause"We're all hiding something. Sometimes we don't even realize it."Contribute to Babalu season 2 by heading to: https://buymeacoffee.com/babalu>>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify
2025-11-2637 min
BabaluGuardians and Angels"And the worst part is feeling that feeling again... That feeling of dread."Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine Liao, Varda Appleton, Circus Szalewski, Lee Chen, Jaxy Boyd, Greg Smith, Ruby Marez, Rishi Arya, Joy Brunson, Matt Catanzano, and Kimberly Truong.
2025-11-1936 minBabaluGuardians and Angels"And the worst part is feeling that feeling again... That feeling of dread."Want to contribute to Babalu season 2? Head to: https://buymeacoffee.com/babalu>>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify
2025-11-1936 min
BabaluYear of the Snake"I feel like I might've said too much."You can contribute to the making of Babalu season 2: https://buymeacoffee.com/babaluContent warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody. With performances by: Christine Liao, Kathleen Gray, Jaxy Boyd, Greg Smith, Circus-Szalewski, C...
2025-11-1247 minBabaluYear of the Snake"I feel like I might've said too much."Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody. With performances by: Christine Liao, Kathleen Gray, Jaxy Boyd, Greg Smith, Circus-Szalewski, Chriselle Almeida, Varda Appleton, Melissa Bickerton, Kiera Nusbaum, Matthew Kimbrough, Lee Chen, Ruby Marez, Katharine Chen Lerner, Stephanie Orlando, a...
2025-11-1247 min
BabaluNo Sleep"It just takes a few a**holes to ruin everything.">>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify
2025-11-051h 05BabaluNo Sleep"It just takes a few a**holes to ruin everything."Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine Liao, Jaxy Boyd, Circus-Szalewski, Lee Chen, Ruby Marez, Greg Smith, Rishi Arya, Mark Morante, Melissa Bickerton, Jackie Aubel, Stephanie Orlando, Katharine Chen Lerner, Julianne Kolb...
2025-11-051h 05
BabaluSisters, Fathers, Monsters"What are the chances?"Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.>>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify
2025-10-2945 minBabaluSisters, Fathers, Monsters"What are the chances?"Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine Liao, Jaxy Boyd, Circus-Szalewski, Greg Smith, Varda Appleton, Chriselle Almeida, James III, Malia Macabeo, Kiera Nusbaum, and Kimberly Truong.Series theme music by Edith Mudge. Additional music by Manish...
2025-10-2945 min
BabaluOpportunity"It's okay, I'll remind you.">>> Listen to this episode's companion mixtape playlist on Spotify Get the episode transcript here: https://babalu.transistor.fm/episodes/opportunity/transcriptContent warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine Liao, Chriselle Almeida, Lee...
2025-10-2244 minBabaluOpportunity"It's okay, I'll remind you."Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support.Created, written, and produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine Liao, Chriselle Almeida, Lee Chen, Diogo Hausen, Heather Woodward, Varda Appleton, Ruby Marez, Greg Smith, Kiera Nusbaum, Mark Morante, Julianne Kolb, James Donahower, PJ McCormick, and Kimberly Truong.Series theme music by...
2025-10-2244 min
The Holistic Homes PodcastS1E13: The Building Science Behind Sustainable Architecture with Emily MottramHouses don’t need to breathe. People need to breathe. Houses on the other hand, need to dry. These are the wise words of today’s guest, Emily Mottram. Emily is an architect and principal of Mottram Architecture. She is a building science educator, co-host on “The BS & Beer Show” and hosts a monthly podcast “E3 - Energy and Efficiency with Emily,” focusing on building science, architecture and female entrepreneurship.Emily is a wealth of knowledge! She shares her journey from growing up in a farming community to becoming a leading expert in sustainable architecture and building science. We...
2024-06-1256 min
Voice what Matters: the PodcastAmerican Accent Coaching & the Actor's Craft: Interview with Alistair NwachukwuCurious about how I coach the American accent? Have a listen to this episode, which is an interview and mini accent-coaching session with Alistair Nwachukwu. Alistair is a UK-based actor and a recent LAMDA graduate who has been working with me on voice, acting and accents privately for some time. In this episode, we talk about his process for learning the American accent. Themes that come up are: learning an accent is like learning a dance. You have to learn the steps first. We talk through what those steps are Alistair talks about his process fo...
2022-01-1155 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastThe Story behind the General American Accent Course Pack for Brits, my online video courseIn case you haven't noticed, I have recently released my first online video course, The General American Accent Course Pack for Brits. In this episode, I talk about the inspiration behind the making of this course and what the course entails. Designed to be like a digital book/online course/ accent coach in your pocket, the course has over 3 hours of content and is broken down into 59 (short and easily digestible) videos that cover everything you need to know to authentically own a General American accent in your own voice, which you can watch in your own t...
2021-09-2614 min
BabaluPilot - 2025 Remaster"I feel like I'm getting closer to something."Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.This pilot episode was originally released in 2021 as a part of Kickstarter campaign and has since been updated with a remastered version in October 2025.Love our show? Leave us a rating/review. Want to support our series? Visit uneasytiger.com or https://buymeacoffee.com/babalu...
2021-09-1832 minBabaluPilot - 2025 Remaster"I feel like I'm getting closer to something."Content warning: This series addresses sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. You are not alone.This pilot episode was originally released in 2021 as a part of Kickstarter campaign and has since been updated with a remastered version in October 2025. Created, written, and executive produced by Kimberly Truong. Directed by Katharine Chen Lerner. Sound design, editing and mixing by Charles Moody.With performances by: Christine...
2021-09-1832 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work and the Acting Craft: Conversation with Georgina OnuorahThis episode is part of a series where I talk with actors I’ve worked with about how they incorporate voice work into their craft. Georgina Onuorah is a London-based actress, singer and dancer. Her professional debut was playing Alice Fitzwarren in Dick Whittington at the National Theatre and she is currently the alternate Cinderella in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella . She graduated from ArtsEd in 2020, where I was one of her voice and speech teachers. During our conversation, Georgina had some profound insights about how voice work has helped her find her authentic cent...
2021-08-2241 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work and the Acting Craft: Conversation with Sam BuchananThis episode is part of a series where I talk with actors I’ve worked with about their voices and how they incorporate voice work into their craft. In this episode, I talk with Sam Buchanan. Sam is a 23-year old actor from Kent, England. He graduated from ArtsEd's BA Acting program in 2019, which is where we met. I was one of Sam’s voice teachers there. He has appeared on “EastEnders”, is currently shooting a new global thriller for Amazon called “The Power” and a new BBC3 series called “SuperHoe”, written by and starring Nicole Lecky.Sam and I had a r...
2021-07-1147 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work and the Acting Craft: Conversation with Will EdgertonThis episode is part of a series where I talk with actors I’ve worked with about how they incorporate voice work into their craft. In this episode, I talk with @willedgerton. Will is an actor originally from Wigan, who trained at ArtsEducational Schools London. He is currently in rehearsals to make his professional debut playing Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet at the Globe this summer, directed by Ola Ince. Will and I start by talking about his experience with adapting vocally to working in a large outdoor theatre space where you have to compete with the ele...
2021-06-1351 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastWhat is an Authentic Voice? Part 3On the podcast, I've been doing a series on the ‘authentic’ voice— what does it mean to have an authentic voice? How do you find it? Where I’ve landed so far is that being an authentic communicator is not so much about a certain type of sound but about a feeling— how does it feel to you when you are communicating? Connected to your experience? Connected to the experience of who you’re talking to?This can be extremely difficult, because society doesn’t exactly help us to be this kind of communicator. In this episode, I...
2021-05-2508 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastWhat is an authentic voice? Part 2The authentic voice: how would you define it? This is the tiny, not at all philosophical topic I tackle in Season 3, Episode 4 of "Voice what Matters: the Podcast": ‘The Authentic Voice: Part 2’. In Part 1, I talked about what the word ‘authenticity’ means and what issues that throws up about how to find your own authentic voice. In this episode, I look at some useful and not useful questions to ask yourself if you are curious about communicating authentically.The big theme that comes up is— it’s not about how you sound— it’s about how you fe...
2021-05-0208 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastWhat is an authentic voice? Part 1This is the first episode under the new 'Voice what Matters' title and, to celebrate, I've picked a juicy topic:Authenticity. It’s definitely a buzzword these days. Everyone is talking about authenticity. It’s something we value in our friends, our partners, our leaders and ourselves. And it comes up a lot in voice coaching— clients often want to find their authentic voice. But what exactly does that mean? This is the first episode in a 3-part series where I look at this topic. In this episode I explore the conversation around the authentic voice—what is it?
2021-04-1110 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastBye Bye BeSpoke and Exciting AnnouncementThis is a brief episode to let you know that this will be the last episode under the ‘BeSpoke Speaks’ title. If you are a regular listener or subscriber, don’t fret. All of the old content will still be there, but everything is getting a shiny new name and logo. This is part of an evolution on my part. I am launching a new voice and communication coaching website and business, and I would like all of the content to have the same brand. So for those of you who have been listening for awhile, thank you so...
2021-03-1505 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Warm Up for PodcastersThis episode offers a warm up specifically for people who regularly speak publicly through technology, particularly podcasters. It’s a follow-up from a previous episode, ‘Vocal Consideration for Podcasters’, where I spoke with Ryan O’Shea, LA-based voice coach and podcaster, about what is helpful and not so helpful for podcasters to think about vocally. Where we landed in that episode is that the trap of podcasting is trying to listen to the way you sound and emulate a certain sound. Your audience will respond much more to you if you shift your focus to how you want your...
2021-03-0128 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVocal Considerations for Podcasters: Conversation with Ryan O'SheaWhat do podcasters need to think about in terms of their voices? In this episode, ‘Voice for Podcasters: Conversation with Ryan O’Shea’, I talk to my good friend, fellow voice coach and podcaster, Ryan, about the vocal issues that the medium of podcasts presents, and how podcasters can address them. Ryan O’Shea is a voice, accent and public speaking coach based in LA. She also has a podcast called “Speaking of…conversations on voice, speech & identity with Ryan O’Shea” which delves into fascinating conversations around voice and identity.The difficulty with podcasting is...
2021-02-1056 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastZoom into 2021: Voice Warm Up for Virtual CommunicationHappy New Year! More than ever before, you might be feeling like you need a refresher as we say ‘bye’ to 2020 and try to embrace 2021. We have reason to be hopeful that we will be back communicating in person regularly soon, but because we are starting off 2021 largely virtual, this first episode of Season 3 has got your back. This warm up is designed to help you release and prepare the body, breath and voice for virtual communication.Long periods of virtual communication can lead to a lot of tension in the body and voice, because sitting all day...
2021-01-0417 minVoice what Matters: the Podcast30-Minute Mind/Body/Voice Warm UpHi Friends, This episode is a guided warm up that explores mindfulness, releasing physical tensions and connecting to your breath and voice. This warm up came out of our 3 last episodes, where we’ve been talking about what mindfulness, breathing and extraneous physical tensions have to do with the voice. Those episodes were the what and why, and this warm up explores the how: how can a practice that includes mindfulness, letting go of extraneous physical tension, and connecting to your breath help your voice feel more powerful and connected? We don’t do a lot...
2020-06-0127 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastLet's Get Physical(ly released)Hi Friends, How does excess physical tension in the body impact the voice? Or, in other words: What’s the relationship between the tension you have going on in your body and the sound of your voice? Your voice gets made in your body, thanks to your breath. How you’re using your body impacts how easily you’re breathing, which impacts how easily you’re speaking. Having some tension in the body is necessary for you to be upright and moving around in the world, but we’re talking about e...
2020-05-2523 min
E3: Energy & Efficiency With EmilyS2:E19 Building Durability & Architecture Part 2Show NotesChristine WilliamsonBuilding science and construction for architects.www.christine-williamson.com@buildingsciencefightclub“Buildings Don’t Lie” Henry GiffordBuilding Science CorporationBuilder’s Guide to Cold Climates
2020-05-2237 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastMind your Voice: The link between Mindfulness and Voice CoachingHey Friends, This episode addresses the question: What is the link between voice coaching and mindfulness? Have you ever heard of that word-- mindfulness? We bet you have— mindfulness is pretty hot right now, and has been for awhile. Mindfulness, boiled down to its essence, is being in the here and now. There are many strategies and practices for becoming more mindful, and they are all grouped into this movement called “Mindfulness”. So why would that be relevant at all in voice and communication coaching?Themes that come up in the episode are: the link bet...
2020-05-1813 min
E3: Energy & Efficiency With EmilyS2:E18 Building Durability & Architecture Part 1Show NotesChristine WilliamsonBuilding science and construction for architects.www.christine-williamson.com@buildingsciencefightclub
2020-05-1551 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastWhat's breathing got to do with it?Hey friends, This podcast episode is dedicated to answering the question: Why do we talk about breathing in voice coaching? This question came up with a private client who came to Christine to work on strengthening his voice, because he often feels sore after a day of talking at work. The short answer? The breath is the power source for the voice. Without breath, there is no voice. This episode looks at: the relationship between breathing and speakingthe difference between breathing normally just to survive vs. breathing to speakhow the way y...
2020-05-1121 minVoice what Matters: the Podcast'Cause we are living in a virtual world: Virtual Communication PresenceAre you finding yourself on Zoom a lot lately? We are living through some interesting times. For the last few weeks, a third of the world’s population has been on lockdown as the world battles the Covid-19 Pandemic. For many of us, this has meant completely changing the way we regularly communicate both professionally and personally, because we can’t socialize with people outside of our homes. So we’re having to bridge the gap by communicating virtually— through platforms like Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, or Skype or FaceTime—- platforms where we can still see each other...
2020-05-0428 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastMan Up! How does trying to sound masculine affect your voice?Hey Friends, In this episode, we explore deeper sociological issues around masculinity, and how trying to sound masculine might be impacting and even impeding your vocal expression. The pressures men face to have a deep, masculine-sounding voice are real, and often, our male clients, to get what they think is that sound, end up pressing their voices down in a way that makes their voices sound monotone, mumbly and trapped. This is a pressure that faces both men and women because a deeper, more ‘masculine’ sound is also associated with more gravitas and authori...
2020-04-2728 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastThe Importance of RitualsHey Friends, In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating regular rituals for yourself that help you feel more at ease generally, so that you can be more at ease in and ready for important communication events, like meetings, presentations, auditions, performances, etc. Rituals, whether physical, vocal, mental or some combination of all three, can help you start a communication event mindfully, because they allow you to take ownership over your own presence and how you are feeling before you start. These rituals can be something that are regular or something you do right before you c...
2020-04-2024 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastStaying Present in Unprecedented Times: Part 3Hi Friends, This episode is Part 3 of our 3-part series, 'Staying Present in Unprecedented Times,' designed to support you through this crazy new world of isolation and uncertainty as we navigate the health crisis that is Covid-19. In Part 1, we took you through a mindfulness practice called Orientation to help you connect to the present moment through your senses. In Part 2, we combined Orientation with a body scan to help you feel more embodied as you orient to the present moment. In this episode, we dive deeper into both Orientation and the body scan pr...
2020-04-1311 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastStaying Present in Unprecedented Times: Part 2Hi Friends, This is part 2 of our 3 part series, 'Staying Present in Unprecedented Times', designed to support you through this crazy new world of isolation and uncertainty as we navigate the health crisis that is Covid-19. In Part 1, we took you through a mindfulness practice called Orientation to help you connect to the present moment through your senses. In this episode, we will practice orientation again, and then move into an oriented body scan so you can start to feel more connected to your body in the present moment, then we end with orientation from a...
2020-04-0610 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastStaying Present in Unprecedented Times: Part 1Hi Friends, There's no doubt about it-- these are some unprecedented times. At the time we are publishing this episode, the UK and much of Europe are on lockdown-- we don't know how long it's going to go on and how much our world is going to change by the time we get through the health crisis caused by Covid-19. If you're like us, you may be finding yourself particularly isolated and anxious these days. We created a three-part series to help you stay present and find some ease in these crazy times. This episode is...
2020-03-3012 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastHow to Become More Present: Conversation with Craig DeucharHey Friends, Are you looking to become more present in your communication, or just in general? In this episode, Christine talks with her dear friend and colleague Craig Deuchar about a body of work called Organic Intelligence(r), and why it can be a useful practice to help you become more present generally and in your communication. Christine started working with Craig on an OI practice almost two years ago, and it has completely transformed the way she approaches communication training. Organic Intelligence is a mindfulness and compassion based clinical approach designed to alleviate the sy...
2020-03-231h 16Voice what Matters: the PodcastListen Up Part 2: Practical Embodied Listening SequenceHey Friends, This episode is a follow-up from "Listen Up", which came out a few weeks ago. In that episode, embodied living coach Nathalie-Joel Smith and Christine talked about the important role that listening plays in communication, and why it can be so hard to do. In this episode, Nathalie guides you through an embodied listening sequence so that you can actually practice listening, which you can use as a warm up and as a standalone practice in honing your ability to be more present in your own body and surroundings. The invitation in this se...
2020-03-1633 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastThe Importance of Voicework for Camera: Conversation with Mark StreetHey Friends, Are you an actor who is working or who has an interest in working in Film/TV? If so, this episode is geared for you. In this episode, Christine interviews her dear friend and colleague Mark Street about the importance of actors applying their voice work to any work they do on camera. Mark is a filmmaker and Screen Acting Tutor at ArtsEd in London, and in his work he identifies several regular pitfalls that actors fall into vocally when working onscreen, including: dropping the voice down and not having intention. This som...
2020-03-0955 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice in Tech!Hey Friends! This week's episode is of the future! Not really because we recorded back in January but the focus of our discussion and tips is voice and tech. We discuss the potential barriers of technology to effective communication and offer tips and tricks to turn it to your advantage. Whether you're submitting audition videos, live streaming meetings or events in your job, or---I don't know---podcasting at home, this is for you!We also cover working with tech in live situations, so discussing different types of microphones, including a side story about discovering what AV t...
2020-03-0429 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastOur Jaws, OurselvesHey Friends! We're dipping our toes into a big conversation this week, talking about something that we've both experienced and are frequently asked about by family and friends...JAW TENSION! Whether it's situational, emotional, grinding teeth, alignment issues, athletic activity, the jaw is an interesting reflection of how we manage all kinds of stresses. This episode is a general conversation about where it comes from and dealing with the discomfort of jaw pain. It also offers a couple exercises you can do anytime, anywhere. We also take a moment to celebrate our fantastic technological advancements fo...
2020-02-2633 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastRadio and TV Interviews: Advice from the TrenchesThis is an extra special episode because it features an interview with Christine’s husband, Emanuel Adam. Through his job, Emanuel regularly does radio and TV interviews with the likes of BBC, CNN and NPR, and he and Christine talk here about advice he has as someone who has had very little media training on how to approach these high-pressure interview situations. His advice is great for these specialized situations but also holds for any public speaking event.The big theme that comes up in the episode for both TV and Radio is the importance of having a...
2020-01-0538 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastListen Up!In this episode, Christine interviews her dear friend and colleague, Nathalie Joel-Smith, about the importance of embodied listening in communication. The importance of listening can sometimes get overlooked in communication coaching, both for actors and public speakers, even though it really is the vital component to connection within communication. Nathalie and Christine discuss what listening really is, why it can be hard to listen, and tools we can develop to listen better. Themes that come up are: Defining “Listening in” and “Listening out”: listening is a sensorial experience that involves tuning into our surroundings and who we’re talk...
2020-01-0551 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Warm Up for Social SituationsThis episode is a practical sequence to warm you up mentally, physically and vocally for social situations. Inspiration for this sequence came from an earlier episode, Episode 1 of Season 2, ‘Voice Work for Social Situations’ where we answered a question from a listener about why it can be hard to apply voice technique to social situations. This is a practical sequence that addresses the solutions we talked about in that episode. This sequence is for you if:you ever experience anxiety in social situations. This is designed to help ground you so that you can find more enjoy...
2020-01-0540 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice from a Director's Perspective: Conversation with Dan BirdIn this podcast episode, Christine talks to her friend and teaching colleague at ArtsEd, Dan Bird. Dan is an acting teacher and director, and has some really useful thoughts for actors about what he's looking for vocally from performers when he's directing. The big theme that emerges is the importance of vocal color and a sense of play with pitch range variety, so that the voice is responsive from moment to moment to what's happening in the text. Here are other themes that come up: The connection between differentiation of thought and the voice organically changing The...
2019-10-3126 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work for KidsIn this episode, our dear friend Lindsay Carretero, a Voice Coach from Jupiter, Florida, offers an amazing voice and body warm up for kids or for those of us who are kids at heart. It's structured so that voice teachers and coaches working with kids can literally plug in a device in the classroom and play the sequence, or kids can practice the sequence at home in their own time. There is some partner work involved, so feel free to do this sequence with a friend. Enjoy and if you have any questions, email us at bespoke.comcontact@gmail...
2019-10-3125 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice from a Director's Perspective: Conversation with Janette SmithIn this episode, Christine talks to friend and colleague Janette Smith. Janette is a freelance director and actor trainer, and has a lot of interesting thoughts about what she's looking for from actors vocally. This episode is especially relevant for actors who are in training or who are thinking about training, but is also useful for all professionals! Themes that come up are: - actors need to know their instruments: how to use them and what their limits are. - There is nothing worse for the audience than hearing actors hurting themselves. Audiences don’t like...
2019-10-3125 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVocal Health: Alternatives to Throat ClearingIn this episode, we discuss some helpful alternatives to throat clearing, which, in this cold and flu season, can really get in the way of your presentation or performance. Whether it be mucous or a dry throat, the need to throat-clear can create anxiety in public speaking situations. The good news is, there are some things you can do to prevent the situation and also things you can do in the moment to help ease the mucous/dryness. Themes that come up are: Drinking Water ahead of time Avoiding coffee/tea/dairy right before you...
2019-10-3114 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work for Social SettingsThis is our first podcast episode in our new format, where Lindsay and I discuss a question from YOU, our listeners. The question we talked about in this episode is: It’s strange- when performing I find speech easier and more controlled but in social settings I often find myself stumbling over my words or find it difficult to make my words clear. However if I try and use the techniques I use to speak clearly on stage in social settings I find it comes across as wrong for the situation. How can I combat this without ov...
2019-10-3123 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastFive-Minute Voice Warm UpThis is a 5-minute vocal warm up that’s designed for you to do right before you walk into your audition or presentation. The idea with this is that you’ve done a longer warm up at home, but then you’ve traveled to your audition/presentation, and you need something to get your voice and body back in gear.
2019-10-0606 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work for Tough TalksIf you know you have a tough talk coming up, this episode is a sequence that is designed to help you get physically, vocally and emotionally prepared for it. You can do this before the difficult conversation, or just do it and use the principles of it the next time a tough talk comes up.
2019-10-0616 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work for Focus and ConcentrationThis episode is all about using voice work to help you find a sense of focus and concentration. A little-known side affect of the body work that comes along with working on the voice is that it’s great to help you tune in and gain a sense of focus and concentration. This sequence is useful if you are embarking on a new project, a new school year, a new job, or looking to renew your sense of focus towards your existing ventures. It gets your body releasing and breathing, builds your proprioception (your body’s sense of itself) and...
2019-10-0618 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastFinding an Aligned Perspective: The EyesThinking about how you use your eyes (and how you see the world) is an easy way to check in with your alignment and your perspective. Being in your alignment is key to finding groundedness, presence, and grace. It also makes breathing easier, which makes speaking easier. This will be an especially useful sequence for you if you tend to get rigid when finding your alignment, or if you tend to hyper-focus with your vision.
2019-10-0610 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastManaging Nerves: The moment beforeWe have many sequences on previous podcast episodes that help you warm up and prepare ahead of a performance or a presentation, but what about that moment right before you get up to speak? That moment, while you are waiting, is often nerve-wracking. This is a short sequence that coaches you through where to place your focus in that moment before, allowing you to stay present, rather than in another world thinking about how nervous you are. You can listen to it ahead of time and then keep the sequence in mind whenever you are in ‘the moment before’. The...
2019-10-0612 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastWonder Woman Warm UpThis Wonder Woman-inspired episode is designed to help you communicate to yourself and to others in a strong, supported way. There’s a story behind this post. While Christine was traveling back to the States for a visit, she decided to finally watch ‘Wonder Woman.’ She was on a plane and, thankfully, she had the whole row to herself, because she had about three uncontrollable sobbing fits while watching this movie. We are not exaggerating. She was hiding my head behind my pillow as tears streamed down my face and my body was shaking with tears. It was dramatic.S...
2019-07-2219 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Support Work for CameraThis episode is a sequence to help you support your voice when you’re working on camera or when you are using a microphone. Microphones only amplify what’s already there, so this sequence helps ensure you’re still supporting and directing your sound in a way that allows you to be heard. It’s great for actors and public speakers.
2019-07-2207 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastArticulation Work for CameraThis is the sequel to our episode from a couple of weeks ago about Voice for Camera. The first sequence focused on your vocal power, and this one focuses more on your speech clarity. Both are important to being understood. This is a great sequence if you work on camera or you are using microphones at live “performance” events (whether that be acting or giving presentations).
2019-07-2209 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastFind your Ground! Connecting to your Vocal AuthorityIf you have ever been told that you don’t sound authoritative enough, or that you aren’t grounded enough, then the sequence in this episode is for you. This week, we explore finding an authoritative sound that feels authentic to you and helps you connect on a deeper level to what you are saying. It’s good for public speakers who want to convey their message with credibility and for actors (or anyone!) who feel like their emotions cause them to constrict and lose their ground.
2019-07-2217 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastRib Opening SequenceThis episode is a gentle rib opening sequence that will help you breathe more easily. This is great if you find deep breathing difficult or if you find you often hold your ribs in place and they don’t seem to move with ease. Having easy rib movement is key to a powerful voice. So get something comfortable to lie on and grab some pillows– you definitely want to be comfy for this gentle sequence.Happy breathing!
2019-07-2224 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work for TeachersDid you know that teachers make up over half of the population that has to take sick leave for voice rest in the UK? We don’t want that to happen to you. So teachers, let’s be mindful about how you’re taking care of your voice. This episode is designed especially with you in mind, teachers, but it’s also useful for anyone looking for a good daily voice warm up.
2019-07-0320 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastBreath Support Part 1Ever wondered how you can have a more powerful, authentic, connected voice? This episode is a class that teaches you about how the voice works, and the muscle you can learn how to engage to connect to your voice on a deeper level. This is part 1 of 2. Enjoy!
2019-07-0330 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastBreath Support Part 2This is the second part of our Breath Support series, where you can learn how to connect to your voice on a deeper level. This episode is more like a class. It teaches you about the importance of literally being inspired in your communication. Inspiration has to do with thoughts but it also has to do with breathing in. Learn how to breathe in effectively to connect to your thoughts and communicate them with authenticity!
2019-07-0337 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastAlign YourselfLearn how to find your alignment! Finding your alignment is about stacking the bones of your body from the crown of your head to your toes. It all starts with the feet. Finding this alignment allows you to stand with grace and move with ease. It’s a timeless posture that will keep you more comfortable and allow you to breathe more easily when you stand up. Easier breathing means easier speaking. It can be used as a prelude to a vocal warm up or as a way of checking in right before you begin to speak in any com...
2019-07-0315 minVoice what Matters: the PodcastVoice Work for Job InterviewsAre you applying for a new job? This week’s audio guide is a sequence to get you physically and vocally grounded and present for your next job interview. This sequence is great to do before any communication event where the stakes are high and/or you are feeling some nerves– interviews, auditions, annual reviews, presentations, performances, etc. Let us know how it goes (we especially want to hear if you got that job!) and please share this with anyone you feel might benefit from this. Good luck on that interview!
2019-07-0312 min
The Jake Sasseville ShowMeet Adam Barr: The Creator and Producer of Many Of Your Favorite TV Shows Over the Past 25 YearsMeet Adam Barr: Creator + Emmy winning Producer of your favorite TV shows over the past 25 years.
Adam gave me my "big break" almost 14 years ago when he was Executive Producer of NBC's "Will and Grace."
His philosophy of Hollywood and writers and fame is at the top of the show, and is almost Buddhist like.
Adam is a writer, producer, creator and has worked headed "Desperate Housewives" "Will and Grace" "The New Normal" "Growing Up Fisher" "Suburgatory" "The Good Guys" "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
You'll learn lots from this one...
2015-11-1138 min