In this conversation with my friend and colleague Chris MacLean, we talk about her life and career as a singer/songwriter, community choir leader, retreat host, circle singer and so much more. We talk about the logistics of running a choir, fear of death, how to make a living and how we both believe it is everyone’s birthright to sing.

Here is how you can find out more about Chris, her recordings, retreats, performances and her choir. Chris MacLean

Here is how you can find out about Circle Singing.

Here is how you can find out more about the end of life singing know as Threshold Choirs

And here's the link for my final in person event of the year!

Click here for the messy transcript

In this quick solo episode, I'm exploring boundaries and how to speak up and set yours.

Q. Do you feel like you can stand up for yourself?

Q. Can you speak up to defend others?

Here are a few ways that I'm suggesting that you might check your boundaries.

1. How does your body feel in the moment? Hot? Clenched stomach? Are you making a fist? How is your breath? Give yourself a moment to feel into it and try to get clear on what has made you feel uncomfortable? Take a few slow breaths, let your system get regulated again. Take your time, you don't have to respond in the moment.

2. Before you say yes to someone else are you saying no to yourself at the same time? Take the time to check in and see if this way of spending your time or energy is really aligned to your path, your goals?

3. Communicate with clarity. Keep it brief, when you are making it clear to people. Generally use fewer words.

4. Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Growth is uncomfortable, honest self expression can be excruciating.

5. Be prepared for pushback. Not everyone is going to like you setting your boundaries and saying "no" and that's ok.

“The more brightly you shine your light for other people, the more you show the way of kindly setting boundaries and clearly communicating your needs, you are demonstrating that for other people.”

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For the messy transcript click here

On this episode of Your Free Voice, I’m delighted to bring back into the studio celebrity voice coach and founder of The Voice Straw, Mindy Pack!

You may have listened to episode #32 where I talked to Mindy about her experience being a celebrity voice coach, well we ran out of time to talk about straws so I had to get her back again.

We’re going pretty deep into how to use the straw for rehabilitation after a cold or injury and how to prevent injury doing video game call outs and efforts prepping with the straw!

I met Mindy about 5 years ago when she was co-hosting a conference in LA for voice teachers and singers with Dr. Reen Gupta. I loved her energy and generosity from day one and have been using straws with my clients ever since.

You may have attended a workshop or listened to Episode 7 which gives you the basics of straw phonation, but if you haven’t, listen to that one first, it’s ever so short.

Here’s why I’m such a fan of straws and this version in particular…

“The Voice Straw is the complete training tool for singers, actors, speakers, school teachers, and other frequent voice users. Using your voice should be effortless! Our straws are uniquely designed to release tension, relieve strain, and reduce vocal breathiness, cracking and flipping.

The Voice Straw is backed by over 20 years of scientific research that has proven to benefit voice users by encouraging more efficient vocal fold movement, adjusting the vocal tract into peak position and creating vocal balance.” www.voicestraw.com

“My dream as a child was to be the world’s first “singing heart surgeon.” Medical school didn’t quite pan out, but throughout my career, I have combined my love of singing with my interest in health and physiology to help vocalists of all levels meet their potential.

Clinically certified both in Vocology from The National Center for Voice and Speech, and as a licensed massage therapist, I specialize in vocal structural integration. In my coaching, I aim to not only help my clients connect in the industry, but to help them develop in their artistry through collaboration to find the best possible solutions for their career.

In 2019 I applied my knowledge of voice science and vocal production to create The Voice Straw, a vocal training tool for singers, actors, and speakers that has been clinically proven to help relieve tension, strain, breathiness, cracking, and flipping in the voice.

With locations in Salt Lake and Los Angeles, and virtual worldwide clients, my roster includes singers, artists, voice over actors, professional speakers, rehabilitation, newscasters, and transitioning voices. I would love to connect with vocalists of all levels!”

Taken from https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-pack/

More links and discounts…

Follow Mindy on instagram here

Follow me on instagram here

And here’s my 10%discount coupon for you for the Voice Straw https://voicestraw.com/discount/JULIANORTON

If you enjoyed this episode PLEASE share it with a friend and help me get the word out!

Happy voicing!