My Voice, My Way

My Voice, My Way with Leon Maciocia

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2350985/fan_mail/new] This episode is a really powerful and thought-provoking conversation. It is a little different, but deeply connected to what we talk about here. Many of you will know Spasmodic Dysphonia as a voice disorder—but it actually sits within a wider neurological condition called dystonia. My guest lives with progressive axial dystonia, affecting his spine, posture, and movement. While our symptoms show up in different parts of the body, the underlying challenges are strikingly similar - unpredictable muscle patterns, the impact of stress, and the emotional and psychological toll of living with a long-term condition. His journey spans a successful career as a Clinical Scientist, years of chronic pain, and treatments that didn’t bring the hoped-for results. But what makes this conversation so compelling is the shift from trying to fix symptoms to learning how to live alongside them - particularly through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. We explore identity, loss, and what it means to live with a progressive condition—but also acceptance, resilience, and finding a new sense of purpose. Leon Maciocia now works as both a piano teacher and a mindfulness teacher, supporting others with long-term conditions through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. This episode isn’t just about dystonia—it’s about learning how to live differently, when life doesn’t go to plan. DBS - Deep Brain Stimulation MBCT - Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy info@wellbeingclinic.com 01865 751111 - wellbeingclinic.com 07894 948869 - oxfordmbct.net

My Voice, My Way - A poem by Margaret Stoddart

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2350985/fan_mail/new] This episode isn't a podcast as Today is World Voice Day - 16th April. It is all about recognising the power of the voice - how it connects us, expresses who we are and carries our stories into the world. On World Voice Day, we also highlight the importance of vocal health and taking care of our voices. For those of us living with voice disorders, this day is an opportunity to raise awareness and increase understanding. That connection to our voice can feel different - but every voice still matters, and every voice deserves to be heard. So, instead of doing a podcast and to celebrate World Voice Day, I’ve written a few poems to share the struggles of living with a voice disorder, whilst also holding onto something just as important - hope. I recorded one of these poems to music, I hope you like it 🙏

My Voice, My Way: When Your Voice Doesn't Behave: Understanding Voice Disorders

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2350985/fan_mail/new] Have you ever tried to speak… and your voice just doesn’t do what you want it to do? Not because you’re nervous. Not because you don’t know what to say. But because something physically won’t let the sound come out the way it should. For a lot of people, voice disorders are invisible. People hear the voice—but they don’t understand what’s behind it. They might think you’re anxious. Or tired. Or unsure. But the reality is… it’s something much deeper. And that’s exactly why I’m making this episode today. First of all, I just want to say I’m really sorry for the big gap since my last episode. I know it’s been a while, and I actually had to postpone two episodes last week as my most recent treatment hasn’t quite kicked in yet—and you can probably hear in my voice today that I’m still struggling. But in a way, that makes today’s episode even more important. If you’re new here, this podcast is all about living with a voice disorder—raising awareness, sharing real experiences, and helping people understand what these conditions are actually like, beyond the medical terms. So I wanted to start Season 2 by going right back to basics. Today, I’m going to walk you through some of the most common voice disorders in a way that’s easy to understand—whether you’re someone living with one, supporting someone who is, or you’ve just come across this podcast and want to learn more. Before we begin, just a quick disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This episode is based on my personal experience, along with information from trusted organisations and hospitals. And I’d like to give credit to organisations like Dysphonia International, Dystonia UK; University College London Hospitals, British Voice Association; Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT);  SLT UK and Oxford University Hospitals for the work they do in supporting people with voice disorders and providing reliable information.

My Voice, My Way with Aileen Markey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2350985/fan_mail/new] Today I’m joined by Aileen Markey. Aileen is originally from Ireland, has lived in different countries around the world, and now lives back home in Ireland. She was diagnosed in 2020 with spasmodic dysphonia and benign essential tremor - but her voice changes actually began in the early 2000s. She noticed subtle hoarseness and a slight shake. And When she sought help, she was told everything was fine and it was likely acid reflux. So she carried on. After referrals and assessments during COVID, she finally received her diagnosis. Aileen works as a HR professional in a global company — so her voice is central to her career. In this episode, we talk about navigating diagnosis during COVID, managing a condition that sits in that “borderline” space, dealing with other health challenges, and learning how to respond to those everyday comments like, “Are you sick?” This is a conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the emotional work of coming to terms with a voice that doesn’t always behave the way you want it to.

My Voice, My Way with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2350985/fan_mail/new] Today I’m joined by Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, who lives with Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia and was diagnosed in mid-2023. Clarissa is an organisational psychologist by education, a transformational life coach, an abstract artist, and the host of her own podcast, Painting Your Path, now heading into its fifth season. Creativity and self-care have played a huge role in how she’s navigated life with a voice disorder, and despite the challenges, she continues to use her voice professionally and purposefully. Clarissa is passionate about creating life on her own terms, and I’m really looking forward to sharing her story with you today.