On The Voice

Stephen Mark Lukas

In this episode of On The Voice, Stephen Mark Lukas joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV, to share his story publicly for the first time - a nearly five-year vocal rehabilitation journey navigated entirely while continuing to perform at the highest level of his profession. Stephen Mark Lukas is a Broadway actor and musical theatre leading man whose career spans some of the most vocally demanding roles in the canon. He made his Broadway debut in The Book of Mormon as the standby for Elder Price, later performing the role in the show's Chicago sit-down production and on tour. He most recently appeared on Broadway in the critically acclaimed revival of Funny Girl, understudying Nick Arnstein opposite Lea Michele before going on to lead the North American tour in the role. He also originated the role of Gaston in Disney's 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast, currently touring across North America, and has appeared in leading roles at premier regional theatres including Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, and Ogunquit Playhouse, in productions including Oklahoma!, Camelot, South Pacific, and Damn Yankees. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Lucian Sulica, MD - Phonotrauma

Lucian Sulica, MD is the Sean Parker Professor of Laryngology and the Director of the Sean Parker Institute for the Voice at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Past-President of the American Laryngological Association. His practice is limited to voice disorders, with a special interest in the medical and microsurgical treatment of vocal fold injuries from voice use, particularly in performers. He was awarded the American Laryngological Association's Casselberry Award for distinguished research on the mechanics of vocal fold injury, and has authored more than 110 journal articles, 45 book chapters, and 3 books. His work has been devoted to establishing clear, evidence-driven principles for the treatment of voice conditions. In this episode of On The Voice, Dr. Sulica joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV, for a comprehensive conversation on phonotrauma - the physical stress placed on the vocal folds from voice use itself. He breaks down what phonotrauma is, what kinds of injuries can result from it, and why approaching vocal injury through the same lens as any other repetitive strain injury changes how we understand and treat it. The conversation also explores how different lesions behave and recur in distinct ways, and what the research actually tells us about risk, recovery, and long-term vocal health. Dr. Sulica also discusses his role in advancing office-based procedures for the treatment of voice disorders, reducing the need for general anesthesia and expanding access to care for professional voice users. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Natalie Weiss

In this episode of On The Voice, Natalie Weiss joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV, for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of her career as both a performer and vocal coach. Natalie reflects on her early musical influences, her path through musical theatre and American Idol, and the development of her now widely recognized “Breaking Down The Riffs®” approach. She shares how her ear for detail and collaborative instincts shaped her work in studios, classrooms, and across digital platforms, offering insight into how she approaches storytelling, riff construction, and vocal decision-making across styles. Natalie also speaks candidly about her experiences with vocal injury, including multiple hemorrhages and the uncertainty that comes with navigating a career while managing vocal health. She discusses the psychological impact of injury, the process of recovery, and the awareness she has developed around her voice over time. Throughout the conversation, she offers an honest look at the balance between performance, teaching, and sustainability and what it means to build a career that adapts alongside the voice itself.   Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Morgan Anita Wood

In this episode of On The Voice, Morgan Anita Wood joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV. from aspiring performer to Broadway’s Hamilton, where she has spent nearly eight years with the production and made her Broadway debut as Eliza in 2024. Morgan reflects on the full-circle path that brought her from observing Hamilton auditions at Telsey to performing the role herself, and discusses the personal and artistic growth that has come from sustaining one of Broadway’s most demanding leading tracks.   Morgan also opens up about experiencing a vocal injury just 4 weeks ago during her current Broadway run, describing the frightening onstage moment she realized something was wrong, the emotional aftermath of vocal injury, and the shame, fear, and isolation that occurs as a result of the stigma surrounding injuries in professional voice users. In a candid and moving conversation, she speaks about recovery, resilience, and the unexpected community she found through sharing her story - offering an honest look at what it means to navigate vulnerability while performing at the highest level. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Christine Schneider, LMT, HMS - The 7 Central Line Diaphragms and The Chain Reaction of the Body

In this episode of On The Voice, Christine Schneider, LMT, HMS, joins hosts Mackenzie Bykowski, MM, and Jenna Battipaglia, MS, CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV, for an expansive conversation on the voice as a full-body instrument. Together, they explore how vocal function is influenced far beyond the larynx through movement, pressure management, asymmetry, and the nervous system. Christine Schneider is the founder of The Visceral Voice, where she and her team provide advanced laryngeal and TMJ therapy for professional voice users. She is also the co-founder of Amplified Voice Manual Therapy and serves as the movement coach for the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Program. Through her global platform, podcast, and Vocal Resilience Academy, Christine educates voice professionals on anatomy, biomechanics, and sustainable vocal function. The conversation dives into the concept of the body’s 7 Central Line Diaphragms, the impact of asymmetry on vocal production, and how patterns of compensation— whether from injury, choreography, or daily use — can directly affect vocal stability and freedom. Christine also offers insight into working with high-level performers, from Broadway to opera, and how external demands like staging, costuming, and physical strain influence vocal outcomes. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, financial, or other advice. Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. Individual experiences and results may vary — always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.