Find Your Voice, Change Your Life

Today, I interview Katherine Kennedy, who grew up feeling the need to appear like everything was perfect, avoiding hard conversations and hiding behind a mask. As the youngest in her family, she was often seen as the one who brought fun and laughter, but underneath, she struggled to express her true emotions. This sense of needing to present a perfect life, while holding in difficult feelings, left her disconnected from her authentic voice.Her turning point came when she started working with students who were the first in their families to go to college. Listening to their stories of struggle and resilience helped her recognize her own need to speak her truth. Over time, Katherine learned to have deeper conversations with her family, especially her father, which brought them closer and allowed her to release the secrets she had held for so long.Now, Katherine guides others in finding their voices through storytelling workshops and retreats. She believes that finding your voice is a muscle that can be built over time, and she creates spaces for people to share their stories, just as she learned to do, fostering deeper connections and personal growth.__________________Katherine has spent over 30 years helping thousands of people share their stories with authenticity and confidence. Her career highlights include working with Teach for America and playing a key role in expanding the youth leadership program Summer Search into a national nonprofit. As a mentor, fundraiser, and Executive Director, she has dedicated her career to empowering others to express their true selves.Katherine is also a skilled storytelling coach, guiding individuals in various settings to articulate their personal stories—whether through public speaking, writing, or meaningful conversations. In 2023, she published her first book, Speaking to What Matters: My Story of Learning How to Share What’s Inside, which reflects her passion for the transformative power of storytelling.Living in San Francisco with her family, Katherine continues her mission to help people connect deeply with themselves and others through the art of storytelling.__________________Find Katherine here:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/katherinekennedysf/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/speakingtowhatmatters/Free Download - A Guide to Speaking to What Matters https://katherinekennedysf.com/a-guide-to-speaking-to-what-matters/  Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Dana Weaver, whose story starts with a pivotal moment during her childhood when her great-grandmother, a woman she adored, moved into a nursing home. Seeing the poor conditions in the facility sparked a realization in Dana that things needed to change. This event, coupled with her father’s encouraging words, planted a seed in her heart that would later grow into her passion for leadership and advocacy in the field of aging.Throughout her early life, Dana faced challenges as she pursued her career in senior leadership roles, particularly as a woman in male-dominated fields. She witnessed many women in the workforce struggle to have their voices heard and break through glass ceilings. These experiences fueled her desire to support other women in finding their voices. Over time, Dana recognized the importance of effective leadership and the need for strong, compassionate leaders, especially in industries where people are caring for people.One of Dana’s breakthrough moments came early in her career, when she was thrust into an eight-hour training session as the sole speaker. Despite her fears and lack of experience in public speaking, she pushed through and realized the importance of mastering the art of communication and leadership. This experience ignited a passion for speaking and teaching that eventually led her to become a keynote speaker and leadership coach. Today, Dana uses her own story of overcoming fear and adversity to inspire and guide professional women to embrace their leadership potential and make a lasting impact. Dana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and heart-centered leadership, and her mission is to inspire women to rise above challenges and boldly claim their space in the world.__________________Dana Weaver, your go-to leadership coach, partners with professional women to help them find their confidence and influence, enabling them to break through glass ceilings and make their unique mark in the world.With over 25 years in senior leadership, Dana has made a significant impact on the field of aging. She has also inspired countless women to believe in their power and realize they can achieve far more than they originally believed possible.__________________Find Dana here:LinkedIn: @weaversolutionsllcFacebook: @weaversoluitonsllcInstagram: @weaversolutionsllcYouTube: @weaversolutionsllcFree Download: https://www.weaversolutionsllc.com/opt-in-d087ff10-25d7-434d-9b4b-24748992e4b6 Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Randall Alifano who grew up in a loud, talkative Italian family where everyone spoke, but no one really listened. Like many of us, Randall often felt unheard and disconnected, surrounded by people but without real understanding. This early experience of being silenced planted the seed for his deep curiosity about human connection and the power of listening.As he grew older, Randall began asking deeper questions, eager to understand the emotions behind people’s words. His breakthrough came when he started working with individuals who had experienced profound trauma. He quickly realized that what people needed most wasn’t advice or diagnosis, but someone to truly hear them. His ability to listen with full presence became the foundation of his healing work.Randall’s approach to listening goes beyond the surface, allowing others to face their fears, feel understood, and reclaim their voice. He now teaches people how to connect with themselves and others through deep, compassionate listening, transforming their relationships and personal growth. His work has helped countless individuals move through their struggles by creating a safe space where they can be fully heard.__________________Randall Alifano, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and ordained minister with over 40 years of experience integrating psychology and spirituality into his private practice. He has dedicated his career to listening deeply to the dreams, traumas, and inner struggles of his clients, guiding them toward living in greater alignment with their inner wisdom.His work spans a wide range of experiences, including counseling battered women, running groups for violent men, and designing a domestic violence program. He has also studied and applied various psychological and spiritual methodologies, enriching his holistic approach to healing.In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Alifano has co-led seminars on intuitive listening and apprenticed with renowned figures in Gestalt Therapy and Encounter Groups at Esalen Institute. His teachings emphasize the power of presence, empathy, and curiosity in fostering deep connections with both others and ourselves. Through his guidance, he has witnessed the transformative impact of being truly heard, helping people enhance their relationships and personal growth.Outside his practice, Dr. Alifano enjoys drumming, meditation, and cooking his grandmother’s famous Bolognese sauce.__________________Find Randall here:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/randall.alifanoInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/randallalifano/ Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Raw-Coming-Home-Receptivity/dp/B0C7JFWYZCWebsite: https://randallalifanophd.com/book/Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Maria Semple who grew up in Venezuela as the youngest of five children in a time of political upheaval. Life was filled with challenges from an early age, and Maria often felt the need to shout to be heard in a household full of older siblings. Despite the joyful, community-focused culture of Venezuela, Maria also faced the trauma of losing her brother at a young age. This marked her deeply, instilling a sense of longing for belonging and significance that would follow her.As Maria grew up, she immigrated to Australia, carrying with her the resilience she had developed through her early struggles. Her marriage ended, leaving her as a single mother of two in a foreign country. It was during this time that she truly began to explore herself, turning to creativity and meditation to heal. Maria discovered a love for ceramics, which not only provided financial support but also became a form of self-expression that reflected her cultural roots and inner strength.The turning point in Maria’s life came when she decided to stop working for others and pursue her dream of becoming a mentor and coach. Through her own inner work, she developed her signature program, “Reclaim Your Vision, Rewrite Your Story,” which helps women navigate their limiting beliefs, reclaim their voice, and step into their true power. Today, Maria is a beacon of resilience, helping women in their 40s and 50s find their voice and rewrite their stories, just as she did.__________________Maria Semple is a Coach and Mentor and the founder of New Life Coach, a coaching practice focused on helping women in their late 40s and 50s reclaim their vision and rewrite their story. Through her work, Maria empowers women to create transformative change in their lives and communities. She is also the author of Everyday Stories From Ten Remarkable Women, a book that showcases the power of determination, creativity, and contribution in shaping lives. Maria believes that the perfect time to take action is now, and through her six-step program, she guides participants on an inner and outer journey to rediscover their lost visions and navigate life’s complexities. With practical tools rooted in her own experiences, Maria helps women realize their potential and create a new, empowering story for their future.__________________Find Maria here:https://www.newlifecoach.com.auhttps://www.facebook.com/EverydayRemarkableWomen/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4136ONNWC643HX49drNvwwSupport the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Jolina Karen who grew up in a household where her voice often felt stifled by the silence and conflict between her parents. Raised in South Africa during apartheid, Jolina experienced the tension between her mother’s spiritual beliefs and her father’s scientific skepticism, which created a quiet but emotionally charged environment. This early exposure to unresolved conflict taught her to suppress her own feelings and thoughts, leading to a lifelong struggle with finding her voice and speaking up in difficult situations, like in her first marriage. Despite her studies in psychology and healing, Jolina found it difficult to express her needs and desires, often choosing silence over conflict. This led to feelings of frustration, loneliness, and a loss of her true self.But Jolina's story is one of resilience and growth. After going through a painful divorce, she began to reclaim her voice. She learned to see conflict as an opportunity for growth and connection, rather than something to fear.Today, Jolina helps others find their voice and navigate difficult conversations. Drawing from her own experiences and background in healing, Jolina now guides others on their journey to communicate openly and live true to themselves.__________________Jolina believes that love and leadership are shaped by the everyday conversations we have. She works with an international clientele of accomplished women who seek to improve relationships that aren't fulfilling—whether with a spouse, child, boss, or customer. Jolina provides her clients with a clear roadmap to move from feeling unappreciated or ignored to confidently standing their ground, setting effective boundaries, and communicating in a way that ensures they are seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are.__________________Find Jolina here:Website: www.jolinakaren.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolina.karen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolinakaren/ Free download: https://bit.ly/3MzW3Ag Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Linda Dieffenbach, whose personal healing journey from childhood trauma led her to become a devoted personal transformation coach and holistic practitioner. Linda shares her story of growing up with an emotionally distant and abusive father, being severely bullied by peers at school, and the profound impact of having her pain invalidated when she sought help as a teenager. These experiences left Linda feeling silenced, disempowered, and disconnected from her authentic self.Through learning Reiki and working with a compassionate mentor, Linda began to integrate her painful experiences and rediscover her inner voice. She describes how finally being seen, heard and validated in a safe space was a catalyst for tremendous personal growth and healing. Linda emphasizes the importance of doing the inner work to liberate oneself from past wounds, shame and self-doubt.By reconnecting with her wounded inner child and learning to be self-advocating, Linda found the courage to use her voice, set boundaries, and show up differently in relationships. Her inspiring journey from trauma to empowerment highlights the transformative potential of compassionate support, holistic healing practices, and committed personal development. Linda now assists others in overcoming the effects of trauma and toxic conditioning to achieve self-actualization.__________________Linda Dieffenbach is a devoted and empathetic personal transformation coach and holistic practitioner. She is deeply committed to assisting individuals in overcoming the detrimental effects of trauma and toxic conditioning while guiding them towards self-actualization.Linda's personal healing journey from childhood trauma led her to recognize the transformative potential of Reiki, sparking her enthusiasm for holistic healing practices. Leveraging her background in Social Work, Linda offers a distinctive approach that blends trauma awareness, energy healing expertise, compassionate guidance, and intuitive assistance to empower her clients in attaining clarity, self-awareness, and self-empowerment on their healing and personal growth pathways.She establishes a nurturing and safe space for clients to explore and embrace their personal path to achieving their highest potential. In addition to one-on-one sessions, Linda leads workshops and events that support individuals through their journey of self-discovery and growth.__________________Find Linda here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.dieffenbach.5 https://www.facebook.com/WellnessInHarmony LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindadieffenbach https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellness-in-harmony-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessinharmony/ The Wellness Universe: https://www.thewellnessuniverse.com/worldchangers/lindadieffenbach/Overcoming Your Inner Barriers Workbook: https://mailchi.mp/wellnessinharmony.com/inner-barriers Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Linda Joy Myers, who had a difficult childhood marked by abandonment and an unstable home life. Her mother left when Linda was just four, leaving her to be raised by a grandmother who, while providing a stable home, also struggled with mental health issues that led to critical behavior. Linda had to focus on survival with little permission to have her own voice.One bright spot was music. Linda's grandmother had her take piano and cello lessons from a young age. Playing music became a way for Linda to express herself, feel something positive, and be transported to another world. It provided freedom and camaraderie with other young musicians.As an adult, Linda initially repeated some relationship patterns modeled by her mother and grandmother. Determined to break the cycle, she sought therapy, including an impactful 3-month group experience. Her therapist helped Linda see she was more than her brokenness. He recognized her artistic essence and held a vision of her wholeness.Linda's path led her to combine her skills as a therapist with her love of writing. She began teaching memoir writing groups and discovered the transformative power of writing one's stories. This grew into Linda authoring books on memoir writing, founding the National Association of Memoir Writers, and teaching memoir courses.Through this work, Linda helps others find their voice, write their stories, and experience the healing of being witnessed. Her own journey informs her message that even painful stories can be alchemized into something beautiful.__________________Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers, is the author of award winning memoirs, Don't Call Me Mother and Song of the Plains, and two books, The Power of Memoir, and Journey of Memoir. She co-authored Breaking Ground on Your Memoir and Magic of Memoir & co-teaches, Write Your Memoir in Six Months with Brooke Warner. A memoir coach for 30 years, she helps memoir writers find their voice and get their story into the world. Linda has just ventured into novel writing land, and her first novel, The Forger of Marseille, a WWII historical fiction novel won four awards in historical fiction and is published by She Writes Press.__________________Find Linda here:https://www.facebook.com/LindaJoyMyersAuthorhttps://www.instagram.com/lindajoymyersauthor/https://www.facebook.com/linda.j.myers Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Alison Love David who grew up in South East London in a poor but musical family. Her mother made sacrifices to send Alison to private school, where she excelled academically but felt she had to be a people pleaser to fit in. This led to Alison not knowing her true self for many years.Alison's journey to find her authentic voice has been a long one. At age 17, she had a pivotal realization that she never said "no" and didn't know how to express negative feelings. This caused her to distrust herself for decades. Through her challenges, Alison has learned to tune into her body's wisdom and access her feelings through sound and music.As a professional singer, Alison uses the power of sound to help herself and others heal and transform. She believes we all have the ability to liberate our true voice. Alison coaches people to feel comfortable with their uniqueness, communicate from the heart, and confidently share their gifts with the world. Her mission is to encourage creative people to express themselves fully and authentically.__________________Alison Love David is a soulful singer, artist and medicine woman with a magnetic stage presence and 28 years experience. Having discovered the healing powers of the voice and worked through her fears of being seen.She is passionate about encouraging other people out of hiding. Alison coaches people to feel comfortable with their uniqueness and from that place, find their sense of belonging, communicate from the heart and share their gifts with the world.__________________Find Alison here:https://freeyourtruevoice.com https://facebook.com/alisondavidvocalist Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Louise Gallagher, who faced significant trauma in her early years, including abuse and a lack of support from her family. Growing up, her home life was turbulent, marked by frequent conflicts between her parents. Louise often took on the role of caretaker, trying to shield her younger sibling from the chaos. The pivotal moment in Louise’s journey came when she became a mother herself. As her own children reached the age she had been during her trauma, she felt compelled to confront her past and address her relationship with her family. During a visit, Louise had an in-depth conversation with her mother, seeking understanding and closure. However, her mother's response highlighted the lack of protection and support Louise had felt as a child.Louise’s healing process involved extensive therapy and a conscious decision to transform her pain into strength. She embraced storytelling as a means to cope and heal, turning her tragic experiences into a source of empowerment. Louise focused on cultivating a loving and open relationship with her own children, addressing their pain and fears with empathy and understanding. Louise chose to navigate her healing journey through love, which allowed her to forgive herself and others, ultimately fostering a life filled with creativity, connection, and joy.__________________Louise Gallagher, a TEDx speaker, coach, mentor, and artist, is known for her storytelling prowess, where she inspires others to embrace their creativity and nurture self-love. Her memoir, "The Dandelion Spirit: Love, Lives, and Letting Go," which recounts her journey of reclaiming herself after overcoming abuse, resonated deeply and was adapted into an impactful documentary for the Oprah Network, touching lives across North America with its message of resilience and healing.Within the homeless serving sector, Louise has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the renowned Possibilities Project at Canada’s largest homeless shelter. This innovative arts-based program empowers individuals by reconnecting them with their creative spirit, offering pathways out of poverty and homelessness.For Louise, creativity is not just a passion but a way of life—a currency through which she enriches her own existence and the world around her. Through her profound love for life and dedication to creative expression, Louise Gallagher strives to foster a world where the inherent magnificence and love within each individual are celebrated, nurturing deeper connections and a shared sense of purpose.__________________Find Louise here:https://dareboldly.comhttps://louisegallagher.cahttps://www.facebook.com/louise.gallagher.5205/https://instagram.com/mlouiseg88Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Pascale Cook-Fernandes, who struggled with feeling stifled and not having a voice in her generation, where children were expected to "be seen and not heard".In high school, Pascale faced teasing because of her uniqueness, but found her voice and confidence when she auditioned to be the drum major in marching band, despite usually trying to "shrink down" and hide. This experience taught her the rewards of taking risks and putting herself out there.Pascale's sensitivity, once criticized, is now a superpower she embraces, allowing her to speak up for the greater good. She has learned to balance being soft-spoken with projecting her voice powerfully when needed.Overcoming her early struggles, she now empowers women entrepreneurs to turn their life experiences and lessons into profitable businesses aligned with their authentic selves.__________________Pascale Cook-Fernandes has a multifaceted background aimed at empowering women to discover their clarity and potential. At the heart of her mission is the desire to support women coaches, healers, and speakers, to turn their “PhD” in life into a thriving business. Pascale understands the importance of holistic well-being as she combine’s spiritual insight, coaching expertise and practical business foundations to guide women toward profound transformations.Owner and CEO at Women Finding Clarity, Pascale’s own “PhD” in life includes her coaching certification, Reiki Master, podcast host, a degree in teaching, her 23-year (and counting) marriage and mom to 3 amazing young adults.On her podcast Women Finding Clarity, Pascale hosts women who have used their own inspirational stories and life lessons to create a successful business. Her mission is to “... align, elevate and thrive together, one conversation at a time.”__________________Find Pascale here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascale-cook-fernandes-womenfindingclarity https://www.facebook.com/WomenFindingClarity https://www.instagram.com/women_finding_clarity https://www.womenfindingclarity.com/the-7-chakras-of-feminine-business Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.