

Find Your Voice, Change Your Life
Dr. Doreen Downing
Psychologist and Host, Dr. Doreen Downing, invites guests who have suffered from public speaking anxiety to tell their story of struggle and how they overcame fear. They took an inner journey, found the voice that is truly their own, and now speak with confidence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 18, 2024 • 38min
#133 Mingling Your Way to Great Conversations
Today, I interview Susan RoAne who faced challenges early in childhood marked by her brother's battle with polio, which demanded much of her family's attention and resources. This experience, while difficult, taught her the importance of communication and advocacy, as she often found herself speaking up on her brother's behalf. Susan also shared how she was thrust into social situations from a young age, which laid the groundwork for her future expertise in mingling and networking. Her journey to becoming the Mingling Maven was not without its struggles as she had to navigate the complexities of social interactions as the older sister of a sibling with a disability, which often meant fending for herself and learning to be heard. Today, Susan uses her experiences and insights to help others overcome their social anxieties and challenges. She has authored several books, including "How to Work a Room," which provides practical advice on socializing and networking. Susan emphasizes the importance of being oneself, engaging in genuine conversation, and including everyone in social interactions. Her approach to networking is about making connections that are both meaningful and beneficial, rather than being purely transactional. Her strategies for overcoming social challenges and her dedication to helping others find their voice and confidence in any room have made her a respected figure in the field of communication and networking.__________________Susan RoAne is a keynote speaker, Mingling Maven, best-selling author, and business networking expert. Her most notable work is “How to Work a Room,” first published in 1988. The 25th Anniversary edition of this book, titled “How To Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Making Lasting Connections In Person and Online,” has sold over a million copies and achieved international acclaim.Susan’s impact extends beyond her written work. As a keynote speaker, she has addressed Fortune 20–500 companies, conventions, and prestigious universities. Her insights connect the formalization of social networking rules to the women’s movement. In 2015, she was recognized as one of the 25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch.Susan’s legacy lies in her ability to empower individuals to navigate social interactions with confidence, fostering meaningful relationships that transcend business boundaries. Her impact continues to resonate, making her a trailblazer in the art of networking and communication.__________________Find Susan here:https://www.susanroane.com/https://www.threads.net/@susanroanehttps://x.com/susanroanehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/susanroane/https://www.facebook.com/SusanRoAneBiz/https://www.instagram.com/susanroane/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.

Apr 4, 2024 • 32min
#132 Unconventional Paths to Business Authenticity
Today, I interview Julia Stege, who struggled to find her footing amidst doubts about her artistic abilities and societal expectations. Growing up in a family where creativity was both encouraged and stifled, Julia found herself navigating conflicting messages about her abilities. Despite doubts about her artistic prowess and pressures to conform, Julia pursued her passion for graphic design.As Julia ventured into the world of design, she encountered further obstacles. Traditional marketing methods felt inauthentic to her, prompting a deep soul-searching journey. Rejecting the dishonest tactics prevalent in mainstream marketing, Julia decided to forge her own path. Her commitment to authenticity led her to establish the New Renaissance Business School, a platform dedicated to empowering spiritual entrepreneurs to embrace their multi-passionate nature and build businesses aligned with their values.Through her teachings, Julia emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and staying true to oneself. Her message resonates deeply in a world where conformity often prevails. In Julia's story, we find inspiration to embrace our uniqueness and make a positive impact with our voices, despite the challenges we may face along the way.__________________Julia Stege, known as The Magical Marketer, specializes in assisting spiritual business women and conscious entrepreneurs in clarifying and expressing their purpose through branding and marketing strategies that enchantingly attract their ideal customers online. She is the mastermind behind the Branding from the Heart™ System and the acclaimed author of "Branding from the Heart: How to Share Your Purpose through Marketing that Attracts Your Tribe and Inspires a Revolution." Julia's expertise as an award-winning branding artist and writer has earned her collaborations with prestigious clients such as NYC MOMA, Carnegie Hall, the U.S. Postal Service, Birkenstock Shoes, OWN Network Show Host Iyanla Vanzant, and the renowned Restaurant Franchise Cafe Gratitude.__________________Find Julia here:https://magical-marketing.com/https://www.facebook.com/JuliaDrosteStegeArtistSupport 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.

Mar 21, 2024 • 27min
#131 Harnessing Intuition for a Life of Purpose
Today, I interview Elona Lopari, who was misunderstood and restricted by societal norms early in her childhood. Growing up in Albania, she grappled with being labeled as mischievous and stubborn for her independent thinking and curiosity. Despite these hurdles, Elona found solace in her innate drive for achievement and a determination to break through limitations imposed by others.Upon immigrating to the United States, Elona continued to face challenges but found support and encouragement from her father, who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, eventually rising to success in the corporate world.However, as her career progressed, Elona began to feel a sense of unease and anxiety, signaling to her that she was no longer aligned with her true purpose. This inner turmoil led her to transition into entrepreneurship, where she discovered her passion for helping others align their purpose with their professional endeavors.Today, Elona is a visionary CEO, speaker, and bestselling author, empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to grow purpose-driven businesses through inner alignment and strategic leadership. Her journey from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the transformative power of following one's intuition and embracing purposeful living.__________________Elona is a speaker, bestselling author to numerous books, show and speaking events organizer to an audience of over 30,000 heart-driven service-based entrepreneurs and corporations.She is both a servant community builder and a people connector, a Prior Fortune 500 CEO, who was featured in Disrupt, NY Weekly, Business Insider, CEO Weekly, The Business New, and Famous Times.As the visionary CEO of The Life School, she helps visionary leaders and CEOs grow legacy purpose-driven businesses through inner alignment, branding, marketing, sales and team so that they can maximize their Impact and Income to do more good in the world.__________________Find Elona here:https://www.elonaloparicoaching.com/https://www.facebook.com/elonaloparicoaching/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elona-lopari/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.

Mar 7, 2024 • 36min
#130 Breaking the Status Quo with Mindful Innovation
Today, I interview Matt Mueller, who talks about how he went from being a very creative child to facing the tough rules of grown-up life that often stop us from being imaginative. He shares important times when the fear of what others would think made him quiet his own new ideas. This story of change is not only about Matt; it's something many of us can relate to when we think about how often we've had to hold back our creativity because of the pressure to fit in.Matt delves into the challenges he faced in his professional life, struggling against the urge to conform and reclaim his voice and creative spirit. He offers invaluable lessons on innovation, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in the creative process, and introduces a simple yet profound framework for innovation, anchored in identifying real problems, crafting impactful changes, and securing acceptance for these solutions. Matt’s approach not only revolutionizes how we think about innovation but also serves as a guide for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their personal or professional life. His journey from suppression to expression offers hope and inspiration to those feeling stuck in cycles of conformity.__________________Matt Mueller is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, columnist, mindfulness instructor, and innovation consultant. He works with some of the world's biggest brands to help leaders focus on innovation with purposeful growth. He has over a decade of experience in product and service innovation, and he has uncovered deep insights, executed strategy, and facilitated change in industries that have not changed in centuries. Matt questioned the culture of innovation and he learned that every innovation has three key variables, and it is not about disrupting before being disrupted. Rather, Matt teaches that if we slow down to be mindful, we can innovate faster with purpose.__________________Find Matt here:https://themindfulinnovator.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/ https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/ https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/ https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8 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.

Feb 22, 2024 • 39min
#129 Beyond Limiting Beliefs Into Limitless Potential
Today, I interview Linda Ford, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Ireland, characterized by poverty and emotional turmoil, to becoming a master-certified coach. Linda's early experiences were marked by economic hardship, lack of education, and a deep-seated sense of insecurity and self-doubt.Her breakthrough came when she moved to America, which sparked a transformative journey towards self-confidence and understanding her true potential. Linda realized that confidence and the ability to express oneself are innate qualities, clouded by negative conditioning and false beliefs. Now, as a coach, Linda Ford dedicates herself to helping women overcome insecurity, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. She combines deep spiritual insights with practical actions, guiding her clients to trust in their inherent worth and capabilities.__________________Linda Ford is a master-certified coach, instructor, and author. She is the co-author of Women and Confidence: The Truth About the Lies We Tell Ourselves, and the creator of her signature programs, If I’m So Smart, then Why Don’t I Feel More Confident? and The Magnetic Woman.Linda has been personally trained by Dr. Martha Beck, New York Times best-selling author and contributor to Oprah Magazine. Linda has recently relocated from the US to Ireland where she plans on having small group retreats for women.__________________Find Linda here:https://www.lindafordcoaching.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Lindafordcoaching https://www.youtube.com/@lindaford-themagneticwoman1429/videoshttps://open.spotify.com/show/1bgOWzfP4Nz52XgZfw7NwV (podcast)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.

Feb 8, 2024 • 32min
#128 For the Best Results, Focus on Your Listeners
Today I interview Dr. Maria Nemeth who shares her journey of dealing with shyness despite being labeled as an extrovert. Dr. Nemeth explains the distinction between being extroverted and feeling shy, recounting personal stories that shed light on the challenges she faced. Throughout the conversation, she shared breakthrough moments that impacted her personal growth, her initial struggles in public speaking, and a memorable moment that challenged her newfound voice.Despite the challenges of shyness, Maria's unwavering desire to share her thoughts has been a constant driving force. Presently, she passionately expresses her commitment to sharing invaluable insights and cultivating authentic connections with others. At the core of her mission is the profound belief that public speaking transcends the mere act of impressing; it's about genuinely reaching and empowering the audience.__________________Dr. Maria Nemeth, PhD, MCC, is a renowned expert in leadership excellence, personal/professional development, and financial empowerment. As the Founder & Director of the Academy for Coaching Excellence, an internationally accredited coach training program, she has trained numerous individuals across nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental sectors.Dr. Nemeth's influence extends beyond coaching, as she has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in Inc. Magazine. She is the author of the highly-acclaimed book, "The Energy of Money: A Spiritual Guide to Financial and Personal Fulfillment," available in five languages. Her follow-up book, "Mastering Life’s Energies: Simple Steps for a Luminous Life at Work and Play," further solidifies her expertise.__________________Find Dr. Maria here:http://marianemeth.com/https://www.instagram.com/drmarianemeth/http://acecoachtraining.com/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.

Jan 25, 2024 • 33min
#127 Braving Up: Dare to Be Resilient and Empowered
Today I interview Deb Drummond who shares her story of navigating a challenging childhood growing up in a home where she felt tormented by an older sibling. Complicating matters, adults around her dismissed these struggles, downplaying her experiences as just typical sibling behavior. That environment left scars on Deb's self-esteem and confidence, making it stressful for her to speak up confidently. However, at the age of 16, Deb, having had enough of the ongoing turmoil, summoned the courage to bravely stand up for herself. This pivotal moment became the catalyst that initiated her journey toward empowerment.From then on, Deb continuously has been dedicated to empowering herself and finding her own voice through a variety of ways. She transitioned from the music industry to personal development, as she founded a private health studio in Vancouver. For over 30 years, she went through a journey of self-improvement as well as inspiring others to do the same. Her commitment to continuous growth led her to spearhead a monumental project for International Women's Day, titled "Solidarity for Women." Through these accomplishments, Deb's story becomes a testament to the transformative power of resilience, inspiring others to find strength in the face of their own struggles. __________________Deb Drummond is a pioneer in the world of Ultrapreneurship and is a Health & Wellness Anti-Aging Expert. She is a Speaker, Author, Mastermind Trainer, and Top Performance Coach.Deb has built 7 international companies. She is Founder of “262” Intl Women’s Day Summits. She has been recognized in SUCCESS magazine 48 times and has won numerous awards.Deb is the host of the Mission Accepted podcast and the “GenZ Is Us” show. She is the founder of Mission Accepted Media and creator of the Top Performance Day Planner and Tracker.From pioneering businesses to igniting hearts and minds, Deb's impact is undeniable. __________________Find Deb here:https://debdrummond.com/https://www.instagram.com/deborahldrummondhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/debdrummond/https://www.facebook.com/DeborahLDrummondSupport 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.

Jan 11, 2024 • 22min
#126 Rewrite Your Reality for Total Transformation
Today, I interview Shiraz Baboo, an influential figure in the realm of reality intervention. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid era, Shiraz's journey took a significant turn when his parents moved to Canada, seeking to escape racial tensions. In high school, Shiraz initially conformed to the "in" crowd, losing his authentic voice. However, a pivotal moment came when his family moved to an all-white neighborhood, forcing him to stand out and be independent, shaping him into the person he is today.Drawing inspiration from an Abraham Hicks cruise, Shiraz embarked on a mission to impact lives globally. His commitment materialized in the form of the groundbreaking book, How to Rewrite Reality. Shiraz, a master of "energetic magic," employs his expertise to empower individuals, addressing critical issues such as illness, poverty, and unconscious addiction struggles.In his current endeavors, Shiraz dedicates himself to helping others find their voices and rewrite their stories. His belief that everyone can be the author of their own empowering journey serves as a guiding principle, offering transformative insights that transcend the boundaries of conventional reality.__________________Shiraz Baboo is a multi-award-winning author, international speaker, and reality interventionist. He is known for helping people to rewrite their reality and overcome challenges in their lives using what he calls Energetic Magic. Shiraz has helped hundreds of people to overcome illness, poverty and unconsciously addicted struggles. Overall, he is a renowned personality in the area of reality addiction, and his book, How to Rewrite Reality has changed lives across the globe.__________________Find Shiraz here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirazbaboo/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/energeticmagic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energetic.magic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/energeticmagic/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@energetic.magic Website: https://www.energeticmagic.com/ 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.

Dec 27, 2023 • 40min
#125 Freedom, Fun, & Light-heartedness
Today, I interview Crystal Deichert, whose journey unfolds from the confines of traditional Catholic values to the vibrant shores of Maui. Raised in a community that prioritized conformity, Crystal faced the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints to uncover her authentic self.Crystal shares her childhood struggles, emphasizing the lack of room for individuality in her community. Seeking solace, she found inspiration in the ocean and, notably, dolphins. These marine creatures became her mentors, symbolizing freedom and joy, elements she longed for in her own life.As Crystal's life progressed, the echoes of her past continued to shape her narrative. The journey led her into the realm of therapy, where she integrated modalities like EMDR and Reiki, creating a holistic approach derived from her own experiences. This fusion allowed her clients to navigate their paths to healing.The transformative role of her deep connection with dolphins extended into her career. Incorporating dolphin energy into her therapeutic work, Crystal aimed to tap into the wisdom and freedom these creatures represent. Crystal's life and work converge in a tapestry of resilience, inspiration, and authenticity. Through her words, she illuminates the path of self-discovery, inviting others to embark on their journey of personal growth and find their voices amid the transformative waves of life.__________________Crystal Deichert is a dual-licensed mental health therapist in Colorado and Hawaii, specialized in helping individuals find clarity in their lives.She applies various mental health modalities, including EMDR, Inner Parts Work, EFT and Tapping to help clients learn how to get through heartache and pain to find their true essence, allowing them to live a life that is more in line with their soul purpose.Crystal was recognized as a Top Professional in her field by Marquis Who's Who in America for 2022. This prestigious honor is awarded to the top 3% of professionals. In addition, Crystal has been recognized locally and internationally through various publications highlighting her success stories.To learn more about Crystal’s journey, check out her first publication, Creating A New World; A Journey Toward Self-Actualization.Outside of private practice, she enjoys being in nature, especially in the ocean surfing, snorkeling, and swimming with her family.__________________Find Crystal here:https://www.CrystalDeichert.comhttps://www.facebook.com/crystaldeichertlpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-deicherthttps://www.instagram.com/positiveassist/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.

Dec 14, 2023 • 32min
#124 The Confident Voice: From Corporate to Coaching for Entrepreneurs
Today, I interview Marc Evans, a seasoned business coach and CFO. Shaped by the assertiveness of his mother and the calm demeanor of his father, Marc learned early on the power of confidence.Early on in life, Marc faced challenges related to his height but quickly overcame them with his ability to use his voice effectively. This skill is what he brought to his role in corporations. As a manager, he honed his skills, and he became adept at wearing different hats to achieve corporate goals. However, the political landscape within corporations eventually led Marc to seek new horizons.His transition from the corporate sector to online coaching marked a significant shift. Marc delved into entrepreneurship, founding Zazo Business Results, named after his twins, Zach and Zoe. This venture reflects his passion for coaching businesses to achieve results. Now, Marc focuses on empowering businesses to increase profits. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and mindset in overcoming challenges. Marc welcomes businesses to connect with him, offering free consultations to explore unique solutions.Marc's journey is a testament to confidence, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic realm of business coaching.__________________Marc Evans is a seasoned Business Coach and fractional CFO who's coached over 1,000 clients and worked alongside top marketers, including Jeff Walker, driving revenue growth in operations and product launches from 3 to 10MM. Marc's leadership extends to Mars M&M's Incorporated, where he led a team of 400+ workers with revenues exceeding 50MM, and at Tyco Telecommunications, he managed operations for the world's first vertically integrated global optical network supplier. As an accomplished author, Marc has simplified intricate business concepts in multiple business strategy books, saving clients time and frustration. He's renowned for his 3-part profit playbook strategies that help clients create and execute growth plans with ease. Marc started ZaZo Business Results in 2005. The name ZAZO comes from being a proud father of Twins Zack and Zoe. Marc boasts about the over 250 live concerts he's seen and his fan of the New York Islanders hockey team, who at the young age of 13 watched them win a Stanley Cup live.__________________Find Marc here:https://www.facebook.com/marcevans31 https://www.marcevanshq.com/me-3-part-profit-playbook 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.


