Find Your Voice, Change Your Life

Today I interview Claire E. Parsons, a successful lawyer who practices in Ohio. Both of her parents were lawyers, and her sister was born just 15 months before her. Growing up, Claire was quiet, introverted, and a bit of a nerd. Her sister, on the other hand, was very extroverted and enjoyed being the center of attention. Claire felt pressure to be the "good girl" and excel in everything she did.This pressure to be perfect followed Claire into her adolescence and early adulthood, where she struggled with the belief that she had to be perfect at everything. However, this all came crashing down when she had her first daughter and faced difficulty in raising her due to being growth-restricted and having difficulty breastfeeding. Claire's inability to do the most important thing in her life the way she wanted to led her to explore mindfulness, which ultimately helped her become a more balanced person.Claire's interest in speaking and teaching began at an early age. Despite her introverted nature, she never had trouble speaking up in class and always knew the answers. She even volunteered to try out for things early on and won awards for teaching speech. As an auditory learner, Claire processes information best when she hears it out loud. This has also influenced her writing style, which is often conversational and focused on helping others understand complex topics.However, sharing her own personal stories and experiences has been a more difficult skill for Claire to master. It has taken her time to learn how to be vulnerable and share who she truly is with others. But with mindfulness and self-reflection, Claire has been able to grow in this area and become a more effective speaker and writer.Overall, Claire's journey shows that success is not just about being the most extroverted or the most talented person in the room. It's about finding balance and learning to be comfortable with who you are, even if that means embracing your introverted tendencies. By doing so, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.________________________________Claire has devoted her law practice and life to building and serving her community. For more than a decade, she has guided and defended local governments, companies, and their officials through all manner of legal issues. Nothing gives her greater satisfaction than handling problems for her clients so they can serve students in schools, provide vital city services, or successfully manage relationships with employees. ________________________________You can find Claire here:Website: https://brilliantlegalmind.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claireeparsons/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claire_e_parsons/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaireEParsonsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrilliantLegalMindYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3MoY6SrvPkV9UQN4l7_kwBlog: https://brilliantlegalmind.com/blog/ Freebies:https://brilliantlegalmind.com/resources/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 Iris Goldfeder, an entrepreneur, professional musician, and co-owner of Gas Stove Creative. Iris shares her journey of pursuing her passion for music and overcoming stage fright. Despite struggling with self-doubt and throwing up before auditions, Iris joined the band Brave and Crazy and felt that her presence made a difference. She talks about how the applause was addicting and although she still experiences stage fright, once she sings the first two lines, she knows she is good. Iris also discusses the challenges of being a lead singer and how she continues to pursue her passion for music. Iris Goldfeder is also the president of Unmasking Lafayette, an organization that aims to unmask social issues in her community. She talks about the importance of unmasking the truth and how her organization is committed to making a difference in her community. Overall, this episode provides insight into Iris Goldfeder's journey of pursuing her passion for music, overcoming stage fright, and making a difference in her community. ___________________________ Iris Goldfeder is a long-time entrepreneur with more than 25 years of success in the digital marketing field. Before coming back to focus on GasStoveCreative full-time, Iris was the co-founder and Managing Director of Stradigi Virtual Marketing. Iris also serves as the Vice President of the Board for The Friends of Downtown (FTC). She is also the Founder of ICG Development & Consulting, LLC. You can find Iris here: The marketing quiz: https://woorise.com/gasstovecreativemarketing/marketing-quiz  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gasstovecreative Instagram: @gasstovecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igoldfeder/ _____________________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today I interview Nicholas Whitaker who shares his journey of finding his place in the world. He felt out of place in his hometown and decided to leave, which led him to Baltimore where he struggled with poverty and lived with a woman that was not a good fit. For years, he lived in unstable housing, including his car and squat buildings, while working in restaurants and coffee shops to make ends meet. During this period, he often turned to partying to escape reality. However, his perspective changed after experiencing hallucinogens, which sparked his interest in exploring consciousness and understanding his place in the world. Following his time in Baltimore, Nicholas moved to New York City to attend film school, where he discovered that he was more passionate about telling other people's stories than his own. This led him to become a documentary filmmaker, instructor, and teacher, working with various industries such as business, government, nonprofits, advocacy groups, universities, and even the Occupy Wall Street movement. Through his work, he aimed to give people a voice and help them tell their stories in a way that resonates with others. After meeting his partner, Nicholas relocated to Colorado to be closer to nature and have more space to process and deal with his experiences. Since 2013, he has been on a journey of self-discovery, learning how to help others through the experiences he has overcome and the things he has learned along the way. He describes his experience with hallucinogens as a catalyst moment for him to explore consciousness and better understand the world, which he has been investigating and discovering ever since. ________________________Nicholas is a Chief Wellbeing Officer and Coach helping tech workers and founders thrive in ambiguity. He will coach you through the uncertainty of life’s big pivots to find greater balance, calm, focus, and fulfillment. You can find Nicholas here: https://www.nicholaswhitaker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaswhitaker/https://twitter.com/sitwithnick________________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today I interview my husband, Earl Downing, and we'll explore the theme of finding your voice and expressing your Essence. Earl recounts his experiences with sports and how they gave him a safe and therapeutic outlet to be loud and expressive. He also shares his high school leadership journey, where he ran for student body president and delivered a rehearsed, effective speech that propelled him into grown-up life. I will highlight Earl's leadership skills and gifts, as we both reflect on our past as high school acquaintances. Earl has over 50 years of experience in track and field, beginning as a successful competitor in the sprints as a collegian at Yale at the NCAA D1 National level. Then, as a coach at the high school level, he was instrumental in 2 high school teams going from last place to league championships in the highly competitive California high school track environment, and while producing a State Champion in the Men’s 400M (at 46.97). Earl currently supports a range of athletes with a variety of goals and encourages them to find their voice in all that they do. You can find Earl here: https://https://speedbuildusa.com_____________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing Essence of they truly are. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today, I interview Calvin Niles who was raised in Barbados, a small island in the Caribbean. He had a loving environment, but his father was a strict disciplinarian who made sure his children minded their manners. His father's discipline style instilled in him a need for approval and reinforced a carrot-and-stick mentality. The school system was also quite rigid, and physical punishment was common. The government had a strong intention to provide a high education standard, but sometimes the disciplinary actions taken were harmful, such as being beaten for not knowing timetables or getting a school uniform dirty. Calvin moved to London as a teenager after finishing his studies, where he discovered a new version of freedom. He was able to attend college and explore his creativity, which was a rebirth for him. He found a sense of home in London and has lived there for more than 20 years. Despite this, he still feels ties to his birthplace, Barbados. In London, he was able to rediscover his burning urge to create and express himself organically. He found his voice through allowing space for things to arise and eventually started to expand. Calvin is a holistic storytelling coach who helps individuals and organizations discover new perspectives through self-discovery and expression. He also specializes in strategic storytelling, where he assists organizations to use stories to connect with their teams and customers authentically. He imbues his coaching with mindfulness, and all of his work is available on his website, calvinniles.com, where people can find links to his social media channels and access all of his freely available work. His coaching approach is focused on helping people find their voice and validate their expression, and he believes that breaking open and going through a deep self-inquiry is a necessary part of this process. He has just released his latest book, “Nami and Kai: A Tale of Friendship Love Courage and Truth.” “Nami and Kai” is intended for all ages and is warmly recommended as a gift for adults and parents who love to read with their children. _____________________ Calvin is a creative communicator and specialist in transformational and strategic storytelling. He is currently engaging global audiences within the Siemens DISW community. As an award-winning storytelling coach and consultant, he counts some of the UK’s best-loved charity organizations, local government councils and the UK’s Ministry of Defense among his past engagements. He is the author of the novel, The Sun Rises in Eastmoor, the mindful poetry collection Breathe Between the Lines, and the co-author of Mindfulness for Challenging Times. Calvin’s coaching and communication talents underlie his ability to get to the heart of problems. His vision and penchant for efficiency help businesses get things done. Experienced at both strategic and tactical levels, Calvin sees adaptability as key to ensuring that his supply of skills is transferred to those with the greatest demand, and where the biggest impact can be made. While drive and determination fuel his work ethic, an attitude of good humor makes all the difference. Find Calvin here: www.calvinniles.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-niles/ ____________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing  Essence of they truly are. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today, I interview Sabrina Victoria who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and her parents were Jehovah's Witnesses. They had been converted when Sabrina was five, and from then on, her upbringing was strict, religious, and submissive. In keeping with their new faith, Sabrina followed the rules. She obeyed the norms of Biblical teaching, learned as a female to submit to men, and learned as a female child to remain as quiet as possible, unless the group was evangelizing. Ironically, a large part of the evangelism included door-to-door "sales", which, as many of us know, requires a certain boldness to speak. However, Sabrina's many years of this door-to-door work meant she was professing a learned, rote style of outreach. The words were not her own, and she was limited to reciting conversations based on approved dialogue to further the church's mission, not her own uniqueness or dreams. She was trapped. This led to a pattern of abusive relationships, where Sabrina was submissive and felt very small, afraid to stand up for her own opinions. There was nothing in her life that affirmed her strength or the value of her feelings. Women were judged by men, and everyone knew each other's business. In this particular religion, Sabrina tells us that there was a lot of talk about death. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of slipping up caused emotional conflict and trauma. By age 20, Sabrina was pregnant out of wedlock and was disowned by her community. She was suffering every kind of abuse, and she felt like she was losing her mind. Against everything she'd been taught, she began to research her situation and feelings online. And when her research confirmed that she'd been abused and needed help, she took that validation and ran with it. After many years of working through her own healing, today Sabrina makes it her daily mission to champion authenticity – she encourages others to face their life, past, present, and future, head-on. She encourages us to be honest with ourselves, and she reminds us that even though the first step may feel scary and small, it is so big and so precious. __________________ From a struggling single mom to escaping a 13-year narcissistic abusive relationship, Sabrina’s tenacity and optimistic spirit have inspired fans worldwide and helped endless amounts of people break through and discover their own untapped talents and immense potential. Now, creator and CEO of Human Better 365, a human transformation company, creator of Sober Society, Her Nation Communities, and host of Her Talk Show. Sabrina is dedicated to giving people the tools they need to RISE and "human" better. Speaker, entrepreneur, and author. Find Sabrina here: https://www.sabrinavictoria.com/ https://www.humanbetter365.com/ https://www.sobersociety.solutions/ https://www.herversion.life/ https://www.facebook.com/sabrinavtv https://www.instagram.com/sabrinavictoriatv/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinavictoria/ https://www.tiktok.com/@UCbv_SrAV4Gu8LZZ5YYuiAVA https://twitter.com/sabrinavtv __________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak from the amazing  Essence of they truly are. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today, I interview Sonja Rayne Lee. Unfortunately, part of Sonja's story includes childhood trauma, so there was a lot for her to overcome from a young age. At 12 she was molested. Luckily, her family immediately put her in therapy so she could begin working through it. But it was hard. Sonja felt exposed and vulnerable, and she was hurting. She put up a wall to shield herself and was afraid to let anyone in. This kept her from being fully seen by people, and it kept her feeling as though her light had been extinguished. She was beginning to realize in therapy that she had been repeating the same story to herself for years. She began to understand that this was creating a negative identity and writing a harmful story for her life. She was telling herself over and over again that she wasn't worthy, and it was keeping her wounds from healing. Even years later as she started college, she mostly kept to herself. But as she continued to do the work in therapy, she started to embrace forgiveness. She tells us that forgiving the person who hurt her allowed her to separate herself from the situation and move forward. She was able to walk forward in life and begin to heal, recognizing that this incident didn't have to define her future. She was rewriting her story. Sonja tells us about a powerful experience she had at a conference she attended, and how that led to her becoming part of Speaking Circles, where she learned about connecting to her body and feeling grounded and present. This really had an effect on her and allowed her to drop down into herself and really connect with people on an intimate level when she was speaking. Today, when she needs to reconnect with her own source of power and confidence, she steps into the "circle of fire" in her mind and grounds herself, gathering the force and presence she needs to confront her anxieties in that moment. In her work with others, she helps them to tap into their own power by working through mindset, habits, and goals to redefine their futures. __________________ Sonja Rayne Lee is a certified Law of Attraction Mindset Coach and has been coaching for over 15 years. Through a deep-level method of coaching, she provides tools for people to push through their limiting beliefs so that they feel stronger, more confident, and empowered in their life choices. They are able to design the life they wish to live. Sonja also shares her expertise and other talents as a Reiki Master, Crystal Energy Healer, and Diviner on her two YouTube Channels (Sonja Rayne Lee and The Soul Sistas Tarot). Find Sonja here: https://www.sonjaraynelee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sonjaraynelee/ https://www.youtube.com/c/sonjaraynelee _________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today, I interview Jeff Davis. Unfortunately, Jeff's childhood was filled with bullying. He was a late bloomer, so he was the little guy surrounded by other boys who were getting tall and growing up. Because of this, he didn't have a girlfriend and he was teased a lot. He also had a lisp and a self-soothing habit of sucking his thumb, and people often beat him up, called him names, and told him he was worthless and stupid. Jeff's parents loved him and did the best they could, but they had not equipped him with the foundation necessary for surviving all the negativity of this world. They were kind, hardworking people, but their way of responding to Jeff was to use words they thought would solve problems but which were actually hurting him and making his life more difficult. The bullying and lack of support from his parents in his childhood led to very difficult high school years for Jeff. In the spring of his senior year, after being diagnosed with clinical depression, Jeff went to the garage one day, grabbed a length of rope, and headed toward a tree in his backyard, where he planned to take his life. Then, Jeff refers to a "spark of hope" which was present with him in that moment, telling him to put the rope down and go back to his room. He felt comforted for a brief moment. Later the spark of hope let him know that he would change lives by sharing his story about this rock-bottom time for him. This "intuitive knowing" told him that he was meant to live longer. He went up to his room and did a meditation, during which he had the most profound experience. He had the epiphany that our self worth has nothing to do with our circumstances. Today, Jeff reminds us that we can seek help, and that we have all the answers we need, deep down inside of us. __________________ Jeff Davis is the award-winning author of three books, in addition to being a blogger, professional speaker, and consultant. He has done keynote speeches internationally and is a sought-after expert in mental health, authentic leadership, and resiliency. He’s also a TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, and consistently featured on the top podcasts in the world. Jeff frequently speaks to and consults with schools, nonprofits, organizations, associations, conferences, and businesses. Nicknamed The Muhammad Ali of Mental Health, he’s known for his ability to shine light on challenging topics. He’s been to five different continents and has a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Originally from Connecticut, he currently lives abroad in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Find Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerjeffdavis/ https://www.youtube.com/@jeffdavisauthor https://www.facebook.com/authorjeffdavis https://jeffdspeaks.com/authentic-leadership-blog/ For a free PDF copy of Jeff's Amazon bestseller "The Power of Authentic Leadership", email him at jeff@jeffdspeaks.com. _________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.

Today, I interview Suzannah Baum who grew up in a household where the order of things was for women to be quiet and not disrupt the status quo. She looked up to her mother and thought it was completely normal to keep her comments to herself, pushing personal opinions and emotional reactions down and bottling them up. She followed in those footsteps from a very young age. Because this was the model put before her, Suzannah was a very quiet, shy child. She tells us that she often felt ignored and overlooked, which in turn led to her preferring it that way. She never felt encouraged to speak up, so in stead she eventually preferred to be ignored and overlooked, hiding in the corner. She loved her family, but she was learning to keep her thoughts to herself, avoid conflict, and let the more opinionated family members take center stage. This nature grew in her and continued into her adult life, manifesting itself in her college experience and in her career. She avoided stepping up to present material, afraid of critical reactions from others. She says she would "cling to the quietness". She knew she was capable and qualified when it came to doing big, challenging things, but this was holding her back. She knew something had to change in her life. Shortly after graduating college, Suzannah joined Toastmasters. She was intimidated by it, and the "transformation" didn't come naturally for her. She became more and more frustrated, but forced herself to commit to it for 3 months. She realized that she alone was responsible for her life, and for taking advantage of the opportunities she was presented. She tells us about the "culture of the group", and the way it changed her. Yes, she was writing and practicing speeches, but it was more than that; people were actively engaging with her. They were focused, showing interest, and even taking notes. After realizing that people were truly, genuinely interested in what she had to say, Suzannah's self view shifted. She felt validated and affirmed by a new understanding that her thoughts were important and people wanted to acknowledge them. Today, Suzannah helps others to overcome their own fears and recognize the power of their own words. She gives credit to the powerful and kind listeners who encouraged her along the way. __________________ Suzannah Baum is a public speaking and presentation skills expert, an executive speech coach, an author, and a speaker. She works with business professionals who want to position themselves as leaders by communicating with more confidence, impact, and human connection. Suzannah is the best-selling author of "From Nervous to Nailed It: Find Your Voice, Present With Impact, and Unleash Your Ultimate Speaking Potential." Released in late 2022, it is the quintessential guide for those who are looking to speak up, share their message in a compelling and authentic way, and not feel like they have to hold themselves back anymore. On a personal note... Suzannah lives in Montreal, is Mom to a 12-year-old boy and a 2-year-old budgie, and always travels with chocolate. Find Suzannah here: https://suzannahbaum.com/https://www.youtube.com/suzannahbaum http://ca.linkedin.com/in/suzannahbaum http://www.instagram.com/suzannahbaum https://www.facebook.com/suzannahbaumpublicspeaking/_________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.cSupport 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 James Guzzetta. From the very beginning of his life, James had an intimate connection with nature and music. At age 1, James remembers being captivated by the light streaming down on him through tree branches. At age 4, he began playing music, and his experience heightened his awareness that he was having a divine connection to the deepest parts of himself. James also remembers the incredible backyard oasis at his grandmother's house. He grew up around lush, green fullness of plant life, and all kinds of animals and critters. It was paradise for him, until she was forced to move inland because of her asthma. Back at home, James sank into the boring, grey, conventional childhood. Kids at school were miserable, and so was he. So he was given the option to go to parochial school or music school, and this was the beginning of his musical education. Eventually, James landed in San Diego and began studying  with some very wise and influential people. One mentor inspired him in such a way that he felt that he truly connected to his "inner ear", a sensation he now compares to that first encounter with the sun through the trees; he was filled with warmth and light. This caused a shift in James. He realized his own true inner self, and he began to feel oneness with his expression of that self in relation to nature. He began meeting with others, making music together out in nature using found objects. James felt his own relationship with everything in the world, and the connection that lives in those depths. Through this process, James discovered that "we can tap into greater wisdom, greater knowledge as well, but also into who we are as a human being, a spirit, having a human experience as a human being." Now, James leads workshops about mindfulness, awareness, listening, and self-discovery. He uses music and other techniques to show others how to shift into the state of being fully present with their inner selves and truly connected with nature.__________________ James Guzzetta has been a musician since the age of 4, first studying classical music, winning competitions, and as a guest soloist with the San Diego Symphony. James went on to explore electronic and ethnic music forms. In the early 1970s, studying with North Indian Vocal Master Pandit Pran Nath, James discovered his inner ear and True Voice. During this time he started a series of musical journeys in SW canyonlands, deserts, and other remote and sacred sites, taking small groups of friends to share a dynamic and reconnecting experience with Nature and their True Self. After 40 years working in Corporate America and 2 Startups, he has returned to offering transformational workshops and retreats - all focused on Nature as a Gateway to our True Self. Find James here: http://www.journeyin2.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesguzzetta/ https://www.facebook.com/james.guzzetta.18 https://twitter.com/GuzzettaJames __________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.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​.