Welcome to the Find Your Voice, Change Your Life podcast. You will hear real-life stories from people who struggled to find their authentic voice.
I’m your host, Dr. Doreen Downing.
I interview people who share how they overcame their fears about stepping up and speaking out. They each offer tips and strategies that you can apply to your own journey to find your voice and change your life.
If you enjoy my podcast, be sure to subscribe and rate it on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform.
#140 The Power of Words: Healing Through Memoir Writing
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.
#139 The Sound of Your True Voice
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.
#138 From Mediocrity to Magnificence: A Story of Resilience
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.
#137 Embracing Your Sensitivity as a Superpower
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”.
#136 Turning Autism into a Superpower for Advocacy
Today, I interview Kadin McElwain, who had significant challenges posed by autism. Diagnosed at the age of two, Kadin’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father’s job and the need for better educational opportunities.
#135 Discover Your Potential and Transform Your Mind
Today, I interview Angilie Kapoor, who struggled with being bullied as a child. She was an extremely shy and introverted girl who preferred to be alone, afraid of being made fun of for looking different.
#134 Rediscovering Identity and Purpose in Midlife
Today, I interview Jennifer Arthurton, whose childhood was a quest for acceptance and attention within her family. Born in England and raised in the Caribbean, Jennifer’s early years were serene until her parents’ divorce. Feeling overshadowed by her younger brother, she continually sought approval through conformity and achievement.
#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.
#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.
#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.
