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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.