Turning Struggle Into Purpose: Alexa's Story episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 4, 2026 · 26 MIN

Turning Struggle Into Purpose: Alexa's Story

from Life Stories Podcast · host Shara Goswick

When Alexa Denaburg was 28 years old, she was building a successful career in marketing, pursuing her MBA, and living what many would consider a dream life in New York City. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, her voice began to change. What started as occasional vocal interruptions quickly turned into a long and frustrating search for answers that ultimately led to a diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder. In this conversation, Alexa shares what it was like to lose control of something most of us rarely think about, our ability to speak, and how that experience impacted her confidence, identity, career, and everyday life.Alexa opens up about the challenges of navigating misdiagnoses, advocating for herself within the healthcare system, and finding hope when traditional treatments didn't feel like the right path for her. She discusses the holistic practices that helped her reconnect with her body, calm her nervous system, and regain confidence in her voice. Through honesty, humor, and resilience, Alexa offers encouragement for anyone facing a diagnosis, a life transition, or an unexpected challenge. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't go according to plan, we can still find purpose, healing, and a new way forward.To connect with Alexa, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/abalonik/3 ways to support Life Stories:*Like and share this episode!*Subscribe to this channel!*Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcastWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

When Alexa Denaburg was 28 years old, she was building a successful career in marketing, pursuing her MBA, and living what many would consider a dream life in New York City. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, her voice began to change. What started as occasional vocal interruptions quickly turned into a long and frustrating search for answers that ultimately led to a diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder. In this conversation, Alexa shares what it was like to lose control of something most of us rarely think about, our ability to speak, and how that experience impacted her confidence, identity, career, and everyday life.Alexa opens up about the challenges of navigating misdiagnoses, advocating for herself within the healthcare system, and finding hope when traditional treatments didn't feel like the right path for her. She discusses the holistic practices that helped her reconnect with her body, calm her nervous system, and regain confidence in her voice. Through honesty, humor, and resilience, Alexa offers encouragement for anyone facing a diagnosis, a life transition, or an unexpected challenge. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't go according to plan, we can still find purpose, healing, and a new way forward.To connect with Alexa, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/abalonik/3 ways to support Life Stories:*Like and share this episode!*Subscribe to this channel!*Buy me a virtual coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/lifestoriespodcastWant to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

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Turning Struggle Into Purpose: Alexa's Story

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This episode was published on June 4, 2026.

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When Alexa Denaburg was 28 years old, she was building a successful career in marketing, pursuing her MBA, and living what many would consider a dream life in New York City. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, her voice began to change. What started as...

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