My Voice, My Way

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a really powerful and thought-provoking conversation. It is a little different, but deeply connected to what we talk about here. Many of you will know Spasmodic Dysphonia as a voice disorder—but it actually sits within a wider neurological condition called dystonia.My guest lives with progressive axial dystonia, affecting his spine, posture, and movement. While our symptoms show up in different parts of the body, the underlying challenges are strikingly similar - unpredictable muscle patterns, the impact of stress, and the emotional and psychological toll of living with a long-term condition.His journey spans a successful career as a Clinical Scientist, years of chronic pain, and treatments that didn’t bring the hoped-for results. But what makes this conversation so compelling is the shift from trying to fix symptoms to learning how to live alongside them - particularly through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.We explore identity, loss, and what it means to live with a progressive condition—but also acceptance, resilience, and finding a new sense of purpose.Leon Maciocia now works as both a piano teacher and a mindfulness teacher, supporting others with long-term conditions through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.This episode isn’t just about dystonia—it’s about learning how to live differently, when life doesn’t go to plan.DBS - Deep Brain StimulationMBCT - Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.CBT - Cognitive Behavioural [email protected] 751111 - wellbeingclinic.com07894 948869 - oxfordmbct.net

Send us Fan MailThis episode isn't a podcast as Today is World Voice Day - 16th April. It is all about recognising the power of the voice - how it connects us, expresses who we are and carries our stories into the world. On World Voice Day, we also highlight the importance of vocal health and taking care of our voices.For those of us living with voice disorders, this day is an opportunity to raise awareness and increase understanding. That connection to our voice can feel different - but every voice still matters, and every voice deserves to be heard.So, instead of doing a podcast and to celebrate World Voice Day, I’ve written a few poems to share the struggles of living with a voice disorder, whilst also holding onto something just as important - hope. I recorded one of these poems to music, I hope you like it 🙏 

Send us Fan MailHave you ever tried to speak… and your voice just doesn’t do what you want it to do?Not because you’re nervous.Not because you don’t know what to say.But because something physically won’t let the sound come out the way it should.For a lot of people, voice disorders are invisible. People hear the voice—but they don’t understand what’s behind it.They might think you’re anxious. Or tired. Or unsure.But the reality is… it’s something much deeper.And that’s exactly why I’m making this episode today.First of all, I just want to say I’m really sorry for the big gap since my last episode. I know it’s been a while, and I actually had to postpone two episodes last week as my most recent treatment hasn’t quite kicked in yet—and you can probably hear in my voice today that I’m still struggling.But in a way, that makes today’s episode even more important.If you’re new here, this podcast is all about living with a voice disorder—raising awareness, sharing real experiences, and helping people understand what these conditions are actually like, beyond the medical terms.So I wanted to start Season 2 by going right back to basics.Today, I’m going to walk you through some of the most common voice disorders in a way that’s easy to understand—whether you’re someone living with one, supporting someone who is, or you’ve just come across this podcast and want to learn more.Before we begin, just a quick disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This episode is based on my personal experience, along with information from trusted organisations and hospitals.And I’d like to give credit to organisations like Dysphonia International, Dystonia UK; University College London Hospitals, British Voice Association; Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT);  SLT UK and Oxford University Hospitals for the work they do in supporting people with voice disorders and providing reliable information.

Send us Fan MailToday I’m joined by Aileen Markey. Aileen is originally from Ireland, has lived in different countries around the world, and now lives back home in Ireland. She was diagnosed in 2020 with spasmodic dysphonia and benign essential tremor - but her voice changes actually began in the early 2000s. She noticed subtle hoarseness and a slight shake. And When she sought help, she was told everything was fine and it was likely acid reflux. So she carried on. After referrals and assessments during COVID, she finally received her diagnosis.Aileen works as a HR professional in a global company — so her voice is central to her career. In this episode, we talk about navigating diagnosis during COVID, managing a condition that sits in that “borderline” space, dealing with other health challenges, and learning how to respond to those everyday comments like, “Are you sick?”This is a conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the emotional work of coming to terms with a voice that doesn’t always behave the way you want it to.

Send us Fan MailToday I’m joined by Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, who lives with Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia and was diagnosed in mid-2023. Clarissa is an organisational psychologist by education, a transformational life coach, an abstract artist, and the host of her own podcast, Painting Your Path, now heading into its fifth season.Creativity and self-care have played a huge role in how she’s navigated life with a voice disorder, and despite the challenges, she continues to use her voice professionally and purposefully. Clarissa is passionate about creating life on her own terms, and I’m really looking forward to sharing her story with you today.

Send us Fan MailJaylan Salah is a poet, a self-described wild woman, and an incredible film critic for InSession Film and Geek Vibes Nation. She also hosts her own podcast, which you can find on YouTube called The JayDays — and if you caught the interview she did with me recently, you’ll know she has the biggest heart.We’re both big Austin Butler fans, which is honestly where all of this started… but today, we’re going a little deeper. We’re talking about film, performance, creativity — and how our voices shape the way we communicate, connect, and express ourselves.Jaylan kindly helped me raise awareness for voice disorders in the UK on her platform, and I’m grateful to have her here continuing that conversation on mine. So settle in — this one is warm, insightful, and full of love for stories, cinema, and the power of voice.Jaylan's YouTube channel is called The JayDays

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Tor Spence, Clinical Director at VoiceFit, to explore two often-overlooked areas: children’s voice disorders and occupational voice users. We discuss why young voices matter, how vocal challenges can affect learning, confidence, and social life, and what parents and teachers can do to help. Tor also sheds light on the hidden risks faced by professionals who rely on their voices daily, the importance of prevention and therapy, and why greater awareness and support are vital across both groups.Links:British Voice Association:  ⁠https://britishvoiceassociation.org.uk⁠Vocal Health Education: ⁠https://vocalhealth.co.uk⁠VoiceFit:Web:   ⁠www.voicefit.co.uk⁠Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Appointment bookings: ⁠https://voicefit.selectandbook.com⁠

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is especially close to home. I’m joined by someone who plays a pivotal role in my own voice journey—my ENT surgeon, Professor Sadie Khwaja.Ms Khwaja is a Consultant ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist based in Manchester. She specialises in voice disorders, with particular expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Spasmodic Dysphonia and Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Her work combines surgical care, Botox treatment, and close collaboration with voice therapists. She is passionate about helping patients reclaim not just their voice, but also their quality of life.For over eight years, Ms Khwaja has been part of the Manchester Voice Team, treating the full spectrum of benign and pre-malignant laryngeal conditions—from diagnosis through to therapy, Botox clinics, office-based procedures, and advanced laryngeal surgery. She also runs dedicated dysphagia clinics and is an active member of the complex adult airway multidisciplinary team.In this episode, we sit down as patient and surgeon for an honest conversation about the complexity, treatment, and emotional impact of voice disorders—particularly the ones I live with, Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia and If you or someone you know is navigating a voice disorder, this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailPart of why I share my story is to raise awareness that having a voice disorder doesn’t mean you can’t perform, create, or have a career in the arts. Today, I’m especially excited to speak with someone who knows the world of acting, voice work, and storytelling inside and out. He’s not only an actor and voice actor himself, but also a director with years of experience in the industry—and he’s here to talk about how having a different or “imperfect” voice doesn’t mean you’re shut out of these creative spaces. I’m joined by Paul Sultana, to talk honestly about how the industry really sees performers with unique voices — and to explore whether there might be more opportunities out there than I’ve dared to believe.”

Send us Fan MailHello and welcome to another episode of  My Voice, My Way—the podcast where we explore the lived experiences, science, and support behind voice disorders. As someone with lived experience of a voice condition, I am passionate about opening up honest conversations about the impact they have on our lives—not just physically, but emotionally, too.“Today’s episode is one I’ve wanted to do for a long time. We’re talking about the psychological side of voice disorders—and how our emotional wellbeing and identity can be deeply affected when our voice changes. My guest is Dr. Luke Aldridge-Waddon, a highly specialised clinical psychologist with extensive experience supporting people with voice conditions.“Dr. Aldridge-Waddon is helping reshape how we understand voice disorders — not as purely physical or emotional, but as complex conditions where voice, mind, and identity interact. His work shows that psychological support isn’t just an add-on; it’s essential care.”Here are the links which Luke mentioned during the episode:The Overcoming Series https://overcoming.co.uk/7/Homenformation on NHS Talking Therapies: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/https://dysphonia.org/ For those interested in principles from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, explore books/workbooks of Dr Russ Harris, Dr Steve Hayes, and colleagues.For those interested in principles from Compassion Focused therapy, explore books/workbooks by Dr Kristin Neff, Dr Chris Irons, and colleagues.

Send us Fan MailI am so excited to share this week's podcast with you. I am talking to a highly experienced ENT Consultant, Mr Declan Costello. Declan talks about the various vocal disorders and treatments available and gives advice on when to seek help.

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode I am talking to Helen who suffers with Vocal Cord Paralysis. Helen has suffered for 3 years and her voice disorder has meant that she can no longer perform as a professional singer. Helen has had various treatments including Speech and Language and Vocal Manual Therapy. Helen talks about her plans for the future with a vocal disorder.

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode I talk to Mandy who has a diagnosis of Muscle Tension Dysphonia and has been suffering with this condition for around 2 years. Mandy has had Speech Therapy but does keep having relapses in her voice.

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode I am talking with Elsie who suffers with Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Elsie first noticed her voice was failing when she went to work with Santa Clause in Lapland in 2022. Elsie is still awaiting an appointment with the local ENT in Manchester after relocating from the Midlands.

Send us Fan MailThis is an updated version of this podcast as it was not possible to hear the 'before' recording due to background noise being cut out. Sorry about that. I hope you can enjoy the full episode now! You may still need to turn the sound up.

Send us Fan MailIn today's podcast I am interviewing Helen a fellow sufferer. You may remember the last time we did a podcast we were both struggling against the noise in the background so had to give up. We have both had treatment for our voice disorder and I wanted to give you an update on our progress. I think you will like this one. We were both quite excited to show you the difference in our voices. Enjoy! as always, if you have a problem with your voice please don't suffer in silence, get help as soon as possible!

Send us Fan MailHi, today I just thought I would give you a quick update after all the various treatments I have had. It's quite a short one to keep you informed and let you see the progress.

Send us Fan MailToday I asked my Husband Brian if he would like to do a podcast with me and he said yes but he wanted to do it himself without any involvement from me; however, as I pointed out to him, its my podcast I have to be involved! This was a very interesting talk and I learned things that I didn't realise or appreciate. Mainly, his feelings on my lack of voice. Sometimes I think we can be guilty of having 'blinkers' on and unintentionally thinking only of our own problems! I know, I have certainly been guilty of this. I hope you enjoy listening.

Send us Fan MailI thought it would be fun to interview two of my Grandchildren, Arthur aged 10 and Matilda aged 8 to get their thoughts on how they feel about my voice. This is also one week after my Thyroplasty filler injection to show how I have progressed since the procedure.

Send us Fan MailThis week's recording is with Laura who is a Speech & Language Therapist. Laura and I wanted to meet up to discuss the SLT's role in helping people with vocal problems prior to the procedure I am having tomorrow to  'hopefully' help my situation and give me some form of voice back. However, following this treatment I am not allowed to talk (at all) for a few days, so time was of the essence! We talk about the various problems in speech and where to get help. We also talked about World Voice Day on the 16th April and how Dysphonia International have been very supportive in the UK. I hope you enjoy listening to this one.

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode I am talking to my youngest Daughter Charlotte. I asked her a few questions on what she feels about my voice and what she thinks may have caused it.

Send us Fan MailThis is my 3rd Podcast, this time with my friend Helen Thompson. I debated whether to publish this one as there was a lot of background noise, but I decided that I would publish it to show and highlight even more the struggles those suffering with a voice condition have on a daily basis just to be heard. Helen talks a little bit about her journey so far. I have more questions to ask her but we were both struggling so decided to stop and we will continue at a later date when there isn't as much noise.

Send us Fan MailPodcast 2, update on treatment since last year. I now have a mixture of Muscle Tension Dysphonia and Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia. I talk about the fact that I have been having botox treatment and the results of that treatment.The next steps and future Podcasts.

Send us Fan MailHi, I'm Margaret Stoddart. I suffer with a voice condition called Muscle Tension Dysphonia. To explain this further, Dysphonia is defined as an abnormal sound of the voice, including hoarseness. Symptoms of hoarseness relate to problems in the sound-producing parts (vocal cords or folds) of the voice box or larynx. This results in a raspy, weak or airy voice. there are many other different conditions such as Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD), Vocal Tremor, Vocal cord Paralysis plus many more. I have suffered with this condition for around 6 years and have had various forms of treatment including, Speech and Language, Laryngeal Massage and now Botox. The purpose of starting these podcasts is to raise awareness of these conditions as I believe there is not enough known in the UK, despite 10% of the population suffering from related conditions. In this episode I talk a little bit about my condition and  how Dysphonia International have been a fantastic support for me and I have also become an Area Contact Leader for them.  If you would like to share your experiences please do get in touch and I will arrange to 'chat' with you. Together we can raise awareness!