Out of the Voicebox

In this special World Voice Day episode, we're joined by Scott Flanagan and Kimberly Kuman for a shared conversation about advocacy, creativity, and living with voice disorders.Scott is a nationally known quilting artist, author, and board member of Dysphonia International who lives with laryngeal dystonia. Kim is the Executive Director of Dysphonia International and a longtime patient advocate. Together, they reflect on how voice disorders shape identity—and how advocacy can become a voice of its own.Tune in as we explore what it means to truly empower your voice, and why awareness and community matter more than ever.

On today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Anusha Sundarrajan (she/her) and Oneida Chi (they/them), two experts in gender-affirming voice care, to explore the transformative journey of voice training. Dr. Sundarrajan, a multilingual speech-language pathologist and assistant professor at San Francisco State University, and Oneida Chi, a first generation Chinese American genderqueer SLP and longtime advocate for trans voice care, share their experiences developing culturally responsive, patient-centered voice therapy. They discuss the emotional and cognitive aspects of exploring a new voice, the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces, and the need for inclusive, trauma-informed care. Tune in to hear more about the importance of empowerment and self-discovery, and why gender-affirming voice work is about so much more than just pitch.

On today's episode, we're joined by Aaron Schumacher, a seasoned performer, entrepreneur, and the founder of VocalMist. While managing the demands of constant travel and performance, Aaron saw the need for a solution to maintain vocal health on the go. This led him to create VocalMist, a portable nebulizer that uses isotonic saline to hydrate the vocal folds, becoming a trusted tool for singers, public speakers, and those with respiratory conditions. Tune in to hear the story behind the creation of VocalMist and learn how Aaron navigated the challenges of building a business in the health and wellness tech space.

On today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Emily Kimball, an Assistant Professor in Hearing and Speech Sciences in the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson center, where she investigates the molecular and cellular properties of the vocal folds as the Director of the Voice Biology Lab, as well as teaches the Masters level course in Voice Disorders. Dr. Kimball has a unique background having received an undergraduate degree in Human Anatomy and Physiology from the University of Arizona, and completed her Masters in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Utah. Following her Masters, she completed her PhD at Vanderbilt University, where she investigated the phonotraumatic damage associated with acute voice use in a rabbit model before completing her clinical fellowship in speech pathology at the Vanderbilt Voice Center. Tune in to hear more about the ins and outs of vocal fold tissue healing and how Dr. Kimball is working to bridge the gap between research findings in the lab and clinical practice!

On today's episode, we are joined by Dr. David Lott, a second time guest and fellowship trained laryngologist. As the director of the center for regenerative medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona, he has gained national attention recently for completing the third laryngeal transplant in the US and the first in someone with active cancer. We have had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lott during the preparation stages of this journey and are excited to share his story now that his vision has come to fruition. Enjoy!

On today's episode, we are joined by Marty Kedian, a pioneering recipient of a groundbreaking laryngeal transplant, completed in February 2024 at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. His successful transplant has been a beacon of hope for many suffering from similar conditions, gaining national attention and marking a significant milestone in medical history as the third successful total laryngeal transplant in the U.S. and the first to be performed on a patient with active cancer. Tune in to hear Marty's side of the story.

On today's episode, we are joined by Courtney Lin, an accomplished voiceover actor who has been able to meow, scream, giggle, and KYAH! her way into various video games, anime, commercials, and animated TV shows. Her voiceover credits include Monster High, The Casagrandes, Teenage Euthanasia, Black Rock Shooter Dawn, Romantic Killer, Dislyte, Smite, Fire Emblem Heroes, American Girl Doll Corinne Tan, LOL Surprise Dolls, Rainbow High, Project Triangle Strategy, CookieRun Kingdom, & Diablo 4. Tune in to hear more about her personal journey, industry tips, impressive impressions, and overall advice for those interested in entering the world of voiceover.

Welcome to the Voice Nerd Minute! Join us while your hosts (Sara & Nathaniel) discuss a variety of laryngeally-adjacent topics. Today, we chat about our perspective on the clinical fellowship process - how best to prepare, what we look for in applications, and other tips and tricks. We hope you enjoy!

On today's episode, we are joined by Sharon Frank MA, CCC-SLP, the founder and director of Speech and Voice Therapy Center where she specializes in voice and upper airway disorders. Sharon has been on the forefront of treatment for exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) and has developed a holistic approach to treating this disorder, known as the PIE approach. Tune in to learn what PIE stands for, about Buteyko breathing, and the ins and outs of assessment and treatment of upper airway dyspnea.

This episode features Anthony B. Law, MD PhD. Now at the Emory Voice Center in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Law has spent decades developing his unique approach to Laryngology. He is a revered expert in applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence. He is also a fierce advocate for healthcare accessibility. This episode offers a glimpse into the technologies that make machine learning so unique and the humans behind it, steering it into a productive and safe future. Tune in to hear how he and his lab is working feverishly to develop and release several technologies to make expert level care available to all medical systems across the spectrum of specialty. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode features Laurie Slovarp, PhD CCC-SLP. Hailing from the University of Montana health system, Dr. Slovarp has spent much of her career innovating new treatments for chronic refractory cough. This episode offers a robust, yet concise, review of chronic refractory cough and the role of the speech language pathologist. Dr. Slovarp also explains the clinical utility of using capsaicin for desensitizing a hyperactive cough response. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode features David G. Lott, MD. Dr. Lott is a fellowship-trained laryngologist and department chair at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to his clinical responsibilities he also directs the Center for Regenerative Medicine where he leads the Head and Neck Regenerative Medicine Laboratory. This translational lab, specifically designed for bench work innovation, has been working on methods of restoring voice, breathing, and swallowing. Dr. Lott has been a steady force in continuing the work of his predecessors and pioneering the functional benefit of laryngeal transplantation and regeneration for restoration of voice and swallow. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode features Christina Kang MM, MS, CCC-SLP. Christina is a medical speech-language pathologist who specializes in voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders. She has a specific interest in chronic pain and functional laryngeal disorders. With an extensive training in pain rehabilitation and Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS), as well as her personal experience with chronic pain, she has a unique and valuable perspective on how we can better address the needs of patients with chronic pain and CSS. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode features Dr. Anais Rameau, an assistant professor of laryngology at the Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she provides medical and surgical care to patients with voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. As a researcher, she focuses on the development of novel technologies to benefit older persons at risk for pneumonia and voice restoration in individuals who have lost their larynx to cancer. Today, she shares her insights on innovation in laryngology and protection of intellectual property. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This episode features Dr. Donna Graville, an associate professor and founding director of the OHSU-Northwest Center for Voice and Swallowing at Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. Graville has mentored many clinical fellows and graduate students during her rich career. This episode features priceless advice and a behind-the-scenes perspective on the clinical fellowship application process. Anyone looking to apply for a fellowship or mentoring students that are applying should listen up and take some notes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, we are joined by Christie DeLuca, a clinical voice specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Adjunct Professor of Voice Disorders at NYU, and owner of her private practice, Speaking Boldly, where she treats individuals with voice disorders and provides voice-focused mentorship to SLPs and SLP-to-bes. Christie has a unique insight into spasmodic dysphonia and shares clinical considerations for management of this disorder.

This episode features Dr. Adam Lloyd, an Assistant Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Miami. He recently completed the Doctorate of Speech-Language Pathology at Northwestern University and will be discussing the exciting new frontier of the Clinical Doctorate. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Aaron Ziegler, a certified speech-language pathologist and founder of the Wellness Group for voice, speech, and swallowing, who will help us unravel the mysteries of cannabis consumption and its potential impacts on vocal health. Enjoy, and happy 420!

On today's episode, we're joined by Amy Chapman, CCC-SLP, a voice therapist and voice coach, who is the founder and owner of VoiceLab of LA. Her boutique, individualized approach is widely recognized in the artistic community. In essence, she spends her time making stars shine, many times with her hands through use of the "vocal massage." Tune in to hear some tricks from the guru herself, including how to stretch out your tongue in places you NEVER knew were tense in the first place. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, we are joined by India Carney, an accomplished singer, songwriter, vocal arranger, and actress. This New York City native frequently tours with award-winning pop artist, Katy Perry, and has sung for Grammy-award winning artists, including Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Meghan Trainor, H.E.R., Natasha Bedingfield, and Mavis Staples. She has performed at the VMAs, Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Coachella, and more. Her original music collaborations fuse her pop, folk, classical, R&B, a Cappella, jazz and musical theater influences. We discussed a variety of topics including vocal pacing during recording studio sessions, vocal hygiene for performance-level singing, and vocal self-advocacy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, Ph.D, professor in the Division of Otolaryngology and Clinic Director for the University of Utah's Voice Disorder Center, joined us to speak about the current role of laryngeal function studies (acoustic and aerodynamic measurements) in clinical practice. We also discussed ever-evolving technological advances including more reliable ways to collect voice-related data remotely. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, Jenn Starkweather, a certified speech-language pathologist and InHealth Technologies' east coast clinical specialist, joined us to speak about unconventional breathers. We spoke about everything from differentiating between total laryngectomees and individuals who are trach dependent, to CPR considerations for “neck breathers”, to how these individuals are impacted during the COVID-19 era. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, we'll be discussing the positive impact of respiratory coordination on preventing vocal injury during exercise. We are joined today by Sara Davis, founder of VoxFit, who has a rich history as both a certified fitness instructor and a speech-language pathologist who specializes in voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On today's episode, we'll be discussing the evaluation and management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis. We are joined today by Dr. Will Karle, a fellowship trained laryngologist at Mayo Clinic-AZ, who is here to help answer all of our burning questions. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Out of the Voicebox, hosted by Sara Charney and Nathaniel Sundholm, is a podcast dedicated to highlighting experts in fields related to laryngeal function. While otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) will be frequent guests, we will also be featuring allied professions like professional singers, respiratory therapists, interventional pulmonologists, exercise physiologists, vocal coaches - the sky is the limit! These light-hearted, fast-paced, information-heavy conversations promise to be interesting, educational, and never boring. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app