Out of the Voicebox

What really happens when we scream, growl, or add distortion to the voice—and can it actually be done safely? In this episode, we chat with vocologist, singer, voice teacher, and PhD candidate Geddy Warner to explore the science and artistry behind vocal distortion. We discuss the anatomy involved, common misconceptions, how distortion is learned and maintained, and what current research is teaching us about these unique vocal techniques. Whether you're a singer looking to expand your sound, a voice clinician interested in the latest evidence, or simply fascinated by the incredible versatility of the human voice, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of vocal production.

On today's episode, Dr. Yassmeen Abdel-Aty shares how collaboration with SLPs transformed her practice, turning her multidisciplinary clinic at USF into a powerhouse of comprehensive voice, swallowing, and airway care. Discover the benefits of integrating SLPs into every phase of diagnosis and treatment, from initial assessments to post-op therapy. Dr. Abdel-Aty reveals practical tips for building trust and flow in your clinic, emphasizing the power of real-time multidisciplinary discussions.Whether you're an SLP, a seasoned laryngologist, or just starting out, this episode offers strategies for transforming your clinic into a collaborative environment that enhances patient care and satisfaction. 🎙️Tune in to discover the art of the dance between surgeon and SLP, unlocking a new level of collaboration.

What does it take to sing one of Broadway’s most demanding roles—eight shows a week—and do it sustainably?In this episode, we're joined by Lencia Kebede, who is currently playing Elphaba on Broadway, for a candid conversation about vocal endurance, trusting your instrument, pacing across a demanding performance schedule, and the moment-to-moment decisions that support vocal sustainability night after night. We also explore how caring for the mind and body—through rest, awareness, and recovery—plays a critical role in keeping the voice healthy under extreme demands. Whether you’re a singer, performer, clinician, or professional voice user, this episode offers an honest look at what vocal health looks like in real life—inside one of Broadway’s most iconic roles in Wicked.🎧 Tune in for a grounded conversation about vocal sustainability and longevity—onstage and off.

In this episode, Kyle Friend shares his journey from competing at the professional level to finding his place behind the microphone as a leading voice in volleyball commentary. Kyle walks us through the transition from player to commentator, highlighting the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into covering elite tournaments and the often-overlooked physical demands of sustained voice use on long competition days.We dive into voice management as a key part of performance, the importance of building trust and relationships with athletes, and how lived experience on the court shapes more authentic storytelling. Join us as Kyle shares practical advice for aspiring commentators on developing confidence, finding their own vocal identity, and carving out a unique presence in the broadcasting world.

What’s really happening when a metal vocalist growls, screams, or distorts their sound—and how does the larynx handle that intensity? In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Stark PhD, CCC-SLP, who studies heavy metal singing under videostroboscopy, giving us a rare, real-time look at the biomechanics behind extreme vocals. On today's episode, we explore how researchers are beginning to capture and understand the vocal strategies behind metal techniques, what early visual data can (and can’t) tell us, and why this work is reshaping assumptions about vocal health. From the challenges of studying extreme sound production to the potential implications for singers and clinicians, this conversation highlights the cutting-edge of voice science.

What happens when the body’s connective tissue is too flexible — and how does that impact the way we speak, breathe, and swallow? In this episode, we sit down with Stacey Menton MM, MA, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist who not only treats patients with hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) , but lives with HSD herself. Join us as we break down the hallmark features of hEDS and HSD, why symptoms often go unrecognized, and how clinicians can better support patients who live with “stretchy” tissues but very real limitations. For clinicians, patients, and curious listeners alike, we hope this episode offers a grounded and empathetic look at one of the most frequently misunderstood connective-tissue disorders.

What happens when you can’t burp? In this episode, we sit down with laryngologist Dr. Michael Lerner, and speech-language pathologist Andrew Keltz MS, CCC-SLP who specialize in voice and upper-airway disorders to unpack retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (RCPD)—a condition sometimes called “no-burp syndrome.”Together, they discuss how dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle leads to trapped air, pressure, and discomfort—and how emerging medical and behavioral approaches are helping patients find relief. From Botox injections to the “BERP” (Behavioral Eructation Retraining Protocol), this episode bridges the science and the lived experience behind restoring one of the body’s most overlooked reflexes.Tune in for insights, patient perspectives, and the collaborative teamwork that makes this condition treatable.

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.