Do you find you have recurring stories that keep popping up about your voice?  “My voice isn’t strong enough, or loud enough.” “I can’t sing on pitch.” “No one can hear me in meetings.” “Who would want to hear me sing/pitch/present, anyway?” In this short, but very practical episode I’ll be taking you through a[…]

This episode is actually a cheeky little replay of epsiode #48, but with a couple of updates and tweaks. Even if you listened to it the first time around, there’s some really juicy stuff in here to help you begin to understand and overcome your fear of standing up in front of people to speak![…]

Jo-Anne Suriel,  @TheEnergeticWell  is a compassionate catalyst for transformation. With expertise in the akashic records, reiki, and sound therapy, her grounded approach to healing guides you back to the infinite wellspring of your own inner wisdom. In this conversation Jo-Anne and Julia Norton talk about giving yourself permission to sing, energetic healing through song, ancestral[…]

Singing in protest is universally recognized as one of the most impactful forms of peaceful protest.  Ever since we have had songs we have had work songs, love songs, grieving songs and protest songs. This short episode is a dip into the water of Protest Singing with special gratitude to the people behind the Singing[…]

I can’t believe you almost didn’t get this episode and it’s so good!  Jonathon Heather has studied Alexander Technique with global mentors and alongside some of the world’s top performing musicians. A life long musician, artist and long distance cyclist, he has a deep love of sharing this work so that others can unlock their[…]

For my first episode of 2026 I wanted to address the elephant in the room and remind us all, myself included, of some simple things we can all do, to help us feel better. Moving your body, singing with others, having a ‘Cheer the F-UP’ playlist and taking action where you can are some of[…]

In this episode I’m sharing with you some of my ideas for creative rituals for the winter solstice.  I also wanted to make sure this one was properly grounded in our voices and how we feel about them so I offer: Working with the pause between the in breath and the out breath. Writing a[…]

It’s that time of year folks! 🎤 If you need your voice to make a living, share your message or bring the joy (I’m looking at you voice actors, podcast hosts and carol singers!!) ..keeping your voice in great shape should be a daily routine, but sometimes it’s even more important.  Like during the cold season[…]

This is a very quick episode as I’m actually prepping for Thanksgiving hosting, but I wanted to share. Discover how to tweak your gratitude practice (or create one) so that you can begin to manifest your future. 🌟 It’s not selfish to feel gratitude when so many are suffering… in fact it’s essential. ❤️ An[…]

Warning there are some references to smoking and swear words in this episode! In this episode I’m chatting with my former voice student and current rock star of the moment, Chris Portka.  I interviewed Chris a couple of years ago about his earlier album ‘TRASH Music’, which was fab, but in a very different way to[…]

In this episode I explore some of my thoughts and feelings about what it means to “come home” to your voice. As the nights draw in and we begin to turn inward a journey into ‘self’ feels a bit more possible. •  Can you begin to experiment and play with your voice for just 5[…]

Welcome to Your Free Voice Episode 51! A couple of years ago I had the great pleasure of being approached by a young award winning documentary film maker called Colette Ghunim. She was recording voiceover for her latest film Traces of Home and was looking for some voice coaching. I helped her with that, but[…]

Hello, Welcome to episode 50 of Your Free Voice! I can hardly believe we’re here, but we are. Thank you so much for listening ❤️ In this episode I wanted to revisit what it means to have a FREE Voice and I listened back to my first episode and thought, yeah, I’m gonna share that[…]

In this episode I’m talking with actor and voice coach Sarah Weatherwax about her journey as a Linklater teacher. It’s hard to move in the realm of voice work without coming across the legacy of Kristin Linklater’s work. I know it was threaded quite purposefully through my training as a Voice Movement Therapist. Kristin’s  influence[…]

Did you know that 75% of the population rate public speaking more scary than death, spiders and heights! So if you get a little anxious when the time comes to speak up in a meeting or pitch to a new client (or be interviewed on a podcast), you are NOT alone! In this episode I’m[…]

I loved chatting with my lovely friend and colleague Daisy Tennant from beautiful Florence Italy last week.  We talked about all things Alexander Technique ❤️ I first came across Alexander Technique when I was working in a natural health center in North London. I loved the focus and the expansion I felt in my ribs,[…]

When was the last time something slipped out of your mouth before you knew what on earth was happening and you didn’t even know where it came from? In this episode I’m talking about dealing with the shame of these outbursts or slips and offering that instead they might be offering the treasure of self[…]

In this episode I’m pondering …maybe goal setting is just annoying? But seriously, why aren’t we achieving our goals? Some of my thoughts include: Because they were unrealistic in size or amount of time given to them. Because we didn’t really want them enough, or because they were ‘shoulds’ instead of things we really wanted.[…]

In this short episode, I share what the Winter Solstice means to me and invite you to try my reflection and dreaming practice. I do love this time of year and it’s so important for us to take time for ourselves to reflect and dream, to feel the sorrow or loss, but also to find[…]

  This episode is about Gratitude practices that I enjoy, and thought you might too.    Robin Wall Kimmerer’s ‘Gratitude Inventory’ inspired by our connection to nature.  • Step outside • Take in your surroundings • Send gratitude to a few things you see or smell or hear. • Remember how connected you are to[…]

In this conversation with my friend and colleague Chris MacLean, we talk about her life and career as a singer/songwriter, community choir leader, retreat host, circle singer and so much more. We talk about the logistics of running a choir, fear of death, how to make a living and how we both believe it is[…]

In this quick solo episode, I’m exploring boundaries and how to speak up and set yours.  Q. Do you feel like you can stand up for yourself? Q. Can you speak up to defend others? Here are a few ways that I’m suggesting that you might check your boundaries. How does your body feel in[…]

On this episode of Your Free Voice, I’m delighted to bring back into the studio celebrity voice coach and founder of The Voice Straw,  Mindy Pack!    You may have listened to episode #32 where I talked to Mindy about her experience being a celebrity voice coach, well we ran out of time to talk[…]

My interview with my friend and colleague Ruth Phillips.  Ruth Phillips is a modern and baroque cellist, a mindfulness coach, founder of The Breathing Bow and co-founder of InsideOut Musician and a writer. Alongside her rich and diverse career as a concert cellist and teacher. Ruth is internationally sought after as a performance coach and[…]

This episode is a bit of a first, because I am the one being interviewed! Rush Dorsett reached out to me to be part of her Awaken Your Voice Summit in October 2023. It was a great series where she interviewed 10 different thought leaders around the singing voice over 10 days. There were some[…]

Join me in this episode for my personal reflections on 2023 and also some suggestions for how to have a more aligned, intentional focus for the year ahead. It doesn’t actually matter when you listen to this episode, the exercises are relevant whenever you need to recalibrate and stop yourself from getting overwhelmed.  If you[…]

This episode is not only long awaited … apologies again for the long break, but also a break from the usual. Instead of waxing lyrical by myself or interviewing an industry expert in voice or physical freedom, I’m interviewing a former Voice Movement Therapy client of mine, Chris Portka. Chris came to me a number[…]

Rachel Finlay is a prolific performer, director, voice & speech coach, conference presenter and faculty member at Arizona State University. We met on a hot day in Sonoma County looking for lunch and immediately bonded over great food, cold drinks and all the voice things & being a person things that we shared in common.[…]

In this weeks episode I get over excited about Jungian Coaching because I really honestly believe it’s the most transformative coaching tool out there for creatives. It’s deep, it’s fast, it taps into the spiritual and creative space we hold in our hearts.  I break down some of the terms and why it’s important to[…]

I am so very sorry for the massively huge break in shows! 😳😭 Life got me all distracted, but I’m back! I recently challenged myself to get on instagram with video everyday for 7 days. Why? because I found it really challenging, not only technically, but also all the embarrassment that comes from seeing yourself[…]

This week I’m very excited to bring you my interview with celebrity voice coach and creator of The Voice Straw Mindy Pack. Mindy has studied vocal technique, voice science, and vocal health with nationally and internationally renowned vocal instructors, educational institutions, and accredited programs throughout the world. Mindy’s philosophy is the minute I stop learning[…]

This week’s episode is a little different because I decided to open the metaphorical ‘mail bag’ and answer some excellent questions that have been sent in by listeners. Remember to email, message or pigeon me your questions so I can have a go at answering them next time I do this. :) These questions range[…]

 In this episode, I’m talking about the presentation I gave last weekend as part of the International Association for Voice Movement Therapy conference , ‘Voice as a Lifeline’. I was invited to talk about how Voice Movement Therapy informs my work as a voice actor and  it was really fun. I did do an earlier[…]

When you’ve had plenty of training, or used to sing or act or be confident in front of groups, but you aren’t any more, it’s no use just “rearranging the furniture” by taking more singing lessons or buying a new mic. You need to uncover what’s really stopping you from having the relationship with your[…]

Last November I had the absolute pleasure and privilege to interview my dear friend and vocal powerhouse, Carol Grimes. In this interview we explore her decades spanning career paying particular attention to her broad range of singing styles and genres. The following, which I took from the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club website in London, gives[…]

Between you and me, I have always had a bit of trouble answering when people asked me what kind of singer I am.  I describe myself as a ‘singer of all sorts’ which feels about right. But what if you’re a bit like me, but you feel stuck? You feel stuck because you feel like[…]

What would it be like if you could love your voice exactly as it is right now? Think about your voice as a friend that offers support, expresses your deepest feelings, tell jokes and stands up for others.  If you’ve ever  lost your voice for any time at all, you quickly realize how valuable it[…]

A New Year seems like such a great time to set new intentions and set goals doesn’t it? But how many of us can honestly say we follow through and achieve them? It doesn’t make us bad or wrong btw, just goes to show how much our brains are wired to stay the same. In[…]

Just before I take a break for the festive season, I wanted to send you my very best wishes and thanks for listening this year. The Winter Solstice is a fabulous time for reflection. What can we celebrate from the year that has passed and what are we ready to let go of, perhaps an[…]

In this episode I guide you through a very, VERY simple way to create a brand new song, using an existing song as a template. Have a listen and tell me what you think? Even better, write your own song and record it or post your new lyrics to an existing holiday song and tag[…]

In this episode I’m offering a few thoughts and suggestions for last minute gifts for the singing/acting/voice-professional people in your life. From voice straws to books on breathing and personal development, here are a few of my favorite things, listen to the episode to find out why I chose them.   1. The Voice Straw[…]

Hello, ‘Tis the season of holidays and families (or not families) and cooking and cleaning and travel and all kinds of reasons to feel like we’ve taken on too much or why does uncle Bob always have to bring that up? So, if you forward to about 3 1/2 minutes in, you’ll find a 10[…]

This is the second part of a Vocal Health for Voice Actors webinar I did with Jim Edgar in the early part of 2020. This shorter half is the Q&A and we cover topics like, mouth clicks, hoarsness, throat clearing, performance anxiety and creating supportive rituals.  To protect yourself from vocal loss and to recover[…]

This is part one of two episodes, taken from a Vocal Health for Voice Actors webinar that was hosted by my very dear friend Jim Edgar in early 2020, right after I’d released my online course Your Vocal Health – for professional voice users In this first part I talk about: ➡️ my own vocal[…]

“The PERSONA is our somewhat embellished view of ourselves, the shiny face that we like the world to see. Its opposite, everything we reject about ourselves, is called the SHADOW.” Carl Jung by Gary Bobroff In this episode we explore Jung’s concept of ‘The Shadow’, how it might impact our voice and how to identify[…]

After referring to my training in Voice Movement Therapy over several episodes, I thought it was about time it got an episode to itself! Voice Movement Therapy or VMT is, at its core, an expressive arts therapy that uses the singing voice as its primary tool of expression. I trained in VMT with its founder[…]

In this episode I’m delighted to share my very first interview with guest Caroline Gill. Caroline and I were on the 1998-2000 Voice Movement Therapy training together with Paul Newham in London, and she went on to become not only a versatile singer and performer, but a yoga teacher and voice coach, also completing an[…]

It’s that time of year when no sooner do the pumpkins start to fill every corner of the grocery store, but people start getting coughs and colds, which is annoying for anyone, but super annoying if you depend on your voice to make a living! In this episode I’m sharing my top 12 tips on[…]

As promised this episode is a bit more on the woo side of things, but I think that any opportunity for reflection and new intention setting is a good one! In this episode I give you some suggestions for things to release and embrace, we talk about the importance of community and gratitude and I’ve[…]

Welcome to episode 13!  In this episode we dig into that juicy area of why some songs make us cry, sometimes we don’t even know why we’re choked up but we are. After recognizing some of the instances when we might cry either from us singing or listening to someone else, I lead you on[…]

September is back to school month for so many, and that might mean getting yourself a new voice coach or singing teacher? In this episode we have a look at my “7 Simple Steps to Choosing the Right Voice Coach” 1. Be clear about what YOUR goals, budget and commitment are. 2. Ask for referrals[…]

In this episode we break down…  • What is happening in your larynx when you sing or speak with a breathy tone.  • Why it might cause vocal injury over time. • When it might still be OK to do it! • Why famous singers might get away with it. • And a few tricks[…]

We’ve all been there … you choke in an audition, you miss your cue or come in late, you give a presentation that just doesn’t land right with your audience. In this episode I’m sharing my experiences with all of these moments of ‘failure’ and ‘shame’ and take you through the stages of releasing in[…]

In this episode we dig into what ‘tone deafness’ really means and why someone might have told you that in the first place. We also dig into: • simple pitch matching • techniques for building pitch confidence • when ‘pitch sliding’ is a good thing • what is ‘the spooky’ interval and ask the questions:[…]

Yep. That’s a bit of a zinger of a question isn’t it? And I bet when you read that, your brain started to provide all kinds of ‘sensible’ answers? In this episode we unpack some of the old stories and beliefs that might be holding you back from singing. We talk about: ➡️ lack of[…]

“Your voice wants to heal itself, if you give it the space and the right tools to do that” In this episode we are going to take a look at cool downs, an often neglected, but totally essential part of your vocal health kit. We’ll investigate: • Why cool downs are important. • A quick[…]

In this episode we’re digging into articulation and everybody’s favorite, tongue twisters. I might be improvising an ‘articulation song’ to a Dean Martin tune and I’m definitely offering a prize of a pack of Tongue Twister Cards, made by the lovely Leo Wiggins as a prize for the best tongue twister shared on social media[…]

In this episode we’ll dip into hydration (see what I did there?), release the tongue some more and add voice to breath with SOVT exercises.  With ALL of the suggestions in this podcast, only do what feels good to you!  Here’s the link to the Free Five Minute Warm-Up video so you can see what[…]

Here it is, Warm-Ups Part Three. In this episode I talk about: ✅  the importance of posture ✅ how to do self-massage to release the face and neck ✅ which common gym class warm-up to avoid ✅ and I make you stick your tongue out a LOT! What larks! Grab the FREE 5 minute warm-up[…]

In this episode I’m going to refresh our basic understanding of breathing anatomy and isolate each of the main areas for breath with a few simple exercises.   If you’re a singer or an actor, you’re going to need more breath than someone who’s not. There’s a balance that we need to work on between how[…]

If you are a singer, a voice actor, a podcaster, or a presenter, you are using your voice more than the average person. So it makes sense that you have to treat your voice a bit differently. You have to make sure that your instrument’s in good shape, that you’re warmed up & that you’re[…]

Hello, Welcome to episode one, of Your Free Voice! In this episode, we’re going to consider the notion of what IS a FREE voice? It has all kinds of connotations from the metaphorical to the literal, and we can look at it in terms of the mechanics of the voice, and we can look at[…]

The trailer for Your Free Voice!  This is a podcast for professional voice users AND those who are in it for fun! Learn how to strengthen your instrument and release old stories that might be holding you back.  Julia Norton is a professional singer, actor and voice coach who has been teaching others how to[…]