#60 Making Friends with Your Own Voice

You don't need to find your voice. You need to trust it. This episode unpacks how doubt, comparison, and over-editing pull you away from your natural rhythm—and offers practical ways to reconnect with the voice that's already yours, messy, honest, and powerful.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Danielle Mitchell, with special guest hosts Lori Walker, Leonora Simonovis, Ravina Wadhwani, and Annie Freshwater.

EPISODE GUIDE

What if the voice you're searching for is the one you've been editing out? This episode shows you how to return to it.

02:15 — The Myth of "Finding Your Voice"
Why the idea that your voice is hidden or missing might be the very thing holding you back.

04:00 — Your Voice Is Already Here
What voice actually is and how it shows up in your instincts, rhythms, and emotional imprint.

06:00 — How We Start Writing Away from Ourselves
How doubt and imitation creep in, pulling your voice further from what's already there.

09:15 — What Gets in the Way
Comparison, over-editing, feedback fear, and platform pressure that flatten your work.

10:30 — How to Build Trust with Your Voice
Practical ways in, including voice notes, writing letters, and letting messy drafts stand.

14:00 — What Happens When You Stop Forcing It
Writing becomes faster, more honest, and more connected when you stop performing.

16:00 — Finding Your Way Back (SOS Plan)
What to do when your voice feels distant, including grounding, small truths, and quiet re-entry.

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