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At three years old, Markus dragged a chair onto a “stage” and started speaking. He never forgot who he was—until a traumatic moment at nine and a half led him to “wall in” his soul and lose his speaking voice. In this intimate conversation, Markus Neukom (Steward of the Stillness Council) shares how stillness became his compass, why suffering trained him to hold others through transformation, and how song carried his truth when words could not. We explore agency after trauma, choosing joy without bypassing darkness, and the lifelong path of remembering the original blueprint of who we came here to be. If you’ve ever felt silenced—and sensed your soul waiting in the wings—this one’s for you.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Stillness is an active bridge between mind and heart—not absence of action.
2. Early resonance is real: some children arrive knowing their purpose and voice.
3. Trauma can mute speech, yet truth can find another channel (for Markus, singing).
4. Choosing agency (not blaming) is a powerful path to reclaiming voice.
5. “Walled-in” parts aren’t lost; the soul can stay present until it’s safe to lead again.
6. Darkness and joy are both teachers; wholeness means holding both.
7. Systems we’re meant to reform may first refuse to let us “succeed” inside them.
8. The soul work is remembering who we were before the world said who to be.
9. Cultivate stillness to hear soul-intelligence and act from it.

Soul Sucker Quiz

Take the Soul Sucker Quiz to learn which Soul Sucker screams the loudest in your mind so you can release them from being in charge and set your voice free!

https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/

The Speaker Alter Ego Quiz

Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!

https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening!

Take the free Speaker Alter Ego Quiz to find out which protective mask is hiding your wild, untamed radiance.
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/

Follow me on:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@voicematters9646

Send Lauri a message

What opens up when we decide the ‘good girl’ role isn’t ours to play anymore?

In this special Inside the Speakers Studio episode, Lauri Smith traces her journey from playing small to unleashing her fire — from meek “Mary Warren” to fiery “Abigail” — and explores the deeper archetypes of Good Girl, Rule Breaker, and Wild Woman.

You’ll hear the pivotal story that opened the doorway to her voice, a fresh take on how rebellion and safety shape us, and a soulful invitation to step into your own Wild Woman (or whatever name resonates with you).

If you’ve ever felt torn between being agreeable, being defiant, or being fully yourself — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: Who is your Good Girl? Who is your Wild Woman?

Takeaways:
1. Your whole life comes with you on stage (and radiates back into life).
2. Each time you cross a threshold into something you were told not to be, you expand your voice.
3. Rebellion is a natural part of growth — but it’s not the end goal.
4. Healing and emerging weave together — like a flower folding inward, then blooming stronger.
5. Practical reflection questions: Who is your Good Girl? Rule Breaker? Wild Woman?

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening!

Take the free Speaker Alter Ego Quiz to find out which protective mask is hiding your wild, untamed radiance.
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/

Follow me on:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@voicematters9646

Send Lauri a message

What happens when a lifelong teacher and musician steps out from behind the piano and picks up the mic?

In this heartfelt conversation, Simply Sarah host Sarah Stockham shares her journey from back-row musician to mic-on leader — and what it really means to say yes (and sometimes no) on the path of aligned speaking. Together, we explore the courage it takes to leave a lifelong role, follow intuitive nudges, and trust that new opportunities will unfold in perfect timing.

Sarah’s story is a masterclass in grace, growth, and grounded leadership. From navigating visibility to creating a show that now reaches hundreds of thousands around the world, she reminds us that soulful speaking isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, choice, and heart.

🎧 Tune in for inspiration to trust your own “yes,” honor your “no,” and step into the light of your voice.

TAKEAWAYS
1. Rock bottom isn’t the end—it's a baseline you can rise from.
2. Background roles build presence: musician → conductor → mentor → host.
3. Teach (or speak) something five times—then you “own” it and can improvise.
4. Community creates courage; inclusion invites voices at every level.
5. Define the endpoint: what do you want the audience to think/feel/do?
6. Aligned choices include “no.” New seasons require new boundaries.
7. Legacy is built in stages: publish, iterate, and let synchronicity meet you.

Connect with Sarah
Instagram & YT: @SarahStockham
SarahStockham.com
ReikiClaremont.com

Soul Sucker Quiz

Take the Soul Sucker Quiz to learn which Soul Sucker screams the loudest in your mind so you can release them from being in charge and set your voice free!

https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/

The Speaker Alter Ego Quiz

Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!

https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening!

Take the free Speaker Alter Ego Quiz to find out which protective mask is hiding your wild, untamed radiance.
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/

Follow me on:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@voicematters9646