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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

Send Lauri a message

Why “One-Size-Fits-All” Speaking Doesn’t Work — and what to do instead.

In this intimate solo episode, Lauri pulls back the curtain on the deeper “why” behind her work—and how it breaks free from the industrial, cookie-cutter speaking world.

Through personal stories and client journeys, she reveals how true transformation happens when we stop performing, let go of who we were told to be, and step into who we actually are.

You’ll also be guided through a short grounding visualization to reconnect to your body, your voice, and the energy you bring into every room you enter.

If you’ve ever felt like your voice didn’t quite fit the mold… this one’s for you.

Takeaways

1. Speaking is a spiritual journey, not a strategy. True transformation happens when you treat speaking as an initiation into your authentic power—not another skill to master.
2. Industrial “one-size-fits-all” programs suppress radiance. Most speaker training models teach you to perform, not to be, erasing your natural charisma and voice.
3. Your 1-in-8-billion radiance is your magnetism. When primal life force meets purpose, you become magnetic—able to shift the energy in every room you enter.
4. Intimacy creates transformation. Small, safe, live spaces allow for real unmasking and growth—something no pre-recorded course or template can replicate.
5. Letting go is the threshold to freedom. Every breakthrough begins when you release the “good girl,” “good boy,” or “perfect professional” masks that keep you small.
6. Oneness and authenticity are felt, not taught. Lauri’s story of her acting class breakthrough illustrates that presence is born from emotional truth, not control.
7. The Soulful Speaking Immersion is a sacred passage. Participants rediscover their voice, embody their message, and remember who they truly are.
8. There’s no shortcut to soulful expression. The way out is through—breathing, grounding, and being witnessed in your wholeness.
9. You can shift the world by shifting the vibe in the room. When you speak from your soul, your presence becomes the air conditioner—transforming the energy around you.

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/

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 natural listener with a “small voice” decides to step into visibility?

In this candid and inspiring conversation, digital marketing strategist Berlyn Komar shares how she stretched herself beyond anxiety and discomfort to embrace speaking as part of her purpose-driven business journey. From teaching one workshop a month to showing up on podcasts and in-person events, Berlyn’s story is proof that confidence is built one courageous step at a time.

We also dive into soulful marketing, the importance of storytelling, and how to ease yourself into visibility—whether you’re just starting out or ready to turn up the volume on your authentic voice.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Stretching bit by bit builds confidence — small, consistent steps (like monthly workshops) create sustainable growth.
2. Being a listener can make you a better speaker — it allows you to tune into your audience and invite connection.
3. Confidence comes after action — the “I want to die before” often shifts to “I loved that” afterwards.
4. Intend–Align–Invite mantra — a simple framework to bring more presence and clarity into your speaking.
5. Visibility is a muscle — the more you practice, the less “cringy” it feels.
6. Marketing is storytelling — people want to connect with your mission, not just your product.
7. Ease into being seen — start with private videos, move to Instagram Stories, then step into workshops and lives.
8. Block people if you need to — it’s okay to protect your space and practice being visible without certain eyes on you.
9. Purpose-driven marketing creates fulfillment — working with aligned brands and solopreneurs allows both creativity and contribution.


About Berlyn:
Berlyn Komar is a digital marketing strategist and founder of Planted Marketing. She has 10 years of experience working with small businesses to help them build foundations, launch, and grow. When she's not behind her computer, you'll find her watching Survivor, reading, or hyper-fixating on whatever hobby she's currently into this week.

Connect with Berlyn:
https://www.instagram.com/plantedmrktng/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/berlynkomar/

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/

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

Most speakers aim for comfort. But “comfortable” rarely moves an audience.

In this solo episode, Lauri Smith invites you into the Radiant Zone—the place where speakers come alive, audiences lean in, and transformation happens. Along the way, she shares the three zones of speaking, why “fine” is forgettable, and how fear and excitement can be channeled into magnetic presence.

If your dream is to stop surviving speaking moments and start lighting up rooms, this episode shows you how to step into radiance.

Takeaways:

1. There are three speaking Zones – Fear, Comfort, and Radiance - and only one of them creates transformation.
2. Comfort ≠ Connection – Clarity and competence may be fine, but they won’t make you unforgettable.
3. Radiance Requires Sensation – Fear and excitement are neighboring energies; the key is to dance with them.
4. Set Emotional Intentions – Focus on what you want your audience to feel, not just what you want them to know.
5. Radiant Speaking Is a Practice – Align your body, breath, and energy, then invite your audience on the ride with you.

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

In part two of my conversation with Kremena Yordanova, we turn to the present — her evolving relationship with speaking, her dance with imposter syndrome, and the art of showing up unscripted and real. Kremena shares her favorite speaking experiences, her perspective on leading across generations, and the importance of humility in conscious leadership. We close with the Pivot Pivot: a playful round of questions that reveal her quirks, her loves, and the legacy she wants to leave behind.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Imposter monsters show up to protect us — but their voice isn’t the truth. We can thank them, and then choose not to let them drive.
2. Mistakes on stage don’t diminish our power; they make us more magnetic, more human, more alive.
3. Presence isn’t about perfection. It’s about allowing life to flow through us in real time, never the same twice.
4. Vulnerability is the currency of connection. When we drop the mask, we give others permission to drop theirs.
5. Humility is strength. Letting Gen Z or anyone younger than us teach us is leadership in its most conscious form.
6. Humanity is like an orchestra. Every voice — drums, violins, even the instruments we’ve never heard before — is needed for true harmony.
7. Conscious leadership begins with ourselves. It’s the daily practice of asking: Who do I want to be remembered as?

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

Before becoming a keynote speaker and conscious leadership voice, Kremena Yordanova was known as “The Kremenator” — a corporate leader who could get things done, but at the cost of masking her softer self. In this first part of our conversation, Kremena shares her earliest experiences with speaking (including a childhood stage freeze), how yoga helped her dissolve fear and reconnect with presence, and the high price of wearing masks in the corporate world. Together, we explore the link between survival, performance, and authenticity — and the moment yoga entered her life to change everything.

Takeaways

1. Childhood stage freeze can echo long into adulthood — until we meet practices that set us free.
2. There’s a profound difference between performing a mask and speaking from truth.
3. Sometimes the part of ourselves we most resist seeing holds the key to our liberation.
4. Humor can be both a gift and a mask, depending on how we use it.
5. Leading from toughness alone comes with a cost. Sooner or later, it wears us down.
6. Yoga can be a doorway to both recovery and integration alongside a demanding corporate career.
7. As wild, untamed, radiant leaders, it’s important to tend to both fire and softness.

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/

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