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High Notes

High Notes

Written by: Melissa Thom
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About this listen

High Notes is a podcast featuring conversations on the art and business of voice, hosted by voice actor and BRAVA CEO, Melissa Thom. From Mongolian throat singing to vocal health, accents, gaming, and more, HIGH NOTES uncovers the craft behind the business.


Brought to you by https://www.brava.uk.com/








Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melissa Thom
Art Economics Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • In Conversation with Margaret Heffernan: Voice, Creativity, and Embracing Uncertainty
    Dec 15 2025

    In this episode, Melissa sits down with professor, writer, and deep thinker, Dr. Margaret Heffernan, to explore creativity, uncertainty, and the power of authentic voice.


    Together, they talk about how artists and leaders can not only survive but thrive in unpredictable times, the importance of cultivating a personal style, and the art of communicating with clarity and impact.


    Margaret reflects on lessons from her childhood and career, shares insights from her latest book Embracing Uncertainty, and offers thoughtful guidance on building meaningful, creative lives.


    Tune in for inspiration and practical wisdom on navigating change, fostering creativity, and finding your voice at work and beyond.



    Links:


    https://www.mheffernan.com/


    https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/99633.Margaret_Heffernan


    https://www.ted.com/speakers/margaret_heffernan



    Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

    Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

    brava.uk.com/business


    Stay connected with BRAVA

    Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

    brava.uk.com/subscribe



    00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

    01:19 Meet Margaret Heffernan: Early Life and Influences

    05:54 Embracing Uncertainty: Insights from Margaret's Latest Book

    09:28 The Importance of Creativity and Adaptability

    16:49 The Power of Voice in Leadership

    21:19 Effective Communication: Avoiding Jargon and Clichés

    29:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business

    30:23 The Craft of Effective Communication

    35:32 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    37:11 The Importance of Curiosity and Noticing

    45:52 Creativity in Science and Engineering

    46:38 The Value of Arts in Education

    51:17 Building a Meaningful Creative Career



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    55 mins
  • Leading with Wisdom: Voice, Visibility & Purpose - with Lynne Franks
    Dec 8 2025


    In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with trailblazer Lynne Franks, a visionary in PR, fashion, and women’s empowerment. From shaping modern communications to founding movements that uplift and connect women, Lynne’s story is one of courage, creativity, and community.

    Together, we explore her remarkable journey, from her early career breakthroughs to her transformative work with initiatives like the SEED community and the What Women Want campaign. Lynne opens up about the lessons learned along the way, the power of intergenerational wisdom, and why creating safe spaces for women’s stories is key to meaningful leadership.

    Join us for a conversation on resilience, visibility, and purpose and discover how using your voice can spark real, lasting change.




    Links:


    https://lynnefranks.com/


    TED Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Mi1YtGHwc


    https://seednetwork.com/


    https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/





    Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

    Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

    brava.uk.com/business


    Stay connected with BRAVA

    Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

    brava.uk.com/subscribe


    00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

    00:33 Meet Lynn Franks: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership

    01:20 Early Influences and Career Beginnings

    02:49 Pioneering in PR and Fashion

    05:17 Empowering Women's Voices

    07:18 Creating Safe Spaces for Women

    11:30 The Seed Handbook and Sustainable Business

    15:17 Wise Leadership and Community Change

    23:27 What Women Want Campaign

    31:45 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    35 mins
  • Executive Presence: Power, Clarity and the Courage to Speak Up with Janey Lee Grace
    Dec 1 2025

    In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with legendary broadcaster, author, and coach Janey Lee Grace. From her days on BBC Radio 2 with Steve Wright to her work as a coach in heart-centred communication, Janey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

    She opens up about her memoir From Wham to Woo, her path to sobriety, and the transformative power of living, and communicating, with authenticity.

    Together, we explore the art of meaningful connection: how preparation, presence, and joy can elevate your message and your work. Janey also reflects on the life-changing decision to quit alcohol, and how helping others discover their true voice has become her greatest passion.

    Tune in for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.


    Links mentioned in the show:


    https://janeyleegrace.com/


    Janey’s books - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/432760.Janey_Lee_Grace


    The Sober Club Podcast - https://www.thesoberclub.com/podcast/


    The Sober Diaries book by Clare Pooley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36301974-the-sober-diaries


    What Women Want - https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/ Find out more about this campaign in the next episode!



    Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?

    Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:

    brava.uk.com/business


    Stay connected with BRAVA

    Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:

    brava.uk.com/subscribe


    00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast

    00:33 Meet Janie Lee Grace: Broadcaster, Author, and Coach

    01:38 Janie's Early Years and Path to Radio

    03:10 Lessons from BBC Radio with Steve Wright

    05:29 The Art of Connection and Presence

    06:53 Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience

    11:28 Writing a Memoir: From Wham to Woo

    16:07 Empowering Others to Find Their Voice

    19:58 Heart-Centred Communication in Business

    23:23 The Power of Nonverbal Cues

    24:15 Balancing Acting in Corporate Settings

    24:42 Finding Your Authentic Business Voice

    27:57 The Journey to Sobriety

    36:09 Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

    38:50 Emerging Voices in Broadcasting and Coaching



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    41 mins
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