Jeremy de Tolly speaks with Dr. Shannon Coates about vocal pedagogy, trauma-informed voice teaching, neurodiversity, and the future of inclusive singing education. Together they explore healthy singing, cultural bias in traditional training, and how voice teaching can become more empowering, student-led, and human-centered.

You will learn:

• What vocal pedagogy actually is — and why it’s more than anatomy and technique

• The difference between prescriptive teaching and student-led learning

• How trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approaches are changing voice education

• Why “healthy singing” is often shaped by cultural and historical bias

• The hidden influence of colonialism and elitism in traditional vocal training

• How collective singing can support emotional regulation and healing

• Why agency and nervous system safety matter in voice lessons

• The importance of inclusive teaching for children and developing voices

• How modern voice teachers can create safer, more empowering learning spaces

• Why singing is deeply connected to identity, expression, and human connection

Sign up for Shannon’s voiceped 101 course below:

https://drshannoncoates.com/the-voiceped-101-library/

Join her mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/shannon-coates/voicepedrevolution-mailinglist-signup

If you’d like to explore this work further:

→ Free resources and guides

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/resources

→ Private coaching with Jeremy

Personalized support to help you move through vocal anxiety and speak with clarity and confidence.

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/coaching

Stay connected

→ Subscribe on YouTube to watch future video episodes https://www.youtube.com/@JeremydeTolly

→ Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updates

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/newsletter-subscribe

Follow Jeremy:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydetolly/

00:00 Introduction to student-led pedagogy
02:17 Defining vocal pedagogy and its historical context
05:02 Differentiating anatomy and physiology from pedagogy
09:30 Moving away from a prescriptive, competitive approach
12:23 Historical roots of Western classical singing
15:14 Systematization of voice training in academia
20:21 Systemic issues in traditional vocal education
25:38 Myths about "healthy" singing and cultural biases
30:44 The colonial perceptions of belting
34:44 Deconstructing systemic and racial biases
44:36 Community-based and inclusive models
46:40 Neurodiversity affirming approaches
58:45 Teaching children and developmental readiness
1:06:23 Reframing the narrative around children's singing
1:11:56 The power of Choral singing
1:13:23 Starting somewhere as a teacher
1:17:59 Final thoughts

Why does your voice shut down when it matters most?

The answer isn’t confidence - it’s a whole-system issue, starting in your nervous system.

In this episode, voice coach and actor Mattie Shisko explores the powerful link between the nervous system and authentic expression.

We dive into vocal liberation, practical tools to regulate your body and voice, and why safety (not confidence) is the foundation of being heard. Mattie also shares insights from working with politicians and leaders under pressure, revealing what it really takes to sound grounded, clear, and human when it matters most.

Expect practical exercises, fresh perspectives on vocal confidence, and a deeper understanding of how your voice impacts both you and those around you.

To find out more about polyvagal theory and Mattie’s course:

https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/

https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory

https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/vagusnerve

https://learning.polyvagal.org/courses

You will learn:

Why your voice is shaped by your nervous system

How safety (not confidence) is the foundation of authentic expression

Simple practices to regulate your voice and body

Insights from coaching leaders and politicians under pressure

How your voice impacts connection and how others experience you

The role of play in unlocking a more natural, expressive voice

If you’d like to explore this work further:

→ Free resources and guides

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/resources

→ Private coaching with Jeremy

Personalized support to help you move through vocal anxiety and speak with clarity and confidence.

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/coaching

Stay connected

→ Subscribe on YouTube to watch future video episodes https://www.youtube.com/@JeremydeTolly

→ Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updates

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/newsletter-subscribe

Follow Jeremy:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydetolly/

00:00 The Power of Voice and Safety

02:49 Liberation Through Voice

05:55 Navigating Political Communication

09:03 The Role of Nervous System Regulation

11:56 Aligning Voice with Intention

14:53 The Importance of Play in Vocal Expression

18:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Expression

20:21 The Impact of Voice on Connection

23:53 Flexibility and Agility in Communication

26:10 The Challenge of Corporate Culture

30:06 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Voice

What does it take to find your voice when fear takes over?

In this episode of Radiant Voices, Jeremy de Tolly is joined by Toastmaster and speaker Mathew Makoni, who shares his journey from freezing on stage to becoming a grounded, confident communicator.

Together, they explore the relationship between anxiety and excitement, the power of preparation, and how to speak with presence rather than perfection. Matthew offers practical insights on building a strong foundation in public speaking, while also reflecting on the deeper, more personal process of learning to trust your voice.

This is a gentle, honest conversation for anyone who has ever felt nervous, stuck, or unsure when speaking and is ready to begin again.

Visit Mat’s website for more information about his work, key note and bookings: https://mathewmakoni.co.za/

You will learn:

• What to do when you freeze while speaking
• Anxiety vs. excitement: understanding your body’s response
• Why preparation creates confidence (and how to do it well)
• The role of practice, repetition, and structure
• How to use technology for growth without losing confidence
• Speaking with intention: body language, presence, and awareness
• The balance between spontaneity and preparation

If you’d like to explore this work further:

→ Free resources and guides

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/resources

→ Private coaching with Jeremy

Personalized support to help you move through vocal anxiety and speak with clarity and confidence.

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/coaching

Stay connected

→ Subscribe on YouTube to watch future video episodes https://www.youtube.com/@JeremydeTolly

→ Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updates

https://www.jeremydetolly.com/newsletter-subscribe

Follow Jeremy:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydetolly/

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and introduction

02:20 A Toastmaster’s journey

03:00 Understanding nervousness in public speaking

04:57 The difference between anxiety and excitement

07:24 A journey from living in Zimbabwe to thriving in South Africa

09:26 Family influence on communication

11:18 The moment Mat froze on stage

14:25 Overcoming public speaking anxiety

16:03 The importance of a strong foundation

22:10 The story about the rich salesman and the 10 scrolls

22:27 The journey of public speaking - Adding value to your voice

26:00 Public speaking preparation - Follow these steps of success!

31:25 The importance of body language

34:14 Embracing your public speaking journey

38:32 The power of speech writing and structure

42:10 Spontaneous vs prepared speaking

44:00 A technique for over-speakers and ramblers

45:27 Engaging with your audience

46:32 Embracing visibility in the digital age

51:15 Final thoughts