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

In this powerful conversation, Jeremy sits down with Richmond Heath, a global leader in Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®), to explore how stress, trauma, and emotional tension are stored in the body and how natural tremors can help release them.

Since introducing TRE® to Australia in 2010, Richmond has taught more than 5000 people to use this profound self-care technique. He has also had more than 10,000 people enroll in his world-first free online TRE® course.

Find out more about Richmond and TRE courses here:
http://www.trecourse.com/
http://www.trecourse.com/advanced
http://www.treaustralia.com/

https://www.facebook.com/richmond.heath

TRE® follow along session with Dr Berceli

You will learn:
What TRE® really is

Flow states and embodiment

Public speaking and performance anxiety

Fight-or-flight and nervous system regulation

Top-down vs bottom-up healing

Spontaneous body movement and release

Safety, expression, and authentic communication

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 / @jeremydetolly
→ Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updates
https://www.jeremydetolly.com/newslet...

Follow Jeremy:

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

00:00 Introduction to TRE and Richmond Heath

03:56 Understanding TRE: The Basics

08:09 The Experience of TRE: Body and Mind Connection

18:56 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Healing

30:32 Embodiment and Flow States

40:08 Navigating Anxiety and Performance

44:02 Finding Authenticity Through Safety

47:03 Mobilization and Emotional States

57:03 Bringing TRE into Daily Life

01:04:17 Conclusion and Future Directions

Support the Radiant Foundation
Providing free trauma tools and support to underprivileged communities in South Africa
https://www.radiantfoundation.org.za/

In this episode, Jeremy explores what happens inside us when we speak, and how to work with the patterns that shape our voice, confidence, and presence.

If you’ve ever experienced your mind going blank, your body tightening, or a sense of anxiety when speaking, this episode will help you understand why, and what you can begin to do about it.

You will learn:

Why speaking anxiety is not a confidence problem
How the nervous system shapes communication
Simple ways to regulate yourself in real time
How to change fear-based speaking patterns permanently
Practical tools or insights you can apply right away

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

00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Jeremy’s personal singing story and stage fear
05:58 - Long-term patterns of social freeze and shame
07:18 - Root causes: childhood conditioning and core beliefs
08:56 - The journey to feeling socially likable and confident
10:24 - Trusting your voice in flow state
12:23 - Who this work is for
14:23 - Communication patterns in high-stakes environments
18:42 - The power of deep root work and childhood trauma
20:46 - Components of the Radiant Voices Process
22:13 - Grounding through body awareness
26:49 - Breathing techniques
28:18 - Bilateral stimulation for processing feelings
30:26 - Replacing anxiety with positive multitasking
31:24 - Polyvagal theory in action
33:20 - The vagus nerve’s role in voice and emotional regulation
36:39 - Creating performance flow
37:09 - Addressing pre- and post-speaking anxiety with EFT
39:05 - Understanding and healing the shame hangover
41:56 - Exploring the roots of voice blocks in childhood trauma
44:18 - Transforming freeze responses with compassionate inner work
47:06 - The joy of trusting your imperfect, authentic voice
48:06 - Practical tools: speech training, situational practice, and habits
49:01 - Achieving flow and ease in speaking
50:00 - Final encouragement

Support the Radiant Foundation
Providing free trauma tools and support to underprivileged communities in South Africa
https://www.radiantfoundation.org.za/

Welcome to Radiant Voices, a podcast about finding your voice when anxiety, overthinking, or self-doubt get in the way.

Here, we explore how to move from tight, stuck, or second-guessing… to speaking with ease, warmth, and real authenticity.

Through practical tools and honest conversations, you’ll learn how to steady your body, clear your mind, and express yourself with clarity and confidence.