Psychologist and Host, Dr. Doreen Downing, invites guests who have suffered from public speaking anxiety to tell their story of struggle and how they overcame fear. They took an inner journey, found the voice that is truly their own, and now speak with confidence.
Today, I interview Julia Stege, who struggled to find her footing amidst doubts about her artistic abilities and societal expectations. Growing up in a family where creativity was both encouraged and stifled, Julia found herself navigating conflicting messages about her abilities. Despite doubts about her artistic prowess and pressures to conform, Julia pursued her passion for graphic design.
As Julia ventured into the wor...
Today, I interview Elona Lopari, who was misunderstood and restricted by societal norms early in her childhood. Growing up in Albania, she grappled with being labeled as mischievous and stubborn for her independent thinking and curiosity. Despite these hurdles, Elona found solace in her innate drive for achievement and a determination to break through limitations imposed by others.
Upon immigrating to the United States, El...
Today, I interview Matt Mueller, who talks about how he went from being a very creative child to facing the tough rules of grown-up life that often stop us from being imaginative. He shares important times when the fear of what others would think made him quiet his own new ideas.
This story of change is not only about Matt; it's something many of us can relate to when we think about how often we've had to hold b...
Today, I interview Linda Ford, who shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Ireland, characterized by poverty and emotional turmoil, to becoming a master-certified coach. Linda's early experiences were marked by economic hardship, lack of education, and a deep-seated sense of insecurity and self-doubt.
Her breakthrough came when she moved to America, which sparked a transformative journey towards self-confid...
Today I interview Dr. Maria Nemeth who shares her journey of dealing with shyness despite being labeled as an extrovert. Dr. Nemeth explains the distinction between being extroverted and feeling shy, recounting personal stories that shed light on the challenges she faced.
Throughout the conversation, she shared breakthrough moments that impacted her personal growth, her initial struggles in public speaking, and a memorabl...
Today I interview Deb Drummond who shares her story of navigating a challenging childhood growing up in a home where she felt tormented by an older sibling. Complicating matters, adults around her dismissed these struggles, downplaying her experiences as just typical sibling behavior.
That environment left scars on Deb's self-esteem and confidence, making it stressful for her to speak up confidently. However, at the ...
Today, I interview Shiraz Baboo, an influential figure in the realm of reality intervention. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid era, Shiraz's journey took a significant turn when his parents moved to Canada, seeking to escape racial tensions.
In high school, Shiraz initially conformed to the "in" crowd, losing his authentic voice. However, a pivotal moment came when his family moved to an all-white n...
Today, I interview Crystal Deichert, whose journey unfolds from the confines of traditional Catholic values to the vibrant shores of Maui. Raised in a community that prioritized conformity, Crystal faced the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints to uncover her authentic self.
Crystal shares her childhood struggles, emphasizing the lack of room for individuality in her community. Seeking solace, she found ins...
Today, I interview Marc Evans, a seasoned business coach and CFO. Shaped by the assertiveness of his mother and the calm demeanor of his father, Marc learned early on the power of confidence.
Early on in life, Marc faced challenges related to his height but quickly overcame them with his ability to use his voice effectively. This skill is what he brought to his role in corporations. As a manager, he honed his skills, and h...
Today, I interview Kyomi O’Connor who shared a compelling story of her life, marked by early familial challenges. During her childhood, Kyomi endured emotional abuse and struggled with her own identity. As a support to a weak mother, she embraced a dual persona, projecting an outwardly bubbly demeanor while concealing an inner struggle for self-acceptance.
Transitioning into her teenage years, Kyomi faced societal taboos i...
Today, I interview Renee Bauer who shared her journey from a childhood shadowed by economic hardships to a life of significant achievement. She spent her formative years in an environment where family finances were a constant concern. Her parents tirelessly juggled nighttime jobs, including taking on cleaning medical facilities to ensure stability.
Renee, even as a teenager, pitched in with the cleaning efforts, often at t...
Today, I interview Jane Applegath whose story reflects how external circumstances can often drown out our inner voices, creating conflict within ourselves. In the midst of these challenges, she discovered the transformative power of yoga and meditation.
Jane grew up with 4 other siblings so she had to speak up or she’d never be heard. For her, it was about the inner voice she wasn't tuned into. And knowing that voice is the epi...
Today, I interview Carol Vincie who shares a compelling story of her journey to discover and embrace her own voice despite the challenges posed by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Carol's story reflects the struggle many face when dealing with these conditions, as she navigated a world that often misunderstands or stigmatizes them.
Carol’s lack of a voice revolved around her ...
Today, I interview Jeff Borschowa who shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming shyness and embracing introversion. Jeff's early years were marked by the struggle to find his voice in a world that often seemed overwhelming.
Growing up in an environment that didn't necessarily support his unique gifts, he faced challenges ranging from bullying to feeling out of place in social situations. He was painfully sh...
Today, I interview Georgann Low who has a compelling story of facing inner struggle and losing her voice after a journey through the tumultuous landscape of the '60s and '70s. From an outspoken and sassy youth to a period of drug-induced turmoil, Georgann's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
After graduating from high school, Georgann spent years in New York and California, going to college ...
Today, I interview David Doerrier who faced childhood insecurities and a long battle with addiction. He embarked on a path of self-discovery that led him to rediscover his authentic voice and passion. David is a testament to the power of resilience and personal growth.
David found himself in careers that had him in front of people daily. He knew this was what he wanted to do. However, he had loud voices in his head that were telling...
Today, I interview Tamara Herl whose getting up in front of a group of people to speak has always been hard for her. Tamara shares her compelling story of navigating through the challenges of finding her voice amidst family turmoil, societal expectations, and personal inhibitions.
Tamara sheds light on the transformative potential of embracing one's unique brilliance, tapping into the language of nature, and using creativity as...
Today, I interview Cindy Benezra who will share how she has emerged as a brilliant advocate for sexual abuse survivors. Her story is deeply moving, reflecting her struggles and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.
From a young age, Cindy endured abuse at the hands of her father, a dominant and intelligent man who shattered her innocence. The abuse left her voiceless, as she grappled with the confusion of what was happening...
Today I interview Ivna Curi. Ivna is a remarkable individual who has overcome significant struggles to find her voice and confidently speak her mind. Her journey from a shy and obedient girl to a powerful advocate for assertive communication is truly inspiring.
In our conversation, Ivna shares her transformative experiences, revealing the pivotal role courage played in her life. From her early days in Brazil, where she fel...
Today, I interview Anthony Kuo whose life journey took him from being tightly wound and trapped in the corporate world to breaking free and following his heart's desire. He joins us today to share his transformative experiences and how he has now dedicated his life to helping others find their own path to fulfillment.
Anthony Kuo's early life was shaped by the weight of immigrant family expectations and a musical backgroun...
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