My Voice, My Way

Today I asked my Husband Brian if he would like to do a podcast with me and he said yes but he wanted to do it himself without any involvement from me; however, as I pointed out to him, its my podcast I have to be involved! This was a very interesting talk and I learned things that I didn't realise or appreciate. Mainly, his feelings on my lack of voice. Sometimes I think we can be guilty of having 'blinkers' on and unintentionally thinking only of our own problems! I know, I have certainly been guilty of this. I hope you enjoy listening. 

Charlotte is my youngest daughter. I asked her a few questions on how she feels about my voice and what she thinks may have caused it. Charlotte is a Respiratory Nurse Specialist and we had an honest and frank discussion on my voice and other people with voice disorders and my mission to raise awareness.

Mr Declan Costello is a highly experienced consultant laryngologist with extensive expertise in treating all aspects of voice disorders and hoarseness. He studied music at St John's College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar. He went on to study medicine and undertook his ENT specialist training in the Oxford region.

He was appointed as a consultant ENT surgeon (specialising in voice disorders) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham 2010. In 2018 his NHS practice moved to Wexham Park Hospital in Berkshire. He is also one of the leading exponents of local anaesthetic laryngeal procedures, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with vocal fold paralysis. In April 2023, he was presented with the Santley Award by the Musicians' Company – this was awarded for services to singing and research into singing. This prestigious prize has previously been awarded to a very illustrious list of singers. 

In today's episode I am talking with Elsie who lives with Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Elsie first noticed her voice was failing when she went to work with Santa Clause in Lapland in 2022. Elsie is still awaiting an appointment with the local ENT in Manchester after relocating from the Midlands. 

In this episode I talk to Helen Parker who lives with Vocal Cord Paralysis. Helen has suffered for 3 years and her voice disorder has meant that she can no longer perform as a professional singer. Helen has had various treatments including Speech and Language and Vocal Manual Therapy. Helen talks about her plans for the future with a vocal disorder.

Helen is a fellow sufferer of Spasmodic Dysphonia. We both struggle whenever there is background noise and our first podcast together really highlighted this fact. I debated whether to publish this one as there was a lot of background noise, but I decided that I would publish it to show and highlight even more the struggles those suffering with a voice condition have on a daily basis just to be heard. Helen talks a little bit about her journey so far. I have more questions to ask her but we were both struggling so decided to stop and we will continue at a later date when there isn't as much noise.

This week's recording is with Laura who is a Speech & Language Therapist. Laura and I wanted to meet up to discuss the SLT's role in helping people with vocal problems prior to the procedure I am having tomorrow to  'hopefully' help my situation and give me some form of voice back. However, following this treatment I am not allowed to talk (at all) for a few days, so time was of the essence! We talk about the various problems in speech and where to get help. We also talked about World Voice Day on the 16th April and how Dysphonia International have been very supportive in the UK. I hope you enjoy listening to this one.

Today’s episode is one I’ve wanted to do for a long time. We’re

talking about the psychological side of voice disorders—and how

our emotional wellbeing and identity can be deeply affected when

our voice changes. My guest is Dr. Luke Aldridge-Waddon, a highly

specialised clinical psychologist with extensive experience

supporting people with voice conditions.

Dr. Aldridge-Waddon is helping reshape how we understand voice

disorders not as purely physical or emotional, but as complex

conditions where voice, mind, and identity interact. His work shows

that psychological support isn’t just an add-on; it’s essential care

In this episode I talk to Mandy Tucker who has a diagnosis of Muscle Tension Dysphonia and has lived with this condition for around 2 years. Mandy has had Speech Therapy but does keep having relapses in her voice. 

Having a voice disorder doesn’t mean you can’t perform, create, or have a career in the arts. I’m speaking to someone who knows the world of acting, voice work, and storytelling inside and out. He’s not only an actor himself, but also a director with years of experience in the industry. He’s here to talk about how having a different voice doesn’t mean you’re shut out of these creative spaces. Paul Sultana, talks honestly about how the industry really sees performers with unique voices and to explore whether there might be more opportunities out there than I’ve dared to believe.”

https://www.instagram.com/paulrsultana/

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Professor Khwaja is a Consultant ENT Surgeon and Laryngologist based in Manchester. She specialises in voice disorders, with particular expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Spasmodic Dysphonia and Muscle Tension Dysphonia. Her work combines surgical care, Botox treatment, and close collaboration with voice therapists. She is passionate about helping patients reclaim not just their voice, but also their quality of life.

For over eight years, Ms Khwaja has been part of the Manchester Voice Team, treating the full spectrum of benign and pre-malignant laryngeal conditions—from diagnosis through to therapy, Botox clinics, office-based procedures, and advanced laryngeal surgery. She also runs dedicated dysphagia clinics and is an active member of the complex adult airway multidisciplinary team.

Tor Spence is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Director at VoiceFit, we explored two often-overlooked areas: children’s voice disorders and occupational voice users. We discuss why young voices matter, how vocal challenges can affect learning, confidence, and social life, and what parents and teachers can do to help. Tor also sheds light on the hidden risks faced by professionals who rely on their voices daily, the importance of prevention and therapy, and why greater awareness and support are vital across both groups.