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The Voice Boxes

The Voice Boxes

by Articul8 Studios

How To Self-Improvement

Season 2

Fatigue and the Voice

Vocal stamina isn't luck. It's the result of habits trained professionals build deliberately, long before they hit "record." In this episode of VoiceBoxes, voice actor and speech-language pathologist Jennifer Kellams teams up with voice actor and vocal performance coach Nettie Rose to unpack vocal fatigue, one of the most common threats to consistency on long recording sessions and multi-module projects. They break down how hydration, sleep, nutrition, and stress management directly affect vocal stamina, and what trained professionals do differently to protect their instrument project after project. Hosted by Vocal Coach (Nettie Rose) and SLP-credentialed (Jennifer Kellams) voice actors with a clinical understanding of vocal mechanics, The Voice Boxes offers a behind-the-scenes look at the training and self-management that goes into dependable, broadcast-ready voiceover work for eLearning, corporate training, healthcare, and educational media. key topics Effects of fatigue on vocal cords Signs of vocal fatigue Importance of hydration and sleep Breathing and support during fatigue Stress and nutrition's role in voice health Takeaways Fatigue can cause voice cracks, gravelly voice, and slurred speech. Yawning and hydration help relax throat muscles and improve voice. Dehydration and poor nutrition exacerbate fatigue and vocal issues. Recognizing early signs of fatigue can prevent long-term damage. Managing stress and getting restful sleep are crucial for vocal health. Sound bites "Fatigue affects your voice early on." "Yawning relaxes throat muscles and boosts oxygen." "Energy drinks are not the best solution." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fatigue and Voice Health 02:03 Signs of Vocal Fatigue 04:04 Overcompensation and Vocal Strain 06:03 Health Conditions Impacting the Voice 08:03 The Importance of Sleep and Sunlight 10:03 Impact of Dehydration and Cross-Contamination 10:50 Energy Drinks and Natural Boosts 11:59 Planning Your Energy Throughout the Day 13:08 Exercise and Movement for Energy 13:55 Final Tips for Vocal Care and Fatigue Prevention Where to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

Managing Tummy Issues for Vocal Health

In this episode, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams dive into how common tummy issues like acid reflux, bloating, and digestion discomfort can impact your voice. They share practical tips, dietary strategies, and humorous anecdotes to help voice users maintain vocal clarity and comfort. Key Topics: The importance of managing stomach pressure before voice use, especially for speaking, singing, or voice acting How overeating and eating immediately before speaking can cause gurgles and burps that disrupt performances The benefits of waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before recording or presenting Tips for calming digestion, such as drinking carbonated water or warm water, and strategic food ordering The role of physical adjustments like pillows or position to reduce stomach noises Cultural and medicinal approaches, including herbal digestives and alcohol as muscle relaxants The humorous side of voice and tummy health, along with the importance of listening to your body Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to voice and tummy issues 00:16 - How eating habits affect voice clarity 00:36 - The impact of stomach gases and pressure on breathing 01:04 - Risks of over-eating before voice work 01:30 - Why burps happen and how to prevent them during recordings 01:51 - The importance of timing and letting digestion settle 02:03 - Using pillows and physical strategies to muffle digestion noises 02:19 - Effects of overeating on breath control and vocal support 02:42 - How the esophagus squeezes food and relieves pressure 03:07 - Techniques for calming digestion with food ordering 03:34 - The role of medications and natural remedies 04:19 - Curious tips from recording studios, like digestion cover pillows 05:07 - Sharing personal experiences with stomach illness and voice 06:05 - Quick fixes: carbonated water and herbal teas 06:37 - Pronunciation fun and flavor preferences (La Croix, cola flavored water) 07:48 - Cultural approaches, including traditional herbal digestives 08:01 - The proper order of eating to reduce gas buildup 08:45 - Use of Tums and natural remedies for indigestion 09:10 - Techniques like patting the stomach and burping to make room 09:39 - Enjoying sushi without discomfort and water's role 10:10 - Remedies like warm water and Asian medicinal practices 10:55 - Old wives' tales: alcohol and home remedies for stomach discomfort 11:16 - The humorous idea of using bourbon or whiskey to relax stomach muscles 11:55 - Alcohol as a muscle relaxer and medicinal aid 12:31 - Different cultural digestives: Uzo, Campari, and aperitifs 13:01 - The importance of taking care of your tummy before social or vocal engagement 13:34 - Inviting audience questions and future topics on medicinal and dietary solutions for voice users 14:09 - Closing remarks and encouragement to share experiences Where to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

Acid Reflux and the Voice

In this episode, Jennifer and Nettie discuss the impact of acid reflux on voice health, including dietary triggers, lifestyle changes, and medical considerations. Perfect for anyone experiencing voice changes or reflux issues. key topics Impact of acid reflux on voice Dietary triggers for reflux Lifestyle modifications for reflux management Medical and natural approaches to reflux Effects of reflux on vocal cords takeaways Avoid fried, spicy, and acidic foods to reduce reflux Sleeping on the left side can minimize acid reflux Mint can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen reflux Water before bed can trigger reflux if not careful Lifestyle changes like diet and sleep position are crucial "Tomatoes and lemons are highly acidic." "Acid can burn the soft tissue in your throat." "Lifestyle changes are key to managing reflux." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to acid reflux and voice health 01:24 Foods to avoid with acid reflux 03:09 How acid reflux affects the throat and vocal cords 04:28 The anatomy of reflux and its impact on voice 06:20 Lifestyle tips to manage acid reflux 08:15 Medical considerations and medication use 09:35 Diet and lifestyle adjustments for reflux relief 11:10 Summary and tips for managing reflux-related voice issues Where to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

Voice Boxes Season Two: What to Expect

In this episode, Jennifer Kellams and Nettie Rose kick off Season 2 of Voice Boxes with a fun, fast-paced preview of what’s coming next. They share the topics they’re most excited to explore, from vocal health and technique to the real-life factors that affect the voice. What’s coming in Season 2 Jennifer and Nettie tease a packed season with episodes covering: Vocal gadgets and tools: what helps, what doesn’t, and what’s worth trying Acid reflux and GERD: how digestive issues can affect the voice Vocal range: what it really means to expand your range Warm-ups and cool-downs for the voice Personal confessions and lessons learned along the way Muscle tension, neck tension, and the connection between stress and the voice Breathy tone, pressed tone, and vocal effects Efforts in voice acting, including sounds that mimic being punched or shot Why these topics matter The hosts explain that voice issues often come from places people don’t immediately connect to their voice, like stress, fatigue, tension, and outside life. They also highlight how these subjects matter for voice actors, gamers, athletes, and anyone who uses their voice regularly. Jennifer and Nettie invite listeners to send in questions by email or Instagram DM so they can answer them on the show and build future episodes around audience topics. Where to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes

Season 1

Hormones and Your Voice: What Changes with Age?

This episode explores the impact of hormones on the body and voice, including hot flashes, hormonal fluctuations during menopause, and how hormones like estrogen and testosterone influence vocal health and aging. Hosted by Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams, it offers practical insights and scientific explanations. Key Topics: Hormonal impact on vocal cords Effects of estrogen and testosterone on voice Hot flashes and hormonal fluctuations during menopause Hormones and aging of the larynx Managing hormonal changes and vocal health

The Ultimate Guide to Staying Hydrated

This episode explores the importance of hydration for overall health and vocal health, including practical tips on how to stay properly hydrated, signs of dehydration, and how hydration affects the vocal cords. Key Topics: How hydration affects the body and vocal cords Signs of dehydration and overhydration Effective hydration strategies and tools Impact of diet and environment on hydration Hydration's role in vocal health and performance

Unlocking the Secrets of Subglottal Pressure

In this conversation, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams explore the concept of subglottal pressure, its significance in vocal health, and the importance of diaphragmatic breathing. They discuss how improper tension in the throat can affect voice projection and share exercises to improve vocal control and health. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding the mechanics of voice production to enhance vocal performance and prevent strain.

Environmental Irritations

In this episode of The Voice Boxes, Jennifer Kellams and Nettie Rose discuss the various environmental factors that can impact vocal health, including indoor and outdoor pollutants, allergens, and the importance of hydration. They explore how conditions like dry air and allergens can lead to throat irritation and vocal strain, and share practical tips for managing these issues to maintain vocal health. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a healthy environment for the voice, including the use of air filters, humidifiers, and mindful cleaning practices.

Technical and Medical. Bonus: Throat singing!

In this episode, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams delve into the fascinating world of throat singing, exploring its mechanics and the differences between neurological and environmental issues affecting the voice. They discuss the importance of breath support, vocal techniques, and the role of speech pathology in addressing voice problems. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper vocal care and techniques to enhance vocal performance, while also engaging with the audience for questions and further exploration of the topics discussed.

Sore Throat Solutions: What Works and What Doesn't

In this episode, Nettie Rose and Jennifer Kellams discuss the importance of vocal health, particularly when dealing with sore throats. They explore common misconceptions about voice use during illness, emphasizing the need for gentle voice use and effective remedies. The conversation also covers hydration and nutrition strategies to support vocal health, concluding with listener engagement and encouragement to share personal experiences.

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