The Words Don't Fit the Picture: Gender vs. Voice

Jess Lupini
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Documentary

What happens when your voice no longer matches your gender identity? Join host Jess Lupini as she explores the strange and tangled relationship between gender and voice. Through interviews with linguists, trans people, voice training experts, doctors, surgeons, storytellers, and much more, The Words Don't Fit The Picture will take you on a journey through what we know — and what we've still yet to fully understand — about how our voices and gender identities affect one another.

Episodes

  1. Mar 17

    Non-Binary Voice and the Power of Storytelling with Ivan Coyote

    Jess chats with Ivan Coyote, a non-binary writer, storyteller, and performer. They talk about storytelling, gender identity, finding their voices, growing up without trans role models in media, why so many trans people find their identities in music, and how to find community when the world feels dark. Click here to watch a video of this episode. (00:00) - Show Intro (01:30) - Introduction to Ivan Coyote (02:23) - Favorite Voices and Icons (08:28) - Voice as a Tell (29:47) - Misgendering and the Cabin Question (41:50) - Inside "Playlist" Stories (44:51) - Queer Discovery in Music (47:53) - Rocky Horror and Role Models (59:05) - Backlash and Survival (01:14:07) - Advice and Farewell (01:22:57) - Credits Click here to view the episode transcript.

    1h 23m

  2. Mar 15

    What is Voice Training? with Speech-Language Pathologist Sherri Zelazny

    Speech-Language Pathologists have played a major part in bringing gender-affirming voice training to communities worldwide. Jess speaks with Sherri Zelazny, a Vancouver-based SLP, who helps trans people change their voices through the Changing Keys program in BC. They discuss voice training, the role of SLPs, and vocal health. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript.

    1h 2m

  3. Mar 15

    Voice Surgery for Altering Pitch with Dr. James Thomas

    Jess speaks with Dr. James Thomas, a laryngologist who may be the leading expert in pitch-altering vocal surgeries. They talk about what options are available, what kinds of results are possible, and what to expect in terms of recovery and complications. Surgeries discussed include the Cricothyroid Approximation, Feminization Laryngoplasty (FemLar), and Vocal Cord Webbing. Click here to watch a video of this episode. (00:00) - Show Intro (01:34) - Introduction to Dr. James Thomas (03:43) - Stroboscopes (04:52) - A Rare Sub-Sub-Specialty (06:59) - Voice Physics: Pitch vs Resonance (10:42) - Testosterone and Voice Changes (12:15) - The Cricothyroid Approximation (15:04) - Cricothyroid Approximation Results and Drawbacks (18:15) - Inventing "Femlar" (23:31) - Femlar: Before and After (25:29) - Success Rates and Real Outcomes (27:42) - Risks, Complications, and Revisions (30:54) - Webbing and Lasers (32:59) - Choosing Surgery Options (34:42) - Recovery Timelines (36:30) - How Pitch Range Shifts (37:38) - Trachea Shaves (40:18) - Transparency About Complications (44:06) - Revisions vs. "Tuneups" (47:35) - Ethics and Patient Vulnerability (51:34) - Insurance and Political Climate (55:01) - Voice Surgey and Voice Therapy (01:00:09) - Future of the Field (01:02:04) - Pitch Lowering (01:03:47) - Closing Thoughts (01:06:22) - Credits Click here to view the episode transcript.

    1h 7m

  4. Mar 13

    Voice Training and Trans-Fem Voices (with Claire Michelle)

    Jess speaks with Claire Michelle, founder of the Seattle Voice Lab, about how to feminize your voice, coaching trans voices, and the unique challenges that trans women face when it comes to speech and voice. Click here to watch a video of this episode. (00:00) - Why This Show Exists (00:46) - Introduction to Claire Michelle (02:04) - What Voice Training Is (04:37) - Common Voice Myths (05:52) - Real vs Authentic Voice (08:28) - Belonging and Code Switching (13:54) - Safety and Privilege (17:31) - Cis Voice Insecurities (19:49) - Transfeminine Voice (23:07) - Passing and Inflection (26:19) - Pitch Apps and Obsession (27:58) - Same Pitch Different Gender (29:57) - Curriculum Monotone Method (31:27) - Beating Voice Cringe (33:47) - Personal Safety and Voice (38:38) - Claire's Voice Journey (44:32) - Coming Out (47:15) - Into The Weeds (49:41) - Future of Voice (51:05) - Motivation and Practice (52:09) - Closing Thoughts (53:43) - Credits Click here to view the episode transcript.

    54 min

  5. 04/08/2025

    What Does Gender Sound Like? (with Dr. Kathryn Campbell-Kibler)

    What do others assume about us from our voices? Jess speaks with Dr. Kathryn Campbell-Kibler, an associate professor of linguistics at Ohio State University, who specializes in sociolinguistics — The study of how society and culture affect language. They discuss how gender norms change how we speak, and how our speech changes the way others perceive us. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript.

    1h 9m
  • 5 Episodes

About

What happens when your voice no longer matches your gender identity? Join host Jess Lupini as she explores the strange and tangled relationship between gender and voice. Through interviews with linguists, trans people, voice training experts, doctors, surgeons, storytellers, and much more, The Words Don't Fit The Picture will take you on a journey through what we know — and what we've still yet to fully understand — about how our voices and gender identities affect one another.

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Lupini
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Avo Media

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