The UnMuted Voices Podcast

Aïcha Ly
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast about unlearning silence, finding your voice, and speaking with clarity and confidence — one story at a time. Through interviews, insight, and reflection, host Aïcha Ly explores what it takes to reclaim your voice — so you can lead, connect, and speak more confidently… as yourself.

Episodes

  1. 10/07/2025

    EP 10: What Now? How to Keep Using Your Voice After Unmuting

    ✨ Episode 10 of UnMuted Voices is live now, and this one feels like the heart of the whole season. This final conversation is all about what happens after unmuting, how we keep showing up, speaking, and living unmuted every single day. Here’s what we’ll uncover together: • Why unmuting isn’t a finish line but a lifelong practice • How small, consistent actions matter more than one big breakthrough • Why setbacks are part of the journey and how self-compassion builds resilience • Practical ways to keep your voice strong at work and in life 💭 What would it look like for you to live unmuted in your own life? And if you want to take this work even deeper, here are two ways: 🌟 Join us for Unmute: An 8-week Communication Lab. Launching this November, this intimate group program (6 people per cohort) is designed for professionals who want to stop second-guessing their voice and start speaking with impact. Together, we’ll practice clarity, confidence, and presence so you walk into 2026 communicating like the leader you already are. Join the early interest list by commenting "READY". 🌟 Pre-order your copy of Unmuted Voices: How We Hear Accents — and Learn to Judge Differently. Blending narrative, research, and strategy, this book invites you into real-world experiences of those whose voices mark them as “other” while offering practical tools and reflections for interrupting bias, shifting conversations, and building more inclusive communication. Preorder your copy here: https://www.sitbstudio.com/unmutedvoicesbook. 🎧 Tune in now through the links in the comments and let’s walk into this next chapter together. #UnMutedVoices #YourVoiceMatters #SpeakWithConfidence #FindYourVoice #UnlearningSilence

    9 min

  2. 09/30/2025

    EP 9: Voice Boundaries Choosing When to Speak and When Not To

    ✨ Episode 9 of Unmuted Voices is here, and it might be one of the most grounding conversations yet. I had the joy of sitting down with Subbu Ramalingam, Chief Executive Coach and Founder of FloWise Leadership. Subbu is a dynamic business leader with over 22 years of experience across financial services, technology, and healthcare. Through FloWise, he coaches executives and leaders using neuroscience-based approaches to help them grow with clarity and impact. Subbu reminded me that silence does not always mean shrinking. Sometimes, silence is strength. Sometimes, it is the most powerful way to protect your energy and choose presence over noise. Here are some of the gems we uncovered together: • Not every moment requires you to speak • Boundaries are a form of voice power • Silence can be protective instead of limiting • Sustainable voice use begins with knowing when to rest your voice 💬 Where in your life do you feel the need for stronger voice boundaries? 🎧 Tune into this conversation and stay connected, because something special is coming for those who want to go deeper into this practice of voice and presence. #UnmutedVoices #VoiceBoundaries #Leadership #SpeakWithConfidence #VoicePower #PodcastConversation

    53 min

  3. 09/23/2025

    Ep 8: Boundaries, Misunderstandings, and the Courage to Speak Anyway

    🎙 Episode 8 of UnMuted Voices is live now! Boundaries, Misunderstandings, and the Courage to Speak Anyway Courage isn’t always about speaking louder. Sometimes it’s about staying connected to your voice even when it feels risky. In this episode, we talk about what really happens when we’re misunderstood and how to keep showing up without disappearing. Here’s what you’ll take away: • Why fear of being misunderstood is normal, and why silence isn’t the answer • How boundaries act as filters that protect your voice, not barriers that erase it • The power of clarifying once with kindness instead of explaining into exhaustion • Why misunderstandings are inevitable (and not a sign of failure) • Practical tools like boundary phrases and resilience reframes to keep your peace intact When was the last time you spoke up and it was misinterpreted? Tune in now through the links in the comments. And if this resonates, pass it along, someone you know may need the reminder that their voice belongs here too. #UnMutedVoices #SpeakYourTruth #BreakTheSilence #BoundariesMatter #CourageToSpeak

    9 min

  4. 09/16/2025

    Ep 7: The Communication Tools We Should Have Learned Sooner

    The best communication tools don’t change who you are — they reveal you more clearly.   🎙 Episode 7: The Communication Tools We Should Have Learned Sooner   This week, I’m joined by Mike Finnegan, Head of WealthManagement Specialized Services, former CFO for Vanguard Americas, and former Head of Strategy for Vanguard International.   Mike’s career spans global strategy, finance, and risk management, with experience at Vanguard, Target Corporation, and Independence Blue Cross. He has also served as chief of staff to Vanguard International's Managing Director. Beyond the titles, Mike brings a thoughtful, practicalapproach to communication that makes him an incredible guide for anyone wanting to speak with clarity and confidence.   Here’s what you can expect in this episode: • Communication is something we can all learn and grow in, no matter where we start. • Clarity matters more than chasing perfection or sounding flawless. • The best tools are the ones that actually work in our real, everyday conversations. • The struggles we face in speaking up are shared by many, and they can be unlearnedwith time. • Confidence and connection grow naturally when we keep practicing and showing up with our voice.   🌐 You can connect with Mike and explore more of his work here: Mike Finnegan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjfinnegan/ We’ve all had moments where we wished we had the right words or tools sooner. Looking back, which communication skill do you wish you had learned earlier, and how might it have changed the way you show up today?   Share your experience with us, we’d love to hear!   🎧 Tune in through the links in the comments.   #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment#SpeakWithClarity #ProfessionalGrowth #VoiceAndPresence

    45 min

  5. 09/09/2025

    Ep: 6: How To Strengthen Your Voice Again

    “Your voice has no expiration date.” In Episode 6 of UnMuted Voices: How To Strengthen Your Voice Again, I sit down with Simone W. Johnson-Smith, Author, Podcaster, and Certified Intercultural Strategist. A former U.S. diplomat turned cultural bridge-builder, Simone knows what it means to journey back to her voice after silence. We talk about the emotional and practical process of speaking again, what it feels like to reclaim your voice, even when it feels messy, uncertain, or long overdue. This conversation is honest, inspiring, and full of hope for anyone learning to trust themselves again. Here’s what you can expect in this episode: • Simone’s personal story of silence and rediscovery • Why rebuilding your voice is messy but necessary • Simple ways to start small and trust yourself • How to face the fear of speaking up after being quiet for too long ✨ And I have some exciting news: my book Unmuted Voices: How We Hear Accents and Learn to Judge Differently is almost here. Release date is coming soon—sign up for updates and preorder info here: https://www.sitbstudio.com/unmutedvoicesbook If you’d like to keep learning from Simone, visit thebridgeconcepts.org, where you can connect to all her social media channels and sign up for her free guide Finding Belonging Abroad. You can also subscribe to her weekly Thrive Abroad newsletter for more inspiration and resources. 🔗 And don’t miss out, you can also connect with Simone directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonewjohnson/ 👉 Tune in through the comments for the episode link and join the conversation. #UnMutedVoices #FindYourVoice #ConfidenceInSpeaking #SpeakWithCourage #GlobalVoices #BookAnnouncement

    53 min

  6. 09/02/2025

    Ep 5: Overcoming Voice Bias at Work

    What does 'sounding professional' really mean and how does voice bias show up in the workplace?   Episode 5 of UnMuted Voices is LIVE! 🎙   In this conversation, I sit down with Mariama Kurbally,Chief Program Officer of E2 EMPOWERED. Together, we explore: • What people usually mean when they say someone “sounds professional”• How expectations around professionalism can limit authenticity• The role of culture and environment in shaping our voices• Why it matters to challenge narrow ideas of what leadership should sound like• How leaders can build spaces where different voices are valued   Mariama partners with leaders, nonprofits, and governmentagencies to turn vision into measurable action through strategic planning, workforce development, and organizational capacity building. Mariama’s coachingspans from C-suite executives to school principals, equipping leaders with the skills and systems needed to navigate complex challenges and scale sustainable, community-driven solutions.   👉 Connect with Mariama and learn more about her work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariama-kurbally/   Tune in now through the links in the comments and reflect on what “sounding professional” truly means to you!   #UnMutedVoicesPodcast #SoundingProfessional#LeadershipDevelopment #VoiceAndIdentity #EquityInLeadership

    42 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Ep 4: The Voice in Our Heads — Internalized Bias

    Sometimes, the loudest critic is often the voice insideof us.. not always some person(s) out there. In Episode 4 of UnMuted Voices, I open up about something we don’t talk about enough: internalized bias. Those quiet inner voices that whisper you’re not ready, not enough, too much, or too little. The voices that sound like us… but don’t really belong to us.   Here’s what we’ll unpack together in this conversation: ·      What internalized bias really is, and how it shows up in everyday life ·      Why it’s not your fault (and how those voices get planted over time) ·      Real stories of how even seasoned professionals hold back because of inner bias ·      Three simple tools to start rewriting that inner script today ·      A reflection prompt to notice the hidden messages you’ve absorbed about your voice and identity   🌟 Free takeaway: You don’t have to believe every thought you think. You get to choose which ones stay, and which ones you can gently lay down.   This episode pairs beautifully with my upcoming book, Unmuted Voices: How We Hear Accents and Learn to Judge Differently. In it, I explore another kind of bias, accent bias, and how the way we speak can shape how we’re seen, heard, and judged. It’s about noticing the hidden rules we’ve been taught about voices and learning to listen (to ourselves and others) with more compassion.   If this resonates, I’d love for you to listen in and share it with someone who needs the reminder: you are not broken, you are becoming.   🎧 Tune in through the link in the comments, and let’s keep unlearning silence, together.   #UnMutedVoices #InternalizedBias #AccentBias#SpeakWithCourage #Communicationskills #UnlearningSilence

    7 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    Ep 3: Do You Hear What I Said — or How I Said It? Tackling Accent Bias

    It’s not your accent that’s unclear. It’s their bias thatis.   In Episode 3 of UnMuted Voices, I sit down with Jhon Cardona, an adjunct instructor in Rhode Island College’s ESL Intensive Program who has been teaching English as a Second Language for nearly 20 years in both the United States and his native Colombia. Jhon also teaches at RIC’s Workforce Development Hub, writes and translates for RIC’s Office of College Communications and Marketing, and teaches introductory Spanish at Salve Regina University.   We talk about how accent bias can influence how people seeour credibility, leadership, and worth. This conversation is honest, uplifting, and might just help you see your voice in a new way.   Here is what you can expect in this episode: ·      Stories from Jhon’s personal and professionaljourney with accent bias ·      Insights on how bias focuses on how we speakinstead of what we say ·      A deeper look at why clear does not have to meanstandard ·      Thoughts on how bilingualism can build trust andopen unexpected doors ·      Practical ways to challenge bias and own the wayyou speak  Jhon shared so much wisdom in this conversation. If you’d love to keep learning from him, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhon-j-cardona-ramos-6a488616b/ And if you’d like to explore more of Jhon’s work, you can read his articles for RIC News:  • First feature on the refugee experience:https://our.ric.edu/news-events/news/refugee-struggle-worth-it  • Wilmer’s journey to a RIC degree:https://our.ric.edu/news-events/news/meet-our-graduates-esl-classes-led-wilmer-ric-degree  • Jenny Galvez’s strength in the face of adversity:https://our.ric.edu/news-events/news/meet-our-graduates-jenny-galvez-strength-face-adversity   Have you ever felt underestimated because of how you speak? I’d love to hear your story in the comments or in a DM. Want to learn more about accent bias and how to tackle it? Check out our upcoming book, Unmuted Voices: How We Hear Accents and Learn to Judge Differently. You’ll find stories, insights, and practical strategies to recognize bias and create more inclusive ways of listening and communicating. Learn more here: https://www.sitbstudio.com/unmutedvoicesbook   #UnMutedVoices #AccentBias #FindYourVoice #BilingualStrength #CulturalConnection

    41 min

  9. 08/12/2025

    UnMuted Voices Podcast - Full Trailer

    Your voice was never broken—it was just waiting to be heard.   Introducing Unmuted Voices, a 10-episode miniseries about finding the courage to speak up, lead with confidence, and live more fully.   🎙Through real stories, gentle psychology, and practical tools, we explore what it means to go from quiet to clear, from silenced to seen.   Whether you're leading a team, starting over, or simply learning to trust your voice again, this is for you.   💬 Come as you are. Leave a little louder. Subscribethrough the links in the comments and begin your journey today.   #UnmutedVoices #Leadership #Communication#FindYourVoice #SelfGrowth

    3 min

  10. 08/12/2025

    Ep 2: Why Public Speaking is So Hard

    Speaking up isn’t just about finding the right words —its’ about finding the courage to be seen. In this episode of UnMuted Voices, we unpack why publicspeaking feels so intimidating (even for seasoned pros), and how to shift from fear to confidence, one small step at a time.   Whether it’s a boardroom presentation, a team meeting,or simply raising your hand in class, you’ll walk away with tools to help you speak with more presence, purpose, and impact.   🎧 Tune in to hear why your voice matters — and how to keep showing up for it, even when the room feels silent.   What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why public speaking fear often has nothing to do withthewords you say. • The real reason visibility feels so risky — and how it tiesto past experiences. • The concept of impression management and why it can createhigh-pressure moments. • How to normalize your nerves and use them toyour advantage. • Four practical tools you can apply immediately tofeel calmer and more confident when speaking. • Why the value of your voice isn’t measured by applauseor perfect reactions.   🎙 Listen to the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast — and join the communityof voices unlearning silence, one brave word at a time.   📌 Catch the conversationon YouTube or Apple Podcasts, find the links in the comments.   #UnMutedVoices #PublicSpeakingTips#ConfidenceBuilding#SpeakUp #FindYourVoice

    8 min

  11. 08/04/2025

    Ep 1: Why We Go Silent (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

    I’m honored to share Episode 1 of UnMuted Voices: “Why We Go Silent (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)” 🎙 So many of us learned to stay quiet, not because we had nothing to say, but because somewhere along the way, silence felt safer than speaking up. In this opening episode, we begin unpacking the layers of silence we carry. Through real stories, reflection, and insights from psychology, we explore why finding our voice can feel so hard, and why it’s never too late to begin again. If you’ve ever swallowed your thoughts to keep the peace, or questioned whether your voice even mattered, this is for you. 💬 Come as you are. Leave a little braver. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Your silence was never a weakness. It was survival. And your voice? It’s still here, ready when you are. #UnMutedVoices #WhyWeGoSilent #FindYourVoice #Leadership #CommunicationCoach

    8 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A podcast about unlearning silence, finding your voice, and speaking with clarity and confidence — one story at a time. Through interviews, insight, and reflection, host Aïcha Ly explores what it takes to reclaim your voice — so you can lead, connect, and speak more confidently… as yourself.

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