Speaking of Talking

Jenni Steck, MFA, MS, CCC-SLP
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Arts

Speaking of Talking is your go-to podcast for all things voice. We unpack what makes a voice compelling—on stage, on air, and in everyday life. From vocal health and identity to performance under pressure, we explore the voice’s role in how we connect and communicate. With humor and curiosity, we chat with experts like vocal coaches, announcers, and voice actors to bring you fresh insights. Tune in and discover why voices are cool—and how yours can be even cooler.

Episodes

  1. May 21

    JESSICA D TURNER. Your Accent Is Not the Problem - A Conversation About English Pronunciation Training

    🎧 Speaking of Talking: Your Accent Is Not the Problem: A Conversation About English Pronunciation Training Guest: Jessica D. Turner, Speech Coach and Accent Specialist, Jenni Steck Voice & Speech Services Episode Summary In this episode, Jenni sits down with her colleague, Jessica D. Turner, to talk about English pronunciation training - often called "accent reduction." They start with an uncomfortable question: who decided one accent is the standard? From there, they cover the mechanics of American English sounds, the role of rhythm and stress, and why a word can be pronounced correctly and still not land the way the speaker intended. The conversation also moves into territory that does not often make it into clinical discussions: the identity piece, the frustration, the clients who arrive because their boss sent them, and the ones who get emotional in the middle of a session and are not sure why. Jessica has been doing this work for more than twenty years. She came to it the same way her clients did, by having to change something about her own voice and discovering what was possible when she did. In This Episode Why the term “accent reduction” is both useful and misleading, and what Jessica actually calls the goal of this work. The difference between sounds, rhythm, stress, and inflection, and why each one matters for being understood. Why the music of a language can cause communication breakdowns even when every word is pronounced correctly. What clients who switch between languages throughout the workday are managing, and how Jessica helps them make the transition. Why 20 minutes of daily practice beats two hours on the weekend, and how muscle memory works in pronunciation change. Guest Bio Jessica D. Turner is a speech coach, accent specialist, actor, and voice-over artist with more than twenty years of experience helping adults communicate with clarity and confidence. She holds a BFA from Southern Methodist University and was trained in the International Phonetic Alphabet and voice placement through both her undergraduate and graduate programs. She works with international professionals, executives, attorneys, physicians, and public speakers. Jessica coaches at Jenni Steck Voice & Speech Services in Dallas, Texas. Quote of the Episode “I am not trying to change who you are. I have no interest in that, because who you are is fantastic. What I am trying to help with is your communication so that you can be more free within it.” Jessica D. Turner Mentions and Resources Jenni Steck Voice & Speech Services: https://jennisteck.com Accent Reduction Program (Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages): https://jennisteck.com/programs/accent-reduction-workshop/ NPR story on how the brain decodes spoken language through volume and stress patterns: "Brain Uses Loudness Of Vowels To Process Speech Into Syllables" 🔗 ⁠https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/11/20/780988618/the-loudness-of-vowels-helps-the-brain-break-down-speech-into-syl-la-bles⁠

    1h 6m

  2. Apr 16

    LESLEY CHILDS, MD. That's Not My Voice: Muscle Tension, Identity, and Finding Your Way Back

    Guest: Dr. Lesley Childs, Laryngologist, Associate Professor, and Medical Director of the Clinical Center for Voice Care, UT Southwestern Medical Center 🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, Jenni sits down with Dr. Lesley Childs to talk about Muscle Tension Dysphonia, a voice disorder that doesn’t show up on a scan or announce itself with something visible. It lives in the body’s muscle memory, in patterns the voice box learns and holds onto long after whatever caused them is gone. Dr. Childs explains what’s actually happening at the level of the larynx, what triggers it, how it gets diagnosed, and what treatment involves. She also talks about the grief that can come with losing a voice tied to your work and your identity, and why her team takes a whole-person approach to care. This is a clinical conversation, but it is also a personal one. Dr. Childs has been a singer her whole life. She knows what it means when the voice stops cooperating. In This Episode: What a laryngologist actually does, and why so few people know they exist Primary vs. secondary Muscle Tension Dysphonia: what the difference is and why it matters for treatment What MTD sounds and feels like from the patient’s perspective: the tightness, the fatigue, the strain The triggers that can set it in motion, including stress, illness, and the “perfect storm” of both at once Why muscle memory is so powerful, and how maladaptive patterns can stick long after the original cause is gone What the diagnosis appointment looks like, including what patients see when they view their own vocal folds on camera for the first time Why voice therapy is the main treatment for MTD, and what it actually involves day to day The published research behind Stretch-and-Flow and Resonant Voice Therapy, and what it tells us about how to treat MTD Why getting better requires daily practice and a willingness to do exercises that feel genuinely strange When Botox becomes part of the picture, and why Dr. Childs calls it a laryngeal control-alt-delete The grief and identity loss that comes with voice disorders, and why the team includes psychologists and physical therapists New research at UT Southwestern exploring whether MTD may have a sensory component, not just a muscular one The two-week rule: how long to wait before getting persistent hoarseness checked out Dr. Childs’ own story: losing her voice on the way to a choir competition, and the ENT visit that changed the direction of her career Guest Bio: Dr. Lesley Childs is a laryngologist, Associate Professor, and Medical Director of the Clinical Center for Voice Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Her team includes specialized voice therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists who treat the full range of voice disorders. A classically trained soprano who recorded for Walt Disney Records and completed her fellowship at the New York Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders, Dr. Childs brings a practitioner’s and a performer’s perspective to the science of voice. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed studies on Muscle Tension Dysphonia treatment and is involved in ongoing research at UT Southwestern. Quote of the Episode: “The voice is the most personal of all art forms. It is inextricably linked to self-identity. That is how we present ourselves to the world, how we connect with others, how we empathize. And the level of grief associated with any difficulty with voice cannot be underestimated.” Mentions and Resources: Dr. Lesley Childs UT Southwestern Clinical Center for Voice Care: https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/voice-care/ Dr. Lesley Childs at UT Southwestern: https://utswmed.org/doctors/lesley-childs/ World Voice Day: April 16 each year. https://www.entnet.org/world-voice-day/ Jeff Pegues episode on Spasmodic Dysphonia (referenced in conversation) Two-week rule: persistent hoarseness for two weeks or more is a reason to see a specialist

    1h 4m

  3. Mar 19

    DANA COBB. Show Up to Contribute, Not to Be Perfect

    🎧 Speaking of Talking: Show Up to Contribute, Not to Be Perfect Guest: Dana Cobb — Founder, Vokol Group PR Agency Run Time: ~1 hour Episode Summary: In this episode, Jenni sits down with her longtime friend and PR powerhouse Dana Cobb to explore one of the most pervasive obstacles in professional communication: imposter syndrome. With decades of experience prepping spokespeople, celebrities, and executives for the spotlight, Dana brings a frank, practical perspective to a topic that's become impossible to ignore. The conversation covers everything from media training and crisis communications to deep fakes, Gen X resilience, and why "don't lie" might just be the most powerful PR strategy of all. They dive into: What imposter syndrome really is—and why it's not just about feeling unqualified, but feeling undeserved How micromanagement breeds imposter syndrome from the top down Why celebrities and CEOs often struggle more than you'd expect The media training mistake people make: rehearsing failure instead of success How to frame any high-stakes interaction around contribution, not perfection Language habits that quietly shrink your authority—and how to replace them Preparing for Q&A when you can't control the questions Crisis communications 101: the golden rule is don't lie Navigating imposter syndrome as "the only one" in the room—and why mentorship matters Why AI and deep fakes are the new frontier of crisis management What makes a great PR person (hint: it's not what you learned in school) 🎙️ Guest Bio: Dana Cobb is the founder of the Vokol Group, a Dallas-based PR agency focused on arts, entertainment, and lifestyle communications. With a background in New York theater marketing and performing arts PR, Dana has spent her career at the intersection of storytelling and strategy—preparing clients for media opportunities, managing event communications, and coaching spokespeople to show up with confidence and clarity. She got her start in crisis communications in one of the first-ever grad-level crisis comms courses at SMU, and has been navigating high-stakes messaging ever since. ✨ Quote of the Episode: "People rehearse messing up. They don't rehearse doing well. If somebody feels they have done it, then they feel like they belong in that position—and the imposter syndrome fades away." — Dana Cobb Mentions: Vokol Group: https://www.vokolgroup.com Fan Expo (referenced): https://fanexpohq.com The Tylenol Crisis (referenced): FDA overview Go Ask A Manager, by Alison Green. https://a.co/d/0gStMYki Indispensable, by Joe Calloway. https://a.co/d/03LUkcev Dana’s Fan Expo interview with Mr. T.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obBS7TrYy2o

    47 min

  4. Feb 19

    DAVID MARQUIS. The Show Must Go On (Even with a Sore Throat)

    🎧 Speaking of Talking: The Show Must Go On (Even with a Sore Throat) Guest: David Marquis — Performer, Writer, Activist, Educator Run Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes Episode Summary: In this episode, Jenni sits down with performer, writer, activist, and lifelong “teacher” David Marquis for a rich, wide-ranging conversation about voice, performance, and what it truly means to use your voice for a living. What begins with travel stories quickly unfolds into the reality of touring one-man shows for decades: six to seven performances a week, relentless travel, vocal wear-and-tear, and the deep loneliness that often comes with life on the road. David traces his journey back to a single speech teacher who saw his potential early on—setting him on a path that led to I Am A Teacher, a one-man show seen by hundreds of thousands, later adapted into a book, and ultimately used as the foundation for a national Ad Council campaign to recruit new teachers. Together, Jenni and David dive into the intersection of voice, body, and nervous system—sharing practical strategies for hydration, managing exhaustion, handling performance anxiety, and adapting vocal warm-ups to real-world constraints. David offers hard-earned wisdom from decades of performance, including techniques for resting the voice mid-show, releasing trapped energy in the body, and using stillness to deepen audience connection rather than losing it. The conversation also weaves in unforgettable stories from the road: the infamous “two raw eggs” throat remedy, a powerful decongestant that sent a show into overdrive, and the night David lost sound mid-performance and finished the show on pure stage training alone. As the episode closes, the focus turns reflective and deeply personal—exploring how voice is tied to identity, what it means to age out of certain performances, and how artists find new ways to communicate when their instrument changes. David hints at a future conversation about losing—and reclaiming—his voice, a journey he credits Jenni with helping guide him through. They dive into: • Life on the road as a one-man show performer • How an early failure and a great speech teacher changed everything • Vocal care in dry planes, hotels, and exhausting travel schedules • Why silence is one of the most underrated tools for voice health • Managing nerves through breath, body awareness, and releasing tension • Using pauses and stillness to protect the voice and heighten impact • The emotional power of live performance—and why it’s worth the cost • What happens when your voice changes and your identity has to shift 🎙️ Guest Bio: David Marquis is a performer, writer, activist, and educator whose work has reached audiences across the country through live performance, books, and advocacy. Best known for his acclaimed one-man show I Am A Teacher, David has spent decades using story and voice to inspire educators, leaders, and audiences nationwide. ✨ Quote of the Episode: “If you don’t get nervous, you’re doing it wrong.” Learn more about David: https://theactivistheart.com/david-marquis-biography/ Most recent books: The River Always Wins (Part 1 of the River Trilogy) Shop local at Deep Vellum books Buy on Amazon The River of Goodness (Part 2 of the River Trilogy) Shop local at Deep Vellum books Buy on Amazon The River of Blessings (Part 3 of the River Trilogy) Coming soon…

    47 min

  5. Jan 15

    MARYBETH MICELI. Finding Your Voice in a Male-Dominated Industry

    Marybeth Miceli is a leader in the world of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)—a field keeping our bridges, buildings, and planes safe. In this episode, she shares how she found her voice in a male-dominated industry, why vocal confidence matters, and how she’s mentoring the next generation of women to speak up, take up space, and lead with power. “Don’t give up,” she says. “You have to keep getting back up.” ———————————— In this episode, Jenni sits down with Marybeth Michelli, founder of Michelli Infrastructure Consulting and a leader in the world of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)—a field that uses technologies like ultrasound and X-ray to assess the safety of our bridges, pipelines, and aircraft. They dive into: What Non-Destructive Testing actually is—and why it matters How Marybeth learned to use her voice to command respect in male-dominated spaces The vocal strategies that helped her avoid being talked over Why pitch and pause can change how you're perceived What it means to lead with authenticity (and without apology) The shift from “fitting in with the guys” to mentoring the next generation of women How voice, presence, and communication build credibility in technical fields Lessons learned from theater, Taekwondo, and the boardroom Whether you're an executive, engineer, or someone navigating your own leadership voice, Marybeth’s insight is full of strength, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom. 🎙️ Guest Bio:Marybeth Michelli is the founder of Michelli Infrastructure Consulting, principal and cofounder of the WNDT Marketing Network, and executive director of the Non-Destructive Testing Management Association. With over two decades in the field, she is a vocal advocate for women in engineering and is known for her honest, direct approach to leadership and communication. ✨ Quote of the Episode:"Don’t give up. You’ll get pushed down, but you have to keep getting back up. Have the tenacity and the perseverance to push through." Mentions: Miceli Consulting : https://www.miceliconsulting.com/ Nondestructive Testing Management Association: https://www.ndtma.org/

    49 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    JEFF PEGUES. Finding Your Voice... Again

    🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, Jenni reconnects with Jeff Pegues, a veteran journalist whose career has spanned three decades across ABC, CBS, and now his own media company. From the football fields of Miami University of Ohio to the front lines of justice and crime reporting, Jeff shares his journey through the highs of national news, the toll of relentless coverage, and the unexpected challenge of losing his voice to spasmodic dysphonia. They dive into: • How a campus audition set him on the path to journalism • Breaking into top markets and becoming CBS’s first Black justice correspondent • Covering Ferguson, Freddie Gray, January 6, and the 2016 election • The physical and personal toll of 24/7 news and how stress impacted his health • Living with a voice disorder as a broadcast journalist • Reclaiming balance, creative freedom, and joy through Jeff Pegues Media • His current projects: Critical Dispatch, Person of Interest, a true crime series, and long-form documentaries This conversation is about resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering purpose when life and career collide. 🎙️ Guest Bio: With over 30 years of experience in major news organizations like WABC in New York and CBS News, where he served as Chief National Affairs & Justice Correspondent, Jeff has extensive expertise and credibility. His experience includes covering the Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security, as well as interviewing top U.S. law enforcement officials. He has also reported on significant events such as the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, numerous inaugurations, national political conventions, Super Bowls, terrorism incidents, and major hurricanes. The three-time Emmy Award winner is also a recipient of the Sigma Delta Chi journalism award and was part of the CBS News team honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2017. He has authored two books, Black and Blue: Inside the Divide Between Police and Black America (2017) and Kompromat: How Russia Undermined American Democracy (2018). While at CBS News, Jeff also hosted the podcast America Changed Forever and currently produces The Critical Dispatch podcast in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. His new show, Person of Interest, airs on Hulu, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other streaming platforms as part of the ALIVE Podcast Network. ✨ Quote of the Episode: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. That’s what I tell young people today—follow your dreams, because if you don’t, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” — Jeff Pegues Mentions: The Critical Dispatch podcast https://jeffpeguesmedia.com/our-work/podcasts/ Kompromat: How Russia Undermined American Democracy (2018): https://www.amazon.com/Kompromat-Russia-Undermined-American-Democracy/dp/1633884295 Black and Blue: Inside the Divide Between Police and Black America (2017) https://www.amazon.com/Black-Blue-Inside-between-America/dp/1633882578 Learn more about Spasmodic Dysphonia: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/spasmodic-dysphonia

    59 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    SAMANTHA MCINTYRE. Perfecting the Pitch

    Samantha McIntyre is a seasoned television writer and screenwriter whose credits include Unicorn Store, People of Earth, and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on the pitch process in Hollywood—sharing how she prepares, performs, and powers through rejection. Samantha opens up about finding her footing in the writers’ room, what it’s like to write comedy in a high-stakes industry, and how women in entertainment are still having to prove they belong. “You have to look like you know what you’re doing—even when you don’t,” she says. ———————————— In this episode, Jenni sits down with Samantha McIntyre, a seasoned television writer and screenwriter (Unicorn Store, People of Earth) to unpack the often mysterious world of Hollywood writing. From the art of pitching to life in the writer’s room, Samantha brings honesty, humor, and insider perspective to the conversation. They dive into: What it’s really like to pitch a TV show (and how to fake confidence) The emotional rollercoaster of selling original ideas Life inside the collaborative chaos of the writer’s room The ongoing fight for diversity in TV writing Her experiences on set, including working with Brie Larson and Bradley Whitford The difference between writing for TV and film—and why Unicorn Store was so special How women in Hollywood often have to “know more to prove they belong” Practical advice on Zoom presence and virtual pitching Whether you're a fellow creative, a curious viewer, or a business professional looking to sharpen your pitch game—this episode will leave you entertained and inspired. 🎙️ Guest Bio:Samantha McIntyre is a television and screenwriter best known for her work on comedies and for writing the Netflix original film Unicorn Store. She has worked on numerous TV shows, both staffed and original, and brings a deep understanding of story development and pitch dynamics. ✨ Quote of the Episode: “You don’t just want them to pick your idea—you want to know if you want to work with them. That changes everything.” Mentions: Unicorn Store movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_51UsTDBAE People of Earth: https://www.tbs.com/shows/people-of-earth Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist: https://www.nbc.com/zoeys-extraordinary-playlist

    1h 10m

  8. 10/16/2025

    BARRY NASH. The Changing Voice of News

    🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, Jenni sits down with Barry Nash, a veteran TV news talent coach with over four decades of experience, to explore how the broadcast industry is evolving—and why voice and authenticity matter more than ever. With the rise of AI, TikTok news, and automated studios, Barry shares his insights on what truly connects with audiences and how communicators can stay relevant in a noisy digital world. They dive into: • What AI-driven research reveals about how viewers respond to voice • Why vocal delivery is more important than body language in news broadcasting • The myth of “sounding sad” and how to express genuine emotion on air • The risk of performance without purpose—and how to coach around it • Why connection, not perfection, is the new benchmark for credibility • The role of imagination and play in developing vocal presence • Why seasoned anchors must reclaim ownership of their scripts • How today's talent can stand out in a TikTok-driven media landscape Whether you're an anchor, journalist, content creator—or simply someone who cares about meaningful communication—this episode will shift the way you think about your voice. 🎙️ Guest Bio: Barry Nash is a career TV news talent coach who has worked with anchors and reporters across every level of the industry, from local stations to national networks. With deep experience in performance coaching, newsroom dynamics, and audience research, he’s one of the most respected voices in the business when it comes to delivery, presence, and authenticity. ✨ Quote of the Episode: “You only get so far with technique. The real question is—what does your voice convey that AI never could?” Mentions: Patsy Rodenburg: (podcast and book) Craft: Sweat & Joy podcast https://patsyrodenburg.co.uk/podcast/ The Second Circle https://www.amazon.com/Second-Circle-Positive-Success-Situation/dp/0393354474 Video clip on The Second Circle https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Ub27yeXKUTY&t=17s Hurtado anchor voice article “Is It Time To Get Say Goodbye To The ‘News Anchor Voice’?” TV News Check. Fernando Hurtado. https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/is-it-time-to-say-goodbye-to-the-news-anchor-voice/ MIT Research Barry mentions –  Honest Signals: How They Shape Our World. Alex Pentland. https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Signals-Shape-World-Press/dp/0262515121

    59 min

  9. Trailer

    Welcome to Speaking of Talking!

    Speaking of Talking is your go-to podcast for everything voice-related. Whether you're a public speaker, executive, teacher, or anyone who relies on your voice for success, we're here to help you sound your best. Join us as we demystify what makes a voice truly compelling. In each episode, we'll dive into topics like vocal health, the art of speaking in front of live audiences, and even the unique challenges faced by performers on tour and business professionals on the go. We'll also explore the changing voice of news, discuss the power of women's voices in male-dominated fields, and provide tips for non-native English speakers. With a blend of humor and insight, we dive deep into the world of voices, bringing in special guests who are experts in their fields-from vocal health professionals to voice-over actors, sports announcers, and more. Tune in to Speaking of Talking and discover why voices are cool-and how yours can be even cooler.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Speaking of Talking is your go-to podcast for all things voice. We unpack what makes a voice compelling—on stage, on air, and in everyday life. From vocal health and identity to performance under pressure, we explore the voice’s role in how we connect and communicate. With humor and curiosity, we chat with experts like vocal coaches, announcers, and voice actors to bring you fresh insights. Tune in and discover why voices are cool—and how yours can be even cooler.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenni Steck, MFA, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jenni Steck, MFA, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Show Website
    Speaking of Talking