The Joyful Singer

Erin Stewart
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by Broadway performer, vocal & mindset coach Erin Stewart, The Joyful Singer Podcast is for singers — professionals, enthusiasts, former singers, and shower singers — who want their voice to feel free, overcome performance anxiety, and reconnect with the joy of singing. Every Wednesday, Erin shares insights on vocal health, creative inspiration, performance mindset, and whole-person well-being — helping you not just grow as a singer, but come back to yourself through your voice. Think of it as your weekly reset toward joy.

  1. Ep 15: Is Singing Just for Yourself Enough?

    9h ago

    Ep 15: Is Singing Just for Yourself Enough?

    Episode 15: Is Singing Just for Yourself Enough? What if you love singing... but have absolutely no desire to perform? Would it still be worth it? In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we're exploring a question that so many singers wrestle with but rarely say out loud: Is singing just for yourself enough? Whether you've taken a break from singing, are curious about reconnecting with your voice, or simply have no interest in sharing your singing publicly right now, this episode invites you to explore your relationship with your voice from a different perspective. Erin shares her own journey of returning to singing after stepping away from performing following the loss of her father, and how learning to sing for herself became one of the most freeing and transformative experiences of her life. Together, you'll explore powerful questions designed to help you uncover your personal "why" and discover what role singing wants to play in your life right now. You may want to grab a journal for this one. In This Episode You'll Discover: Why singing doesn't need an audience to be meaningful How external validation can disconnect us from our true reasons for singing The difference between singing as performance and singing as relationship Why giving yourself permission to sing for yourself can feel surprisingly difficult Powerful journaling questions to help you uncover your deeper "why" How singing can be healing, creative, expressive, and deeply personal Erin's story of returning to singing after a long break Why singing for yourself isn't selfish—it may be one of the most important things you do Questions to Reflect On As you listen, consider: What does your voice mean to you? How do you want your voice to feel? What are you longing to experience through singing? Is singing something you want to share right now, or is it just for you? What is one small step you can take toward your voice this week? Mentioned in This Episode Follow Erin on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joyfulsingingwitherin/ Website:https://www.erinstewart.net/ FREE Joyful Singing Starter Kit:https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit FREE Joyful Singing Workshop:https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop Let's Continue the Conversation Did this episode spark an insight or discovery for you? I'd love to hear what came up. Send me a DM on Instagram @joyfulsingingwitherin or reach out through my website and tell me: What does singing mean to you right now? Enjoying The Joyful Singer Podcast? Please follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Every review helps more singers find this work and reconnect with their voices. And if you have a question you'd like answered on a future episode, I'd love to hear from you.

    16 min
  2. Ep 14: How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Build Confidence: A Conversation with Jenny Smith

    Jul 1

    Ep 14: How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Build Confidence: A Conversation with Jenny Smith

    Episode 14: How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Build Confidence: A Conversation with Jenny Smith This week I'm sharing something a little different. Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Jenny Smith on her podcast, You're Not Crazy! It's Perimenopause, for a conversation about confidence, self-doubt, the inner critic, and what it means to truly find your voice in midlife. If you've ever wondered: ✨ Is it too late for me? ✨ Why is my inner critic so loud? ✨ How do I stop judging myself so harshly? ✨ How do I reconnect with joy, creativity, and self-expression? Then this episode is for you. Jenny and I talk about the unique challenges many women face as they move through midlife and beyond, including perfectionism, fear of being seen, changing identities, and the pressure to constantly measure up. This conversation goes far beyond singing. It's really about learning to treat yourself with more compassion, embracing who you're becoming, and remembering that it's never too late to reclaim your voice. Connect with Jenny Smith Website:https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/ FREE Protein Fix Guide: www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching  TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Connect with Erin Website: https://www.erinstewart.net/ FREE Joyful Singing Starter Kit:https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit FREE Joyful Singing Workshop:https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joyfulsingingwitherin/ Enjoying The Joyful Singer Podcast? Please follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Every review helps more singers find this work and become part of our growing community. And if you'd like me to answer a question on a future episode, send me a DM on Instagram @joyfulsingingwitherin or visit erinstewart.net.

    41 min
  3. Ep 13: My Pre-Show Ritual: How I Calm Nerves and Prepare to Sing

    Jun 24

    Ep 13: My Pre-Show Ritual: How I Calm Nerves and Prepare to Sing

    Episode 13: My Pre-Show Ritual: How I Calm Nerves and Prepare to Sing What should you do on the day of a performance? How long should you warmup for? Drink gallons of water? Hide under a blanket until it's time to go on stage? In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, Erin shares her personal performance day ritual—a routine she developed over more than 30 years of performing on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, concerts, auditions, and countless performances. From her very first professional theatre job at age 20 (earning a whopping $100 a week!) to performing as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Erin has learned that the key to a successful performance day isn't perfection. It's about support, care and rest. In this episode, you'll learn how to create a performance day routine that helps calm your nerves, conserve your energy, prepare your voice, and get you into the right mindset so you can walk on stage feeling grounded, focused, and ready to share your gift.   In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Erin believes the entire day of a performance should revolve around one theme: support, care, and rest The truth about hydration (and why chugging water right before you sing isn't the answer) How to use gentle SOVT exercises to wake up your voice without overworking it Why mindfulness and meditation are essential parts of Erin's performance routine The role caffeine, food, sleep, and vocal rest play on performance days How to warm up effectively before a show without singing your best notes in the practice room A powerful visualization exercise Erin has used throughout her performing career to help manage performance anxiety Why what you do after the performance may be just as important as what you do before it Key Takeaway A performance day isn't the day to push harder. It's the day to support yourself. The goal isn't to spend all your energy preparing for the performance—the goal is to save your energy for the performance itself. When you approach the day with intention, care, and trust, you give yourself the best possible chance to walk on stage feeling prepared, present, and connected.   Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 5: Vocal Warm-Ups That Actually Work Learn more about SOVT (Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract) exercises and why they're one of Erin's favorite tools for warming up the voice. Episode 7: 12 Tips for Dealing with Performance Anxiety A collection of Erin's favorite tools and strategies for managing nerves before auditions and performances.   The Joyful Singing Workshop: 3 Steps to Confident, Joyful Singing In this free workshop you'll learn how to: ✔ Warm up your voice in a way that actually works ✔ Quiet your inner critic ✔ Create a more joyful and sustainable singing practice ✔ Build confidence and trust in your voice Register here: https://erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop   Connect with Erin Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin  Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers  Website: erinstewart.net  Email: info@erinstewart.net  Have a question you'd like Erin to answer on the podcast? Send her a DM on Instagram or reach out through her website. She'd love to hear from you!   If You Enjoyed This Episode... Please follow The Joyful Singer Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a singer who has a performance coming up. Your support helps more singers discover a joyful, whole-person approach to singing.

    14 min
  4. Ep 12: Joyful Singing vs. Traditional Voice Work — A Different Way to Grow as a Singer

    Jun 17

    Ep 12: Joyful Singing vs. Traditional Voice Work — A Different Way to Grow as a Singer

    Episode 12: Joyful Singing vs. Traditional Voice Work — A Different Way to Grow as a Singer What if becoming a better singer wasn't about fixing yourself? In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, Erin explores the key differences between traditional voice training and the Joyful Singing approach—and why so many singers feel stuck, frustrated, or disconnected despite years of lessons, practice, and hard work. If you've ever felt like singing became all about technique, performance, or getting it "right," this conversation offers a refreshing alternative. Joyful Singing is a whole-person approach that recognizes that your voice doesn't exist separately from the rest of your life. Your mindset, nervous system, emotions, physical wellbeing, and life experiences all influence how you sing—and how you feel about singing. In this episode, Erin shares:  What Joyful Singing actually means The difference between traditional voice work and a whole-person approach Why technique alone isn't always enough How your life experiences become part of your artistry The hidden cost of constantly striving, fixing, and chasing perfection Why you are the ultimate authority on your own voice What it looks like to build a singing practice rooted in support, sustainability, and joy Whether you're a professional singer, an enthusiastic amateur, someone returning to singing after a break, or someone who simply longs to sing more freely, this episode will help you rethink what growth can look like. Singing doesn't have to be driven by harshness. It can be driven by curiosity. By creativity. By self-trust. And yes—by joy.   Free Resource: The Joyful Singing Starter Kit Ready to take your first steps toward becoming a Joyful Singer? Download Erin's FREE Joyful Singing Starter Kit and discover how to: ✔ Reconnect with your voice ✔ Build a singing practice that feels good ✔ Quiet fear and self-judgment ✔ Create habits that actually stick ✔ Warm up your voice effectively and confidently The Starter Kit includes: 🎵 A vocal warmup 📖 A guided workbook ✅ A habit tracker 🧘 A guided centering exercise Grab your free Starter Kit here:  👉 https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit   Connect with Erin Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin  Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers  Website: erinstewart.net  Email: info@erinstewart.net  Have a question you'd like answered on a future episode? Send Erin a DM on Instagram. Your question might be featured on the podcast! Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the show ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share it with a fellow singer ⭐ Tag @joyfulsingingwitherin if you share on social media Every review and share helps more singers discover a joyful, sustainable path to their voice.

    16 min
  5. Ep 11: What To Do When Auditions Aren't Going Your Way

    Jun 10

    Ep 11: What To Do When Auditions Aren't Going Your Way

    EP 11: What to Do When Auditions Aren't Going Your Way   If you've ever wondered whether you'll ever book another gig, questioned your talent after a string of "no's," or found yourself stuck in a discouraging quiet season, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we're talking about one of the hardest parts of being a performer: dealing with rejection. Whether you're auditioning professionally, putting yourself out there in your local community, or simply longing for more opportunities to sing, rejection is part of the journey. But it doesn't have to define your experience—or your identity as a singer. In this conversation, Erin shares a different way of approaching rejection, dry spells, and those unsettling periods when it feels like nothing is happening. You'll learn how to stop letting your inner critic write the story, how to navigate quiet seasons with more grace, and how to stay connected to joy even when the calendar looks empty. Because your worth as a singer is not determined by your latest audition result. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why rejection is built into the life of every performer How to navigate discouragement without spiraling The difference between listening to your inner critic and your inner coach Why "quiet seasons" aren't a sign that something is wrong How to reframe rejection and periods of uncertainty Six practical ways to move from panic to presence What to do when you've been waiting for opportunities that never seem to arrive Why creating your own opportunities can be one of the most empowering things you do as an artist   What if this season isn't evidence that you're falling behind? What if it's preparing you for something bigger?   Mentioned in This Episode   🎙 Previous Episode EP 10: Parenting Your Singer SelfLearn how to become your own best coach and respond to setbacks with compassion instead of criticism.   🎵 Free Workshop The Joyful Singing Workshop: The 3 Steps to Confident, Joyful Singing In this free workshop you'll learn how to: Warm up your voice in a way that actually works Create a personalized affirmation for your unique voice journey Quiet the inner critic and build confidence Experience Erin's signature 3-step Joyful Singing process 👉 Register here:https://erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop   Connect with Erin Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin  Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers  Website: erinstewart.net  Email: info@erinstewart.net    💌 Have a Question for the Podcast? Erin is now collecting listener questions for future episodes! Send a DM on Instagram:@joyfulsingingwitherin  If you have a question about singing, mindset, confidence, performance, creativity, vocal health, or anything related to your voice, chances are other singers are wondering the same thing. Enjoying The Podcast? If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the show ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a singer friend Your support helps more singers discover a joyful, compassionate approach to voice and creativity.

    19 min
  6. Ep 10: Parenting Your Singer Self

    Jun 3

    Ep 10: Parenting Your Singer Self

    How do you speak to yourself after a bad audition? After a mistake? After a performance that didn’t go the way you hoped? Most of us would never speak to a friend the way we sometimes speak to ourselves. And yet, there’s this kind of conversation happening 👇 "You should have done better." "You messed up." "You’re not enough." In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we’re exploring something powerful: You are already parenting yourself every day. The question is: how?  Because whether you realize it or not, you are constantly coaching yourself through fear, disappointment, embarrassment, mistakes, growth, and success. Today we’re talking about how to shift from harshness and shame into something more supportive: ✨ empathy ✨ compassion ✨ encouragement ✨ unconditional love Because your singer self deserves the same kindness you naturally offer to the people you love. In this episode you'll discover: - Why we all have an ongoing "inner parenting voice" - How harsh self-talk often disguises itself as motivation - Why shame and self-criticism can become automatic - The surprising lesson Erin learned while navigating Lyme disease - How conditional love quietly shows up in our relationship with ourselves - Why empathy may be one of your greatest untapped superpowers - How working with a childhood photo can help you reconnect with your essence - The difference between analytical thinking and compassionate wisdom - How to begin developing a more nurturing relationship with yourself as a singer Your invitation this week: Find a childhood picture that brings up good feelings for you. Choose a picture that reminds you of your essence—your joy, spirit, personality, curiosity, playfulness... you.  Spend a few moments with it each day and notice: What feelings arise? What do you notice about this little person? How would you speak to them? Can you begin offering that same kindness to yourself now? And throughout the week ask: Can I hold myself with love when I mess up? Can I respond with care instead of criticism? Can I become the parent my singer self needs? A mantra from today's episode: "I love myself."  "I love myself."  "I love myself."    Mentioned in this episode: ➡ FREE Joyful Singing Workshop: The 3 Steps to Confident, Joyful Singing  In this free workshop you'll: • Learn vocal warmups that actually work to strengthen and free your voice • Create a personalized affirmation unique to your voice journey • Explore the beliefs that may be holding you back • Experience my complete 3-step Joyful Singing process Register here: erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop    Connect with Erin: Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin  Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers  Website: erinstewart.net  Email: info@erinstewart.net  If you try the childhood photo exercise or want to share your experience from this week's episode, send a message or email! Would LOVE to hear from you!   Love the show? If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with a friend ⭐ Tag @joyfulsingingwitherin if you share on social media Your support helps more singers discover this work and build more joyful relationships with their voices.

    14 min
  7. Ep 9: A singing practice that’s just for you.

    May 27

    Ep 9: A singing practice that’s just for you.

    Do you ever feel like your singing has slowly become something you do for everyone else? For the audience. For the teacher. For approval Somewhere along the way, maybe you began to lose touch with what you actually want. In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we're talking about creating a singing practice that belongs to you first and foremost—one rooted in joy, curiosity, creativity, and connection rather than pleasing and obligation. Inspired by a story from Natalie Portman while filming Black Swan, we explore what happens when we stop performing for approval and start creating from ourselves instead. Because singing doesn't only exist to make you better.  It can also exist to make you feel:  more connected more alive more honest more like yourself   In this episode you'll discover: - Why so many singers slowly disconnect from their own desires and creativity - Four ways to create a singing practice that's actually for you  - Why singing doesn't have to be shared publicly to be meaningful - The surprising cost of always singing from obligation instead of joy - Why discipline and joy don't have to compete with one another   Mentioned in this episode: 🎧 Episode 5: Vocal Warmups That Actually Work   🎧 Episode 4: Taming Your Inner Critic     ➡ FREE Joyful Singing Workshop In this free workshop you'll: • Learn vocal warmups that actually work to strengthen and free your voice • Create a personalized affirmation unique to your voice journey • Explore the beliefs that may be holding you back • Experience my complete 3-step Joyful Singing process  Register here: erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop    Connect with Erin: Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin  Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers    Have a topic you'd love covered on the podcast? Send me a message: info@erinstewart.net

    22 min
  8. Ep 8: Owning Your Voice in Midlife

    May 20

    Ep 8: Owning Your Voice in Midlife

    Have you started noticing changes in your voice as you move through midlife? Maybe your voice feels less flexible. Maybe warming up takes longer than it used to. Maybe your range, stamina, breath support, or vocal ease feel different. Or maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from your voice entirely and you’re wondering how to find your way back. In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we’re talking about the very real vocal changes that can happen during midlife, aging, perimenopause, and menopause — and how to support your voice with more compassion, intention, and care. A few weeks ago, I hosted a free live workshop called Midlife and Beyond Voice Revival, and the response was incredible. So many singers shared how relieved they felt simply hearing these conversations happening openly and honestly. Because the truth is we don’t talk enough about midlife voices. And we should! Your voice changing does not mean your voice has lost value. It does not mean you are failing. It does not mean your best singing years are behind you. Your voice is evolving. And in many ways, this chapter can bring a new richness, depth, wisdom, and emotional connection to your singing that younger voices simply don’t have yet. In this episode, I’m sharing practical tools to help you: support your changing voice rebuild trust with your instrument stay connected to singing through transitions and approach this season with more gentleness and confidence In this episode, we cover: Common vocal changes that happen with aging How menopause and hormonal shifts can impact the voice Why vocal changes are normal (and workable) The emotional side of changing voices How the inner critic can intensify fear and discouragement Why self-care matters for singers The importance of hydration and vocal recovery SOVT exercises (like straw phonation and lip trills) and why they’re so effective How to adapt your singing practice instead of fighting your voice Why continuing to sing is one of the best things you can do for vocal health We also talk about: adjusting song keys choosing repertoire that supports your current voice reconnecting with joy instead of perfectionism and learning how to work with your voice instead of against it Because this isn’t about trying to force your voice to sound 20 again. It’s about learning how to support the voice you have now — with wisdom, flexibility, curiosity, and care. Your voice matters.   FREE WORKSHOP: The Joyful Singing Workshop I’m so excited to be offering a brand new free workshop experience: The Joyful Singing Workshop  Multiple live sessions are available. We’ll explore: how to reconnect with your voice ways to reduce tension and self-criticism gentle warmups that actually help mindset shifts for more confident singing and how to build a more joyful singing practice Registration link:https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop   Resources + Links The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit Website: https://www.erinstewart.net   Let’s Stay Connected Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways to help more singers find this work.

    16 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Hosted by Broadway performer, vocal & mindset coach Erin Stewart, The Joyful Singer Podcast is for singers — professionals, enthusiasts, former singers, and shower singers — who want their voice to feel free, overcome performance anxiety, and reconnect with the joy of singing. Every Wednesday, Erin shares insights on vocal health, creative inspiration, performance mindset, and whole-person well-being — helping you not just grow as a singer, but come back to yourself through your voice. Think of it as your weekly reset toward joy.

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Stewart
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Joyful Singer

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