The Voice Boxes

Articul8 Studios

5.0 (2)
Self-Improvement

We are the voice boxes.

2d ago

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 cordsSigns of vocal fatigueImportance of hydration and sleepBreathing and support during fatigueStress 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 Health02:03 Signs of Vocal Fatigue04:04 Overcompensation and Vocal Strain06:03 Health Conditions Impacting the Voice08:03 The Importance of Sleep and Sunlight10:03 Impact of Dehydration and Cross-Contamination10:50 Energy Drinks and Natural Boosts11:59 Planning Your Energy Throughout the Day13:08 Exercise and Movement for Energy13:55 Final Tips for Vocal Care and Fatigue PreventionWhere to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.comInstagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes
Aug 19

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 actingHow overeating and eating immediately before speaking can cause gurgles and burps that disrupt performancesThe benefits of waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before recording or presentingTips for calming digestion, such as drinking carbonated water or warm water, and strategic food orderingThe role of physical adjustments like pillows or position to reduce stomach noisesCultural and medicinal approaches, including herbal digestives and alcohol as muscle relaxantsThe humorous side of voice and tummy health, along with the importance of listening to your bodyTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to voice and tummy issues00:16 - 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 work01:30 - Why burps happen and how to prevent them during recordings01:51 - The importance of timing and letting digestion settle02:03 - Using pillows and physical strategies to muffle digestion noises02:19 - Effects of overeating on breath control and vocal support02:42 - How the esophagus squeezes food and relieves pressure03:07 - Techniques for calming digestion with food ordering03:34 - The role of medications and natural remedies04:19 - Curious tips from recording studios, like digestion cover pillows05:07 - Sharing personal experiences with stomach illness and voice06:05 - Quick fixes: carbonated water and herbal teas06:37 - Pronunciation fun and flavor preferences (La Croix, cola flavored water)07:48 - Cultural approaches, including traditional herbal digestives08:01 - The proper order of eating to reduce gas buildup08:45 - Use of Tums and natural remedies for indigestion09:10 - Techniques like patting the stomach and burping to make room09:39 - Enjoying sushi without discomfort and water's role10:10 - Remedies like warm water and Asian medicinal practices10:55 - Old wives' tales: alcohol and home remedies for stomach discomfort11:16 - The humorous idea of using bourbon or whiskey to relax stomach muscles11:55 - Alcohol as a muscle relaxer and medicinal aid12:31 - Different cultural digestives: Uzo, Campari, and aperitifs13:01 - The importance of taking care of your tummy before social or vocal engagement13:34 - Inviting audience questions and future topics on medicinal and dietary solutions for voice users14:09 - Closing remarks and encouragement to share experiencesWhere to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.comInstagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes
Aug 12

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 voiceDietary triggers for refluxLifestyle modifications for reflux managementMedical and natural approaches to refluxEffects of reflux on vocal cordstakeaways Avoid fried, spicy, and acidic foods to reduce refluxSleeping on the left side can minimize acid refluxMint can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen refluxWater before bed can trigger reflux if not carefulLifestyle 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 health01:24 Foods to avoid with acid reflux03:09 How acid reflux affects the throat and vocal cords04:28 The anatomy of reflux and its impact on voice06:20 Lifestyle tips to manage acid reflux08:15 Medical considerations and medication use09:35 Diet and lifestyle adjustments for reflux relief11:10 Summary and tips for managing reflux-related voice issuesWhere to reach the show Email: thevoiceboxespodcast@gmail.comInstagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes
Aug 5

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 tryingAcid reflux and GERD: how digestive issues can affect the voiceVocal range: what it really means to expand your rangeWarm-ups and cool-downs for the voicePersonal confessions and lessons learned along the wayMuscle tension, neck tension, and the connection between stress and the voiceBreathy tone, pressed tone, and vocal effectsEfforts in voice acting, including sounds that mimic being punched or shotWhy 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.comInstagram: send a DM to the show @thevoiceboxes
Jul 8

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 cordsEffects of estrogen and testosterone on voiceHot flashes and hormonal fluctuations during menopauseHormones and aging of the larynxManaging hormonal changes and vocal health
Jul 1

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 cordsSigns of dehydration and overhydrationEffective hydration strategies and toolsImpact of diet and environment on hydrationHydration's role in vocal health and performance
Jun 24

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.
Jun 17

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.

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Great info

May 21

Blondiesparkles1

I love this podcast! It’s packed with helpful info and both host are so knowledgeable about how the voice works.

We are the voice boxes.

Creator

Articul8 Studios
Years Active

2026
Episodes

15
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Articul8 Studios 2026
Show Website

The Voice Boxes