Voice Lessons: Uncovering and Claiming Your Unique, Creative Voice

Jill Quist
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

You're a writer, artist, singer, choreographer. Think Lady Gaga, Judy Garland, Prince. Hemingway, JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien. Picasso, Van Gogh. You're tired of trying to uncover your voice by imitating other artists. If you've peeled back the layers of your voice and think you finally recognize it as yours, do you have the courage to claim it? These are the questions we aim to answer during my biweekly podcast, Voice Lessons: Covering and Claiming Your Unique, Creative Voice. 

  1. 12/19/2025

    Taking a Break From the Podcast

    Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    4 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Releasing External Expectations and Staying True to Your Characters’ Authentic Voices with author Kimberly Lee

    This week, I had the pleasure of hosting the versatile writer and creative coach, Kimberly Lee. Kimberly, a former lawyer and accomplished author, shared how and why she transitioned her career in law to creative writing and facilitating, emphasizing her passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit within others.  We discussed her latest suspense thriller, 'Have You Seen Him?', and discussed her unique background, including her training at the Therapeutic Writing Institute and the Center of Intentional Creativity. Kimberly elaborated on her roles as a guided autobiography instructor and a soul collage facilitator, shedding light on how these methods help people uncover their own stories and voices. She shared how these processes allow individuals to reflect on their life themes and creatively express themselves through intuitive collages.  Our conversation also explored the challenges writers face with external expectations and the importance of trusting one’s own experiences and perspectives. Kimberly shared her tips for maintaining authenticity in writing, the impact of her legal background on her storytelling, and how she learned which types of feedback to internalize or let go of.  She also discussed her novel’s evolution, which spanned over a decade, and gave a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, including a trilogy continuation of the novel and an immersive soul collage retreat at the Esalen Institute.  Key Topics: Exploring all of the different creative modalities Kimberly has immersed herself inHow writers can move beyond external expectations and learn to trust their own experienceKnowing how to discern between good and bad feedback as a creativeWhat has surprised Kimberly the most about how her voice has changed throughout her writing careerWhat about your voice do you see as a superpower now that you used to view as a weakness?What inspired the concept of ‘Have You Seen Him?’Resisting the pull to mimic the voices of other successful authors in your genreStaying true to your characters’ authentic voicesThe biggest obstacle writers face when trying to express themselves authenticallyTurning ‘Have You Seen Him’ into a trilogyRecapturing a childlike state when trying to connect with your authentic voice Connect with Kimberly online: Website: https://www.kimberlylee.me/ Books: https://www.kimberlylee.me/haveyouseenhim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-lee-6a800b230/ Instagram: @klcreatrix Esalen Institute workshops: https:/ Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    46 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    “I’m Just Done” — How Letting Go and Embracing Authenticity Can Unlock Your Voice with Fawn Germer

    I had the pleasure of speaking with prolific writer Fawn Germer, who has written 10 books (plus one workbook) over her impressive 25-year career. We began by discussing Fawn’s early days as an investigative journalist and how she transitioned into becoming a bestselling author who has also been a keynote speaker for nearly 100 Fortune 500 companies.  Her first book, which was initially rejected by every major publisher, eventually became a number-one nonfiction bestseller, thanks to Oprah's endorsement. This victory set the stage for a career full of books that empower readers to embrace risk and change while maximizing their personal power.  During our discussion, we explored the complexities of the publishing industry, focusing on Fawn's insights regarding self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Fawn candidly shared her experiences with different publishers and agents, and the strategic decisions she made to get each of her books published.  We also explored the evolution of Fawn’s writing topics, from leadership and women’s issues to more recent themes of personal happiness and intentional living. Fawn stressed the importance of authenticity in writing and how her voice has naturally changed with time and experience. She also shared personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of her writing process, emphasizing the need for multiple revisions to truly refine one's voice.  Fawn offered valuable advice to listeners: be courageous, authentic, and willing to shake things up to find your true creative voice.  Key Topics: “You’ll never be more than just a reporter” — words from Fawn’s boss in her first careerDo you need to keep loyalty to the same publisher for every work you publish?Discovering the power of self-publishingAwakening to aging and living life to the fullestWhy you should never do a hybrid arrangement with a publisherCritical questions to ask a publisher before hiring themHow your voice can change over time and still be authenticWriting about women’s leadership as a survival mechanism in a male-dominated workforceWhat are you “done” with?Sensibility vs. voiceTalking about taboo topics will give younger generations the courage to take risks earlier in lifeDo it now, don’t wait, be who you are, and Fawn’s other tips for finding your voice Connect with Fawn online: Website: https://www.fawngermer.com/ Books: https://www.fawngermer.com/books-2/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawngermer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FawnGermerAuthor Podcast: Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    45 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    Transforming Trauma into Laughter and Healing with Kate Nichols

    This week, I’m hosting a guest with whom I have a long history—going all the way back to when she was a child. As my daughter’s close childhood friend, I got to watch her grow up and find her way into the two very different careers she has today. I’m thrilled to welcome the multifaceted Kate Nichols, who not only excels as a trauma therapist but also shines on stage as a comedian. Kate's journey is unconventional and inspiring, where she balances the emotional rigor of therapy with the light-heartedness of comedy. From her early days, Kate had a unique passion for making others laugh, and loved creating parody songs and funny little sketches to share with her family and friends.  She shares how she found her path in social work during her college years, driven by a desire for stability and security, which stemmed from her own experiences of financial insecurity growing up. Her transition from therapy to improv, and later to stand-up comedy, came naturally as someone who loves to connect with people on a deep level while also fostering joy and laughter.  Kate also opens up about some of the toughest moments in her life growing up, touching on her dad's journey as a gay man who struggled to accept his true identity throughout his life, and her mom's creative but tumultuous life, which deeply influenced Kate’s own pursuit of happiness and authenticity.  Kate's therapy practice focuses on trauma, particularly attachment and relational trauma, helping high-functioning individuals navigate their internal struggles. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and living authentically, both in her personal life and in her professional guidance. Kate's insights into maintaining self-esteem and embracing one's true self in the face of public scrutiny are invaluable. Join us as we explore the intersection of therapy and comedy, and how finding your voice in one area can profoundly affect all aspects of your life. Key Topics: How Kate found her way into both therapy and stand-up comedy as a careerKate’s very first comedy sketches as a kidHow she found her niche in social work after universityWhy Kate found herself working with those with attachment and relational traumaThe darker parts of Kate’s childhood that have informed Kate’s comedy and creative pursuitsThe unexpected death that led Kate to pursue a life that was full of joy and aligned with her truest selfHealing generational trauma and the trickle-down effect it can have on othersHow laughter can create feelings of safety and ease in our nervous systemsHow Kate prepares for a stand-up routine and handles criticism in this type of creative environmentTaking time to slow down and take care of yourself is an important part of the creative process Connect with Kate online: Website: cycle Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    47 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    Helping Neurodivergent Students Discover Their Creative Voices with Julia Thomson

    In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Julia Thomson, a media artist and art educator residing in West Virginia. Julia, who received her BFA from Pratt Institute, discusses her journey as an artist whose work uniquely blends realism, abstraction, and surrealism. Her art is an exploration of the natural world, often blurring the lines between reality and dreams.  She emphasizes the importance of creativity as a way to slow down and make sense of the world, maintaining curiosity and capturing the magic in overlooked details. As an educator, Julia has a unique approach to teaching art, focusing on neurodivergent individuals, and those who have often felt disconnected from their creative impulses.  Her teaching philosophy is built on creating a gentle, pressure-free space for students to explore their creative voices without striving for perfection. Julia shared that the goal of her lessons is not to create perfect art but to help students better understand what inspires them creatively.  Throughout our conversation, we explore the concept of voice in art, the role of inclusivity in creativity, and the idea that artistic talent is less about innate ability and more about enjoying and investing in the creative process. Julia's insights into overcoming the fear of imperfection and finding joy in the act of creation remind us that art is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill or previous experience. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this episode offers valuable lessons on embracing and nurturing your creative voice.  Key Topics: Understanding neurodivergenceHow Julia got her start teaching adults with disabilities and neurodivergenceHow do you begin to find your creative vision if you don’t think you have one?Working with students who are doubtful of their artistic skillsDefining the difference between talent and success for each individual studentGaining a deeper understanding of a person and their artistic tasteWhat gives an artistic work a unique voice?Being creative is a part of being human — everyone is capable of being creativeThings Julia has learned from her students over the yearsGetting the “s****y first draft” out of the way as an artistAlways keep a notebook or sketchbook with you to find artistic threads as you go about lifeNavigating different needs from student to student Connect with Julia online: Website: https://www.juliathomson.com/ Instagram: @juliathomson.art Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    42 min

  6. 10/08/2025

    Sing Your Heart Out: How Kylene Terhune Harnessed Her Voice in Betrayal Trauma Recovery

    I'm thrilled to welcome Kylene Terhune, a betrayal trauma recovery coach and classically trained singer, onto the show this week. Kylene specializes in supporting women who have discovered their husbands are porn or sex addicts. Her unique, holistic approach integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing, utilizing functional lab work, nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and trauma processing.  During our conversation, we discussed what being a betrayal recovery coach entails and Kylene’s personal experience that led her to this profession. She openly shares her emotional story of discovering her husband's hidden addiction and the subsequent impact on her mental and physical health.  Her path to healing, which involved functional health and therapy, ultimately helped her rediscover and reclaim her voice by reconnecting with her passion for singing. Getting back into a creative mindset significantly contributed to her healing and allowed her to regain a sense of groundedness and empowerment in her life.  Kylene's story underscores the therapeutic power of creative expression for healing from traumatic experiences. She explains the importance of tapping into one's creativity—whether through singing, writing, gardening, or any other medium—as a vital step in healing from trauma. By re-engaging with her true voice, Kylene found a way to blend her professional expertise with personal growth, ultimately leading her to help others in their journey towards recovery and self-reclamation.  Key Topics: What’s a betrayal recovery coach, and how did Kylene find herself in this line of work?Gaining an understanding of holistic and functional healthHow Kylene discovered her husband’s addiction and how it affected their marriageSeeking out healing to cope with the pain of the traumaHow Kylene’s singing career beganAuthenticity is the most attractive quality in a creative voiceRediscovering singing as a way to help cope with a cancer diagnosis amidst the marriage traumaCreative outlets are key for getting out of fight or flightHow to use creativity for healingHow Kylene took back control of her voice through singingLanding her first singing role after getting back into her singing practiceExperimenting with all forms of creativity to discover your own creative voice Connect with Kylene online: Instagram: @kyleneterhune TikTok: @kyleneterhune Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    42 min

  7. 09/24/2025

    How Writing Poetry Saved Sherri Levine’s Life

    This week, I welcomed my dear friend and accomplished poet, Sherri Levine, onto the show to tell us about how she discovered poetry as a healing tool during a particularly difficult time in her life. Sherri, a poet, mental health advocate, and teacher from Portland, Oregon, shares her inspiring journey of how poetry has been a lifesaving force for her.  We discussed her experiences, including a year-long stay in a psychiatric hospital at 21, where she found solace and healing in writing poetry on an old Mac computer and through studying with a professor at a local college. Sherri also opened up about the therapeutic power of poetry, specifically how it helped her navigate mental illness.  Her book, 'I Remember Not Sleeping,' draws from her experiences in various hospitals and aims to support and shed light on those struggling with mental illness. Sherri is also working on a new anthology titled 'Waking in the Blue,' featuring diverse voices from around the world that highlight their experiences with mental health struggles. This anthology seeks to capture the deeply personal and culturally specific experiences of these poets.  We also discussed the challenges and stigma surrounding mental illness, the search for stability, and the importance of creative expression in the healing process. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the transformative power of poetry in coping with mental illness.  Key Topics: How Sherri discovered poetry as a healing tool during her time in a mental hospitalSherri’s creative process and how she approaches her writing‘I Remember Not Sleeping’ — the creation of the anthology that highlights diverse voices who struggle with their mental healthWhy wording matters when discussing sensitive topics like mental health/mental illnessThe healing power of poetry in mental health strugglesDoes medication affect writing and voice?What makes a voice unique in poetryIf you have many voices as a writer, do they relate to or interact with one another?Poetry as medicineJoy and honesty is a very important part of the writing processSharing openly and having people bear witness to your story as part of the healing process Connect with Sherri online: Website: https://sherrilevine.com/ Books: https://sherrilevine.com/books Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    42 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    Mythology, Pottery, and Writing as Tools to Partner with Your Grief with Edy Nathan

    I'm thrilled to introduce Edy Nathan, a fascinating voice in the field of grief, loss, and trauma. Her expertise extends beyond that of traditional therapy, weaving together psychology, creative expression, and even mythology to help people understand and live with their grief—including the often-unspoken experience of sexual grief. We discuss Edy's views on the importance of silence in building a relationship with our voice, distinguishing between purposeful quietness that allows self-discovery and externally imposed silence that stifles one's voice. Edy also shares her struggles with anxiety and grief, where she opens up about the agoraphobia she experienced after her mother’s death and how discovering pottery helped her open up to creative expression as a tool for healing from deep-seated trauma.  Myths and stories also play a pivotal role in Edy's creative and therapeutic experience. Drawing from the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, she explains how these collective symbols help individuals connect their personal narratives to universal truths. In her clinical practice, Edy uses these stories to help clients reframe their traumatic experiences and find a path to healing and self-love.  Through this conversation, listeners will gain valuable insights into reclaiming their voices after experiencing trauma, understanding their grief, and embracing creativity as a healing tool. I encourage everyone to explore Edy's work for a deeper understanding of the journey from grief to self-love.   Key Topics: Digging into Edy’s unique bioHaving our voices quieted vs. using silence to help us find and claim our voiceGrief is often an uninvited guest that’s with us from birthHow Edy discovered pottery as a form of healing from her own griefOpening her pottery studio and exploring the art as a form of therapy more deeplyWhy myths and stories are so important to her work as a creative and as a clinicianHow Edy weaves the concepts of myth into a clinical setting when helping clients deal with traumaHow Edy’s voice lessons have shifted and changed throughout her lifeProcessing trauma and abuse through writingWhat creatives can discover about themselves by interrogating their own processReimagining a different outcome as a way to heal from traumatic experience  Connect with Edy online: Website: https://edynathan.com/ Books: https://edynathan.com/book/ Find more from Jill: Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

    45 min
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About

You're a writer, artist, singer, choreographer. Think Lady Gaga, Judy Garland, Prince. Hemingway, JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien. Picasso, Van Gogh. You're tired of trying to uncover your voice by imitating other artists. If you've peeled back the layers of your voice and think you finally recognize it as yours, do you have the courage to claim it? These are the questions we aim to answer during my biweekly podcast, Voice Lessons: Covering and Claiming Your Unique, Creative Voice. 

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