Finding the Courage to Embrace Your Authentic Voice
In this episode of the It’s Beyond The Food podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Leotta, a fellow podcaster and entrepreneur. We explored the journey of finding the courage to embrace your authentic voice, particularly in the realm of podcasting and entrepreneurship. Our conversation shed light on the common struggles women face in accepting and expressing their true selves.
The Struggle to Love Our Own Voices
Many women, including Michelle and myself, have struggled with accepting our own voices. We shared our experiences of hearing our recorded voices for the first time and feeling a sense of aversion. This is a common phenomenon rooted in societal conditioning and misogyny, where women are often taught to diminish themselves and their voices from a young age. The media and pop culture we consume reinforce these harmful stereotypes, perpetuating the notion that women’s voices should be soft, quiet, and unobtrusive.
Breaking Free from Perfection
In the early stages of our podcasting endeavors, both Michelle and I found ourselves striving for perfection. We would meticulously plan and script our episodes, fearing mistakes or imperfections. We invested significant effort into managing our appearances, tone, and delivery, attempting to conform to societal expectations of how women should present themselves. However, over time, we realized that our listeners responded better when we allowed our authentic selves to shine through, embracing the occasional stumble or unscripted moment. This shift towards authenticity not only resonated more deeply with our audiences but also alleviated the mental burden of constantly striving for an unattainable ideal.
The Power of Speaking Up
As we go deeper into the conversation, Michelle shared her transformative journey of finding her voice in the male-dominated advertising industry. She recognized the importance of speaking up and not allowing herself to be overshadowed or silenced by her male colleagues. This newfound confidence extended beyond her professional life, empowering her to advocate for herself in personal relationships as well. Michelle’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our voices hold immense value and that speaking up can be a catalyst for positive change in all aspects of our lives.
Connecting with the Right Audience
One of the keys to embracing your authentic voice, according to Michelle, is finding the right audience – a community that values and resonates with your message. When you focus on the impact you have on others, it fuels your courage to speak up and be heard. Connecting with like-minded individuals who appreciate and celebrate your authenticity creates a positive feedback loop, reinforcing your confidence and empowering you to continue sharing your truth.
The Rise of Women’s Voices in Podcasting
Despite the industries of self-development and health traditionally being dominated by male voices, Michelle and I have both achieved remarkable success with our podcasts. Our shows rank in the top 1% of all podcasts, a testament to the power of women’s voices and the demand for authentic, relatable content. As more women embrace their unique perspectives and share their stories, we are witnessing a shift in the podcasting landscape, challenging long-standing norms and creating space for diverse narratives.
Getting Started with Podcasting
Michelle generously offered a free quick-start guide for those interested in launching their own podcast. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a podcast, even with limited resources. Michelle emphasizes that the initial episodes may not be perfect, but the key is to start and let your voice develop over time. By taking that first step and committing to consistency, you can cultivate your unique voice and build a loyal following that resonates with your message.
Conclusion
Speaking up and embracing your authentic voice is a transformative process that requires courage, self-acceptance, and a willingness to challenge societal norms. Michelle Leotta’s story serves as an inspiration for women to overcome the conditioning that has silenced them for far too long and step into their power. By focusing on the impact we can have on others and finding the right audience, we can amplify our voices and contribute to the rising tide of women’s perspectives in the podcasting world and beyond. As we continue to elevate diverse narratives and create space for authenticity, we pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering future.
Michelle Leotta is a certified health coach who has helped 1000’s of clients around the world over the past 14 years. She’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NPR and in the curriculum at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Based on her success and 20+ years of online marketing experience, Michelle created Healthy Profit University in 2017 to help health coaches make their dream career a reality. She’s a single mom of two boys and has zero plans to cover the hard-earned silver streaks in her curls.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode on Speaking Up & Podcasting with Michelle Leotta:
- How to overcome the fear of hearing your own voice
- The power of embracing imperfections and being authentic
- Strategies for finding the right audience and making an impact
- Steps to start your own podcast and share your voice with the world
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Grab Michelle Leotta’s Free Podcast Quick Start Guide
