What happens when the very thing that defines you suddenly disappears? At 21, Elissa Maas Weinzimmer lost her voice—vocal hemorrhage, reflux, and muscle tension dysphonia—right as she was singing, acting, and directing nonstop. That break became a breakthrough: years of studying, unlearning, and ultimately teaching others how to access an authentic voice rooted in nervous-system calm and real presence. Learn more about Elissa’s work at Voice Body Connection.

In our conversation, Elissa explains in plain language how “pushing” (physically, mentally, emotionally) often creates more tension and worse sound. Letting go isn’t another task—it’s the absence of doing, the easing that allows your voice to flow. She also shares how student-centered pedagogy (not “the teacher has all the answers”) helps clients notice their patterns, unwind habitual tightness, and speak or sing from a truer place.

I also share a mini-lesson of my own: finally clearing my desk—and my mind—after years of dabbling with Getting Things Done (GTD). When I made space, ideas returned and flowed…almost effortlessly. Different paths; same theme: stop forcing, create room, and trust what’s already there.

Nonprofit spotlight: Samadhi — compassionate, community-based recovery care

Books Referenced

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity — David Allen