#098: Find Your Voice with Barbara McAfee

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Episode Summary

What does it really mean to “find your voice”? In this episode, Erick sits down with master voice coach, author, and musician Barbara McAfee to explore how we show up, communicate, and connect.

This conversation goes beyond communication tactics—it dives into identity, self-expression, and the hidden power of how we sound. Barbara breaks down how your voice is not fixed, but a dynamic tool that can be developed, expanded, and aligned with your purpose.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding back or not being fully heard, this episode will challenge how you think about your voice—and what’s possible when you unlock it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your voice is not fixed. It can be developed and expanded over time.
  • How you say something matters just as much as what you say.
  • You have more vocal range and flexibility than you think.
  • Limiting beliefs often restrict how you express yourself.
  • Your voice reflects your identity and influences your impact.
  • Expression is a skill that improves through intentional practice.

Practical Challenge

This week, pay attention to how you communicate:

  • Notice your tone in different situations
  • Experiment with how you say things—not just what you say
  • Ask yourself: Am I choosing my voice, or defaulting to it?

About Barbara McAfee

Barbara is a master voice coach, author, keynote speaker, and singer/songwriter who merges lessons from 12 years in organization development with the transformative power of sound. 

Her bestselling book, Full Voice, is based on her 25+ years as a voice coach, supporting people from many professions to find their voice, whatever that means to them.

Since 2013 she has been certifying other Full Voice coaches to carry the sacred work of “midwifing voices” into full expression. Her approach shifts the way people think about and use their voices forever.

Her TEDx talk on Full Voice has received over 100,000 views.

Barbara has produced eight CDs of mostly original music and is founder of the Morning Star Singers, a volunteer hospice choir in the Twin Cities. 

She lives up the street from the wild and scenic St Croix River in St Croix Falls, Wisconsin, USA

Connect with Barbara

Website: https://barbaramcafee.com
TED Talk: Bringing Your Full Voice to Life
Books: Full Voice | Vocal Intelligence

Final Thought

Your voice is more than a tool—it’s a gateway to your identity, influence, and impact. When you learn to fully express it, you don’t just communicate better—you show up differently.

Resources Mentioned

  1. Subscribe to the podcast
  2. Rise Above Chaos book
  3. Work with Erick
  4. Connect with Erick: erickrheam.com
  5. Get the Rise Above Chaos Planner

Action Step

  • Find your voice
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