386: The Power of the Performing Arts to Find and Use Your Voice with Theresa Smith-Levin

A couple of months ago, I attended an event to honor non-profits. What was really cool was that each non-profit had 2-½ minutes to share their story.

When my guest Theresa Smith-Levin, founder of Central Florida Vocal Arts, shared her story, I was instantly inspired and I knew I had to have her on the podcast.

Our conversation is a testament to the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and community in fostering personal and collective growth.

Theresa's work with Central Florida Vocal Arts is not just about singing; it's about creating a space where young people can grow into their authentic selves and learn to navigate the world with empathy and confidence.

Whether you're an artist, a public speaker, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, Theresa's insights offer valuable lessons on the transformative power of using your voice.

Join us for this inspiring conversation and discover how you, too, can impact the world through the arts, performance, speaking, and beyond.

Here are some highlights you won't want to miss:

• Theresa shares her personal journey from finding solace and expression in singing and the arts during her childhood, to pursuing music education and vocal performance, and ultimately founding a nonprofit organization to fill a gap in the performing arts community in Central Florida.
• Discover the profound impact of the arts on young people, as Theresa explains how singing and performance can serve as powerful tools for emotional processing, developing empathy, and building confidence.
• Theresa and I delve into the importance of vulnerability, both in the arts and in life, sharing stories of transformation and the courage to use one's voice for advocacy and change.
• We explore the similarities between performing arts and public speaking, including overcoming fears, the importance of being present, and engaging with your audience to create a meaningful exchange.

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/386/

Central Florida Vocal Arts: https://www.centralfloridavocalarts.org/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Theresa Smith-Levin (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-smith-levin-7868a725/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World
• Episode 337: Sharing Your Story as a Catalyst for Transformation with Karen Keene

Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.

A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.

In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.

As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.

Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable