Find Your Voice is a podcast for music educators and musicians who believe in the transformative power of song and story. Hosted by Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen—also known as Dr. Mom Music—each episode features conversations with educators, leaders, and artists who are shaping the future of music learning. From classroom insights to personal journeys, Find Your Voice reminds us that every teacher, every student, and every voice matters. Sponsored in part by Dr. Mom Music and Central College in Pella, Iowa.
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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Special Edition: You Can Carry A Tune, It Just Takes More Practice with Dr. Mom Music
A follow-up special edition from Episode 7 - Discover how real-time feedback between your ears, brain, and vocal muscles is essential for accurate singing. Learn why many people shy away from singing when they think someone is listening and how you can help your child overcome this fear. If you can talk, you can sing. Embrace your unique voice and don't give up on your dreams of singing.
00:00 Introduction to Singing Accurately
00:10 Common Singing Scenarios
00:17 Overcoming Singing Anxiety
00:30 Encouragement for Aspiring Singers
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Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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12 Dec 2025
From Their Voices to Ours, Passing Down Christmas Music in the Age of Screens: Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music
Welcome to 'Find Your Voice' with Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen. In this special episode, we explore the heartfelt stories and traditions that keep Christmas music alive in our families. Joined by her mother, Donna Ricks, Dr. Sarah delves into personal holiday memories, the role of music in family traditions, and the transition of Christmas music from communal singing to digital consumption. Through touching anecdotes and historical insights, the episode emphasizes the importance of passing down music through human connections and live experiences, rather than solely relying on digital playlists. Join us as we journey through the songs that shaped our holidays and the voices that make them unforgettable.
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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00:00 Introduction: Celebrating the Holidays
01:07 The Power of Human Voices
02:39 Special Guest: Donna Ricks
03:58 Donna's Christmas Memories
07:25 The Evolution of Christmas Music
22:27 The Shift to Consumption
26:03 The Importance of Singing Together
30:36 Conclusion: Passing Down the Tradition
27 Nov 2025
Episode 6: The Choreography of Love: Conversations on Music, Dance, and Adoption with Dr. Mom Music
In this episode of Find Your Voice, host Sarah Van Waardhuizen interviews Miss Cynthia, a Central College dance professor, who shares her inspiring journey from late-start dancer to professional showgirl in Vegas and Europe. Cynthia opens up about her personal background, her passion for dance, and her experience with adoption, emphasizing the role of music and dance in creating bonds and fostering resilience in children. Sponsored by Dr. Mom Music and Central College, this episode is perfect for educators, musicians, and anyone interested in the transformative power of the arts.
https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a (https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a)
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music (https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music)
00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice
01:11 Meet Miss Cynthia: Dance Professor at Central College
02:22 Miss Cynthia's Dance Journey: From Late Starter to College
04:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Dance Education
06:12 The Impact of Teachers and Mentors
11:32 Miss Cynthia's European Connection and Family History
13:31 Life as a Vegas Showgirl
16:43 The Rigorous Audition Process
17:00 Challenges of Being a Dancer in Paris and Vegas
18:30 Safety and Work Conditions in Vegas Shows
19:24 Experiences on Broadway and Teaching Dance
22:02 Adoption Journey and Family Life
30:19 Music's Role in Family and Child Development
31:29 Current Music Interests and Trends
33:44 Conclusion and Credits
19 Nov 2025
Episode 5: Finding Stability and Belonging Through Foster Care and Music with Dr. Mom Music on Find Your Voice Podcast
In this episode of Find Your Voice, we explore the challenges faced by nearly 6,000 Iowa kids in foster care and the shortage of available homes. We delve into research on stability and belonging, and how music and connection aid in healing. Host Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen [Dr. Mom Music] shares her personal journey from foster care to adoption, highlighting the crucial role of music. She introduces a special project, Together We'll Be, to support music education and foster care reform. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable insights to make a difference in children's lives. https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a (https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a)
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice
01:20 Highlighting Music Educators and Adoption
03:37 Personal Journey with Foster Care
06:21 Becoming a Foster Family
10:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Foster Care
14:12 Adoption and Family Life
23:48 Music Education Project
37:55 Foster Care Statistics and Call to Action
40:19 Conclusion and Credits
24 Oct 2025
PMD#1 Fan Back for More with Susan Lyons on Dr. Mom Music
In this episode of 'Find Your Voice,' we sit down with Mrs. Susan Lyons, a high school science teacher and trombone enthusiast, to explore her journey in both music and education. Susan shares her passion for music, her experience raising funds for new band uniforms, and the unique ways she connects with her students through music and athletics. From small-town roots to her advocacy for music’s role in shaping well-rounded individuals, Susan provides insight into the importance of arts education and the profound impact it has on students. Join us to be inspired by her relentless support for music and hear the heartwarming stories that have endeared her to the Pella community.
00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice Podcast
00:46 Meet Mrs. Susan Lyons
01:11 Susan's Musical Journey
01:42 Family and Music
03:21 The Importance of Music Education
04:29 Balancing Music and Athletics
06:30 Susan's Involvement with the Band
15:05 The #LetHerMarch Movement
18:43 The Viral Impact of Social Media
20:26 Fundraising for New Uniforms
21:43 The Power of Community Support
23:50 Creating and Editing Videos
25:17 Highlights and Personal Reflections
31:18 Advocating for Music Education
34:22 Gratitude and Final Words
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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17 Oct 2025
Find Your Voice: Building Beyond Ourselves with Samantha Robilliard and Dr. Mom Music
In this episode of “Find Your Voice,” host Dr. Mom sits down with Samantha Robillard from Pella High School. Samantha shares her background in music education, her family's influence, and her experiences as a choir director. She also talks about her mission trips to Kenya and how they've impacted her teaching and personal growth. Listen to Samantha's journey of balancing family, education, and her passion for missions, and hear heartfelt words of gratitude from a former student whose life she has touched.
00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice Podcast
00:40 Meet Samantha Robilliard
01:49 Samantha's Musical Journey
04:02 Daily Life at Pella High School
06:35 Mission Work in Kenya
15:02 Impact of Mission Work on Teaching
21:37 Reflection
23:46 Pay it Forward and Final Thoughts
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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11 Oct 2025
Band Man: Building a Community Everyday with Dr. Mom Music
In this episode, Dr. Mom Music sits down with Professor Brad Lampe — longtime music educator from Clarke Community Schools in Osceola, Iowa and current Director of Bands at Central College in Pella, Iowa — to explore what it truly means to build community through music.
Brad’s approach to directing isn’t just about perfecting sound or preparing for the next concert. It’s about building relationships, fostering belonging, and creating a space where every student knows they matter.
Together, Dr. Mom Music and “Lampe” discuss how connection fuels musical excellence, how empathy strengthens leadership, and how cultivating a culture of care transforms an ensemble into a family. Enjoy hearing the Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the baton of Professor Brad Lampe performing Central College sophomore Music Education major, Andrew Mahaffey’s work, “Dance of Leprechaun” throughout the podcast (played with permission by the composer).
Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com (mailto:dr.mom.music4@gmail.com)
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2 Oct 2025
Born to Create with Dr. Mom Music
In this very first episode, host Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen—also known as Dr. Mom Music—shares the vision behind Find Your Voice. With over 20 years of experience as a music educator and professor at Central College, Sarah has seen firsthand how powerful voices can be—whether in the classroom, the concert hall, or everyday life.
In this episode, you’ll hear the story behind the podcast, what inspired its name, and what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead. From conversations with music educators and artists, to stories of resilience and creativity, Find Your Voice is a space where music and meaning meet.
Sponsored in part by Dr. Mom Music and Central College.
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2 ratings
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