Episode 1: Voice as Birthright

Original Belonging

In episode one, I share the journey of how I found my true voice. Long-suffering from shyness, I connect with my life force at age 14, discovering inner gifts of poetic observation as I learn to dream anew. I am also honored to be in conversation with Chloë Goodchild, vocalist, singing philosopher, sound pioneer, recording artist, and founder of The Naked Voice, to deepen this exploration around authentic voice expression.

My story begins with life in the ‘70s L.A. suburbs, searching for roots, forging a relationship with a stoic FBI agent father, beguiled by family silence while inspired by my youngest brother, Joe, born with Down syndrome. The tragic loss of a family member as I came of age became my portal into adulthood. I witnessed major, unexpressed grief, wondering why people bury traumas in their hearts. Thanks to a teacher who challenged the status quo, I learned to trust my self-expression and life path.

After sharing my story, I welcome Chloë Goodchild who describes the through-threads from her childhood landscape where she experienced partial deafness and how this stoked her curiosity about aspects of sound we normally don’t consider. Nature was her teacher, connecting Chloe to rhythm and vibration, ultimately leading to a lifelong study of silence, song, and sound–our voice as a soulful instrument. A beloved teacher, she guides her listeners to explore the “naked voice” as our natural birthright. This approach contrasts with the “performing voice” we learned in school, one that shielded true expression. Having studied sound globally, Chloë speaks to voice as a gateway into our deep interconnection. Her contributions in the field of sound healing inspires liberation in an increasingly complex world.

Topics Covered:

(03:59) Growing up quiet, imaginative, and curious

(08:49) Creative expression through poetry and song

(12:19) Entering adulthood through grief

(20:45) Experiencing belonging for the first time

(29:41) Chloë Goodchild joins me in conversation

(41:36) Nature reminds us that we belong to the world

(47:42) Connecting to wisdom of the mother lines

(51:13) The truths of a vocal self-portrait

(1:01:35) Resurrecting the singing field

(1:07:03) Resonance of the naked voice

Resources Mentioned:

• The Singing Revolution | documentary

Chloë Goodchild:

• The Naked Voice | website
• The Naked Voice | book
• VOCE Dialogues | podcast

Stay Connected:

• mauraconlon.com
• @orginalbeloning on Instagram
• Maura Conlon on Facebook

Credit:

• Podcast series production by Media Midwife Ahri Golden
• Podcast series launch by The Wave Podcasting

About:

In this series, I explore how the significant influences and archetypal events experienced in our first 14 years of life set the stage for what is most meaningful throughout our adult years. In times of transition, a voice wonders: who am I at the soul level, at my essence? Our earliest resonant moments of awe–what lit us up–offer direct access into the root system of our original belonging.