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Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music

Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music

By: Dr. Mom Music
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About this listen

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

FOLLOW

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1

https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg==

Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen
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Episodes
  • Episode 6: The Choreography of Love: Conversations on Music, Dance, and Adoption with Dr. Mom Music
    Nov 27 2025

    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

    Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com

    FOLLOW

    https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music

    https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1

    https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg==

    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

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    36 mins
  • Episode 5: Finding Stability and Belonging Through Foster Care and Music with Dr. Mom Music on Find Your Voice Podcast
    Nov 19 2025

    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

    Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com

    FOLLOW

    https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music

    https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1

    https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg==

    https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music

    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

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • PMD#1 Fan Back for More with Susan Lyons on Dr. Mom Music
    Oct 24 2025

    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

    FOLLOW

    https://www.youtube.com/@dr.mom_music

    https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.mom_music?_t=ZT-90BvmviMAhr&_r=1

    https://www.instagram.com/dr.mom_music?utm_source=qr&igsh=MXJhZGw4azRxamM4bg==

    https://rss.com/podcasts/find-your-voice-with-dr-mom-music

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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