• Special Edition: You Can Carry A Tune, It Just Takes More Practice with Dr. Mom Music
    Dec 16 2025

    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

    https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a

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

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

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    11 mins
  • From Their Voices to Ours, Passing Down Christmas Music in the Age of Screens: Find Your Voice with Dr. Mom Music
    Dec 12 2025

    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

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

    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

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    44 mins
  • 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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    38 mins
  • Find Your Voice: Building Beyond Ourselves with Samantha Robilliard and Dr. Mom Music
    Oct 17 2025

    In this episode of “Find Your Voice,” host Dr. Mom sits down with Samantha Robilliard 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.

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    30 mins
  • Band Man: Building a Community Everyday with Dr. Mom Music
    Oct 11 2025

    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

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    28 mins