Ep. 69: What Do I Do If I Have A Vocal Injury? ENCORE with Kerri Ho

Today on the Passionate Performer Podcast, we’re talking about something that’s honestly kind of scary for a lot of us—vocal injuries. But here’s the thing: this episode isn’t about fear. It’s about hope. I'm bringing back an episode from Season 1 with a timeless message. Whether you’re a gigging vocalist, a musical theatre lover, or just someone who loves to sing, this conversation with the amazing Kerri Ho will remind you that vocal setbacks don’t have to be the end of your story.

In fact, they might just be the start of something better.

I’m so excited to share this encore episode with you—it's packed with wisdom, real talk, and personal stories from Kerri, who’s not only a phenomenal vocal coach from Melbourne but also someone who’s walked through the very challenges many singers quietly fear.

“Is something wrong with my voice?” Recognizing the signs.

We kick things off with the question that keeps a lot of singers up at night: How do I know if I have a vocal injury? Kerri and I talk about what to look out for - things like unexpected vocal fatigue, pain when singing, or parts of your voice just going missing. It’s not meant to scare you, but to empower you to pay attention and take care of your voice like the precious instrument it is.

Kerri’s story: From the corporate world to the vocal studio

Kerri didn’t start out as a vocal coach - her journey took some twists and turns. After being discouraged from pursuing music early on, she spent years in the corporate world before finally listening to the call to teach and sing full time. (Spoiler alert: her story is super relatable if you’ve ever felt torn between your “practical” life and your passion.)

Navigating vocal nodules and the road to recovery

At the height of her career, Kerri hit a rough patch - post-flu coughing and vocal strain led to a diagnosis of vocal nodules. But even that was a journey in itself, with an initial misdiagnosis by a general ENT. It wasn’t until she pushed for answers and saw a voice specialist that she got the care she needed.

Her healing included rest, vocal therapy, medication, and maybe most importantly - reconnecting with who she was beyond just “the voice.” She shares so openly about what it felt like to have her identity shaken and how she came back stronger, singing better than ever.

More than your voice: Reclaiming your identity

One of my favorite parts of our chat is when Kerri talks about rediscovering her sense of self beyond her singing voice. It’s something I think so many of us need to hear. Your value isn’t based on how perfectly you perform. You are more than your high notes, riffs, or how long you can hold a belt. And ironically, when we release that pressure, the voice often responds with more freedom and power than ever before.

Final thoughts + how to connect

Kerri’s story is vulnerable, real, and inspiring. If you’ve ever worried about your vocal health - or if you’re in it right now - know this: you're not alone, and this doesn't have to be the end of your singing journey. It might just be the beginning of a whole new chapter.

Want to connect with Kerri? Check her out at thesongbirdtree.com. And if this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Message me below, on Instagram, share this episode with a fellow singer, or leave us a review so more passionate performers like you can find this community.

Want even more support? Come check out the Passionate Performer Program - where you’ll learn how to care for your voice, build stamina, and perform with freedom (even on your busiest days). Try for FREE for 7 days, with a minimum 3-month commitment to see and HEAR results. LEARN MORE HERE. Happy singing!