I had the privilege of sitting down with the inspiring Dr. Caren Hession – a woman whose passion for voice, music, and personal transformation shines through everything she does.

Dr. Caren Hession is a vocal coach, choir leader, creator, director, and social entrepreneur, specialising in guiding others on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through music. Drawing on over 15 years of education and experience in Music, Creative Arts, Philosophy, Neuroscience, NLP, and Special Needs, Caren brings together a rare and powerful blend of wisdom, science, and soul.

She is the creator of Born To Rise – Ireland’s first Self-Development Programme through Music, and is currently leading a 100-voice choir preparing for a live performance at the Town Hall Theatre. Alongside her one-to-one coaching, workshops, public speaking, and research, Caren’s work is a beacon for those ready to find their voice – both literally and spiritually.

In our heartfelt conversation, we explored the courage it takes to stand up, be seen, and be heard. Caren spoke about the profound connection between our voice and our sense of self, how when we use our voice authentically, we begin to reconnect with the deepest parts of who we are.

So many of us have been taught to stay quiet, to be seen but not heard. Over time, that conditioning creates distance between what we feel and what we express. Through music and song, Caren helps people to bridge that gap, to release the emotions that live within and allow them to flow freely. Singing becomes a beautiful way to transform vulnerability into strength, and to share that truth with others.

Caren reminded us that we are all born singing. From the moment we exist in our mother’s womb, we are immersed in rhythm, the sound of her heartbeat and her breath. This primal connection lays the foundation for how we experience our own voice. For some, life’s challenges lead to silence; for others, finding their voice again becomes the path to healing.

When we allow ourselves to express freely – not perfectly, but authentically – we give permission to others to do the same. As Caren beautifully said, finding our voice is not just about sound; it’s about feeling. It’s about reclaiming our right to show up in the world exactly as we are – whole, imperfect, and real.

Our voice is more than an instrument – it’s a bridge between our inner and outer worlds, a way to connect, to heal, and to rise.

✨ Tune in to this empowering episode with Dr. Caren Hession to reconnect with your own voice and remember the power that lives within it.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the conversation on YouTube.

💬 I hope this conversation awakens something in you – share your reflections in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Sharon

Sharon Fitzmaurice is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Speaker, and Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast. She is the author of Someone Please Help Me, So I Did and Awaken Your Wellbeing, and the founder of Soulful Journeys Online Community.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness and survivors of childhood abuse, Sharon’s mission is to inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, writing, and conversations, she reminds us that within every story lies the power to transform and rise.

Life doesn’t always unfold as we imagine it will - especially in motherhood. Often, it takes us on a journey that cracks us open, reshapes us, and ultimately reveals the depth of our inner strength. On this week’s episode of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I’m honoured to sit with Tracy Holmes - a devoted mother of three and wife to Andrew, living in the beautiful surroundings of Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

Tracy’s story is a profound and heartfelt reflection of what it means to grow through motherhood, especially when faced with challenges that shake us to our core. In her raw and beautifully written memoir Raising Resilience, published by Orla Kelly Publishing, she shares the emotionally charged experience of the premature birth of her twin boys, the diagnosis of Down Syndrome for one of her sons, and the early separation of the twins during that tender first year.

But at the heart of Tracy’s story lies something even more universal - the often unspoken reality of maternal mental health.

So many women, as Tracy so vulnerably shares, suffer in silence. Afraid of being judged, of not being seen as a "good enough" mother, they carry their pain alone. But Tracy’s message is one of deep compassion and truth: to be the kind of mother - or father - our children need, we must first care for ourselves. Looking after our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing is not a luxury; it is a necessity. When we tend to ourselves, we model to our children the power of self-love, resilience, and emotional integrity.

Tracy's healing journey included finding time for herself, reclaiming small yet powerful moments of peace and connection. One of her greatest sources of strength came from sea swimming - an act that brought her not only clarity and calm, but connection to a tribe of supportive women. She also found solace and understanding among other parents raising children with Down Syndrome, discovering that shared experience creates a sacred space where vulnerability is met with empathy rather than judgement.

This conversation is a call to all mothers and parents: you are not alone. Your struggles do not make you less - they are part of the courageous path you walk. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it is a profound act of love - for yourself, and for your children.

Tracy's story is a gentle yet powerful reminder that motherhood is not about doing it all perfectly, but about being real, being supported, and being kind to ourselves through the ever-evolving journey. In sharing her truth, she offers a guiding light for others to follow—out of isolation and into connection, out of fear and into trust.

Tune in to this soulful and healing episode. Let Tracy's voice and vulnerability remind you of your own strength, and the sacredness of tending to your own heart as you care for the hearts of those you love.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Author, Wellbeing Coach & Podcast Host