A Clear Voice
A Clear Voice
BLA Connections
This podcast is brought to you by The British Laryngological Association (BLA). With an overall interest in the development of laryngology (the management of airway, voice, and swallowing disorders and health promotion) we will discuss and explore pressing topics and issues with leading experts from across the globe. Gaining valuable insights, knowledge, and guidance, cutting through the noise to provide a clear voice! 
Conversation First: Reflections on Jackie Gartner-Schmidt’s Keynote and Conversation Training Therapy
Send us Fan Mail This episode of BLA Connections A Clear Voice, hosted by Natalie Watson, features a follow-up conversation with Jackie Gartner-Schmidt after her keynote presentation at the British Laryngological Association (BLA) Conference 2025. Dr Gartner-Schmidt discusses Conversation Training Therapy (CTT), an approach that begins with everyday conversation rather than traditional vocal drills. The focus is on addressing the vocal behaviours patients experience in daily life, such as hoa...
Dec 22, 2025
22 min
Presidential Handover: Building on Strong Foundations for the Future of the BLA
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson marks the handover of the British Laryngological Association presidency from Mr Declan Costello to Mr Nicholas Gibbins. Declan reflects on his two-year term, highlighting the steady development of the Association’s foundations, including a new website, improved membership systems and strengthened organisational structures. He discusses the importance of collaboration, both within the UK and internati...
Dec 22, 2025
13 min
Robotic Technology in Laryngology with Professors Marc Remacle and Martin Birchall
Send us Fan Mail The final episodes of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, current series provides an overview of highlights from the Cutting Edge Laryngology 2024 conference in London. Host Natalie Watson introduces keynote speakers, including Prof Marc Remacle, reflecting on 30 years of work in laryngology; Dr Anais Rameau, discussing the role of artificial intelligence in the future of the field; and Dr Nupur Nerurkar, covering vocal fold cysts, sulci, and mucosal bridges. Additional contribut...
Nov 22, 2024
9 min
30 years of laryngology, what did I learn? An interview with Prof Marc Remacle
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson interviews Prof Marc Remacle, reflecting on his 30-year career in laryngology. The discussion explores advancements in diagnostic and surgical techniques, including CO2 lasers, low-power lasers, and improvements in video endoscopy. Prof Remacle highlights the evolution from open cancer surgeries to transoral approaches and the growing role of in-office procedures facilitated by enhanced tools such a...
Nov 22, 2024
15 min
The Future of Laryngology, AI, Robotics, and Pioneering Innovations in Voice and Airway Care with Anais Rameau
Send us Fan Mail In this recording of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson speaks with Dr. Anaïs Rameau from Weill Cornell Medicine, New York during the Cutting Edge Laryngology Conference 2024. They explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in laryngology, introducing concepts like "Audiomics" and "Videomics" to describe the use of AI for analyzing voice and video data. Dr. Rameau discusses AI's potential to improve access to care, standardize clinical assessment...
Nov 22, 2024
12 min
Innovations and Challenges in Vocal Fold Surgery with Prof Nupur Nerurkar
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Natalie Watson speaks with keynote speaker Prof Nupur Nerurkar, who joined the Cutting Edge Laryngology Conference 2024 in London. Nupur shares her expertise on vocal fold cysts, sulci, and mucosal bridges, detailing insights from her research and clinical practice. She discusses advancements in diagnosing and treating these challenging conditions, including her laser-assisted techniques and classifications that aim to improve outcomes for patients. Prof...
Nov 22, 2024
18 min
An Interview with founding BLA president Prof David Howard
Send us Fan Mail In the BLA Connections: A Clear Voice episode, host Natalie Watson interviews Professor David Howard, the founding president of the British Laryngological Association (BLA). The conversation reflects on the history and development of the BLA and the vital role of laryngology in speech and language therapy. Professor Howard shares insights into his career, from his early interest in physiology and surgical innovations to his current work on a negative pressure ventilator desig...
Nov 22, 2024
27 min
Understanding Chronic Cough and Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome with Professors James Hull and Surinder Birring
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of BLA Connections: A Clear Voice, host Natalie Watson speaks with Professors James Hull and Surinder Birring, leading experts in respiratory medicine, to discuss the challenges of diagnosing and treating chronic cough. Chronic cough, affecting 5-10% of the population (primarily women), is a debilitating condition often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. It can significantly impact quality of life with symptoms such as urinary incontinence, throat irritation, and...
Oct 2, 2024
28 min
Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) all you need to know - approaches from around the world
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast, host Natalie Watson explores the comprehensive management of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP), bringing together three top experts: Dr Andile Sibiya from South Africa, Mr Adam Donne from the UK, and Prof Craig Derkay from the USA. The discussion covers various aspects of RRP, including differences in patient presentation and healthcare systems across the three countries, the impact of HPV vaccination, and evolving treatment moda...
Jul 25, 2024
1 hr 3 min
The Cutting Edge Laryngology Conference 2024 with Chadwan Al Yaghchi
Send us Fan Mail When it comes to exploring the vast field of laryngology, few events promise the depth and breadth of insight as the Cutting Edge Laryngology Conference—coming on 2-4 October 2024, showcasing the latest advances in our field. In this special episode of the podcast, Natalie meets with Honorary Treasurer of the BLA, Chadwan Al Yaghchi, to discuss the programme and the topics they are looking forward to hearing about: from Idiopathic subglottic stenosis to vocal cord para...
May 10, 2024
14 min
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