Lucia is a mother, published author, podcaster and physical therapist specialized in neurorehabilitation. She is the host of The Relatable Voice Podcast and started a program of interviews called UNCUT with Lucia by worldauthors.org where she interviews book authors, songwriters and wordsmiths.
Lucia, where are you from and what do you like to do on your spare time?
I’ve lived in different countries so I feel like I am from everywhere, but I was raised in Rio in Brazil. I currently live in Spain with my wonderful husband. I love to run on the beach, playing tennis, drink coconuts, and paint when I have time. I also love reading and of course I keep a book on my nightstand so I can read before sleeping. I am sure there are other things that I will try but that’s it for now.
Tell me about your professional background.
I am a physiotherapist specialized in children’s Neuro-rehabilitation and Respiratory Therapy. I worked as a consultant for a clinic in the United States that developed “Pediasuit Protocol” which is a new rehabilitation method in which patients wear a specific vest inspired by astronauts’ suits. In relation to this I gave lectures in many countries e.g. Egypt, Malaysia, Portugal, Cyprus, and many more. I am also a Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner and have a background in arts e.g. drama and creative writing.
Having many different titles to your name, which one do you create to the most?
I believe that art is what I created the most. I went through different phases in my life in which I developed skills and experience in multiple areas. In Bahrain, I worked as a physical therapist and I had the chance to give Pilates classes so I ended up teaching one of the princesses and other royals. In United Arabic Emirates I worked with children’s rehabilitation, gave speeches and coached parents.
When I moved to Germany I launched a new exercise method called Brazilian fitness and It was very well received.
In the US I started painting and writing again which is something that I always loved to do but I didn’t focus on for many years. And finally I finished writing my trilogy last year in Spain. In reality even when I was treating children with special needs, art was always present through storytelling and the illustrations I used to make for the kids.
Your podcast is called The Relatable Voice how did you come up with that name ?
My husband and I always made plans to buy a RV and travel around the US but it never happened because we always fly to save time. So I decided that at least I could have a virtual one as a Podcaster. The RV idea is to virtually drive to my guests city and give them a ride while we talk about relatable subjects, therefore the Relatable Voice (RV) name came up and matches perfectly.
Please share the details about your podcast.
The Relatable Voice started in February , 2021 and after 3 months I have already released 23 episodes. I am very pleased that many people are eager to be on the show and has even surpassed my expectations.
I am interviewing people who talk about sustainability, coaching, books, astrology, travelers, mental health, survivors , so everybody is welcome.
My guests articles are featured on my blog https://www.luciamatuonto.com and we offer them the possibility to be also featured on https://brand.education, and other e-magazines.
The idea is to be able to talk with interesting people, feature their work and add value to my listeners and of course keeping my mind busy. When the pandemic started, I was very worried and I started being anxious about it. Focusing on the activities I like the most, like writing, painting and networking I was able to ground myself and turned my fear into an opportunity to create, produce and learn new things.
Being Born in Brazil and living in 6 different countries, how have these plans influenced your writing ?
I always use themes as inclusion, diversity and equality in my books. Working with people from other nationalities, religions and cultures opened my mind tremendously and made me grow in different aspects.
The book series Zoe the Crab calls attention to values such as inclusion and diversity, can you tell us a little bit about it?
The main character is a little crab, who is funny and loves to dance but during a trip with her brothers, she has an accident, gets lost on the beach and loses her claw.
Zoe would always compare herself to other animals, and she couldn’t understand why she didn’t walk like other animals, or why she wasn’t like other animals. Overtime, through her adventures, she slowly realized that every animal she came across was different, and it was totally ok! From this lesson, I hope that children with special needs and neurotypical will be inspired by Zoe to also appreciate their differences and the differences of others.
I want to show kids and their parents that having special needs or being different is completely normal. I believe that by reading this kind of books, kids who don’t require special needs will be able to relate better with those who do have special needs.
What is your definition of inclusion?
My idea of inclusion is, for example: I invite you to my house, and I treat you the best that I can. Inclusion means that you make your guest feel at home.
What is UNCUT WITH LUCIA?
Uncut is a show where I interview various authors and writers in a more open and unedited way. UNCUT is a candid interview, which will allow them to be themselves. Authors and writers don’t often get the chance to speak their minds and I want to give them this space.
What advice do you have for anyone that wants to enter any of the creative outlets that you are part of?
You need to be able to communicate and make yourself visible. Things are not always easy but with focus and determination positive results can be achieved.
I believe art is everywhere and it is in everyone of us. You should do something that you really enjoy , be consistent with it and keep learning. By doing this you not only focus on the end results but you enjoy the process which is what really keeps you going day after day.
What is next for you?
I will be launching my new book in July 2021: “Out of the Box”, and I want to continue and grow the reach of Uncut and the RV by interviewing several guests involved in many different and inspiring topics.
To know more about Lucia don’t visit: https://www.luciamatuonto.com and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram: @luciamatuontoauthor and @the_relatable_Voice