Love In Motion

Joanne Lockwood is joined by speech-language pathologist, author, and inclusive fashion founder Denise Cesare for a wide-ranging conversation about self-love, resilience, and what it means to be seen and heard when your voice and body don’t match social expectations.

Denise describes living with spasmodic dysphonia after a car accident, the impact of years without a reliable speaking voice, and what it took to advocate for herself in medical settings and at work. From that difficult period, she explains how her creative energy became a route back to confidence and connection, ultimately leading to the creation of T Suit: swimmable, versatile garments designed to help people feel comfortable and empowered in and out of the water.

The discussion broadens into body image and the damage caused by size-based fashion norms, the lasting mental-health effects of COVID-era isolation (especially for young people), and why mindfulness is a practice rather than a slogan. Throughout, Denise and Joanne return to a consistent message: resilience grows when self-worth is protected, community is nurtured, and compassion becomes practical action in everyday life.