Lucia, you often mention that English is your second language (although you speak it very well). May I ask where you originate from and how many other languages you speak? I know you are a very smart lady!
Hi Pat, thank you! I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I grew up surrounded by beautiful nature, incredible culture, and warm-hearted people. My childhood was filled with memories of gazing at the stunning Sugar Loaf Mountain while swimming in the paradisiacal beaches. In my twenties, I worked for an American airline, which allowed me to travel to many different countries. Later on, I lived in places like Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Spain, and the USA and I speak five languages —I truly feel like a citizen of the world!
You have moved around the world and had a fascinating life. Could you share a little bit about your experiences?
I graduated in Physical Therapy and began my career working in intensive care and neurology. Eventually, I became an international consultant for a groundbreaking treatment for neurological patients, which led me to give lectures in countries like Portugal, Egypt, Malaysia, and many others. Connecting with healthcare professionals and patients from around the globe was incredibly rewarding. These experiences taught me not only professionally but also emotionally, as I gained insights into diverse cultures and stories.
What inspired you to transition from being a physical therapist to becoming a writer, podcaster, and media entrepreneur?
When the pandemic hit, we had just moved from the USA to Spain, and suddenly, I found myself with a lot of free time at home. My daughter Gabriella was living in Pittsburgh, and I was deeply concerned about the global situation. Instead of letting my anxiety take over—though I was already panicking—I decided to focus my energy on something productive. I began writing a story I often told my patients about a little crab who loses her claw.
In just three months, I completed the trilogy. Promoting the books, however, turned out to be a challenge. That’s when I started my podcast as a way to connect with other authors and share our work with a larger audience. Two years later, after meeting inspiring guests and fostering a wonderful community, I launched Relatable Media—a startup dedicated to promoting books, films, and creativity. Looking back, this journey from physical therapy to media feels like a natural evolution—it’s all about helping others, whether it’s healing their bodies, telling uplifting stories, or creating opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Please go into detail about your podcast, The Relatable Voice.
The Relatable Voice podcast launched in February 2021 and has been an incredible journey beyond anything I initially imagined. What started as a platform for conversations quickly grew into a vibrant community. To date, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing over 500 amazing guests from around the world. Many of these connections have blossomed into real friendships, and I’ve even met several of my guests in person, which has been a heartwarming experience.
The core idea behind The Relatable Voice is simple: everyone has a story worth sharing. My guests come from all walks of life—authors, entrepreneurs, artists, and everyday individuals who have something unique to offer. The podcast is a space where they can open up about their lives, work, and personal journeys.
For my listeners, the goal is to add value by sharing stories that inspire, inform, and entertain. Each episode is like a conversation among friends, and the diversity of perspectives has made it a rich learning experience for me as well. From discussing creative processes and overcoming challenges to learning about different cultures and industries, every guest brings something special to the table.
I believe the podcast resonates with people because it emphasizes connection. In today’s fast-paced world, The Relatable Voice serves as a reminder that we’re all more alike than we are different and that sharing our stories can bridge gaps and foster understanding.
In 2023, I expanded my storytelling passion by launching a new podcast, Catch the Story. This show shines a spotlight on storytellers, providing a platform for them to share their narratives, whether fiction or non-fiction, and celebrate the art of storytelling in all its forms.
In 2022, you published Out of the Box. What is this book about?
Out of the Box is a story centered on the pressing issue of climate change, told in a way that’s relatable and engaging for young readers. The story follows two children, Noah and Mila, who live in Gray Town—a bleak, polluted place devoid of trees and greenery. Life in Gray Town reflects the challenges of environmental degradation and the consequences of neglecting sustainability.
How has hosting book fairs and engaging with other authors shaped your perspective as both a writer and a creative entrepreneur?
The RV Book Fair is a platform to collaborate, learn, and grow within the literary community. By engaging with authors from various genres and backgrounds, I’ve gained fresh perspectives on storytelling, marketing, and the broader creative process.
As a writer, these interactions have deepened my understanding of what resonates with different audiences and have inspired me to experiment with new themes and techniques. Hearing other authors’ journeys—their challenges, triumphs, and unique creative approaches—has been both humbling and motivating.
On the entrepreneurial side, hosting book fairs has taught me the importance of community-building and fostering connections. These events are not just about showcasing work; they’re about creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support. This has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to bring people together and has encouraged me to expand my efforts through platforms like my podcast and Relatable Media.
Ultimately, these experiences have made me more attuned to the needs of readers and creators alike, shaping my work to be not only more impactful but also more aligned with the collective creative spirit.
What do you like doing when you are not working?
Throughout my life, I’ve always prioritized maintaining both my physical and mental health. I make it a point to incorporate exercise into my daily routine, whether it’s spinning classes, weightlifting, stand-up paddling, or playing tennis. Beyond staying active, I have a passion for painting, reading, and traveling. Spending quality time with family and friends also brings me immense joy and balance.
What advice do you have for anyone who wants to explore creative outlets like the ones you’re part of?
Effective communication and visibility are essential. Challenges are inevitable, but with focus and determination, positive results are within reach. I truly believe that art exists all around us and within each of us.
The key is to pursue something you genuinely enjoy, remain consistent in your efforts, and always be open to learning. This approach not only helps you achieve your goals but also allows you to appreciate and savor the process itself—something that sustains passion and motivation over the long term.
What message would you like to leave us with today?
Just a little nugget of thought to share with you all! For the longest time, I was the queen of future planning—always asking, "What's next?" or "What’s around the corner?" But one day, it hit me like a splash of cold water: I was so caught up in the "what’s next" that I was completely missing the "what’s now."
Living in the present? It’s like unwrapping a surprise gift every single day. When you tune into the now, you notice the little things that make life sweet—things you’d totally miss if your head’s stuck in tomorrow. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for chasing dreams and setting goals. But seriously, don’t forget to look up, take a deep breath, and soak in this very moment. Because, spoiler alert: this moment is what life’s all about.
The past? Done and dusted. The future? Still baking. But today? Oh, today is served fresh and ready to enjoy. So let’s dive in and savor it, together.
Stay present, stay awesome!
Can you share any details about your next creative endeavors?
I’m wrapping up work on my upcoming book, Homegrown Superheroes, a young adult novel that I’m excited about. Alongside that, I’ll be kicking off a new series on The Relatable Voice podcast, which I’m sure listeners will love. We’ll also be accepting guests for The RV Book Fair 2025—a great opportunity for authors and creatives to share their work. And now I will start a new challenge by venturing into the movie industry. I’m helping to produce a trailer and proof of concept for a feature film set in central Texas. I’m part of a wonderful and professional industry team that will bring the material to life. It’s an exciting road ahead.
I’m looking forward to all the amazing opportunities and projects the next year will bring.
Lucia Matuonto is an entrepreneur, award-winning author, and celebrated podcaster. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Relatable Voice Magazine and is the creator and host of The RV Book Fair, an annual event dedicated to celebrating authors and their books. As the CEO of Relatable Media, a dynamic startup supporting creatives in amplifying their voices, Lucia is a passionate advocate for storytelling. She also appeared in the pilot of the TV series Strange Angels, produced by actor and director James Quinn.
Lucia is the author of the acclaimed Out of the Box series, which earned The BookFest 2023 award, the Relatable Voices Anthology, and the beloved children’s series Zoe the Crab, which champions inclusion and diversity. In addition to her writing, she hosts Uncut with Lucia on WorldAuthors.org, a compelling web series that offers readers an intimate connection with the authors behind their favorite books. Lucia is also a columnist for Brand Education and The RV Online Magazine, where she shares her insights on books, publishing, and creativity.
Having lived in six countries, Lucia is deeply passionate about travel and fostering connections across cultures. Her widely celebrated podcasts, The Relatable Voice and Catch the Story!, provide engaging platforms for sharing captivating stories and meaningful experiences with a global audience.
Find out more at www.relatable-media.com and www.luciamatuonto.com
Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - December 2024.
Downolad the full magazine at:
Comments