Episode 461 - The Real Job of Vocal Exercises

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains the real purpose of vocal exercises and why they are not meant to test or prove your voice. He shares how exercises support coordination, regulation, and vocal safety rather than chasing range or power. Approach your pra...

Episode 459 - How to Safely Get Your Voice Back After Illness

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John walks singers through what is really happening in the voice during and after illness, and why testing high notes too soon can set recovery back. Drawing from sports medicine, he shares a clear, graded approach to rebuilding coord...

Episode 458 - Why Vocal Resolutions Fail (The Science of Consistency)

In this episode, John explains why most vocal resolutions collapse by spring and what the science of learning reveals about building real, lasting progress. He breaks down the pitfalls of willpower, cognitive overload, and unfocused practice, and shows how small systems and consi...

Episode 457 - The Mature Voice, Tech, & Limitations: 5 Key Insights from 2025

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John reflects on what the past year has taught him about working with aging voices, adapting to new technology, and staying honest about personal limitations. He shares how these insights have reshaped his approach to teaching and cre...

Episode 456 - Essential Musical Skills Every Singer Needs

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John breaks down the core musical skills singers need in order to grow consistently and sing with confidence. He explains why skills like rhythm, pitch, harmony, and musicianship matter just as much as vocal technique, and how they sh...

Episode 460 - Strength Training for the Aging Voice

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains why voices can feel weaker, breathier, or less stable over time and why those changes are not a reason to panic. He breaks down how targeted, consistent vocal strength training can counter muscle loss and improve clarity...

Episode 455 - Don’t Get Replaced by Technology

In this episode, John looks at how new technology has always reshaped the music industry and what singers can learn from past shifts. From synthesizers to AI, he explains why the artists who adapt, stay curious, and use new tools thoughtfully are the ones who thrive. The heart of...

Episode 454 - Know Your Energy Rhythms

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John breaks down how your mental, physical, and emotional energy cycles affect your singing. He explains why some days feel effortless while others feel heavy and how aligning your practice with your natural peaks and dips can make yo...

Episode 453 - Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body

In this episode, John talks about the shift every singer must make from overthinking the voice to letting the body lead. He explains how true vocal freedom comes from embodied coordination, built through awareness, repetition, and connection rather than constant analysis. When yo...

Episode 452 - Why Singers Need to Read

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores how reading great literature can deepen a singer’s emotional awareness, imagination, and connection to story. He explains how fiction strengthens empathy, memory, and expressive depth, helping singers interpret songs w...