Intelligent Vocalist Podcast
Episode 466 - The Brain-Voice Speed Gap, Part 1: Why Your Voice Is Aging Where You Don’t Expect
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores a surprising reason the voice can feel different with age. He explains how changes in the brain and nervous system affect the speed and precision of the signals that control your voice. The encouraging news is that the b...
Episode 465 - The One Number That Explains Your Vocal Struggles
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John talks about phonation threshold pressure, or PTP, and explains why it may be the hidden factor behind days when your voice feels heavy, effortful, or unpredictable. He breaks down what raises PTP, especially in the aging voice, a...
Episode 464 - AI Slop is Coming for Singers
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John looks at the rise of AI-generated vocal advice and why so much of it is misleading, fear-driven, or simply wrong. He explains how slick presentation and absolute claims can create confusion and anxiety, especially around vocal he...
Episode 463 - Why Your Practice Isn’t Sticking
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains why good moments in practice can sometimes fail to stick, not because of talent or effort, but because we miss what created them. He introduces a simple target-based practice loop that replaces vague goals and self judgme...
Episode 462 - Confidence is Not a Belief - It’s a Skill
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John challenges the idea that confidence is a feeling or belief you either have or do not have. He explores the importance of rebuilding the relationship with one’s voice, focusing on functional behaviors that define confidence,...
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...









