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PODCAST

The Intelligent Vocalist

Hosted by world renowned vocal coach John Henny, The Intelligent Vocalist delves into all things singing - from anatomy and vocal science, to performance, lessons, health, artist development and inside industry practices, Join John as he opens the door to the world of singing and gives insights gleaned from his many decades of teaching everyone from beginners to superstars, as well as training other leading voice teachers.

arts performing arts

All Episodes

17:09

Episode 479 - Your Note Starts Before You Hear It

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/09/29

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John takes a close look at the onset, the tiny moment when a note begins, and how it can affect breath, pitch, and vocal clarity. He explains how singers can learn to hear and control these different types of onsets instead of letting them become unconscious habits. Start listening to those first few milliseconds and you may discover a whole new level of control in your singing. Episode highlights: Breath-first, folds-first, and balanced onsets each

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17:09

Episode 478 - The Voice You're Chasing Doesn't Exist

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/09/15

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores why singers can get stuck chasing an idealized version of their voice instead of working with the instrument they actually have. He looks at the ways studio recordings and memories of our younger voices can distort that comparison. Give yourself a chance to hear and appreciate what your voice can do right now. Episode highlights: Studio recordings are constructed performances, not one-to-one comparisons. Memory can rebuild our best

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20:18

Episode 477 - The Real Reason You're Not Practicing

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/09/01

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores why practicing can become difficult when your voice no longer does what it once did. He explains how turning practice into an experiment can remove the pressure of judging every session and make it easier to stay consistent. Go into your next session with a question and see what your voice can teach you. Episode highlights: A constructive practice question has no losing answer. A difficult session can still give you useful information

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20:09

Episode 476 - Myths That Help You Sing

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/08/18

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John looks at several common singing myths that may not be scientifically accurate but can still be useful. He explores why some ideas stick around because they offer singers a helpful way to experience or approach the voice. Keep learning how the voice works, but don't be too quick to throw out a "myth" that helps you sing. Episode highlights: A singer's sensations are real, even when they do not reflect the underlying mechanism. Simple vocal cues can

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19:09

Episode 475 - What Aging Athletes Can Teach Us About...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/07/14

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores what singers can learn from the way modern athletes approach aging, recovery, and long-term performance. He explains why older singers need more intentional practice, better recovery, and smarter daily habits rather than simply working harder. The voice changes with age, but with the right approach, it can remain strong, expressive, and reliable for years to come. Episode highlights: Aging removes biological forgiveness, making recovery

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26:14

Episode 474 - The Symptom is Not the Cause with...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/06/30

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John speaks with innovative vocal educator Jeremy Ryan Mossman about why vocal problems are often symptoms of deeper patterns in the body, nervous system, and overall coordination. Drawing from movement science, bodywork, and voice training, Jeremy shares a holistic perspective on compensation, tension, emotional connection, and the role of environment in vocal freedom. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop chasing the symptom and start

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16:15

Episode 473 - The Mind Science of Vocal Breakthroughs

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/06/16

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores new research on how the brain learns and why certain vocal moments suddenly "click." He explains how attention, timing, and meaningful repetition may shape the brain's ability to lock in new coordinations and create lasting breakthroughs. The more intentionally you practice, the more opportunities you give your brain to recognize and keep what is working. Episode highlights: Focused attention helps the brain recognize and retain vocal

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25:51

Episode 472 - Sing Anyway with Linor Oren

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/06/02

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John speaks with vocal coach, choir director, and former opera and music theater performer about the fear, shame, and self-doubt that stop so many people from singing. Drawing from her work with hundreds of adult singers and her own journey overcoming performance anxiety, Linor shares practical ways to reconnect with the joy of singing and separate technical practice from emotional expression. If singing matters to you, you do not have to wait until you

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24:07

Episode 471 - Vocal Fold Geometry, and the Science of...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/05/19

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John breaks down the science behind mix and explains how vocal fold geometry and airflow work together to create smooth transitions. He explains why cracks, strain, or inconsistency often come from a mismatch in coordination rather than doing something wrong. When you understand how your voice actually functions, you can train it more precisely and with less frustration. Episode highlights: Your vocal folds have multiple vibration patterns built into

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24:44

Episode 470 - Voice Teaching's Language Problem

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/05/05

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores how the language we use to teach singing can sometimes create confusion instead of clarity. He explains how vocal models evolve over time and why problems arise when imagery is mistaken for anatomy or when teachers argue across different types of language. The goal is not to abandon imagery or science, but to understand what each is actually doing so you can use both more effectively in your teaching and singing. Episode highlights: Vocal

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21:19

Episode 469 - The Right Kind of Imagery: Why Most...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/04/14

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores why some vocal imagery works while other common cues fall flat. He explains how kinesthetic imagery, based on real physical sensation, can strengthen the brain pathways that control singing. Start feeling your way through your voice and notice how much more direct and effective your practice becomes. Episode highlights: Kinesthetic imagery activates the brain's motor control systems. Effective imagery maps to real physical sensations in

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20:15

Episode 468 - Singing as Signal Flow: Stop Singing...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/03/31

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains why thinking in words can make phrasing feel choppy and disconnected, and shows how shifting your focus to a continuous signal flow creates smoother, more efficient singing. Let the sound carry you from note to note and see how much easier your voice can feel. Episode highlights: Vowels carry the sound, while consonants should stay light and brief. Continuous airflow supports smoother, more connected singing. Reducing vocal restarts helps

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20:12

Episode 467 - The Brain-Voice Speed Gap, Part 2: Six...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/03/17

In this episode, John continues the discussion of the brain-voice speed gap, and explains six practical ways to help your brain and voice work together more efficiently. When you combine these elements, you give your brain the stimulation it needs to adapt and improve, no matter your age. Episode highlights: Vocal exercises strengthen the nerve and muscle connections that coordinate your voice. Challenging practice and ear training sharpen the brain's control of vocal coordination. Sleep,

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18:01

Episode 466 - The Brain-Voice Speed Gap, Part 1: Why...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/03/10

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 brain remains highly adaptable, and understanding these changes is the first step toward strengthening the brain-voice connection. Episode highlights: Changes in myelin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and motor planning can

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24:33

Episode 465 - The One Number That Explains Your Vocal...

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/03/03

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, and shares practical tools like hydration, nebulizing, SOVT exercises, and smart practice habits to bring it back down. When you understand this one number, singing starts to make a lot more sense, and you gain back a sense of

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24:55

Episode 464 - AI Slop is Coming for Singers

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/02/17

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 health and technique. Learning how to spot reliable information helps you protect both your voice and your peace of mind. Episode highlights: Certainty and urgency are common red flags. Volume and polish do not equal

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17:51

Episode 463 - Why Your Practice Isn't Sticking

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/02/10

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 judgment with clear, repeatable actions. With the right focus, your practice can start building skills that actually last. Episode highlights: Clear targets work better than vague outcomes. Neutral feedback supports faster

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20:02

Episode 462 - Confidence is Not a Belief - It's a Skill

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/02/03

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, and the role of attention control in singing. Confidence grows when you focus on what you do, not how you feel. Episode highlights: The relationship with the voice often fails before the voice itself. Confident singers separate

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17:18

Episode 461 - The Real Job of Vocal Exercises

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/01/27

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 practice as a place to listen and build trust, not something you have to get right. Episode highlights: Boredom in practice can signal stability and progress. Focused practice matters more than long practice sessions,

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18:31

Episode 460 - Strength Training for the Aging Voice

The Intelligent Vocalist ·

2026/01/20

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, stamina, and control. With the right approach, you can keep building strength and enjoy the voice you have now. Episode highlights: Age-related vocal changes have clear physical causes. Strength training helps maintain

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