The Cognitive Performer

Your gut is talking — and your brain is listening. Discover how diet, microbiota, and even fasting reshape your brain chemistry, mood, and cognition in this deep dive into the gut-brain connection.Your gut is talking to your brain — and your brain is listening. In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, we explore the gut-brain axis — the communication highway connecting your digestive system and your mind. Discover how trillions of microorganisms influence your mood, focus, memory, and long-term

Think you're stuck with an anxious, stressed brain? Think again. In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, Marco explores the neuroscience of fear extinction - your brain's natural ability to unlearn stress responses and build resilience instead. Discover why stress literally rewires your neural circuits, how fear conditioning keeps you stuck in anxiety loops, and the specific, science-backed techniques you can use to intentionally reshape your brain's stress response.What You'll Learn:The

We’ve all heard it: dopamine is the “pleasure molecule.” Catchy, sure. But wrong. In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, Marco Rigazio unpacks the myths around dopamine and explores its real role in the brain. Far from being just about “feeling good,” dopamine is a regulator—shaping focus, working memory, and even intelligence. Along the way, you’ll discover what happens when dopamine falls out of balance (ADHD, addiction, burnout, anhedonia) and why motivation isn’t just about willpower, but

Ever record take after take and still feel unsure which one was right?It might not be a creative block. It could be decision fatigue.In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, we break down what really happens when your brain gets overloaded — and how it quietly shapes the choices you make during creative work.You’ll learn: How small, invisible decisions stack up during a sessionWhat fatigue does to your planning, flexibility, and creative flowWhy defaulting to “what usually works” isn’t always a

In this special Q&A episode, Marco answers fascinating questions from fellow voice actors about the brain and performance. Discover why people think so differently (it's actual brain wiring, not just personality), what dreams really do for your brain, and the surprising science behind "manifestation." Plus: where creativity actually comes from, what happens in your brain during those amazing "aha moments," and why exercise might be the single best thing you can do for brain health.Topics

Imposter syndrome, a pervasive psychological phenomenon, is the focal point of our discourse today. We delve into the intricate interplay between the mind and body as we explore this condition that afflicts many, particularly within creative professions. By elucidating the underlying neuroscience, we aim to demystify the experiences associated with imposter syndrome, ultimately equipping our listeners with empirically supported strategies to manage its effects. Throughout this episode, we will

In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, I dive into the fascinating neuroscience behind performance anxiety and discuss how it specifically affects voice actors. Learn why your body responds the way it does during high-pressure situations, how anxiety impacts your vocal performance, and why trying harder often makes things worse.I explore the surprising "paradox of choking" and understand the critical difference between helpful performance arousal and debilitating anxiety. You'll discover

In this debut episode of The Cognitive Performer, we dive into the fascinating world of neuroplasticity and how voice actors can leverage this brain science to enhance their performances. Discover how your brain physically changes with each practice session and learn science-backed techniques to optimize your vocal training for faster skill development.Some reference links from the show:Brain Structures Differ between Musicians and Non-Musicians - PMCDr. Michael Merzenich's Official Website