The Sweet Poison of Praise: Why We Crave It but Don’t Believe It
Release Date: 05/05/2025
Good vs Great: Perform with Confidence & Authenticity
The Courageous Performer
What’s the real difference between a good performer and a truly great one? In this episode, I reflect on what I learned at a recent conference with some of the world’s leading voices in psychology and neurobiology. All of the presenters were polished, knowledgeable and engaging - but only a few created that deeper sense of safety, connection and authenticity that makes an audience lean in and truly listen. Join me as I explore: The hidden factors that hold even confident performers back. The reason your relationship with judgement (both your own and others’) shapes how you feel...
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The Three Steps I Use to Take the Sting Out of Negative Feedback
The Courageous Performer
Ever notice how one critical remark can overshadow all the praise you’ve received? For years, I let one critical comment overshadow every compliment I received. In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I share how I stopped letting negative feedback crush my confidence and started using it to grow. I’ll walk you through the exact three steps I use to decide what to take on board—and what to let go—so I can perform with freedom and self-belief. 🎧 You’ll hear: Why our brains are wired to focus on criticism over praise How to separate your self-worth from your...
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Is Your Inner Voice Sabotaging You? How I Stopped the Sabotage and Found Confidence
The Courageous Performer
Do your inner voices whisper things like: “You’re not good enough.” “You’re going to mess this up.” “You’re too much… or maybe not enough?” Welcome to the club. It’s noisy in here. In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I share the story of how I spent decades trying to outperform my inner critic—and how that voice still managed to stop me singing for nearly 20 years. And it didn’t just affect my performances, it shaped how I saw myself everywhere. I genuinely believed the answer was to try harder, work smarter, and be better. Turns out, I was making...
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The Sweet Poison of Praise: Why We Crave It but Don’t Believe It
The Courageous Performer
Ever noticed how you can receive ten lovely compliments… and one slightly arched eyebrow… and somehow that’s the bit that sticks? In this episode, I’m talking about the sneaky pull of external validation—the kind of feedback we long for but often don’t believe when we get it. I share what I’ve learned (often the hard way) about how needing a certain response from your audience, your peers, or even your loved ones can throw you off balance—and how things change when you start valuing your own opinion just a little bit more. This one’s especially personal, as I reflect on...
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From Panic to Presence: How Headspace Transforms Performance
The Courageous Performer
Do you ever feel like the harder you try to control your performance, the more things seem to go wrong? In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I explore why control isn’t the solution—it’s the problem. I’ll share insights from a coaching session with a performer facing a high-stakes audition, unpack how the need for control creates tension and self-doubt, and show you what actually works: creating headspace. When you shift your approach to preparation, you gain the freedom to respond, adapt, and truly enjoy performing. If this is something you’d like to explore further,...
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How to Handle Public Embarassment
The Courageous Performer
We all feel embarrassed or vulnerable at times—even those of us who teach confidence for a living! In this episode, I share two personal stories that pushed me to confront my inner critic and navigate the uncomfortable feelings of self-doubt. Learn the tools I use to overcome embarrassment, fact-check fears, and embrace my imperfect, authentic self. If you’ve ever struggled to put yourself out there or felt like you had to be perfect, this episode is for you. Let’s explore why being real—not perfect—is the key to confidence and connection. I’ll walk you through the tools I use to...
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How to Handle Feedback & Criticism as a Performer
The Courageous Performer
Handling criticism is tough for any performer, whether you're on stage or in the boardroom. In this episode of The Courageous Performer, I explore how to transform feedback - both external and internal - into a powerful tool for growth, rather than a source of self-doubt. We’ll discuss: How to quiet that harsh inner critic that often holds us back. Three essential questions to ask yourself when facing feedback: Is it kind? Is it more about them than me? Do I agree with it? Practical tips for using feedback to improve without losing confidence or motivation. Tune in if you're ready to make...
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Episode 65: How to Stop Judging Yourself on Every Performance
The Courageous Performer
Do you feel like each performance is a pass-or-fail test of your worth? In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, Hattie Voelcker explores why it’s so common for performers to tie their value to their achievements on stage—and how this mindset creates unnecessary pressure that can make performing a struggle rather than a joy. Hattie dives into practical strategies to help you separate who you are from how well you perform, reducing performance anxiety and building resilience. Learn how to stop viewing every performance as a “make-or-break” moment, and start seeing it as an...
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How to Free Your Voice
The Courageous Performer
In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I share my Free Your Voice process, designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and free on stage. I’ll walk you through the five essential steps to transform your mindset and approach, from understanding your performance’s purpose and audience to tackling your fears and building a plan. Plus, I have exciting news about my free 5-day challenge, starting on September 30th, where I’ll guide you through these steps in depth. Join me to unlock your true voice and perform with ease! Register for the 5 DAY FREE YOUR VOICE...
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Changing Your Thoughts as a Performer
The Courageous Performer
In this episode of The Courageous Performer Podcast, I’m diving into something I think is fundamental to everything I teach — how changing your thoughts can totally transform the way you perform. Ever wonder if you can switch your mindset while you’re actually in front of an audience? The answer is yes, and I’ll tell you exactly how! I’ll be sharing personal stories and tips to help you manage those pesky nerves and feel more confident and comfortable on stage. Let’s get into how a little shift in thinking can make a huge difference in how you perform! Here's the link to the...
info_outlineEver noticed how you can receive ten lovely compliments… and one slightly arched eyebrow… and somehow that’s the bit that sticks?
In this episode, I’m talking about the sneaky pull of external validation—the kind of feedback we long for but often don’t believe when we get it. I share what I’ve learned (often the hard way) about how needing a certain response from your audience, your peers, or even your loved ones can throw you off balance—and how things change when you start valuing your own opinion just a little bit more.
This one’s especially personal, as I reflect on grief, vulnerability, and the surprising ways old thought patterns can creep back in when life shakes you. It’s not about pretending you don’t care—it’s about learning how to care differently. And kindly.
So if you’ve ever twisted yourself into knots trying to please everyone, or felt lost when praise didn’t land the way it should have, this one’s for you. And if you’d like some practical tools to help let go of that need for praise and reconnect with your authentic performer self, join me on 8th May for my workshop: The Joy of Being a Fearless Performer.