Episode 373 - Resisting Complexity
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
Release Date: 05/21/2024
Episode 468 - Singing as Signal Flow: Stop Singing Words and Start Singing Sound
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 lower effort and fatigue. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books,...
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Episode 467 - The Brain-Voice Speed Gap, Part 2: Six Pathways to Rewire Your Voice at Any Age
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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, nutrition, and singing with others help reinforce and retain vocal progress. To learn...
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Episode 466 - The Brain-Voice Speed Gap, Part 1: Why Your Voice Is Aging Where You Don’t Expect
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 affect vocal speed, timing, and precision. Neuroplasticity means the brain can still adapt and...
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Episode 465 - The One Number That Explains Your Vocal Struggles
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 control. Episode highlights: High PTP equals harder singing, low PTP equals easier...
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Episode 464 - AI Slop is Coming for Singers
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 expertise. Trust real teachers who offer nuance and context. To learn more about John...
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Episode 463 - Why Your Practice Isn’t Sticking
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 learning. Small, repeatable adjustments create consistency. To learn more about John...
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Episode 462 - Confidence is Not a Belief - It’s a Skill
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 information from identity. Recognizing wins is essential for building confidence. ...
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Episode 461 - The Real Job of Vocal Exercises
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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, especially for older singers. Safety and consistency are crucial for vocal growth. To...
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Episode 460 - Strength Training for the Aging Voice
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 clarity and stability. Consistent work supports long-term vocal confidence. To learn...
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Episode 459 - How to Safely Get Your Voice Back After Illness
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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 coordination, strength, and confidence safely. Take it slow, respect the process, and trust that your voice will return when you give it the right conditions. Episode highlights: Forcing the voice too soon can prolong recovery. A gradual return helps restore coordination safely. Patience and care protect your...
info_outlineIn this episode, John Henny discusses the desire for simplicity and easy answers in singing. He emphasizes the complexity of the voice and the need for a nuanced approach.
John explores the challenges of finding solutions for vocal issues and the ever-changing nature of the voice. He also highlights the importance of embracing the complexity of singing and the joy of not knowing everything. John encourages singers to appreciate the uniqueness of their voice and to embark on the beautiful challenge of exploring its complexity.
Episode Highlights:
- The voice is incredibly complex, and there are no easy answers or quick fixes.
- Vocal issues require a nuanced approach and understanding of the individual's unique voice.
- Singing is a journey of ever-unfolding complexity, and embracing the mystery and joy of not knowing everything is part of the process.
- Appreciate the uniqueness of your voice and the beauty of the challenge it presents.
To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com