Episode 399 - The Edge of Chaos

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John breaks down how your mental, physical, and emotional energy cycles affect your singing. He explains why some days feel effortless while others feel heavy and how aligning your practice with your natural peaks and dips can make your progress smoother and more consistent. When you work with your energy instead of against it, your singing becomes easier and more enjoyable.   Episode highlights: Your energy cycles influence how well you sing and learn. Practice technical skills during your peak focus times. Track your daily patterns to find your best singing windows.   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

In this episode, John talks about the shift every singer must make from overthinking the voice to letting the body lead. He explains how true vocal freedom comes from embodied coordination, built through awareness, repetition, and connection rather than constant analysis. When you stop micromanaging and start feeling, your singing flows naturally and expressively.   Episode highlights: Singing is learned through experience and sensation, not just understanding. Slow, mindful repetition builds automatic, reliable vocal coordination. Singing with other musicians helps you stay present, grounded, and connected to the body.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores how reading great literature can deepen a singer's emotional awareness, imagination, and connection to story. He explains how fiction strengthens empathy, memory, and expressive depth, helping singers interpret songs with greater nuance and authenticity. Reading becomes a kind of emotional cross-training that brings more color and truth to your singing.   Episode highlights: Reading literary fiction strengthens empathy and emotional intelligence. Immersing yourself in stories helps you embody emotion rather than imitate it. Consistent reading sharpens imagination, interpretation, and lyric memory.   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

In this episode, John explores why boredom isn't something to avoid but a necessary part of deep learning and true skill development. He explains how repetition and quiet focus strengthen coordination, awareness, and creativity over time. Learning to stay present through the dull moments is what transforms practice into mastery.   Episode highlights: Quiet moments can spark new ideas and reflections. Boredom is not a flaw, but a luxury we've lost. Consistency in practice is key to achieving brilliance.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John unpacks how scientific understanding of vocal resonance has evolved. He explains how these changing theories impact how we teach and experience singing, and why resonance is less about static shapes and more about interactive energy. Understanding this evolution helps singers work with, not against, the natural behavior of the voice.   Episode highlights: Resonance is dynamic and constantly adjusting as we sing. The science of voice is always evolving, just like our understanding of it. When singers tune into sensation and sound, resonance takes care of itself.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John shares three simple but powerful questions that can completely shift how you approach your singing practice. He explains how taking time to reflect on what you're doing, when you're doing it, and how you're doing it keeps your growth intentional and rewarding. These questions are a guide to staying focused, motivated, and connected to your vocal journey.   Episode highlights: You can't plan your practice until you know what you want to improve. Make your goals specific to see real progress. Focus on a small toolkit of targeted exercises for your voice.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John talks about the unique challenges singers face because the mind and voice are so deeply connected. He shares how stress, perfectionism, comparison, and burnout can creep into your practice and performance, often without you realizing it. Give your mind the same care and attention you give your voice.   Episode highlights: Protecting your mental health is just as important as protecting your vocal health. Social media, comparison, and negative self-talk can erode your joy in singing. Rest, balance, and self-compassion keep both the mind and the voice strong.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John talks about the struggles singers face when returning to their voice after time away, whether from the pandemic, health issues, or life changes. He explains why the voice can feel weak or uncoordinated after too much time off and how neuroplasticity, consistency, and self-compassion can help singers rebuild. Your voice isn't gone, it just needs time and care to find its way back.   Episode highlights: Neural pathways for singing do not disappear; they just need to be reawakened through consistent practice. Start small, stay patient, and track your progress to build momentum and confidence. Approach your return with curiosity and forgiveness, not judgment. Your voice is resilient.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John discusses a revolutionary breathing warm-up technique that can significantly enhance singing performance. He explores the importance of inspiratory muscle training, the benefits of using resistance devices, and how these techniques can lead to improved vocal control and reduced effort while singing.   Episode highlights: Inspiratory muscle training enhances control and strength. Singers reported longer sustains and feeling less effort while singing after training. Practical exercises can be done with or without devices.   Get The Breather Voice here: https://thebreather.com/products/breather-voice Learn more about the scientific study mentioned here: https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-024-03471-2   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John looks at why people respond so differently to the same voice. He explains how emotional connection and personal taste often outweigh technical skill, even for trained listeners. The takeaway is clear: focus on authentic expression instead of trying to please everyone.   Episode highlights: Listeners' preferences are highly individual and shaped by personal taste. Emotional honesty and connection often matter more than technical perfection. Embracing your unique vocal identity is more important than trying to please everyone.   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