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 covered: Analytical vs. holistic thinking • Dream science • Positive/negative thinking patterns • Brain aging and adaptation • The neuroscience of creativity • "Eureka moment" brain chemistry • Exercise effects on the brain

Questions from: Norm Izard (vocalnorm.com) • Monique Mosher • Erin Cox

Have a question about the brain and performance? Send a voice recording to marco@thecognitiveperformer.com

The Cognitive Performer explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and human performance.

• Physical Activity Lowers Brain Disease Risk - Neuroscience News
• Exercise Increases Brain Size - Neuroscience News
• Exercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 Individuals
• Differences in psychologists’ cognitive traits are associated with scientific divides | Nature Human Behaviour
• Frontiers | Analytic and Holistic Thinkers: Differences in the Dynamics of Heart Rate Complexity When Solving a Cognitive Task in Field-Dependent and Field-Independent Conditions
• The 'middle-aging' brain
• Frontiers | Horizons in Human Aging Neuroscience: From Normal Neural Aging to Mental (Fr)Agility
• Brain-wide cell-type-specific transcriptomic signatures of healthy aging in mice
• Repetitive negative thinking is associated with amyloid, tau, and cognitive decline
• Dreaming conundrum
• Memory updating in dreams
• Unlocking Dreams and Dreamless Sleep: Machine Learning Classification With Optimal EEG Channels

Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio

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 examine how these feelings manifest, their neurological triggers, and the correlation with maladaptive perfectionism. As we navigate through this complex landscape, we shall also highlight effective interventions derived from contemporary research, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of this common yet often misunderstood experience.

• Siddiqui, K., et al. (2024). Educational interventions for imposter phenomenon: a scoping review.
• Ogunyemi, D., et al. (2022). Improving wellness: defeating impostor syndrome in medical education using an interactive reflective workshop.
• Feehan, K., et al. (2025). Mindfulness predicts impostorism in trainee psychologists in professional programs.
• Pákozdy, C., et al. (2024). The imposter phenomenon and its relationship with self-efficacy, perfectionism and happiness in university students.
• Bagheri Sheykhangafshe, F., et al. (2024). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy on mental health, self-esteem and emotion regulation of medical students with imposter syndrome.
• Hutchins, H. M., & Flores, J. (2021). Don't believe everything you think: applying a cognitive processing therapy intervention to disrupting imposter phenomenon.
• Para, E., et al. (2024). Interventions addressing the impostor phenomenon: a scoping review.
• Chrousos, G. P., Mentis, A. A., & Dardiotis, E. (2020). Focusing on the neuro-psycho-biological and evolutionary underpinnings of the imposter syndrome
• Bravata, D. M., et al. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review.

Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio

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 evidence-based techniques to regulate your nervous system, including specific breathing patterns, cognitive reframing strategies, and a complete pre-recording routine you can implement immediately.

Based on cutting-edge research from performance psychology and neuroscience, this episode provides practical tools to transform anxiety from your enemy into your ally. Whether you're dealing with audition nerves, session jitters, or that critical inner voice that sometimes shows up in the booth, you'll learn how to perform at your best, even under pressure.

• Developmental phases in self-regulation: Shifting from process goals to outcome goals
• How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing
• Coping with anxiety in sport
• Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response
• Music performance anxiety and occupational stress amongst opera chorus artists and their relationship with state and trait anxiety and perfectionism
• Choking vs. clutch performance: A study of sport performance under pressure
• Ironic processes of mental control
• Mind over matter: Reappraising arousal improves cardiovascular and cognitive responses to stress.
• The putt and the pendulum: Ironic effects of the mental control of action

Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio