In this episode, John shares his personal experience with age-related vocal challenges and outlines seven ways the voice changes over time. He explains how muscle loss, hormonal shifts, and neurological slowdowns can impact vocal performance, and what you can do to maintain vocal health and power. This episode is full of practical strategies for keeping your voice healthy, responsive, and ready to meet new challenges. Episode highlights: Regular, focused practice can counteract many changes you may encounter in your voice. Tools like SOVT exercises, breath resistance devices, and tongue/soft palate workouts can help rebuild and maintain vocal function. Acceptance is key: you may not sound like you did at 25, but you can still find beauty, strength, and joy in your evolving 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
--------
21:53
--------
21:53
Episode 430 - The Sometimes Vowels
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John dives into the power of the “sometimes vowels” Y and W—why they’re more than just grammar quirks and how they can help singers reduce tension and improve transitions. If you're working on mix, belt, or tricky vowels on tricky notes, these two letters may be your new best friends. Episode highlights: Y and W glides help reset tension and ease vocal transitions. These glides narrow vowels, making high notes easier to access without strain. Practicing with glides can dramatically improve vowel tuning and vocal efficiency. 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
--------
17:54
--------
17:54
Episode 429 - Owning the Room
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores how singers can project presence and energy to truly "own the room" during a performance. He explains how outward focus, emotional intention, and energetic alignment create authentic connection with an audience. This isn't about perfection—it's about making the space vibrate with your presence. Episode highlights: Outward energy and emotional intention help you fully connect with an audience. Mirror neurons cause listeners to subconsciously reflect your emotional state—so presence matters. You don’t need big movements to own the room—you need alignment, honesty, and focus. 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
--------
18:32
--------
18:32
Episode 428 - Registration Confusion
In this episode, John unpacks the confusion around vocal registers and why the terminology can sometimes do more harm than good. He encourages singers to focus on feeling, hearing, and ease rather than chasing labels like chest, head, or mix. It's a thoughtful reminder that technical models are tools—not the destination. Episode highlights: Don't ask “What register am I in?”—ask “What do I feel and hear?” Vocal registers exist on a continuum, not in fixed categories. The goal isn’t to master vocal jargon—it’s to connect, express, and sing with ease. 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
--------
19:05
--------
19:05
Episode 427 - Training With Kindness
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores the vital role of self-kindness in vocal training. He shares how negative self-talk can derail progress and why treating yourself like a supportive teacher leads to better results. Singing is a personal journey—and kindness is the key to lasting growth. Episode highlights: Treat yourself like the voice teacher you’d actually want to work with. Self-kindness builds the emotional safety your voice needs to grow. You can make vocal progress without crushing your spirit. 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
Hosted by world renowned vocal coach John Henny, The Intelligent Vocalist delves into all things singing - from anatomy and vocal science, to performance, lessons, health, artist development and inside industry practices, Join John as he opens the door to the world of singing and gives insights gleaned from his many decades of teaching everyone from beginners to superstars, as well as training other leading voice teachers.