The Cognitive Performer

Marco Rigazio

The Cognitive Performer focuses on the mental aspects of performance and how it applies to professionals in various fields seeking a mental performance edge. I will explore how to build mental strength based on neuroscience. Highlighting how we can train our brains to overcome challenges, directly connecting the science with the art. Take this journey of exploration with me.

集數

  1. 9月1日

    Dopamine: The Misunderstood Molecule

    We’ve all heard it: dopamine is the “pleasure molecule.” Catchy, sure. But wrong. In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, Marco Rigazio unpacks the myths around dopamine and explores its real role in the brain. Far from being just about “feeling good,” dopamine is a regulator—shaping focus, working memory, and even intelligence. Along the way, you’ll discover what happens when dopamine falls out of balance (ADHD, addiction, burnout, anhedonia) and why motivation isn’t just about willpower, but about your brain’s state of readiness. Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio Molecular Imaging of Central Dopamine in Obesity: A Qualitative Review across Substrates and Radiotracers - PMCAge-dependent effects of protein restriction on dopamine release - PMCThe Potential Role of Dopamine Pathways in the Pathophysiology of Depression: Current Advances and Future Aspects - PubMedThe tonic/phasic model of dopamine system regulation: its relevance for understanding how stimulant abuse can alter basal ganglia function - PubMedThe tonic/phasic model of dopamine system regulation and its implications for understanding alcohol and psychostimulant craving - PubMedDopamine D2/D3 receptor availability and working memory in stimulant use disorderNeurobiology of Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Review - PMCWhite-Matter Integrity and Working Memory: Links to Aging and Dopamine-Related Genes - PMCA multi-faceted role of dual-state dopamine signaling in working memory, attentional control, and intelligence - PMCDopamine-related polymorphisms and Affective Working Memory in aging - PubMedEffects of Caffeine Consumption on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies - PMCAdult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a Narrative Review of Biological Mechanisms, Treatments, and Outcomes - PubMedEffects of physical exercise on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - PMCThe Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review - PMCThe Effects of Drugs used for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Pregnancy Outcome and Breast-feeding: A Critical Review - PMCDezocine modulates the reinstatement of conditioned place preference in morphine-dependent rats via the dopamine reward circuitry - PMCFrom Reward to Anhedonia-Dopamine Function in the Global Mental Health Context - PMCReward, motivation and brain imaging in human healthy participants – A narrative review - PMCDopamine synthesis and transport:...

    14 分鐘
  2. Exploring the Intricacies of Cognitive Processing: Your Questions Answered

    7月8日

    Exploring the Intricacies of Cognitive Processing: Your Questions Answered

    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 NewsExercise Increases Brain Size - Neuroscience NewsExercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 IndividualsDifferences in psychologists’ cognitive traits are associated with scientific divides | Nature Human BehaviourFrontiers | Analytic and Holistic Thinkers: Differences in the Dynamics of Heart Rate Complexity When Solving a Cognitive Task in Field-Dependent and Field-Independent ConditionsThe 'middle-aging' brainFrontiers | Horizons in Human Aging Neuroscience: From Normal Neural Aging to Mental (Fr)AgilityBrain-wide cell-type-specific transcriptomic signatures of healthy aging in miceRepetitive negative thinking is associated with amyloid, tau, and cognitive declineDreaming conundrumMemory updating in dreamsUnlocking Dreams and Dreamless Sleep: Machine Learning Classification With Optimal EEG Channels Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio

    23 分鐘
  3. 6月9日

    Navigating Imposter Syndrome: Evidence-Based Strategies for Voice Actors

    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 syndromeBravata, D. M., et al. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review. Copyright 2025 Marco Rigazio

    20 分鐘
  4. 5月14日

    The Science of Performance Anxiety

    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. Below are the links to research materials mentioned in this episode. Developmental phases in self-regulation: Shifting from process goals to outcome goalsHow breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathingCoping with anxiety in sportRethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress responseMusic performance anxiety and occupational stress amongst opera chorus artists and their relationship with state and trait anxiety and perfectionismChoking vs. clutch performance: A study of sport performance under pressureIronic processes of mental controlMind 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

    25 分鐘

簡介

The Cognitive Performer focuses on the mental aspects of performance and how it applies to professionals in various fields seeking a mental performance edge. I will explore how to build mental strength based on neuroscience. Highlighting how we can train our brains to overcome challenges, directly connecting the science with the art. Take this journey of exploration with me.