The Cognitive Performer

Marco Rigazio
The Cognitive Performer

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.

Episodes

  1. Exploring the Intricacies of Cognitive Processing: Your Questions Answered

    JUL 8

    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 min
  2. JUN 9

    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 min
  3. MAY 14

    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 min

About

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.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada