Performance Pep Talk

Looking around the audition waiting room and suddenly feeling like everyone else is more talented, more prepared, and more likely to book the job? There's actually a neurological reason it happens. In this episode of Performance Pep Talk, we break down the psychology of comparison, why it's almost impossible to avoid in competitive performance environments, and what you can actually do abo...

"Grow a thick skin" is advice almost every singer, actor, or performer has heard. But what if it's actually unhelpful? In this episode of Performance Pep Talk, we break down what resilience is/isn't and how to build the kind of resilience that actually holds up in this industry. We walk through how to reframe opportunities in a way that sets you up for success before an audition...

Did you know that unfamiliar environments are one of the biggest, and most overlooked, triggers of performance anxiety? In this episode of Performance Pep Talk, we break down the neuroscience of why walking into a new audition room puts your body on high alert, why you can't stop obsessing over the casting panel's body language, and most importantly, what you can do about it in real time....

Do you walk into auditions already bracing for failure? Do you practice endlessly but still never feel  ready ? You might be caught in the perfectionism trap, and you're not alone. In this episode of  Performance Pep Talk , we explore why so many artists, singers, and actors are wired for perfectionism (hint: your training probably encouraged it), and why that mindset (while it may have gotten...

If you've experienced performance anxiety or stage nerves and thought: “Is this normal?” “Why does this feel so hard for me?” “Does everyone else have this figured out except me?” This episode is for you. Whether you’re a singer, actor, public speaker, or someone who has to perform in high-pressure situations, performance anxiety and self-doubt can feel incredibly isolating. But here’s the tru...

What if your performance quality isn’t being held back by anxiety… but by mismanaged energy? In this episode, we’re shifting the conversation from calming nerves to channeling them in a positive way and  activating energy for peak performance . Whether you’re feeling tired, disconnected, or stuck in a low-energy state before a performance, audition, or presentation, this episode will give you prac...

Why does being seen feel so uncomfortable and why does it trigger performance anxiety? In this episode, we break down one of the core drivers of  stage fright and performance anxiety : the fear of visibility. When all eyes are on you, your brain perceives judgment, criticism, and rejection as potential threats, triggering a fight-or-flight response that can impact your ability to perform. You’ll l...

In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the biggest mental blocks performers face when it comes to building confidence: the fear of becoming “cocky.” If you’ve ever worried that being confident might make you seem arrogant, unteachable, or inauthentic, you’re not alone. But this belief often keeps performers stuck in self-doubt and prevents them from fully owning what they bring to the table. In t...

  If you’ve ever stepped on stage or walked into an audition and suddenly heard a voice in your head saying,  “You’re not ready… what if you mess up… everyone is judging you,”  you’ve met the inner critic. For singers, actors, and performers, that voice can get especially loud in high-pressure moments. Even after all the preparation, rehearsal, and training, it can pull your attention toward mista...

When your body goes into fight-or-flight before a performance, logic alone won’t calm your nerves; your nervous system needs a signal of safety. In this episode, we explore why feeling grounded is one of the most powerful ways to manage performance anxiety. You’ll learn how meditation and breathwork help regulate the nervous system, improve focus, and create the mental space needed to perform at y...

If you’re a high-achieving performer who struggles with perfectionism, audition season can feel exhausting. In this episode, we explore why perfectionism often intensifies performance anxiety, fuels post-audition rumination, and increases burnout, especially in environments where so much is outside your control. You’ll learn the difference between healthy striving and true perfectionism, and why o...

Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s action in its presence. In this episode, we reframe confidence and explore how bravery is defined in psychology. You’ll learn why waiting to feel confident can keep you stuck, how avoidance strengthens anxiety, and how taking values-based action builds real resilience. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll perform when I feel ready,” this episode will help you move...

Being nervous before a performance isn't a flaw; it's just your nervous system doing its job a little too well. In this episode, you’ll learn why trying to “get rid of” anxiety often makes it louder, and how working with your nerves can help you feel calmer and more in control. We’ll explore the psychology behind “name it to tame it,” why emotional suppression increases arousal, and how ac...

No more allowing panic, negative thought spirals, and self-doubt to run the show. Performance pep-talk is your go-to pre-performance tool if you’re a performer, actor, singer, or public speaker who wants to feel centered and confident walking onstage. Mental performance coach Sophie Adickes (M.A. Psych, M.M. Vocal performance, ICF ACC) uses her background in psychology and performance to leave you...