Best Josh Manuel | VoSci Podcasts (2025)

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The Tongue: Hero, Not Hindrance 17:03

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2d ago17:03

17:03

Most singers think of the tongue as a source of tension or a problem to fix. But what if the real issue isn’t tension—it’s habit? In this episode, Timothy Wilds dismantles the myths surrounding tongue tension and makes the case for celebrating the tongue’s complexity, agility, and central role in vocal production. You’ll explore how tongue habituat…

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Does Dairy Ruin Your Voice? And Other Real Questions About Singing 16:14

9d ago16:14

16:14

This week, we took a detour from our usual format to answer real questions from singers, teachers, and curious minds. In this rapid-fire Q&A, we tackle: Whether dairy actually affects your voice The most common (and least effective) things singers do in lessons The one song we recommend leaving out of your repertoire How to adapt your technique for…

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Anyone Can Sing: True or False? 13:59

16d ago13:59

13:59

Can anyone really learn to sing—or is talent the deciding factor? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh reads a powerful essay by voice teacher Timothy Wilds that challenges one of the most pervasive myths in vocal education. From cultural conditioning to vocal pedagogy, we explore why so many people have been told they “can’t sing”—an…

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The Audition Isn’t Just the Song: How to Prepare Like a Pro 11:20

23d ago11:20

11:20

The Audition Isn’t Just the Song—so why do so many singers only prepare the music? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down the non-singing elements that make or break your audition: your entrance, demeanor, professionalism, preparation, and how you handle the unexpected. You’ll learn: Why most casting decisions happen before you…

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Why Your Voice Flips—and Why That’s Normal 8:52

1M ago8:52

8:52

Ever wonder why your voice flips, cracks, or shifts gears when you sing? This episode breaks down why that happens—and why it’s not a mistake. Hi, I’m Drew, and on this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood behaviors of the human voice: register transitions. Whether you call it flipping, cracking, or pa…

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Good Teacher, Better Student: What Makes Voice Lessons Actually Work 12:56

1M ago12:56

12:56

🎤 What actually makes voice lessons effective? It’s not just about finding a great teacher—it’s also about being the kind of student who improves. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive into the real factors that drive vocal progress. Whether you’re searching for your first voice teacher, returning to lessons after a break, or wonder…

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How to Train a Boy’s Voice: Vocal Development, Puberty, and Repertoire That Works 16:37

1M ago16:37

16:37

Why do so few boys take voice lessons—and how can we change that? In this episode, voice teacher and pedagogue Timothy Wilds joins Drew to unpack the science, strategy, and sensitivity required when training a boy’s voice. From understanding vocal fold changes during puberty to choosing repertoire that fits—not just vocally, but emotionally and dev…

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What Every Voice Teacher Should Know About Training CCM 12:17

2M ago12:17

12:17

You wouldn’t teach swimming without water—so why are we still training contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers without microphones or amplification? In this episode, Timothy Wilds (writer) and Drew Williams-Orozco (host) unpack the disconnect between traditional voice pedagogy and the real-world demands of CCM styles like pop, rock, country, ja…

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How to Sing Legato: A Practical Guide for Smoother, Connected Phrasing 12:28

2M ago12:28

12:28

Episode Summary: Legato is one of the most frequently requested—and least clearly defined—skills in singing. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to sing legato well. From managing airflow to shaping vowels and navigating consonants, we’ll guide you through practical strategies you can apply today. What You’ll Learn: Why breath support a…

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What Instrumentalists Know About Singing That Most Singers Don’t 12:53

2M ago12:53

12:53

Why do instrumentalists seem to improve faster than singers? It’s not about talent—it’s about how they practice. In this episode, Josh explores the deep disconnect between how most vocalists approach their training compared to instrumentalists. From scale drills and arpeggios to muscle memory and voice science, this episode takes a critical look at…

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Vox Agnotology: Why So Much of What We Know About Singing Is Wrong 12:24

2M ago12:24

12:24

Why do so many singing myths persist—even in college classrooms? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, host Josh Manuel explores Vox Agnotology—a term he’s coined to describe the willful and unintentional ignorance surrounding how the voice actually works. Inspired by the field of agnotology (the study of ignorance), Josh breaks down how ou…

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Are Singing Straws a Scam? The Truth About SOVTEs and Vocal Training 11:05

3M ago11:05

11:05

Singing straws promise stronger, easier, and healthier singing—but what does the science really say? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs)—with a spotlight on the ever-popular singing straws. From lip trills to submerged straws, these exercises are everywhere in voi…

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What Is Vibrato in Singing? The Truth About How It Works (According to Voice Science) 10:11

3M ago10:11

10:11

What do a trembling hand, an emotional speech, and a soaring operatic note have in common? Vibrato. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the real science behind vibrato in singing—what it is, how it happens, and why it’s not just a stylistic choice, but a neuromuscular phenomenon grounded in biology. You’ll learn: • ✅ Wha…

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How to Sing with Dynamics: Mastering Loud and Soft Singing 9:17

3M ago9:17

9:17

🎙️ How to Sing with Dynamics: Mastering Loud and Soft Singing | The Voice Science Podcast Want more vocal power without straining? Learn the real science behind loud and soft singing—and why it’s not just about more air or effort. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re breaking down the key elements that shape your vocal dynamics: subg…

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Singing in Tune: How Pitch Accuracy Actually Works 11:18

3M ago11:18

11:18

🎙️ How to Sing in Tune: Master Your Pitch Accuracy | The Voice Science Podcast Tired of feeling like your pitch is just a little off when you sing? You’re not alone—and the good news is: singing in tune is a skill you can train. 🎶 In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into how to sing in tune, what “pitch accuracy” really means…

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The Role of Breathing in Singing: Mastering the Breath 7:40

4M ago7:40

7:40

The Voice Science Podcast | Episode [6] Think there’s only one right way to breathe while singing? Think again. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we debunk the myth of a one-size-fits-all breath and explore how different breathing strategies impact your voice, performance, and vocal health. Join Drew as we break down the anatomy of inha…

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Vocal Fatigue: Why Your Voice Feels Tired & How to Fix It 8:55

4M ago8:55

8:55

Ever felt like you just can’t sing or speak another word? That frustrating tired, strained feeling in your voice is called vocal fatigue—and it happens to singers, teachers, and professional voice users alike. But what’s really going on when your voice feels exhausted? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re breaking down: ✅ What vocal …

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Ring & Twang: The Secret to a Powerful, Resonant Voice 10:28

4M ago10:28

10:28

Have you ever wondered how some singers have voices that seem to soar effortlessly, cutting through the mix and filling the room? The answer lies in brightness—a crucial acoustic phenomenon that enhances resonance and projection. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re diving deep into the science of Ring and Twang, two vocal techniques…

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Why Your High Notes Crack: The Science of Phonatory Threshold Pressure 8:46

5M ago8:46

8:46

Ever wondered why some notes feel effortless while others crack or don’t come out at all? The answer lies in phonatory threshold pressure (PTP)—the minimum air pressure needed to start and sustain sound. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what PTP is, how it’s calculated, and why it matters for singers. Discover how PTP aff…

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How to Belt Safely: The Truth About Power and Technique 11:44

5M ago11:44

11:44

Belting is one of the most exciting and misunderstood vocal techniques. Many singers struggle with it, wondering “Am I doing this right?” or “Is belting damaging my voice?” In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what belting really is, separate fact from fiction, and give you science-backed strategies to belt safely and powerfu…

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Unlocking Breath Support: Sing Powerfully Without More Air 10:43

6M ago10:43

10:43

Unlock the secrets of breath support in singing with us on the Voice Science Podcast, where we challenge the myth that more air equals more power. Discover how you can achieve powerful vocals without maxing out your lung capacity, and learn the surprising truth about what your body naturally does to support your singing. Together, we'll dissect the…