Blog by Dr. David Lee Fish

Quick Answer

Stage fright hits even comedy legends like Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara because it is a natural, physical, and deeply misunderstood human response, not a confidence flaw. High-stakes environments like The Ed Sullivan Show maximize the universal formula: Audience + Jud...

Propranolol for performance anxiety—friend, foe, or both?

Often, what seems like performance anxiety (speech fright, stage fright, or competition anxiety) is actually rooted in something more serious, a deep danger. Recognizing it is one of the most revealing and transformative exercises you can do. That’s what the deep danger exercise is all about: d...

If you’ve ever felt your heart pounding before a big moment—whether stepping onto a stage, speaking up at a meeting, or walking into a competition—you are not alone. That wave of anxiety you feel? It’s not a flaw in your character or a sign that you’re not cut out for the spotlight. It’s a very huma...

In this post, we’ll reveal how these nerves work, why they happen, and how you can overcome them. When you understand performance anxiety, you stop being its victim—and start becoming its master.

Let’s explore why mindfulness works for all performers—whether you’re speaking, playing, or competing.

Per...