The High Performance Podcast

Dina Asher-Smith, Alex Albon, Nick Cox, Richard Osman and Phil Heath help Jake and Damian take on the struggle we hear about from you more than almost any other: comparing your real life to everyone else's highlight reel. Even the people at the very top aren't immune. Dina explains why she deliberately avoids watching what her rivals do in training. Alex Albon opens up on how measuring himself against Max Verstappen at Red Bull pushed him to force it, and how that unravelled his confidence. Nick Cox, former head of the Manchester United academy, explains why comparison "cripples parents", and Richard Osman reminds us we judge other people's highlights against our own blooper reel. Marcus Wareing and Jameela Jamil also feature. Jake admits that professionally he compares himself everywhere he looks, and argues that envy can be a useful energy source. Damian isn't so sure, and shares the school-fair penalty shootout that turned him into prime Peter Schmeichel. Along the way they get into why silver medallists tend to be less happy than bronze medallists, why we underestimate how much other people are struggling, and why it's what's on your screen, not how long you look at it, that does the damage. They finish with practical ways to curate your feed, your inner circle and your environment, because knowing you shouldn't compare yourself doesn't make it any easier to stop. If comparison is something you wrestle with, tell us what helps you. Your comment might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Clips featured (full episodes linked below): Dina Asher-Smith https://pod.fo/e/2338dNick Cox https://pod.fo/e/138399 Richard Osman https://pod.fo/e/26ea40Marcus Wareing https://pod.fo/e/132116Alex Albon https://pod.fo/e/205b4fJameela Jamil https://pod.fo/e/225b9ePhil Heath https://pod.fo/e/2313e6 Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Red Bull Racing team principal and one of Formula 1’s most recognisable figures, Christian Horner spent 23 years building a life around winning. So when he lost the job he had done for two decades, his first feeling wasn’t anger. It was relief. Christian opens up about the pressure of leading Red Bull through its most successful era, the emotional armour he built to protect his team, and the toll of always being the person who couldn’t show weakness, from the intensity of Abu Dhabi 2021 to the politics that eventually changed how he felt about the sport he loved. But when the “Batman suit” finally came off, Christian had to confront a question he’d spent decades avoiding: who are you when the job that defined you disappears? What he found was a life beyond the pit wall, and a reminder that being on this earth isn’t a dress rehearsal. DRIVE by Christian Horner will be published on 22nd October by Bantam: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1911754785 Christian will be sharing stories from the book on tour across the UK (Nottingham Mon 19th, Bath 20th, London 26th October). To book tickets visit: https://www.nothird.co.uk/live-shows/christian-horner/ Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Chris van Tulleken is a doctor, scientist and one of the UK’s leading voices on ultra-processed food. An associate professor at UCL, an NHS doctor, World Health Organisation adviser and author of the bestselling Ultra-Processed People, he has spent years investigating what the food industry is really putting on our plates. But the truth about what we eat is far more unsettling than most of us realise... In this eye-opening conversation, we revisit why Chris believes the evidence linking ultra-processed food to physical and mental health problems has reached the same threshold we once reached with tobacco. He reveals how the world’s biggest tobacco companies helped shape the modern diet, how food is engineered and tested to make us eat more and eat faster, and what certain additives may be doing to our gut, our mood and our brains. He shares what happened when he spent a month eating an 80% ultra-processed diet, why so many people are living in “food swamps”, and the eye-watering sums of money that he has turned down from fast food companies to protect his integrity. Chris also sets out the two changes he believes could transform our food system: clear warning labels on unhealthy food and a government nutrition committee free from industry money. This is a conversation about agency, justice and taking back control, and a powerful reminder that if you struggle with this food, it’s not your fault. AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at http://drinkag1.com/highperformance - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an extra £10 off Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After hundreds of conversations with extraordinary people, Jake and Damian stop and ask a question they've been circling for a while prompted by a recent social media post from Rob Beckett: how has High Performance changed since it started and are we part of the 'grindset' problem? When the show began, they were fascinated by winning: routine, sacrifice, discipline, marginal gains. Jake once wrote a post about getting up at 5am that he now calls one of his biggest regrets. In this episode they play back their own early conversations, including Jake's advice to Steven Bartlett and Ant Middleton's definition of high performance from the show's second episode, and ask what they'd still stand by and what they've changed their minds about. The shift started with Jonny Wilkinson, who told Jake that suffering doesn't lead you to joy. It just builds stronger habits of suffering. From there they get into the difference between high standards and grind culture, what the Special Forces told them about never feeling like they'd done enough, and whether the people who change the world are driven by obsessive or harmonious passion (they don't fully agree). Mark Manson and Jimmy Carr help them land it. As Jake puts it: high standards ask something of you. Grind culture asks everything of you. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, or whether "enough" is even the right question, this one's for you. Clips featured (full episodes linked below): Steven Bartlett https://pod.fo/e/16ca9 Ant Middleton https://pod.fo/e/15f9f Jonny Wilkinson https://pod.fo/e/9cca4 Mark Manson https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7 Jimmy Carr (released on October 26th!) AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at http://drinkag1.com/highperformance - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an extra £10 off Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alessandro Benetton knows what it means to challenge an established order. When the Benetton family entered Formula 1 from the world of fashion, the paddock laughed. But rather than trying to fit in, they rewrote the rules, and went on to win world championships. Alessandro joins us to reflect on the decisions that changed everything, from recognising Michael Schumacher’s extraordinary talent before the rest of the sport caught on to standing by his team when allegations of cheating threatened the family’s reputation. He shares why backing your instincts, challenging convention and trusting the people around you can matter most when the pressure is on. This is an insight into the advantage of being an outsider, the courage to make unconventional decisions, and why sometimes the best way to get ahead is to stop following the crowd. Alessandro Benetton Bio: Alessandro Benetton is Chairman of Edizione and Mundys, and the founder of 21 Invest. He began his career in Formula 1, taking over the Benetton team at just 24 and becoming the youngest chairman in F1 history. Under his leadership, the team won two drivers’ championships with Michael Schumacher and the 1995 constructors’ title. The documentary 'Benetton Formula' is available now on Sky in the UK and NOW in Germany AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at http://drinkag1.com/highperformance - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an extra £10 off Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dame Jess Ennis-Hill is one of Britain’s greatest athletes. A triple world heptathlon champion, European champion and Olympic gold medallist, she reached the absolute peak of her sport. But behind the medals was a very different story.... We revisit this incredible conversation where Jess reveals what it was like to become Britain’s “Golden girl” ahead of London 2012, carrying the weight of huge public expectations and feeling that anything less than gold would be seen as failure. She opens up about the injury that cost her an Olympic opportunity, returning to elite competition after becoming a mum, and the challenge of accepting that her body and training had changed. Jess also explains how sports psychology, visualisation and blocking out the noise helped her perform when the pressure was at its highest, why having the right people around you matters, and why she ultimately believes happiness and balance are at the heart of high performance. This is the story behind the medals, and what it really took to become an Olympic champion. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've sat down with hundreds of high performers. These are five sentences we've never heard a single one of them say... "I'll start when I'm ready." "That's just the way I am." "It's not fair." "I've done enough." "I did it on my own." None of them is a character flaw, but each one quietly pulls you away from where you want to be. From the High Performance archive, Keely Hodgkinson explains why she puts her success down to 90% mindset, in a year when almost nobody believed she'd make the Olympic team. Matthew Syed remembers bombing a talk at Goldman Sachs and then going to Toastmasters every fortnight for three years. Joe Hart talks about England's Euro 2016 exit to Iceland without blaming a soul. Alun Wyn Jones explains why complacency was his biggest fear, and Laura Kenny shows why her story was never a solo effort, starting with setting fire to a jacket potato in Belgium at 18. Along the way, Damian brings in the research on "if-then" plans that help you follow through, the labels we let others stick on us, why growth mindset might matter less than we've been told, and the difference between harmonious and obsessive passion. Jake questions whether never having "done enough" is healthy at all, and explains why the people who made your life hardest helped shape you too. Full episodes links for the guests featured: Keely Hodgkinson https://pod.fo/e/252844Matthew Syed https://pod.fo/e/164cec Joe Hart https://pod.fo/e/24b0f2Alun Wyn Jones https://pod.fo/e/2b6885Laura Kenny https://pod.fo/e/249586 XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Linford Christie didn't just race his opponents, he tried to beat them before the gun even fired. The Olympic champion reveals the psychology behind his ruthless approach to the 100m, and the mindset that allowed him to keep pushing when most would have stopped. Linford reflects on the hunger that drove him to the top despite starting his international career later than most, and why winning Olympic gold in Barcelona felt more like relief than celebration. He also opens up about the pressure of constant scrutiny, the emotional armour he built throughout his career, and the personal cost of never allowing himself to show weakness. Now in his 60s, Linford shares what he's learned about achievement, vulnerability and finally being able to appreciate what he's accomplished. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin van Persie captained Arsenal and won the league with Manchester United, but for years he says his hardest opponent was himself. We re-visit our classic episode with Robin where he talks about the letter he wrote to himself that he didn't believe when he read it back, the childhood friends he let go at 24, the Arsenal exit he'd handle differently and the advice to his son that Jake calls the whole podcast in two minutes. Our partners in this episode: AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us are waiting for someone to tell us we're ready. This week, Jake and Damian argue that moment never comes, and that the people we admire most simply stopped waiting. You'll hear from George Russell on the email to Toto Wolff that started his Mercedes journey, Robin Sharma on why it pays to be "a bit of a pirate", Alain de Botton on why the world is built by humans, not gods, and Adam Grant on the feedback that nearly made him quit public speaking. Francis Ngannou, Shane Parrish and Tom Kerridge unpack what it really means to take full ownership of your life, and Holly Tucker explains why there's never a perfect time to start. Along the way, Damian brings in the research on self-efficacy, why we underestimate how willing people are to help us, and why amateurs wait for inspiration while professionals just get on with it. Then Dame Amanda Blanc complicates everything: sometimes, all it takes is someone else believing in you first. Listen to the full episodes: George Russell https://pod.fo/e/1527c9 Robin Sharma https://pod.fo/e/23512b Alain de Botton https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0 Adam Grant https://pod.fo/e/1546d4 Francis Ngannou https://pod.fo/e/21a419 Shane Parrish https://pod.fo/e/1ff000 Tom Kerridge https://pod.fo/e/22356e Holly Tucker https://pod.fo/e/1943f Dame Amanda Blanc https://pod.fo/e/1419c7 Thanks to our partners: AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donate 👉 Sir Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7: The Grand Finale https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/7-in-7-the-grand-finale England Rugby coach and MND campaigner Kevin Sinfield has spent years running into pain, not away from it. In memory of his friend Rob Burrow, he has pushed his body to its limits, finding in the suffering a way to carry some of the emotional weight of the families he meets. In this episode, Kevin shares the lessons Rob taught him without saying a word: what matters, what doesn't, and how to live with more courage and compassion. He also reveals what high performance really means to him, getting the best from people while caring for them. This is a conversation about purpose, resilience and the power of showing up for others. Because for Kevin, it has never been about the miles. It's just running for a mate. Our partners in this episode: AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're revisiting this extraordinary conversation with one of our most-requested conversations - Usain Bolt. Usain reveals the failures that changed the way he thought about performance, including the Olympics in Athens where he failed to make it out of the first round. He shares the moment his coach told him he simply wasn’t working hard enough, and the painful realisation that followed. Usain opens up about the power of consistency, learning how to lose, handling pressure, competing with scoliosis, dealing with global fame, and the mindset that helped him win eight Olympic gold medals. He also explains why he learned to “don’t think limits”, how he stayed calm before the biggest races of his life, and what high performance actually meant to him after dedicating his entire life to it. Daniel's latest book Fed Up is out now https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/59539/daniel-lieberman AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is sport still drinking? For decades, alcohol has been part of sporting culture. Team nights out, beers after games and stories of legendary drinking sessions have become part of the mythology of elite sport. But is that culture changing? And if it is, what are we replacing it with? Jake and Damian explore why alcohol has played such a powerful role in sport, from helping teammates bond and break down hierarchy to simply giving people permission to switch off. They discuss the pressure of constant optimisation, why high performance can become exhausting, the darker side of celebrating destructive drinking stories, and what modern teams can do to create connection without relying on alcohol. They also explore what elite sport can learn from women's sport, the importance of shared experiences, and why sometimes the thing we need most is simply permission to stop performing. A conversation about alcohol, sport, connection, pressure and the importance of knowing when to switch off. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, visit Drinkaware for advice and support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman challenges one of our most persistent beliefs about weight loss: that if you can’t stick to a diet, you simply need more discipline. He explains why our bodies evolved to hold onto fat, why willpower can only take us so far, and how diet culture has turned eating into a cycle of guilt and shame. Daniel also shares the story of his own mother, whose obsession with avoiding fat came at a cost later in life, and introduces a simple way to spot bad advice: are you thinking like a fox, embracing nuance, or a hedgehog, convinced one idea explains everything? His message is simple: there is no perfect diet. There are only trade-offs, and understanding them might change the way you think about food, health and your own body. Daniel's latest book Fed Up is out now https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/59539/daniel-lieberman AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU  Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a revisit of the conversation we previously had with Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal and CEO, and it remains one of the most revealing interviews we’ve ever recorded. Toto opens up about the childhood experiences that shaped him, losing his father at 15, being forced to grow up quickly and the financial hardship his family faced. He also speaks candidly about periods of depression from the age of 18, seeking professional help and the feeling that he was alone with what he was experiencing. He explains why he has always “stared into an abyss”, how self-doubt drives him and why he believes questioning yourself every day is essential to improvement. We also get inside Toto’s leadership mindset, including the mistakes he made during Mercedes’ difficult years, how he learned to control his emotions and why he believes leaders should blame the problem rather than the person. And, of course, we revisit 2021, Lewis Hamilton, Abu Dhabi, Silverstone and the extraordinary pressure of that season. A deeply personal conversation with one of Formula 1’s most recognisable figures, and a reminder that the person behind the calm exterior has faced his own battles with doubt, failure and adversity. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU  Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you actually feel when you win? Jake and Damian explore one of the strangest patterns they've noticed across more than 400 High Performance conversations: so many people reach the top of their mountain, only to wish they'd enjoyed the climb a little more. Damian unpacks the hedonic treadmill and arrival fallacy, and asks what we're actually optimising our lives for when every achievement simply moves the goalposts. Because if the next win is always more important than the one you've just achieved, when do you ever get to enjoy where you are? Along the way you'll hear Rio Ferdinand on winning the Champions League and immediately asking who Manchester United were signing next; Jonny Wilkinson on discovering that years of suffering had only created stronger habits of suffering; Stephen Hendry on being back at the practice table the morning after winning; Jill Scott on putting the process ahead of the result; Dan Carter on the one word he wrote in his notebook before a World Cup final: "enjoy"; Ryan Yates on his laid-back cousin who has no desire to achieve more; and Ali Abdaal on the question we should all ask ourselves: would you fast-forward through your life? Winning matters. But so does being there for it. AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former British Army paratrooper Josh Boggi’s life changed in 47 minutes when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, losing both legs and his right arm. But surviving was only the beginning of learning who he was going to become. Josh opens up about the five-minute conversation with a fellow triple amputee that gave him a new roadmap for life, and how sport helped rebuild his confidence, identity, and sense of purpose. He also reflects on surviving a second near-fatal accident years later, an experience he describes as mentally harder than Afghanistan. From competing at the Invictus Games to now helping others navigate life-changing injuries, Josh shares how he found purpose in becoming for others what that fellow amputee once was for him. This is a conversation about identity, purpose, and the choices we make when life takes us somewhere we never expected to be. The Invictus Games Foundation is a global charity using the power of sport and community to support the recovery of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, creating year-round opportunities that help people rebuild confidence, connection and purpose. In July 2027, the Invictus Games return to the UK for the first time since 2014, with Birmingham welcoming competitors, families and friends from around the world for a week of adaptive sport, recovery and connection. Tickets go on sale this October: https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/ AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU  Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global music icon Anastacia has faced breast cancer twice, first diagnosed at just 34 at the height of her career and again ten years later. In this special episode, created in partnership with Postcode Lottery, she joins Jake to share how those experiences shaped her outlook on life. Anastacia opens up about taking back control, the optimism that has carried her through difficult moments, and why early detection remains so important to her. The conversation also highlights the work of Breast Cancer Now and the difference funding raised by Postcode Lottery players helps make. Anastacia kicks off her UK and European tour on 15th September, including a show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday 26th September. Tickets available from Anastacia.com/live. Postcode Lottery manages lotteries for 20 charities. A minimum of 30% of each ticket price goes to charity. 18+, conditions apply. Not available in Northern Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the morning of 11 September 2001, Sean Windeatt was a 28-year-old in Cantor Fitzgerald's London finance department, fifteen minutes into his usual morning call with a colleague in New York, when the line went dead. That colleague was inside the North Tower. By the end of the day the firm had lost 658 people alongside 61 Euro Brokers employees— around two thirds of its New York workforce, and more than any other company in the tragedy that morning. The next day Sean was called downstairs, offered a job he'd turned down two years earlier, and handed a blank piece of paper. He asked what the job was. "Who knows?" Twenty-five years on, Sean is co-CEO of BGC Group, and he joins Jake to tell the story from the inside. Why the company chose not to sell when selling was the easy way out. Why pledging 25% of profits to the families only meant anything if there was a business left to earn it, and how a firm rebuilt itself working around the clock, while competitors offered office space and airlines flew its staff across the Atlantic at cost. It's also a conversation about a false choice Jake puts to him directly: that you can either be ruthless and successful, or kind and unsuccessful. Sean's answer — and a Charity Day that has now raised over $235 million — suggests otherwise. Along the way: what it's actually like to wake up on 11 September every year, why Prince William refused to leave the trading floor, and the two things Sean was told a great CEO does. If you want information on the BGC Charity Day: https://www.bgcg.com/charity-day/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio built his career on an extraordinary ability to create belief under pressure. But behind that drive was a deeply personal source of motivation: the loss of his sister Francesca when he was just 16. Lawrence opens up about turning grief into fuel, finding the family he needed through rugby, and why the mental and emotional side of performance is so often underestimated. He also reveals how great leaders build belief before the biggest moments and find what truly motivates the people around them. This conversation is a candid exploration of loss, belonging, and the emotions that can shape our drive to succeed. The 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala takes place at The Peninsula London on 20 November, raising funds to create healthier, happier futures for children through sport. Attend the Gala, support the auction or donate at https://pho3nixcharitygala.com AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Steve Hansen won 93 of 107 Tests as All Blacks head coach — the most successful run in the history of professional rugby. We re-visit our chat with Steve where he takes it apart: why "culture" is the most overused word on the planet, why he hates rules, why nobody would admit the All Blacks were World Cup chokers, and the two times he got it badly wrong and had to apologise to a whole squad. Plus the question about walking away that he couldn't finish answering. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does a weekly to-do list feel so overwhelming on a Sunday night? Jake and Damian argue it's not because of your workload, it's because your capacity . Sleep, energy, confidence, clarity, control: when any of these drop, the same list of tasks stops looking like separate, manageable jobs and starts looking like one overwhelming message — everything, now. In this episode, Jake and Damian hear from: Steve Peters on the "chimp" that hijacks you in traffic, and why recognising it isn't you is the first step to managing it.Ash Dykes on preparing for the worst before it happens, so it arrives as something expected rather than something that ambushes you.Shane Parrish on why you don't need the confidence to reach the destination — just the confidence to take the next step.Ali Abdaal on the five-minute rule, and the three-quid hourglass that got him moving on the days motivation didn't show up.James Clear on the two-minute rule, and the heaviest weight in the gym: the front door.Jameela Jamil on the power of small, unglamorous no's.Alistair Brownlee on breaking an impossible-feeling task down into the next five-minute reason to keep going. By the end, Jake and Damian give you a ten-minute reset for the next time life all feels like too much because the goal was never to shame yourself into trying harder. It's to rebalance the equation. Thanks to our partners: AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dina Asher-Smith has just made history as the most decorated athlete in European Championships history. An MBE, multiple major titles and four Olympic Games within reach, but at 30, one of Britain's greatest ever sprinters is still asking how much better she can become. In this episode, Dina opens up about the realities behind those 10 seconds on the track, from how her menstrual cycle affected her performance to competing through grief. She also reflects on leaving her coach of 20 years, rebuilding her career, and why bronze can sometimes mean more than gold. With the 2027 World Championships and LA 2028 ahead, Dina reveals how her relationship with success has changed, and why the opportunity to keep competing at the highest level now feels less like pressure and more like a privilege. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We revisit our conversation with Fernando Alonso - two-time Formula 1 World Champion, 437 Grand Prix starts, 32 wins - recorded in a rare moment where the visor comes off completely. Jake and Damian get behind the "robot" Alonso becomes the second his helmet goes on, and into the boy who started racing a homemade go-kart at three years old, in a family with no money, no expectations, and no competitive gene to explain where his came from. Fernando is disarmingly honest about the cost of that competitiveness: the two championships with Ferrari he came agonisingly close to and still can't fully explain losing; the two titles he did win, in 2005 and 2006, that he now barely remembers because he was already thinking about the next race before the champagne had dried; and the moment, at 13 years old, a mechanic pulled him aside after his best result yet and told him, "second is the first loser." It's a line that shaped the next three decades of his career. Moments that will stay with you: Why his own parents still can't explain where his will to win came fromThe 20% of every race weekend spent planning not for victory, but for everything that could go wrongWhat changed when he left Formula 1 for two years and heard, for the first time, how much people actually missed himThe advice his father gave him before his first ever Grand Prix, in case it turned out to be his lastHe's unflinching about what elite performance actually costs: that you can spend twenty years being told to fear enjoying it, that humility has to be actively protected once fame tries to take it from you, and that self-confidence isn't the absence of doubt it's simply deciding, in advance, what you're capable of, and then closing the visor. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when every option is on the table and you still end up with the same idea you always have? Jake and Damian tackle one of the quiet traps of creative work, and land somewhere counterintuitive: freedom doesn't make ideas bolder. Constraints do. Damian unpacks David Epstein's Inside the Box and the psychology behind why unlimited time, unlimited method and unlimited scope send the brain straight to its safest, most familiar answer and the three tools for building a better box: the Fake Deadline, the One Rule, and the Small Box. Along the way you'll hear Shane Parrish on the Henry Kissinger question that outed a staffer's "best work" as anything but; René Meulensteen on the Federer clips he used to teach Man Utd players to stay one point wide; Sarina Wiegman on the training session she deliberately ran with a terrible referee, just to see what her players would do with it; and Lewis Morgan on what he'd actually do with a spare £1,000 and a Facebook Marketplace login. The idea doesn't need better conditions. It needs a smaller box. Listen to the full episodes: Sarina Wiegman: https://shows.acast.com/the-high-performance-podcast/episodes/sarina-wiegman-the-leadership-secrets-powering-england-lione Lewis Morgan: https://shows.acast.com/3d30295e-f7fb-5af1-b618-30a8763cc75a/625c41bcfa71dd0012e7f614 René Meulensteen: https://shows.acast.com/3d30295e-f7fb-5af1-b618-30a8763cc75a/67e02799511f1304b0d74225 AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen became one of the world's best footballers by developing an extraordinary ability to turn doubt, mistakes, and setbacks into self-belief. He joins Jake and Damian to reveal how that mindset was built, and why it eventually became one of his greatest challenges. Michael reflects on the injuries that took away the explosive pace that defined him, and the painful eight-year gap between the player he believed he was and what his body could still deliver. He also opens up about retiring at 33, losing his sense of purpose, the strain it placed on his marriage, and how he eventually found a new competitive outlet beyond football. This is an honest exploration of self-belief, identity, and what happens when the mindset that drives success becomes difficult to switch off. Meet the Owens, a six-part docuseries in the UK and Ireland, is available on Prime Video from the 28th August. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We re-visit one of the most emotional and gripping conversations we have ever recorded. Eight Olympic medals, five of them gold, and the first Briton ever to win the Tour de France. For one summer in 2012, Sir Bradley Wiggins was the most famous man in Britain — sideburns, gold medal, sat on a throne at Hampton Court. He couldn't bring himself to put the medal on. Bradley takes us right back to the beginning: a council estate in Kilburn, a father who left when he was eighteen months old and came back only once his son was successful, and a coach who sexually abused him between the ages of thirteen and sixteen — something he didn't say out loud for thirty years. Then he traces, with total honesty, how that damage became the fuel that made him great, and how the same fuel nearly destroyed him when the racing stopped. Moments that will stay with you: Why Bradley laid his Olympic gold medal on the sofa rather than put it round his neckSmashing his trophies off the mantelpiece, and throwing out his knighthoodHis father's line, a week after they finally met: "Don't forget, you'll never be as good as your old man was"Realising the voice screaming at him up every climb of the Tour was his stepfather'sLance Armstrong offering to pay for his treatment, and what Bradley said backThe hotel room his son had to come and find him in He's unflinching on what drove him: that greatness often grows out of a dark place, and that isn't something to romanticise. That you don't rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your habits. That fulfilment carries you further than happiness ever will. And his hardest-won lesson — not everyone who helps you is your friend, and not everyone who hurts you is your enemy. The answer isn't to forget the past. It's to change your relationship with it. Contains discussion of the sexual abuse of children and of addiction. Please listen with care. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Eight Sleep 👉If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when the people around you don't believe you can do it? Jake and Damian tackle one of the things listeners struggle with most — being doubted — and land somewhere they didn't expect: the doubt that really holds you back is usually your own. Damian unpacks Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory and why the two ways to build belief are evidence and self-talk, Alison Brooks' research on reframing nerves as readiness rather than fear, and self-determination theory — why being doubted by others can become the most durable fuel there is. Along the way you'll hear Rugby League legend Jamie Peacock on the day he stayed on the bus and rode past his trial at Bradford Bulls, and the mantra he repeated the second time to get off; Karl Lokko on where he found the confidence to walk into rooms that weren't built for him and Mel Robbins on the morning in her bathroom that changed how she talks to herself. Plus, Jake and Damian are joined by High Performance listener Claire, who spent 31 years in policing, to hear what all this means from the other side of the microphone. The belief doesn't have to come first. The action does — and the evidence follows. Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au  Listen to the full episodes: Jamie Peacock: Mel Robbins: Karl Locco: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guenther Steiner is one of Formula 1’s most recognisable team bosses, building Haas from nothing and becoming known for his straight-talking approach to leadership. He joins us to reflect on ambition, pressure, and knowing when it’s time to walk away, as well as discuss his new position as CEO of MotoGP team Red Bull KTM Tech3. Guenther opens up about his final years at Haas, admitting he stayed around two years too long, and how he knew the belief was gone when he could no longer see a path to a podium. He also reveals the moment he discovered he’d been sacked, and why it brought an unexpected sense of relief. He shares the thinking that built Haas and how he’s applying the same principles to his new chapter in MotoGP with Tech3. This is a candid conversation about ambition, identity, and knowing when to let go. Learn more about Red Bull KTM Tech3: https://motogp.tech3racing.fr/index.php Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Eight Sleep 👉If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're revisiting this conversation with James Blunt because it's among the most disarming things we've recorded about belief, ridicule, and where confidence actually comes from. James made his first album on nothing but belief. He'd burnt his bridges with every record label in Britain and was playing to about twenty people on the twentieth floor of a Ramada hotel — and he was still completely certain the whole world was going to hear it. Understanding the real odds, he says, would have taken the wind out of his sails entirely. James tells Jake and Damian why you keep your powder dry until you're genuinely equipped, because you only get one shot with the people who matter. Why he never answers criticism on the day it lands — the sting always comes out overnight. Why the only opinions worth weighing come from the people who'll take the mickey out of you to your face. And the three things he carried out of commanding soldiers in Kosovo and into running the same band for twenty years: a good team, real respect for that team, and the conviction to make the call. Then there's what it cost him... the orchestrated press campaign that turned James into a national punchline and how he dealt with it. Being held back in a dressing room so that Damon Albarn didn't have to stand near him. The hug from Keith Flint he never forgot. And the night in Carrie Fisher's bathroom that produced Goodbye My Lover in a single, unrepeatable take. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake and Damian tackle the question underneath almost every High Performance conversation: what do the best actually do differently, day to day? Not the big moments. The small, repeatable ones. Because across hundreds of conversations on this show, the pattern is rarely talent or luck. It's that high performers have built a handful of habits they hold onto when nobody is watching, and they keep doing them long after most of us would have forgotten about them. In this episode, Jake and Damian hear from: Jamie Peacock on why a life of hard decisions becomes an easier life, and the moment on a training pitch in Australia when Damian was on the receiving end of one.James Clear on why grit is really about fit, and the question to ask before you commit to any new habit.Emily Maitlis on the five minutes of golden time she takes before every interview, including the one at Buckingham Palace.Mel Robbins on why she still needs the five second rule to get out of bed, thirteen years after inventing it.Dan Carter on earning your weekend, and why drifting through the week is the opposite of high performance. If there's a habit you keep meaning to start, pick one of these five and begin there. Thanks to our partners: Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉 head to drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League icon Ashley Young joins us for a masterclass in longevity, self-belief, and turning rejection into an unstoppable competitive edge. At 15, Watford told Ashley he was too small for a scholarship, a disappointment that became the operational system for his entire 20-year career. He explains why every manager's doubt or dropped selection became fuel to prove them wrong, from Antonio Conte's brutal pre-season at Inter Milan to winning Serie A at 35 and feeling fitter at 37 than at 27. He also breaks down what it means to know your value in high-stakes environments, his return to the England squad for a World Cup semi-final, walking away from Manchester United on his own terms, and playing over 750 games at the highest level. This is an essential conversation about resilience, self-worth, and proving that nobody gets to define your limits except you. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie Howe has stepped away from Newcastle United after nearly five years in charge — his own decision, following what he called "a period of personal reflection." He leaves having delivered the club's first major trophy in 70 years and two Champions League campaigns. So we're going back to the conversation we had with him in 2022, right as that chapter began. Eddie had just taken the Newcastle job — but before it, he'd left Bournemouth after relegation, and described the exit almost exactly as he'd describe this one: "I think it was time... I just knew." He told us it felt like grief. That the pressure he carried was never external — it was entirely his own. And he told us about the cost no one sees: missing his mum in her final months because he was too busy managing a football club. Heard now, it plays like he told us how this would end. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the heartbreaking death of Nims Purja... Jake and Damian reflect on one of the most inspiring conversations in High Performance history. Before 14 Peaks made him a global icon, Nims joined High Performance to share the mindset that took him from a childhood of poverty in Nepal, to the Gurkhas, the British Special Forces, and ultimately to rewriting mountaineering history. In this special tribute episode, Jake and Damian revisit the lessons that left a lasting impact on them: Why hope is the greatest source of strength.How to reframe adversity into opportunity.The importance of living for something bigger than yourself.Why excuses never create extraordinary lives.The mindset behind proving that "nothing is impossible." Nims' energy, humility and optimism changed the way we think about life and performance. This episode celebrates the remarkable legacy he leaves behind and the lessons that will continue to inspire millions Listen to our full episode with Nims: https://pod.fo/e/ac5aa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien has built his career on resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief that hard work can outlast natural talent.. He joins Jake and Damian to reflect on the setbacks that shaped him, from being overlooked early in his career to leading his club back to the Premier League. Luke explains why he no longer relies on confidence to perform, how embracing discomfort became his greatest strength, and the simple mindset shifts that help him stay present under pressure. He also shares the habits and systems that have enabled him to keep improving throughout his career. This is an insight into why great performance is built on systems, not feelings, and why resilience is forged long before the biggest moments. Away from the pitch, Luke runs Elite XI, a mental performance programme for professional footballers. Head over to www.elitexiapply.com to find out more.  AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than 30 years, Adrian Gore has been challenging conventional thinking about health, leadership, and human behaviour. As the founder of Discovery and CEO of Vitality, he's built a global business by asking a simple question: what if we designed systems that helped people become the best version of themselves? Adrian joins Jake to share the leadership principles behind that philosophy, revealing why optimism is a discipline, why ambitious goals matter, and how embracing discomfort creates meaningful change. This is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, behaviour, and unlocking long-term performance. Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Get your copy of 'The Four Principles' by Adrian Gore here: https://highpfrmc.com/Vitality_Book Adrian Gore LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/adrian-gore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Como 1907 has become one of Europe's fastest-rising football clubs, transformed by bold leadership and long-term thinking. In partnership with Revolut Business, Chief Business Officer Ryan Shelton joins Jake to reveal how the club has redefined what's possible on and off the pitch. Ryan shares how Cesc Fàbregas has helped shape a high-performance culture, why the club embraces unconventional thinking, and how partnering with Revolut is helping the organisation move faster and think differently. This is an insight into the leadership, innovation and ambition behind one of football's most remarkable transformations. Revolut Business  👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/ryanshelton and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rafaela Pimenta is one of football's most influential agents, representing some of the biggest names in the game, including Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Gilberto Mora. She joins Damian to reveal what it really takes to protect, develop, and lead elite athletes at the very highest level. Rafaela explains why players should be treated as people; not assets, how elite players have built an environment that allows them to perform at their best, and why the modern game is placing unprecedented demands on footballers. She also shares why setting boundaries, championing player welfare, and investing in women's football are essential to the future of the sport. This is a masterclass in modern leadership, high performance, and the ultimate responsibility of putting people before profit. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Eight Sleep 👉 If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Aviva. The former UK Minister for Prisons and CEO of the Timpson Group, Lord Timpson (James Timpson) believes there's a direct link between happy colleagues and business success. He joins Jake and Damian to explain why putting trust before control has shaped both his people and his company. Lord Timpson shares the leadership philosophy behind his "upside-down management" approach, why hiring people with criminal convictions has become one of his greatest strengths, and how kindness, trust, and long-term thinking have driven lasting success. An inspiring conversation about leadership, second chances, and building a culture where people can thrive. Together we believe that great leadership, high-performing teams and a culture where people can thrive are key to long-term success. That's why we're proud to support conversations that share practical insights and inspiring perspectives on people, performance and leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mattia Binotto has spent almost three decades at the heart of Formula One, helping shape Ferrari before taking on his biggest challenge yet as CEO and Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team. In partnership with Revolut Business, Mattia joins Jake ahead of Silverstone, to share what it really takes to build a winning team. He explains how you create a winning culture from the ground up, why great leadership starts with trust, and the lessons he learned from working alongside icons like Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt. Mattia also shares how partnering with Revolut helps the team move faster globally, and why he believes young talent and long-term thinking are the foundations of sustained success. This is a conversation about leadership, culture, and building an organisation that's designed to win. Revolut Business High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/mattiabinottoyt and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Machado Garry is one of the UFC's brightest stars, and on 15th August he'll face Islam Makhachev for the UFC Welterweight World Title. Ahead of the biggest fight of his career, Ian joins us to reflect on the journey from window cleaner to fighting for UFC gold, and the unwavering belief that has driven him every step of the way. He shares the letter his mum wrote after he dropped out of college to chase his dream, the extraordinary moment his entire team walked out before his Cage Warriors world title fight, and why those setbacks only strengthened his belief that he was destined to become world champion. It's a story of conviction, resilience, and trusting your own path, even when nobody else believes in it. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep8-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a championship mindset and sustain it for a lifetime? In this special episode, recorded live at Gleneagles in partnership with IFS, Jake Humphrey sits down with golfing legend Gary Player for a remarkable conversation to explore the habits, mindset and discipline behind lasting success. From overcoming childhood adversity to becoming one of golf's most decorated champions, Gary shares the mindset that carried him through pressure, setbacks and success. He shares his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's career Grand Slam, the importance of physical and mental fitness, and why he believes adversity is life's greatest teacher. At 90 years old, Gary remains as energetic, curious and driven as ever - offering timeless wisdom on what it truly means to perform at the highest level. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPP_ep Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a Formula One team from the ground up? In this special episode with Revolut Business, Jake Humphrey speaks to three-time Le Mans winner and Audi Revolut F1 Racing Director Allan McNish about building a winning culture from the ground up. He explains how partnering with Revolut helps the team embrace innovation, move quickly and make bold decisions in one of the world's most competitive sports. Allan also shares the lessons he's learned leading one of Formula One's newest teams, the mindset behind challenging established teams and the leadership principles that drive high performance. He reflects on overcoming a career-threatening illness, the split-second decision-making behind his infamous 2011 Le Mans crash and why he believes Audi Revolut F1 Team can one day become world champions. This is a conversation about leadership, resilience and preparation when it counts most. Revolut Business High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/allanmcnishyt and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 15 seasons, Cadillac F1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez has established himself as one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, earning 6 Grand Prix victories and finishing 2nd in the 2023 World Championship. Sergio walked into Red Bull Racing in 2021 knowing the team was built around Max Verstappen, and was told early on that they operated with a clear number one driver structure. He spent four years in one of the most demanding seats in Formula 1, navigating a final period he describes as increasingly difficult. In this episode, Sergio exposes the politics of the paddock to share the raw truth of his Formula 1 career. He opens up about the brutal reality of the Red Bull garage, the betrayal of losing his seat days before his historic victory at Sakhir, and how a lonely childhood living in a German truck-stop motel built his unbreakable mindset. Sergio also reflects on his next chapter with Cadillac, the lessons he’s taken from his time in F1, and the importance of learning to enjoy the journey while you’re in it. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-belief, and performing under relentless pressure. More on Cadillac F1 here: https://www.cadillacf1team.com/ More on Sergio here: https://checoperez.com/ Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep7-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started. Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Jake Humphrey visits Future Youth Zone in Dagenham, part of the OnSide network, where he sits down with Professor Green for one of his most personal conversations yet. Reflecting on his difficult childhood, Professor Green reveals how youth clubs gave him a sense of belonging when he needed it most and why spaces like this can change the course of a young person's life. Jake also speaks to Jamie Masraff, Chief Executive of OnSide, about the life-changing work being done to support over 60,000 young people every year, and why funding raised by Postcode Lottery players is so vital in helping create more Youth Zones, giving young people access to trusted adults, opportunities and safe places to belong. Jake also meets Lily and Olivia, two inspiring young members whose stories bring that impact to life, and youth worker Stephanie, who explains why simply being heard can change a young person's future. Together, their conversations highlight why youth clubs are more than just places to spend time - they're places where young people can find confidence, connection and the chance to thrive. Onside Youth Zones Charity Registered Number 1125893. Postcode Lottery manages lotteries for 20 charities. A minimum of 30% of each ticket price goes to charity. 18+, conditions apply. Not available in Northern Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake and Damian tackle the question nobody prepares you for: how do you actually know when it's time to walk away? Whether it's a job, a career, a relationship, or a version of yourself you've been fighting to hold onto, leaving is one of the hardest decisions any of us will ever make. But across nearly 450 conversations on High Performance, one thing keeps coming up: the people who walk away well aren't the ones who had no choice. They're the ones who knew exactly what they were walking towards. In this episode, Jake and Damian hear from: Phil Jones on the training ground moment he knew his body had made the decision for him. Joe Hart on what it really felt like when Pep Guardiola said he didn't fit the system. Eddie Howe on why taking a full year out of management was the best thing he ever did, and why going straight back would have been a disaster. Michail Antonio on turning down a top six club because the role felt wrong. And Stuart Broad on the FaceTime call with his wife that helped him trust his gut on the biggest decision of his career.If there's something in your life you're not sure whether to stay with or let go of, this one's for you. Listen to full episodes: Phil Jones https://pod.fo/e/26c0f1 Joe Hart https://pod.fo/e/24b0f2 Eddie Howe https://pod.fo/e/14d4d9 Michail Antonio https://pod.fo/e/23c4d8 Stuart Broad https://pod.fo/e/2093a6 Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep6-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Eight Sleep 👉If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Fry bought an underperforming Formula 1 team for £1 and went on to win the World Championship. But before the historic 2009 fairy tale with Brawn GP, Nick and his wife had to face the ultimate risk: agreeing that if they lost everything, they would be perfectly content living on tinned tuna for the rest of their lives. In this episode, the former CEO of Brawn and Mercedes strips away the glamour of the paddock to share a masterclass in high-stakes leadership, belief, and crisis management. He reveals how financial pressure became a performance driver and how solving one problem at a time laid the foundation for Mercedes’ dominance. Nick also shares his thoughts on collective performance over individual ego, why hard work beats talent, and the key decisions that shaped Brawn’s rise to the top of Formula 1. This is a must-listen for anyone facing insurmountable odds, closing with a simple message from a man who lived it: “If you're gonna do it, just go for it. Don’t mess around.” Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep6-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Eight Sleep 👉If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Stokes has just announced his retirement from international cricket. And the person who can best explain what that decision truly costs — and what Stokes has meant as a captain and a human being — is Stuart Broad. Stuart retired in 2023 on his own terms: last ball, The Oval, England versus Australia. In this conversation, he tells the full story of the night he walked down the hotel corridor and knocked on Stokesy's door to tell him it was over. What happened in that room, and how he felt when he woke up the next morning, is something every leader will recognise. But this conversation goes much deeper than retirement. Stuart opens up about the T20 World Cup in Durban — the day six sixes were hit off one over, and how the humiliation changed everything. He explains the mental frameworks he quietly built over the following 16 years: warrior mode, assassin mode, the daily note-making practice that started as a cricket habit and became a life habit. And he makes a case that the game is not 80% mental — it's closer to 90. A brilliant episode on performance, legacy, and knowing when to walk away. Thanks to our partners: Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep5-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake and Damian go deep on one of the most universal struggles in high performance: why so many of us find it almost impossible to say no, and what it's actually costing us when we can't. Drawing on conversations with promoter Barry Hearn, who walked away from a £30 million deal because he didn't like the people behind it, comedian Katherine Ryan, who voluntarily gave up a career-defining TV slot so other women could have their chance, and leading psychologist Gabor Maté, who traces the roots of people-pleasing all the way back to childhood, Jake and Damian explore why saying yes to everyone else might mean saying no to yourself. They cover the science of sociotropy, the difference between "I can't" and "I don't", and why the guilt you feel when you say no is usually a sign you've got your values exactly right. Plus, the audience response to Liam Lawson's recent episode has been extraordinary. Jake and Damian reflect on why it's struck such a nerve. Listen to the full episodes featured: Barry Hearn https://pod.fo/e/157c60 Katherine Ryan https://pod.fo/e/1df492 Gabor Maté https://pod.fo/e/273d65 Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep5-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Geir Jordet flips everything you think you know about high-stakes performance on its head, revealing that a penalty shootout is won or lost long before the foot ever hits the ball. In this episode, the world’s leading football psychologist breaks down the meticulous psychological warfare of the 2022 World Cup Final and explains how England transformed from the world’s worst shootout team into the absolute best through structural changes like the "buddy system."  He exposes the hidden mechanics of pressure, from Harry Kane’s unpredictable dual technique and Erling Haaland’s surprising admission of fear, to why overthinking for twelve seconds cost Marcus Rashford at the Euros. Jordet also debunks major football myths, unpacking the subtle manipulation tactics used by players like Emiliano Martínez and explaining why trying to fake a smile under immense pressure will backfire.  This episode offers a sophisticated masterclass in process-over-outcome thinking, delivering powerful lessons on anxiety, team-wide psychological safety, and how to master your mind when the eyes of the world are on you. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep5-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply.  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russ Cook, better known as the Hardest Geezer, became famous for running the length of Africa. 352 days. 10,000 miles. The first person ever to do it. But before all of that, he was a teenager scrubbing a Waitrose toilet at 4am, opening a cupboard to find a single tin of new potatoes, and hiding a gambling debt from his girlfriend. In this conversation, Jake goes back to before Africa - to the years of directionlessness, the arrogance that masked insecurity, the run home from a nightclub in Brighton, and the chance encounter with a cyclist in Kenya that changed everything. They also get into the question that sits beneath all of it: is Russ running towards something great, or away from something painful? And now he's a new father - how does that shift what he's willing to risk? Plus: why he won't take the Leeds Ironman lightly despite barely managing three lengths of a pool. This episode is brought to you by Bulldog Skincare. Shop their grooming range, from face wash to bamboo razors, at Boots 👉 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Bulldog_brandedep Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Becker burned out at 25. Former British No1 Jo Konta carried her family's sacrifice onto court every match and Irish tennise pr Conor Niland described a tennis player's self-worth as entirely tied to winning and losing — nothing else. Three players, the same problem: identity wrapped around results, the sport becoming something to survive. This week, in the run-up to Wimbledon, Jake and Damian go back into the archive to hear from all three — then hand over to leading performance coach, Ben Crowe, who has spent 30 years helping the world's best athletes solve exactly that problem. Ben has worked with athletes Ash Barty and Steph Gilmore coached NBA teams and the Australian Cricket Team, and comes personally recommended by Andre Agassi. You'll hear the full story of Ash Barty's French Open semifinal — 5-0 up and tightening, 3-0 down and laughing — and what shifted in her mind to turn it around. Plus Ben's central idea: the opposite of play is not work. It's fear. And most people, most of the time, are in the fear state without knowing it. Where the Light Gets In by Ben Crowe is available now. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep4-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson has lived through the highest stakes and the ruthless politics of motorsport. In this episode, Liam opens up about the reality of his Red Bull exit, revealing how he was blindsided, unfairly judged and left carrying the blame for a radical car setup experiment. He also shares where his self belief comes from, from finishing last in go karting to ignoring the people who said Formula 1 was impossible. Liam also reveals the unexpected habit that helps him handle the noise of race weekend, taking a guitar to every Grand Prix to switch off and reset. This is a raw and honest conversation about pressure, resilience and protecting who you are in one of the most unforgiving sports in the world. Official website of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team involved in the most exciting car championship in the world. Discover what's new: https://www.visacashapprb.com/int-en/team Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep4-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Gareth Southgate is England's most successful manager since 1966. Two finals, four tournaments and by the end, fans were throwing beer at him in the stadium. Today, as England embark on another World Cup journey, we revisit one of the most candid leadership conversations we've ever recorded. Gareth explains why he knew it was time to leave before the final was even played, what he said to his players before England's penalty shootouts, and how it took him 52 years to silence the voice in his head — the same voice that froze him in 1996. He also gets into the unglamorous reality of leading a high-profile team: how to protect players from outside noise when you can't protect yourself from it, why he banned himself from speaking first in staff meetings, and what it actually felt like to walk through the door as England manager and realise culture, not tactics, was the problem. Thanks to our partners: Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep3-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has announced a ban on under-16s using social media. Jake and Damian's reaction is immediate: the ban is right, but it cannot do the job alone. In this episode they go back into the archive to hear from the people who saw this coming. Jonathan Haidt on the phone-based childhood we built without realising what we were dismantling. Johann Hari on the 10,000 engineers paid to undermine your self-control. Alex Greenwood on the body image spiral that started at 15. And the guys talk Liam Lawson, whose episode drops Monday, on what happens when your phone explodes and the world turns on you overnight. Jake shares the Ofcom data that should stop every parent in their tracks and Damian reads a message from Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood, the grassroots movement that helped make today's law happen. Listen to the full episodes: Jonathan Haidt https://pod.fo/e/2a4563 Johann Hari https://pod.fo/e/267393 Alex Greenwood https://pod.fo/e/30cbd0 Thanks to our partners: Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep3-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Seaman is one of England's greatest ever goalkeepers, with 75 caps and multiple trophies with Arsenal. In this episode he shares the moments that shaped him, many of which have never been told like this before. David takes us from being released by Leeds United at 19 to walking out for England at the World Cup, opening up about the fear he felt after the Ronaldinho free kick and the untold story of packing Gazza's bags after he was left out of the 98 squad. He also shares his three non-negotiables for any winning culture and a definition of high performance that traces all the way back to a nine year old kid in Rotherham being told to go in goal and never wanting to leave. This is an honest, emotional and powerful conversation about resilience, loyalty and what it really means to love what you do. As patron of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, David Seaman supports bowel cancer research and awareness. The Fund has raised over £31 million for research across the UK. Support the cause by visiting the Bobby Moore Fund website and joining challenges like Run 66 Miles or 100 Keepy Uppies. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/bobby-moore-fund Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep3-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Hart was England's number one for over a decade, won two Premier Leagues at Manchester City, and was one of the most recognisable goalkeepers of his generation. Then Pep Guardiola arrived - and everything changed. In this conversation with Jake and Damian, Joe speaks with remarkable honesty about the mental block that nearly ended his City career before it peaked, the moment he felt genuinely unbeatable and how quickly that unravelled, and what it was really like inside England's tournament camps when the pressure was at its highest. He also gives his most direct assessment of why England kept falling short at major tournaments - and it's not the answer most people expect. Then comes the harder chapter. The loans, the exits, the moment he genuinely thought professional football was done with him. And finally Celtic, Ange Postecoglou, and an ending so good he admits it scared him. Two sides to Joe Hart: the warrior who needed to be the last line of defence, and the kid from Shrewsbury who never stopped being amazed he got to play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake and Damian take stock and draw on five years of conversations with some of the world's highest performers. This episode strips everything back to four questions — the ones that, according to existential psychologist Tatiana Schnell, sit at the foundation of a meaningful life. Does your life add up? Do you feel you matter? Do you have a sense of purpose? And do you truly belong to something bigger than yourself? With clips from Dr Pippa Grange on vulnerability and team culture, rapper Aitch on the person who inspires him most, England Rugby League head coach Shaun Wane on finding purpose through adversity, and Dr Rangan Chatterjee on the hidden epidemic of loneliness, Jake and Damian don't just examine the questions — they answer them honestly. Jake opens up about growing up without a clear sense of purpose, the quiet loneliness of chasing success across jobs, and the moment he realised he had no one to call. Damian reflects on what it means for your life to genuinely cohere. Listen to the full episodes of guests featured: Dr Pippa Grange https://pod.fo/e/10bc10 Aitch https://pod.fo/e/27ae56 Shaun Wane https://pod.fo/e/259c4 Dr Rangan Chatterjee https://pod.fo/e/115f19 Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep2-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Eight Sleep 👉If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Wilman is back for round two, bringing his signature blunt honesty as the creative force behind Top Gear, The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm. Few people in television have built more iconic shows or stayed more allergic to nonsense while doing it. In this episode, Andy dives straight into the chaos of creation, explaining why building something from scratch forges an unbreakable bond that makes walking away almost impossible. He shares his philosophy on embracing the happy accidents of television and why great content must always start with purpose rather than chasing clicks. Andy also opens up about his personal approach to mental health, arguing that therapy should be treated as routine maintenance rather than crisis management. He tackles authenticity and current affairs too, breaking down how Jeremy Clarkson earned the genuine trust of the farming community and why precision was desperately needed in the recent inheritance tax debate. This is a conversation about the creative process, the power of unfiltered honesty and the hidden structures behind some of the biggest shows in the world. The paperback version of Andy's book: 'Mr Wilman's Motoring Adventure' is available to purchase now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Wilmans-Motoring-Adventure-Clarkson/dp/0241788951?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_dls_failed Clarkson's Farm 5 is available to watch on Prime Video now. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep2-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au Eight Sleep 👉 If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au  Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, and Peter Crouch between them have won Champions League titles, Premier League medals, over 200 England caps. And yet not one of them ever lifted a major trophy for their country. In this roundtable, three men who were inside the 'Golden Generation' dressing room finally say what went wrong. The media that made players scared to perform. The manager who wouldn't listen. The moment the England coach was asking Beckham for a signed shirt. And why, for most of them, playing for England never felt free. But this isn't just a post-mortem. It's highlights what culture, leadership, and environment actually do to elite performers — and why getting those things wrong can waste a golden generation of talent. Thanks to our partners on this episode: Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Milner retired this week as the Premier League's all-time appearance record holder. 658 games. 24 years. Never once dropped his standards. This week Jake and Damian sit down to ask the question that nobody else is asking — not what he achieved, but how someone holds their standards every single day for that long. What does it cost? What does it give you? And what can the rest of us learn from a man who never once let it slip? Listen to the full episode with James here: https://pod.fo/e/20a01e Thanks to our partners: Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nico Rosberg spent 31 years building his identity around a single goal to become Formula 1 World Champion. In this episode Nico reveals the stark reality of achieving his ultimate dream, explaining why his 2016 triumph brought relief rather than euphoria and why he walked away from a £100m+ fortune at his absolute peak. He strips back the curtain on his legendary, fierce rivalry with childhood friend Lewis Hamilton, describing the psychological warfare of their title fights and the conscious rewiring required to stop yielding in wheel-to-wheel battles. Nico also opens up about his secret mental training regime at a time when psychology was viewed as a weakness. From his foot violently shaking on the accelerator in Abu Dhabi to reframing failure in a locked hotel room, he shares a masterclass on how to train your reaction to fear. This episode offers a raw, gripping look at the psychological cost of winning at all costs and what it truly takes to conquer your inner critic.  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Do Health 👉 Get ahead of your health, don't react to it. Head to https://highpfrmc.com/dohealth-hpp-au to sign up now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the medical system tells you you’re clear, but the hardest part of your recovery is actually just beginning? In this special roundtable episode, brought to you in partnership with Postcode Lottery, we explore the unseen side of living through and beyond cancer. Joining Jake in the studio are legendary solo sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, Frank Fletcher (CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust), and Josh Rands, a young survivor who rebuilt his life after a rare cancer diagnosis at just 19. Together, they share a raw, open conversation about why true bravery isn't always something you choose, the reality of life when treatment structures suddenly fall away, and how reclaiming independence on the open sea can give young people their futures back.  It’s a powerful look at resilience, the daily grind of running a purpose-driven charity, and why finding a genuine sense of belonging is often the ultimate medicine. Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Postcode Lottery manages lotteries for 20 charities, a minimum of 30% of each ticket price goes to charity. 18 plus, conditions apply, not available in Northern Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fear doesn't disappear when you become successful. It just changes shape. In this episode, Jake and Damian go into the archive to ask a question most of us avoid: what are you actually afraid of — and what's it costing you? They're joined by clips from some of High Performance's most memorable conversations: Phil Heath on navigating darkness to find your highest level, Scott McTominay on the self-doubt that never left him through 21 years at Manchester United, Jameela Jamil on 15 years of saying yes to everything and no to herself, and Robin Van Persie on the moment he realised he was the one making it heavy. Plus: why imposter syndrome isn't a syndrome, the difference between overthinking and thinking deeply, and what actually happens when you stop fighting a feeling and just name it. Listen to the full conversations: Jameela Jamil https://pod.fo/e/225b9e Scott McTominay https://pod.fo/e/2154f0 Phil Heath https://pod.fo/e/2313e6 Robin Van Persie https://pod.fo/e/18789 Ronda Rousey https://pod.fo/e/23ec96 Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  XTB 👉To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au   AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Next week on High Performance: Nico Rosberg — Formula 1 World Champion. Hit subscribe so you don't miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve McClaren has lived the full arc of elite football, from the immense pressure of managing England to lifting trophies in Europe and standing alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during Manchester United’s historic Treble campaign. In this episode, Steve takes us inside the uniquely brutal world of the England job and World Cup expectation, describing the psychological weight of carrying 70 million people on your shoulders and breaking down the volatile mix of camp chemistry, player fitness, and sheer luck required to win the 2026 World Cup. The conversation shifts to the blueprint of a modern rebuild, analysing the early signs of structural alignment at Manchester United under INEOS. Drawing from a lifetime of experience, Steve explains why tactics and staff are fundamentally useless unless the entire hierarchy of a football club is pulling in the exact same direction. He also shares what he learned inside Ferguson’s machine, from total trust in his staff to a relentless hunger that reset the standard the morning after the Treble. This is a conversation about pressure, standards and what it really takes to build sustained success at the very top of the game. Steve McClaren has joined Rotherham FC as Head of Football https://www.themillers.co.uk/ Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  XTB 👉To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au   AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We packed up the studio in the Vauxhall Combo electric van and travelled to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre for a deeply reflective conversation with Team GB athlete Georgia Hunter-Bell. Away from the heat of competition, Georgia opens up for the first time about a chapter of her life she has never publicly revealed before. She shares her experience going through dark times after walking away from the sport that had defined her identity for so many years. Georgia also explains how navigating that dark period allowed her to return as "version 2.0," armed with a powerful new perspective on what it truly takes to be an elite athlete as she looks ahead to the LA 2028 Olympic Games. This episode explores the mental battles of elite performance, reflecting on Georgia’s resilience through her darkest chapter and how she rebuilt her identity. In Partnership with Vauxhall. This special episode was made possible by our partner, Vauxhall, the official automotive partner for Team GB through to the 2028 LA Olympics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trust is the single most important currency in sport, business, and life - and in the age of AI, it's becoming scarcer by the day. This week Jake Humphrey is joined by producer Will to dig into why. Drawing on some of the most powerful conversations in the High Performance archive, they explore what trust really is, how it breaks down, and whether it can ever truly be rebuilt. Featuring: Rachel Botsman — Oxford lecturer and world expert on trust — on the three stages of how trust collapses.James Timpson on why the most successful culture he ever built ran on just two rules.Stuart Broad on the quiet act of leadership that holds a team together when everything falls apart.And Martin Lewis — widely regarded as the most trusted person in Britain — on why you cannot market trust: you can only earn it. Plus: why Southampton's Spygate is just the catalyst for a much bigger conversation, what the rise of AI means for human credibility, and the difference between performative trust and the real thing. 🔗 Rachel Botsman: https://pod.fo/e/1179ff 🔗 James Timpson: https://pod.fo/e/c4dbd 🔗 Stuart Broad: https://pod.fo/e/2093a6 🔗 Martin Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/22a519 🔗 Damian's habit series — Why Building Trust Beats Being Liked: https://pod.fo/e/323b0d Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉🏻 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Cochrane is one of elite football’s most respected coaches and a vital part of the England Men's backroom team. Justin’s leadership focuses on reading a squad’s emotional temperature and providing players the freedom to be themselves. In this episode, Justin shares the moving story of losing his wife Leeanne to cancer and how her selfless approach to her final days redefined his perspective. He discusses the "medicine" of football, explaining how returning to coaching weeks after her death provided the stability needed to carry immense grief while operating at the highest level. Justin also speaks to Jake and Damian about how personal trauma made him a better leader by shortening the gap between disappointment and recovery. From raising his three sons alone to preparing for a World Cup, Justin offers a masterclass in resilience, guided by Leeanne’s final gift: the reminder to always have "someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Eight Sleep 👉 If you want to discover deeper sleep. Use code HPP to get £360 off your Pod 5 Ultra here: https://highpfrmc.com/eightsleep_au  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ronda Rousey is back in the spotlight on Netflix this weekend — and it felt like the perfect moment to revisit this conversation we had with her in Hollywood - one of the most funny and honest conversations we've ever had on this show. Sitting down with Jake and Damian in Hollywood, Ronda reveals the secret she hid from everyone: that she fought the final chapter of her UFC career already concussed, shutting herself in dark locker rooms between rounds to hide the damage. She talks about losing her dad at eight years old, the coaches who dislocated her jaw, the 14-second armbar she invented on the spot that's still the fastest title submission in UFC history, and the moment after her defeat to Holly Holm where she genuinely thought dying would be preferable. Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  AG1 👉 head to drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone talks about what it takes to win. Nobody talks about what comes the morning after. In this episode, Jake and Damian go deep into the HPP archive to explore one of the most uncomfortable truths in high performance: why the moment of victory so often leaves elite performers feeling empty, lost, and at a total loss for what comes next. Featuring conversations with Yaya Touré on the strange emptiness of retirement, Ben Ainslie on the post-Olympic blues that hit 24 hours after winning gold, Ian Thorpe on walking away from a sport that stopped feeling like his own, Héctor Bellerín on why your value should burn like a candle - steady, never spiking - and Billy Monger on finding purpose after having it stripped away entirely. Jake and Damian also get into the psychology of why we delay our happiness, what self-determination theory tells us about intrinsic motivation, and why the people who handle the end of peak achievement best are the ones who were never only defined by it. The question isn't really 'what do you do the day after you win?' It's 'who are you when the goal is gone?' Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  AG1 👉 head to drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Listen to the full episodes: Yaya Touré https://pod.fo/e/3f55a1 Ben Ainslie https://pod.fo/e/661e6 Ian Thorpe https://pod.fo/e/d9a3a Héctor Bellerín https://pod.fo/e/d3369 Billy Monger https://pod.fo/e/a8d2c Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Wight, known to millions as “The Big Show,” is one of the most recognisable figures in sports entertainment history. In this episode, Paul reveals the stark reality of a life lived under a terminal diagnosis, opening up about the decades he spent assuming he wouldn't grow old and the grueling work he is now doing to rebuild a body he never expected to still be using at 53. He discusses the radical selflessness that defined his thirty-year career, where he viewed himself as the "wall" for others to break through rather than the destination. Paul shares his unique three-step formula for success and explores the hidden psychological weight of consistently prioritising his opponents' glory over his own world-title ambitions. Paul also reflects on a profound emotional breakthrough that arrived uninvited on a film set, shattering a lifetime of performed toughness. This is a rare, intimate look at a man finally pursuing a path entirely for himself, trading the wrestling ring for Shakespeare and discovering who he is when he no longer has to make someone else look good. Paul Wight will be returning to London for All Elite Wrestling’s record breaking show AEW All In: London - taking place over the bank holiday weekend on Sunday 30th August, live from Wembley Stadium. https://www.livenation.co.uk/ Widely regarded as one of professional wrestling’s greatest “big men” of all time, the iconic Paul Wight has done it all in and out of the ring, holding 23 total championships, headlining the world’s biggest shows and appearing in dozens of films and television shows over his 30-year career. Wight shocked the wrestling world in February 2021 by signing with All Elite Wrestling, and has since served as a coach, mentor, commentator and wrestler in AEW, as well as an on-screen authority figure for AEW’s sister promotion, Ring of Honor. Standing in at 7’0”, Wight is one of the most recognisable figures in wrestling history and has brought decades of knowledge and experience to the blooming AEW roster. In limited AEW action, Wight has defeated QT Marshall at AEW All Out in 2021, and was a key figure in AEW’s cross-branded Yakuza: Like a Dragon Street Fight in November 2023, where he took a body slam onto a car from Powerhouse Hobbs. On the silver screen, Wight is known for performances including the legendary Captain Insano in The Waterboy, as well as appearances in Jingle All The Way, episodes of Saturday Night Live, MADtv, Hollywood Squares, The Weakest Link, Psych, Conan and headlined Netflix’s The Big Show Show. Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs. XTB 👉🏻 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special roundtable episode explores the vital role of mental fitness in reaching and sustaining peak performance.  In this special roundtable episode, in partnership with BetterHelp, hosts Jake Humphrey, Spencer Matthews, and Matt Willis reframe therapy as an essential "performance tool." By comparing mental maintenance to physical training, the trio highlights how proactive support is key to navigating the pressures of modern life and sustaining peak performance. This conversation explores personal breakthroughs, from Jake’s experience with "Pure O" to Matt’s discovery of the power in asking, "How do I feel?" They discuss the value of having a "mental adult" in the room, a confidential professional who allows you to offload internal noise without the fear of burdening friends or family. Whether you are facing a crisis or simply seeking self-understanding, this episode demonstrates that therapy provides the clarity needed to show up as your best self. It is a raw, unscripted reminder that seeking support is a proactive choice for anyone committed to long-term resilience and growth. Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au Need help? If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111: https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates the athlete who cheats from the one who doesn't? And is the answer as simple as character — or is something else going on entirely? This week, Damian sits down with sports journalist James Witts, author of Dope, a book that goes deep into the culture surrounding elite sport and the forces that push athletes across the line. They get into the Enhanced Games arriving in Las Vegas, the staggering gap between how many athletes self-report doping versus how many ever test positive, and why doping in a contact sport like boxing is a fundamentally different moral question to doping on a bike. Jake and Damian also bring in archive clips from legends Usain Bolt and Michael Johnson — two athletes who faced the question head-on, and answered it differently. Plus: your questions from the comments, what Jake and Damian have been watching and reading this week. Dope by James Witts is out now. Listen to full episodes: Usain Bolt https://pod.fo/e/279623 Michael Johnson https://pod.fo/e/254ca8 Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3 Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bjørn Mannsverk is the former F-16 fighter pilot who swapped combat missions for football kits to lead Bodø/Glimt on a historic rise. Under his guidance, the small Norwegian club achieved the impossible, dismantling giants like Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid despite a stadium capacity of just 8,200. In this episode, Bjørn explains how he transformed the team by strictly banning the word "winning" and replacing it with a performance-driven culture built on "awareness training." He breaks down his "Fighter Pilot Method," including high-pressure "friction meetings" and the on-pitch huddle known as "The Ring" that refocused his team after every goal.  Bjørn also explores how treating a dressing room like a combat squadron drove the club’s revenue from €4.2m to €80m and why letting go of ambition is the ultimate key to elite success. Better Help 👉 Join Jake in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-betterhelp-au  Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-postcode-au  Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3 Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're revisiting one of the most beloved episodes in High Performance history — our conversation with Mel Marshall, former head coach to Adam Peaty and one of the most compelling thinkers on leadership, coaching and human development we've ever had on the show. Mel went to Athens in 2004 as the world's fastest swimmer in her event. She came home without a medal. From that moment, she built an entirely new philosophy — and went on to coach Adam Peaty to multiple Olympic gold medals from a club pool in Derby with dodgy lane ropes and no gym. In this episode, Mel talks about why people always come before performance. How she builds commitment culture. The art of giving feedback that actually changes behaviour. And the question she plans to ask Adam at the end of his career that has nothing to do with medals. One of the most complete conversations we've had on this show — and one that will stay with you long after it's finished. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! XTB 👉🏻 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pressure isn't coming... it's already here. This week Jake and Damian go deep into the High Performance archives to ask: what do the very best actually do when it arrives? Featuring Chrissie Wellington on racing imperfect races perfectly, Tom Aspinall on why admitting fear beats denying it, Dan Carter on the All Blacks' hardest lesson, James Milner on what Klopp did after losing two finals, and Yaya Touré on the video Pep showed Barcelona the night before the 2009 Champions League final. Listen to the full episodes: Chrissie Wellington https://pod.fo/e/103df1 Tom Aspinall https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e Dan Carter https://pod.fo/e/f5fc4 James Milner https://pod.fo/e/20a01e Yaya Touré https://pod.fo/e/3f55a1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oscar Piastri is a name synonymous with composure, but beneath the calm exterior lies a driver with a quietly radical approach to the pinnacle of motorsport. Recorded at the heart of the McLaren Technology Centre, this episode takes us inside the clinical, high-performance world of the young Australian as he navigates his rise through the F1 ranks. In this episode, Oscar reveals the psychological framework behind his success, explaining why he measures performance by control rather than results. He discusses the "honest brutality" of his mental training and the exact moment his mindset shifted from hoping for wins to knowing they were inevitable. Beyond the data, Oscar also opens up about the complex social architecture of the paddock. He reflects on the unsentimental line between respect and friendship, and the fragile internal dynamic with Lando Norris that very nearly turned poisonous. This episode offers an unfiltered look at F1’s future, from "refreshing" FIA collaborations to Oscar’s blunt, five-word verdict on the 2026 cars. It is a deep dive into the mind of a driver who isn’t just racing in F1, he’s deconstructing it. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! XTB 👉🏻 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Hendry won seven world snooker titles in nine years. He didn't just reach the top of snooker, he made the top his permanent address for almost a decade. But this conversation goes far beyond the trophies. We're revisiting this incredible chat with Stephen where he tells Jake and Damian what it actually felt like to be that dominant, why he deliberately kept himself cold and aloof from every rival, and what the relentless pursuit of winning ultimately cost him. And why if given the choice, he'd do it again. This is an unflinching portrait of what total dedication looks like from the inside — and one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on High Performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake and Damian discuss a BIG announcement this week... High Performance has a new show, and it's all about Formula One. Hosted by Jake Humphrey alongside former Aston Martin & Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and ex-Ferrari & Williams Race Engineer Rob Smedley, High Performance Racing breaks down F1's biggest stories through the eyes of people who actually lived it. Jake explains why the audience demanded it, and why no other F1 podcast is made quite like this one — front row seat to the paddock, from team analysis and technical breakdowns to the unfiltered conversations of the pit wall. You'll also hear a clip from Episode 1 — covering the cancelled races, the Mercedes era question, Kimi Antonelli's talent, and whether F1 2026 has broken its own sport. Plus...can Lewis Hamilton ever become an eight-time world champion? That conversation is waiting for you in the full episode! Subscibe & Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/42lcqYN Subscibe & Listen on Apple: https://bit.ly/3Qz9ogX Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highperformance.racing/ Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/48NuT3T Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 105 years old, WWII Mosquito pilot Flt Lt Colin Bell, DFC, remains a masterclass in mental discipline and strategic focus. Having survived 50 high-stakes missions over Germany in one of the war's fastest and most dangerous aircraft, Colin breaks down the vital distinction between eliminating fear and controlling it, a survival mindset that translates directly from the cockpit to the highest-pressure environments of the modern world. In this episode, he delivers a sobering warning on the dangers of national and personal complacency, drawing sharp, uncomfortable parallels between the political climate of the 1930s and the world we live in today. Colin also shares the "Mosquito mindset" for living a full and meaningful life: a philosophy rooted in decisive action, ruthless preparation, and the unwavering emotional discipline required to navigate a crisis without losing one's sense of self. This conversation serves as a rare blueprint for building the courage and clarity needed to navigate an increasingly uncertain world. Flt Lt Colin Bell's book Bloody Dangerous: Fifty missions over Germany: The last first-hand account from WW2, is out now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloody-Dangerous-missions-Germany-first-hand/dp/0349148996 Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at : https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! Visit CLIF at www.eu.clifbar.com or www.instagram.com/clifeurope to learn more and shop your favourite flavours on www.amazon.co.uk/clif Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Lineker needs no introduction. Golden Boot winner at the 1986 World Cup. Sixty-eight goals for England and one of only four players in history never to receive a yellow card. And for thirty years, the most recognisable face in British football broadcasting. And through almost all of it, a quiet persistent voice telling him he didn't quite belong — that sooner or later, someone was going to find him out. What's fascinating about this conversation is how honest Gary is about that feeling, and how completely he refuses to pretend it wasn't there. He talks about the terrifying manager who pinned him against a dressing room wall after he'd scored two goals in a half, and the life lesson that was buried somewhere inside that moment. He opens up about what it was really like at Barcelona — playing at the absolute peak of his powers and still running back to the halfway line thinking he'd just got lucky again. He tells the story of his dad, who said "I love you" for the first and only time as he lay dying, and what that did to Gary standing alone in a hospital lift. And he shares the lesson from Des Lynam that quietly shaped the way he approached thirty years of live television. You'll hear Gary talk on why luck matters more than most people admit. On what it means to go two marriages deep and still consider yourself blessed. On kindness as a non-negotiable. And on why his greatest asset was never his right foot... it was his mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High Performance just passed 400 episodes. To mark it, producer Will puts Jake in the hot seat — not for a highlights reel, but to go deep on the conversations that actually changed him. Which guest challenged him most personally? Which episode stayed with him? What happened in the room with Jonny Wilkinson that nobody heard? Why did Dame Stephanie Shirley's words make him rethink the entire purpose of the show? And what was the episode that left him completely broken down on camera? Jake also reveals the show that High Performance almost was instead — and why that origin story still shapes every interview he walks into. Episodes mentioned in this conversation: Jonny Wilkinson https://pod.fo/e/9cca4Dame Stephanie Shirley https://pod.fo/e/16a443Danny Gray https://pod.fo/e/145c8aPaul Gascoigne https://pod.fo/e/3917fdClaire Williams https://pod.fo/e/2b956bDr Chris Van Tulleken https://pod.fo/e/24d790 If you're new to High Performance, this is the best place to start. If you've been here since the beginning, this one's for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Kenyon is a global sports powerbroker and Williams F1 Board Advisor, famed for transforming Premier League giants and securing major partnerships with global brands. In this episode, Peter joins Damian to discuss the leadership principles that shaped his success and how his "Holy Trinity Framework", balancing the roles of owner, CEO, and manager, was key to building sustainable winning cultures at two of football’s biggest clubs. He dives into his philosophy on culture, explaining how he made tough calls like rejecting Ronaldinho for his lifestyle and selling David Beckham despite his commercial value. He also reveals how he prioritised structure over short-term success, even when it meant making bold moves like replacing Claudio Ranieri at Chelsea. This episode is an insightful look at how maintaining a strong structure, ruthless execution, and cultural standards is essential for lasting achievement, both on and off the field. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Go Henry 👉 Grow their skills and their money at gohenry.com/highperformance with £5 FREE to get started! XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au  Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at : https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au  Visit CLIF at www.eu.clifbar.com or www.instagram.com/clifeurope to learn more and shop your favourite flavours on www.amazon.co.uk/clif Find out more about Williams F1: https://www.williamsf1.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jean Todt is one of the most influential figures in motorsport, with a career that spans decades of unparalleled success, from leading Ferrari to dominance in Formula 1 to his work with the United Nations on road safety. In this episode, Jean discusses his "life in chapters" philosophy and how his F1 success fueled a mission to tackle the "silent pandemic" of road deaths. He shares moving insights into his bond with Michael Schumacher, the importance of protecting those you lead, and why integrity matters more than trophies.  With powerful stories of overcoming adversity and maintaining integrity, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the leadership that shaped one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/highperformance Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at : https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au  XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au  Visit CLIF at www.eu.clifbar.com or www.instagram.com/clifeurope to learn more and shop your favourite flavours on www.amazon.co.uk/clif Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2024, Jake and Damian met the remarkable Olympian David Smith MBE at Fearne Cotton's Happy Place Festival and held an audience of 300 people spellbound. David had a terminal cancer diagnosis — and a message about how to live that neither of them has forgotten since. This week, they share a voice note David recorded from his hospital bed after becoming a full quadriplegic with recent news he has just months left to live, where he speaks about dancing with life, finding beauty in stillness, and why the journey — not the destination — is everything. Jake and Damian reflect on David's three guiding values of compassion, curiosity and courage and why so many of us wait for the worst news of our lives before we start truly living. If you've never heard the full episode with David Smith, it's Episode 215 — and this conversation is the perfect place to start. Please donate to Ed Jackson’s Go fund me for David Smith here .It is raising money to help fund the treatment, care, equipment, rehabilitation and wider support Dave needs, while also helping to ease some of the pressure on him and his family. Find David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsmithmbe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yaya Touré is one of football’s most dominant midfielders, a key figure in transforming Manchester City into a title-winning force. In this episode, Yaya shares the unseen moments behind that success, from arriving at a club with a losing mentality to helping build a culture driven by focus, respect, dedication, and passion. He opens up about the turning point that changed everything, a heated halftime confrontation that sparked a shift in standards and turned City into “a machine.” Drawing on his time at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, Yaya explains why winning teams are built on brotherhood, purpose, and an obsession with excellence, not just talent. Yaya also reflects on the managers who shaped him and the identity that defined his career: “I’m a winner.” This is a powerful insight into what it really takes to build a championship mentality and sustain success at the highest level. Our partners for this episode: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/highperformance Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee  Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at : https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au  XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB-hpp-au   Visit CLIF at www.eu.clifbar.com or www.instagram.com/clifeurope to learn more and shop your favourite flavours on www.amazon.co.uk/clif Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Lewis will tell you himself - he's not an entrepreneur, not a celebrity, not a website owner. He's a campaigning journalist. One who happened to build MoneySavingExpert into the most powerful consumer platform in the country, recover billions of pounds for ordinary people, and become the most trusted voice in Britain in the process. We're revisiting one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on High Performance and we think it's more relevant now than when we first recorded it. This conversation is about what drives a person to dedicate their life to fighting for strangers. Where that fire comes from. What it costs to carry the weight of millions of people's trust. And what Martin Lewis has had to go through to get here. You'll hear Martin on why trust cannot be marketed, only earned. On the moment that shifted his entire philosophy from beating the system to protecting the people the system exploits. And on why success, however hard won, is never the whole story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mo Salah is leaving Liverpool as a legend. Trent Alexander-Arnold left to boos and a painted-over mural. What made the difference — and what does it tell us about legacy, loyalty, and how we all choose to move on? Jake and Damian dig into the psychology of the exit: why the ultimatum game explains fan reaction, how Salah's struggles at Chelsea made him a better player at Liverpool, and what Roy Hodgson returning to management at 78 says about purpose and passion. Plus: Georgia Hunter Bell's remarkable comeback from telesales to World Indoor champion, Kimi Antonelli's back-to-back Formula One wins and what one victory does to the mind, and Josh Kerr's pursuit of the world mile record. Damian's High Performer of the Week will stop you in your tracks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brené Brown is a world-renowned researcher and author, known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and what makes truly effective leaders. She has spent decades studying human behaviour, uncovering how fear, connection, and self-awareness shape performance at the highest level. In this episode, Brené sits down with Jake and Damian to explore the difference between safe and unsafe leadership, and how fear quietly drives decisions at work and at home. She explains why the best leaders don’t avoid vulnerability, but use it to build trust, clarity, and stronger teams. They cover why your greatest strength might secretly be your armour, the formula every elite performer needs to understand (performance = potential minus interference), why organisational leaders are the only high-performers in the world where coaching isn't expected, and what England's penalty curse and Liverpool's current struggles really tell us about the psychology of winning. Plus — a special surprise message from Steven Gerrard leaves Brené lost for words! Subscribe to Brené’s podcast ‘The Curiosity Shop’ on YouTube or your favorite app for new episodes every Thursday. Brené’s latest book ‘Strong Ground’ is available now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Ground-Leadership-Tenacity-Vermilion/dp/178504320X Links referenced in podcast: The lethality of loneliness: John Cacioppo TED TALK Our partners in this episode: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at : https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Parrish is the founder of Farnam Street and one of the world's most respected voices on decision-making and clear thinking. In this episode we re-visit with Shane, he introduces the concept of positioning — the small daily choices that put you on easy mode or hard mode before a single big decision is made. He breaks down the four defaults that hijack your thinking (emotion, ego, social pressure, and inertia), explains why fear of success holds people back just as much as fear of failure, and shares the Kissinger test that reveals whether you're truly doing your best work. If you're tired of making life harder than it needs to be, this one's for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louis Theroux's Manosphere documentary has got everyone talking - but Jake and Damian think we might be asking the wrong questions. Is shining a light on extreme influencers actually making them more attractive? And is the phrase 'toxic masculinity' doing more harm than good to the young men it's supposed to help? Jake shares research from the Centre for Male Psychology suggesting the term may be damaging to boys, while Damian breaks down why labels drive identity, and why that can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Also this week... The treatment of Liam Rosenior Head coach Johann van Graan's transformation of Bath RugbyLeBron James broke the NBA all-time games played record And Norwich is officially the best place to live in the UK (Jake has thoughts) Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When global instability dominates the headlines, it can be hard to know what to think...or how to lead. This week, Jake and Damian sit down with General Sir Richard Shirreff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to cut through the noise. With 37 years commanding British soldiers, Richard has led through some of the most complex and high-stakes environments imaginable - from the streets of Basra to the corridors of NATO headquarters. And his lessons aren't just for generals. In this episode, he breaks down the war-gaming mindset that every great leader needs, explains why the best decisions are built on intuition as much as information, and shares Field Marshal Slim's three components of morale — a framework as relevant in business as it is on the battlefield. Richard also makes the case for thinking the unthinkable - conscription, and challenges the narrative that younger generations lack resilience, and ends with a genuinely optimistic vision for what great leadership could unlock. This is a conversation about courage, preparation, and the kind of bold decision-making the world needs more of right now. Our partners on this episode: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Webber came from a small town in rural Australia with no money, no connections, and a body the wrong size for a Formula One car. He made it to the very top anyway, achieving nine Grand Prix wins, 42 podiums and World Endurance Champion - becoming one of the most respected drivers of his generation. We re-visit this conversation with Mark, where he opens up about the years at Red Bull when he believed his own team was favouring Sebastian Vettel at every turn. Engines allegedly turned down when he was catching his teammate. A new front wing arriving at the track and going to the other car. A World Championship slipping away in the final race of the season. It got so bad that Mark did something almost unheard of in Formula One — he wrote a private letter directly to the man who owned the entire operation. Our partners for this episode: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens inside a dressing room when a team loses faith in itself? Jake and Damian go beyond the results and the headlines to examine the psychology of collective belief failure — using Tottenham's historic 12-game winless run as the defining case study. Joined by goalkeeper Tim Krul, who has experienced relegation with both Newcastle and Luton, they explore what fear actually looks like on a pitch, why managers can lose a dressing room in 10 minutes, and what the Kinski substitution really said about Tudor's state of mind. Damian draws on his work with West Brom during a similar crisis to explain why the answer is almost never about fitness or tactics — and Jake reveals what Norwich City's sporting director said to Philippe Clement that convinced a Premier League-level manager to take on a Championship relegation battle. Plus: why Kimi Antonelli could be this season's Formula One world champion, lessons from the Gordon Ramsay Netflix documentary on the cost of relentless high performance, and what Paul McCartney's decade after The Beatles teaches us about identity and reinvention. Our partners on this episode: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kumar Sangakkara is one of cricket's greatest legends, known for his unparalleled skill, leadership, and transformative philosophy. In this episode, Kumar joins Jake and Damian to share the key moments and philosophies that shaped his career both on and off the field, offering a profound perspective on performance, identity, and resilience. Kumar explains how this philosophy shaped his approach to coaching and his own career, emphasising that separating who you are from what you do allows for greater perspective, freedom, and calm. He also discusses the dark side of excellence, revealing the personal sacrifices athletes make and how maintaining balance and relationships outside of performance is crucial for staying human. He shares the powerful lessons he learned during the 2009 Lahore attack, where he witnessed violence firsthand but emerged with a newfound perspective on gratitude. Kumar also reflects on his country’s unity through cricket, especially during the controversial Murali incident, and how that moment played a key role in shaping Sri Lanka’s identity.  This episode offers a rare and deeply personal look at what it truly means to be a world-class performer while remaining grounded in your humanity, showing how gratitude, balance, and perspective can guide us through even the toughest challenges. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johann Hari has spent years doing what most of us don't have time to do — travelling the world, interviewing the world's leading neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and Silicon Valley insiders to find out why depression, anxiety, and loneliness are rising every single year. What he found will change how you see your phone, your mind, and your daily life. Today we re-visit this impactful conversation with Johann, but it's not all doom and gloom! Johann is one of the most solution-focused thinkers we've had on the show, and he leaves you with concrete, practical steps you can take today. You'll hear Johann on: what the people who built Instagram and TikTok privately think about what they've created; the three things every parent should do right now about their child's phone use; and the leaded petrol analogy that explains exactly how we fix the attention crisis. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jake and Damian go inside the 2026 Australian Grand Prix — not with lap times and race analysis, but with something rarer: direct messages from the people who were actually there. Jake shares a WhatsApp from Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu on leading through complete uncertainty. A message from Fernando Alonso's number one mechanic on why culture beats performance when nothing is certain. And a voice note from former Williams team principal Claire Williams on what COVID taught her about navigating the unknown. With cars failing on the grid, drivers feeling mixed emotions in the cockpit, and an entirely new era of Formula One rewriting the rulebook overnight, Jake and Damian use the chaos of Australia to ask a question that matters well beyond the paddock: how do you lead, perform and stay steady when everything changes at once? Listen to our full episodes with guests mentioned in this episode: Adrian Newey: https://pod.fo/e/267f99 Ayao Komatsu: https://pod.fo/e/37b872 Ollie Bearman: https://pod.fo/e/39acad Claire Williams: https://pod.fo/e/2b956b George Russell: https://pod.fo/e/1527c9 Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849 Thanks to our partners: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2 Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au   Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Dein is one of the most influential figures in modern football, the visionary former vice-chairman of Arsenal F.C. who helped reshape the English game. In this episode, David sits down with Jake to reveal the decisions, relationships, and moments that defined one of football’s most transformative eras. He tells the inside story of discovering Arsène Wenger, a seven-year belief that would eventually change Arsenal forever. From quiet dinners and long conversations to fighting a sceptical board, David explains how that partnership built a culture capable of producing legendary teams, a squad bonded not just by talent, but by rituals and belief. David also shares the human side of football leadership: convincing Sol Campbell to make one of the bravest transfers in Premier League history, the painful loss of Ashley Cole, and the emotional shock of being suddenly dismissed from the club after 24 years of service. This episode explores the leadership, belief, and defining moments that helped shape one of football’s most successful eras. To find out more information about the Twinning Project, visit: https://www.twinningproject.org Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2 Randox 👉 Book a test today and save 20% on all health checks with the code HP20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Randoxhealth_au   Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mo Gawdat rose to become Chief Business Officer of Google X, the moonshot factory tasked with solving the world's biggest problems. He had 16 cars in his garage, a nine-bedroom house, and by every conventional measure, had won. And then, in four hours, a preventable surgical mistake took his 21-year-old son Ali. What happened next changed everything. In this episode, Mo shares the promise he made to Ali, to make him "everywhere and part of everyone", and how that mission became the foundation of his life's real work: making a billion people happy. This is not a conversation about toxic positivity or blind optimism. It's a masterclass in what happiness actually is (and isn't), why it's your duty — not your reward — and the practical tools Mo uses to bounce back from pain in under seven seconds. You'll hear Mo on: the 90-second anger rule that will change how you handle every difficult moment; his three-question flowchart for navigating anything life throws at you; why success doesn't lead to happiness — but happiness almost always leads to success; what his son Ali taught him about fixing the world by fixing yourself first; and why the most high-performance path through life is learning to play. Whether you're chasing the next milestone or questioning whether the chase is even worth it — this one will stay with you. Our partners in this episode:  EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/highperformance Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Iwobi is one of the Premier League's most creative midfielders, known for his flair, expressiveness and ability to unlock defences. After coming through the Arsenal academy under Arsène Wenger, he has gone on to represent Everton, Fulham and Nigeria at the highest level, becoming one of football's most distinctive personalities both on and off the pitch. In this episode, Alex sits down with Jake and Damian for a candid and revealing conversation about his journey from nearly being released at 16 to becoming an established Premier League player. He opens up about the loneliness of leaving Arsenal, the moment the club sent his medical documents to Everton while he was on holiday without asking him, and how Frank Lampard's trust quite literally resurrected his career. Alex also shares rare insight into the aura of Arsène Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti — the only two managers he's ever seen silence a room just by walking in — and what that taught him about elite leadership. He discusses how being given the freedom to be himself, both on the pitch and through his music, has unlocked the best version of his performance. This episode offers a fascinating look at the mindset, identity and trust required to perform at the highest level in professional football. Alex's new EP More to Life is out on April 9th. Our Partners:  EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/highperformance Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ollie Bearman is one of Formula 1’s most exciting young talents, known for his fierce drive, impressive performances, and rising star power within the sport. As a member of Haas F1 Team, Ollie is carving out a path to greatness in F1, where every race brings new challenges and opportunities to prove himself. In this episode, Ollie sits down with Jake and Damian for a raw and honest conversation about his journey from F2 to F1. He opens up about the pressure of racing at the highest level, the self-doubt he faced early in his F1 career, and the breakthrough moment that changed everything for him, realising that mental preparation and structure were just as important as raw speed. Ollie also shares the importance of learning from seasoned drivers like Fernando Alonso, acknowledging his rival’s experience and commitment to the sport. He discusses how their competition has pushed him to grow and become a more self-aware and focused driver. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset and emotional challenges required to compete in Formula 1. Our Partners: EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 https://nordvpn.com/highperformance Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We revisit our chat with Olympic legend Michael Johnson, a man who has more medals, world records, and gold standards than almost anyone who has ever laced up a pair of spikes. But this conversation isn't really about the glory, it's about everything that happened in the shadows of it. Jake sits down with one of the greatest athletes in history to uncover the mindset that drove him to become the only man to win gold in the 200m and 400m at the same Olympic Games. What emerges is a masterclass in evidence-based belief, brutal self-honesty, and the relentless pursuit of sustained excellence. Michael opens up about the food poisoning that robbed him of his greatest chance at Olympic glory in Barcelona, and the quiet, ruthless logic he used to pull himself back from the brink. He talks about the teammate who admitted to doping and the medal Michael willingly handed back. And he reveals the stroke that paralysed his left side almost entirely, and the remarkable clarity he found in the hospital bed when everyone around him was asking why. Along the way, you'll hear the truth behind his famous upright running style, how he mentally rehearsed a race up to ten times in the twenty minutes before the gun fired, and why the most important question he ever asked himself was simply - why me? This is one of the most candid, no-nonsense conversations in High Performance history! Our partners for this episode:  Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a Formula One World Champion packing up a garage have in common with an Olympic swimmer crying into his goggles at the end of a training session? More than you might think. In this exclusive preview, Jake and Damian read two of their favourite chapters from the Micro Habits audiobook, distilling some of the most powerful lessons from six years and 400+ conversations with the world's highest performers. First, Lando Norris reveals the mindset shift that separates people who merely have a job from those who have found a calling, and the surprisingly simple reframe that can unlock it for anyone, whatever they do for a living. Then, Adam Peaty opens up about the breakdown that almost ended his Olympic dream, the ancient Greek myth that helped him find his way back, and the brutally honest advice Michael Phelps gave him in a 20-minute conversation that changed everything. These aren't dramatic, headline-grabbing moments. They're quiet, private, and almost invisible — and they're exactly the kind of micro habits that make everything else possible. Micro-Habits: Tiny Changes That Supercharge High Performance is available now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleep expert Stephanie Romiszewski has always taken an unconventional approach to rest, and in this episode, she reveals why overthinking sleep is the real culprit behind poor rest. Stephanie explains why obsessing over sleep only makes it worse, and how we can fix our sleep problems by addressing our daytime habits instead of focusing on the night itself. She dives into the dangers of sleep trackers, sharing how even false data can increase anxiety and disrupt your performance. Stephanie also introduces her game-changing advice on the importance of a consistent morning routine, wake-up times, light exposure, and movement, and why these factors are far more influential than any bedtime ritual. She also shares her AWAKE acronym, a practical guide to improving sleep by embracing variation, avoiding the chase for perfect rest, and keeping a strong, balanced day. This episode offers a refreshing, honest perspective on sleep, revealing how our mindset and routines during the day play a bigger role in getting quality rest and maintaining peak performance. Stephanie's new book 'Think Less, Sleep More' is out now and published by Atlantic Books, RRP £14.99 Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2 Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're revisiting one of the most profound conversations we've ever had on High Performance - a discussion that fundamentally changed the way we think about performance on this show. Jonny Wilkinson is one of rugby's greatest ever players. The drop goal that won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup is etched into sporting history. But behind the perfection, the trophies, and the records, Jonny was fighting a battle most people never saw. In this deeply philosophical and remarkably honest conversation, Jonny reveals the mental health struggles that plagued his career - the games where he could barely leave his hotel room, the 14 consecutive injuries that forced him to look inward, and the obsession with perfection that began at just four years old when he became consumed by a fear of death. Jake and Damian explore what true high performance really means. Not outcomes, not stats, not being the best in the world - but absolute presence. Living fully in every moment, whether that's a World Cup final or doing the washing up. Jonny explains why self-belief is actually fragility in disguise, why the "super version" of you already exists, and why the only thing stopping you from being extraordinary is what you're holding onto, not what you're missing. This isn't a conversation about rugby. It's a conversation about identity, choice, mortality, and what it means to truly live rather than just exist. Jonny challenges every assumption about success, performance, and self-worth - and offers a radically different way of seeing the world. If you've ever felt the weight of pressure, the fear of failure, or the exhaustion of trying to be perfect, this episode will change how you see yourself. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Gascoigne is one of the most gifted footballers Britain has ever produced. But behind the goals, the tears, and the headlines, who is the real man beneath the Gazza legend? In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Jake and Damian sit down with Paul in his home in Bournemouth for one of the most honest interviews he has ever given. From growing up in Gateshead and witnessing a childhood tragedy that would shape him forever, to becoming the most famous man in Britain overnight, Paul opens up about the price of fame, the battle with addiction, and why humour has always been both his greatest gift and his greatest shield. They talk about the moments that defined him - Italia 90, Euro 96, the tears, the goals, the missed chances - and the managers and teammates who believed in him when others had written him off. But more than football, this is a conversation about a man still standing. Still finding joy in the small things and the people around him who genuinely care. As Paul himself says, people know Paul. But very few people know Gazza, including himself. This conversation was recorded at Paul's house in 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Smedley is one of Formula 1’s most respected engineers, known for his work with drivers like Felipe Massa and his time at Ferrari. In this episode, Rob sits down with Jake to share what it really takes to perform at the highest level, from the intense pressure of F1 to the human connections that make success possible. Rob reflects on his first meeting with Felipe Massa, explaining how belief, structure, and brutal honesty helped Felipe find his first podium. He shares why driver and engineer relationships thrive on trust and transparency, and how tough conversations, done right, can transform performance. He also opens up about the emotional side of F1, from the heartbreak of Felipe’s 2009 Hungary crash to personal losses that gave him perspective on life and sport. These moments show the human cost of high performance and why managing emotion is as important as managing the car. Beyond the track, Rob talks about giving back through the FAT Karting League, making motorsport more accessible for thousands of young drivers. This episode is a rare look at leadership, resilience, and the balance between pressure and care at the very top of sport. Find out more about FAT Karting League: https://fat-international.shop/en-ng/pages/karting-league  Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au3  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forty years ago, in Sarajevo, 24 million people watched Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean achieve the impossible, Olympic Gold that redefined their sport forever. But while the world remembers those four minutes of 'Bolero,' the true story of high performance started a decade earlier in a cold, dank rink in Nottingham. In this episode, Jayne and Chris take us inside the bubble of an elite partnership that has survived and thrived for over 50 years.  In this episode, we explore: * The Creative Engineering of 'Bolero': How they pushed the boundaries of the rules by starting on their knees for 18 seconds to fit an 18-minute masterpiece into a four-minute limit . * The Discipline of the "Smallest Team": Insights into their 6-hour training days and their rule of never missing a session, even when sick or injured, to prove to their minds that they could perform under any adversity . * The Mechanics of Partnership: How they established clear roles, Chris as the "bossy" visionary and Jayne as the grounding force who made the visions possible, and why "talking with their eyes" became their ultimate competitive advantage. This is a masterclass in mutual respect, meticulous preparation, and the courage to be different when the stakes are at their highest. Whether you’re part of a business duo or looking to master your own craft, Jayne and Chris’s journey offers timeless lessons on what it takes to stay at the top for half a century. Our partners: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Peet is one of the most decorated coaches in British sport. In just three years as Wigan Warriors head coach, he's won seven major trophies including back-to-back Super League titles, the World Club Challenge, and a historic clean sweep in 2024 - all before turning 42. And he never played professional rugby league. Rising from coaching 12-year-olds on muddy fields to leading Britain's most successful club, Matt has built a dynasty through an uncompromising philosophy: culture comes first, trophies follow. At Wigan, that means aligning vision, attitude, and behaviour, and building a team where learning, honesty, and care matter as much as winning. In this episode, Matt sits down with Damian to reveal how that culture is lived every day. He shares why his most important question is always "What did we learn?" - even after victories - and how creating psychological safety allows players to challenge coaches, coaches to apologise, and everyone to grow.  Matt also opens up about ownership, vulnerability, and connection. From taking full responsibility for every error on the field, to sharing his own struggles with the group - he explains how shared responsibility and mateship show up when pressure is highest. This is a masterclass in leadership beyond tactics. From a philosophy graduate who never made it as a player to the coach Sir Kevin Sinfield says he'd have "loved to play for”. Our partners: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mauricio Pochettino and Jesús Pérez, two of the most respected figures in modern football management, join Jake and Damian for a rare and insightful conversation on leadership, pressure, and human performance at the highest level of the game. Drawing on their experience managing elite teams and global superstars, they explore what it really takes to lead in high-pressure environments, where trust, emotion, and human connection matter as much as tactics and data. They discuss why understanding players goes beyond the numbers and how to balance data-driven decisions with human intuition. The pair share stories from their long-standing partnership, including developing players like Harry Kane and Cole Palmer and managing Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé at PSG, three alphas within one dressing room. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, human connection, and the real work behind sustained success in elite football. Our partners: Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary Take That songwriter Gary Barlow joins us to share the most honest account of failure, shame, and rebuilding we've ever recorded on High Performance. The recent Netflix documentary charted Take That's journey - the split, Robbie's solo success, the comeback. But what it couldn't capture was Gary's seven-year internal collapse. The songwriter and leader everyone expected would conquer solo stardom was drowning while Robbie soared. After a catastrophic American launch performance, Gary walked alone through the rain with nobody from his label. What followed was seven years where he couldn't sing, couldn't play piano, couldn't even listen to music. Seven years of sitting in his studio pretending to work while doing nothing. Seven years of deliberate weight gain as armor and public shaming. Key moments include: * Trust Your Gut Over External Authority: How ignoring his instincts for industry pressure led to catastrophic consequences he never recovered from * The Fragility of Creative Confidence: Why someone who doubts themselves cannot create wholeheartedly - and how one moment can dismantle years of evidence * Understanding Shame vs Accepting It: Why he deliberately gained weight as armor and what it teaches us about controlling the uncontrollable * Small Steps Over Grand Gestures: His first run while overweight and smoking - giggling at how far he had to go but knowing he was finally "on the road" * Creating Psychological Safety: How Take That's reunion principle of "let's lose all the dickheads" transformed their worst years into their best This is a conversation about the fragility of creative confidence, how one moment of not trusting your gut can derail everything, and how the way back isn't through therapy or grand gestures - it's putting trainers on, lifting the piano lid, and just turning up. Our partners on this episode: Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Negreanu, one of poker's all-time greats reveals the psychology of high-stakes decision making. Daniel has been playing professional poker for 30 years and has earned over $50 million at the tables. A Hall of Famer and seven-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, he's widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the game's history. Known for his engaging table presence and ability to read opponents, Daniel has remained at poker's elite level across multiple generations of players. In this conversation at his Lake Las Vegas home, Daniel breaks down the art of making decisions under pressure, the importance of self-awareness when your edge is slipping, and why humility trumps ego at the highest levels. He explains how he uses conversation to disarm opponents, why he'd rather be a "laughing hyena" than an intimidating presence like Phil Ivey or Tiger Woods, and the physical and mental preparation required to survive seven gruelling weeks at the World Series of Poker. Daniel also reflects on his worst year on record in 2023, the advice he'd give his teenage self, and why quality now matters more than quantity. Whether you're interested in poker or just the mindset required to stay at the top of your game for three decades, this episode is packed with insights on adaptability, goal-setting, and trusting yourself when everything else fails. Our partners on this episode: Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au   Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rick Shiels is one of the most influential figures in modern golf media, and a creator who helped redefine what high performance looks like in the digital age. From a small YouTube channel to hundreds of millions of views, Rick has built a career by questioning the traditional pathways to success and proving that creators can perform at the very highest level. In this episode, Rick sits down with Jake and Damian to explore authenticity, ambition, and the reality behind online growth. He explains why his breakthrough came when he stopped trying to be polished and professional, and instead showed the bad shots, kept first takes, and asked questions he genuinely wanted answered. From testing illegal golf equipment to facing tour pros like Tommy Fleetwood with a 10-shot head start, Rick reveals the simple idea behind his most successful formats. Rick also opens up about the mental health cost of social media, why stepping away from comments transformed his mood and family life, and how collaboration, even with potential rivals, helped him grow.  This episode is a thoughtful, modern conversation about creativity, balance, and performance in a world where anyone with a phone can become a broadcaster. Our partners: Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au   Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oscar-winning actor and author Matthew McConaughey joins us to share his deeply philosophical approach to life, work, and the pursuit of satisfaction. We return to our chat with Matthew where he challenges the idea that we should be 'chasing yet,' arguing instead that life is a verb - a continuous process rather than a final destination where we suddenly 'arrive'. He discusses his process of elimination for finding one's true self, explaining why removing things that don't feed your soul is the fastest way to discover what does. Key takeaways include: Why the ultimate goal is to marry your innate ability with a relentless work ethic.The 10-Day Decision Process: Matthew’s unique method for measuring risks and committing to choices without negotiating with himself.Dissecting Success: Why we should use journals not just during hard times, but when we are "rolling" to build a blueprint for future happiness This is a conversation about discipline, self-awareness, and commitment. About checking in with yourself daily. About writing the headline first, then living the story toward it. About understanding that high performance isn't one big ta-da moment - it's the tiny decisions we make every single day. Our partners: Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Mouratoglou is one of the most influential coaches in modern sport, renowned for developing champions through mindset rather than raw talent. Best known for his long partnership with Serena Williams, Patrick believes greatness is never about gifts, it’s about mentality, discipline, and professionalism. In this episode, Patrick joins Jake and Damian to unpack his core philosophy that champions are built, not born. He explains why Novak Djokovic became the greatest of all time without Federer’s natural genius or Nadal’s physical dominance, and shares the extraordinary story of Serena Williams winning the 2015 French Open while battling a 40-degree fever, bedridden between matches, yet mentally unbreakable on court. From the famous cap-hitting moment that established respect with Serena on day one to calling a 13-time Grand Slam champion an “underachiever,” this conversation is a powerful insight into elite performance, leadership, and human potential, and a blueprint for anyone serious about building a champion’s mindset. Our partners: Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the world’s attention is fixed on Alex Honnold as he prepares for his most public and high-stakes challenge to date: Skyscraper Live on Netflix. This Friday, January 23rd, Alex will attempt to become the first person to free solo the 1,667-foot Taipei 101 in Taiwan, scaling the 101-story landmark live in front of millions. Alex joins us to deconstruct the mindset required to perform when the stakes are literally life or death. He challenges the common perception of his "fearlessness," explaining that his mastery isn’t the absence of fear, but the result of a decade of meticulous preparation. Alex dives into the "mental switch" required to transition from the grind of training to the total surrender and trust required during a performance. Key Topics Discussed: The 10-Year Rule: Alex explains why he spent 10 years training for El Capitan, ensuring that by the time he stepped onto the wall without a rope, he felt prepared rather than reckless.Managing Fear: A masterclass in differentiating between founded and unfounded fear, and the process of making "scary" feel "comfortable" through practice and visualisation.The Feeling of Mastery: What it truly looks like to perfectly execute a high-performance taskPreparation and Visualization: Alex reveals his process for visualising failure in graphic detail to ensure he is emotionally prepared for any outcome.Legacy and Life Cycles: Now a father of two, Alex reflects on how his upbringing and perfectionist roots shaped him, and how he balances his pursuit of extreme moments with his responsibilities at home. Alex offers an honest look at what it takes to do the thing you’ve always wanted to do and answer the question: "What's to lose?". Our Partners: Incogni 👉Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/highperformance Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayao Komatsu is the Team Principal of Haas F1 Team, and one of the most quietly influential leaders in modern Formula 1. Known for his calm authority and clarity under pressure, Ayao has built his career on trust, accountability, and the belief that how you respond to failure matters more than the failure itself. In this episode, Ayao reflects on witnessing Romain Grosjean’s Bahrain crash, and what it taught him about survival, perspective, and living fully in the present. He shares his philosophy on developing drivers, handling conflict, and why tough conversations only work when trust comes first.  Ayao also speaks to Jake about what leadership really looks like when things go wrong. From the shock of starting a season as the slowest car on the grid to rebuilding belief inside the team, he explains how transparency, open communication, and clear direction helped transform Haas from a fractured environment into a unified, high-performing group.  From being written off as a child to leading at the top of motorsport, Ayao offers grounded, practical wisdom on resilience, discomfort, and growth, a masterclass in leadership forged under extreme pressure. Incogni 👉Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/highperformance Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au  Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Naseem Hamed is one of boxing’s most electrifying figures - a world champion, cultural icon, and a true original who didn’t just win fights, but ripped up the manual on how to box. From flying-carpet entrances to impossible knockouts from backwards angles, "Naz" captivated the world with a style and confidence unlike anything the sport had ever seen. In this episode, Prince Naseem sits down with Jake and Damian for a deeply personal and revealing conversation that goes far beyond the highlight reels. He opens up about his greatest regret, the unresolved rift with his legendary trainer Brendan Ingle, and the pain of never being able to reconcile before Brendan’s passing.  He also explains where his famous self-belief truly came from, sharing how his Islamic faith, daily prayer, and unwavering connection to God formed the foundation of his confidence both in and out of the ring. He breaks down the mental edge that made him unstoppable, from intense visualisation, “seeing it twice” before it happened, to the razor-sharp timing that led to 31 knockouts in 37 fights.  This is a rare, raw, and powerful conversation about faith, redemption, identity, and legacy, from a man who didn’t just change boxing, but showed the world that greatness can come from anywhere. 'GIANT' is now in cinemas, click here to watch the official trailer 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUYO2kk1Fek&t=5s Incogni 👉Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/highperformance Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/ hpp_heights_au Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode is brought to you in partnership with Fora Space. Dr. Alex George joins Jake for an open, deeply human conversation about happiness, mental health, and the quiet changes that can transform a life. He challenges the idea that doing more or achieving more will make us happy, explaining why we put happiness on a pedestal while ignoring emotions like sadness, grief, and frustration, even though every emotion has a purpose. Dr. Alex also speaks honestly about sobriety, social pressure, and why you don’t need to hit rock bottom to rethink your relationship with alcohol. This conversation also explores grief, therapy, ADHD, and the stigma around men expressing emotion. Dr. Alex reflects on learning to sit with difficult feelings rather than escaping them, why walking therapy helped him process loss, and how cultural expectations can silence people until it’s too late.  This episode offers a powerful, practical episode about choosing awareness over avoidance, and building a healthier relationship with yourself, one step at a time. Dr Alex's new book "Am I Normal?: Understanding Your Place in a Complex World" is out in January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Lewandowski is one of the most consistent goal scorers of his generation, a player who has stayed at the very top of world football not just through talent, but through mindset.  In this episode, Robert sits down with Jake and Damian to explain why he believes mentality counts for more than physical ability, and how players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have sustained excellence for so long. From losing his father to being released early on, he describes the moments that forced him to build self-belief, resilience, and an uncompromising work ethic. He also talks about adapting as football evolves, learning from different cultures at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and why even the modern elite, players like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, can’t escape the need for constant growth. Lewandowski explains why he avoids social media, how online judgement impacts younger players, and why protecting mental health is his personal “golden rule.” Drawing on lessons from managers like Jürgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Hansi Flick, he shares the core values that have shaped his career: honesty, hard work, and never giving up. This is a rare insight into what it really takes to perform, adapt, and endure at the highest level, without losing yourself along the way. 🚨 Partners Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au   Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! Jake and Damian kick off 2026 by revealing their brand new book MICRO HABITS – a game-changing guide built from five years and 400+ High Performance interviews (Buy your copy here) Forget complex systems and thousand-page textbooks. This episode proves that success starts simple. From Jake's 15-minute alarm shift that transformed his mornings, to Ian McGeechan's "world-class basics," to Rob O'Neill's Navy SEAL wisdom about making your bed – the highest performers all share one secret: tiny, consistent behaviours create extraordinary results. In this special episode, Jake and Damian share an exclusive listen to the audiobook introduction, then discuss why they structured the book around 48 short chapters (one for each week of the year) covering everything from motivation with Keely Hodgkinson to time management with Shane Parrish. Each chapter takes just 3-5 minutes to read but delivers insights that could change how you do everything. Whether you're looking to transform 2026 or just curious about what makes elite performers tick, this is your starting point. MICRO HABITS is available now from all major book retailers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prof. Steve Peters is one of the most influential minds in performance psychology, best known for The Chimp Paradox and his work with elite athletes, leaders, and organisations around the world. In this episode, Steve breaks down how the mind really works, and why understanding it is the key to unlocking your potential. The conversation explores self-esteem, core values, and why we so often act against our better intentions, as well as what actually helps us regain control when pressure hits. Steve also tackles the impact of social media on self-worth, the role of resilience, and how early childhood patterns shape adult habits.  This is a practical, eye-opening conversation about working with your mind rather than fighting it, and building a healthier, more resilient approach to life. 🚨 Partners Incogni 👉Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/highperformance Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au   Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 Base 👉 Find the High Performance use case under the customer stories on their website: https://base-mc.com Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As High Performance wraps up its sixth year, Jake Humphrey, Damian Hughes and producer Will sit down to reflect on the moments, conversations, and lessons that defined 2025. In this special end-of-year episode, they revisit the guests and ideas that resonated most, not just in downloads and views, but in lasting impact. From the strategic thinking of Ian Graham to the raw honesty of Tom Aspinall and Boris Becker, the year was shaped by stories that went far beyond success. Jake and Damian also reflect on why episodes with Carlos Sainz, Triple H, and Steve Peters struck such a chord, and the moments that stayed with them long after the microphones were switched off. This episode also looks ahead to what’s next. Drawing on insights from conversations with guests like Alistair Brownlee, Roman Kemp, Heston Blumenthal, Stephanie Romiszewski, Sara Pascoe, and Jonathan Haidt, Jake and Damian reflect on the lessons that mattered most, from mental health and sleep to parenting, performance, and perspective, and what they’re taking forward into the year ahead. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Gareth Southgate https://pod.fo/e/358861 Callum Wilson https://pod.fo/e/2da5b0 Tom Aspinall https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e Ian Graham https://pod.fo/e/2d2c5b Callum Nicholas https://pod.fo/e/2ac276 Boris Becker https://pod.fo/e/32edab Triple H https://pod.fo/e/2c762a Heston Blumenthal https://pod.fo/e/2aa828 Sara Pascoe https://pod.fo/e/2b7c84 Daniel Dubois https://pod.fo/e/2a90bd Jonathan Haidt https://pod.fo/e/2a4563 Stephanie Romiszewski https://pod.fo/e/2b5370 Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au  Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au  Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AU Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World’s leading neuroscientists Dr Tara Swart explains why so many high-functioning people feel exhausted, stressed, and out of balance, even when they’re doing everything “right.” She breaks down the hidden cost of being constantly switched on, how chronic stress rewires the brain, and why late-night scrolling is quietly sabotaging your energy, focus, and health. Dr Tara also reveals how stress can drive weight gain, particularly around the belly, and why modern lifestyles keep the brain stuck in survival mode.  From simple micro-habits that move you from fear to joy, to the science behind nature, attention, and human connection, this episode offers practical, science-backed ways to feel calmer, healthier, and more present, starting with just a few minutes a day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp Most communication fails for a simple reason: we talk to people the way we want to be talked to. In this episode, Damian sits down with behavioural expert and Surrounded by Idiots author Thomas Erikson to explore why adaptability, not eloquence, is the habit that defines effective communication. Thomas explains how even highly capable people create unnecessary friction when they rely on their own preferences instead of tuning into the person in front of them. At the centre of the conversation is self-awareness. Thomas shows how understanding your own behavioural style makes it easier to recognise what others need, whether that’s clarity, reassurance, inspiration, or detail. When that awareness is missing, conversations stall. When it’s present, trust and momentum follow. In this episode, they discuss: Why people misinterpret good intentions so often How different behavioural styles process information and feedback The cost of assuming others think like you do Simple ways to adjust your message without losing authenticity Why asking “How would you like me to go about this?” changes everything If you work with people, and especially if you lead them, this episode will sharpen how you listen, how you speak, and how you create alignment without unnecessary tension. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacques Villeneuve is a Formula One World Champion, a racing icon, and one of the sport’s most candid, uncompromising thinkers. Known for his fearless honesty and unique path to the top, Jacques brings a perspective shaped by triumph, loss, and a lifelong obsession with competition. In this episode, Jake sits down with Jacques to explore what truly defines a champion’s mindset, on track and in life. Jacques talks about the pressure of leading a championship, the mental shift required to defend what you’ve earned, and why the fear of losing can be more intense than the hunger to win. He reflects on the evolution of today’s drivers, from Lando Norris stepping into a winning identity to the quiet battles within teams that push a competitor to prove they deserve to lead. Jacques also opens up about handling criticism in the modern era, developing the thick skin needed to survive public scrutiny, and how adversity shaped his resilience. He dives into the importance of passion, responsibility, and embracing unconventional paths, revealing how lessons from hockey, skiing, and personal tragedy helped forge the champion he became. This conversation offers deep insights into the psychology of elite performance, the realities behind racing’s brightest moments, and the inner drive required to continually grow, adapt, and compete at the highest level. Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au   Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now:   Audio link: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au  Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀   https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation  HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events  Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In football, we often obsess over the goals, the trophies, the star players. But for Dr Ian Graham, the real story sits in the unseen decisions and quiet calculations that shape everything a club becomes. In this episode, Ian pulls back the curtain on Liverpool’s transformation, revealing how data challenged old assumptions and opened the door to one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern era. From recognising Mo Salah’s potential when others overlooked him to navigating internal battles over recruitment, Ian explains the thinking, the risk, and the conviction behind the signings that changed everything. With clarity and humility, he reflects on the mistakes, the debates, and the culture that allowed bold choices to thrive, offering a rare look at the work behind Liverpool’s rise and the principles that still guide his approach to the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off and to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp John Legend didn’t set out to become “Legend.” The name found him long before the world did. In this episode Damian is joined by EGOT winner John Legend to explore how a simple nickname evolved into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Before being a ‘legend’, he was John Stevens, a management consultant working on spreadsheets by day and hustling in studios by night. We explore how a nickname turned into a new identity, and how that identity shaped John’s behaviour, ambition, and artistry. Drawing on research from psychology, from the Proteus Effect to the Batman Effect, we uncover how stepping into a bigger version of ourselves can elevate performance long before results arrive. In this episode, you will learn: Why adopting a new identity can raise your standards instantlyHow John used “Legend” as a behavioural challenge, not brandingThe psychology of alter egosHow identity influences confidence, resilience, and creativityPractical ways to choose and step into an identity that helps you perform This episode is a powerful reminder that names aren’t just labels, they’re scripts. And sometimes the fastest way to grow is to choose a name that demands it. Listen to the full episode with John Legend: https://pod.fo/e/2dda44 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Wilman is the legendary executive producer behind Top Gear and The Grand Tour, the creative force who helped turn a small, ageing motoring show into one of the most-watched programmes on the planet. In this revealing conversation, Andy sits down with Jake to open up about the chaotic, brilliant, and often bruising journey behind the scenes. From the early days when Top Gear was “held together by accidents,” to the lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry that formed between Clarkson, Hammond and May, Andy explains how a mix of creative instinct, insecurity, and outright stubbornness shaped the show’s rise. He also discusses the strange alchemy behind iconic ideas like The Stig, the happy mistakes that became formats, and the moments where the team’s success began to run away from them. Andy reflects on the personal cost of building a global juggernaut: the burnout, the pressure of chasing ever-bigger audience numbers, the fear of being “found out,” and the toll it took on his home life and mental health..  This episode goes far beyond cars. It’s a conversation about leadership, the dangers of unchecked momentum, the creative magic that comes from imperfection, and the deeper human truth Andy only recognised with hindsight: that success means nothing if you never stop long enough to enjoy it. Want the exclusive story on the high-stakes Amazon deal that launched The Grand Tour? Watch Andy on 'The Room Where It Happened' with Jake. Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au   Vestiaire Collective 👉: Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au   Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AU Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation  HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events  Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Andy’s book ‘Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure’ is out now and available to purchase - https://hppod.co/mr-wilmans-motoring-adventure-clarkson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all feel out of our depth, but the real secret is learning to stay calm anyway. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore a universal human experience, the moments when we feel completely out of our depth, and reveal why calmness, clarity, and growth often begin right there. Drawing on powerful lessons from guests like Tom Aspinall, Petr Čech, Alex Greenwood, Nick Cox, and Alex Honnold, they uncover the mindset shifts that help us stay steady when everything feels uncertain. They discuss the importance of naming your fears instead of suppressing them, accepting what you can’t control, and breaking big challenges into small, manageable steps. Through stories of athletes and leaders who chose discomfort, built resilience through “micro-dosed” challenge, and repeatedly stepped into the unknown, Jake and Damian show that fear isn’t a sign you’re failing, it’s a sign you’re expanding. This episode is a reminder that the secret to feeling calm isn’t eliminating fear, but learning to move with it: acknowledge it, act despite it, and trust that confidence grows through action, not certainty. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Tom Aspinall: https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e Petr Čech: https://pod.fo/e/21c565 Alex Greenwood: https://pod.fo/e/30cbd0 Nick Cox: https://pod.fo/e/138399 Alex Honnold: https://pod.fo/e/25ce8e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp Denise Lewis knows what it feels like to stand on the biggest stage in the world with everything on the line. But what makes her story remarkable isn’t just the gold medal, it’s the simple habit that helped her win it: the power of a reset. At the Sydney Olympics, after a shaky high jump that threatened her entire heptathlon, Denise didn’t spiral or cling to the mistake. She walked back to her room, reached for a different pair of shoes, slicked her hair back, and told herself: “You’re not Denise anymore, you’re Astrid.” With that small ritual, she shifted her identity, her energy, and her belief. It wasn’t superstition, it was psychology. Long before researchers named it “enclothed cognition,” Denise was living it: what you put on the outside can transform what you feel on the inside. In this episode, we explore how Denise turned seven events into seven fresh starts, and how the same principle can help all of us recover faster, perform under pressure and move forward after setbacks. Together, we dig into: Why symbols and rituals help us reset after mistakes How acceptance clears the mind and restores decision-making The alter-ego effect and why borrowing strength works What resilience really looks like in the moments no one sees How transitions, at work, at home, or in sport, shape our identity If you’ve ever struggled to let go of a bad moment, wished for a clean slate, or needed a way to step into the next chapter with confidence, Denise’s story has something powerful to teach. Listen to the full episode with Denise Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/2c05ac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome back world-leading gut health expert Tim Spector to unpack the simple, science-backed shifts that can dramatically transform your wellbeing. Tim explains why the gut sits at the centre of immunity, energy, mood, and long-term health, and why modern diets have quietly broken the delicate ecosystem our bodies rely on. He reveals the overlooked power of fermented foods, the ancient “food alchemy” our ancestors relied on, and why these gut-friendly ferments often outperform common fibre hacks. From busting myths about salt, fats, probiotics, and coffee to explaining the rapid benefits of gut rest and time-restricted eating, Tim offers practical, inclusive steps anyone can take, starting today. This is a hopeful, transformative conversation that reframes nutrition not as restriction, but as adding diversity, culture, and life back into your food, giving you the single most effective fix to repair your gut and reshape your health. Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au    Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au  HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation  HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events  Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barry Hearn joins Jake and Damian for a no-nonsense masterclass in ambition, resilience, and the mindset that turned a kid from a council estate into one of the most influential figures in global sport. The legendary Matchroom founder opens up about the work ethic shaped by his formidable mother, the chip on his shoulder that fuelled his rise, and the Christmas Eve moment in 1988 when he stood on the brink of bankruptcy, before one audacious deal changed everything. Across the conversation, Barry lays out his 10 Rules for Life: why “everything is a competition,” how sheer graft can make you look like a genius, why honesty is a superpower, and what it means to be “unbeatable” even when life dents you. He reflects on building empires in snooker, darts, and boxing, the importance of thinking poorly to stay sharp, and the role fire, fun, and relentless optimism have played in his seven decades of success. This is Barry Hearn in full force, funny, fierce, and fiercely honest, offering the timeless laws of success from a man who refuses to be beaten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp What if one word could unlock potential, or shut it down completely? When Rene Meulensteen coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, he didn't start with tactics. He started with language. The words he chose made the difference between a player who could score goals and one obsessed with scoring them. In this episode, Damian explores the essential habit that separates good coaching from greatness: mind your language. Discover why Rene never said "change", only "add." Learn how Sir Alex Ferguson's flip chart philosophy shaped United's dominance. And find out how a Roger Federer moment transformed their Champions League campaign. Featuring insights from psychology (the famous Loftus & Palmer study on how words reshape memory), plus behind-the-scenes stories from United's golden era, this episode reveals how elite performers use language to frame reality, lower threat, and spark possibility. Together we explore: Why "change" triggers defensiveness, and what word opens people up insteadHow Ronaldo transformed into a goal-scoring machineFerguson's "if that doesn't work, we gamble" mentalityThe myth of the hairdryer treatment, and what really happened at halftime René reminds us that high performance isn’t just built on drills and repetitions, it’s built on the words that shape how people feel, learn, and grow. If you’ve ever wanted to give better feedback, build trust faster, or help someone reach a level they didn’t know they had in them, this conversation with René is worth your time. Listen to the full episode with René Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome back Sir Gareth Southgate to High Performance for his most open and reflective conversation yet.  In this episode, Gareth breaks his silence on England’s “almost” era, revealing the fear of failure, pressure of history, and fine margins that have shaped his time as manager. He discusses the burden of expectation, the culture of small daily habits and respect he’s built, and the empathy and vulnerability that define his modern approach to leadership. From handling Wayne Rooney’s retirement to protecting players from public scrutiny, Southgate opens up about the realities of leading under relentless pressure, the evolution of England’s team culture, and what legacy truly means beyond trophies. This is a rare, honest conversation with one of football’s most thoughtful leaders, about resilience, accountability, and what it really takes to lead a nation. 🚨 Partners  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AU Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au  Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 HP Foundation 👉 Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉 Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us care far too much about what other people think, and it’s holding us back. In this episode, Jake and Damian break down how to free yourself from the need for approval, drawing on powerful insights from Adam Grant, Fernando Alonso, Mat Fraser, Mark Manson, and Paul McKenna. They explore how to filter feedback, value the right opinions, and view criticism as a privilege rather than a burden. From finding joy without seeking validation to praising effort instead of identity, this conversation shows that confidence grows when you listen to the right voices, and stop giving attention to the wrong ones. A practical guide to living with more authenticity, courage, and clarity. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4 Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849 Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0 Mark Manson: https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7   Paul McKenna: https://pod.fo/e/2112fb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp Tom Aspinall is one of the most feared heavyweights in the UFC. But behind the power and precision is something far more human: fear. Tom is one of the rare fighters willing to sit down and talk about feeling genuinely scared. He candidly admits that the higher you climb, the more is at stake, and the more the fear grows. He reveals the crucial mental habit he developed: moving past the inner battle, the ‘second fight’ against himself, to harness fear as a force for high performance. In this powerful episode, Tom shares the habits that turn high-pressure panic into laser-sharp focus: Reframe Fear as Fuel: Learn how to direct the adrenaline rush of fear toward opportunity, just like Tom, who tells himself, "This is the moment when I'm at my sharpest".The Golden Rule of Action: Discover the importance of simply showing up and why consistency always beats intensity when building success.The Power of Belief: Tom discusses the pivotal role his father played as his coach and cheerleader, relentlessly believing in him even when he struggled to believe in himself.The Ultimate Commitment: Hear Tom's chilling, yet honest, perspective on the ‘spiritual aspect’ of his sport and the level of commitment required to reach the very top. If you’ve ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment, or wished you knew how to stay steady when it matters most, this conversation with Tom is worth your time. Listen to the full episode with Tom Aspinall: https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown returns to High Performance to reveal the truth behind McLaren’s remarkable comeback, from financial crisis and public doubt to rebuilding one of Formula One’s most iconic teams. He opens up to Jake and Damian about stepping into chaos, restoring belief through culture and communication, and the power of difficult conversations in transforming leadership. Zak also reflects on his unconventional journey from a rebellious kid in California to leading a global motorsport powerhouse, and why loyalty, trust, and humility remain at the heart of his success. This is an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to lead under pressure, proof that true high performance starts with people, not power. 🚨 Partners  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au Gemini 👉 transform your small business accounting with faster payments. Get started for free today at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-sage-au  Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation  HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​​England and Harlequins rugby legend Joe Marler opens up like never before, about the moment in 2018 when he hit breaking point, walked out on his family, and believed the world would be better off without him. What follows is an unfiltered journey through mental health, accountability, and rediscovering purpose. Joe reflects on the catalyst for his breakdown, the decision that saved his life, and the teammate’s message that made it all worth sharing. He also reveals what it was like to play under Eddie Jones, the pressure of “Test Match Tuesdays,” and the emotional drive that makes great teams go beyond just winning. Raw, honest, and deeply human, this is Joe Marler finding strength through vulnerability and proving that the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q There’s a difference between being tough and being strong, and Billy Billingham knows it better than most. As a former SAS soldier, Billy has faced war zones, exhaustion, and moments most of us can barely imagine. But when you strip it all back, his greatest lesson isn’t about combat,  it’s about control and why the ultimate habit you need is discipline and the drive to go a little bit further. In this episode, we explore how discipline, humility, and calm under chaos have shaped every chapter of Billy’s life. From a teenage turning point after being stabbed to leading the world's most elite military forces and protecting some of Hollywood’s most high-profile stars, he’s learned that strength isn’t about aggression, it’s about staying grounded when everything around you isn’t. Together, we unpack: Why discipline matters more than motivationHow to stay calm when pressure peaksWhat “controlled aggression” really meansThe difference between fear and focusWhy true leadership starts with humility Billy’s new book ‘Further - 10 lessons the SAS taught me about life’ is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England and Premier League star Joe Cole opens up about the lessons learned beyond the pitch, honesty, resilience, and what it truly means to live a high performance life. He reflects on the power of self-accountability, the importance of prioritising family over fame, and the danger of tying your identity solely to your career. Joe speaks candidly about setbacks, pressure, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection, reminding us that success is about balance, not constant achievement. Grounded in kindness and perspective, Joe’s message is clear: when life feels heavy, look outward, helping others might just be the most powerful way to help yourself. 🚨 Partners  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jake and Damian turn the spotlight on you, answering the questions that listeners have been sending in from around the world. From overcoming self-sabotage to dealing with doubt, they explore what it really takes to build confidence, stay consistent, and live with purpose. Drawing on lessons from past guests like James Clear, Susie Ma, and Shane Parrish, they unpack powerful ideas around mindset, happiness, and self-awareness, including why we must be brave enough to tolerate happiness and how to navigate a world that doesn’t always share your drive for improvement. Listen in as they reflect on their most memorable guests, share the stories that shaped their thinking, and offer practical advice for anyone striving to grow, one honest question at a time. Listen to the episodes mentioned: James Clear: https://pod.fo/e/16868c Susie Ma: https://pod.fo/e/bf09e Shane Parrish: https://pod.fo/e/1ff000 Gary Stevenson: https://pod.fo/e/2af4d8 Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614 Laura Kenny: https://pod.fo/e/249586 Dame Stephanie Shirley: https://pod.fo/e/16a443 Tyson Fury: https://pod.fo/e/14ef0f Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q In this profound conversation, Gilbert Enoka, the legendary mental skills coach behind the New Zealand All Blacks' success, shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his approach to high performance and the habits he’s famous for. Gilbert opens up about the ‘ghosts’ from his past that still influence his work, explaining how early deprivation made him acutely sensitive to others' emotional states. This gift allowed him to become an emotional detective, observing subtle cues in athletes before training and meetings to meet unexpressed needs, a skill he calls game-changing. The discussion explores pivotal concepts that transformed the All Blacks, including: Red Head vs. Blue Head thinking: Understanding how survival instincts (red) and rational decision-making (blue) must work together under pressureThe 2007 turning point: How a devastating World Cup loss led to embracing pressure rather than avoiding itSqueeze drills: Deliberately practicing skills under pressure to prepare for critical moments"Better people make better All Blacks": Why character development became central to the team's philosophyThe misunderstood "no d******d policy": How leaders actually enforce team standardsSweeping the sheds: The true meaning behind this famous ritual of humility Gilbert shares intimate stories about working with legends like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw. This conversation offers rare insight into the human side of elite performance, reminding us that the greatest competitor we face isn't external—it's ourselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen reflects on the mindset, discipline, and calmness that defined his legendary career, and his unforgettable rivalry with Michael Schumacher. He opens up about the “Finnish Ice Man” mentality that helped him stay composed under pressure, the near-fatal crash that reshaped his outlook on life, and the decision to retire at his peak with clarity and purpose. Mika also shares lessons from McLaren’s golden era on leadership, teamwork, and the psychology of high performance. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the wisdom of a true champion, proof that greatness is built not just on speed, but on composure, humility, and knowing when to step back. 🚨 Partners Vestaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-mens-yt  Hive👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp  Simba👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au  FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does high performance really demand from the human mind? In this conversation, world-leading organisational psychologist Adam Grant explores how the best performers think, learn, and lead. Adam unpacks why great leaders build challenge networks instead of echo chambers, how to recognise when ego is driving your decisions instead of growth, and why real loyalty means speaking up, not staying silent. This is a practical and profound guide to sustainable success, one that brings clarity, calm, and confidence to anyone striving to perform at their best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q What makes great communicators stand out isn’t confidence, charisma, or talent, it’s clarity. In this episode, cognitive scientist and Harvard professor Steven Pinker joins Damian to explore the hidden psychology behind how we speak, listen, and understand one another. He explains why the real art of communication isn’t about what we say, but about how we build common knowledge, the shared understanding that allows people to think, decide, and act together. Pinker calls it one of the most overlooked habits in high performance: the ability to step outside your own head and see the world as others do. It’s how leaders create alignment, how teams build trust, and how ideas truly land. Together, we explore: Why "everyone knows it" is completely different from "everyone knows that everyone knows it"The essential habit of knowing when to make the unspoken spoken (and when not to)How to use focal points to coordinate without wordsThe three types of human relationships—and why mixing them up destroys trustWhy blunt honesty can be just as damaging as ambiguity Whether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult conversation, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this episode will transform how you think about language, relationships, and coordination Steven’s new book ‘When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows…’ is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a sport long dominated by men, Susie Wolff has carved her own path, turning barriers into breakthroughs and setbacks into strength. From proving her place on the grid to leading a complete transformation of F1 Academy, Susie’s story is one of belief, vision, and resilience. In this episode, she opens up about being dismissed as a “token gesture,” the determination it took to be taken seriously, and how she rebuilt her career after painful setbacks. Susie also shares her bold approach to leadership, creating cultures built on trust, empowerment, and authenticity, and the powerful partnership she shares with Toto Wolff, grounded in mutual respect and open communication. This is a conversation about courage, conviction, and carving out your place in the world, on your own terms. 🚨 Partners Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-au HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In high performance, we often celebrate success, the awards, the headlines, the restaurants, the fame. But for Gordon Ramsay, the real story lies in the struggle behind the spotlight. In this episode, Gordon Ramsay explores the true meaning of high performance, and the price of perfection. From growing up in a council house and losing his dream football career to standing beside culinary legends like Marco Pierre White and earning Michelin stars around the world, Gordon opens up about the relentless drive that shaped him.  With raw honesty and trademark fire, he reflects on failure, family, and the hunger that still pushes him forward.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q Step inside the mind of one of rugby's most respected figures, Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan. In this special deep dive into his Essential Habits, Johann reveals the unique system he uses to stay grounded, lead with clarity, and achieve world-class results, from the Springboks and Munster to transforming Bath Rugby. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, where Johann shares: The Notebook Habit: Why he carries a notebook everywhere and must 'Think in Ink' writing his thoughts down hourly for reflection, clarity, and decision-making.Stillness in the Storm: His foundational habit of beginning every morning with a moment of stillness to manage stress and stay calm in chaos.Unshakeable Trust: How he surrounds himself with a small circle of six mentors who are mandated to "always tell me the truth" even when he doesn't want to hear it.The Blueprint for Unmissable: The simple principle that "Rugby is what we do, it's not who we are," and his relentless drive to "become unmissable" by doing the things others aren't prepared to do. Before every game, Johann takes time to replay his week, not tactics or strategy, but interactions. He asks himself: Did I listen enough? Did I lift someone today? Did I stay true to my values? It’s a simple practice, but one that shapes everything about how he leads. This is a rare and special look inside the mind of a top-level head coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson returns to High Performance to share the honest reality of life after success, the highs of global recognition, the setbacks of injury, and the emotional toll that comes with chasing greatness. She opens up to Jake and Damian about resetting after disappointment, learning to process frustration without losing focus, and her drive to push the limits as she targets a world record. Keely also reflects on the growing pressure of public expectation, the scrutiny of social media, and the freedom that comes from embracing authenticity over perfection. This is an unfiltered conversation about growth, self-belief, and staying grounded while pursuing excellence on the world stage 🚨 Partners Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp   Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philosopher and bestselling author Alain de Botton invites us to completely rethink what success really means. This profound and therapeutic conversation explores how true high performance isn’t about external achievement, but about realising your unique potential and finding peace within yourself. Alain challenges the obsession with being “special,” explaining why accepting our ordinariness can be the most liberating idea of all. He also discusses how envy can reveal our hidden potential, how we lose touch with our true selves by trying to please others, and why moments of crisis or even pain can be the body’s search for balance. This is a deeply human exploration of ambition, self-worth, and acceptance, an invitation to define success on your own terms. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q The pressure, the noise, the meaning of the occasion, it had all become too much. Two years later, he returned to the same stadium, the same stage, and this time everything was different. He scored one of the biggest goals of his career, not because his ability had changed, but because his mindset had. In this episode, I share what I learned from Dan’s transformation and the powerful lesson he now lives by: play the game, not the occasion. Together, we explore: Why high-pressure moments can derail even the best performersHow to “shrink the stage” and focus on what’s in your controlThe science behind reframing nerves as excitementWhat Newcastle United’s evolution teaches us about team mindsetHow to prepare for your own “Wembley moments” with clarity and calm Here is more information on the studies referenced:  What Governs Choking Under Pressure? (Sian L. Beilock & Thomas H. Carr, 2001)When Paying Attention Becomes Counterproductive: Impact of Divided versus Skill-Focused Attention on Novice and Experienced Performance of Sensorimotor Skills (Sian L. Beilock, Wierenga & Carr, 2002)Get Excited: Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety as Excitement (Alison Wood Brooks, 2014)A Pre-Performance Routine to Alleviate Choking in “Choking-Susceptible” Athletes (Christopher Mesagno, Daryl Marchant, Tony Morris, 2008)The Effectiveness of Pre-Performance Routines in Sports: A Meta-Analysis (Anton G. O. Rupprecht, Ulrich S. Tran, Peter Gröpel, 2021.)Attentional Focus and Motor Learning: A Review (Gabriele Wulf, 2013)The Performance and Psychological Effects of Goal Setting (process vs outcome) (O. Williamson et al. 2024) Listen to the full episode with Dan Burn: https://pod.fo/e/2eb8b4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The real secret to longevity isn’t found in trendy diets or extreme hacks, it’s in mastering the basics. In this episode, human biologist Gary Brecka shares why the world’s longest-living populations thrive not through keto, paleo, or vegan plans, but by avoiding processed foods altogether. Gary also debunks popular health myths around fasting, carbs, and supplements, explaining why biology, not trends, should guide our choices. He highlights the everyday habits that matter most: eating whole foods, prioritising protein, sleeping well, staying mobile, and building strong connections. From Dana White’s remarkable health reset to the future of wellness, Gary shows that the path to energy and longevity is surprisingly simple: real food, real relationships, and sustainable routines that last. This episode offers a powerful reminder that health isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, simplicity, and living with purpose. Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here:  https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events For more information on the Ultimate Human Genetic Testing Kit, visit: healf.com/tuhwgenetictest Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The greatest regrets in life rarely come from failure, they come from never trying. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the courage to act, joined by insights from Siya Kolisi, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Fraser, and Lee Child. Together, they reveal why preparation, consistency, and self-reliance are the real keys to success. This episode challenges the myth of “the perfect moment,” showing that progress is built through small, deliberate steps and the willingness to start, even when conditions aren’t ideal.  Whether you’re chasing a dream, building confidence, or seeking change, the message is simple: stop waiting, take action, and create your own momentum. Link to research referenced: Grit: Perseverance and Passion for Long‑Term Goals (Angela Duckworth, University of Pennsylvania, 2023) Listen to the episodes mentioned: Siya Kolisi: https://pod.fo/e/af659 Lee Child: 1https://pod.fo/e/10a24a Matthew McConaughey: https://pod.fo/e/a9e4a Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0 Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often imagine depression as something visible, but what if it doesn’t look like sadness at all? What if it looks like success? If you look successful but feel flat, this episode is for you. Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph calls it high-functioning depression, the kind that hides behind achievement. It’s the quiet loss of joy that can go unnoticed, even in the most accomplished people. In this episode, I share Judith’s powerful framework; the Five Vs, for recognising and rebuilding joy before burnout sets in: Validation: Acknowledge your feelings instead of pushing them away.Venting: Find healthy ways to release pressure.Values: Reconnect with what truly matters.Vitals: Look after your body and mind.Vision: Protect small moments of joy and rest. We also talk about the science behind anhedonia, the loss of pleasure, and how noticing small points of joy can help us measure recovery, not just productivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the height of global stardom, Rick Astley made the decision to step away from fame. In this deeply honest conversation, he opens up about the anxiety and fear that came with constant travel, the unhealthy coping mechanisms it triggered, and why leaving the spotlight was the only way to reconnect with himself. Rick reflects on the drive for financial security that fuelled his career, the realisation that fame is ultimately “a lovely nonsense,” and why the true reward has always been the joy of connecting with people through music, not public recognition. He also shares how therapy and emotional honesty helped him process those experiences and build a more authentic life. This is a rare glimpse behind the curtain of fame, and a powerful reminder of what really matters when the noise fades. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Fitzpatrick reflects on the mindset and methods that have made him one of golf’s most meticulous competitors. A major champion and relentless learner, Matt has tracked every shot since he was 15, turning numbers into a powerful advantage. In this episode, he shares how he finds an edge when others have more natural power, what winning the U.S. Open and featuring in a Netflix documentary taught him, and why surrounding himself with honest people has been crucial to his success. Plus, hear the advice he received from none other than Michael Jordan. This is a fascinating look at the discipline, detail, and mindset behind one of golf’s modern greats. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Osman is known for his wit, his bestselling novels, and his sharp eye for detail. But behind it all is a simple guiding habit: tip generously. For Richard, it’s never just about money. Growing up tall and often feeling different gave him a deep sense of empathy, and over time he realised that generosity, whether through money, time, kindness, or attention, isn’t an extra, it’s essential. It’s how we connect, build trust, and shape the kind of people we want to be. In this episode, we explore what Richard’s philosophy of generosity can teach us about leadership, empathy, and happiness. Together, we explore: Why empathy often comes from our differencesHow generosity builds trust and connectionThe science of giving and why it makes us happierWhy small, everyday acts can shape who we becomeHow leaders and teams can practise “tipping generously” Because high performance isn’t only about discipline and drive, it’s also about compassion, empathy, and the quiet strength of lifting others as we go. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  Spending money on others promotes happiness (Dunn, Aknin & Norton, 2008)What we get when we give (Harvard Medicine, 2023)Self-Determination Theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2000)Influencing value priorities and increasing well-being: The effects of reflecting on intrinsic values (Lekes, Hope, Gouveia, Koestner & Philippe, 2012) Listen to the full episode with Richard Osman: https://pod.fo/e/26ea40 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, yet the stigma around mental health still keeps too many silent. In this episode, Roman Kemp opens up to Jake and Damian about his own battles with depression, the devastating loss of his best friend, and why talking openly about suicidal thoughts can save lives. Motivated by personal tragedy, Roman has turned his pain into action. He discusses the new initiative he’s designed alongside Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham for the Premier League – Together Against Suicide, connecting football clubs with local charities, creating spaces where men feel safe enough to speak. He also reflects on the strength of family support, and the role both football and community can play in changing the conversation. This episode is a raw, heartfelt call to break the silence, challenge the stereotypes, and create real, accessible help for those who need it most. Need Support? Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk Shout: https:giveusashout.org IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-au HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ryder Cup is one of the greatest events in sport, where Europe and the United States put aside individual achievement for national pride in one of the fiercest rivalries anywhere. In this episode, European captain Luke Donald joins former captains Paul McGinley and Sam Torrance to share what it really takes to lead under the highest pressure, how to build a winning team culture in just days, and the unforgettable moments that defined their battles against the USA. This isn’t just a chat about golf, it’s about leadership, unity, and inspiring people to perform when it matters most. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When most people think of Usain Bolt, they see the medals, the world records, the effortless dominance. But his journey wasn’t built on winning, it was built on losing. At the Athens Olympics in 2004, Bolt crashed out in the first round. It was a painful wake-up call, but also the turning point of his career. With the guidance of coach Glen Mills, he learned the habit that would define his legacy: “you have to learn how to lose before you can learn how to win.” In this episode, I share what I took from Bolt’s story about truth, resilience, and growth. Together, we explore: Why losing reveals more than winning ever canHow honest self-reflection accelerates progressThe role of setbacks in building resilienceWhy Glen Mills’s philosophy shaped Bolt’s careerHow to turn failure into the raw material for success Here is more information on the studies referenced:  Winning Isn’t Everything: Mood and Testosterone Regulate the Cortisol Response in Competition (Zilioli, S., Watson, N.V., 2013)Mindset, The New Psychology of Success (Carol Dweck, 2019) Listen to the full episode with Usain Bolt: https://pod.fo/e/279623 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Becker is one of tennis’s most iconic figures, a prodigy who won Wimbledon at just 17, a champion who reached the sport’s highest peaks, and a man who has faced extraordinary highs and devastating lows both on and off the court. In this episode, Boris reflects on the mindset that drove him to success so early in life, the pressure of living in the global spotlight, and the personal challenges that tested his resilience. He speaks candidly about the sacrifices behind sporting greatness, the mental and emotional toll of fame, and what it takes to rebuild after public setbacks. Boris also shares how he’s learned to balance ambition with perspective, why health and discipline remain central to his daily life, and what he now understands about passion, identity, and purpose beyond winning. This is an intimate, thought-provoking conversation with a sporting legend who has lived at the very edge of triumph and adversity.  🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: Audio: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever found yourself saying yes when you really wanted to say no?  In this solo episode, Jake and Damian tackle a challenge many of us face, being “too nice” at the expense of ourselves. They unpack the difference between being nice and being kind, showing why true kindness sometimes means honesty, boundaries, and even uncomfortable conversations. Drawing on insights from guests like Martin Lewis, Sara Davies, Adam Grant, and Jameela Jamil, they explore radical candor, the power of disagreeable givers, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly lift you up. Packed with practical takeaways, this episode is a guide to moving from people-pleasing to authentic kindness, where self-respect and compassion go hand in hand. Listen to the episodes mentioned:  Martin Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/22a519 Sara Davies: https://pod.fo/e/2a13a3 Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4 Jameela Jamil: https://pod.fo/e/225b9e Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before he was a Formula One driver, Lando Norris was the kid in the McLaren garage packing boxes, dismantling equipment, and working side by side with the mechanics. No glamour, no headlines, just long hours in the background, doing the kind of jobs nobody sees. What struck me most is that he didn’t see it as grunt work. He saw it as belonging. As trust-building, as part of something bigger than himself, and that small shift is the difference between viewing work as a job, a career, or a calling. In this episode, we explore what it really means to treat your work as a calling, not just a set of tasks. We look at psychologist Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski’s research on how we find meaning in the everyday, and how something as simple as reframing a task can transform the way we show up. Together, we explore: Why Lando’s early garage work laid the foundation for his careerThe psychology of job, career, and callingHow job crafting turns small tasks into meaningful onesWhat leaders can learn about trust from Formula One teamworkHow to reframe your own work so it matters more Because high performance isn’t only about winning under the lights, it’s about the way you approach the work nobody else notices. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  Jobs, Careers, and Callings: People’s Relations to Their Work (Amy Wrzesniewski, Clark McCauley, Paul Rozin, Barry Schwartz, 1997)Jobs, Identities, and Work: How Job Crafting Relates to Meaningful Work and Work Identity (Justin M. Berg, Jane E. Dutton, Amy Wrzesniewski, 2013)Positive Emotions Broaden the Scope of Attention and Thought-Action Repertoires, (Barbara Fredrickson, 2001) Listen to the full episode with Lando Norris: https://pod.fo/e/112cbb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Staveley is one of the most influential figures in modern football, best known for helping steer the takeover that transformed Newcastle United.   In this episode, Amanda opens up about what it takes to build something lasting in football and in life. From being underestimated in high finance to proving herself in one of the toughest industries, she reflects on the quiet power of persistence and the importance of surrounding yourself with people you can trust.  She talks candidly about what it means to keep going in the face of uncertainty, how her Huntington’s disease has sharpened her priorities, and why empathy and vulnerability have become such central parts of her journey. This episode is about more than football, it’s about life, hope, and the meaning of legacy. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pippa Grange has spent years working behind the scenes in elite sport, guiding some of the biggest names and teams to perform at their best when it matters most. As a sports psychologist and culture coach, she’s best known for helping shift the mentality of the England national football team, but her work stretches far beyond the pitch. In this episode, Pippa unpacks the core ideas from her book Fear Less, exploring how the fear of failure shows up in sport, business, and everyday life. She explains how it quietly controls decisions, holds back potential, and fuels the constant chase for perfection. Through powerful stories and examples, Pippa shows that success isn’t just about talent or hard work, it’s about learning to loosen fear’s grip. She offers clear, practical tools to help you face fear differently and create space for courage, connection, and fulfillment. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes the biggest reset doesn’t come from doing more, but from zooming out far enough to see what really matters. That’s exactly what productivity expert Ali Abdaal does every year, with a practice that at first sounds unusual, he writes his own obituary. Not to dwell on the end, but to remind himself how he wants to live. Ali’s story is a powerful reminder that alignment beats hustle. A former doctor turned one of the world’s most-followed productivity voices, he’s learned that the real danger isn’t burnout from overwork, but “misalignment fatigue”, the exhaustion that comes when your daily actions don’t reflect the life you actually want. In this episode, I share what I’ve taken from Ali’s approach and how you can use it as a compass too. We explore: Why writing your obituary is really about living, not dyingHow to spot “misalignment fatigue” before it derails youThe science of mortality awareness and why it makes us kinderSmall steps to bring your daily choices closer to your true story If you’ve ever felt stuck, drifting, or unsure where your energy should go, this episode is a reminder that high performance isn’t about squeezing more into the day. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The Worm at the Core: On the Role of Death in Life (Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, and Tom Pyszczynski, 2015) Evidence That Reminders of Mortality Increase Generosity ( Ilan Dar-Nimrod, Tom Pyszczynski, Jamie Arndt, et al. 2008) Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want, (Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy 2016) Listen to the full episode with Ali Abdaal: https://pod.fo/e/213471 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicolas Hamilton is a British racing driver who has defied the odds to make his mark in motorsport while living with cerebral palsy. As the younger brother of Lewis Hamilton, the most successful F1 driver of all time, Nicolas has grown up around elite performance, but his own journey has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and powerful lessons about determination and self-belief. In this episode, Jake sits down with Nicolas to explore the unseen struggles that shaped him, from feeling isolated at school to dealing with the pressure of growing up in the shadow of a world champion. Nicolas talks openly about the influence of Lewis’s mindset, the inspiration it gave him, and the unique bond they share as brothers. He also discusses the battles many never see: the mask of happiness he wore while struggling with mental health, the expectations that weighed heavily on him, and the process of learning to be honest about his own story. Alongside this, Nicolas shares the physical demands of competing in racing and the determination that helped him achieve what once seemed impossible. This episode offers an inspiring conversation about family, ambition, and the importance of owning your truth.  Need Support? Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk Shout: https:giveusashout.org IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Vestiaire Collective 👉 Buy and sell pre-loved Fashion now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you could choose just one conversation for your kids to listen to, what wisdom would you want them to take away?  In this powerful episode, Jake and Damian explore the timeless lessons that go beyond sport, success, or achievement, lessons designed to shape character, purpose, and resilience for the next generation. From Sam Tomkins’ belief in the power of “1% actions,” to Hector Garcia’s introduction of Ikigai and living with purpose, and Robin Van Persie’s story about responsibility and ownership, the conversation uncovers practical guidance for building character, not just success. Listen in as Jake and Damian reflect on why psychological safety and unconditional support matter most, creating environments where young people feel safe to fail, grow, and thrive. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Sam Tomkins: https://pod.fo/e/14cdef Hector Garcia: https://pod.fo/e/172552 Robin Van Persie: https://pod.fo/e/18789 Mel Robbins: https://pod.fo/e/ed46f Vicky Pattison: https://pod.fo/e/105426 Lewis Morgan: https://pod.fo/e/11b36e Jonathan Haidt: https://pod.fo/e/2a4563 Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trust is one of those things we all rely on, yet rarely stop to examine. We know when it’s there, we know when it’s broken, but how is it built, and how do you keep it when the pressure is at its highest? Martin Lewis has become one of the most trusted figures in Britain, not by being popular, but by being useful. He’s challenged politicians in Downing Street, taken on corporations, and given millions of people advice when they needed it most. His influence doesn’t come from clever slogans or branding, but from a habit that runs through everything he does: consistency, honesty, and care. In this episode, I share the lessons I’ve taken from Martin’s approach to trust. Together, we explore: Why trust isn’t built through image, but through actionThe Trust Triangle: authenticity, logic, and empathyWhy empathy is the quality that makes people not just listen, but believeHow trust grows from small choices repeated consistentlyWhat leaders, teams, and families can learn from Martin’s approach Whether you’re leading a team, guiding a business, or simply trying to strengthen relationships in your own life, this is a powerful reminder that trust isn’t a strategy. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  26th Annual Global CEO Survey (PWC Study, 2023) The Best Place To Work (Book,  Dr. Ron Friedman, Ph.D, 2014) The Trust Triangle: Authenticity, Logic, Empathy (Professor Frances Frei, Harvard Business School) Listen to the full episode with Martin Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/22a519 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Premier League star and manager of the Welsh national team Craig Bellamy is known for his fiery temper and relentless energy on the pitch. Once defined by chaos and controversy, he’s stepped into one of the most important roles in his country’s football history, carrying both pride and pressure as he leads Wales into a new era. In this episode, Bellamy pulls back the curtain on his journey from volatile forward to thoughtful coach. He opens up about the infamous incidents that once dominated headlines, the mental health battles he faced after losing Gary Speed, and the therapy that gave him tools to keep moving forward.  Bellamy also speaks about the transformation that came with coaching, how working alongside Vincent Kompany taught him patience, balance, and the importance of boundaries.  This episode offers a story of resilience and redemption, showing how one of football’s most misunderstood figures is finding peace, purpose, and a second chance at defining his legacy. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***. We start at the exact moment his book became a global bestseller.
Mark says that when it blew up he was the most depressed he’d been since his teens and explains why success did not fix him. Mark unpacks the hedonic treadmill and the cost of constant chasing and how your identity can get tangled with performance, sharing raw stories of burnout, grief, and the hard choices that forced him to stop ‘performing’. He offers simple practices he used to rebuild direction and meaning. Listen as Mark walks you through the fallout, the recovery, and the small actions that changed everything. You’ll hear questions to test your own relationship with success. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In high-performance sport, pressure is constant. In Formula 1, it’s relentless. Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, has led his team to record-breaking success. But what stands out most isn’t the trophies, it’s the clarity that drives him. In this episode, I share the lesson I’ve taken from Toto’s approach to leadership: walk in line with your why. When the world moves fast, when the noise is deafening, it’s easy to be pulled in every direction. Toto shows that knowing your purpose, and staying true to it, is what keeps you steady. We explore: How to lead with purpose under extreme pressureThe role of reflection in high-performance decision makingWhy your values matter more than your circumstancesThe mindset that keeps champions grounded Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to stay focused in a chaotic world, this is a powerful reminder that the pace doesn’t matter if you know exactly where you’re going. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals (Martin Ocarsson et al, 2020)Intention–Behavior Relations: A Conceptual and Empirical Review of Past Research (Paschal Sheeran 2002)Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life (Dr. Susan David 2016)Implementation Intentions: Strong Effects of Simple Plans (Peter M. Gollwitzer 1999) Listen to the full episode with Toto Wolff: https://pod.fo/e/28074d Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bradley Scanes isn’t just a fitness coach, he’s the guy who makes sure Max Verstappen steps into every race weekend as the most prepared driver on the grid, physically and mentally. As Max’s performance coach, he’s been in the trenches for every lap, every mind game, and every championship push. In this episode, Bradley lifts the lid on what makes Max almost impossible to beat. From the instant “switch” focus that kicks in the second he hits engineering briefings, to the freakish sensitivity that lets him feel the tiniest change in a car setup, Bradley paints a picture of a driver who operates on another level. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes strategies that shape a world champion, from building his own virtual track to train before Red Bull even had the simulation, to pulling off calculated mind games that rattled rivals without touching his on-track performance.  This is an inside look at the obsession, discipline, and psychology that power one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, straight from the man who helps keep him there. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-au HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're joined by renowned journalist and former BBC newsreader, Emily Maitlis, who takes us behind the scenes of her iconic interview with Prince Andrew, sharing how she prepared for the encounter, the tension in the room, and the aftermath of a moment that became a defining chapter in British journalism.  She reflects on the teamwork, editorial precision, and personal focus required to deliver an interview that captured the world’s attention and reshaped public discourse.  Listen in as Emily Maitlis recounts the build-up, execution, and legacy of one of the most extraordinary interviews ever broadcast.  Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/19028a Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Standing on stage with nothing but a microphone, Sara Pascoe knows instantly if she’s succeeded or failed. Comedy doesn’t let you hide, if the joke doesn’t land, the silence tells you. But what makes Sara remarkable isn’t just her success as a writer, actor, and stand-up. It’s the habit she’s built to handle failure and keep showing up: Unconditional Positive Regard. The belief that your worth isn’t defined by a single mistake, a bad night, or a difficult moment. In this episode, I share what I learned from Sara about how self-compassion fuels resilience. She shows us why the way we talk to ourselves matters more than the outcome, and how reframing failure can turn doubt into progress. Together, we explore: Why comedians face some of the toughest performance pressureHow to separate who you are from what you doThe psychology of Unconditional Positive RegardHow self-compassion creates lasting confidence If you’ve ever been too hard on yourself after falling short, this episode is a reminder that high performance isn’t about being flawless. It’s about having the courage to try again, and the kindness to believe in yourself when you do. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology (Rogers, C. R. 1957)Perceived Coach Empathy and Athlete Outcomes International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023)Alex Shevrin: Unconditional Positive Regard Video, Massachusetts Teachers Association.Bringing Carl Rogers Back In: Exploring the Power of Positive Regard at Work, British Journal of Management, 2018 Listen to the full episode with Sara Pascoe: https://pod.fo/e/2b7c84 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Collins isn’t just your average nutritionist, he’s the behind-the-scenes expert trusted by the likes of Premier League stars, global artists like Stormzy, and even Olympic athletes. With a career built around peak performance, he’s helped shape what some of the world’s top names eat, how they train, and how they recover, all in the name of performing at their absolute best. In this episode, James breaks down how smart, proactive nutrition can truly change the game, whether you’re on the pitch, on stage, or just trying to feel better day to day. From tweaking pre-match meals for players like Saka and Mbappé to supercharging Stormzy's Glastonbury set, he shares how small changes in fueling can have a huge impact on outcomes, energy, and confidence. James talks about building habits that actually stick, taking ownership of your health, and understanding your “why” when it comes to setting goals. He also tackles the chaos of modern wellness advice, encouraging us to cut through the noise and follow what truly works, backed by science and experience. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just want to feel sharper in everyday life, this episode dives into the real-world strategies behind elite performance. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Atomic Habits author James Clear reminds us, the person you become is shaped not by one big decision, but by the small choices you make every single day. In this episode, we revisit our insightful conversation with James as he explores how tiny, consistent actions compound into extraordinary results. He explains how every habit is a vote for the identity you want to build, and why aligning daily behaviours with your values is the surest route to lasting change. Listen in as James unpacks the science of habit formation, the power of self-awareness, and the simple, repeatable steps that can transform both your performance and your life. Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/16868c Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some conversations change lives. Others change the way we think about how we have them. In this episode, I share the lesson I took from Dr. Rahul Jandial, world-renowned brain surgeon, neuroscientist, and author, about the quiet power of the pause. Rahul has delivered some of the hardest news anyone can hear. And what he’s learned is that it’s not just the words that matter, it’s what happens after them. In those seconds of silence, people begin to process, to find their footing, to summon the courage for what comes next. It’s a habit we can all use. At work when we’re giving feedback. At home in tough conversations. In moments with friends when they trust us enough to share what’s really going on. In this episode, we explore: How silence builds trust faster than reassuranceThe neuroscience behind giving people space to thinkWhy the pause can change the way we lead, comfort, and connectHow to practice it in your everyday life If you’ve ever wanted to show up better in the conversations that matter most, this one’s for you. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  Physician–Patient Communication: The Relationship With Malpractice Claims (Wendy Levinson et al., JAMA 1997)How to Stop Saying “Um,” “Ah,” and “You Know” Harvard Business Review Listen to the full episode with Dr. Rahul Jandial: https://pod.fo/e/251425 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Backshall is no stranger to the edge. As a BAFTA-winning naturalist, adventurer, and presenter of Deadly 60, he’s spent his life in some of the world’s most extreme environments, from dense jungles to deep caves. In this raw and gripping episode, Steve opens up about what really happens when you face death head-on. He takes us through one of his most terrifying moments: being trapped underwater in Bhutan for over four minutes. Steve also dives deep into how the brain shifts gears in life-or-death moments, revealing the strange clarity and focus that can emerge at the edge. Beyond survival, Steve reflects on why humans are wired to chase risk and adventure. He talks about fear, not just feeling it, but using it, and the powerful difference between facing hard-earned challenges versus easy wins. This episode explores the razor-thin line between danger and discovery, and what it teaches us about our own minds. Steve's new podcast That's Just Wild is out now. Amazing animal facts, fascinating science and stories of real-life, wildlife adventures, wherever you get your podcasts.  🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Greenwood opens up like never before, sharing the moments that shaped her, from missing a high-stakes penalty to becoming a leader who others can lean on. It’s raw, honest, and packed with the kind of self-reflection most people avoid but every top athlete needs. She talks about sticking to your process when the pressure hits, and how moving abroad changed her not just as a player, but as a person. Alex also doesn’t shy away from the struggles, body image, mental health, and the wake-up call that nearly cost her the game she loves.  This episode is about more than football, it’s about resilience, leadership, and finding your way back to yourself. Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a moment in this conversation with 4x Olympic Champion Michael Johnson that stopped me in my tracks. He said, “Success doesn’t care what you believe you deserve.” That line sums up what this episode is really about, the difference between wishing for results and doing the work required to earn them. Michael didn’t become one of the most dominant athletes in history by chasing comfort. He became great by facing the hard truth. By asking himself the questions most of us avoid. And then doing something about it. In this episode, I unpack the habits Michael used throughout his life, from championship seasons to career-ending injuries to the day he was told he might never walk properly again. It’s about discipline, honesty, and doing what it takes, not what feels easy. We explore: Why the best avoid shortcutsThe mindset Michael used to break recordsHow to handle setbacks without denialThe power of asking better questionsWhy doing the uncomfortable thing often leads to growth This episode is a reminder that high performance doesn’t come from believing you’re ready. It comes from acting like it, even when no one’s watching. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  Self-Regulation and Performance in Elite Athletes (Joanne Hudson & Dave Day 2016, Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology)What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It), (Dr. Tasha Eurich, Harvard Business Review)Emotion Regulation Choice (Gal Sheppes et al. 2012)Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (Carol Dweck)Self-Control and Grit (Angela Duckworth et al. (2020), Personality and Individual Differences) Listen to the full episode with Michael Johnson: https://pod.fo/e/254ca8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Coulthard is a 13-time Grand Prix winner and former F1 driver for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. Known for his sharp insights and calm exterior, he’s lived through some of the sport’s most intense moments, on and off the track. In this episode, David opens up about that life-altering day before the Spanish Grand Prix, walking away from wreckage, losing two pilots, and the brutal clarity that followed. He speaks candidly about how that moment stripped away the noise, made him less needy, and more certain about what he wanted from life and racing. He also shares what it was really like inside McLaren, a team where decisions were fast and pressure was high. He explains how that no-nonsense culture shaped the way he thinks and works. This episode dives into what it takes to survive in F1, mentally, emotionally, and physically. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Milner is set to feature in his 24th different Premier League season and has the chance to break the appearance record. In this conversation, he reveals what it really takes to stay at the top. From his decision to not drink alcohol, to the pain of being left out of finals, James shares the mindset and standards that have shaped his legendary career. He explains how he earned the respect of the biggest names in the game, and how he helped build winning cultures at Liverpool and Manchester City. This is a conversation about more than trophies. James talks about the hard work, personal values, and staying true to yourself, even when it cost him. You’ll hear how James dealt with rejection, how he handled dressing room politics, and why being low-maintenance sometimes worked against him. You’ll also discover how a quiet word in an ice bath can shift a young player’s mindset and why every team needs leaders who hold the line when nobody’s watching. Whether you lead a team or want to raise your own standards, this episode will show you what lasting excellence really looks like. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We make thousands of decisions every day, but under pressure, those choices become harder, and more important. When I first came across Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton’s story, what struck me wasn’t just what she’s achieved, it’s how she thinks under pressure. In this episode, I unpack a habit I took from her years on the frontline of the fire service, one that has helped her make life-or-death decisions and one we can all use in our everyday lives. It’s a habit built not on instinct or speed, but on clarity. Sabrina taught me that when we freeze under pressure, it’s rarely because we don’t care, it’s because we care so much, we don’t want to get it wrong.  Whether you’re managing a team, making a personal change, or just trying to feel less overwhelmed in high-stakes situations, this conversation will help you understand how to make better choices under pressure, and why the smartest leaders aren’t the fastest, they’re the most prepared. We explore: How fear disrupts our thinkingWhy we freeze in critical momentsThe power of the pauseA decision-making tool you can use todayWhat it means to lead with clarity, not just speed This one’s for anyone facing the hard calls, and wanting to meet them with confidence. Here is more information on the studies referenced:  Stress and cognitive flexibility: The role of the prefrontal cortex, (Arnsten, A.F.T 2009)Decision Fatigue Exhausts Self-Regulatory Resources, (Baumeister, R.F., Vohs, K.D., et al 1998) Stress Promotes Habit-Based Behavior (Schwabe, L., Wolf, O.T, 2009)The Timing of Stress and Decision-Making (Pabst, S., Brand, M., Wolf, O.T, 2013) Listen to the full episode with Sabrina Cohen-Hatton: https://pod.fo/e/18cd7c  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Yates is a Premier League midfielder and captain at Nottingham Forest, but his journey started far from the spotlight. From battling for minutes in the National League to walking out at the City Ground as skipper, Ryan’s rise has been built on resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief in his own potential. In this episode, Ryan reflects on the mindset that carried him through tough loan spells, positional switches, and the moments he seriously questioned if he was good enough. He shares how daily affirmations and setting bold goals helped shape his path, even when the odds looked stacked against him.  Ryan also gets real about the value of team culture, why having the right people around you matters more than talent alone, and how supporting each other off the pitch drives success on it. He opens up about leadership, managing emotions, and how adversity has become one of his greatest teachers. This episode is for anyone chasing a dream, it's about staying grounded, backing yourself, and doing the hard stuff when no one’s watching. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most valuable people in your team are the ones no one’s paying attention to? Michael Lewis, author of acclaimed sports book Moneyball, The Big Short, and his new book Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service — joins Jake to explore how data can reveal hidden talent, challenge gut instinct, and reshape the way we build teams. They discuss: How Moneyball rewrote the rules on spotting overlooked talentWhy culture follows winning — not the other way aroundThe myth of instinctive leadership in sport and businessAnd what Lewis learned from inside the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s takeover of the U.S. civil service This conversation will challenge how you think about performance, power, and the people who keep things moving - quietly, and without credit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you think of Alun Wyn Jones, you probably think of leadership, loyalty, and a rugby career built on sheer will. But behind the caps, the tackles, and the intensity, there’s a habit that mattered more than any stat: He built what he believed in, and he protected it like it was his. In this episode, we go beyond the legend to explore the mindset that made Alun Wyn Jones not just a great player, but a builder of culture. We talk about the IKEA Effect, the psychological principle that says we value what we build, and how Alun embodied that every day, through effort, not ego. We explore: Why working hard is more than grit, it’s a form of ownershipHow investing in yourself changes the way you show upWhat true leadership looks like when no one’s watchingWhy buy-in is earned through action, not talkThe hidden cost of letting others build for you Whether you’re trying to lead better, show up stronger, or build something that matters, this episode is for you. Because high performance isn’t about flashy moments. It’s about building something worth fighting for. Listen to the full episode with Alun Wyn Jones: https://pod.fo/e/2b6885 Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The IKEA Effect (Michael I. Norton, Daniel Mochon, Dan Ariely 2012) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Formula One driver Carlos Sainz has always made bold choices, but none bolder than betting on Williams. In this episode, the F1 star opens up about turning down easier options to join a long-term project led by James Vowles, and why trust, people, and honesty mattered more than numbers or hype. He also addresses the Red Bull rumours head-on, sharing his real thoughts on Max Verstappen, why he never made that call, and the reality of playing second fiddle in a team built around one superstar. It’s not bitterness, it’s clarity. Beyond the politics and paddock talk, Carlos gets real about the personal price of chasing a championship: the constant obsession, the missed moments, and the challenge of being present when your mind is always in the car. This episode is a rare look at the mindset behind the helmet, raw, reflective, and deeply human. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 builds momentum, here is a powerful conversation with England Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022. In this episode, Sarina shares with Jake and Damian the leadership principles that shaped a Euros-winning team, highlighting the power of connection, clarity, and trust. From her personal grief in the days leading up to EURO 2022 to guiding England to glory, this is a masterclass in calm, values-driven leadership. Listen in as Sarina reveals the power of clarity, connection, and calm leadership, and offers lessons that reach far beyond the pitch. Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/2013d6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about something we don’t talk about enough in high performance, not just how we deliver, but how we’re remembered.  When I sat down with Gary Barlow, he talked me through something he calls the Show Graph, a way of shaping emotion and energy through a performance. It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating moments that connect, and leaving people with something that lasts.  And what struck me most? This habit, refined over decades on stage, isn’t just for concerts. It’s something we can all use, whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a talk, launching a product, or just trying to get through to people in a meaningful way.  In this episode, we explore: Why people remember moments, not timelinesHow to open with impact, and close with meaningThe emotional architecture behind unforgettable experiencesLessons from the world’s toughest rooms, northern working men’s clubsWhat leaders, teachers and performers can borrow from a world-class show Whether you’re leading a room, launching an idea, or giving a talk that matters, this conversation is a guide to crafting moments that last long after the lights go down. If you’ve ever wanted to communicate in a way that lands, this one’s for you.  Listen to the full episode with Gary Barlow: https://pod.fo/e/17fc0b Here is more information on the studies referenced:  When More Pain Is Preferred to Less: Adding a Better End (Daniel Kahneman, Barbara Fredrickson, Charles Schreiber, Donald Redelmeier 1993) Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions (Barbara Fredrickson 1998) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has seen it all, from Champions League finals to handling the world’s biggest football stars under immense pressure. But behind the badge is a story shaped by survival, scrutiny, and sacrifice. In this episode, Mark opens up about the mental toll of refereeing, the loneliness that comes with the job, and the weight of every decision made under the glare of millions. He reflects on his journey from a tough childhood to managing the chaos of modern football, both on the pitch and online. He also shares the reality of dealing with abuse, the pressure from media and fans, and how he built trust with players to take control of the game without backing down. This is powerful insight into the pressure, psychology, and resilience needed to thrive in one of football’s toughest roles. Mark's new podcast 'Whistleblowers' is out now. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it. Use HP50 here: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avoiding tough conversations might feel easier, but it often holds us back. In this episode, Jake and Damian unpack why leaning into difficult conversations is essential for growth, connection, and real leadership. With insights from guests like James Vowles, Emily Maitlis, Charles Duhigg, and Joleon Lescott, they reveal how feedback, when delivered and received with clarity and care, can transform relationships. From reframing criticism to preparing with empathy, they explore practical ways to handle emotional discussions, without defensiveness or blame. Whether it’s shifting from accusation to curiosity or learning to speak with respectful candor, the episode is full of tools you can use right now. Listen in as Jake and Damian explore how mastering hard conversations can unlock trust, growth, and stronger human connection. Here is more information on study by Amy Edmondson and Psychological Safety Listen to the episodes mentioned: Charles Duhigg: https://pod.fo/e/22db6c Joleon Lescott: https://pod.fo/e/25003c Les Ferdinand: https://pod.fo/e/2c5bda Gary Lineker: https://pod.fo/e/12b34c Emily Maitlis: https://pod.fo/e/19028a James Vowles: https://pod.fo/e/21794f Rene Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the thing that makes you extraordinary isn’t something you’re born with, but something you choose? In this episode, Jason Fox, former Special Forces operator, bestselling author, and host of SAS: Who Dares Wins, shares the habits that helped him move from feeling unremarkable to performing under extreme pressure. Not because he believed he was destined for greatness, but because he learned how to respond when it mattered most. We explore what it means to stay calm in chaos, how to build resilience when life doesn’t go to plan, and the mindset shift that can turn self-doubt into strength. Jason talks about identity, trauma, his daughter’s quiet courage, and the power of asking better questions in difficult moments. Questions like: What would the best version of me do right now?What if I’m more capable than I think?What would courage look like here? This is a conversation about finding your footing when the world tilts, and discovering that the superpower you’re searching for might already be in you. Listen to the full episode with Jason Fox: https://pod.fo/e/24412f Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The Batman Effect: Improving Perseverance in Young Children, Published In: Child Development, 2016 Rachel White et al (University of Michigan) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graeme Lowdon is a seasoned motorsport executive best known for co-founding the Marussia F1 Team.  In this episode, Graeme dives into the heartbeat of Formula One as the ultimate team game. He shares how success isn’t just about speed or strategy, but about having a diverse group of talented individuals united by a common purpose.  Graeme also opens up about the difficult moments that come with the sport, especially handling loss and uncertainty. He talks candidly about the emotional impact when a team member is hurt and the importance of resilience and trust during those times. This episode offers a rare, honest look at what it takes to build and lead in one of the toughest environments in sport. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are you when the job title drops away? This episode digs deep into the question we often avoid but desperately need to ask ourselves. Jake and Damian dive into the importance of knowing who you are beyond your role, sharing honest and powerful insights from guests like Simon Sinek, Phil Heath, Ali Abdaal, and John McAvoy. They unpack how easy it is to confuse identity with achievement, and why that can leave us lost when the spotlight fades. From writing your own obituary to asking a friend what truly makes you you, this episode offers simple yet profound ways to reconnect with your real self, beyond the job, the status, or the performance. It’s a grounding reminder to live with purpose, let go of regret, and define success on your own terms. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Simon Sinek: https://pod.fo/e/18ee0e Phill Heath: https://pod.fo/e/2313e6 Ali Abdaal: https://pod.fo/e/213471 John McAvoy: https://pod.fo/e/f0815 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you think of Gordon Ramsay, you probably think of shouting, sarcasm, and one-liners hot enough to sear a steak. But behind the fire is a habit that’s far more important than the volume: He takes feedback professionally, not personally. In this episode, we go beyond the reputation and dig into the mindset that helped Gordon rise, not just to fame, but to genuine mastery. From his early football dreams to Michelin-starred kitchens, Ramsay shares how embracing criticism, and choosing to learn from it instead of defending against it, changed everything. We explore: Why your first reaction to feedback is rarely your bestWhat neuroscience tells us about why feedback feels so threateningThe “three-beat” rule that can shift how you respondA better way to give feedback: the feedforward methodHow humility, not ego, fuels real growth Whether you're leading a team, learning a craft, or just trying to handle tough conversations better, this episode is for you. Because growth isn’t about never being wrong. It’s about what you do when someone tells you you are. Listen to the full episode with Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614 Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The effects of feedback interventions on performance, published in Psychological Bulletin: Avraham N. Kluger & Angelo DeNisi (1996) Feedforward approach Avraham N. Kluger & Dina Nir (2010) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Cuban is a billionaire entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and the outspoken former owner of the Dallas Mavericks. In this episode, he shares how transforming the Mavericks wasn’t just about stats, it was about building a culture. From upgrading hotels to investing in skill development, Cuban shows how leadership and empathy can shape winning teams.  He also dives into the AI revolution, offering sharp advice for young people and entrepreneurs ready to take advantage of the biggest tech shift in generations. This episode is packed with practical insight, real talk, and a fresh look at success from someone who’s seen it all. 🚨 Partners AG1 👉 Join Jake and top performers using AG1. Click the link and get an offer worth £68: https://hppod.co/ag1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think pro tennis is all glamour? Think again. In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with former Irish Tennis pro Conor Niland, who reached a high of No 129 in the world, to explore the untold reality of life on the tour for the 99% of players who never make the headlines. Conor got within one set of playing Federer at Wimbledon and faced Djokovic at the US Open. Learn why most pros can lose more than they win—yet still keep swinging. They unpack what success really means beyond trophies and TV appearances, the mental toll of chasing rankings, and why true high performance often lies in resilience, not recognition.  From redefining winning to managing pressure and failure, this honest conversation offers a powerful reminder that personal growth often matters more than public glory. Conor's award-winning book 'The Racket' is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Triple H didn’t just dominate in the ring, he learned how to read a room, shift direction in real time, and lead an entire industry by listening closely. In this episode, we unpack the surprising psychology behind his success and explore how the powerful mental model known as the OODA loop (Observe. Orient. Decide. Act.) can help anyone make faster, smarter decisions under pressure. We also explore how great leaders don’t chase control, they build awareness, stay flexible, and move with purpose. From the energy of the arena to the dynamics of boardrooms and creative endeavors, real-time feedback is the key to sustained high performance. If you’ve ever felt stuck in indecision, overwhelmed by input, or unsure how to respond in fast-moving moments, this episode offers a blueprint. It’s not about wrestling. It’s about reading the moment, and rising to it. Listen to the full episode with Triple H: https://pod.fo/e/2c762a Here is more information on the studies referenced:  John Boyd & The OODA Loop (referenced in Psych Safety), Col. John R. Boyd, USAF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.