Claim OwnershipThe Make Your Brain Work Podcast
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Unlocking Peak Performance for Life and Work
Welcome to a podcast designed for driven professionals who aim to excel at work and live fulfilling lives beyond the office. Unlocking Peak Performance delivers science-backed insights and actionable strategies that empower you to optimise mental performance, boost productivity, and build sustainable habits—whether you’re early, mid, or late in your career. Each episode provides a roadmap for those who prioritise evidence over fluff and are motivated by a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Our listeners are discerning achievers who seek not only to excel individually but to uplift their teams, cultivate resilience, and create fulfilling routines that last. Through targeted sprints, we explore essential skills like leadership, emotional intelligence, focus, and innovation, helping you achieve a harmonious work-life balance without sacrificing mental well-being.
If you’re ready to unlock your brain’s full potential, adapt with confidence in today’s fast-paced world, and make every day meaningful, this podcast is your guide to high performance that fuels both career and life success.
Welcome to a podcast designed for driven professionals who aim to excel at work and live fulfilling lives beyond the office. Unlocking Peak Performance delivers science-backed insights and actionable strategies that empower you to optimise mental performance, boost productivity, and build sustainable habits—whether you’re early, mid, or late in your career. Each episode provides a roadmap for those who prioritise evidence over fluff and are motivated by a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Our listeners are discerning achievers who seek not only to excel individually but to uplift their teams, cultivate resilience, and create fulfilling routines that last. Through targeted sprints, we explore essential skills like leadership, emotional intelligence, focus, and innovation, helping you achieve a harmonious work-life balance without sacrificing mental well-being.
If you’re ready to unlock your brain’s full potential, adapt with confidence in today’s fast-paced world, and make every day meaningful, this podcast is your guide to high performance that fuels both career and life success.
21 Episodes
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Think you’re too busy to be creative? You’re not alone. With back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines, and endless responsibilities, creativity often feels like a luxury reserved for “when there’s time”.
But what if creativity isn’t about having more time — and instead about using the time you already have more effectively?
In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of creativity and uncover how your brain is naturally wired for innovation. You’ll learn why play, curiosity, and even boredom are essential for creative thinking, how the brain forms new connections, and why the most successful organisations actively protect space for innovation.
Whether you’re leading a team, feeling stuck in a creativity rut, questioning why schools undervalue creative thinking, or simply want to generate better ideas in a busy schedule, this episode will challenge how you think about creativity — and show you how to unlock it, even when time is tight.
Ever feel like your attention span is shrinking by the day? You’re not imagining it. Nearly half of adults report struggling to focus more than they used to — but is this simply the pace of modern life, or are we actively rewiring our brains for distraction? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of focus, from dopamine-driven digital habits to the rise of shorter, snappier learning content. We also unpack what ADHD really means in the workplace and whether today’s tools are helping us learn or quietly undermining our concentration. Drawing on research-backed insights, you’ll discover practical strategies to sharpen your attention, reduce mental overload, and take back control in a world designed to distract you. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a thousand directions, this episode is for you.
Ever feel like your attention span is shrinking by the day? You’re not imagining it. Nearly half of adults report struggling to focus more than they used to — but is this simply the pace of modern life, or are we actively rewiring our brains for distraction? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of focus, from dopamine-driven digital habits to the rise of shorter, snappier learning content. We also unpack what ADHD really means in the workplace and whether today’s tools are helping us learn or quietly undermining our concentration. Drawing on research-backed insights, you’ll discover practical strategies to sharpen your attention, reduce mental overload, and take back control in a world designed to distract you. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a thousand directions, this episode is for you.
Ever received feedback that made you bristle? The one comment that lingers, outweighing all the positives? Or perhaps you’ve dismissed feedback entirely, convinced that they just don’t get it.
In this episode, we explore why feedback feels so personal — and what’s really happening inside your brain when criticism lands. Drawing on neuroscience and behavioural science, we unpack how feedback can activate the same neural pathways as physical pain, and how cognitive biases quietly shape the way we interpret, distort, or reject input that could help us grow.
From confirmation bias to the Dunning–Kruger effect, we break down the hidden mental shortcuts that turn well-intentioned feedback into friction. More importantly, you’ll learn practical strategies to retrain your response, reduce defensiveness, and turn feedback into a powerful tool for learning, performance, and personal growth.
If you’re ready to stop fearing feedback and start using it as fuel, this episode is for you.
Life feels different—and you’re not imagining it. From the way we work to the way we think, Covid has reshaped the world and quietly reshaped us along with it. As we try to build a new kind of normal, many of us are wondering: Have I changed too much to simply go back? And what am I actually moving towards now?
In this episode, we dig into what’s shifted beneath the surface. We look at the science of cognitive fatigue, explore why younger generations are redefining ambition, success, and connection, and examine how post-pandemic living is challenging the frameworks we once relied on. Most importantly, we talk about the tools we need to navigate a world that’s still finding its feet.
If you’ve been feeling like the old rules don’t quite fit anymore—or you’re trying to understand what your next chapter might look like—this conversation is for you.
Why do some people rebound quickly from setbacks while others remain stuck for years? Is resilience an innate trait, or can it be intentionally trained and strengthened?
In this episode, we uncover the real science behind resilience. It’s not just mental grit — it’s how your brain interprets stress, how your habits influence your response to adversity, and how your environment either supports your strength or slowly erodes it.
We break down the neuroscience of resilience, exploring how the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and stress-response systems determine whether you recover swiftly or feel overwhelmed. You’ll also learn behavioural strategies used by elite athletes, Navy SEALs, and leading psychologists to build deep, sustainable resilience without relying solely on willpower.
From cognitive reappraisal and the 3-to-1 positivity ratio to voluntary discomfort training and future-self visualisation, we dive into proven tools that can help rewire your brain for adaptability and strength — so when life throws challenges your way, you don’t just cope… you grow.
How well do you really know yourself? In this episode, we explore the fascinating neuroscience behind self-awareness — and why so many of us think we have it when we actually don’t.
Research shows that while 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, only 10–15% truly are. So, what’s holding us back? Our brains are full of biases, blind spots, and emotional filters that distort how we see ourselves. But the good news is that self-awareness isn’t fixed — it’s a skill you can train.
Join us as we unpack how the prefrontal cortex, insula, and default mode network shape our sense of self. You’ll learn why we misjudge our own behaviour, how feedback can reveal hidden truths, and how habits like journaling, mindfulness, and cognitive reappraisal can rewire your brain for deeper self-insight.
If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level thinking and develop a ‘mirror mindset’ that transforms the way you think, act, and connect with others — this episode is for you.
Ever had that quiet, persistent feeling that you were meant for more—but can’t quite put your finger on what more really means? You might be thriving in your career, ticking all the boxes, and still catch yourself wondering: Am I actually making a difference?
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the idea of contribution—not as a corporate buzzword, but as a deeply human drive. Together, we’ll explore how science and purpose intersect to reveal your unique potential for impact. From a strengths-based approach to the neuroscience of motivation, we’ll uncover what truly fuels a meaningful life—and how your next step toward purpose might be closer than you think.
If you’ve ever questioned whether what you do truly matters, or sensed there’s more you could bring to the world, this conversation is your invitation to start unlocking that potential.
What if a single conversation could change your brain? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience behind coaching — and why the right question, asked at the right moment, can spark powerful shifts in how you think, feel, and act.
Discover how coaching conversations tap into your brain’s natural ability to rewire itself, boost motivation, and calm the fear responses that hold you back. We’ll uncover how neuroplasticity, dopamine, and mindful communication come together to fuel real transformation — not just in performance, but in mindset and everyday life.
Join us as we dive into the science of change, and learn how guided conversations can literally change your mind.
The Change Conundrum: Unpacking Why Transformation Is Tough
Why is change so hard? We set goals, commit to new habits, and promise ourselves things will be different—only to slip back into old patterns. Frustrating, predictable, and all too human.
But here’s the truth: your struggle to change isn’t a failure—it’s biology. Your brain is designed to resist transformation, clinging to the familiar and conserving energy. That’s why new behaviours often feel like pushing a boulder uphill.
In this episode, we uncover the science of transformation. From neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—to the role of loss aversion in keeping us stuck, you’ll learn what’s really standing in the way of lasting change. More importantly, you’ll discover practical strategies for designing your environment, reframing your mindset, and using behavioural science to make change not just possible—but easier.
If you’re ready to stop battling your brain and start working with it, this episode is for you.
Ever promised yourself you’d eat better, exercise more, or finally get that side project done—only to find your best intentions mysteriously derailed? You’re not alone. The truth is, it’s not a lack of willpower—it’s the way your brain is wired.
In this episode, we explore the behavioural science behind effortless change. From decision fatigue and loss aversion to procrastination and self-sabotage, you’ll discover the hidden forces shaping your daily choices. More importantly, you’ll learn how to design your environment and habits so that change becomes easier, not harder.
Join us as we uncover practical, science-backed strategies for nudging yourself towards success—without relying on endless self-control. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start working with it, this episode is for you.
Ever feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Like you're constantly busy, but never truly getting ahead? In this episode, we explore why modern life feels so overwhelming—and what we can do about it.
We dive into the neuroscience of prioritisation, uncover why your brain struggles to focus under stress, and explain how constant busyness might be holding you back rather than helping you thrive.
You'll also hear practical, research-backed strategies to help you cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and finally take back control of your time and energy.
If you've ever said, "I have so much to do, I don’t even know where to start," this episode is for you.
Stress—it’s everywhere. From packed diaries to restless nights, most of us are feeling the pressure. But are we really managing stress in the right way?
In this episode, we explore what neuroscience has to say about stress relief and prevention. From mindfulness and movement to music and breathing, we unpack what actually works to calm your brain—and what might be doing more harm than good.
Is exercise more effective than meditation? Can daily habits rewire your nervous system? And how do we stop stress from taking over in the first place?
Whether you’re constantly overwhelmed or just need better ways to unwind, this episode is your science-backed guide to feeling more grounded, more often.
Who are you without your job? If your title vanished tomorrow, would you still recognise yourself?
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the neuroscience of identity and the complex relationship between who we are and what we do for a living. From career breaks and retirement to job loss and reinvention, we examine why our professions often become such a core part of our self-worth—and whether that’s a good thing.
Join us as we explore the risks of over-identifying with work, the psychological effects of career change, and how to build a more balanced, fulfilling sense of self beyond your CV.
If you've ever felt adrift without work or questioned where your true identity lies, this one's for you.
“Cognitive load: the hidden weight behind mental fatigue.”
Ever find yourself mentally exhausted, struggling to make even the simplest decisions after a long day? What if the real issue isn’t just tiredness—but cognitive load? That’s the mental strain caused by processing too much information or juggling too many choices—and it could be silently impacting everything from the quality of your decisions to your emotional resilience, especially when the pressure’s on.
In this episode, we’re diving into how cognitive load affects your brain, your focus, and your ability to stay sharp under stress. We’ll explore big questions like: Should we really just ‘toughen up’? Is technology easing the load, or just adding more noise? And more importantly—how can you manage your mental bandwidth to make clearer, more strategic decisions?
We’ll break down the latest research and share practical strategies for reducing overwhelm, recharging your cognitive energy, simplifying choices, and leveraging the power of team support to lighten the load.
Tune in for smart, actionable insights to help you thrive in a fast-paced, decision-heavy world—because sometimes, thinking clearly starts with thinking less.
“Overthinking: harmless habit or hidden thief?”
We all do it—but what’s the real cost of overthinking? Is it just a bit of harmless daydreaming, or is it quietly draining your energy, disturbing your sleep, and affecting your wellbeing? In this episode, we’re taking a deeper look at overthinking—not just as a common habit, but as a mental loop that can stop us from making decisions, staying present, and finding clarity.
We’ll peel back the layers—from what’s actually happening in the brain during those spirals, to the evidence-based strategies that can help break the cycle. We’re answering the questions so many of us have asked: Why does my mind race at night? Why do I get stuck in loops of worry or regret? And are there really proven ways to find calm in the moment?
Join us as we explore the latest research, share real-life stories, and offer practical tools you can start using straight away—to regain focus, feel more in control, and reclaim your peace of mind.
“Why do some people learn faster than others?”
Ever wondered why some people seem to absorb new information effortlessly, while others can barely remember what they had for breakfast? Is it really true that learning gets tougher as we age? And does picking up something new mean you're using up precious ‘brain space’?
In this episode, we’re diving into the science and strategy behind how we learn. Drawing on everything from LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report to Toyota’s innovative training approaches, we’ll explore why learning agility has become an essential skill in today’s world.
We’ll also share practical, research-backed techniques—like spaced repetition, interleaved practice, and the vital role of sleep—to help you make learning stick and truly last.
Whether you’re navigating change, keeping your mind sharp, or simply wanting to learn more effectively, this episode is packed with insights to help you unlock your brain’s full potential.
“What does it really take to change a belief?”
Ever wondered what actually makes people shift their thinking—or how to challenge your own deeply held views? Whether it’s reassessing personal values, unpicking long-held assumptions, or breaking out of unhelpful habits, our beliefs often have more control over us than we realise.
In this episode, we’re delving into the science and psychology behind belief change. From the surprising power of the placebo effect—even when people know it’s a placebo—to the ways empathy and deep listening can shift perspectives, we’re exploring what truly drives transformation.
We’ll ask: Are some beliefs more resistant to change than others? How do stories and conversations influence the way we think? And what practical tools—like motivational interviewing—can help us rewrite the beliefs that might be holding us back?
Grounded in research on how beliefs shape everything from mental health to physical performance, this episode offers real insight into how we can influence change, both within ourselves and in others.
Get ready to uncover the hidden mechanics of the mind—and discover how changing your mind might just unlock your greatest potential.
“Stress: silent companion or silent alarm?”
For many of us, stress has become so familiar we hardly notice it—until it starts disturbing our sleep, impacting our health, or chipping away at our peace of mind. But when does stress stop being a normal part of life and start signalling it’s time to seek support?
In this episode, we’re unpacking the real impact of prolonged stress—on your mental and physical wellbeing, your relationships, and even the way you make decisions. We’ll tackle the big questions: When should you speak to your GP? What options are actually available to help manage stress? And just as crucially, how can you build resilience in a world that never seems to slow down?
From physical warning signs to emotional overwhelm, we’ll help you recognise when stress is no longer something to shoulder alone—and explore the practical tools your GP might recommend (yes, beyond the mythical ‘magic wand’) to help you regain a sense of control.
“Empathy: soft skill or secret weapon?”
It’s a word that stirs debate—some see it as too gentle for today’s results-driven world, while others swear by it as the key to real influence and transformative leadership. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on empathy—not as a feel-good extra, but as a strategic edge that drives performance, innovation, and connection.
We’ll dig into the science, challenge common assumptions, and tackle the big questions:
Can you lead with empathy and hold the bar high? Can compassion fuel accountability, not dilute it?
You’ll hear real-world stories, expert insights, and practical tools you can use to lead with empathy without losing your edge. Let’s rethink what it really means to be an impactful leader—starting with the heart.
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