The High Performance Podcast

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 £14.99Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_au2Visit 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-auSimba 👉 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-auSimba 👉 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-auSimba 👉 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 bestThis 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-auHeights 👉 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-auHeights 👉 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 happinessThis 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/highperformanceHeights 👉 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/highperformanceHeights 👉 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=5sIncogni 👉Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/highperformanceHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp_heights_auVisit 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.🚨 PartnersSimba 👉 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_auSurfshark 👉 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.