The High Performance Podcast

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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1HP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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.orgMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https:giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-auHP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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 successHere 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. 🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50:Audio: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50HP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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/22a519Sara Davies: https://pod.fo/e/2a13a3Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4Jameela Jamil: https://pod.fo/e/225b9eHeights 👉 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 moreBecause 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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50HP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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 storyIf 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.orgMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https:giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Vestiaire Collective 👉 Buy and sell pre-loved Fashion now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-auTide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50HP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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/14cdefHector Garcia: https://pod.fo/e/172552Robin Van Persie: https://pod.fo/e/18789Mel Robbins: https://pod.fo/e/ed46fVicky Pattison: https://pod.fo/e/105426Lewis Morgan: https://pod.fo/e/11b36eJonathan Haidt: https://pod.fo/e/2a4563Heights 👉 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 approachWhether 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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50HP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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 groundedWhether 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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-auHP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore 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/19028aHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.