The High Performance Podcast

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.

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 confidenceIf 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, 2018Listen 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.🚨 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.

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/16868cHeights 👉 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 lifeIf 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 ReviewListen 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. 🚨 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.

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 growthThis 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.🚨 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.

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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 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 speedThis 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.🚨 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.

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 serviceThis 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 youWhether 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/2b6885Here 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.