The High Performance Podcast

In this episode, we explore a journey of resilience and transformation; the evolution of a promising basketball player to a celebrated bodybuilding champion.

Phil Heath is an American IFBB Pro League professional bodybuilder, who clinched the Mr. Olympia title seven times consecutively from 2011 to 2017. His latest victory tied him with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the second-most wins in history, following Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney.

From battling suicidal thoughts to finding his light in the darkness, Phil talks candidly about the pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his life's direction. Reflecting on his basketball days, he recounts the realisation that it was time to pivot when he felt overlooked on the court. He describes the struggle of facing adversity without a support system, battling with loneliness and despair.

Throughout the episode, Phil emphasises the importance of perseverance and seeking support during tough times. He credits influential figures like his gym teacher and coach Tim Grover for guiding him through adversity and teaching him valuable lessons in managing emotion.

Offering advice for navigating through darkness, Phil reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to be ignited. This episode explores resilience, hope and self-discovery.

Get up to £250 off the Eight Sleep Pod by following this link: https://www.eightsleep.com/uk/hpp/

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In this episode, sponsored by BT, Jake sits down with Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed - four real life business owners, with wildly varied experiences across the UK business sector. 

We explore what it’s really like being the boss.The key attributes you need to lead a business, and the big lessons they’ve learned over the years. 

Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed reflect on the highest highs along their journeys, and also the most challenging moments, and how ultimately, marginal gains are everything. 

It’s more than a conversation about business, it’s about fostering a winning culture.

A big thank you to BT for making this happen - remember that BT is there to support you and your business, providing strong reliability, dedicated support and robust network security - so you can get on with what you do best which is running your business. Put simply whatever your business is, BT's got your back.

Thanks to Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed for sitting down, and making for such a great roundtable. 

You can find out more about their businesses here…

Clement - The Village People - https://princeofpeckham.co.uk/ 

Maggie - Lewes FC - https://lewesfc.com/ 

Ed - https://www.thealternativeboard.co.uk/ 

Alice - https://thelowdown.com/ 

Thanks to Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed for sitting down, and making for such a great roundtable.

You can find out more about their businesses here…

Clement - The Village People - https://princeofpeckham.co.uk/

Maggie - Lewes FC - https://lewesfc.com/

Ed - https://www.thealternativeboard.co.uk/

Alice - https://thelowdown.com/

#AD

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In this bonus episode, we revisit an absorbing conversation with renowned British journalist and former BBC newsreader, Emily Maitlis.

Watch the full episode FREE without ads, only on the High Performance app: hppod.co/emily-maitlis.

In line with the release of Netflix’s new film ‘Scoop’, we look back at Emily Maitlis’ iconic interview with Prince Andrew, exploring how she prepared, the moments leading up to the conversation, and her reactions to the now infamous exchange.

Emily discusses the team and processes behind creating a compelling interview narrative, and how an unforgettable moment of British journalism was produced.

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Step into the mind of a Premier League icon, in a conversation exploring self doubt, gaining respect, and coping with toxicity.

Kolo Touré, a stalwart of the Premier League, is not just a football player but a symbol of resilience and determination. With a career spanning top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, Toure's name is synonymous with grit, leadership, and unwavering commitment on the pitch.

In this episode, Kolo Touré joins Jake and Damian for a conversation blending reflection and insider insights into his football journey. From meeting Arsène Wenger for the first time, to reflecting on the “invincibles” era at Arsenal, Kolo shares insights into how one of the league’s most legendary teams was built.

Transitioning to Manchester City, he discusses the struggle of instilling a winning mentality at a new club. Despite setbacks, including a suspension for a substance abuse accusation, Kolo highlights how he persevered; returning alongside his brother Yaya to win the Premier League in dramatic fashion in 2012.

Kolo also discusses how when his career moved onto Liverpool, he faced new pressures and expectations. He shares how he embraced the challenge, and how eager he was to prove himself to the fans and his new team.

This episode encapsulates Kolo's remarkable journey; from exhilarating moments within some of the country’s most established clubs, to inspiring encounters with Arsène Wenger, and his biggest personal challenges and triumphs.

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In this episode, Charles Duhigg shares powerful insights into understanding the unspoken desires of others, and how we can foster meaningful connection through communication.

Charles Duhigg is an American journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and a non-fiction author. He is a Pulitzer prize-winning reporter and the author of best-selling book ‘The Power of Habit’, which spent over three years on New York Times bestseller lists.

In this conversation, Charles discusses the importance of asking deep questions that touch on our values and experiences, allowing individuals to reveal their true intentions and mindset. He reflects on his relationship with his father, underscoring the transformative power of open and honest communication.

Charles discusses the complexities of parent-child dynamics, and Jake and Damian reflect on the challenges of communicating with their own children. Reflecting on his new book, “Supercommunicators”, Charles highlights the importance of understanding the science of human connection to personal and professional success.

This thought-provoking episode explores the transformative power of communication; offering practical strategies to navigate interpersonal relationships in a world that is increasingly disconnected.

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In this episode, British fashion icon Paul Smith takes listeners on a reflective journey through his life and career, offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of society, culture, and fashion.

He shares with Jake and Damian insights into his dynamic professional partnership with his wife, Pauline, highlighting their contrasting personalities as a source of balance and strength. Paul reflects on his journey since the beginning of his career, and discusses the fleeting nature of fame, emphasising the importance of sticking power and endurance.

From childhood memories to lessons in communication and resourcefulness, Paul acknowledges the crucial role his father played in shaping his entrepreneurial journey, especially in international business dealings. Paul also recounts a life-altering cycling accident that led to artistic exploration and a newfound appreciation for design.

Despite global success, Paul remains committed to mentorship; echoing gratitudes for the guidance he received in his youth and advocating for the next generation of talent. Through anecdotes, reflections and candid advice, Paul paints a portrait of a fashion icon dedicated to preserving the integrity and artistry of his craft.

This episode explores the authenticity of fashion amidst changing trends, the importance of staying true to yourself, and offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a true visionary.

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In this month’s recap, Jake and Damian reflect on the enlightening conversations they’ve had with our guests throughout the month of March.

Starting with Jameela Jamil’s powerful insights on self-awareness and societal norms, they emphasise her message of empowerment amidst societal pressures. They applauded Martin Lewis' courage and integrity, emphasising the value of trust in personal and professional success.

Discussing their conversation with Tom Kerridge, Jake and Damian appreciate his unconventional path to success and willingness to reinvent himself. They admire his courage to defy conventions and prioritise well-being over conventional achievement definitions.

Reflecting on Esteban Ocon’s journey in Formula One, they highlight the theme of parental sacrifice and determination. They also commend Ocon's father for establishing values despite challenges, underscoring the value of long-term goals.

This month's conversations with our guests highlight the importance of authenticity, courage and purpose in navigating life’s challenges and finding true fulfilment.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Jameela: https://pod.fo/e/225b9e

Martin: https://pod.fo/e/22a519

Tom: https://pod.fo/e/22356e

Esteban: https://pod.fo/e/228331

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Trustworthiness isn't just a label; it's built through consistent actions and a commitment to doing what's right, even when challenging.

Martin Lewis is a prominent figure known for his expertise in consumer finance, and the founder of the ‘MoneySavingExpert’ website and platform. In this episode, Martin highlights how corporations are taking advantage of communities, focusing on the financial burden that big institutions in Britain place on the country.

Touching on his own experience during the pandemic, Martin expresses the desperation for stability felt by many. He emphasises to Jake and Damian his commitment to charity, driven by a desire to reform the system and improve lives.

He recounts his upbringing in a unique educational environment, which taught him early lessons about privilege and empathy. Addressing his own mental health challenges, Martin shares the effects of his personal struggles, and what coping mechanisms he developed.

Offering insights into how he achieved success, Martin explores the impact and sacrifices throughout his journey. Ultimately, he shares the value of integrity in our personal and professional lives, and promotes individual accountability and moral business conduct.

This episode focuses on developing trust, building an ethical society, and the importance of navigating personal and professional challenges.

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In this episode, Damian revisits one of his favorite episodes with Tom Daley, an Olympic gold medallist in diving and British television personality.

Jake and Damian reflect on what they learned from the conversation with Tom, including the importance of parental support and establishing daily goals. They discuss how Tom’s late father reframed situations positively, such as turning potential failures into achievements. They appreciate how he silently supported Tom without micromanaging or criticizing during difficult moments.

Damian also delves into Tom's approach to setting daily goals. He explores how Tom finds satisfaction in small achievements and how bravery plays a role in facing life’s challenges, like dealing with the loss of his father and coming out as gay.

This powerful episode provides a valuable lesson for all parents, coaches and individuals about the importance of presence and positive reinforcement, as well as overcoming challenges and adversity.

Listen to the full episode with Tom Daley here:

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Sharing the experiences from his remarkable journey to F1, Esteban emphasises the significance of self-belief, respect, and attention to detail on the road to high performance.

Esteban Ocon is a French Formula 1 driver racing for the Alpine F1 Team, and is regarded as one of the most talented on the current grid. In this episode, Esteban shares the reality of racing from a young age and the astonishing sacrifices his family chose to make to support his dream.

Esteban reveals the pressure he was under throughout his youth and how his childhood was vastly different to his peers. His parents decided to sell their home and working garage to finance his career, in order to chase his dream of racing in Formula 1. He shares the impact this has had on him as an adult and the immense gratitude he has towards his parents today.

Reflecting on his rise through the ranks, Esteban opens up about the scrutiny and criticism he faced as a young driver. Rather than letting this impact him, he shares with Jake and Damian how he used this as motivation, transforming the negative feedback into inspiration. They discuss his 2019 hiatus from Formula 1 and the invaluable lessons he learnt during this time, observing the workings of the Mercedes team from the sidelines.

This episode is a deep dive into what achieving your dreams looks like, exploring teamwork, self-belief and why trust is so crucial.

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Join Jake and Damian as they delve into the captivating concept of 'sliding doors moments' - those pivotal junctures where life could have taken a completely different turn.

In this episode, they reflect on conversations with guests including Matt Willis, Kieran Trippier, Stephanie Reid, Jamie Peacock and Francis Ngannou; who share intimate stories of single moments that changed the course of their entire lives. From missed opportunities to transformative advice, each tale will leave you pondering the profound impact of a single decision.

Tune in for an episode that reminds us: it's not the challenges we face, but how we respond that shapes our destiny.

Watch the episode now on the High Performance app, where you can also find all of the full conversations within this episode: https://hppod.co/app

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In this special episode, Jake and Damian meet England Football legend, Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne, in our first ever High Performance Original. The full episode is available to watch exclusively for Plus members, only on the High Performance app.

We selected a powerful moment from our conversation with Paul, where he opens up on a traumatic event he experienced as a child which resulted in his childhood friend Keith dying in his arms.

Paul shares the effects this had on him throughout his teenage years, and how this trauma stayed with him into adulthood.

Our first High Performance Original is a profound exploration of resilience, redemption, and the enduring spirit of an English sporting great. Watch now: https://hppod.co/gazza-vs-paul

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In this episode, Jameela challenges the conventional measures of success, asking people to reconsider their priorities and question societal expectations.

Jameela Jamil is an actress, TV host and podcaster, known for her role in The Good Place and her podcast ‘I Weigh’. She is widely respected as a vocal advocate for mental health and body positivity. In this episode, Jake, Damian and Jameela discuss the idea that celebrity and fame is glorified and overrated.

Going through the timeline of her career, Jameela shares how during her most successful years, starting her own clothing line, featuring on billboards and appearing in magazines, she was chronically ill, lonely and suicidal. Jameela debates what a truly satisfactory life looks like and why everything she thought would make her feel complete and happy in fact did the opposite. She reveals the pivotal moment of illness that forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle and career choices.

Feeling silenced as a South Asian woman, Jameela offers profound insights into the importance of speaking out and advocating for yourself. From her teenage years suffering in silence and grappling with oppressive family dynamics to her vocal battle with diet culture and societal norms, she discusses how she has fought to find her voice. She shares her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, focusing on the significance of setting boundaries when prioritising mental well-being.

Jameela also shares advice on how to navigate rejection, shame and negative self-talk, encouraging people to embrace their imperfections and focus on happiness above all else. This episode is an exploration of empathy, openness and community.

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In this special episode, Jake and Damian sit down with High Performance listener, Phil Richards. On the 19th March 2017, Phil was diagnosed with Metastatic Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma), a terminal diagnosis.

Throughout this episode, Phil shares the lessons he’s learnt since his diagnosis in 2017. He details the way his life is transformed in many positive ways, and the new perspective he has each day. This is an empowering and life affirming conversation.

If you would like to hear more stories from our listeners, you can find them right now in the High Performance App: https://thehighperformanceapp.com/collections/518myWcafG3R2obTHVvLAX

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Tom Kerridge, is a renowned chef with an impressive array of accolades, including two Michelin Stars, the UK's Best Restaurant of the Year, and the title of Best Pub of the Year.

In this episode, Tom shares his journey of growing a successful business whilst dealing with alcohol addiction. He details the intricacies of building his award winning pub, The Hand and Flowers, with his wife Beth Cullen-Kerridge. Tom shares how he has created a committed and positive culture in the kitchen, a place that is known for being a harsh and challenging environment. He also shares insights into his partnership with his wife, detailing the challenges and rewards of running a business together and the importance of maintaining a strong connection.

During this conversation, Tom opens up to Jake and Damian about his struggles with alcoholism, revealing how the high-pressure environment of the kitchen led him to rely on drinking as a coping mechanism. He reflects on the pivotal moment when he decided to quit drinking, after realising the impact it had on both his health and his career trajectory. They discuss the importance of personal growth and why he encourages this within his employees too.

Throughout the interview Tom offers valuable lessons on leadership, commitment, and the power of change. Tom’s love for his craft shines through as he discusses the broader impact of his work beyond the kitchen, specifically the importance of food and nutrition education within young people. Tom inspires listeners to embrace change, foster a supportive work environment, and strive for excellence in every endeavour.

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In this episode, Jake handpicks one of his favourite episodes with Whoop Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed.

Jake and Damian reflect on the key lessons from Will’s episode, including how to manage having multiple big goals and the challenges of building a 3.6 billion dollar business. They also discuss how to overcome the challenge of doing the right thing during overwhelming moments and taking a moment for yourself to recharge, even when it’s difficult. Having built multiple businesses, Jake reflects on the advice given by Will and what aspects he applies to his business decisions moving forward.

Listen to the full episode with Will here: https://pod.fo/e/f256a

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Reflecting on her career, Jessica Ennis-Hill offers a glimpse into the life of an Olympian, inspiring listeners to pursue their dreams by building mental strength and resilience whilst keeping a steadfast focus on what truly matters.

Olympic legend Jessica Ennis-Hill delves into the highs and lows of her illustrious career. Jessica is a retired track and field athlete, specialising in the heptathlon and 100 metres hurdles. As a competitor in heptathlon, she is the 2012 Olympic champion, a three-time world champion, and the 2010 European champion.

In this episode, Jess opens up about what it was like being the ‘face’ of the 2012 Olympic Games and how she dealt with the immense pressure that brought; highlighting the crucial role of sports psychology to help athletes block out distractions.

With her degree in psychology, Jessica reflects on how her understanding of the human psyche has transformed her approach to training and communication. She acknowledges the invaluable support of her team and loved ones, emphasising the significance of their consistency in her path to success. They also discuss the importance of laughter and finding humour during tough moments.

Jessica discusses how her career changed after the birth of her son in 2014, and going on to become World Champion soon after. She shares her advice for young athletes and why happiness will always be her top priority. From overcoming career-threatening injuries to embracing the joys of motherhood, Jessica's journey is one of resilience, determination, and continued passion.

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Damian shares one of his favourite episodes, an honest conversation about life and death with Lindsey Burrow.

Lindsey is the wife of former professional rugby player Rob Burrow. In 2019, Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Lindsey cares for Rob full time, whilst looking after their children and working as a physiotherapist for the NHS.

This was a very powerful episode and many of the lessons Lindsey shared have stayed with Damian since. He goes through these lessons with Jake, detailing how her outlook has inspired and transformed how he takes on life challenges.

Listen to the full episode with Lindsey here: https://pod.fo/e/149343

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Sign Up To WHOOP, 30 days risk free - join.whoop.com/HPP

This episode explores the foundational principles that have guided Sahil’s journey towards personal growth and meaningful relationships.

Sahil Bloom is an investor, entrepreneur and writer, known for his newsletter The Curiosity Chronicle. In this episode, Sahil discusses with Jake why prioritising important relationships over career-driven success has been a crucial and formative decision. Sahil expresses his belief that the beauty of relationships can be found in the struggle, through overcoming hardships with a partner, you can find a new, more deepened strength.

He shares his method to achieving personal goals, how to analyse whether you’re going in the right direction and the important of patience. They debate the concept of luck, and the difference between acts of God and luck that can be influenced by our actions and awareness. Sahil shares an innovative approach to goal-setting, by introducing the ABC method as a framework for managing expectations and driving progress. A represents the aspirational, B the baseline and C the critical must-do level.

This episode is a reminder that true success lies not in financial, or career, gain but in the immeasurable value we bring to our relationships and communities.

During the conversation, Sahil refers to an op-ed written by a man who'd lost his son to a rare form of epilepsy, you can find that here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/its-later-than-you-think-j-r-storment/

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Inspired by the ITV show Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Damian reflects on the correct way to handle a crisis.

Detailing a study by Kim and Lee on the Johnson & Johnson Tylenol crisis, Damian explores the lessons we can learn from their response to disaster and how we can utilise them in our everyday lives.

These approaches include:

* Swift and decisive action

* Communicating transparently

* Cooperating with others

* Reapplying learnings

* Emphasising the rebuilding of trust

* Learning from the experience

This episode offers a new insight into how we can respond to crisis in a more effective way.

Download the High Performance app and join Plus to access the rest of the 'Thoughts from Damian' series.

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Petr Čech is a former professional footballer, regarded as one of the greatest Premier League goalkeepers of all time. During his 20-year career he played for Arsenal, Chelsea and for the Czech Republic national team. This episode is a deep dive into Petr’s illustrious career and the drive behind his unwavering consistency.

Jake, Damian and Petr discuss the concept of commitment and how daily improvement and learning are essential components of his routine. He reveals the steps he takes to ensure consistent peak performance, whilst highlighting that performance should not be solely measured by outcomes.

They explore Petr’s early days at Chelsea and his unique perspective on working with legendary manager Jose Mourinho. Petr provides insight into the intense training culture Mourinho instilled, making training emulate game days through rigorous repetition. Reflecting on the importance of fostering an honest culture within a team, Petr shares how this allows individuals to openly share their struggles. He also opens up about the near-fatal incident on the football pitch, recounting the moment he realised something was wrong.

Petr delves into his experience navigating managerial changes at Chelsea and how he successfully dealt with change. He reflects on his relationship with Arsène Wenger and the profound impact it had on his career. This episode explores resilience, commitment, and triumphing over challenges.

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Ruari Fairbairns is the founder of One Year No Beer, an initiative that provides challenges, coaching programmes, courses and support to anyone who's looking to change their relationship with alcohol. OYNB uses cutting-edge behaviour change science, a robust technology platform and has a highly engaged community. In this episode, Ruari shares the personal experiences that led him to question his relationship with alcohol and how reducing alcohol intake has changed his life.

They discuss the ways in which alcohol negatively impacts our lives and why we should all try to cut down on our consumption. Ruari breaks down and explains the myths behind alcohol like “red wine is good for you” and “a beer at the end of the day will help you relax”. With a wealth of insights, he discusses the pervasive effects of peer pressure and what we can all do to prevent it.

Ruari explores the impact of Covid-19 on alcohol consumption, revealing a staggering 20% increase in the United States. The conversation touches on the psychological and tribal aspects of alcohol consumption, and Ruari explores alternative tools we can utilise to manage stress effectively. Ruari offers practical insights on preventing alcohol abuse to ensure individuals never reach a breaking point.

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Sign Up To WHOOP, 30 days risk free - join.whoop.com/HPP

Sharing his extraordinary life journey, Francis Ngannou delves into the layers of dedication, discipline and motivation it took to achieve his dreams.

A formidable force in both mixed martial arts and boxing, in 2021 Francis Ngannou became the UFC Heavyweight Champion. In this episode, Francis reflects on his childhood in Cameroon marked by financial instability, his parents’ divorce, and feeling like a “black sheep” in his community.

Francis shares how he was different from his peers at a young age, and how having his own vision of the world made his upbringing even tougher. He opens up about how creating an imaginary family provided the best coping mechanism to the loneliness he experienced as a child, and how this difficult upbringing provides constant strength.

At the age of 9, Francis began working in a sand-mine, before migrating from Cameroon to Paris at age 22 to begin his MMA and boxing career. Francis delves into what fuelled his drive and determination throughout those difficult but transformative years. He discusses how his life transformed after moving to Paris, allowing him to finally pursue his dreams.

Francis also reflects on losing his fight with Tyson Fury to a split decision, and how he sees it as a win. As he prepares for his upcoming fight with Anthony Joshua, Francis lifts the lid on his motivations and determination to win.

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James Haskell is a former rugby union player, and played for Wasps and Northampton Saints and internationally for England during his 17 year career. James is still heavily involved in the fitness and health world and offers his own fitness regime. His dedication to sports is not where his career ends, James is also a DJ, playing in venues all around the world, whilst producing his own music.

In this episode, James and Oli discuss the importance of looking after your mind and body equally. They delve into the reason why James’ energy levels are consistently so high, including focusing on sleep, nutrition and mental health. Oli shares the details of James’ results, which he describes as “surviving in chaos”.

"The Energy Equation" is a new series that delves deep into the intricate relationship between energy, fatigue, wellbeing and our daily actions. Brought to you by the team behind the award-winning High Performance podcast, we unlock the secrets of movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management, exploring how these crucial factors shape our overall energy levels. We’ve equipped guests with one of the most advanced energy monitors in the world, to gather precise data which is revealed for the first time during the recording.

Hosted by Physiologist and Lifestyle Specialist, Oli Patrick, each episode features compelling conversations with highly accomplished individuals exploring how their energy levels affect performance in their field and in their day-to-day lives. Through personalised feedback based on personalised stress, sleep and fitness data, Oli meticulously examines the unique strategies employed by our esteemed guests to effectively manage their energy and unleash their full potential, while providing valuable insights and practical recommendations for further enhancement.

For more episodes and to WATCH the series, download the High Performance App at - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Rest and relaxation is a key component of achieving high performance, but it often sits at the bottom of our priority list. In this episode, sponsored by British Airways, Jake and Damian explore the benefits of making time for holidays, how to recognise when you need a break and the key lessons they’ve learnt from taking time away.

Looking back at advice from previous guests, Jake and Damian discuss how we can prioritise rest. Joe Wicks shares how he utilises mini retirements to ensure he gets quality time with his family, and Peter Attia offers his technique to not over-working and much more.

Nearly 50% of employed adults don’t use their entitled annual leave; ensure you’re making time for yourself this year and book some time away to rest and re-engergise.

Special thanks to British Airways Holidays for partnering with us on this bonus episode, they are encouraging everyone to prioritise their well-being by taking their holidays seriously. Search Ba.com/holidays for more.

Previous episodes mentioned:

Joe Wicks: https://pod.fo/e/11450c

Peter Attia: https://pod.fo/e/1e7be5

Alex Scott: https://pod.fo/e/14421c

Shane Parrish: https://pod.fo/e/1ff000

Holly Tucker: https://pod.fo/e/1943f

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Sign Up To WHOOP, 30 days risk free- join.whoop.com/HPP

Percival x High Performance Range - https://www.percivalclo.com/collections/percival-x-high-performance

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a Formula 1 leader on building culture, pushing boundaries and cultivating discipline.

James Vowles is the Team Principal of Williams Racing, joining the team in January 2022 after leaving his position as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. James’ motorsport career has spanned over two decades and began with him writing letters to F1 teams whilst at university, offering his skills for free.

In this episode, James explores the core elements that distinguish a championship-winning team, with people and culture being paramount. He delves into the challenges faced during his career, including dealing with significant job losses, and why it’s crucial for him to earn his place within the team.

Offering a unique perspective into the F1 world, James details his experience managing the egos and expectations of generational talents including Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. James also reveals his reason for leaving Mercedes at the top of their game to join Williams as Team Principal, sharing the difficulties of that transition and how he overcame them.

Achieving such consistent success demanded sacrifices; James reflects on how this has strained his relationships throughout his career, and whether he would make the same sacrifices if given the chance to do it all over again.

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Ashley Cain first rose to prominence as a professional footballer before appearing on various reality TV shows after his retirement. However, it was the tragic illness and later passing of his daughter, Azaylia, which led Ashley to have the most impact. During her battle with cancer, Ashley and Azaylia’s mum, Safiyya, raised over £1 million in 24 hours for her health care. When she passed away at just 8 months old, Ashley and Safiyya set up ‘The Azaylia Foundation’, which supports families and provides memorable experiences for children fighting cancer. Ashley now takes part in fundraising challenges to raise money for the foundation, challenges the limits of human endurance in memory of his daughter.

In this episode Ashley reveals how his unconventional lifestyle allows him to unlock the energy needed to accomplish his challenges. His results contain some big surprises about what the body is capable of, and where we’re able to draw strength from when our usual sources run dry.

"The Energy Equation" is an enlightening series that delves deep into the intricate relationship between energy, fatigue, wellbeing and our daily actions. Brought to you by the team behind the award-winning High Performance podcast, we unlock the secrets of movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management, exploring how these crucial factors shape our overall energy levels. We’ve equipped guests with one of the most advanced energy monitors in the world, to gather precise data they can’t hide from, which is revealed for the first time, during the recording.

Hosted by Physiologist and Lifestyle Specialist, Oli Patrick, each episode features compelling conversations with highly accomplished individuals exploring how their energy levels affect performance in their field and in their day-to-day lives. Through personalized feedback based on personalized stress, sleep and fitness data, Oli meticulously examines the unique strategies employed by our esteemed guests to effectively manage their energy and unleash their full potential, while providing valuable insights and practical recommendations for further enhancement.

For more episodes and to WATCH the series, download the High Performance App at - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his first ever podcast appearance, Manchester United and Scotland midfielder, Scott McTominay, reveals his journey through the ranks of the Academy to the first team. Scott shares the challenges, successes and learnings that have taken him to where he is today.

Having made his senior debut for the club in May 2017, Scott shares with Jake and Damian the attributes he has developed over the years, including consistency, dedication and discipline. Taking them through his teenage years, Scott reflects on how the unwavering support of his parents helped him navigate the balance of pursuing football while studying and being away from family, as well as the challenges to his physical development which almost halted his football career.

Scott shares some of the best advice he has ever received, including a humbling phone call from Jose Mourinho and important guidance from current Man United manager, Erik Ten Hag. He also illustrates how influential his relationship with coach Warren Joyce has been in reshaping his career trajectory as well as the learnings he took from United legends Wayne Rooney, and Michael Carrick.

Scott sheds light on the unique culture at Manchester United, how his hard work has enabled him to establish himself as a regular in the first team, and how his grit means he will fight to stay there.

Join our WHOOP community at - join.whoop.com/HPP

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The Stoltman Brothers have laid claim to the title of the World’s Strongest Brothers, and not without good reason. At a combined weight of 350kg, Luke and Tom Stoltman have amassed a plethora of titles, with Luke winning Europe’s Strongest man in 2021 and Tom twice being crowned World’s Strongest Man in 2021 and 2022.

In this episode they discuss their respective training, nutrition, sleep and recovery routines, detailing how they are able to build and maintain such herculean physiques. Interestingly, the brothers take different approaches, with Luke leaning into cold water swimming and mindfulness, and Tom taking more traditional approaches. After each being monitored for three days, the results contain some unexpected surprises.

"The Energy Equation" is an enlightening series that delves deep into the intricate relationship between energy, fatigue, wellbeing and our daily actions. Brought to you by the team behind the award-winning High Performance podcast, we unlock the secrets of movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management, exploring how these crucial factors shape our overall energy levels. We’ve equipped guests with one of the most advanced energy monitors in the world, to gather precise data they can’t hide from, which is revealed for the first time, during the recording.

Hosted by Physiologist and Lifestyle Specialist, Oli Patrick, each episode features compelling conversations with highly accomplished individuals exploring how their energy levels affect performance in their field and in their day-to-day lives. Through personalized feedback based on personalized stress, sleep and fitness data, Oli meticulously examines the unique strategies employed by our esteemed guests to effectively manage their energy and unleash their full potential, while providing valuable insights and practical recommendations for further enhancement.

For more episodes and to WATCH the series, download the High Performance App at - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The episode is a masterclass on how to enhance productivity, elevate your work and personal life and cultivate a balanced and happy lifestyle.

Ali Adbaal is a YouTube and author, his videos on productivity tips and study hacks have gained him over 5 millions subscribers and over 380 million views. Before beginning his YouTube career Ali trained to be a Doctor of Medicine and went on to work in the NHS as a Junior Doctor for 2 years. In this episode, Ali takes Jake and Damian on a deep dive into how to foster productivity in the everyday and stay on top of your goals. Many New Year’s resolutions fail as they are motivated by reward, rather than internal motivation. Ali explains how by understanding the three energisers: Play, Power and People, you can keep yourself motivated throughout the year.

By giving his top tips avoiding procrastination, Ali shares his system for keeping productive including a unique bucket list system that separates essential goals from the rest, helping to maintain perspective and keeping goals realistic. He also offers practical advice on saying no when needed, eliminating unhelpful routines, and recognising the signs of burnout. Ali's wisdom extends to nurturing your inner child, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and finding fulfilment.

To find more information on the High Performance Foundation Half Marathon click here: https://www.londonhalf.com/high-performance-foundation/

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Stacey Solomon started her career as an X-Factor contestant at the age of 19 and over the last 15 years she has become one of the most popular personalities on British television. She is currently raising a family of five children, which she juggles with her incredibly busy onscreen career.

In this episode we discover the factors which generate and drain energy for Stacey, how she leans on her husband and wider family for support, the role of fitness in her life and how she manages her sleep and stress to function effectively under a considerable amount of strain. So how does she do it, and what unexpected results will the test reveal? Explore the episode to find out.

"The Energy Equation" is an enlightening series that delves deep into the intricate relationship between energy, fatigue, wellbeing and our daily actions. Brought to you by the team behind the award-winning High Performance podcast, we unlock the secrets of movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management, exploring how these crucial factors shape our overall energy levels. We’ve equipped guests with one of the most advanced energy monitors in the world, to gather precise data they can’t hide from, which is revealed for the first time, during the recording.

Hosted by Physiologist and Lifestyle Specialist, Oli Patrick, each episode features compelling conversations with highly accomplished individuals exploring how their energy levels affect performance in their field and in their day-to-day lives. Through personalized feedback based on personalized stress, sleep and fitness data, Oli meticulously examines the unique strategies employed by our esteemed guests to effectively manage their energy and unleash their full potential, while providing valuable insights and practical recommendations for further enhancement.

For more episodes and to WATCH the series, download the High Performance App at - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uncover the secrets to optimising your potential, rewiring your brain, and learning new tools for self-improvement in this episode with Paul McKenna.

Paul McKenna is a behavioural scientist and author, with the goal of helping people become the best version of themselves. Drawing from his experiences working with people like The Who’s Roger Daltrey and James Cordon, Paul explains the power of rewiring the mind and the transformative effects of visualisation and hypnosis. Paul debunks the misconceptions about hypnosis and shares how it can empower individuals by granting them more control over their minds, rather than taking away power.

Jake and Damian are guided by Paul through a visualisation practice, aimed at utilising both of the positive and negative parts of the self to help them find their ‘optimised super-self’. Paul offers practical steps to developing self-belief and inner confidence. Drawing from his most recent book, Success for Life, this episode explores the power of the mind.

Find Paul’s book, Success for Life, here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12437/9781802797886

We are reading Paul’s book this month in The High Performance Book Club. Join the HP Book Club here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancebookclub

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"The Energy Equation" is an enlightening series that delves deep into the intricate relationship between energy, fatigue, wellbeing and our daily actions. Brought to you by the team behind the award-winning High Performance podcast, we unlock the secrets of movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management, exploring how these crucial factors shape our overall energy levels. We’ve equipped guests with one of the most advanced energy monitors in the world, to gather precise data they can’t hide from, which is revealed for the first time, during the recording.

Hosted by Physiologist and Lifestyle Specialist, Oli Patrick, each episode features compelling conversations with highly accomplished individuals exploring how their energy levels affect performance in their field and in their day-to-day lives. Through personalized feedback based on personalized stress, sleep and fitness data, Oli meticulously examines the unique strategies employed by our esteemed guests to effectively manage their energy and unleash their full potential, while providing valuable insights and practical recommendations for further enhancement. 

In this episode, Jake and Damian speak to Oli about the series and some of his highlights from working with guests from across sports, entertainment and endurance. The Energy Equation will be available on the High Performance Podcast feed over the next 4 weeks but you can watch the first four episodes right now on the High Performance App. Download it at https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Ben Bergeron is a trainer of multiple CrossFit champions and the man behind fitness app, CompTrain, as well as the author of the book, ‘Chasing Excellence’. He is one of the most successful CrossFit coaches of all time, having quit his job in finance to work with athletes.

In this episode he discusses the mindset that creates champions, how small changes can create big results, and where people often go wrong on their journey towards fitness. Ben explores how out emotional responses can trigger physiological changes in the body, and how through awareness, we can have increased agency over these reactions. He also shares the idea of our inner voice and how this can take on the role of critic or coach at different times.

Ben provides a toolset of ideas, practises and actions to move into the new year with renewed purpose.

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Jake and Damian look back on the variety of guests that have joined the podcast in 2023 and the invaluable insights they provided.

They reflect on the episode with Will Still when he shared why it’s so important to embrace our differences. Shane Parrish was another guest that offered insightful and empowering takeaways, including the idea of living life on easy mode or hard mode. Jake and Damian also listen back to the insights shared by businesswoman and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley and Labour leader, Keir Starmer.

Thank you for joining us on this journey - we can’t wait to see what 2024 has to offer!

Listen to the episodes mentioned here:

Will Still: https://pod.fo/e/1ea4ea

Shane Parrish: https://pod.fo/e/1ff000

Dame Stephanie Shirley: https://pod.fo/e/16a443

Keir Starmer: https://pod.fo/e/16f84a

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Happy Christmas from everyone at the High Performance Podcast!

To mark the occasion, Jake and Damian take a look back at some of the most impactful, inspiring and surprising interviews that have taken place since the start of the podcast.

They listen back to moments from conversations with guests like football manager Will Still on his positive and honest attitude and Rylan Clark on why he started talking kindly to himself. Jake and Damian also discuss the amazing insights from guests like former Lioness Jill Scott, sporting promoter Barry Hearn, rugby player Maro Itoje and Paralympian David Smith.

Thank you for inviting us into your lives this year!

Listen to the episodes mentioned here:

Will Still: https://pod.fo/e/1ea4ea

Rylan Clark: https://pod.fo/e/15d984

Jill Scott: https://pod.fo/e/17147d

Barry Hearn: https://pod.fo/e/157c60

Maro Itoje: https://pod.fo/e/163178

David Smith: https://pod.fo/e/1ef288

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Frank Warren shares his ringside wisdom and they delve into the mindset that has propelled him to become a titan in the world of boxing.

Frank Warren is a boxing manager and promoter, he co-owns Queensberry Promotions with his son, George. Jake, Damian and Frank discuss what makes a good boxing match and how to identify the best fighters. He emphasises the importance of humility and why everyone should listen, watch, and accept that you don't know it all. Frank shares invaluable advice for young fighters, including curating a trustworthy inner circle and building a business with a reputation that withstands the test of time.

Throughout this episode Frank opens up about both his best moments, including hosting Frank Sinatra at his venue and his biggest setbacks, including the day he got shot and the consequences of that life-altering event. At the age of 71, Frank reveals the secrets to keeping his energy and passion stronger than ever. As a 71-year-old powerhouse, Warren reveals the secret to sustaining high energy and more passion than ever.

This episode is a deep-dive into staying relevant in an ever moving landscape.

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David reflects on a career spanning more than 20 years in the modelling industry, his experiences defying expectations, and how he has reshaped the industry.

David Gandy is known as one of the most successful male fashion models of all time, having worked with brands such as Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana and Carolina Herrera. Taking a big risk when leaving university early with only 2 modules left to complete, David entered the modeling industry. Jake and Damian explore how David’s risk taking became a pivotal factor in shaping his successful career. Throughout his career, David sought advice from models such as Naomi Campbell on the best way to develop and to secure himself a global brand.

Challenging the negative perceptions of male models became a focus throughout David’s career. He shares with Jake and Damian how he combats imposter syndrome in new and demanding environments. Whilst delving into the darker elements of the industry, David reflects on his experiences with loneliness and depression during his most successful years, sharing his method for turning a negative situation into a positive.

This episode goes beyond the glamour of the fashion world, revealing the strategic thinking and resilience that fuelled David’s journey to redefine the male modelling landscape.

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In this special roundtable, podcast hosts Fearne Cotton (Happy Place), Elizabeth Day (How to Fail), and Rangan Chatterjee (Feel Better, Live More) join Jake and Damian to explore the impact of long-form conversations, the interviews that have transformed their outlooks, and how making podcasts has changed their life.

This episode is a deep dive into how powerful meaningful conversations can be. The hosts collectively share the importance of these deep conversations in fostering empathy, understanding, and compassion to others. When exploring the episodes that have changed their lives, Elizabeth and Rangan reflect on their conversations with Mo Gawdat and Edith Eger about creating a safe space within your own mind and reframing a negative thought into a positive one. Fearne, Jake and Damian also share the episodes that shocked, challenged and inspired them the most.

Elizabeth highlights how opening up about her own struggles with fertility created an open and honest dialogue with her guests and her listeners. They agree on how these meaningful conversations extend beyond the recording studio, emphasising that everyone has the ability to engage in these important topics with their friends, family and colleagues. This episode invites listeners to recognise the potential for positive change in their own lives by engaging in profound conversations and focusing on empathy.

Listen to the other podcasts mentioned here:

Happy Place: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/happy-place/id1353058891

Feel Better, Live More: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/feel-better-live-more-with-dr-rangan-chatterjee/id1333552422

How to Fail: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-fail-with-elizabeth-day/id1407451189

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the key components of high-performance teamwork.

James Milner is a professional footballer with a 21-year long career and over 600 appearances; currently playing for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. James shares with Jake and Damian how he has sustained his career, namely due to consistency and hard-work. Reflecting on the beginning of his career in early 2000s, James describes the 'old-school' values that shaped him – how cleaning boots earned him the right to be in the dressing room. He discusses how these common sense values have stayed present throughout his career.

They explore his role as a cultural architect, outlining how he sets high standards both on and off the pitch by being communicative with players and leading by example. James shares his experience mentoring younger players at clubs such as Liverpool, underlining the importance of respect and camaraderie within the team and why it is crucial to build friendships with players off the pitch. James highlights how he has developed his adaptability and how he navigates new environments, citing experiences working alongside football legends like Vincent Kompany. He also sheds light on his decision to leave Manchester City and the most difficult moment of his career.

James, Jake and Damian explore consistency, team-building, longevity and how to turn doubters into believers.

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This episode explores the greatest lessons learnt from a 15 year Test cricket career, and why we should always be searching for fun and enjoyment.

Stuart Broad is a former England cricketer and is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest Test match bowlers of all time. Having stepped back from cricket earlier this year, Stuart explains the process behind this decision; why he made that choice and why he doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’. He shares the conversation he had with Ben Stokes before his final game in the closely fought 2023 Ashes series.

Jake and Stuart discuss the biggest lessons from his career, including when Stuart got hit for six sixes in a single over; an event which prompted him to establish processes for looking after his mental and physical well-being.

In this episode, Stuart shares insights into his personal growth journey, including the adoption of note-taking to manage emotions and anxiety, and fostering connections with teammates through honesty and self-reflection. He discusses the challenges he faced throughout his career and unveils his strategies for dealing with setbacks and creating new goals. Learn about the psychological techniques Stuart used to stay at the top of his game, inspired by lessons from Tiger Woods, Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes.

This episode was recorded during a live event at Gillian Lynne, London to celebrate Stuart’s brand new book autobiography Speaking Broadly: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/stuart-broad-the-autobiography-pre-order-now-stuart-broad/7534896?ean=9781399729345

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This conversation encourages us to be a spark of light in the room, foster positivity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth.

will.i.am is a rapper, producer and artist. Identifying as a ‘futurist’ will.i.am defines what this means to him and how looking into the future informs all of his decision making. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the philosophies and ideas guiding his personal and professional life.

From growing up in housing projects with seven siblings, to fulfilling his dream of being a full-time creative, will.i.am explains how his mother is a core part of everything he has achieved. He shares a personal and emotional private message he received from her recently and the powerful meaning it has to him.

Throughout this conversation, will.i.am provides valuable insights on finding one’s true self, including navigating the delicate balance of ego removal, self-reflection, and the necessity of private time to unwind. He shares why he sees his ADHD diagnosis as his biggest superpower.

This interview is a deep dive into a truly creative mind, exploring spirituality, how to stop worrying about being judged by others, and why we should all seek to see things differently.

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Reflecting on the guests they’ve spoken to in the month of November, Jake and Damian discuss the greatest learnings from each guest and how they can be applied to our everyday lives.

Listening back to the conversation they had with Danny Drinkwater, they dive into the biggest lesson he was taught during his career, including those by Sir Alex Ferguson. Author and blogger Shane Parrish was another impactful guest in November; Jake shares with Damian how the conversation with Shane has been impacting every day of his life since, specifically in terms of where he spends his time.

Jake and Damian also spoke to Matt Fitzpatrick about his strict method of practise and play. Matt went on to share the story of a text message he received from his personal hero, basketball player Michael Jordan.

At the beginning of November, Jake and Damian hosted an exclusive live event with Sarina Wiegman to celebrate the launch of her book. They think back to this special night and listen to the answer Sarina gave to an audience question.

The final guest of the month was Alex Albon, a conversation that took place in two halves, from discussing the most difficult moments of his career to how his life has transformed in the last few years.

Every month lessons offered by the guest on this podcast are utilised by Jake and Damian in their own lives, including leading with intention, knowing how to spend your time and respecting your teammates.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Danny Drinkwater: https://pod.fo/e/1fcb1b

Ole Gunnar Solskjær: https://pod.fo/e/21718

Shane Parrish: https://pod.fo/e/1ff000

Matt Fitzpatrick: https://pod.fo/e/2038f9

Alex Albon: https://pod.fo/e/205b4f

Sarina Wiegman: https://pod.fo/e/2013d6

To hear the full episode right now, download The High Performance App at this link: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Alex Albon is one of the most exciting talents in Formula 1, currently driving for Williams Racing. He has previously raced for Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing where he was teammate to the current Drivers Champion, Max Verstappen.

This episode was recorded across two occasions, with the first taking place at the Williams Racing headquarters just days after the now infamous Qatar Grand Prix, which saw Alex need medical attention due to the heat in the car. The second half was recorded in London when Alex returned from an early exit in Sao Paulo.

The conversations cover Alex’s rise through the ranks of racing, and his struggles when he was dropped by Red Bull, electing to stay with the team and improve the car for his teammates. Alex opens up on the learnings he has taken through difficult periods in his career and his personal life, which he believes have enabled him to develop the mental resilience needed to become a champion.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below

https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Ahead of the launch of the new High Performance book, ‘How to Change Your Life: Five Steps to Achieving High Performance’, Jake and Damian discuss the waypoints that people should expect to travel through in order to make lasting change.

The patern of dream, leap, fight, climb and arrive has shown itself in the journeys of countless high performers and in this episode we discuss each stage, selecting a previous guest who exemplifies it.

The book covers these steps in detail, using examples from our conversations with the guests on the podcast to illustrate how to effectively move through these stages.

Pre Order 'How to Change Your Life' (Out 7th December): https://linktr.ee/howtochangeyourlife

Listen to the first chapter for free NOW on the High Performance App: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/hp-app

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Ahead of the release of our podcast with F1 driver, Alex Albon, this is an exclusive first listen which details Alex’s first ever appearance on an F1 grid, leading to him gaining a seat with the prestigious Red Bull Racing team.

The full episode covers Alex’s career to date, his ambitions for the future, and the incidents, struggles and circumstances which have challenged him and helped him to grow.

To hear the full episode right now, download The High Performance App at this link:

https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This conversation provides a glimpse into the mind of a golfer whose meticulous approach, dedication, and mental resilience has propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport.

Matt Fitzpatrick is a professional golfer, and won his first major championship at the 2022 U.S. Open. In this episode, Jake, Damian and Matt discuss the techniques and skills he employs in his professional and personal life that have shaped his career. Matt shares the transformation that took place in 2018 that took his career to the next level; he reveals the meticulous approach he uses to hone his craft and why being numbers obsessed is the secret to his success.

They explore his journey from amateur to professional golfer, and his shift in mindset, including the power of positive self-talk. Matt also shares the life-changing advice his caddy Billy Foster gave him just before winning the U.S Open.

In this episode they delve into how he developed his winning mindset in a sport where you lose more than you win.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Returning to the episode with author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson, Jake reflects on the lessons he still thinks about daily.

Mark suggested parents should not be telling their children they can do anything, as it may set them up for a fall in the future. Telling them they’re going to be brilliant will ensure they don’t build their resilience muscle. Jake shares with Damian how after this episode he now talks to his children differently.

They also reflect on why comparison is killer and Mark’s experience writing Will Smith’s book. And they discuss how saying no makes you a more attractive prospect.

Listen to the full episode with Mark: https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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In this enlightening conversation, Sarina Wiegman offers a profound perspective on what it means to be a successful coach, leader, and advocate for women in football.

This conversation was recorded at a sold out High Performance event in Sarina’s only UK appearance.

Sarina Wiegman is the coach that took the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2020. During this conversation, Sarina takes Jake and Damian through her career and the biggest lessons she has learnt along the way. From cutting her hair off at six years old so she could play football with the boys, to coaching a Euros winning team. They discuss what good leadership looks like and how personal connection with players and mutual understanding is top priority. Sarina offers her one key piece of advice to coaches, parents and leaders.

She delves into the plan she made for the Lionesses that shaped them into a winning team, whilst focusing on her key values; respect, growth and clarity. Not only do they discuss Sarina’s career in football, Jake and Damian also explore the greatest lessons from her personal life, including the benefits of silence and meditation, and her relationship with grief after the loss of her sister.

Sarina’s focus on people and her ability to connect and empower others serve as powerful lessons for anyone seeking to excel in their field and create positive change.

Listen to the exclusive live audience Q&A with Sarina only on the High Performance App! Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Find Sarina’s book ‘What It Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership’ here:

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/what-it-takes-sarina-wiegman/7579177

This interview was recorded in front of a live audience.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week (20/11/2023) is Anti-Bullying Week, a scheme created by the Anti-Bullying Alliance to raise awareness and to prevent bullying.

Jake and Damian reflect on previous guest conversations they’ve had about bullying and share their own experiences. Author and inspiration speaker, Vex King, opens up about witnessing an assault on his family and the lasting impact it had on him. They also explore how you can be a bully without even knowing it, listening back to the conversation they had with Courtney Black.

They also explore the conversations had with Russell Kane, Pippa Grange and Ashley Cain and their experiences with bullying.

This conversation asks you to consider how you can change your actions for the better and help others who are suffering with the impacts of bullying.

Find more on Anti-Bullying Week here: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2023-make-noise-about-bullying

Learn more about JAAQ: https://jaaq.org/

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Vex King: https://pod.fo/e/1227f6

Russell Kane: https://pod.fo/e/126451

Courtney Black: https://pod.fo/e/15a903

Ashley Cain: https://pod.fo/e/18aebc

Pippa Grange: https://pod.fo/e/10bc10

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores how by mastering the basics, we can unlock the secrets to living life in ‘easy mode’.

Shane Parrish is a former spy, founder of Farnam Street and author of ‘Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results’. Jake, Damian and Shane discuss why it is crucial to do the basics right. By analysing our four default modes; Emotion, Ego, Social and Inertia, Shane studies how we can ensure we are thinking clearly. Positioning is a key focus of Shane’s work; he describes to Jake and Damian how by positioning ourselves, eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising, we can improve our lives.

The conversation delves into the core of optimising performance, both individually and in a team setting. Shane shares how he effectively manages a team, especially people who don’t want to do hard work. He explains his motto, "outcome over ego," and why this has transformed his personal and professional life. Whilst discussing how to live a happier life, Shane describes the lessons he’s learnt from people nearing the end of their lives. He explains how we can all lead a life more aligned with our goals, and how to find out what our true motivations are.

This is a deep dive into the psychology of high performance and clear thinking, and reveals how small changes can lead to monumental results in life and leadership.

Find Clear Thinking here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/clear-thinking-turning-ordinary-moments-into-extraordinary-results-shane-parrish/19635288

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Jake and Damian explore the archives as Damian shares his favourite lessons from Norwegian football manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

They reflect on where Ole’s motivation came from and the biggest lessons his father taught him. Whilst he is now known for his football management skills, Ole was also an elite footballer and talented striker, being regarded as one of the “ultimate finishers”.

They discuss how Ole reframed the challenges of being a striker, and the advice he received from Sir Alex Ferguson and Danny Welbeck.

Listen to the full episode with Ole: https://pod.fo/e/21718

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Drinkwater joins us on High Performance, taking this opportunity to announce his retirement from professional football. After an almost 20 year career, Danny takes some time to look back on his accomplishments, greatest lessons and biggest challenges.

After rising through the Youth Academy at Manchester United, Danny played for some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Leicester City. He takes Jake and Damian through his football career; from sitting on the bench at Manchester United aged 18, to being a key part of Leicester City’s Premier League winning squad. He shares the emotional rollercoaster of winning the Premier League, as well as the painful moment his Euro's opportunity was taken away. Having worked with legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri, Danny reflects on how they inspired and challenged him, both in his career and personal life.

Danny delves into what he believes makes a great football manager, emphasising the significance of personal management to bring out the best in players and build team momentum. They also discuss Danny’s difficult reality with mental health struggles, including dealing with rejection after new offers failed to materialise. Reflecting on his lowest point when he was arrested for drink-driving in 2019, Danny highlights the importance of mental health care and finding practical solutions to unhappiness.

This is a conversation about personal growth, overcoming the darkest moments and moving to a brighter future.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October, Jake and Damian spoke to a wide variety of guests, including a chef, philosopher, and physicist.

Jake and Damian take some time to reflect on they key lessons and biggest take-aways from each guest, including why we should embrace being wrong with Professor Brian Cox and why we should aim for averageness with Alain de Botton. With Alain they also discuss parenting, how to have a successful relationship and what high performance really means. Both Professor Brian Cox and Alain de Botton challenged Jake and Damian’s understanding of high performance.

Although both known for their work in the kitchen, Gordon Ramsay and Delia Smith offered very different learnings from their episodes. Gordon shares how he has pushed through life’s challenges to reach his best moments. Delia emphasises to Jake and Damian the importance of community building and how connection can improve our lives.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Professor Brian Cox: https://pod.fo/e/1f3c55

Alain de Botton: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0

Delia Smith: https://pod.fo/e/1f82be

Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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On this episode: a rare and poignant conversation on the life, aspirations, and motivations of chef and TV icon, Gordon Ramsay.

“I don’t want to stay in my lane, I want to own my lane”

Gordon Ramsay is a chef, restaurateur and television presenter, known for Kitchen Nightmares, Masterchef and Hell’s Kitchen. In this conversation, Gordon delves deep into what really drives him, how to cultivate a winning mindset and the most crucial lessons from his career so far. He shares with Jake and Damian how growing up in a challenging household, living in 15 different homes and a difficult relationship with his father, instilled in him a sense of purpose.

After suffering a career-ending football injury as a teenager, Gordon found his passion for the culinary arts. He discusses how he found the strength and resilience to pick himself back up from such a setback. Alongside his career developments, Gordon also shares the key to strong and successful family relationships. He highlights the importance of commitment and making time, even during the heights of his career. Gordon also speaks candidly about the experience of losing a child and how he and his partner have dealt with the trauma, focusing on the basis of their relationship: friendship.

Looking ahead, Gordon considers his future goals, including the pursuit of a third Michelin Star in France, which he regards as his final swan song in the culinary world. Despite his remarkable achievements across a forty-year career, Gordon and his team are far from finished.

Warning: There is swearing in this episode.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Jake and Damian re-wind the clock to when they spoke to FBI negotiator Chris Voss.

In this discussion Chris explains how techniques used in kidnapping negotiations can be used in our everyday lives. Jake shares how Chris’ teachings from this episode helped him to communicate with his wife, children, colleagues and even himself.

They reflect on some of the key missions in Chris’ career and how you can become an expert communicator.

Listen to the full episode with Chris here: https://pod.fo/e/d5dfb

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Pre-order our new book 'How To Change Your Life' https://linktr.ee/howtochangeyourlife

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To listen to the full episode right now, download the High Performance App and use code HPAPP: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Gordon Ramsay, chef and TV presenter, joins the podcast this coming Monday to discuss how he developed a winning mindset, how to grow from adversity and the highs and lows of his career so far.

In this exclusive episode preview, Gordon shares his advice for up-and-coming chefs facing challenges in their careers, and why finding your weakness is crucial to developing your skills. He debates with Jake the difference between arrogance and confidence.

This episode will be released on all platforms this coming Monday 23rd October, but to listen to the full episode today, download the High Performance App and using the code HPAPP: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Delia Smith CH CBE is a culinary icon having sold over 21 million cookery books, and is also joint majority shareholder of Norwich City FC. In this conversation, Delia opens up about her spiritual journey, the transformative power of community and her time at Norwich.

Her spirituality is a central theme of the episode - now at 82 years of age, she describes how her relationship to community, politics and silence has transformed over time. Delia shares with Jake and Damian how dedicating one hour (she started with just 10 minutes) a day to quiet time has reshaped her perspective on life's challenges.

Having been a key member of the Norwich football family for over 27 years, community is central to Delia’s life. Delia discusses how to create, support and maintain communities in a time when everyone feels so disconnected. Her time at Norwich has also brought many challenges, including joining the board when they were days from bankruptcy and dealing with rude fans and cruel chants. She shares what it feels like to find true freedom and how she has come to accept herself and the difficult realities of life.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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This episode is a fascinating conversation about self-worth, perspective, and the power of saying no.

Dr. Julie Smith is a highly regarded clinical psychologist known for her compassionate approach to mental health care and expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

With over two decades of experience, she has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals by helping them navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being.

In this episode, Dr Julie discusses how our choices today can lead to a better tomorrow, finding merit in balance throughout life, and focusing on what matters to us individuals. She explores how self worth is not based on what others think, but what we truly value.

Having worked with some of the most successful people, Dr Julie explains how many of these individuals have had some of the deepest struggles. She unravels our ‘unmet needs’ with Jake and Damian: love, belonging, and safety - and how in adulthood we can reflect on these to give perspective on day-to-day life.

- - - -

Get your tickets to An Audience with Sarina Wiegman - November 8th, Westminster Chapel:http://hppod.co/sarina-tickets

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This episode encourages us to explore a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and why we should be seeking fulfilment not happiness.

Alain de Botton is an author and philosopher, known for co-founding The School of Life in 2008. The School of Life was created to fill a void in our current education systems with the teaching of emotional intelligence. Alain’s work also focuses on love, parenthood, mental health and the meaning of success. During this episode, Jake, Damian and Alain dive deep into each of these subjects, exploring what a life filled with the constant search for knowledge could look like.

Alain shares what we can learn from our mental health struggles and how they can be revealing a deeper truth. This conversation highlights how important it is to lean into uncomfortable emotions to truly understand ourselves. Alain challenges Jake and Damian’s perceptions of what high performance really looks like, debating whether the fight for success actually leads to a good life, and why we should be embracing averageness.

Within this conversation they discuss why we’re obsessed with fame, how to be a better parent, the benefits of a breakdown and how we can improve our relationships.

Find Alain’s new book ‘A Therapeutic Journey’ here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/a-therapeutic-journey-lessons-from-the-school-of-life-alain-de-botton/7388674?ean=9780241642559

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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One of Damian’s all-time favourite episodes is the conversation they had with professional boxer, Josh Warrington.

Damian reflects out his key take aways from the episode and shares them with Jake. This includes, Josh sharing the techniques he uses to keep his anxieties and fear in control just before going into the ring. And in the event of a mistake, he ensures to take full responsibility, rather than making excuses and blaming others.

Jake and Damian also discuss one of the most powerful moments in all of the 200+ episodes that have been recorded; Josh states the power of friendship and the positive impact keeping those relationships strong has.

Listen to Josh’s full episode here: https://pod.fo/e/b5aaf

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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This is a conversation about science, philosophy, the meaning of life, and the unfathomable size of the universe.

Professor Brian Cox is a physicist, known for his astronomy and cosmology series’, including The Universe and Stargazing Live. He has performed on several sell-out arena tours, setting the Guinness World Record for the biggest selling science tour. Before his career in science, at age 18 Brian embarked on a musical career, forming a band with the ex-keyboarder from Thin Lizzy. Brian shares stories of his 5 years as a professional musician; as a keyboard player in the bands Dare and D:Ream. Having achieved in D in Maths A-level, Brian discusses with Jake and Damain how this experience taught him his greatest lesson: the importance of practice.

In this episode, Brian imparts invaluable wisdom on the pursuit of greatness and knowledge, and his belief that “very few people are naturally great”. He shares his secrets on summoning the courage to ask difficult questions and the importance of saying “I don’t know”. They discuss the greatest threat to humanity: human stupidity, and Brian offers insights on creating global cooperation in a world with the power to destroy itself.

Jake, Damian and Brian tackle life's biggest questions, whilst exploring life's more personal subjects: self-doubt, fear and finding confidence.

See Brian on his live tour ‘Horizons’: https://briancoxlive.co.uk/

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

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In September Jake and Damian chatted to a number of sports guests, but the conversations were far from sport centred. Each guest offered great learnings from their lives, including creating culture, what makes a great leader and how to be more present everyday.

They reflect on the conversation they had with Ryder Cup legends Luke Donald, Sam Torrance and Paul McGinley about their leadership styles and why Paul and Sam didn’t pick Luke to be in their team in 2014. Jake and Damian discuss Will Still’s open and authentic leadership style.

Jake and Damian had an honest and emotional conversation with Steve Hansen, the previous All Blacks' coach, on the hidden cost of high performance. Another vulnerable discussion was had with Paralympian David Smith MBE, who is currently dealing with the effects of a rare and invasive tumour. With David they consider the true importance of life.

The conversations that took place this month were reminders to take a pause and try to stay present.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Will Still: https://pod.fo/e/1ea4ea

Steve Hansen: https://pod.fo/e/1ecdda

David Smith MBE: https://pod.fo/e/1ef288

Ryder Cup Roundtable: https://pod.fo/e/1f190f

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

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This is an open discussion about leadership, creating culture and what makes a winning team.

To mark the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy, Jake and Damian host a roundtable discussion with current European captain, Luke Donald, and legends, Paul McGinley and Sam Torrance. As Team Europe Ryder Cup captains past and present, they offer a unique perspective on leadership, team culture, and the winning formula that defines this prestigious event. They debate what makes a good Ryder Cup captain and the ways they get the best attributes from their players.

Luke Donald shares his experiences under different captains and how this has now influenced the way he interacts with his players. He shares his key lessons from his first 13 months as captain, including battling imposter syndrome. Paul McGinley and Sam Torrance consider how they change the way they create a sense of comradery in the current digital age, in contrast to team meetings taking place in their captain’s bedroom back in 2004.

Paul and Sam reflect on their choice to not include Luke in their 2014 team. They share what went into this decision and what elements need to come together to create a winning team.

This Ryder Cup roundtable is a deep dive into the art of cultivating an open and communicative team, finding the delicate balance between talent and performing under pressure, and defining the legacy that extends beyond the competition itself. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a leader, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable lessons on what it means to lead, build culture, and win as a team at sport’s highest level.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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A common thread that runs throughout the hundreds of conversations on this podcast is the idea of sacrifice.

In this episode, Jake and Damian explore what the price of high performance really looks like. Although success looks great on the outside, it can come at the cost of collateral damage and difficult decisions. Looking back on their conversation with Dame Kelly Holmes, when she shared the impact sacrificing her mental health to be at the top of her game had.

They reflect on their discussions with Stephen Hendry, Rylan Clarke and Sir Ian McGeegan on the consequences of their drive to success.

Episodes mentioned:

Eddie Jones: https://pod.fo/e/b7048

Dame Kelly Holmes: https://pod.fo/e/1abee

Jonny Wilkinson: https://pod.fo/e/9cca4

Stephen Hendry: https://pod.fo/e/c12f9

Rangan Chatterjee: https://pod.fo/e/115f19

Rylan Clark: https://pod.fo/e/15d984

Sir Ian McGeechan: https://pod.fo/e/da9c4

Richard Dannatt: https://pod.fo/e/c6a61

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

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“Paralysis taught me how to live”

This emotional conversation is an honest and vulnerable discussion about life, death and understanding our purpose.

In 2010, David Smith was given a life changing diagnosis: a rare, cancerous tumour was found in his neck. A focused athlete, previously competing in karate, running and bobsled, David aimed to put all of his energy into competing in the 2012 Paralympic games as a rower; “I didn’t have time for a tumour”. But, after having surgery on the tumour, David suffered a stroke. This was the start of a new life for David.

After multiple surgeries and a number of complications, David is now fully paralysed on his left side. Despite winning gold for Rowing with Team GB at the 2012 Paralympics, what really stands out is David’s appreciation for every moment, his resilience, and his deep understanding of what it means to really live. In the face of battling cancer and living with paralysis, David's unwavering commitment to his purpose and daily philosophy shines through. He shares the importance of embracing vulnerability and the preciousness of time.

A total of 6 major life-threatening spinal surgeries in 13 years, 6 weeks of radiotherapy and learning to walk after each operation meant his sporting career became more about staying alive than winning medals. David shares his profound wisdom with Jake and Damian, exploring how he is attempting to come to terms with death and how he finds strength in vulnerability.

We’re left with the core of David’s message: “I’m not scared of dying, I’m scared of not living.”

This was recorded in front of a live audience at Happy Place Festival, there may be some background noise.

Follow David's journey here: https://www.instagram.com/davidsmithmbe/?hl=en

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

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Barry Hearn joined the podcast in 2022 to share his 10 life lessons. In this episode, Damian shares with Jake the top 3 lessons he learnt from Barry; the ones he still uses in his everyday life. These 3 lessons include, "it’s better to be lucky than good looking", "life is not changed by sitting on the sofa" and "life is going to end in tears, so you might as well make the most of it".

Jake and Damian reflect on these lessons and the way Barry’s version of high performance can be utilised in our daily lives.

Episodes mentioned:

Barry Hearn: https://pod.fo/e/157c60

Books mentioned:

The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-luck-factor-the-scientific-study-of-the-lucky-mind-richard-wiseman/11145449?ean=9781511376839

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

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This week’s episode provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a coaching legend Steve Hansen, revealing the key to success in the world of rugby and beyond.

Steve is a New Zealand rugby union coach and a former player. He famously led the All Blacks to victory during the 2015 Rugby World Cup as their head coach, a role he held from 2012 to 2019. This is a reflective, honest and vulnerable conversation with one of the world’s best coaches. Steve offers insights into his time with the All-Blacks, sharing his experiences coaching the greatest rugby team in history, and the task of redefining the concept of progress while sitting at the top of the world rankings.

Jake, Damian and Steve delve into the strategic mindset he brings to coaching, sharing five thought-provoking questions he constantly asks himself and his team:

What’s our identity and our legacy?

How fast can we learn about what’s going on in the game?

What are the places we’re struggling?

How fast can we adapt when things aren’t going our way?

What is our biggest goal?

They discuss his competitive and pride-driver alter-ego, Stanley, and how he has learnt to control this side of himself, offering valuable insights into the complexities of leadership. By prioritising simplicity, trust, and self-awareness, Steve explores how we can create a blueprint for high performance in any endeavour.

This episode was recorded at the Rugby Premiership Final at Twickenham, there may be some crowd noise in the background.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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To mark the start of the Rugby World Cup, Jake and Damian reflect on the conversations they have had with some of the most influential people in the game. We have been lucky enough to go into the training grounds, stadiums and dressing rooms and to hear the innermost thoughts of the key players past and present.

Hear from Sir Clive Woodward on the power of the individual in a great team. A former teammate of the legendary All Blacks, Dan Carter shares the details of the team meeting in which they decide they were going to be the worlds most dominant team. Jake and Damian consider the honest and open conversation they had with Siya Kolisi, who described what winning the world cup meant for all of South Africsa. As well as the above, we hear from some of the greatest players of the game, including Sam Burgess, Danny Cipriani and Eddie Jones.

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Will's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in the world of football management.

Will Still is a professional football manager and former player, currently managing Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims. Aged 30, he is the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues, and first became a manager at age 24. Will shares with Jake and Damian how he deals with outside pressure and how his commitment to honesty, vulnerability, and staying true to himself has been his guiding force. After dropping out of university in Belgium, Will moved to the UK to pursue a Football Coaching degree. Despite the culture shock, the move cemented Will’s commitment to a career in football.

They discuss how his style as a manager has developed since he first started, with vulnerability and honesty always being at the forefront of his work. Will discusses what it was like to turn down a job offer from Vincent Kompany and how a quiet self-confidence is crucial to his work. This is a conversation about passion, commitment and authenticity.

Will's journey reminds us that the road to success becomes much easier when we begin embracing our true self.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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August was filled with perspective changing and vulnerable conversations about what high performance really looks like. Jake takes a look back at some of the key insights from our guests over the last month.

Dr Waheed Arian challenged Jake's ever-shifting view of what high performance really means, by sharing the obstacles he overcame when moving from war torn Afghanistan to the UK at age 15 to become a doctor. Jake and Damian discussed how our biggest mistakes can make for our greatest achievements, with comedian Katherine Ryan.

Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso opened up about the true price of high performance, and Jake learns what Fernando would do differently a second time around. Our final guest of the month, Peter Attia, changed Jake's outlook on life with his idea of the centenarian decathlon.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Dr Waheed Arian: https://pod.fo/e/1ae402

Katherine Ryan: https://pod.fo/e/1df492

Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849

Peter Attia: https://pod.fo/e/1e7be5

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This episode contains the roadmap to a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Peter Attia is a physician, focused on the applied science of longevity and on a mission to unlock the secrets of extending human life. In this episode, he takes Jake and Damian through the 5 pillars of health, exploring the impact of nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress and supplementation.

These five essential aspects of our lives are the building blocks upon which our overall wellbeing is constructed. By analysing each of these pillars, Peter explains how they can be utilised to transform our lives and overall health and wellbeing.

Peter provides tangible actions that your future self will undoubtedly thank you for. Discover how setting goals for the final decade of your life can become a powerful source of motivation for making positive changes in your life today; “the seeds you sow in your youth, are the same flower that come to harvest later on”. Peter discusses how to improve your emotional wellbeing, including finding honest, fulfilling relationships and being able to properly regulate your emotions.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link  

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After over 200 episodes and almost 4 years of the High Performance Podcast, Jake and Damian take a moment to rewind through the episodes. For any brand new listeners, this is your ultimate guide to the key High Performance moments.

Jake and Damian reflect on their favourite guests, biggest lessons and most memorable moments from the very start of the High Performance journey to the most recent episode. To begin, Jake and Damian explore the why behind the podcast. They delve into how their understanding of high performance has evolved over the years, from deep and honest conversations with the world's highest achievers.

Listen to the full episodes from the guests mentioned in this episode:

Tyson Fury: https://pod.fo/e/14ef0f

Steven Hendry: https://pod.fo/e/c12f9

Jonny Wilkinson 2020: https://pod.fo/e/9cca4

Jonny Wilkinson 2022: https://pod.fo/e/12f77d

Dame Stephanie Shirley: https://pod.fo/e/16a443

Eddie Howe: https://pod.fo/e/14d4d9

Christian Horner - https://pod.fo/e/cda02

Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Fernando Alonso is a two-time Formula 1 World Champion, currently competing for the fast-rising Aston Martin F1 Team. Fernando has also driven for Alpine, McLaren, Ferrari, Minardi, and Renault, where he won the World Drivers' Championship in 2005 and 2006.

This episode explores what it takes to become an elite F1 driver, and how to maintain top level performance over a 20-year career.

Jake and Damian discover the origins of Fernando’s legendary racing career, dating back to his very first race at the age of three. They learn that despite Fernando’s unshakable self-confidence, he balances this with a unique awareness of his own limitations.

Alonso also gives insights to the transformation his two-year F1 hiatus had on him personally, deepening connections with his fans, and discovering an appreciation of the privileges of his position. He also opens up about his biggest regrets, and how he has dealt with failure since his championship winning years.

This conversation transcends the racetrack, offering lessons in determination, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Jake shares with Damian the conversation with Joe Wicks that transformed his life, completely shifting his view on what it means to be driven by purpose. They reflect on the importance of purpose over profit and how understanding your purpose can lead to clearer and more informed decision making.

Joe also offered practical advice for staying present and making time for the people who matter. He suggested people take “mini retirements” every year: whether it is a weekend or a month, a mini-retirement is time away from work and the pressures of everyday life to focus on family, friends, rest and relaxation. Jake reflects on how this has now become a crucial part of his life.

Listen to the full episode with Joe here: https://pod.fo/e/11450c

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Katherine Ryan is a comedian and writer, best known for her appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Taskmaster and her stand-up special on Netflix, Glitter Room. Originally from Canada, Katherine made the bold move to London in 2008, and shortly thereafter had her first daughter. Becoming a single mum at the age of 25 and isolated from family, Katherine shares with Jake and Damian how this experience fuelled her determination and resilience. “When I had nothing, I had everything”, Katherine’s focus and dedication to her daughter's well-being gave her the strength to fearlessly pursue her stand-up career.

In this episode, Katherine takes us behind the scenes of her comedy path, reflecting on her journey from scraping by as a single mom to her decision to create space for women in the industry by stepping away from Mock the Week. She offers insights into finding positivity in life and leading with gratitude, and sheds light on the reality of hard work.

Join us to hear Katherine’s laughter-filled journey, her resilience, and her valuable life lessons.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Damian shares his key take-aways from one of his favourite episodes ever recorded with guest Vicky Pattison. Vicky completely shifted Damian's assumptions about reality TV stars and he came away with a brand new formula to view life.

Jake and Damian take a look back on the conversation they had with Vicky and they lessons she shared that they still use in their life today. Including, how she moved away from a strict work ethic to keep the passion for her career alive; the numbering system for everyday that has completely transformed her life and how we can categorise the most important people in our lives.

Vicky’s episode is a valuable reminder that everyone, no matter their background, has valuable lessons which we can all learn from.

Listen to Vicky's episode here: https://pod.fo/e/105426

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Dr. Waheed Arian, a doctor and radiologist, endured a challenging upbringing in war-torn Afghanistan, and at 15, he was smuggled to the UK. He had a singular ambition: to become a doctor. In a heartfelt conversation with Jake and Damian, he candidly reveals the harsh realities of living amongst bombings and military presence. He recounts visiting his father in hiding, who sought to evade front-line military service.

Such traumatic experiences have shaped Waheed's character, instilling vital lessons he carries to this day. He shares with Jake and Damian the key lessons he learnt from his childhood and how he still carries them with him. The loss of childhood innocence early on forged a determined mindset, focused on supporting and caring for his family. Throughout the darkest times, his dream of becoming a doctor served as a lifeline.

Waheed discusses the moment of kindness that changed his life, the importance of responsibility and how we can find meaning in what we do.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Jake and Damian reflect on the insightful and inspiring conversations they’ve had in July, delving a little deeper into some of the key lessons from each episode.

They rediscover the teachings shared by Dan Carter on how to navigate change whilst entering retirement. In one of the most emotional episodes ever recorded, Ashley Cain reveals how his late daughter Azaylia transformed his life and how her memory lives on today.

From the conversation with Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, firefighter and author, Jake and Damian reflect on fault vs responsibility and how we can guide ourselves through challenging times. Finally, they take a look at how to find your why with Simon Sinek.

There were some invaluable take-aways from each guest this month, you can listen to the full episodes here:

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton: https://pod.fo/e/18cd7c

Dan Carter: https://pod.fo/e/18914c

Simon Sinek: https://pod.fo/e/18ee0e

Ashley Cain: https://pod.fo/e/18aebc

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Steve Parish is a businessman and the co-owner and chairman of Crystal Palace F.C. After beginning his career in computer graphics, Steve went on to acquire multiple companies. He transformed TagWorldwide into a global production powerhouse with over 2,800 employees in 13 countries. In 2010, Steve acquired Crystal Palace, saving the club from administration, and building the foundations for the growth of the club over the 13 years that followed. In this episode, he shares the secrets to his success, and behind his failings, at every stage of his career.

Steve discusses the “hard graft” he put in from a young age, and shares how emotional intelligence can guide you through every interaction. Jake and Damian explore his purchase of Crystal Palace, how he interacts with the club as an owner, and how important the club is to him having been a childhood fan. They delve deep into what drives Steve, his key to hiring the best people and how he builds a great company.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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This is the final episode of our new Leadership Series, sponsored by PwC, in which we will be diving deep into what it really takes to be a great leader.

Emily Maitlis is a journalist, presenter of the ground-breaking daily podcast The News Agents, documentary filmmaker and former BBC Newsnight anchor. She is known for her skilled and informative interviews including THAT interview for Newsnight. In this conversation, they explore what it means to be an excellent interviewer. They discuss how Emily creates a compelling narrative, how she prepares for each interview and what her main objective always is.

She shares with Jake and Damian how covering traumatic events, such as school shootings in the US, the Paris terror attacks and Grenfell, has taken its toll. They discuss how she, and the Newsnight team secured the highly significant Prince Andrew interview, and the immense pressure that came with it.

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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To celebrate the Women’s World Cup, Jake and Damian take a look back at the conversations they had with former England players Alex Scott, Steph Houghton, and Jill Scott, as well as former manager Phil Neville.

Jake and Damian listen back to their chat with Jill about how the experience for female footballers has completely transformed. Steph shares what it was like to put women’s football on the map, and how she realised her life would change when she returned home after winning. Alex and Phil share their experiences with the Lionesses and how it changed their lives.

Listen to the episodes mentioned in this episode:

Phil Neville - https://pod.fo/e/2680b

Alex Scott - https://pod.fo/e/14421c

Jill Scott - https://pod.fo/e/17147d

Steph Houghton - https://pod.fo/e/ad8e0

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Simon Sinek is an author and inspirational speaker. Simon is known for his books ‘Start with Why’ and ‘Find Your Why’, both of which focus on how to find your purpose and help those in your life find it too. Finding your Why, is the idea that “everyone knows what we do, some of us know how we do it, but very few of us can articulate why we do what we do.” Great leaders think, act and communicate in the exact same way, which is completely different from everyone else. They tell people why they do what they do, rather than what they do. In this episode, they delve into how Simon found his why, after becoming unfulfilled in work and life whilst at career high point and how he helps others find their why too.

They also discuss how you cannot be a high performer on your own. He shares language is crucial when giving feedback and how to shape criticism so those in power will respond well to it. This episode is a deep dive into finding your purpose, using your best attributes to their fullest and what makes a great leader.

Listen to Simon help Jake find his ‘Why’ exclusively on the High Performance App.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Find Simon’s book ‘Start with Why’ here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/start-with-why-how-great-leaders-inspire-everyone-to-take-action-simon-sinek/239994?ean=9780241958223

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This is the third episode of our new Leadership Series, sponsored by PwC, in which we will be diving deep into what it really takes to be a CEO.

Timo Armoo is an entrepreneur, speaker and co-founder of Fanbytes, a social media and marketing agency. Timo founded Fanbytes at age 21 whilst in university, eventually selling at aged 27 for an eight figure exit. In this conversation, we delve deep into Timo’s entrepreneurial mind, exploring what makes a great business idea, finding a core purpose and knowing when a good opportunity arises.

They discuss how his upbringing in Ghana, and then his teenage years in South West London, influenced his career. Timo shares the impact small wins can have, how to carefully choose your team and how he has “never had an original idea”.

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton is a firefighter, psychologist and writer. In this episode Sabrina proves that nothing is fixed, where you start isn’t important, it’s where you end up. From experiencing homelessness as a teenager, after the death of her father, to working her way up in the fire service, joining at age 18.

She shares with Jake and Damian her experience making life changing decisions whilst being in the fire service, offering a clear and concise decision making formula. Women are traditionally taught not to take risks, from an early age the fear of failure is ingrained into women but Sabrina is challenging this idea. She is encouraging the discussion of gender bias and shares with Jake and Damian how they can do the same in their everyday lives. Sabrina explores why she seeks to understand people, how to re-calibrate trauma and overcoming struggle.

You can find Sabrina’s new book ‘The Gender Bias’ here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-gender-bias-the-barriers-that-hold-women-back-and-how-to-break-them-dr-sabrina-cohen-hatton/7401232?ean=9781788707220

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

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This is the second episode of our new Leadership Series, sponsored by PwC, in which we will be diving deep into what it really takes to be a CEO.

Tessa Clarke is the co-founder and CEO of Olio, the free app that connects users with unwanted food (from households or local businesses) with neighbours living nearby who would like it. Tessa is driven by purpose, aiming to reduce food waste and tackle climate change. She shares with Jake and Damian why Olio was created, how to build a brand and stay resilient in the face of challenge and set backs. She also reveals her key recruitment tips.

They discuss what can be done at an individual level to care for the environment and why we should be sharing, rather than discarding.

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashley Cain is a former professional footballer and TV personality. In 2020, his 8 week old daughter Azaylia Cain was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. During Azaylia’s battle with cancer, Ashley and Azaylia’s mum, Safiyya, raised over £1 million in 24 hours for her health care. After her death in April 2021, at just 8 months old, Ashley and Safiyya set up ‘The Azaylia Foundation’, which supports families and provides memorable experiences for children fighting cancer.

In this episode, Ashley shares with Jake and Damian everything the life and loss of Azaylia has taught him. They discuss how the struggle can make us appreciate the small moments, staying present and connected to those in our life. Ashley shares how “even though my heart is broken into a million pieces, that’s a million pieces of love I can share with others in this world”.

You can find Ashley’s book ‘Strong: Life, loss and eternal love for my daughter’ here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/strong-ashley-cain/7408996?ean=9781788709408

Click here for more information on The Azaylia Foundation: https://theazayliafoundation.com/

- - -

You can download the new High Performance App here and use the access code to get in 

https://thehighperformanceapp.com

Access code: HPAPP

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This is the first episode of our Leadership Series, sponsored by PwC, in which we will be diving deep into what it really takes to be a CEO.

Steve Hare is a businessman and CEO of Sage Group PLC, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll tech for small and mid-sized businesses. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Steve shares with Jake and Damian his insights into the business world, including the benefit of being older in business, how to face the challenges of being CEO and the key advice he would give young entrepreneurs.

Prior to Sage, after achieving his career ambition of reaching CFO below the age of 40 (one of the youngest in the FTSE 100), Steve was asked to leave 18 months later. Although this was one of the lowest moments of his career, Steve shares with Jake and Damian the invaluable lessons he took away from this experience. They discuss how to hire good people, the ‘Waiter Test’ and how crucial a “team comes first” culture is.

Thank you to PwC for sponsoring this special CEO Series. PwC’s purpose is to build trust and solve important problems, and their global strategy - The New Equation - is bringing this to life for their clients, people and society. By combining technology with human ingenuity, passion and experience, PwC works with organisations to deliver more intelligent, sustained outcomes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a look ahead to our forthcoming PWC leadership series which begins this Friday. Listen in to hear a preview of interviews with Steve Hare (Sage CEO), Tessa Clarke (Olio CEO) and Timothy Armoo (founder of Fanbytes).

Episodes will be released weekly on Fridays for the month of July

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Welcome to our 200th Episode Special with Dan Carter, recorded live at Hackney Empire!

We first spoke to Dan, All-Blacks legend and one of the greatest rugby players of all time, almost 2 years ago. He returns to the podcast to discuss how his view of high performance, and his overall mindset, has evolved since the first conversation we had with him. He shares the struggles he faced after leaving the All Blacks and the issues and fears this brought up for him: navigating change, loss of identity and hiding from retirement . They discuss the idea of repurposing, finding a new purpose after a big life change and what his life looks like now.

Dan shares his key lessons from being an All Black, what the culture looked like and how crucial journalling has been in fulfilling his goals. They reflect on the key moments in Dan’s life, including his 2011 injury, and how he’s transformed his struggle into positive learnings.

You can also listen exclusively to the live audience Q&A with Dan right now on The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP

https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

This conversation was inspired by Dan’s new book, The Art of Winning: Ten Lessons in Leadership, Purpose and Potential. Find Dan’s book here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-art-of-winning-lessons-learned-by-one-of-the-world-s-top-sportsmen-dan-carter/7312649?ean=9781529146196

Listen to our first episode with Dan here: https://pod.fo/e/f5fc4

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Jake and Damian take some time to reflect on the conversations they’ve had in June, delving a little deeper into some of the key lessons from each episode.

They explore the idea of finding your purpose with Kevin Sinfield, how they would have done the interview with Edwin van der Sar differently with the knowledge he left Ajax a few days later. They also examine how to challenge negative thoughts with Tom Grennan’s method of “thought flipping”, wrapping up the conversation with the importance of asking for help and the power you can find when all seems lost, with Matt Willis.

There were some incredible and insightful take-aways from each guest this month, you can listen to the full episodes here:

Kevin Sinfield - https://pod.fo/e/1819c9

Edwin Van Der Sar - https://pod.fo/e/183472

Tom Grennan - https://pod.fo/e/185044

Matt Willis - https://pod.fo/e/186e2b

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Matt Willis, the musician and singer known for co-founding Busted, joins the podcast to speak about the true impact of addiction. We discuss why addiction is such a taboo subject, how to approach difficult conversations with your loved ones and the journey to recovery. Matt shares the struggles he faced in his youth and how they spiraled into addiction. After Busted split up when he was only 21, he felt his life lacked direction and purpose. He discusses how he found his purpose again and how crucial his family are.

In this episode, Matt shares his thoughts on shame, fault vs. responsibility, challenging yourself and much more. This is an emotional and moving conversation about hope and empathy.

Watch Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001m0jq/matt-willis-fighting-addiction

If you’re affected by any issues in this episode, please find more information here: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice

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George Groves is a former professional boxer, he competed for 10 years and held a WBA Super-Middleweight title. In March 2018, he was ranked as the Worlds Best Active Super-Middleweight Boxer. George shares his desire to lead to the front, going at things alone, and the negative impact that can have. He won the world title on his fourth attempt, he offers advice on never giving up and why he would always choose to go back to his most challenging defeats.

He spoke to us about the struggles in his career, the great moments, the hard moments and why he had to do things differently than other people.

Former world champion and now host of the George Groves boxing club podcast: https://bit.ly/44cgiub

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Today we welcome musician Tom Grennan to The High Performance Podcast. I’m sure you immediately start to think of some of the awesome songs that Tom’s released, but there is so much about his story, his mindset and resilience that you don’t know. You’re about to hear a conversation with Tom, like you’ve never heard him before.

He’s going to share with you the hours of therapy he’s had, which has helped him when approaching any challenge in life to flip his thoughts. He can transform typically negative emotions, like envy or doubt, into positives. The most notable example of this is when he was the victim of a random attack. He could have been really badly derailed by it, but through a lot of work he was able to completely change his mindset.

Tom has had some really tough moments, but he has come through them. I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to sit down with someone as humble, determined, talented and deep-thinking as Tom Grennan.

Get tickets to our live tour: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/live2023

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To celebrate Fathers Day 2023 in the UK, Jake and Damian discuss the importance of father figures. They look back on how previous guests lives have been shaped by their dads. The two also share what Father's Day means to them now they're both dads and how their fathers have shaped and influenced their paths in life.

They discuss sacrifice, tough love and psychological safety whilst hearing from guests such as Johanna Konta, Jost Capito and Keir Starmer.

Listen to the guests mentioned here:

Sir Ian McGeechan - https://pod.fo/e/da9c4

Johanna Konta - https://pod.fo/e/df4c6

Jost Capito - https://pod.fo/e/13e9fa

Angela Ruggiero - https://pod.fo/e/fb0cb

Tom Daley - https://pod.fo/e/1760c

Sam Burgess - https://pod.fo/e/1474a8

Dylan Hartley - https://pod.fo/e/1a11b

Liz Humphrey - https://pod.fo/e/16d3c0

Keir Starmer - https://pod.fo/e/16f84a

Gary Lineker - https://pod.fo/e/13e9fa

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In this interview, we welcome Edwin Van De Sar. The man who went from player to CEO, who won four Eredivisie titles, four Premier League Crowns and the Champions League, among many other accolades in his career.

We recorded this in a hotel room overlooking the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, the home of Ajax Football Club. Edwin, at the time of recording, was the Chief Executive of the football club. He walked into the room and I said to him, “how are things?” The reply was a one word swear word. Immediately it was clear to us that pressure was taking its toll on this guy. We then spoke at length about the truth of what life's like at the top of a football club.

We talk about the scrutiny, we talk about the criticism, the questions, the pain and the impact on his family. Of course, we also talk about his playing days. What he learned at Manchester United, what it was like in that great Ajax team. Some of the challenges he faced as a Holland International and the great players he's played with.

A couple of days after the conversation, it was announced that Edwin had decided to quit as the CEO Ajax. So this now lives as the final interview that he gave as the CEO.

I think that we will now listen to it with fresh ears, with an even deeper understanding of the challenges that he was under.

Enjoy!

Love, Jake

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To mark the Champions League final, Jake reflects on the conversations they have had with a range of guests about the Champions League. In this episode, you will hear from Jordan Henderson, Kieran Trippier, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino among others about their relationship to the competition.

This final of the Champions League also a very significant game for Jake as it will be the last ever match he hosts on BT Sport, after a decade of presenting on the channel. He shares how he feels about the significant moment and his final time hosting a competition that many consider to be the pinnacle of the game.

Listen to the full episodes:

Rio Ferdinand: https://pod.fo/e/15914

Mauricio Pochettino: https://pod.fo/e/16521

Kieran Trippier: https://pod.fo/e/17a67f

Steven Gerrard: https://pod.fo/e/a33ba

Frank Lampard: https://pod.fo/e/136b50

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Kevin Sinfield returns to the podcast, after two years, to discuss how his career, mindset and approach to life has changed since Jake and Damian last sat down with him.

Kevin is a rugby coach, currently the defense coach for the England Rugby Union national team. In his career as a player, spanning almost three decades with Leeds Rhinos, Kevin played 521 games for the club, finishing with 3,968 points. As a coach, he was a key part of the World Cup management team that took England back to the World Cup Final in 2017.

In this episode, Kevin shares how Rob Burrow’s diagnosis has changed his life, including finding fulfilment, community and providing hope to others. He discusses his most important lessons as a coach and why it is so crucial to focus on empathy. Jake and Damian catch up on everything they’ve missed in the last two years, including how he gets through the most difficult days, the importance of family and overcoming micro-annoyances.

Kevin’s book The Extra Mile: My Autobiography is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Mile-My-Autobiography/dp/152990305X

Donate to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Appeal: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/Appeal/mnd-centre-appeal

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Jake and Damian reflect on their key-takeaways from the guests that joined the podcast in May. They take a look at each episode from the previous month, curating the key lessons from each guest.

They analyse Lord Billimoria’s 10 P’s for business, how Gary Barlow creates the best concert experience and how he deals with failure. They delve deep into building partnerships with Premier League CEO of the Year, Paul Barber and Kieran Trippier on why team spirit is so important.

Listen to the episodes here:

Lord Billimoria: https://pod.fo/e/178a56

Gary Barlow: https://pod.fo/e/17fc0b

Paul Barber: https://pod.fo/e/17de80

Kieran Trippier: https://pod.fo/e/17a67f

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