The High Performance Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Jacques Villeneuve | Papaya Team Politics & Hamilton's Next Chapter (E383) Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Jacques Villeneuve is a Formula One World Champion, a racing icon, and one of the sport’s most candid, uncompromising thinkers. Known for his fearless honesty and unique path to the top, Jacques brings a perspective shaped by triumph, loss, and a lifelong obsession with competition.

In this episode, Jake sits down with Jacques to explore what truly defines a champion’s mindset, on track and in life. Jacques talks about the pressure of leading a championship, the mental shift required to defend what you’ve earned, and why the fear of losing can be more intense than the hunger to win. He reflects on the evolution of today’s drivers, from Lando Norris stepping into a winning identity to the quiet battles within teams that push a competitor to prove they deserve to lead.

Jacques also opens up about handling criticism in the modern era, developing the thick skin needed to survive public scrutiny, and how adversity shaped his resilience. He dives into the importance of passion, responsibility, and embracing unconventional paths, revealing how lessons from hockey, skiing, and personal tragedy helped forge the champion he became.

This conversation offers deep insights into the psychology of elite performance, the realities behind racing’s brightest moments, and the inner drive required to continually grow, adapt, and compete at the highest level.

Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now:

https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au

Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now:

Audio link: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au

Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀

https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

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

How Liverpool Used Data to Sign Mo Salah, Allison, and Van Dijk | Dr Ian Graham Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In football, we often obsess over the goals, the trophies, the star players. But for Dr Ian Graham, the real story sits in the unseen decisions and quiet calculations that shape everything a club becomes.

In this episode, Ian pulls back the curtain on Liverpool’s transformation, revealing how data challenged old assumptions and opened the door to one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern era. From recognising Mo Salah’s potential when others overlooked him to navigating internal battles over recruitment, Ian explains the thinking, the risk, and the conviction behind the signings that changed everything.

With clarity and humility, he reflects on the mistakes, the debates, and the culture that allowed bold choices to thrive, offering a rare look at the work behind Liverpool’s rise and the principles that still guide his approach to the game.

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

John Legend: Why He Chose an 'Audacious' Name And How It Changed Him Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off and to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp

John Legend didn’t set out to become “Legend.” The name found him long before the world did. In this episode Damian is joined by EGOT winner John Legend to explore how a simple nickname evolved into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Before being a ‘legend’, he was John Stevens, a management consultant working on spreadsheets by day and hustling in studios by night. We explore how a nickname turned into a new identity, and how that identity shaped John’s behaviour, ambition, and artistry. Drawing on research from psychology, from the Proteus Effect to the Batman Effect, we uncover how stepping into a bigger version of ourselves can elevate performance long before results arrive.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why adopting a new identity can raise your standards instantly
How John used “Legend” as a behavioural challenge, not branding
The psychology of alter egos
How identity influences confidence, resilience, and creativity
Practical ways to choose and step into an identity that helps you perform

This episode is a powerful reminder that names aren’t just labels, they’re scripts. And sometimes the fastest way to grow is to choose a name that demands it.

Listen to the full episode with John Legend: https://pod.fo/e/2dda44

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

The Secret to Feeling Calm When Out of Your Depth Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

We all feel out of our depth, but the real secret is learning to stay calm anyway.

In this episode, Jake and Damian explore a universal human experience, the moments when we feel completely out of our depth, and reveal why calmness, clarity, and growth often begin right there. Drawing on powerful lessons from guests like Tom Aspinall, Petr Čech, Alex Greenwood, Nick Cox, and Alex Honnold, they uncover the mindset shifts that help us stay steady when everything feels uncertain.

They discuss the importance of naming your fears instead of suppressing them, accepting what you can’t control, and breaking big challenges into small, manageable steps. Through stories of athletes and leaders who chose discomfort, built resilience through “micro-dosed” challenge, and repeatedly stepped into the unknown, Jake and Damian show that fear isn’t a sign you’re failing, it’s a sign you’re expanding.

This episode is a reminder that the secret to feeling calm isn’t eliminating fear, but learning to move with it: acknowledge it, act despite it, and trust that confidence grows through action, not certainty.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Tom Aspinall: https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e

Petr Čech: https://pod.fo/e/21c565

Alex Greenwood: https://pod.fo/e/30cbd0

Nick Cox: https://pod.fo/e/138399

Alex Honnold: https://pod.fo/e/25ce8e

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

How Changing Shoes Got Me Gold! Olympic Champion Denise Lewis Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp

Denise Lewis knows what it feels like to stand on the biggest stage in the world with everything on the line. But what makes her story remarkable isn’t just the gold medal, it’s the simple habit that helped her win it: the power of a reset.

At the Sydney Olympics, after a shaky high jump that threatened her entire heptathlon, Denise didn’t spiral or cling to the mistake. She walked back to her room, reached for a different pair of shoes, slicked her hair back, and told herself: “You’re not Denise anymore, you’re Astrid.” With that small ritual, she shifted her identity, her energy, and her belief. It wasn’t superstition, it was psychology. Long before researchers named it “enclothed cognition,” Denise was living it: what you put on the outside can transform what you feel on the inside.

In this episode, we explore how Denise turned seven events into seven fresh starts, and how the same principle can help all of us recover faster, perform under pressure and move forward after setbacks. Together, we dig into:

Why symbols and rituals help us reset after mistakes

How acceptance clears the mind and restores decision-making

The alter-ego effect and why borrowing strength works

What resilience really looks like in the moments no one sees

How transitions, at work, at home, or in sport, shape our identity

If you’ve ever struggled to let go of a bad moment, wished for a clean slate, or needed a way to step into the next chapter with confidence, Denise’s story has something powerful to teach.

Listen to the full episode with Denise Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/2c05ac

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

Why Your Gut Controls Your Mood, Energy, and Performance: Prof. Tim Spector (E381) Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

We welcome back world-leading gut health expert Tim Spector to unpack the simple, science-backed shifts that can dramatically transform your wellbeing. Tim explains why the gut sits at the centre of immunity, energy, mood, and long-term health, and why modern diets have quietly broken the delicate ecosystem our bodies rely on.

He reveals the overlooked power of fermented foods, the ancient “food alchemy” our ancestors relied on, and why these gut-friendly ferments often outperform common fibre hacks. From busting myths about salt, fats, probiotics, and coffee to explaining the rapid benefits of gut rest and time-restricted eating, Tim offers practical, inclusive steps anyone can take, starting today.

This is a hopeful, transformative conversation that reframes nutrition not as restriction, but as adding diversity, culture, and life back into your food, giving you the single most effective fix to repair your gut and reshape your health.

Surfshark 👉 Go to https://surfshark.com/highperformance or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now:

https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au

Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

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

Barry Hearn: How I Still Wake Up Every Day Hungry to Win Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

Barry Hearn joins Jake and Damian for a no-nonsense masterclass in ambition, resilience, and the mindset that turned a kid from a council estate into one of the most influential figures in global sport. The legendary Matchroom founder opens up about the work ethic shaped by his formidable mother, the chip on his shoulder that fuelled his rise, and the Christmas Eve moment in 1988 when he stood on the brink of bankruptcy, before one audacious deal changed everything.

Across the conversation, Barry lays out his 10 Rules for Life: why “everything is a competition,” how sheer graft can make you look like a genius, why honesty is a superpower, and what it means to be “unbeatable” even when life dents you. He reflects on building empires in snooker, darts, and boxing, the importance of thinking poorly to stay sharp, and the role fire, fun, and relentless optimism have played in his seven decades of success.

This is Barry Hearn in full force, funny, fierce, and fiercely honest, offering the timeless laws of success from a man who refuses to be beaten.

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

The Training That Changed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Game | Rene Meulensteen Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

What if one word could unlock potential, or shut it down completely?

When Rene Meulensteen coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, he didn't start with tactics. He started with language. The words he chose made the difference between a player who could score goals and one obsessed with scoring them.

In this episode, Damian explores the essential habit that separates good coaching from greatness: mind your language. Discover why Rene never said "change", only "add." Learn how Sir Alex Ferguson's flip chart philosophy shaped United's dominance. And find out how a Roger Federer moment transformed their Champions League campaign.

Featuring insights from psychology (the famous Loftus & Palmer study on how words reshape memory), plus behind-the-scenes stories from United's golden era, this episode reveals how elite performers use language to frame reality, lower threat, and spark possibility.

Together we explore:

Why "change" triggers defensiveness, and what word opens people up instead
How Ronaldo transformed into a goal-scoring machine
Ferguson's "if that doesn't work, we gamble" mentality
The myth of the hairdryer treatment, and what really happened at halftime

René reminds us that high performance isn’t just built on drills and repetitions, it’s built on the words that shape how people feel, learn, and grow.

If you’ve ever wanted to give better feedback, build trust faster, or help someone reach a level they didn’t know they had in them, this conversation with René is worth your time.

Listen to the full episode with René Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6

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

Sir Gareth Southgate: The Truth About Leaving England (E380) Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

We welcome back Sir Gareth Southgate to High Performance for his most open and reflective conversation yet.

In this episode, Gareth breaks his silence on England’s “almost” era, revealing the fear of failure, pressure of history, and fine margins that have shaped his time as manager. He discusses the burden of expectation, the culture of small daily habits and respect he’s built, and the empathy and vulnerability that define his modern approach to leadership.

From handling Wayne Rooney’s retirement to protecting players from public scrutiny, Southgate opens up about the realities of leading under relentless pressure, the evolution of England’s team culture, and what legacy truly means beyond trophies.

This is a rare, honest conversation with one of football’s most thoughtful leaders, about resilience, accountability, and what it really takes to lead a nation.

🚨 Partners

Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now:

https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au

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Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-visitseattle-au

Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀

https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817

HP Foundation 👉 Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉 Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

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

Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

Most of us care far too much about what other people think, and it’s holding us back.

In this episode, Jake and Damian break down how to free yourself from the need for approval, drawing on powerful insights from Adam Grant, Fernando Alonso, Mat Fraser, Mark Manson, and Paul McKenna. They explore how to filter feedback, value the right opinions, and view criticism as a privilege rather than a burden.

From finding joy without seeking validation to praising effort instead of identity, this conversation shows that confidence grows when you listen to the right voices, and stop giving attention to the wrong ones. A practical guide to living with more authenticity, courage, and clarity.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4

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

Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0

Mark Manson: https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7

Paul McKenna: https://pod.fo/e/2112fb

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