The High Performance Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What Episodes Should You Play for Your Kids - And Why? Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

If you could choose just one conversation for your kids to listen to, what wisdom would you want them to take away?

In this powerful episode, Jake and Damian explore the timeless lessons that go beyond sport, success, or achievement, lessons designed to shape character, purpose, and resilience for the next generation.

From Sam Tomkins’ belief in the power of “1% actions,” to Hector Garcia’s introduction of Ikigai and living with purpose, and Robin Van Persie’s story about responsibility and ownership, the conversation uncovers practical guidance for building character, not just success.

Listen in as Jake and Damian reflect on why psychological safety and unconditional support matter most, creating environments where young people feel safe to fail, grow, and thrive.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Sam Tomkins: https://pod.fo/e/14cdef

Hector Garcia: https://pod.fo/e/172552

Robin Van Persie: https://pod.fo/e/18789

Mel Robbins: https://pod.fo/e/ed46f

Vicky Pattison: https://pod.fo/e/105426

Lewis Morgan: https://pod.fo/e/11b36e

Jonathan Haidt: https://pod.fo/e/2a4563

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Why Building Trust Beats Being Liked, with Martin Lewis Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Trust is one of those things we all rely on, yet rarely stop to examine. We know when it’s there, we know when it’s broken, but how is it built, and how do you keep it when the pressure is at its highest?

Martin Lewis has become one of the most trusted figures in Britain, not by being popular, but by being useful. He’s challenged politicians in Downing Street, taken on corporations, and given millions of people advice when they needed it most. His influence doesn’t come from clever slogans or branding, but from a habit that runs through everything he does: consistency, honesty, and care.

In this episode, I share the lessons I’ve taken from Martin’s approach to trust. Together, we explore:

Why trust isn’t built through image, but through action
The Trust Triangle: authenticity, logic, and empathy
Why empathy is the quality that makes people not just listen, but believe
How trust grows from small choices repeated consistently
What leaders, teams, and families can learn from Martin’s approach

Whether you’re leading a team, guiding a business, or simply trying to strengthen relationships in your own life, this is a powerful reminder that trust isn’t a strategy.

Here is more information on the studies referenced:

26th Annual Global CEO Survey (PWC Study, 2023)
The Best Place To Work (Book, Dr. Ron Friedman, Ph.D, 2014)
The Trust Triangle: Authenticity, Logic, Empathy (Professor Frances Frei, Harvard Business School)

Listen to the full episode with Martin Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/22a519

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

Craig Bellamy: Why I Had to Hide Behind a Persona & How I Lead Wales With Honesty (E368) Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Former Premier League star and manager of the Welsh national team Craig Bellamy is known for his fiery temper and relentless energy on the pitch. Once defined by chaos and controversy, he’s stepped into one of the most important roles in his country’s football history, carrying both pride and pressure as he leads Wales into a new era.

In this episode, Bellamy pulls back the curtain on his journey from volatile forward to thoughtful coach. He opens up about the infamous incidents that once dominated headlines, the mental health battles he faced after losing Gary Speed, and the therapy that gave him tools to keep moving forward.

Bellamy also speaks about the transformation that came with coaching, how working alongside Vincent Kompany taught him patience, balance, and the importance of boundaries.

This episode offers a story of resilience and redemption, showing how one of football’s most misunderstood figures is finding peace, purpose, and a second chance at defining his legacy.

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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

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The Subtle Art Author, Mark Manson: How To Rebuild After Burnout Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***. We start at the exact moment his book became a global bestseller. Mark says that when it blew up he was the most depressed he’d been since his teens and explains why success did not fix him.

Mark unpacks the hedonic treadmill and the cost of constant chasing and how your identity can get tangled with performance, sharing raw stories of burnout, grief, and the hard choices that forced him to stop ‘performing’.

He offers simple practices he used to rebuild direction and meaning. Listen as Mark walks you through the fallout, the recovery, and the small actions that changed everything. You’ll hear questions to test your own relationship with success.

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20

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Toto Wolff's No-Nonsense Habit That Built Mercedes’ F1 Dynasty Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In high-performance sport, pressure is constant. In Formula 1, it’s relentless.

Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, has led his team to record-breaking success. But what stands out most isn’t the trophies, it’s the clarity that drives him.

In this episode, I share the lesson I’ve taken from Toto’s approach to leadership: walk in line with your why. When the world moves fast, when the noise is deafening, it’s easy to be pulled in every direction. Toto shows that knowing your purpose, and staying true to it, is what keeps you steady.

We explore:

How to lead with purpose under extreme pressure
The role of reflection in high-performance decision making
Why your values matter more than your circumstances
The mindset that keeps champions grounded

Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to stay focused in a chaotic world, this is a powerful reminder that the pace doesn’t matter if you know exactly where you’re going.

Here is more information on the studies referenced:

A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals (Martin Ocarsson et al, 2020)
Intention–Behavior Relations: A Conceptual and Empirical Review of Past Research(Paschal Sheeran 2002)
Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life(Dr. Susan David 2016)
Implementation Intentions: Strong Effects of Simple Plans(Peter M. Gollwitzer 1999)

Listen to the full episode with Toto Wolff: https://pod.fo/e/28074d

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

Max Verstappen’s Trainer Uncovers What Makes Him Unstoppable | Bradley Scanes (E367) Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Bradley Scanes isn’t just a fitness coach, he’s the guy who makes sure Max Verstappen steps into every race weekend as the most prepared driver on the grid, physically and mentally. As Max’s performance coach, he’s been in the trenches for every lap, every mind game, and every championship push.

In this episode, Bradley lifts the lid on what makes Max almost impossible to beat. From the instant “switch” focus that kicks in the second he hits engineering briefings, to the freakish sensitivity that lets him feel the tiniest change in a car setup, Bradley paints a picture of a driver who operates on another level.

We also dive into the behind-the-scenes strategies that shape a world champion, from building his own virtual track to train before Red Bull even had the simulation, to pulling off calculated mind games that rattled rivals without touching his on-track performance.

This is an inside look at the obsession, discipline, and psychology that power one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, straight from the man who helps keep him there.

🚨 Partners

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1

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FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-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

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Emily Maitlis: What Really Happened Before the Prince Andrew Interview Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're joined by renowned journalist and former BBC newsreader, Emily Maitlis, who takes us behind the scenes of her iconic interview with Prince Andrew, sharing how she prepared for the encounter, the tension in the room, and the aftermath of a moment that became a defining chapter in British journalism.

She reflects on the teamwork, editorial precision, and personal focus required to deliver an interview that captured the world’s attention and reshaped public discourse.

Listen in as Emily Maitlis recounts the build-up, execution, and legacy of one of the most extraordinary interviews ever broadcast.

Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/19028a

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20

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

The Habit That Stops Self-Doubt Controlling You Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Standing on stage with nothing but a microphone, Sara Pascoe knows instantly if she’s succeeded or failed. Comedy doesn’t let you hide, if the joke doesn’t land, the silence tells you.

But what makes Sara remarkable isn’t just her success as a writer, actor, and stand-up. It’s the habit she’s built to handle failure and keep showing up: Unconditional Positive Regard. The belief that your worth isn’t defined by a single mistake, a bad night, or a difficult moment.

In this episode, I share what I learned from Sara about how self-compassion fuels resilience. She shows us why the way we talk to ourselves matters more than the outcome, and how reframing failure can turn doubt into progress.

Together, we explore:

Why comedians face some of the toughest performance pressure
How to separate who you are from what you do
The psychology of Unconditional Positive Regard
How self-compassion creates lasting confidence

If you’ve ever been too hard on yourself after falling short, this episode is a reminder that high performance isn’t about being flawless. It’s about having the courage to try again, and the kindness to believe in yourself when you do.

Here is more information on the studies referenced:

The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology (Rogers, C. R. 1957)
Perceived Coach Empathy and Athlete Outcomes International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023)
Alex Shevrin: Unconditional Positive Regard Video, Massachusetts Teachers Association.
Bringing Carl Rogers Back In: Exploring the Power of Positive Regard at Work, British Journal of Management, 2018

Listen to the full episode with Sara Pascoe: https://pod.fo/e/2b7c84

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

Arsenal & Stormzy’s Elite Performance Coach Uncovers Nutrition Hacks You Can Learn (E366) Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

James Collins isn’t just your average nutritionist, he’s the behind-the-scenes expert trusted by the likes of Premier League stars, global artists like Stormzy, and even Olympic athletes. With a career built around peak performance, he’s helped shape what some of the world’s top names eat, how they train, and how they recover, all in the name of performing at their absolute best.

In this episode, James breaks down how smart, proactive nutrition can truly change the game, whether you’re on the pitch, on stage, or just trying to feel better day to day. From tweaking pre-match meals for players like Saka and Mbappé to supercharging Stormzy's Glastonbury set, he shares how small changes in fueling can have a huge impact on outcomes, energy, and confidence.

James talks about building habits that actually stick, taking ownership of your health, and understanding your “why” when it comes to setting goals. He also tackles the chaos of modern wellness advice, encouraging us to cut through the noise and follow what truly works, backed by science and experience.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or just want to feel sharper in everyday life, this episode dives into the real-world strategies behind elite performance.

🚨 Partners

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1

Tide 👉 Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it when you use code HP50: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50

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.

Atomic Habits Author, James Clear: Why Every Action is a Vote for Who You Become Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

As Atomic Habits author James Clear reminds us, the person you become is shaped not by one big decision, but by the small choices you make every single day.

In this episode, we revisit our insightful conversation with James as he explores how tiny, consistent actions compound into extraordinary results. He explains how every habit is a vote for the identity you want to build, and why aligning daily behaviours with your values is the surest route to lasting change.

Listen in as James unpacks the science of habit formation, the power of self-awareness, and the simple, repeatable steps that can transform both your performance and your life.

Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/16868c

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20

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