The High Performance Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Rahul Jandial: The Science Behind Bad Sleep & Dreaming (E271) Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Discover profound insights into the workings of the brain and how we can optimise its functions, with this conversation with neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Dr Rahul Jandial.

In this episode, Rahul discusses the dynamic nature of the human brain, comparing neurons to floating jellyfish and highlighting our ever-changing emotional and behavioural states. He explains how understanding brain pathways can help manage anxiety, stress, and emotions, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by astronauts and athletes.

Rahul reflects on his transformative experiences conducting hundreds of brain surgeries, revealing the beauty and complexity of our brains. He also shares how to reach the perfect flow state, where mastery and creativity blend seamlessly, allowing individuals to perform at their peak by trusting their instincts.

Drawing from his extensive experience with patients, Rahul offers a unique perspective on resilience and high performance, urging us to see the brain as an evolving ecosystem capable of constant renewal.

This episode provides a fascinating look into the brain's workings, and offers practical advice on achieving high performance and emotional regulation through understanding our most powerful organ.

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Joleon Lescott Exclusive: From Near-Death Experience to Premier League Champion (E270) Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Jake and Damian welcome former footballer Joleon Lescott to High Performance, discussing the highs and lows of his career, the influential people in his life and the challenges he faced on and off the pitch.

Joleon Lescott is best known for his time at clubs including Everton and Manchester City, contributing to City's Premier League triumphs in 2012 and 2014 and earning numerous caps for England.

In this conversation, Joleon opens up about the resilience instilled in him by his parents and the intimidating environment of his early football years. He discusses growing up after a life-changing accident as a child and how football helped him to handle taunts about his scars.

Moving to Manchester City, he talks about his initial reluctance to discuss the transfer and the feeling of stepping into a squad filled with top-tier players. He also recounts his mixed relationship with managers Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini, and praises coach Glenn Hoddle for getting the best out of him as a player.

Reflecting on Man City’s dramatic Premier League victory in 2012, Joleon expresses his happiness and gratitude in the moments that followed. He also addresses criticism faced by the club since he signed, emphasising the dedication and teamwork behind their success.

This episode provides an unfiltered view to the challenges and triumphs of a Premier League and International footballer, highlighting the significance of perseverance and personal growth both on and off the field.

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Keir Starmer: Getting Personal with the New Prime Minister Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we revisit a compelling conversation with the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. We explore the man behind the politician, and what he’s learned about leadership throughout his career

Reflecting on his journey from barrister to party leader, Keir opens up to Jake and Damian about his formative years, the challenges of his legal career, and the profound impact of his mother's resilience in his life.

From his passion for football and lessons learned from following Arsenal, to navigating the adversarial world of politics and his vision for reform, Keir shares insights on leadership, decision-making, and staying true to our principles.

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Dr Chris Van Tulleken: Why We Crave Junk Food Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Renowned doctor, researcher and advocate, Chris Van Tulleken joins Jake and Damian for a candid conversation on the impact of ultra-processed foods on our mental and physical health.

He shares his insights on how certain foods not only harm our bodies but also mess with our minds, leading to anxiety, depression, and a lack of control. He explains his own 30-day junk food experiment and its effects and describes the physical and mental toll of such diets, highlighting their effects on sleep, mood, and digestion.

Chris expresses the urgent need for systemic changes, such as warning labels on food and removing financial ties between the food industry and government committees. He shares how his book ‘Ultra-Processed People’ aims to empower readers and spark a grassroots movement for better food policies.

He offers practical advice for families looking to make healthier choices now, without waiting for policy changes. This episode encourages us to channel our frustration with the food system into activism and policy change to create a healthier future for everyone.

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Joe Hart: The truth about why I retired, and my love for Celtic (Part2) Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In part 2 of this episode, Joe Hart opens up to Jake and Damian about the challenging yet transformative period in his career when he moved to Torino.

Despite facing setbacks and being sidelined at times, Joe emphasises the importance of staying present, enjoying both good and tough times and finding clarity in difficult situations. He also reflects on his stints at West Ham, Burnley, and Tottenham, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on football and life.

Reflecting on his time at Celtic, Joe describes the joy of becoming central to a team again and the deep connection he feels with the club and its supporters.This episode highlights the importance of resilience and embracing both the highs and lows in one's career.

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Joe Hart: Leading from the back, how I overcame disappointment to retire at the top (E268 Part 1) Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

In the first of this two-part episode, we welcome former England goalkeeper Joe Hart to High Performance, discussing his remarkable career and the mindset that has driven him to success.

Best known for his time at Manchester City and the England national team, Joe is a multiple Premier League FA Cup winner, and has played in some of the most memorable matches of the 21st century.

Joe discusses his time at Manchester City, including his relationships with teammates and the pivotal moments that defined his career. Joe also shares his perspective on being dropped by Pep Guardiola and how he dealt with the frustration of not fitting into the new vision for the club.

Reflecting on his England career, Joe talks about the pride and the criticism he faced, especially after the 2016 tournament. He emphasises the unique pressures of being a goalkeeper and offers advice on handling setbacks and maintaining a strong mindset.

This episode provides an in-depth look into the highs and lows of Joe Hart's career, revealing the determination and resilience that have made him one of English football’s standout goalkeepers.

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Laura Kenny: The Price of Gold for Britain's Most Successful Female Olympian (E267) Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Jake and Damian sit down with Olympic record-breaker Laura Kenny to discuss the highs and lows of her illustrious cycling career, and the personal challenges she's faced along the way.

Legendary British track and road cyclist Laura Kenny made her mark as a five-time Olympic champion and the most successful female cyclist in Olympic history. In this episode, Laura opens up to Jake and Damian about the intense pressure of competing at the highest level, and what led to her retirement this year.

Laura openly shares her experiences of the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, recounting the overwhelming nerves she felt and the unique mindset required to overcome such immense pressure. She also reflects on the invaluable support and lessons from her father, emphasising the importance of constructive feedback over harsh criticism.

Laura talks about the emotional toll of her struggles with conceiving and the impact it had on her mental health. She bravely shares how speaking out about her miscarriage and the pressures of being a top athlete helped her cope and heal.

This conversation provides important insights into managing pressure, fostering supportive relationships, and the crucial role of communication in overcoming personal challenges.

If you've been affected by miscarraige - miscarriageassociation.org.uk

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Tim Spector: Debunking the myths around exercise and nutrition (E266) Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jake joins world-leading nutrition expert Tim Spector to dive deep into the myths and truths about diet and health.

Tim Spector is a renowned epidemiologist, geneticist, and author. Known for his work on personalised nutrition, he explains why calorie counting often fails in the long term. Emphasising the importance of food quality over quantity, Tim points out how ultra-processed foods can sabotage our health despite being low-calorie.

Tim breaks down the complex relationship between diet, exercise, and mental health, sharing insights on why exercise alone isn't enough for weight loss and how our food choices impact our mood and mental health.

He also talks about the transformative changes he'd make to our food systems, like ensuring real food in all institutions, stressing the interconnectedness of diet, exercise, and sleep for optimal health.

With practical tips on how to improve your diet and lifestyle, this episode provides trusted insights from one of the most respected experts in the health and wellness field.

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Gareth Southgate: Using fear as our fuel Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we revisit our insightful conversation with England Manager Gareth Southgate prior to Euro 2020. Gareth reflects on his journey, including leading the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and his ambitions for future tournaments.

Gareth shares stories from his distinguished playing career; earning 57 international caps and playing in four major tournaments with England, and how these experiences shaped his outlook on management.

As England aim for Euro 2024 glory, discover Gareth’s insights on leadership and development, from his experiences traveling across Europe to observe other coaching methods, to the lessons he’s carried forward from his own playing career.

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Ollie Watkins: From Non-League to the Champions League, how I climbed football's most competitive ladder (E265) Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with Premier League footballer Ollie Watkins, discussing his staggering journey from non-league football to reaching the Champions League.

England and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins joins us on High Performance after a breakthrough season, achieving the most assists in the Premier League. Ollie opens up to Jake and Damian about his route to the top, discussing his rejection from Exeter City at age nine, struggling with concentration, and his determination to prove people wrong.

Reflecting on key mentors and moments throughout his career, Ollie highlights the impact of High Performance culture, emphasising the importance of humility and consistency instilled by coaches such as Unai Emery. He advocates for breaking down the stigma around mental health challenges among athletes.

Ollie also recalls the pressure of scoring his first goal for Aston Villa, highlighting the memorable feeling of a weight being lifted from his shoulders when his aim became a reality. He shares a defining moment against Arsenal, where his goal and celebration asserted his belonging in the Premier League.

This episode uncovers the remarkable journey of one of England's most promising footballing talents; from Ollie’s humble beginnings, to his Premier League success and Champions League aspirations.

Partners:

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