The High Performance Podcast

When Jeremy Clarkson was sacked from Top Gear, Richard Hammond was offered something most presenters could only dream of: the chance to take control of the show. He said no. For Richard, Top Gear was never about one person, it was about the three of them, and he wasn’t prepared to step into Clarkson’s place alone. Richard reflects on 26 years on the road and the personal cost of a life spent constantly somewhere else. After losing his father, his marriage and his home, he found himself confronting a question every broadcaster eventually faces: who are you when the cameras stop rolling? Now, he’s poured his energy and own money into The Smallest Cog, his classic car restoration business. It may not have made him richer, but it has given him something more important: a life and a business built entirely on his own terms. Richard Hammond’s Workshop, S6 is available on QUEST from Tuesday 27th October, and also streaming on discovery+ Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align…

Dina Asher-Smith, Alex Albon, Nick Cox, Richard Osman and Phil Heath help Jake and Damian take on the struggle we hear about from you more than almost any other: comparing your real life to everyone else's highlight reel. Even the people at the very top aren't immune. Dina explains why she deliberately avoids watching what her rivals do in training. Alex Albon opens up on how measuring himself against Max Verstappen at Red Bull pushed him to force it, and how that unravelled his confidence. Nick Cox, former head of the Manchester United academy, explains why comparison "cripples parents", and Richard Osman reminds us we judge other people's highlights against our own blooper reel. Marcus Wareing and Jameela Jamil also feature. Jake admits that professionally he compares himself everywhere he looks, and argues that envy can be a useful energy source. Damian isn't so sure, and shares the school-fair penalty shootout that turned him into prime Peter Schmeichel. Along the way they get into why silver medallists…

Former Red Bull Racing team principal and one of Formula 1’s most recognisable figures, Christian Horner spent 23 years building a life around winning. So when he lost the job he had done for two decades, his first feeling wasn’t anger. It was relief. Christian opens up about the pressure of leading Red Bull through its most successful era, the emotional armour he built to protect his team, and the toll of always being the person who couldn’t show weakness, from the intensity of Abu Dhabi 2021 to the politics that eventually changed how he felt about the sport he loved. But when the “Batman suit” finally came off, Christian had to confront a question he’d spent decades avoiding: who are you when the job that defined you disappears? What he found was a life beyond the pit wall, and a reminder that being on this earth isn’t a dress rehearsal. DRIVE by Christian Horner will be published on 22nd October by Bantam: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1911754785 Christian will be sharing stories from the book on…

Dr Chris van Tulleken is a doctor, scientist and one of the UK’s leading voices on ultra-processed food. An associate professor at UCL, an NHS doctor, World Health Organisation adviser and author of the bestselling Ultra-Processed People, he has spent years investigating what the food industry is really putting on our plates. But the truth about what we eat is far more unsettling than most of us realise... In this eye-opening conversation, we revisit why Chris believes the evidence linking ultra-processed food to physical and mental health problems has reached the same threshold we once reached with tobacco. He reveals how the world’s biggest tobacco companies helped shape the modern diet, how food is engineered and tested to make us eat more and eat faster, and what certain additives may be doing to our gut, our mood and our brains. He shares what happened when he spent a month eating an 80% ultra-processed diet, why so many people are living in “food swamps”, and the eye-watering sums of money that he has…

After hundreds of conversations with extraordinary people, Jake and Damian stop and ask a question they've been circling for a while prompted by a recent social media post from Rob Beckett: how has High Performance changed since it started and are we part of the 'grindset' problem? When the show began, they were fascinated by winning: routine, sacrifice, discipline, marginal gains. Jake once wrote a post about getting up at 5am that he now calls one of his biggest regrets. In this episode they play back their own early conversations, including Jake's advice to Steven Bartlett and Ant Middleton's definition of high performance from the show's second episode, and ask what they'd still stand by and what they've changed their minds about. The shift started with Jonny Wilkinson, who told Jake that suffering doesn't lead you to joy. It just builds stronger habits of suffering. From there they get into the difference between high standards and grind culture, what the Special Forces told them about never feeling…

Alessandro Benetton knows what it means to challenge an established order. When the Benetton family entered Formula 1 from the world of fashion, the paddock laughed. But rather than trying to fit in, they rewrote the rules, and went on to win world championships. Alessandro joins us to reflect on the decisions that changed everything, from recognising Michael Schumacher’s extraordinary talent before the rest of the sport caught on to standing by his team when allegations of cheating threatened the family’s reputation. He shares why backing your instincts, challenging convention and trusting the people around you can matter most when the pressure is on. This is an insight into the advantage of being an outsider, the courage to make unconventional decisions, and why sometimes the best way to get ahead is to stop following the crowd. Alessandro Benetton Bio: Alessandro Benetton is Chairman of Edizione and Mundys, and the founder of 21 Invest. He began his career in Formula 1, taking over the Benetton team at…

Dame Jess Ennis-Hill is one of Britain’s greatest athletes. A triple world heptathlon champion, European champion and Olympic gold medallist, she reached the absolute peak of her sport. But behind the medals was a very different story.... We revisit this incredible conversation where Jess reveals what it was like to become Britain’s “Golden girl” ahead of London 2012, carrying the weight of huge public expectations and feeling that anything less than gold would be seen as failure. She opens up about the injury that cost her an Olympic opportunity, returning to elite competition after becoming a mum, and the challenge of accepting that her body and training had changed. Jess also explains how sports psychology, visualisation and blocking out the noise helped her perform when the pressure was at its highest, why having the right people around you matters, and why she ultimately believes happiness and balance are at the heart of high performance. This is the story behind the medals, and what it really took to…

We've sat down with hundreds of high performers. These are five sentences we've never heard a single one of them say... "I'll start when I'm ready." "That's just the way I am." "It's not fair." "I've done enough." "I did it on my own." None of them is a character flaw, but each one quietly pulls you away from where you want to be. From the High Performance archive, Keely Hodgkinson explains why she puts her success down to 90% mindset, in a year when almost nobody believed she'd make the Olympic team. Matthew Syed remembers bombing a talk at Goldman Sachs and then going to Toastmasters every fortnight for three years. Joe Hart talks about England's Euro 2016 exit to Iceland without blaming a soul. Alun Wyn Jones explains why complacency was his biggest fear, and Laura Kenny shows why her story was never a solo effort, starting with setting fire to a jacket potato in Belgium at 18. Along the way, Damian brings in the research on "if-then" plans that help you follow through, the labels we let others stick on…

Linford Christie didn't just race his opponents, he tried to beat them before the gun even fired. The Olympic champion reveals the psychology behind his ruthless approach to the 100m, and the mindset that allowed him to keep pushing when most would have stopped. Linford reflects on the hunger that drove him to the top despite starting his international career later than most, and why winning Olympic gold in Barcelona felt more like relief than celebration. He also opens up about the pressure of constant scrutiny, the emotional armour he built throughout his career, and the personal cost of never allowing himself to show weakness. Now in his 60s, Linford shares what he's learned about achievement, vulnerability and finally being able to appreciate what he's accomplished. XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a…

Robin van Persie captained Arsenal and won the league with Manchester United, but for years he says his hardest opponent was himself. We re-visit our classic episode with Robin where he talks about the letter he wrote to himself that he didn't believe when he read it back, the childhood friends he let go at 24, the Arsenal exit he'd handle differently and the advice to his son that Jake calls the whole podcast in two minutes. Our partners in this episode: AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find out more and make your money work, use code HPP at: https://highpfrmc.com/XTB_HPP_AU Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

Most of us are waiting for someone to tell us we're ready. This week, Jake and Damian argue that moment never comes, and that the people we admire most simply stopped waiting. You'll hear from George Russell on the email to Toto Wolff that started his Mercedes journey, Robin Sharma on why it pays to be "a bit of a pirate", Alain de Botton on why the world is built by humans, not gods, and Adam Grant on the feedback that nearly made him quit public speaking. Francis Ngannou, Shane Parrish and Tom Kerridge unpack what it really means to take full ownership of your life, and Holly Tucker explains why there's never a perfect time to start. Along the way, Damian brings in the research on self-efficacy, why we underestimate how willing people are to help us, and why amateurs wait for inspiration while professionals just get on with it. Then Dame Amanda Blanc complicates everything: sometimes, all it takes is someone else believing in you first. Listen to the full episodes: George Russell https://pod.fo/e/1527c9…

Donate 👉 Sir Kevin Sinfield's 7 in 7: The Grand Finale https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/7-in-7-the-grand-finale England Rugby coach and MND campaigner Kevin Sinfield has spent years running into pain, not away from it. In memory of his friend Rob Burrow, he has pushed his body to its limits, finding in the suffering a way to carry some of the emotional weight of the families he meets. In this episode, Kevin shares the lessons Rob taught him without saying a word: what matters, what doesn't, and how to live with more courage and compassion. He also reveals what high performance really means to him, getting the best from people while caring for them. This is a conversation about purpose, resilience and the power of showing up for others. Because for Kevin, it has never been about the miles. It's just running for a mate. Our partners in this episode: AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉…

We're revisiting this extraordinary conversation with one of our most-requested conversations - Usain Bolt. Usain reveals the failures that changed the way he thought about performance, including the Olympics in Athens where he failed to make it out of the first round. He shares the moment his coach told him he simply wasn’t working hard enough, and the painful realisation that followed. Usain opens up about the power of consistency, learning how to lose, handling pressure, competing with scoliosis, dealing with global fame, and the mindset that helped him win eight Olympic gold medals. He also explains why he learned to “don’t think limits”, how he stayed calm before the biggest races of his life, and what high performance actually meant to him after dedicating his entire life to it. Daniel's latest book Fed Up is out now https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/59539/daniel-lieberman AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and…

Why is sport still drinking? For decades, alcohol has been part of sporting culture. Team nights out, beers after games and stories of legendary drinking sessions have become part of the mythology of elite sport. But is that culture changing? And if it is, what are we replacing it with? Jake and Damian explore why alcohol has played such a powerful role in sport, from helping teammates bond and break down hierarchy to simply giving people permission to switch off. They discuss the pressure of constant optimisation, why high performance can become exhausting, the darker side of celebrating destructive drinking stories, and what modern teams can do to create connection without relying on alcohol. They also explore what elite sport can learn from women's sport, the importance of shared experiences, and why sometimes the thing we need most is simply permission to stop performing. A conversation about alcohol, sport, connection, pressure and the importance of knowing when to switch off. If you or someone you know…

Evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman challenges one of our most persistent beliefs about weight loss: that if you can’t stick to a diet, you simply need more discipline. He explains why our bodies evolved to hold onto fat, why willpower can only take us so far, and how diet culture has turned eating into a cycle of guilt and shame. Daniel also shares the story of his own mother, whose obsession with avoiding fat came at a cost later in life, and introduces a simple way to spot bad advice: are you thinking like a fox, embracing nuance, or a hedgehog, convinced one idea explains everything? His message is simple: there is no perfect diet. There are only trade-offs, and understanding them might change the way you think about food, health and your own body. Daniel's latest book Fed Up is out now https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/59539/daniel-lieberman AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs XTB 👉 To find…

This is a revisit of the conversation we previously had with Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ Team Principal and CEO, and it remains one of the most revealing interviews we’ve ever recorded. Toto opens up about the childhood experiences that shaped him, losing his father at 15, being forced to grow up quickly and the financial hardship his family faced. He also speaks candidly about periods of depression from the age of 18, seeking professional help and the feeling that he was alone with what he was experiencing. He explains why he has always “stared into an abyss”, how self-doubt drives him and why he believes questioning yourself every day is essential to improvement. We also get inside Toto’s leadership mindset, including the mistakes he made during Mercedes’ difficult years, how he learned to control his emotions and why he believes leaders should blame the problem rather than the person. And, of course, we revisit 2021, Lewis Hamilton, Abu Dhabi, Silverstone and the extraordinary pressure of that season. A deeply…

What do you actually feel when you win? Jake and Damian explore one of the strangest patterns they've noticed across more than 400 High Performance conversations: so many people reach the top of their mountain, only to wish they'd enjoyed the climb a little more. Damian unpacks the hedonic treadmill and arrival fallacy, and asks what we're actually optimising our lives for when every achievement simply moves the goalposts. Because if the next win is always more important than the one you've just achieved, when do you ever get to enjoy where you are? Along the way you'll hear Rio Ferdinand on winning the Champions League and immediately asking who Manchester United were signing next; Jonny Wilkinson on discovering that years of suffering had only created stronger habits of suffering; Stephen Hendry on being back at the practice table the morning after winning; Jill Scott on putting the process ahead of the result; Dan Carter on the one word he wrote in his notebook before a World Cup final: "enjoy"; Ryan…

Former British Army paratrooper Josh Boggi’s life changed in 47 minutes when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, losing both legs and his right arm. But surviving was only the beginning of learning who he was going to become. Josh opens up about the five-minute conversation with a fellow triple amputee that gave him a new roadmap for life, and how sport helped rebuild his confidence, identity, and sense of purpose. He also reflects on surviving a second near-fatal accident years later, an experience he describes as mentally harder than Afghanistan. From competing at the Invictus Games to now helping others navigate life-changing injuries, Josh shares how he found purpose in becoming for others what that fellow amputee once was for him. This is a conversation about identity, purpose, and the choices we make when life takes us somewhere we never expected to be. The Invictus Games Foundation is a global charity using the power of sport and community to support the recovery of wounded, injured and sick service…

Global music icon Anastacia has faced breast cancer twice, first diagnosed at just 34 at the height of her career and again ten years later. In this special episode, created in partnership with Postcode Lottery, she joins Jake to share how those experiences shaped her outlook on life. Anastacia opens up about taking back control, the optimism that has carried her through difficult moments, and why early detection remains so important to her. The conversation also highlights the work of Breast Cancer Now and the difference funding raised by Postcode Lottery players helps make. Anastacia kicks off her UK and European tour on 15th September, including a show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday 26th September. Tickets available from Anastacia.com/live. Postcode Lottery manages lotteries for 20 charities. A minimum of 30% of each ticket price goes to charity. 18+, conditions apply. Not available in Northern Ireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the morning of 11 September 2001, Sean Windeatt was a 28-year-old in Cantor Fitzgerald's London finance department, fifteen minutes into his usual morning call with a colleague in New York, when the line went dead. That colleague was inside the North Tower. By the end of the day the firm had lost 658 people alongside 61 Euro Brokers employees— around two thirds of its New York workforce, and more than any other company in the tragedy that morning. The next day Sean was called downstairs, offered a job he'd turned down two years earlier, and handed a blank piece of paper. He asked what the job was. "Who knows?" Twenty-five years on, Sean is co-CEO of BGC Group, and he joins Jake to tell the story from the inside. Why the company chose not to sell when selling was the easy way out. Why pledging 25% of profits to the families only meant anything if there was a business left to earn it, and how a firm rebuilt itself working around the clock, while competitors offered office space and airlines flew its staff…

England Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio built his career on an extraordinary ability to create belief under pressure. But behind that drive was a deeply personal source of motivation: the loss of his sister Francesca when he was just 16. Lawrence opens up about turning grief into fuel, finding the family he needed through rugby, and why the mental and emotional side of performance is so often underestimated. He also reveals how great leaders build belief before the biggest moments and find what truly motivates the people around them. This conversation is a candid exploration of loss, belonging, and the emotions that can shape our drive to succeed. The 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala takes place at The Peninsula London on 20 November, raising funds to create healthier, happier futures for children through sport. Attend the Gala, support the auction or donate at https://pho3nixcharitygala.com AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free…

Sir Steve Hansen won 93 of 107 Tests as All Blacks head coach — the most successful run in the history of professional rugby. We re-visit our chat with Steve where he takes it apart: why "culture" is the most overused word on the planet, why he hates rules, why nobody would admit the All Blacks were World Cup chokers, and the two times he got it badly wrong and had to apologise to a whole squad. Plus the question about walking away that he couldn't finish answering. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does a weekly to-do list feel so overwhelming on a Sunday night? Jake and Damian argue it's not because of your workload, it's because your capacity . Sleep, energy, confidence, clarity, control: when any of these drop, the same list of tasks stops looking like separate, manageable jobs and starts looking like one overwhelming message — everything, now. In this episode, Jake and Damian hear from: Steve Peters on the "chimp" that hijacks you in traffic, and why recognising it isn't you is the first step to managing it. Ash Dykes on preparing for the worst before it happens, so it arrives as something expected rather than something that ambushes you. Shane Parrish on why you don't need the confidence to reach the destination — just the confidence to take the next step. Ali Abdaal on the five-minute rule, and the three-quid hourglass that got him moving on the days motivation didn't show up. James Clear on the two-minute rule, and the heaviest weight in the gym: the front door. Jameela Jamil on the power of…

Dina Asher-Smith has just made history as the most decorated athlete in European Championships history. An MBE, multiple major titles and four Olympic Games within reach, but at 30, one of Britain's greatest ever sprinters is still asking how much better she can become. In this episode, Dina opens up about the realities behind those 10 seconds on the track, from how her menstrual cycle affected her performance to competing through grief. She also reflects on leaving her coach of 20 years, rebuilding her career, and why bronze can sometimes mean more than gold. With the 2027 World Championships and LA 2028 ahead, Dina reveals how her relationship with success has changed, and why the opportunity to keep competing at the highest level now feels less like pressure and more like a privilege. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1 daily habit - plus a free D3 and K2, and five travel packs Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our…

We revisit our conversation with Fernando Alonso - two-time Formula 1 World Champion, 437 Grand Prix starts, 32 wins - recorded in a rare moment where the visor comes off completely. Jake and Damian get behind the "robot" Alonso becomes the second his helmet goes on, and into the boy who started racing a homemade go-kart at three years old, in a family with no money, no expectations, and no competitive gene to explain where his came from. Fernando is disarmingly honest about the cost of that competitiveness: the two championships with Ferrari he came agonisingly close to and still can't fully explain losing; the two titles he did win, in 2005 and 2006, that he now barely remembers because he was already thinking about the next race before the champagne had dried; and the moment, at 13 years old, a mechanic pulled him aside after his best result yet and told him, "second is the first loser." It's a line that shaped the next three decades of his career. Moments that will stay with you: Why his own parents…

What do you do when every option is on the table and you still end up with the same idea you always have? Jake and Damian tackle one of the quiet traps of creative work, and land somewhere counterintuitive: freedom doesn't make ideas bolder. Constraints do. Damian unpacks David Epstein's Inside the Box and the psychology behind why unlimited time, unlimited method and unlimited scope send the brain straight to its safest, most familiar answer and the three tools for building a better box: the Fake Deadline, the One Rule, and the Small Box. Along the way you'll hear Shane Parrish on the Henry Kissinger question that outed a staffer's "best work" as anything but; René Meulensteen on the Federer clips he used to teach Man Utd players to stay one point wide; Sarina Wiegman on the training session she deliberately ran with a terrible referee, just to see what her players would do with it; and Lewis Morgan on what he'd actually do with a spare £1,000 and a Facebook Marketplace login. The idea doesn't need better…

Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen became one of the world's best footballers by developing an extraordinary ability to turn doubt, mistakes, and setbacks into self-belief. He joins Jake and Damian to reveal how that mindset was built, and why it eventually became one of his greatest challenges. Michael reflects on the injuries that took away the explosive pace that defined him, and the painful eight-year gap between the player he believed he was and what his body could still deliver. He also opens up about retiring at 33, losing his sense of purpose, the strain it placed on his marriage, and how he eventually found a new competitive outlet beyond football. This is an honest exploration of self-belief, identity, and what happens when the mindset that drives success becomes difficult to switch off. Meet the Owens, a six-part docuseries in the UK and Ireland, is available on Prime Video from the 28th August. AG1 👉 head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance and get a free Morning Person Hat to help start your AG1…

We re-visit one of the most emotional and gripping conversations we have ever recorded. Eight Olympic medals, five of them gold, and the first Briton ever to win the Tour de France. For one summer in 2012, Sir Bradley Wiggins was the most famous man in Britain — sideburns, gold medal, sat on a throne at Hampton Court. He couldn't bring himself to put the medal on. Bradley takes us right back to the beginning: a council estate in Kilburn, a father who left when he was eighteen months old and came back only once his son was successful, and a coach who sexually abused him between the ages of thirteen and sixteen — something he didn't say out loud for thirty years. Then he traces, with total honesty, how that damage became the fuel that made him great, and how the same fuel nearly destroyed him when the racing stopped. Moments that will stay with you: Why Bradley laid his Olympic gold medal on the sofa rather than put it round his neck Smashing his trophies off the mantelpiece, and throwing out his knighthood…

What do you do when the people around you don't believe you can do it? Jake and Damian tackle one of the things listeners struggle with most — being doubted — and land somewhere they didn't expect: the doubt that really holds you back is usually your own. Damian unpacks Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory and why the two ways to build belief are evidence and self-talk, Alison Brooks' research on reframing nerves as readiness rather than fear, and self-determination theory — why being doubted by others can become the most durable fuel there is. Along the way you'll hear Rugby League legend Jamie Peacock on the day he stayed on the bus and rode past his trial at Bradford Bulls, and the mantra he repeated the second time to get off; Karl Lokko on where he found the confidence to walk into rooms that weren't built for him and Mel Robbins on the morning in her bathroom that changed how she talks to herself. Plus, Jake and Damian are joined by High Performance listener Claire, who spent 31 years in policing, to…

Guenther Steiner is one of Formula 1’s most recognisable team bosses, building Haas from nothing and becoming known for his straight-talking approach to leadership. He joins us to reflect on ambition, pressure, and knowing when it’s time to walk away, as well as discuss his new position as CEO of MotoGP team Red Bull KTM Tech3. Guenther opens up about his final years at Haas, admitting he stayed around two years too long, and how he knew the belief was gone when he could no longer see a path to a podium. He also reveals the moment he discovered he’d been sacked, and why it brought an unexpected sense of relief. He shares the thinking that built Haas and how he’s applying the same principles to his new chapter in MotoGP with Tech3. This is a candid conversation about ambition, identity, and knowing when to let go. Learn more about Red Bull KTM Tech3: https://motogp.tech3racing.fr/index.php Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut…

We're revisiting this conversation with James Blunt because it's among the most disarming things we've recorded about belief, ridicule, and where confidence actually comes from. James made his first album on nothing but belief. He'd burnt his bridges with every record label in Britain and was playing to about twenty people on the twentieth floor of a Ramada hotel — and he was still completely certain the whole world was going to hear it. Understanding the real odds, he says, would have taken the wind out of his sails entirely. James tells Jake and Damian why you keep your powder dry until you're genuinely equipped, because you only get one shot with the people who matter. Why he never answers criticism on the day it lands — the sting always comes out overnight. Why the only opinions worth weighing come from the people who'll take the mickey out of you to your face. And the three things he carried out of commanding soldiers in Kosovo and into running the same band for twenty years: a good team, real respect…

Jake and Damian tackle the question underneath almost every High Performance conversation: what do the best actually do differently, day to day? Not the big moments. The small, repeatable ones. Because across hundreds of conversations on this show, the pattern is rarely talent or luck. It's that high performers have built a handful of habits they hold onto when nobody is watching, and they keep doing them long after most of us would have forgotten about them. In this episode, Jake and Damian hear from: Jamie Peacock on why a life of hard decisions becomes an easier life, and the moment on a training pitch in Australia when Damian was on the receiving end of one. James Clear on why grit is really about fit, and the question to ask before you commit to any new habit. Emily Maitlis on the five minutes of golden time she takes before every interview, including the one at Buckingham Palace. Mel Robbins on why she still needs the five second rule to get out of bed, thirteen years after inventing it. Dan Carter on…

Premier League icon Ashley Young joins us for a masterclass in longevity, self-belief, and turning rejection into an unstoppable competitive edge. At 15, Watford told Ashley he was too small for a scholarship, a disappointment that became the operational system for his entire 20-year career. He explains why every manager's doubt or dropped selection became fuel to prove them wrong, from Antonio Conte's brutal pre-season at Inter Milan to winning Serie A at 35 and feeling fitter at 37 than at 27. He also breaks down what it means to know your value in high-stakes environments, his return to the England squad for a World Cup semi-final, walking away from Manchester United on his own terms, and playing over 750 games at the highest level. This is an essential conversation about resilience, self-worth, and proving that nobody gets to define your limits except you. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at…

Eddie Howe has stepped away from Newcastle United after nearly five years in charge — his own decision, following what he called "a period of personal reflection." He leaves having delivered the club's first major trophy in 70 years and two Champions League campaigns. So we're going back to the conversation we had with him in 2022, right as that chapter began. Eddie had just taken the Newcastle job — but before it, he'd left Bournemouth after relegation, and described the exit almost exactly as he'd describe this one: "I think it was time... I just knew." He told us it felt like grief. That the pressure he carried was never external — it was entirely his own. And he told us about the cost no one sees: missing his mum in her final months because he was too busy managing a football club. Heard now, it plays like he told us how this would end. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs Revolut Business 👉…

Following the heartbreaking death of Nims Purja... Jake and Damian reflect on one of the most inspiring conversations in High Performance history. Before 14 Peaks made him a global icon, Nims joined High Performance to share the mindset that took him from a childhood of poverty in Nepal, to the Gurkhas, the British Special Forces, and ultimately to rewriting mountaineering history. In this special tribute episode, Jake and Damian revisit the lessons that left a lasting impact on them: Why hope is the greatest source of strength. How to reframe adversity into opportunity. The importance of living for something bigger than yourself. Why excuses never create extraordinary lives. The mindset behind proving that "nothing is impossible." Nims' energy, humility and optimism changed the way we think about life and performance. This episode celebrates the remarkable legacy he leaves behind and the lessons that will continue to inspire millions Listen to our full episode with Nims: https://pod.fo/e/ac5aa Hosted on…

Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien has built his career on resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief that hard work can outlast natural talent.. He joins Jake and Damian to reflect on the setbacks that shaped him, from being overlooked early in his career to leading his club back to the Premier League. Luke explains why he no longer relies on confidence to perform, how embracing discomfort became his greatest strength, and the simple mindset shifts that help him stay present under pressure. He also shares the habits and systems that have enabled him to keep improving throughout his career. This is an insight into why great performance is built on systems, not feelings, and why resilience is forged long before the biggest moments. Away from the pitch, Luke runs Elite XI, a mental performance programme for professional footballers. Head over to www.elitexiapply.com to find out more. AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/highperformance to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2…

For more than 30 years, Adrian Gore has been challenging conventional thinking about health, leadership, and human behaviour. As the founder of Discovery and CEO of Vitality, he's built a global business by asking a simple question: what if we designed systems that helped people become the best version of themselves? Adrian joins Jake to share the leadership principles behind that philosophy, revealing why optimism is a discipline, why ambitious goals matter, and how embracing discomfort creates meaningful change. This is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, behaviour, and unlocking long-term performance. Vitality 👉 We've partnered with Vitality because our philosophies align perfectly: healthy habits build high performance and can lead to a healthier, longer life. Find out more about health and life insurance with Vitality: https://highpfrmc.com/vitality-hpp-au Get your copy of 'The Four Principles' by Adrian Gore here: https://highpfrmc.com/Vitality_Book Adrian Gore LinkedIn:…

Como 1907 has become one of Europe's fastest-rising football clubs, transformed by bold leadership and long-term thinking. In partnership with Revolut Business, Chief Business Officer Ryan Shelton joins Jake to reveal how the club has redefined what's possible on and off the pitch. Ryan shares how Cesc Fàbregas has helped shape a high-performance culture, why the club embraces unconventional thinking, and how partnering with Revolut is helping the organisation move faster and think differently. This is an insight into the leadership, innovation and ambition behind one of football's most remarkable transformations. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/ryanshelton and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rafaela Pimenta is one of football's most influential agents, representing some of the biggest names in the game, including Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Gilberto Mora. She joins Damian to reveal what it really takes to protect, develop, and lead elite athletes at the very highest level. Rafaela explains why players should be treated as people; not assets, how elite players have built an environment that allows them to perform at their best, and why the modern game is placing unprecedented demands on footballers. She also shares why setting boundaries, championing player welfare, and investing in women's football are essential to the future of the sport. This is a masterclass in modern leadership, high performance, and the ultimate responsibility of putting people before profit. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep9-aud and add money to your account by…

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Aviva. The former UK Minister for Prisons and CEO of the Timpson Group, Lord Timpson (James Timpson) believes there's a direct link between happy colleagues and business success. He joins Jake and Damian to explain why putting trust before control has shaped both his people and his company. Lord Timpson shares the leadership philosophy behind his "upside-down management" approach, why hiring people with criminal convictions has become one of his greatest strengths, and how kindness, trust, and long-term thinking have driven lasting success. An inspiring conversation about leadership, second chances, and building a culture where people can thrive. Together we believe that great leadership, high-performing teams and a culture where people can thrive are key to long-term success. That's why we're proud to support conversations that share practical insights and inspiring perspectives on people, performance and leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

Mattia Binotto has spent almost three decades at the heart of Formula One, helping shape Ferrari before taking on his biggest challenge yet as CEO and Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team. In partnership with Revolut Business, Mattia joins Jake ahead of Silverstone, to share what it really takes to build a winning team. He explains how you create a winning culture from the ground up, why great leadership starts with trust, and the lessons he learned from working alongside icons like Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt. Mattia also shares how partnering with Revolut helps the team move faster globally, and why he believes young talent and long-term thinking are the foundations of sustained success. This is a conversation about leadership, culture, and building an organisation that's designed to win. Revolut Business High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/mattiabinottoyt and add money to…

Ian Machado Garry is one of the UFC's brightest stars, and on 15th August he'll face Islam Makhachev for the UFC Welterweight World Title. Ahead of the biggest fight of his career, Ian joins us to reflect on the journey from window cleaner to fighting for UFC gold, and the unwavering belief that has driven him every step of the way. He shares the letter his mum wrote after he dropped out of college to chase his dream, the extraordinary moment his entire team walked out before his Cage Warriors world title fight, and why those setbacks only strengthened his belief that he was destined to become world champion. It's a story of conviction, resilience, and trusting your own path, even when nobody else believes in it. Revolut Business 👉 High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with Revolut Business when you sign up at https://revolutbusiness.onelink.me/jLOt/hp-ep8-aud and add money to your account by 30/09/2026. Fees, promotion terms and T&Cs apply. Go Henry 👉 Grow their…

What does it take to build a championship mindset and sustain it for a lifetime? In this special episode, recorded live at Gleneagles in partnership with IFS, Jake Humphrey sits down with golfing legend Gary Player for a remarkable conversation to explore the habits, mindset and discipline behind lasting success. From overcoming childhood adversity to becoming one of golf's most decorated champions, Gary shares the mindset that carried him through pressure, setbacks and success. He shares his thoughts on Rory McIlroy's career Grand Slam, the importance of physical and mental fitness, and why he believes adversity is life's greatest teacher. At 90 years old, Gary remains as energetic, curious and driven as ever - offering timeless wisdom on what it truly means to perform at the highest level. IFS - award-winning Asset & Service Management software 👉 Reimagine your operations at: https://highpfrmc.com/IFS_HPP_ep Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a Formula One team from the ground up? In this special episode with Revolut Business, Jake Humphrey speaks to three-time Le Mans winner and Audi Revolut F1 Racing Director Allan McNish about building a winning culture from the ground up. He explains how partnering with Revolut helps the team embrace innovation, move quickly and make bold decisions in one of the world's most competitive sports. Allan also shares the lessons he's learned leading one of Formula One's newest teams, the mindset behind challenging established teams and the leadership principles that drive high performance. He reflects on overcoming a career-threatening illness, the split-second decision-making behind his infamous 2011 Le Mans crash and why he believes Audi Revolut F1 Team can one day become world champions. This is a conversation about leadership, resilience and preparation when it counts most. Revolut Business High-performing businesses need powerful financial tools. Get a £200 welcome bonus with…

Over 15 seasons, Cadillac F1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez has established himself as one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, earning 6 Grand Prix victories and finishing 2nd in the 2023 World Championship. Sergio walked into Red Bull Racing in 2021 knowing the team was built around Max Verstappen, and was told early on that they operated with a clear number one driver structure. He spent four years in one of the most demanding seats in Formula 1, navigating a final period he describes as increasingly difficult. In this episode, Sergio exposes the politics of the paddock to share the raw truth of his Formula 1 career. He opens up about the brutal reality of the Red Bull garage, the betrayal of losing his seat days before his historic victory at Sakhir, and how a lonely childhood living in a German truck-stop motel built his unbreakable mindset. Sergio also reflects on his next chapter with Cadillac, the lessons he’s taken from his time in F1, and the importance of learning to enjoy the journey while…

In this special episode, Jake Humphrey visits Future Youth Zone in Dagenham, part of the OnSide network, where he sits down with Professor Green for one of his most personal conversations yet. Reflecting on his difficult childhood, Professor Green reveals how youth clubs gave him a sense of belonging when he needed it most and why spaces like this can change the course of a young person's life. Jake also speaks to Jamie Masraff, Chief Executive of OnSide, about the life-changing work being done to support over 60,000 young people every year, and why funding raised by Postcode Lottery players is so vital in helping create more Youth Zones, giving young people access to trusted adults, opportunities and safe places to belong. Jake also meets Lily and Olivia, two inspiring young members whose stories bring that impact to life, and youth worker Stephanie, who explains why simply being heard can change a young person's future. Together, their conversations highlight why youth clubs are more than just places to…

Jake and Damian tackle the question nobody prepares you for: how do you actually know when it's time to walk away? Whether it's a job, a career, a relationship, or a version of yourself you've been fighting to hold onto, leaving is one of the hardest decisions any of us will ever make. But across nearly 450 conversations on High Performance, one thing keeps coming up: the people who walk away well aren't the ones who had no choice. They're the ones who knew exactly what they were walking towards. In this episode, Jake and Damian hear from: Phil Jones on the training ground moment he knew his body had made the decision for him. Joe Hart on what it really felt like when Pep Guardiola said he didn't fit the system. Eddie Howe on why taking a full year out of management was the best thing he ever did, and why going straight back would have been a disaster. Michail Antonio on turning down a top six club because the role felt wrong. And Stuart Broad on the FaceTime call with his wife that helped him trust his gut…

Nick Fry bought an underperforming Formula 1 team for £1 and went on to win the World Championship. But before the historic 2009 fairy tale with Brawn GP, Nick and his wife had to face the ultimate risk: agreeing that if they lost everything, they would be perfectly content living on tinned tuna for the rest of their lives. In this episode, the former CEO of Brawn and Mercedes strips away the glamour of the paddock to share a masterclass in high-stakes leadership, belief, and crisis management. He reveals how financial pressure became a performance driver and how solving one problem at a time laid the foundation for Mercedes’ dominance. Nick also shares his thoughts on collective performance over individual ego, why hard work beats talent, and the key decisions that shaped Brawn’s rise to the top of Formula 1. This is a must-listen for anyone facing insurmountable odds, closing with a simple message from a man who lived it: “If you're gonna do it, just go for it. Don’t mess around.” Revolut Business 👉…

Ben Stokes has just announced his retirement from international cricket. And the person who can best explain what that decision truly costs — and what Stokes has meant as a captain and a human being — is Stuart Broad. Stuart retired in 2023 on his own terms: last ball, The Oval, England versus Australia. In this conversation, he tells the full story of the night he walked down the hotel corridor and knocked on Stokesy's door to tell him it was over. What happened in that room, and how he felt when he woke up the next morning, is something every leader will recognise. But this conversation goes much deeper than retirement. Stuart opens up about the T20 World Cup in Durban — the day six sixes were hit off one over, and how the humiliation changed everything. He explains the mental frameworks he quietly built over the following 16 years: warrior mode, assassin mode, the daily note-making practice that started as a cricket habit and became a life habit. And he makes a case that the game is not 80% mental — it's…

Jake and Damian go deep on one of the most universal struggles in high performance: why so many of us find it almost impossible to say no, and what it's actually costing us when we can't. Drawing on conversations with promoter Barry Hearn, who walked away from a £30 million deal because he didn't like the people behind it, comedian Katherine Ryan, who voluntarily gave up a career-defining TV slot so other women could have their chance, and leading psychologist Gabor Maté, who traces the roots of people-pleasing all the way back to childhood, Jake and Damian explore why saying yes to everyone else might mean saying no to yourself. They cover the science of sociotropy, the difference between "I can't" and "I don't", and why the guilt you feel when you say no is usually a sign you've got your values exactly right. Plus, the audience response to Liam Lawson's recent episode has been extraordinary. Jake and Damian reflect on why it's struck such a nerve. Listen to the full episodes featured: Barry Hearn…