Welcome to High Performance. Through fascinating conversations with remarkable guests, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes uncover the secrets behind High Performance and explore how we can all become the best version of ourselves.
We focus on uncovering the learnings from top performers in every field, from sport to entertainment, business, health and wellness. No matter where our guests have excelled, they all have first-hand experiences and lessons to share.
On High Performance we find out what non-negotiable behaviours they employed to get them to the top and keep them there.
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Want to get the most from High Performance? Download the new High Performance app for FREE to access every episode, enjoy exclusive documentary and masterclass content.
You’ll get instant access to insights from the world’s best, will receive daily motivational boosts and can create your own personalised High Performance playlists.
Simply click here or search High Performance in the App store to get started.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to High Performance. Through fascinating conversations with remarkable guests, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes uncover the secrets behind High Performance and explore how we can all become the best version of ourselves.
We focus on uncovering the learnings from top performers in every field, from sport to entertainment, business, health and wellness. No matter where our guests have excelled, they all have first-hand experiences and lessons to share.
On High Performance we find out what non-negotiable behaviours they employed to get them to the top and keep them there.
**
Want to get the most from High Performance? Download the new High Performance app for FREE to access every episode, enjoy exclusive documentary and masterclass content.
You’ll get instant access to insights from the world’s best, will receive daily motivational boosts and can create your own personalised High Performance playlists.
Simply click here or search High Performance in the App store to get started.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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:
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:
Listen to the full episode with Sara Pascoe: https://pod.fo/e/2b7c84
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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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
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
Some conversations change lives. Others change the way we think about how we have them.
In this episode, I share the lesson I took from Dr. Rahul Jandial, world-renowned brain surgeon, neuroscientist, and author, about the quiet power of the pause.
Rahul has delivered some of the hardest news anyone can hear. And what he’s learned is that it’s not just the words that matter, it’s what happens after them. In those seconds of silence, people begin to process, to find their footing, to summon the courage for what comes next.
It’s a habit we can all use. At work when we’re giving feedback. At home in tough conversations. In moments with friends when they trust us enough to share what’s really going on.
In this episode, we explore:
If you’ve ever wanted to show up better in the conversations that matter most, this one’s for you.
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
Listen to the full episode with Dr. Rahul Jandial: https://pod.fo/e/251425
Steve Backshall is no stranger to the edge. As a BAFTA-winning naturalist, adventurer, and presenter of Deadly 60, he’s spent his life in some of the world’s most extreme environments, from dense jungles to deep caves. In this raw and gripping episode, Steve opens up about what really happens when you face death head-on.
He takes us through one of his most terrifying moments: being trapped underwater in Bhutan for over four minutes. Steve also dives deep into how the brain shifts gears in life-or-death moments, revealing the strange clarity and focus that can emerge at the edge.
Beyond survival, Steve reflects on why humans are wired to chase risk and adventure. He talks about fear, not just feeling it, but using it, and the powerful difference between facing hard-earned challenges versus easy wins.
This episode explores the razor-thin line between danger and discovery, and what it teaches us about our own minds.
Steve's new podcast That's Just Wild is out now. Amazing animal facts, fascinating science and stories of real-life, wildlife adventures, wherever you get your podcasts.
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Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1
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:
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Alex Greenwood opens up like never before, sharing the moments that shaped her, from missing a high-stakes penalty to becoming a leader who others can lean on. It’s raw, honest, and packed with the kind of self-reflection most people avoid but every top athlete needs.
She talks about sticking to your process when the pressure hits, and how moving abroad changed her not just as a player, but as a person. Alex also doesn’t shy away from the struggles, body image, mental health, and the wake-up call that nearly cost her the game she loves.
This episode is about more than football, it’s about resilience, leadership, and finding your way back to yourself.
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights20
There’s a moment in this conversation with 4x Olympic Champion Michael Johnson that stopped me in my tracks. He said, “Success doesn’t care what you believe you deserve.”
That line sums up what this episode is really about, the difference between wishing for results and doing the work required to earn them.
Michael didn’t become one of the most dominant athletes in history by chasing comfort. He became great by facing the hard truth. By asking himself the questions most of us avoid. And then doing something about it.
In this episode, I unpack the habits Michael used throughout his life, from championship seasons to career-ending injuries to the day he was told he might never walk properly again. It’s about discipline, honesty, and doing what it takes, not what feels easy.
We explore:
This episode is a reminder that high performance doesn’t come from believing you’re ready. It comes from acting like it, even when no one’s watching.
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
Listen to the full episode with Michael Johnson: https://pod.fo/e/254ca8
David Coulthard is a 13-time Grand Prix winner and former F1 driver for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. Known for his sharp insights and calm exterior, he’s lived through some of the sport’s most intense moments, on and off the track.
In this episode, David opens up about that life-altering day before the Spanish Grand Prix, walking away from wreckage, losing two pilots, and the brutal clarity that followed. He speaks candidly about how that moment stripped away the noise, made him less needy, and more certain about what he wanted from life and racing.
He also shares what it was really like inside McLaren, a team where decisions were fast and pressure was high. He explains how that no-nonsense culture shaped the way he thinks and works.
This episode dives into what it takes to survive in F1, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
🚨 Partners
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1
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:
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James Milner is set to feature in his 24th different Premier League season and has the chance to break the appearance record. In this conversation, he reveals what it really takes to stay at the top.
From his decision to not drink alcohol, to the pain of being left out of finals, James shares the mindset and standards that have shaped his legendary career. He explains how he earned the respect of the biggest names in the game, and how he helped build winning cultures at Liverpool and Manchester City.
This is a conversation about more than trophies. James talks about the hard work, personal values, and staying true to yourself, even when it cost him. You’ll hear how James dealt with rejection, how he handled dressing room politics, and why being low-maintenance sometimes worked against him. You’ll also discover how a quiet word in an ice bath can shift a young player’s mindset and why every team needs leaders who hold the line when nobody’s watching.
Whether you lead a team or want to raise your own standards, this episode will show you what lasting excellence really looks like.
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We make thousands of decisions every day, but under pressure, those choices become harder, and more important.
When I first came across Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton’s story, what struck me wasn’t just what she’s achieved, it’s how she thinks under pressure.
In this episode, I unpack a habit I took from her years on the frontline of the fire service, one that has helped her make life-or-death decisions and one we can all use in our everyday lives. It’s a habit built not on instinct or speed, but on clarity.
Sabrina taught me that when we freeze under pressure, it’s rarely because we don’t care, it’s because we care so much, we don’t want to get it wrong.
Whether you’re managing a team, making a personal change, or just trying to feel less overwhelmed in high-stakes situations, this conversation will help you understand how to make better choices under pressure, and why the smartest leaders aren’t the fastest, they’re the most prepared.
We explore:
This one’s for anyone facing the hard calls, and wanting to meet them with confidence.
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
Listen to the full episode with Sabrina Cohen-Hatton: https://pod.fo/e/18cd7c
Ryan Yates is a Premier League midfielder and captain at Nottingham Forest, but his journey started far from the spotlight. From battling for minutes in the National League to walking out at the City Ground as skipper, Ryan’s rise has been built on resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief in his own potential.
In this episode, Ryan reflects on the mindset that carried him through tough loan spells, positional switches, and the moments he seriously questioned if he was good enough. He shares how daily affirmations and setting bold goals helped shape his path, even when the odds looked stacked against him.
Ryan also gets real about the value of team culture, why having the right people around you matters more than talent alone, and how supporting each other off the pitch drives success on it. He opens up about leadership, managing emotions, and how adversity has become one of his greatest teachers.
This episode is for anyone chasing a dream, it's about staying grounded, backing yourself, and doing the hard stuff when no one’s watching.
🚨 Partners
AG1 👉 Join Jake and top performers using AG1. Click the link and get an offer worth £68: https://highpfrmc.com/AG1
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
What if the most valuable people in your team are the ones no one’s paying attention to?
Michael Lewis, author of acclaimed sports book Moneyball, The Big Short, and his new book Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service — joins Jake to explore how data can reveal hidden talent, challenge gut instinct, and reshape the way we build teams.
They discuss:
This conversation will challenge how you think about performance, power, and the people who keep things moving - quietly, and without credit.
When you think of Alun Wyn Jones, you probably think of leadership, loyalty, and a rugby career built on sheer will. But behind the caps, the tackles, and the intensity, there’s a habit that mattered more than any stat: He built what he believed in, and he protected it like it was his.
In this episode, we go beyond the legend to explore the mindset that made Alun Wyn Jones not just a great player, but a builder of culture. We talk about the IKEA Effect, the psychological principle that says we value what we build, and how Alun embodied that every day, through effort, not ego.
We explore:
Whether you’re trying to lead better, show up stronger, or build something that matters, this episode is for you. Because high performance isn’t about flashy moments. It’s about building something worth fighting for.
Listen to the full episode with Alun Wyn Jones: https://pod.fo/e/2b6885
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
The IKEA Effect (Michael I. Norton, Daniel Mochon, Dan Ariely 2012)
Formula One driver Carlos Sainz has always made bold choices, but none bolder than betting on Williams. In this episode, the F1 star opens up about turning down easier options to join a long-term project led by James Vowles, and why trust, people, and honesty mattered more than numbers or hype.
He also addresses the Red Bull rumours head-on, sharing his real thoughts on Max Verstappen, why he never made that call, and the reality of playing second fiddle in a team built around one superstar. It’s not bitterness, it’s clarity.
Beyond the politics and paddock talk, Carlos gets real about the personal price of chasing a championship: the constant obsession, the missed moments, and the challenge of being present when your mind is always in the car.
This episode is a rare look at the mindset behind the helmet, raw, reflective, and deeply human.
🚨 Partners
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1
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:
As UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 builds momentum, here is a powerful conversation with England Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022.
In this episode, Sarina shares with Jake and Damian the leadership principles that shaped a Euros-winning team, highlighting the power of connection, clarity, and trust. From her personal grief in the days leading up to EURO 2022 to guiding England to glory, this is a masterclass in calm, values-driven leadership.
Listen in as Sarina reveals the power of clarity, connection, and calm leadership, and offers lessons that reach far beyond the pitch.
Listen to the full episode: https://pod.fo/e/2013d6
This episode is all about something we don’t talk about enough in high performance, not just how we deliver, but how we’re remembered.
When I sat down with Gary Barlow, he talked me through something he calls the Show Graph, a way of shaping emotion and energy through a performance. It’s not about perfection. It’s about creating moments that connect, and leaving people with something that lasts.
And what struck me most? This habit, refined over decades on stage, isn’t just for concerts. It’s something we can all use, whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a talk, launching a product, or just trying to get through to people in a meaningful way.
In this episode, we explore:
Whether you’re leading a room, launching an idea, or giving a talk that matters, this conversation is a guide to crafting moments that last long after the lights go down.
If you’ve ever wanted to communicate in a way that lands, this one’s for you.
Listen to the full episode with Gary Barlow: https://pod.fo/e/17fc0b
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
When More Pain Is Preferred to Less: Adding a Better End (Daniel Kahneman, Barbara Fredrickson, Charles Schreiber, Donald Redelmeier 1993)
Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions (Barbara Fredrickson 1998)
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has seen it all, from Champions League finals to handling the world’s biggest football stars under immense pressure. But behind the badge is a story shaped by survival, scrutiny, and sacrifice.
In this episode, Mark opens up about the mental toll of refereeing, the loneliness that comes with the job, and the weight of every decision made under the glare of millions. He reflects on his journey from a tough childhood to managing the chaos of modern football, both on the pitch and online.
He also shares the reality of dealing with abuse, the pressure from media and fans, and how he built trust with players to take control of the game without backing down.
This is powerful insight into the pressure, psychology, and resilience needed to thrive in one of football’s toughest roles.
Mark's new podcast 'Whistleblowers' is out now.
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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
Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:
https://hppod.co/partners
Avoiding tough conversations might feel easier, but it often holds us back.
In this episode, Jake and Damian unpack why leaning into difficult conversations is essential for growth, connection, and real leadership. With insights from guests like James Vowles, Emily Maitlis, Charles Duhigg, and Joleon Lescott, they reveal how feedback, when delivered and received with clarity and care, can transform relationships.
From reframing criticism to preparing with empathy, they explore practical ways to handle emotional discussions, without defensiveness or blame. Whether it’s shifting from accusation to curiosity or learning to speak with respectful candor, the episode is full of tools you can use right now.
Listen in as Jake and Damian explore how mastering hard conversations can unlock trust, growth, and stronger human connection.
Listen to the episodes mentioned:
Charles Duhigg: https://pod.fo/e/22db6c
Joleon Lescott: https://pod.fo/e/25003c
Les Ferdinand: https://pod.fo/e/2c5bda
Gary Lineker: https://pod.fo/e/12b34c
Emily Maitlis: https://pod.fo/e/19028a
James Vowles: https://pod.fo/e/21794f
Rene Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6
What if the thing that makes you extraordinary isn’t something you’re born with, but something you choose?
In this episode, Jason Fox, former Special Forces operator, bestselling author, and host of SAS: Who Dares Wins, shares the habits that helped him move from feeling unremarkable to performing under extreme pressure. Not because he believed he was destined for greatness, but because he learned how to respond when it mattered most.
We explore what it means to stay calm in chaos, how to build resilience when life doesn’t go to plan, and the mindset shift that can turn self-doubt into strength.
Jason talks about identity, trauma, his daughter’s quiet courage, and the power of asking better questions in difficult moments. Questions like:
This is a conversation about finding your footing when the world tilts, and discovering that the superpower you’re searching for might already be in you.
Listen to the full episode with Jason Fox: https://pod.fo/e/24412f
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
The Batman Effect: Improving Perseverance in Young Children, Published In: Child Development, 2016 Rachel White et al (University of Michigan)