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.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown returns to High Performance to reveal the truth behind McLaren’s remarkable comeback, from financial crisis and public doubt to rebuilding one of Formula One’s most iconic teams.
He opens up to Jake and Damian about stepping into chaos, restoring belief through culture and communication, and the power of difficult conversations in transforming leadership. Zak also reflects on his unconventional journey from a rebellious kid in California to leading a global motorsport powerhouse, and why loyalty, trust, and humility remain at the heart of his success.
This is an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to lead under pressure, proof that true high performance starts with people, not power.
🚨 Partners
Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au
Vestiaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-mens-yt
Sage 👉 transform your small business accounting with faster payments. Get started for free today at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-sage-au
Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp
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.
England and Harlequins rugby legend Joe Marler opens up like never before, about the moment in 2018 when he hit breaking point, walked out on his family, and believed the world would be better off without him. What follows is an unfiltered journey through mental health, accountability, and rediscovering purpose.
Joe reflects on the catalyst for his breakdown, the decision that saved his life, and the teammate’s message that made it all worth sharing. He also reveals what it was like to play under Eddie Jones, the pressure of “Test Match Tuesdays,” and the emotional drive that makes great teams go beyond just winning.
Raw, honest, and deeply human, this is Joe Marler finding strength through vulnerability and proving that the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q
There’s a difference between being tough and being strong, and Billy Billingham knows it better than most.
As a former SAS soldier, Billy has faced war zones, exhaustion, and moments most of us can barely imagine. But when you strip it all back, his greatest lesson isn’t about combat, it’s about control and why the ultimate habit you need is discipline and the drive to go a little bit further.
In this episode, we explore how discipline, humility, and calm under chaos have shaped every chapter of Billy’s life. From a teenage turning point after being stabbed to leading the world's most elite military forces and protecting some of Hollywood’s most high-profile stars, he’s learned that strength isn’t about aggression, it’s about staying grounded when everything around you isn’t.
Together, we unpack:
Billy’s new book ‘Further - 10 lessons the SAS taught me about life’ is out now.
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Former England and Premier League star Joe Cole opens up about the lessons learned beyond the pitch, honesty, resilience, and what it truly means to live a high performance life.
He reflects on the power of self-accountability, the importance of prioritising family over fame, and the danger of tying your identity solely to your career. Joe speaks candidly about setbacks, pressure, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection, reminding us that success is about balance, not constant achievement.
Grounded in kindness and perspective, Joe’s message is clear: when life feels heavy, look outward, helping others might just be the most powerful way to help yourself.
🚨 Partners
Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp
Sage 👉 Transform your small business accounting with faster payments. Get started for free today at: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-sage-au
Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au
Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au
HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation
HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events
Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:
https://hppod.co/partners
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Jake and Damian turn the spotlight on you, answering the questions that listeners have been sending in from around the world. From overcoming self-sabotage to dealing with doubt, they explore what it really takes to build confidence, stay consistent, and live with purpose.
Drawing on lessons from past guests like James Clear, Susie Ma, and Shane Parrish, they unpack powerful ideas around mindset, happiness, and self-awareness, including why we must be brave enough to tolerate happiness and how to navigate a world that doesn’t always share your drive for improvement.
Listen in as they reflect on their most memorable guests, share the stories that shaped their thinking, and offer practical advice for anyone striving to grow, one honest question at a time.
Listen to the episodes mentioned:
James Clear: https://pod.fo/e/16868c
Susie Ma: https://pod.fo/e/bf09e
Shane Parrish: https://pod.fo/e/1ff000
Gary Stevenson: https://pod.fo/e/2af4d8
Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614
Laura Kenny: https://pod.fo/e/249586
Dame Stephanie Shirley: https://pod.fo/e/16a443
Tyson Fury: https://pod.fo/e/14ef0f
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q
In this profound conversation, Gilbert Enoka, the legendary mental skills coach behind the New Zealand All Blacks' success, shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his approach to high performance and the habits he’s famous for.
Gilbert opens up about the ‘ghosts’ from his past that still influence his work, explaining how early deprivation made him acutely sensitive to others' emotional states. This gift allowed him to become an emotional detective, observing subtle cues in athletes before training and meetings to meet unexpressed needs, a skill he calls game-changing.
The discussion explores pivotal concepts that transformed the All Blacks, including:
Gilbert shares intimate stories about working with legends like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw. This conversation offers rare insight into the human side of elite performance, reminding us that the greatest competitor we face isn't external—it's ourselves.
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Two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen reflects on the mindset, discipline, and calmness that defined his legendary career, and his unforgettable rivalry with Michael Schumacher.
He opens up about the “Finnish Ice Man” mentality that helped him stay composed under pressure, the near-fatal crash that reshaped his outlook on life, and the decision to retire at his peak with clarity and purpose. Mika also shares lessons from McLaren’s golden era on leadership, teamwork, and the psychology of high performance.
This episode offers a rare glimpse into the wisdom of a true champion, proof that greatness is built not just on speed, but on composure, humility, and knowing when to step back.
🚨 Partners
Vestaire 👉 Buy and sell preloved menswear now: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-mens-yt
Hive👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp
Simba👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au
Sage👉
Audio link:
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt
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.
What does high performance really demand from the human mind? In this conversation, world-leading organisational psychologist Adam Grant explores how the best performers think, learn, and lead.
Adam unpacks why great leaders build challenge networks instead of echo chambers, how to recognise when ego is driving your decisions instead of growth, and why real loyalty means speaking up, not staying silent.
This is a practical and profound guide to sustainable success, one that brings clarity, calm, and confidence to anyone striving to perform at their best.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q
What makes great communicators stand out isn’t confidence, charisma, or talent, it’s clarity.
In this episode, cognitive scientist and Harvard professor Steven Pinker joins Damian to explore the hidden psychology behind how we speak, listen, and understand one another. He explains why the real art of communication isn’t about what we say, but about how we build common knowledge, the shared understanding that allows people to think, decide, and act together.
Pinker calls it one of the most overlooked habits in high performance: the ability to step outside your own head and see the world as others do. It’s how leaders create alignment, how teams build trust, and how ideas truly land.
Together, we explore:
Whether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult conversation, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this episode will transform how you think about language, relationships, and coordination
Steven’s new book ‘When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows…’ is out now.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a sport long dominated by men, Susie Wolff has carved her own path, turning barriers into breakthroughs and setbacks into strength. From proving her place on the grid to leading a complete transformation of F1 Academy, Susie’s story is one of belief, vision, and resilience.
In this episode, she opens up about being dismissed as a “token gesture,” the determination it took to be taken seriously, and how she rebuilt her career after painful setbacks. Susie also shares her bold approach to leadership, creating cultures built on trust, empowerment, and authenticity, and the powerful partnership she shares with Toto Wolff, grounded in mutual respect and open communication.
This is a conversation about courage, conviction, and carving out your place in the world, on your own terms.
🚨 Partners
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt
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.
In high performance, we often celebrate success, the awards, the headlines, the restaurants, the fame. But for Gordon Ramsay, the real story lies in the struggle behind the spotlight.
In this episode, Gordon Ramsay explores the true meaning of high performance, and the price of perfection. From growing up in a council house and losing his dream football career to standing beside culinary legends like Marco Pierre White and earning Michelin stars around the world, Gordon opens up about the relentless drive that shaped him.
With raw honesty and trademark fire, he reflects on failure, family, and the hunger that still pushes him forward.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7q
Step inside the mind of one of rugby's most respected figures, Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan. In this special deep dive into his Essential Habits, Johann reveals the unique system he uses to stay grounded, lead with clarity, and achieve world-class results, from the Springboks and Munster to transforming Bath Rugby.
This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, where Johann shares:
Before every game, Johann takes time to replay his week, not tactics or strategy, but interactions. He asks himself: Did I listen enough? Did I lift someone today? Did I stay true to my values? It’s a simple practice, but one that shapes everything about how he leads.
This is a rare and special look inside the mind of a top-level head coach.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson returns to High Performance to share the honest reality of life after success, the highs of global recognition, the setbacks of injury, and the emotional toll that comes with chasing greatness.
She opens up to Jake and Damian about resetting after disappointment, learning to process frustration without losing focus, and her drive to push the limits as she targets a world record. Keely also reflects on the growing pressure of public expectation, the scrutiny of social media, and the freedom that comes from embracing authenticity over perfection.
This is an unfiltered conversation about growth, self-belief, and staying grounded while pursuing excellence on the world stage
🚨 Partners
Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp
Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt
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.
Philosopher and bestselling author Alain de Botton invites us to completely rethink what success really means. This profound and therapeutic conversation explores how true high performance isn’t about external achievement, but about realising your unique potential and finding peace within yourself.
Alain challenges the obsession with being “special,” explaining why accepting our ordinariness can be the most liberating idea of all. He also discusses how envy can reveal our hidden potential, how we lose touch with our true selves by trying to please others, and why moments of crisis or even pain can be the body’s search for balance.
This is a deeply human exploration of ambition, self-worth, and acceptance, an invitation to define success on your own terms.
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.
Pre-order our brand new book MICRO HABITS for 25% off before the launch on 1st January: https://hppod.co/472Og7q
The pressure, the noise, the meaning of the occasion, it had all become too much.
Two years later, he returned to the same stadium, the same stage, and this time everything was different. He scored one of the biggest goals of his career, not because his ability had changed, but because his mindset had.
In this episode, I share what I learned from Dan’s transformation and the powerful lesson he now lives by: play the game, not the occasion. Together, we explore:
Here is more information on the studies referenced:
Listen to the full episode with Dan Burn: https://pod.fo/e/2eb8b4
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The real secret to longevity isn’t found in trendy diets or extreme hacks, it’s in mastering the basics. In this episode, human biologist Gary Brecka shares why the world’s longest-living populations thrive not through keto, paleo, or vegan plans, but by avoiding processed foods altogether.
Gary also debunks popular health myths around fasting, carbs, and supplements, explaining why biology, not trends, should guide our choices. He highlights the everyday habits that matter most: eating whole foods, prioritising protein, sleeping well, staying mobile, and building strong connections.
From Dana White’s remarkable health reset to the future of wellness, Gary shows that the path to energy and longevity is surprisingly simple: real food, real relationships, and sustainable routines that last.
This episode offers a powerful reminder that health isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, simplicity, and living with purpose.
Hive 👉 Take control of your home energy - smart, simple, and built for you. Find out more here: https://highpfrmc.com/hive-au-hpp
Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here:
https://highpfrmc.com/heights1
FORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://highpfrmc.com/fora-free-yt
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.
The greatest regrets in life rarely come from failure, they come from never trying. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the courage to act, joined by insights from Siya Kolisi, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Fraser, and Lee Child. Together, they reveal why preparation, consistency, and self-reliance are the real keys to success.
This episode challenges the myth of “the perfect moment,” showing that progress is built through small, deliberate steps and the willingness to start, even when conditions aren’t ideal.
Whether you’re chasing a dream, building confidence, or seeking change, the message is simple: stop waiting, take action, and create your own momentum.
Listen to the episodes mentioned:
Siya Kolisi: https://pod.fo/e/af659
Lee Child: 1https://pod.fo/e/10a24a
Matthew McConaughey: https://pod.fo/e/a9e4a
Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0
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.
We often imagine depression as something visible, but what if it doesn’t look like sadness at all? What if it looks like success? If you look successful but feel flat, this episode is for you.
Psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Judith Joseph calls it high-functioning depression, the kind that hides behind achievement. It’s the quiet loss of joy that can go unnoticed, even in the most accomplished people.
In this episode, I share Judith’s powerful framework; the Five Vs, for recognising and rebuilding joy before burnout sets in:
We also talk about the science behind anhedonia, the loss of pleasure, and how noticing small points of joy can help us measure recovery, not just productivity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At the height of global stardom, Rick Astley made the decision to step away from fame. In this deeply honest conversation, he opens up about the anxiety and fear that came with constant travel, the unhealthy coping mechanisms it triggered, and why leaving the spotlight was the only way to reconnect with himself.
Rick reflects on the drive for financial security that fuelled his career, the realisation that fame is ultimately “a lovely nonsense,” and why the true reward has always been the joy of connecting with people through music, not public recognition. He also shares how therapy and emotional honesty helped him process those experiences and build a more authentic life.
This is a rare glimpse behind the curtain of fame, and a powerful reminder of what really matters when the noise fades.
🚨 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:
https://hppod.co/partners
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Fitzpatrick reflects on the mindset and methods that have made him one of golf’s most meticulous competitors. A major champion and relentless learner, Matt has tracked every shot since he was 15, turning numbers into a powerful advantage.
In this episode, he shares how he finds an edge when others have more natural power, what winning the U.S. Open and featuring in a Netflix documentary taught him, and why surrounding himself with honest people has been crucial to his success. Plus, hear the advice he received from none other than Michael Jordan.
This is a fascinating look at the discipline, detail, and mindset behind one of golf’s modern greats.
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.