The High Performance Podcast

As High Performance wraps up its sixth year, Jake Humphrey, Damian Hughes and producer Will sit down to reflect on the moments, conversations, and lessons that defined 2025. In this special end-of-year episode, they revisit the guests and ideas that resonated most, not just in downloads and views, but in lasting impact.From the strategic thinking of Ian Graham to the raw honesty of Tom Aspinall and Boris Becker, the year was shaped by stories that went far beyond success. Jake and Damian also reflect on why episodes with Carlos Sainz, Triple H, and Steve Peters struck such a chord, and the moments that stayed with them long after the microphones were switched off.This episode also looks ahead to what’s next. Drawing on insights from conversations with guests like Alistair Brownlee, Roman Kemp, Heston Blumenthal, Stephanie Romiszewski, Sara Pascoe, and Jonathan Haidt, Jake and Damian reflect on the lessons that mattered most, from mental health and sleep to parenting, performance, and perspective, and what they’re taking forward into the year ahead.Listen to the episodes mentioned:Gareth Southgate https://pod.fo/e/358861Callum Wilson https://pod.fo/e/2da5b0Tom Aspinall https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2eIan Graham https://pod.fo/e/2d2c5bCallum Nicholas https://pod.fo/e/2ac276Boris Becker https://pod.fo/e/32edabTriple H https://pod.fo/e/2c762aHeston Blumenthal https://pod.fo/e/2aa828Sara Pascoe https://pod.fo/e/2b7c84Daniel Dubois https://pod.fo/e/2a90bdJonathan Haidt https://pod.fo/e/2a4563Stephanie Romiszewski https://pod.fo/e/2b5370Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Surfshark 👉 Go to https://highpfrmc.com/HPP_Surfshark_AU or use code HIGHPERFORMANCE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AUVisit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/visitseattle-ut-au Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World’s leading neuroscientists Dr Tara Swart explains why so many high-functioning people feel exhausted, stressed, and out of balance, even when they’re doing everything “right.” She breaks down the hidden cost of being constantly switched on, how chronic stress rewires the brain, and why late-night scrolling is quietly sabotaging your energy, focus, and health.Dr Tara also reveals how stress can drive weight gain, particularly around the belly, and why modern lifestyles keep the brain stuck in survival mode. From simple micro-habits that move you from fear to joy, to the science behind nature, attention, and human connection, this episode offers practical, science-backed ways to feel calmer, healthier, and more present, starting with just a few minutes a day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPCompMost communication fails for a simple reason: we talk to people the way we want to be talked to.In this episode, Damian sits down with behavioural expert and Surrounded by Idiots author Thomas Erikson to explore why adaptability, not eloquence, is the habit that defines effective communication. Thomas explains how even highly capable people create unnecessary friction when they rely on their own preferences instead of tuning into the person in front of them.At the centre of the conversation is self-awareness. Thomas shows how understanding your own behavioural style makes it easier to recognise what others need, whether that’s clarity, reassurance, inspiration, or detail. When that awareness is missing, conversations stall. When it’s present, trust and momentum follow.In this episode, they discuss:Why people misinterpret good intentions so oftenHow different behavioural styles process information and feedbackThe cost of assuming others think like you doSimple ways to adjust your message without losing authenticityWhy asking “How would you like me to go about this?” changes everythingIf you work with people, and especially if you lead them, this episode will sharpen how you listen, how you speak, and how you create alignment without unnecessary tension. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacques Villeneuve is a Formula One World Champion, a racing icon, and one of the sport’s most candid, uncompromising thinkers. Known for his fearless honesty and unique path to the top, Jacques brings a perspective shaped by triumph, loss, and a lifelong obsession with competition.In this episode, Jake sits down with Jacques to explore what truly defines a champion’s mindset, on track and in life. Jacques talks about the pressure of leading a championship, the mental shift required to defend what you’ve earned, and why the fear of losing can be more intense than the hunger to win. He reflects on the evolution of today’s drivers, from Lando Norris stepping into a winning identity to the quiet battles within teams that push a competitor to prove they deserve to lead.Jacques also opens up about handling criticism in the modern era, developing the thick skin needed to survive public scrutiny, and how adversity shaped his resilience. He dives into the importance of passion, responsibility, and embracing unconventional paths, revealing how lessons from hockey, skiing, and personal tragedy helped forge the champion he became.This conversation offers deep insights into the psychology of elite performance, the realities behind racing’s brightest moments, and the inner drive required to continually grow, adapt, and compete at the highest level.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: Audio link: https://highpfrmc.com/vestiaire-au Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-auDon’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817HP 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 football, we often obsess over the goals, the trophies, the star players. But for Dr Ian Graham, the real story sits in the unseen decisions and quiet calculations that shape everything a club becomes.In this episode, Ian pulls back the curtain on Liverpool’s transformation, revealing how data challenged old assumptions and opened the door to one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern era. From recognising Mo Salah’s potential when others overlooked him to navigating internal battles over recruitment, Ian explains the thinking, the risk, and the conviction behind the signings that changed everything.With clarity and humility, he reflects on the mistakes, the debates, and the culture that allowed bold choices to thrive, offering a rare look at the work behind Liverpool’s rise and the principles that still guide his approach to the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.