Optimising Human Performance

In this episode, Martin and JP discuss addiction with addiction specialist nurse, Pam Diamond, a seasoned mental health nurse with a privileged career dedicated to addiction and trauma, particularly within the military environment. Pam shares her unique insights from years working with the Royal Marines and other services, revealing the hidden struggles faced by high-performing individuals.We explore:The invisible battle: Why addiction, especially to alcohol, becomes a sneaky and often encouraged coping mechanism in demanding fields like the military.Beyond alcohol: Pam sheds light on other prevalent but often hidden addictions she's encountered, including gambling, pornography, and even excessive gym use.The changing landscape: How societal shifts, such as the rise of social media and increased health consciousness, are impacting traditional military drinking culture.When health becomes harmful: Identifying the tipping point where a seemingly normal behaviour transforms into a destructive compulsion.Breaking the silence: Practical advice for individuals recognising problematic patterns and for friends and family seeking to support those in denial.The path to recovery: Understanding the challenges of overcoming addiction, the importance of seeking support, and remembering your "why."Join us for a candid conversation that unpacks the complexities of addiction in high-stakes environments, offering hope and guidance for those grappling with these silent battles.Guest, Cast & CrewPam Diamond is a mental health nurse, specialising in addiction. Her 30-year career has been split between the NHS and military settings, including the Royal Marines. Pam continues her work in addiction intervention as part of Pam Diamond Therapy. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Produced & edited by Bess ManleyResourcesEmail pamdiamondtherapy@gmail.comThanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review. If you have feedback, guest suggestions, or topics you'd love us to cover, please email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn. Chapters00:21 Pam's Journey into Addiction and Mental Health01:16 Transition to Military Work02:07 Challenges in Military Addiction Work04:33 Alcohol Culture in the Military07:06 Changing Attitudes Towards Alcohol17:42 Exploring Other Addictions20:51 Understanding Compulsive Behaviours22:14 The Role of Identity in Exercise22:34 Strange Exercise Behaviours24:27 The Impact of Social Media and Accessibility26:51 Seeking Help and Support34:21 Challenges in Overcoming Addictions37:39 Final Thoughts and ReflectionKeywords: military addiction, alcohol abuse, high performance, hidden addiction, mental health, trauma, Royal Marines, gambling addiction, pornography addiction, gym addiction, recovery, support, Pam Diamond, Optimising Human PerformanceThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martin and JP talk with Tim Boughton, whose own personal experiences with PTSD led him to become a trailblazer in the world of mental health, with a particular expertise in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and trauma. They explore the misconceptions around mindfulness, the stigma associated with mental health, and how understanding the mind-body connection challenges existing military practices. Tim also introduces a simple mindfulness practice for listeners and offers insights around integrating these practices into various domains.Guest, Cast & CrewTim Boughton is a leading expert in the field of military mindfulness and trauma. He works with elite military and commercial entities around the world to help them gain that extra margin through cognitive and behavioural science and has recently been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Middlesex in recognition of his outstanding achievements. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Produced and edited by Bess ManleyResourcesLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/timboughtonkcn/?originalSubdomain=uk  To contact Tim please email the podcast at info@ophp.co.uk Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    Chapters00:15 Introducing Tim Boughton02:35 Tim's Personal Journey with PTSD and Mental Health04:43 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions08:31 Mindfulness Techniques and Their Impact on Trauma13:47 Mindfulness in High-Performance Environments17:17 The Mind-Body Connection and Modern Mindfulness23:00 Practical Applications of Mindfulness27:28 Mindfulness in High-Stress Environments28:07 The Impact of Environment on Mindfulness29:10 The Role of Mindfulness in Daily Life30:03 Personal Experiences with Mindfulness31:32 Addressing Mental Health in the Military32:21 Challenges and Innovations in Mental Health38:01 Integrating Mindfulness into Human Performance42:09 A Guided Mindfulness Practice47:51 Overcoming Misconceptions About Mindfulness52:59 Final Thoughts and AdviceThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 : Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris ConnaboyIn this episode, Martin and JP talk to Dr Chris Connaboy, an expert in movement, coordination and skill acquisition. They discuss motor control, perception-action coupling and Chris’ ground-breaking new research into gait analysis. The episode also includes practical advice on training for load carriage, the importance of individualised strength conditioning, and investigating rate limiters. Guest, Cast & CrewDr Chris Connaboy is an eminent academic based at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago who has carried out research for NASA amongst other esteemed organisations.  As a former infantry soldier in the Black Watch, Chris has a particular research interest in training practices employed by the military, including load carriage.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyResourcesRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/christopher-connaboy/  Linkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/connaboy/Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    Chapters00:14 Introducing Dr. Chris Connaboy01:16 Chris' Military Background and Early Questions04:34 Discovering Biomechanics and Motor Control05:31 Understanding Motor Control and Movement Variability09:45 Applying Dynamic Systems Theory in Training12:28 Real-World Examples and Practical Applications16:30 Exploring Dynamical Systems and Self-Organization20:28 Understanding Rate Limiters in Physical Performance21:31 Dynamic Systems Theory in Military Load Carriage22:12 Research Insights on Load Carriage and Injury Prevention27:18 Strength and Conditioning for Load Carriage31:07 Perception-Action Coupling Explained34:19 Challenges in Perception-Action Coupling39:57 Innovative Research in Human Performance40:25 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3Unlocking Expertise: The Science Behind Skill Acquisition and Decision MakingIn this episode, Martin talks to Professor Mark Williams, a leading authority on the acquisition and development of expertise. They discuss skill acquisition, the role of experience and purposeful practice. They also explore the use of simulators, the unique challenges of maintaining skills in high-stress environments and the importance of evidence-based practices in improving performance.Guest, Cast & CrewMark Williams is one of the world’s leading authorities on expertise and its acquisition in sport. He also has experience in military settings, law enforcement, aviation and medicine. He has worked in a range of academic institutions in the UK and US, including Liverpool John Moores University, University of Sydney, University of Utah and Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition. Hosted by Martin Jones https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyResourcesMark’s email mark.williams@health.utah.eduMark’s bio https://psych.utah.edu/people/adjunct-faculty/mark-williams.php Mark’s popular science book  ‘The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made’ by Mark Williams & Tim Wigmore. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-How-Champions-Are-Made/dp/1529304350 Anders Ericsson book ‘Peak’ https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/peak-book-anders-ericsson-9780099598473?sku=NGR9780099598473&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGH4MHwz8Nh2GQplRBPtVnN6yaRXD6UzINU6KWmIItYhW4YxiIgxVyxoCM8QQAvD_BwE Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    Chapters00:54 Mark's Research Interests and Career Journey02:59 Diving into Decision Making in High-Stress Situations06:21 The 10,000 Hours Rule and Expertise12:13 The Role of Simulators and VR in Training16:44 Transferability of Skills Across Domains23:43 Maintaining and Developing Skills28:36 The Neuroscience of Learning and Muscle Development29:32 Skill Atrophy in Different Domains30:46 Deliberate Practice and Skill Maintenance31:41 Repetition vs. Specificity in Training33:02 Stress and Performance in High-Stakes Environments35:12 Talent Identification and Development42:11 Task Generic vs. Task Specific Cognitive Skills44:42 Optimizing Learning Environments with Technology51:15 The Importance of Evidence-Based PracticeThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2 -  Concussion in High Performance EnvironmentsMartin and Jonpaul talk to award-winning author and sports journalist Sam Peters about concussion. They discuss the role of emerging technologies in diagnosing concussion in both sport and military contexts and the potentially devastating impacts of asymptomatic sub-concussive blows.Guest, Cast & CrewSam Peters’ work has transformed sport’s attitude towards head injuries. He was the driving force behind the Mail on Sunday’s concussion in rugby campaign and has recently published a critically-acclaimed book on the topic, called Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyResourcesSam’s email Sam@concussed.mediaSam’s award-winning book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Concussed-Sports-Uncomfortable-Sam-Peters/dp/1838955771Sam’s upcoming events https://www.concussed.media/eventsPlanted Community https://planted-community.co.uk/Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    Chapters01:19 Meet Sam Peters: Background and Career03:08 The Rise of Professional Rugby and Injury Concerns06:41 Concussion Culture in Rugby13:34 Historical Perspectives on Head Trauma15:15 Military and Sports: Parallels in Head Trauma18:38 Technological Advances in Concussion Diagnosis20:53 Cultural Change and Education in Concussion Management25:02 Understanding CTE: Definition and Symptoms26:07 CTE in Sports: Research and Recognition28:29 Diagnosing CTE: Challenges and Advances30:35 Secondary Impact Syndrome: A Closer Look34:43 Concussion Management in Sports37:18 Cultural and Institutional Challenges40:21 Lessons from Rugby for Other High-Risk Occupations44:20 Future Directions and Final ThoughtsThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 1: Innovations in Performance Tech with Dr David PutrinoMartin and Jonpaul talk to neuroscientist Dr David Putrino, whose job it is to find innovative human performance technologies and roadtest them. From brain stimulation to mitochondrial supplements, David takes us through the tech that works and the stuff that doesn’t live up to the hype. He also shares insights from his work with high-performance athletes at Red Bull. Guest, Cast & CrewDr David Putrino is the Director of Rehabilitation Innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System, a network of hospitals in New York City. He is also a consultant for Red Bull High Performance division, using evidence-based technologies to improve athletic performance. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyResourcesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-putrino-bb86aa11/ Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/putrinolab.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putrino_lab/ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/abilities-research-center/about/directors Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    Chapters01:46 David's Role and Research at Mount Sinai07:38 The rise of neuroscience10:05 The Hype and Reality of Brain Stimulation16:53 Effective Technologies for Enhancing Performance18:54 Mitochondrial Supplements and Probiotics23:18 David's Journey to Red Bull24:40 Meeting Andy Walsh and Red Bull Projects25:28 Pushing Athletes Beyond Limits26:06 Performance Under Pressure camps at Red Bull27:48 Insights from Project Endurance30:01 Understanding Stress and Flow35:35 Neuroplasticity38:59 Wearable Technology in PerformanceThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin, hosts of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast share their story, why they have produced this podcast and why it is important to the community of individuals and teams working in high-stress and high stakes environments.Thanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Steve Peters, a psychiatrist known for his insightful work in mental health, discusses his Chimp Model, which helps explain human behavior under stress. He dives into the details of imposter syndrome, revealing its implications for individuals in high-pressure situations. The conversation also covers emotional intelligence's role in team dynamics and performance, illustrating how shared values foster success in both corporate and sports environments. Peters emphasizes mental strategies to navigate challenges and enhance personal growth.

EPISODE 11:  Sleep, Circadian Neuroscience & Human PerformanceIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to Professor Russell Foster, a world-renowned expert on sleep and circadian rhythms. They discuss the importance of sleep and circadian rhythms for human performance, how the circadian system provides the time structure for life, optimising physiology and behavior, and highlight some evidence-based strategies for enhancing sleep quality and quantity.  Guest, Cast & CrewRussell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, director of the Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute and the head of The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford. Russell’s research interests span visual and circadian neurobiology, focusing on the mechanisms by which light regulates circadian rhythms. Russell has published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and books, including his recent book, ‘Life Time: the New Science of the Body Clock and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health’.  Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ ResourcesSir Jules Thorn Sleep & Circadian Neuroscience Institute https://www.scni.ox.ac.ukNuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/russell-foster ‘Life Time: the New Science of the Body Clock and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health’ by Russell Foster https://www.pemberleybooks.com/product/the-ecology-of-vision/34916/ ‘The Ecology of Vision’ by John Lythgoe‘Blitzed’ by Norman Ohler If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit wavellroom.com for the latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters00:28 Journey into Circadian Rhythm Research01:56 Understanding Circadian Rhythms03:43 Consequences of Sleep Deprivation09:25 Mental Health and Sleep15:16 Shift Work and Health Impacts25:45 The Role of Light in Circadian Rhythms36:38 Understanding HPO and Sleep37:22 Strategies for Better Sleep37:46 The Role of Light and Relaxation39:06 Avoiding Sleep Disruptors40:48 The Importance of Routine and Naps43:42 Challenges of Night Shift Work47:17 Impact of Light on Sleep58:55 Food and Circadian RhythmsUp NextNext week, we’re delighted to welcome consultant psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters to discuss his work in optimising human performance. From the NHS to elite sport, Steve helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own minds, and develop the skills to optimize individual performance and quality of life. We discuss his famous chimp model, imposter syndrome, and the antecedents of high performance. Thanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 10: Mastering Sleep for High-Stakes EnvironmentsIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to Professor Colin Espie, a world-leading expert on sleep and treating sleep disorders, particularly using cognitive behavioural therapeutics (CBTI) to treat insomnia disorder. They discuss how sleep contributes to physical and mental health, the five principles of sleep health and the treatment options for insomnia. They debunk myths such as a 'sleepless elite’ & explore the intricate relationship between sleep, memory consolidation and trauma recovery.Guest, Cast & CrewColin Espie is a professor of sleep medicine in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford, where he founded the Experimental and Clinical Sleep Medicine Research Program at the Sir Jules Thorne Sleep and Circadian Research Institute. He is also the Clinical Director of the Oxford Online Programme in Sleep Medicine and has published over 300 scientific papers and several important books on the subject of sleep. Colin is also the co-founder of Big Health, which created Sleepio, a digital treatment for insomnia. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesColin’s profile & contact info https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/colin-espie Oxford Online Programme in Sleep Medicine https://www.scni.ox.ac.uk/study-with-us Sleepio – a digital treatment for insomnia https://www.bighealth.com/sleepio Colin’s books https://colinespie.com/author/ The 5 Principles of Sleep Health https://colinespie.com/sleep-resources/ If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Introducing Professor Colin Espie01:39 The Importance of Sleep in Mental Health04:15 Why Sleep is Crucial: Physiological and Cognitive Perspectives06:07 Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences14:34 The Concept of the Sleepless Elite19:52 The Five Principles of Sleep Health27:16 The Importance of Sleep in Peak Performance28:14 Understanding Insomnia31:12 Treatment Options for Insomnia34:03 The Role of Alcohol in Sleep36:11 Sleep Banking and Deprivation Training43:15 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia49:51 Final Thoughts on Sleep HealthUp NextNext week, we’re taking a second deep dive into the science of sleep, this time with Professor Russell Foster, a world-leading expert on the mysterious phenomenon of circadian rhythms, which play a crucial role in optimal human performance.Thanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.