The High Performance Podcast
High Performance
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.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 3, 2025 • 30min
How Changing Shoes Got Me Gold! Olympic Champion Denise Lewis
Denise Lewis, the former British heptathlete and Olympic gold medallist, shares pivotal moments from her career. She reveals a dramatic setback at the high jump during the Sydney 2000 Olympics and how changing her shot put shoes became a powerful ritual for mental reset. Lewis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mistakes and using alter egos for strength. She also reflects on her transition post-competition, discussing personal identity challenges and the value of rest and support from trusted friends.
5 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 59min
The Secret Link Between Gut Health & Depression: Prof. Tim Spector (E381)
Prof. Tim Spector, a leading epidemiologist and gut health researcher, dives into the crucial link between gut health and mental well-being. He discusses how the gut controls immunity, mood, and energy, revealing that gut inflammation can lead to depression. Tim highlights the transformative power of fermented foods, showcasing their ability to boost mood in just a week. He also warns about modern food processing damaging beneficial microbes and offers practical tips for incorporating ferments into daily diets, urging a shift towards diversity in nutrition.
11 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 42min
Barry Hearn: How I Still Wake Up Every Day Hungry to Win
Barry Hearn, legendary sports promoter and founder of Matchroom Sport, shares his remarkable journey from a council estate to a global sports powerhouse. He discusses the pivotal Christmas Eve deal that saved his career from bankruptcy and outlines his 10 Rules for Life, emphasizing the power of hard work and honesty. Hearn reflects on treating business like sports, his 'think poor' mentality, and the importance of resilience. He also advocates for promoting strengths and creating opportunities for others, all while maintaining a relentless drive and optimism.
17 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 36min
The Training That Changed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Game | Rene Meulensteen
Rene Meulensteen, a seasoned football coach with a legacy at Manchester United, shares insights on coaching Cristiano Ronaldo. He emphasizes the crucial role of language in coaching, preferring 'add' over 'change' to promote growth. Learn how he transformed Ronaldo into a goal-scoring machine through bold targets and mental techniques. Rene also discusses Sir Alex Ferguson's innovative strategies and dispels the myth of the hairdryer treatment, showcasing how calm leadership can drive performance. A fascinating look at language's power in elite sports!
60 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 17min
Sir Gareth Southgate: The Truth About Leaving England (E380)
Gareth Southgate, the former England national football team manager, shares an open reflection on his tenure and the weight of leadership. He talks about the pressure and expectations that shaped his role, revealing insights into managing narratives and public scrutiny. Gareth reflects on creating a team culture through small habits and the importance of empathy in leadership. He also discusses his personal journey through resilience, the lessons from his missed penalty in 1996, and what legacy means beyond trophies.
88 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 27min
Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks
Many of us are hindered by the opinions of others, but there’s a way to break free. Embracing valuable feedback from trusted sources is crucial. The conversation explores the impact of social media and how to focus on meaningful relationships. Noteworthy insights include enjoying activities for their own sake rather than seeking validation. Learning to praise efforts instead of identity helps build confidence. It's about curating a supportive circle and filtering out unhelpful critiques.
27 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 28min
Why Fear Is Not a Weakness: UFC Champion Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall, an elite UFC heavyweight and a voice of authenticity, tackles the often-ignored subject of fear in fighting. He candidly shares that all fighters feel fear, especially as stakes rise, and emphasizes the importance of accepting this emotion. Tom reveals his strategies for transforming fear into focused energy and discusses the pivotal role his father's unwavering belief played in his journey. With insights on commitment and the transformative power of just showing up, he inspires others to harness their inner battles.
47 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Zak Brown: The Deal That Kept McLaren Alive and How I Rebuilt the Team (E379)
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, shares his inspiring journey from a rebellious Californian to a leading voice in motorsport. He discusses the turnaround of McLaren, emphasizing the importance of culture, communication, and difficult conversations in leadership. Zak reveals insights on managing internal dynamics between drivers, the strategy behind financial recovery, and transforming a struggling team into a cohesive powerhouse. His commitment to loyalty and humility shines through as he reflects on the challenges that tested his leadership under pressure.
21 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 50min
Joe Marler: His Story of Rage, Regret and Redemption
Joe Marler, a renowned England and Harlequins rugby prop, shares his raw journey through mental health challenges. He opens up about his breaking point in 2018, revealing the pressures that led to self-sabotage and the emotional turmoil of public incidents. Marler emphasizes the importance of therapy and finding purpose in family. He discusses the dynamics of team culture, the pressure of playing under Eddie Jones, and the strength found in vulnerability. A candid exploration of resilience, supported by personal stories and valuable lessons.
61 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 30min
The SAS Mindset: Keep Going When Everyone Else Stops | Billy Billingham
Join former SAS veteran Billy Billingham as he dives into the essence of discipline and leadership. With a background that includes facing life-threatening situations, he emphasizes the power of staying calm under pressure and the distinction between toughness and real strength. Discover why discipline trumps motivation, the importance of humility in leadership, and how to push past mental limits. Plus, get insights from his book, 'Further,' where he shares invaluable life lessons learned from elite military training.
