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
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.
104 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.
28 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.
25 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.
27 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 21min
Joe Cole: Inside Chelsea’s Ruthless Era - Abramovich, Mourinho & Mind Games (E378)
In this engaging conversation, Joe Cole, former England and Premier League footballer, shares his insights on resilience and identity after sport. He opens up about Chelsea’s transformative era under Abramovich and Mourinho, emphasizing the importance of self-accountability. Joe reflects on handling public scrutiny and the emotional challenges of leaving the game, highlighting how family and helping others have become his sources of strength. His heartwarming tales of personal growth inspire a renewed perspective on success and fulfillment.
45 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 19min
How To Handle Doubters & Stop Self-Sabotage | Questions You DM Us
Jake and Damian tackle listener questions, diving deep into overcoming self-sabotage. They share techniques for reframing thoughts and stress the importance of emotional resilience. The hosts reflect on past guests like James Clear and Shane Parrish, discussing how these conversations shaped their insights. They offer practical advice for dealing with doubters and emphasize curating a supportive environment for personal growth. Tune in for a blend of humor, wisdom, and actionable tips to boost your confidence!
219 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 47min
The Man Behind the All Blacks Mentality: Gilbert Enoka on Building Character & Connection
In this engaging conversation, veteran mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, renowned for his work with the New Zealand All Blacks, shares how his challenging upbringing shaped his insights on high performance. He discusses the importance of 'red head vs. blue head' thinking for managing emotions under pressure. Gilbert reveals transformative practices like 'squeeze drills' and emphasizes character development over talent. He also shares intimate stories about legendary players, providing a glimpse into the powerful rituals that cultivate connection and humility within the team.
