Optimising Human Performance

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.

EPISODE 12:   The Chimp Paradox with Professor Steve PetersIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to renowned psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, who specialises in the functioning of the human mind. They discuss his famous ‘Chimp Model’ and its application in high-stress environments. They explore imposter syndrome and the antecedents of high performance.Guest, Cast & CrewProfessor Steve Peters is a medical doctor specialising in mental health and the functioning of the human mind. His work spans education, the national health service, the corporate world, and elite sports. He helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own unique mind and situation, and develop the skills to optimise individual performance and quality of life.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ ResourcesSteve’s company: https://chimpmanagement.com Steve’s official website https://profstevepeters.com Steve’s Books, including The Chimp Paradox https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/If you’re enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters01:47 Steve Peters' Background and Career Journey05:03 The Chimp Model Explained09:29 Imposter Syndrome and Its Implications17:46 The Neuroscience Behind the Chimp Model23:28 Values and Team Cohesion in High-Performance Environments30:32 The Reality of Elite Sports Life31:45 Psychopaths in Boxing: A Unique Perspective33:16 Adapting and Learning in High-Stress Jobs34:42 The Importance of Individualized Training38:56 Preparing for the Unexpected40:36 Dealing with Trauma in Psychiatry46:37 Addressing Moral Injury in Extreme Jobs51:40 Looking to the Future: Legacy and Personal Projects55:59 Steve Sets An Emotional Health ChallengeUp NextThis is the final episode of this first series, but all 12 episodes will remain available for you to listen to. We hope to be bringing you a second series very soon. Thanks for listening.

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. 

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.

EPISODE 9:  Maximizing Mental Fitness with Outdoor Wellbeing CoachingMartin and Jonpaul are joined by Emma Higginson-Smith and Martin Brennan from The Green Room, which provides outdoor well-being coaching, leadership, and organisational development to maximise mental fitness and prevent burnout. They discuss the importance of mental fitness and the role of wellbeing coaching and introduce the concept of the ‘green room’. Guest, Cast & CrewMartin Brennan was a police officer for 30 years and has represented UK Policing at the United Nations as an advisor to UN peacekeeping missions. He has led police teams during high-risk dynamic investigations. Today, he is an international expedition leader and an experienced outdoor wellbeing coach. Emma Higginson-Smith is a high-impact behaviour change coach and consultant. She is committed to personal and organisational wellbeing & is passionate about human performance, health, nutrition and the benefits of the outdoors.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ Resourceshttps://tgrcoaching.co.uk/emma@tgrcoaching.co.ukmartin@tgrcoaching.co.ukIf you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for the latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. Chapters02:00 The Importance of Coaching04:48 Inspiration Behind The Green Room13:50 Understanding Mental Fitness15:51 Challenges in Promoting Mental Fitness20:21 Societal Stress and Mental Health25:56 The Fascination with the Outdoors26:31 Rediscovering the Inner Child29:03 The Benefits of Nature on Mental Health31:59 Personalizing Your Green Space38:27 The Importance of Mental Fitness41:28 The Future of The Green Room46:08 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationUp NextNext week, Colin Espie, professor of sleep medicine at the University of Oxford, will join us. Colin is a world-leading expert on sleep and the treatment of sleep disorders, particularly the use of cognitive behavioural therapeutics to treat insomnia disorder.  

EPISODE 8:  Feeding the Force: A Tactical Dietitian’s Guide to Optimal Health & PerformanceIn this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to tactical dietician Dr. Will Conkright about the role of a dietitian in the military and the challenges he faces. We dive into the basics of optimal nutrition and examine how people working in high-stress, high-stakes environments can leverage good nutritional habits to positively influence physical and cognitive performance, rest, recovery and sleep. Guest, Cast & CrewDr Will Conkright is a registered dietitian and researcher with over 16 years of experience in clinical, academic and research settings. He primarily works with high-reliability populations, focusing on military operational stress, training and recovery. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesOperational Supplement Safety  https://www.opss.org/ Will’s email wrc16@pitt.edu 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 Dr. Will Conkright01:35 Will's Background and Military Experience04:35 The Role of a Dietitian in the Military12:31 Fundamentals of Good Nutrition21:17 Challenges and Strategies in High-Stress Environments26:49 Holistic Health and Fitness in the U.S. Army30:06 Nutrition's Impact on Cognitive Performance and Sleep33:38 Supplements for Performance and Recovery40:15 Precision Performance Nutrition43:58 Future Trends in NutritionUp NextNext week, we’ll be joined by The Green Room, to talk about mental fitness and how wellbeing coaching, leadership and organizational development can help maintain and improve it.  

EPISODE 7:  Navigating Uncertainty - Insights from Mission Critical TeamsMartin and Jonpaul speak with Dr. Preston Cline, co-founder and principal of the Mission Critical Team Institute.  They discuss the characteristics of effective mission-critical teams, how to improve cohesion and facilitate within-career transitions, both into and out of these high-stress roles.Guest, Cast & CrewPreston is the co-founder and principal at the Mission Critical Team Institute, where he also serves as the director of research. He co-founded the Mission Critical Team Institute to support the instructor cadres of small teams that compromise indigenously trained and educated experts who perform in high-pressure environments where the consequences of failure can be catastrophic. He has supported military special operations, emergency medicine, tactical law enforcement, aerospace, and urban and wilderness firefighting organizations.Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ResourcesMCTI Resources https://missioncti.com/resources/MCTI Teamcast https://teamcast.missioncti.com If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters01:57 Preston Cline's Background and Career Journey04:16 Defining Mission Critical Teams09:44 Characteristics of Successful Teams13:17 The Importance of Hardship and Adversity15:43 The Mission Critical Team Institute18:49 Navigating Uncertainty in High-Stress Environments27:30 Building Cohesion in Tactical Swarms30:14 The Importance of After Action Reviews32:50 Challenges with the Post-COVID Generation34:53 The Role of Introversion and Extroversion36:07 Training Environment and White Space40:01 Data Discipline and Technology Addiction42:50 Onboarding New Team Members46:44 Career Transitions and Mental HealthUp NextNext week, we talk to tactical dietician Dr. Will Conkright about the role of a dietitian in the military. We will dive into the basics of optimal nutrition and examine how people working in high-stress, high-stakes environments can leverage good nutritional habits to positively influence physical and cognitive performance, rest, recovery, and sleep.

EPISODE 6:  Resilience and Mental ToughnessMartin Jones and Jonpaul are joined by human performance expert Professor Daniel Gucciardi to explore resilience as an emergent outcome in high-performance settings. Guest, Cast & CrewDaniel Gucciardi is a professor at Curtin University. He is a distinguished expert on stress, resilience and mental toughness and has published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles.  His research focuses on personal and contextual factors related to high performance, health behaviours and wellbeing in contexts such as sport, education and the workplace. Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk Edited by Bess ManleyProduced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.comResourceshttp://www.danielgucciardi.com.au/ https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/daniel-gucciardi-678a620f/If you're enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. And remember to visit WavellRoom.com for their latest articles, podcasts and newsletters. Chapters00:42 Guest Introduction: Professor Daniel Gucciardi03:42 Defining Resilience07:54 Exploring Mental Toughness13:45 Measuring Resilience24:35 Reflection Techniques30:50 Team Resilience33:12 Future Research and Final ThoughtsUp NextNext week…Dr. Preston Cline, co-founder of the Mission Critical Institute, joins us to discuss the characteristics of effective mission-critical teams, and how to improve cohesion & facilitate career transitions in high-stress roles.