The High Performance Podcast

Welcoming the incredibly talented Scottish singer-songwriter Tom Walker to High Performance, sharing his journey from breakout success to navigating fame and self-care. In this episode, Tom Walker joins Jake and Damian to share insights into his life as a successful singer and songwriter. From the highs of winning the BRIT Awards to the lows of overworking himself into a breakdown, Tom opens up about the importance of setting boundaries, especially with management and labels. He recounts on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from being inspired by ACDC at just nine years old to creating hit songs born out of personal loss and struggles.With two million albums sold worldwide, Tom doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges of fame, admitting his discomfort with TV appearances and selling his music. Yet, he offers practical advice on coping mechanisms and the importance of reaching out for support during tough times.As he discusses navigating through the challenges of COVID-19 and teasing his upcoming album, we gain a glimpse into the evolution of Tom Walker, both as an artist and as a person. This episode dives into the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seizing opportunities in order to navigate success and maintain mental well-being in the creative industry.

For the first time ever, High Performance turns to the animal kingdom to unlock the secrets of mammals’ remarkable survival strategies.Jake and Damian are joined by the producers of BBC Earth’s “Mammals”, Roger Webb and Harry Lawrence; who share behind-the-scenes challenges and exciting moments from the development of the series. Roger, with 25+ years of experience in crafting mesmerising natural history content, and Harry, whose early career was shaped by the enthralling episodes of Mammals, bring a wealth of insights to the table.Roger and Harry recount their extraordinary interactions with legendary British Broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, highlighting his humility, passion for nature, and timeless energy. They share the valuable lessons they learned from Sir David, emphasising the importance of staying grounded and finding joy in their work.The producers also delve into why mammals dominate Earth and what humans can learn from their exceptional parenting and teamwork. We hear captivating tales from their wild filming experiences, and the important role of storytelling in connecting audiences with nature. Roger and Harry also provide a glimpse into how crews prepare meticulously to seize breathtaking moments with mammals without missing opportunities. This episode is an exciting exploration into wildlife filmmaking, packed with insights into the wonders of nature and the art of capturing it on camera.

In this episode, we explore a journey of resilience and transformation; the evolution of a promising basketball player to a celebrated bodybuilding champion.Phil Heath is an American IFBB Pro League professional bodybuilder, who clinched the Mr. Olympia title seven times consecutively from 2011 to 2017. His latest victory tied him with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the second-most wins in history, following Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney.From battling suicidal thoughts to finding his light in the darkness, Phil talks candidly about the pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his life's direction. Reflecting on his basketball days, he recounts the realisation that it was time to pivot when he felt overlooked on the court. He describes the struggle of facing adversity without a support system, battling with loneliness and despair.Throughout the episode, Phil emphasises the importance of perseverance and seeking support during tough times. He credits influential figures like his gym teacher and coach Tim Grover for guiding him through adversity and teaching him valuable lessons in managing emotion.Offering advice for navigating through darkness, Phil reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to be ignited. This episode explores resilience, hope and self-discovery.Get up to £250 off the Eight Sleep Pod by following this link: https://www.eightsleep.com/uk/hpp/

In this episode, sponsored by BT, Jake sits down with Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed - four real life business owners, with wildly varied experiences across the UK business sector. We explore what it’s really like being the boss.The key attributes you need to lead a business, and the big lessons they’ve learned over the years. Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed reflect on the highest highs along their journeys, and also the most challenging moments, and how ultimately, marginal gains are everything. It’s more than a conversation about business, it’s about fostering a winning culture.A big thank you to BT for making this happen - remember that BT is there to support you and your business, providing strong reliability, dedicated support and robust network security - so you can get on with what you do best which is running your business. Put simply whatever your business is, BT's got your back.Thanks to Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed for sitting down, and making for such a great roundtable. You can find out more about their businesses here…Clement - The Village People - https://princeofpeckham.co.uk/ Maggie - Lewes FC - https://lewesfc.com/ Ed - https://www.thealternativeboard.co.uk/ Alice - https://thelowdown.com/ Thanks to Clement, Alice, Maggie and Ed for sitting down, and making for such a great roundtable. You can find out more about their businesses here…Clement - The Village People - https://princeofpeckham.co.uk/ Maggie - Lewes FC - https://lewesfc.com/ Ed - https://www.thealternativeboard.co.uk/ Alice - https://thelowdown.com/ #AD

In this bonus episode, we revisit an absorbing conversation with renowned British journalist and former BBC newsreader, Emily Maitlis.Watch the full episode FREE without ads, only on the High Performance app: hppod.co/emily-maitlis.In line with the release of Netflix’s new film ‘Scoop’, we look back at Emily Maitlis’ iconic interview with Prince Andrew, exploring how she prepared, the moments leading up to the conversation, and her reactions to the now infamous exchange.Emily discusses the team and processes behind creating a compelling interview narrative, and how an unforgettable moment of British journalism was produced.

Step into the mind of a Premier League icon, in a conversation exploring self doubt, gaining respect, and coping with toxicity.Kolo Touré, a stalwart of the Premier League, is not just a football player but a symbol of resilience and determination. With a career spanning top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, Toure's name is synonymous with grit, leadership, and unwavering commitment on the pitch.In this episode, Kolo Touré joins Jake and Damian for a conversation blending reflection and insider insights into his football journey. From meeting Arsène Wenger for the first time, to reflecting on the “invincibles” era at Arsenal, Kolo shares insights into how one of the league’s most legendary teams was built.Transitioning to Manchester City, he discusses the struggle of instilling a winning mentality at a new club. Despite setbacks, including a suspension for a substance abuse accusation, Kolo highlights how he persevered; returning alongside his brother Yaya to win the Premier League in dramatic fashion in 2012.Kolo also discusses how when his career moved onto Liverpool, he faced new pressures and expectations. He shares how he embraced the challenge, and how eager he was to prove himself to the fans and his new team.This episode encapsulates Kolo's remarkable journey; from exhilarating moments within some of the country’s most established clubs, to inspiring encounters with Arsène Wenger, and his biggest personal challenges and triumphs.

In this episode, Charles Duhigg shares powerful insights into understanding the unspoken desires of others, and how we can foster meaningful connection through communication.Charles Duhigg is an American journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and a non-fiction author. He is a Pulitzer prize-winning reporter and the author of best-selling book ‘The Power of Habit’, which spent over three years on New York Times bestseller lists.In this conversation, Charles discusses the importance of asking deep questions that touch on our values and experiences, allowing individuals to reveal their true intentions and mindset. He reflects on his relationship with his father, underscoring the transformative power of open and honest communication.Charles discusses the complexities of parent-child dynamics, and Jake and Damian reflect on the challenges of communicating with their own children. Reflecting on his new book, “Supercommunicators”, Charles highlights the importance of understanding the science of human connection to personal and professional success.This thought-provoking episode explores the transformative power of communication; offering practical strategies to navigate interpersonal relationships in a world that is increasingly disconnected.Manual is offering a 55% discount to people that subscriber to their first hair loss treatment order by using code HP55. Click the link for more information: https://www.manual.co/hair-loss?coupon=HP55&utm_source=streaming&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=first

In this episode, British fashion icon Paul Smith takes listeners on a reflective journey through his life and career, offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of society, culture, and fashion.He shares with Jake and Damian insights into his dynamic professional partnership with his wife, Pauline, highlighting their contrasting personalities as a source of balance and strength. Paul reflects on his journey since the beginning of his career, and discusses the fleeting nature of fame, emphasising the importance of sticking power and endurance.From childhood memories to lessons in communication and resourcefulness, Paul acknowledges the crucial role his father played in shaping his entrepreneurial journey, especially in international business dealings. Paul also recounts a life-altering cycling accident that led to artistic exploration and a newfound appreciation for design.Despite global success, Paul remains committed to mentorship; echoing gratitudes for the guidance he received in his youth and advocating for the next generation of talent. Through anecdotes, reflections and candid advice, Paul paints a portrait of a fashion icon dedicated to preserving the integrity and artistry of his craft.This episode explores the authenticity of fashion amidst changing trends, the importance of staying true to yourself, and offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a true visionary.

In this month’s recap, Jake and Damian reflect on the enlightening conversations they’ve had with our guests throughout the month of March.Starting with Jameela Jamil’s powerful insights on self-awareness and societal norms, they emphasise her message of empowerment amidst societal pressures. They applauded Martin Lewis' courage and integrity, emphasising the value of trust in personal and professional success.Discussing their conversation with Tom Kerridge, Jake and Damian appreciate his unconventional path to success and willingness to reinvent himself. They admire his courage to defy conventions and prioritise well-being over conventional achievement definitions.Reflecting on Esteban Ocon’s journey in Formula One, they highlight the theme of parental sacrifice and determination. They also commend Ocon's father for establishing values despite challenges, underscoring the value of long-term goals.This month's conversations with our guests highlight the importance of authenticity, courage and purpose in navigating life’s challenges and finding true fulfilment.Listen to the episodes mentioned:Jameela: https://pod.fo/e/225b9eMartin: https://pod.fo/e/22a519Tom: https://pod.fo/e/22356eEsteban: https://pod.fo/e/228331