The High Performance Podcast

In this episode, we revisit our fascinating conversation with McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris. After a rapid rise to the top of the podium in Formula 1, we look back at Lando’s chat with us in 2022, as he dreamt of becoming a race winner and championship force.Listen as Lando speaks to Jake and Damian about his tough beginnings in F1, how he struggled with mental health and imposter syndrome, and what it’s like racing against his heroes.Uncover Lando’s mindset on confidence and self-belief, his views on privilege growing up, and the sacrifices he’s made to reach the top of the world’s fastest sport.

Renowned for his captivating presence on screen and innovative business endeavours, Jamie Laing joins Jake to share candid insights into his career and overcoming personal struggles.Jamie Laing is more than just a reality TV star: he’s also recognised as an investor and entrepreneur, establishing the confectionery company 'Candy Kittens', and hosting several podcasts including ‘Great Company’ and ‘Newlyweds’.Despite his privileged background, Jamie emphasises the importance of hard work and determination in building his businesses, debunking misconceptions about his success solely stemming from family wealth. He highlights the necessity of surrounding ourselves with the right people and embracing resilience in the face of challenges.Jamie also opens up about his experiences with anxiety and depersonalisation, shedding light on the struggles many face with mental health. He discusses the importance of acceptance and seeking help, offering hope and encouragement to those grappling with similar issues.Discussing the impact of social media and criticism, Jamie shares his experience of facing online abuse and maintaining confidence in his creative pursuits. Whether it’s building a business or facing personal battles, this conversation with Jamie Laing explores how with the right mindset and support, we can navigate through life’s ups and downs and emerge stronger on the other side.

In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with the remarkable Ronda Rousey, a professional mixed martial artist and former UFC champion, to dive into various aspects of her life and career.Ronda Rousey became the first UFC women's champion and a judo Olympic Medalist, earning back-to-back golds at the Pan American Championships and a 2008 Olympic bronze medal. Ronda opens up about her upbringing, including the real impact of her father’s suicide when she was just eight years old.Ronda discusses her addiction to winning and the challenges she faced in her career, particularly in navigating relationships with coaches. Offering advice to others facing similar situations, she emphasises the importance of always having a backup plan and not feeling trapped in any situation.As the conversation unfolds, Ronda shares insights on the support she received from others, highlighting her strategy of making herself unavoidable in the media, as well as her infamous encounter with Dana White, the CEO of the UFC. She also addresses her experience with concussion symptoms, shedding light on the lack of awareness surrounding CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) during her career.This episode delves into the depths of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of love, as Ronda Rousey shares her personal journey from tragedy to triumph.

In this episode, Liverpool FC Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe joins Jake and Damian to discuss the secrets of success in football and player development.Alex Inglethorpe is a former English footballer, who played forward for Watford, Leyton Orient, Exeter City, and Barnet, before becoming a renowned football coach specialising in nurturing young talent at the academy level.Alex shares valuable perspectives on the intricacies of coaching, culture building and nurturing up-and-coming talent. He highlights the importance of trust and faith from a manager, parent, or coach; emphasising the role of empathy and belief in players’ abilities.Alex recounts memorable moments whilst coaching players including Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold, highlighting the role of mentorship and honesty in their success. Reflecting on the transformative belief and leadership installed by Jürgen Klopp, he discusses Klopp's ability to instil confidence and unity within his team as they overcome challenges and strive for success.The episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of a coach dedicated to developing the next generation of talent and fostering a winning mentality, both on and off the field.

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Michail Antonio, the West Ham United striker who rose from non-league football to European glory.After almost a decade at West Ham, Michail made history by becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League. In this heart to heart conversation with Jake and Damian, Michail opens up about his time at West Ham, the constant speculation surrounding his future at the club, and the challenges he's faced in proving his worth season after season.As West Ham undergoes a transition with the departure of David Moyes and a focus on younger players, Michail openly reflects on the evolving dynamics, where the influx of younger talent signals a potential shift away from seasoned players like himself.Michail discloses how he fell in and out of love with football and his struggles with various mental health challenges, including the shocking reality of one of his lowest moments in the hours following West Ham’s Europa Conference League victory. Despite facing criticism and adversity, he maintains a resilient mindset, rooted in unwavering self-belief.From stepping onto the Premier League stage to the invaluable lessons learnt from his managers past and present, Michail offers us a raw and insightful glimpse into the highs and lows of a professional footballer in the modern era.For support on mental health, visit: https://hppod.co/mind-Sponsors:Eight Sleep: Click here: https://hppod.co/eightsleep for £350 discount-

In this captivating episode, business icon Richard Branson joins Jake to share his fascinating stories about life, leadership, and luck.-Sponsors:Eight Sleep: Click here: https://hppod.co/eightsleep for £200 discount-British entrepreneur extraordinaire Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group in 1970, branching out from record retailing into multiple industries. Reflecting on significant moments throughout his life, Richard recalls the dramatic experience of an engine failure during a flight four decades ago, and how this changed his perspective on luck.He emphasises the importance of optimism and resilience, highlighting his own positive outlook and ability to bounce back from challenges. Touching on the years of the pandemic, Richard opens up about the reality of selling parts of his Virgin Galactic business in order to save jobs, and the personal criticism that followed.Discussing his relationship with dyslexia, Richard explains why he views it as a strength that helped him excel, and the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. He underscores the importance of delegation, the value of truly knowing your team, and fostering a fun work environment.Reflecting on his book, Richard offers insights into entrepreneurship, highlighting its potential to positively impact lives and address global issues. He urges aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, persistence, and believe in making the world better.In this absorbing conversation, Richard Branson’s wisdom and infectious enthusiasm shines through as we explore the resilience, optimism and determination behind one of Britain’s most celebrated entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Jake and Damian team up with acclaimed restaurateur Will Guidara to delve into the world of hospitality.A leading figure in the culinary world, Will Guidara is a renowned restaurateur and co-owner of New York City's Eleven Madison Park restaurant. His dedication to innovation, exceptional service, and culinary excellence has earned him widespread acclaim, including the prestigious accolade of three Michelin Stars.Will offers insights into the essence of hospitality, emphasising the importance of creating memorable experiences and nurturing relationships. He shares anecdotes, like the impactful reaction from a fine dining customer he served a New York hot dog, highlighting the profound impact of making people feel seen and valued and how small gestures can create lasting memories.Will explores practical tips for enhancing experiences, such as attentiveness and understanding the love languages of those we serve. Drawing from personal experiences, like caring for his mother with cancer, Will underscores the significance of empathy and resilience in hospitality. He also discusses the crucial process of hiring and firing in building a cohesive team, advocating for deliberate choices to foster a culture of dedication and growth.Through engaging conversation and insightful stories, this conversation emphasises hospitality is both an art and a science, essential for success in any endeavour.-Sponsors:Eight Sleep: Click here: https://hppod.co/eightsleep for £200 discount-

In this episode, Chris Williamson joins Jake and Damian to delve deep into the realms of connection and embracing authenticity.Chris Williamson is an English podcaster, YouTuber and former television personality; appearing on the first series of Love Island in 2015. Since 2018 he has hosted the highly regarded Modern Wisdom podcast, surpassing a staggering 400 million downloads.Chris boldly talks about fighting feelings of not being enough, showing how chasing success can sometimes mean giving up happiness. He chats openly about his childhood and upbringing, craving validation after growing up feeling lonely.Despite his success, Chris acknowledges his ongoing pursuit for self-improvement through journaling, meditation, and therapy; emphasising the importance of these exercises for continuous growth.From his podcasting success to his latest venture with ‘Neutonic’, a thoughtfully crafted productivity drink, Chris highlights the power of curiosity, consistency, and intentionalism. He shares the importance of defining our desires and taking action to fulfil them.-Sponsors:Eight Sleep: Click here: https://hppod.co/eightsleep for £200 discount-This episode digs into the twists and turns of human connections, striving for real success, and finding out who we are.

Iconic ice dancing duo Torvill and Dean sit down with Jake and Damian to reflect on their illustrious career spanning over 50 years.Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are a lengendary former British ice skating duo and 1984 Winter Olympics Champions. In this episode, they reflect on their early days, recalling the pivotal moment when they realised their potential as a duo. They highlight how their shared passion for skating and unwavering commitment to improvement bound them together for over five decades.Delving into their creative process, Torvill and Dean recount the discovery of ‘Bolero’, the routine that would later become iconic for their 1984 Olympic success. They emphasise the dedication and discipline required for success, the challenges they faced, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their sport.Looking back on their illustrious careers, the pair reveal their decision to retire after 50 years on the ice. With wisdom gleaned from a lifetime of skating, they embrace the idea of leaving the stage on their own terms, ready to embark on new adventures.This conversation explores the insights behind Torvill and Dean’s dynamic partnership, and how they navigated tensions and dealt with failure to become two of Great Britain’s most celebrated Olympians.-Sponsors:Eight Sleep: Click here: https://hppod.co/eightsleep for £200 discount-