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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trustworthiness isn't just a label; it's built through consistent actions and a commitment to doing what's right, even when challenging.Martin Lewis is a prominent figure known for his expertise in consumer finance, and the founder of the ‘MoneySavingExpert’ website and platform. In this episode, Martin highlights how corporations are taking advantage of communities, focusing on the financial burden that big institutions in Britain place on the country.Touching on his own experience during the pandemic, Martin expresses the desperation for stability felt by many. He emphasises to Jake and Damian his commitment to charity, driven by a desire to reform the system and improve lives.He recounts his upbringing in a unique educational environment, which taught him early lessons about privilege and empathy. Addressing his own mental health challenges, Martin shares the effects of his personal struggles, and what coping mechanisms he developed.Offering insights into how he achieved success, Martin explores the impact and sacrifices throughout his journey. Ultimately, he shares the value of integrity in our personal and professional lives, and promotes individual accountability and moral business conduct.This episode focuses on developing trust, building an ethical society, and the importance of navigating personal and professional challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Damian revisits one of his favorite episodes with Tom Daley, an Olympic gold medallist in diving and British television personality.Jake and Damian reflect on what they learned from the conversation with Tom, including the importance of parental support and establishing daily goals. They discuss how Tom’s late father reframed situations positively, such as turning potential failures into achievements. They appreciate how he silently supported Tom without micromanaging or criticizing during difficult moments.Damian also delves into Tom's approach to setting daily goals. He explores how Tom finds satisfaction in small achievements and how bravery plays a role in facing life’s challenges, like dealing with the loss of his father and coming out as gay.This powerful episode provides a valuable lesson for all parents, coaches and individuals about the importance of presence and positive reinforcement, as well as overcoming challenges and adversity.Listen to the full episode with Tom Daley here: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharing the experiences from his remarkable journey to F1, Esteban emphasises the significance of self-belief, respect, and attention to detail on the road to high performance.Esteban Ocon is a French Formula 1 driver racing for the Alpine F1 Team, and is regarded as one of the most talented on the current grid. In this episode, Esteban shares the reality of racing from a young age and the astonishing sacrifices his family chose to make to support his dream.Esteban reveals the pressure he was under throughout his youth and how his childhood was vastly different to his peers. His parents decided to sell their home and working garage to finance his career, in order to chase his dream of racing in Formula 1. He shares the impact this has had on him as an adult and the immense gratitude he has towards his parents today. Reflecting on his rise through the ranks, Esteban opens up about the scrutiny and criticism he faced as a young driver. Rather than letting this impact him, he shares with Jake and Damian how he used this as motivation, transforming the negative feedback into inspiration. They discuss his 2019 hiatus from Formula 1 and the invaluable lessons he learnt during this time, observing the workings of the Mercedes team from the sidelines.This episode is a deep dive into what achieving your dreams looks like, exploring teamwork, self-belief and why trust is so crucial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jake and Damian as they delve into the captivating concept of 'sliding doors moments' - those pivotal junctures where life could have taken a completely different turn.In this episode, they reflect on conversations with guests including Matt Willis, Kieran Trippier, Stephanie Reid, Jamie Peacock and Francis Ngannou; who share intimate stories of single moments that changed the course of their entire lives. From missed opportunities to transformative advice, each tale will leave you pondering the profound impact of a single decision.Tune in for an episode that reminds us: it's not the challenges we face, but how we respond that shapes our destiny.Watch the episode now on the High Performance app, where you can also find all of the full conversations within this episode: https://hppod.co/app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Jake and Damian meet England Football legend, Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne, in our first ever High Performance Original. The full episode is available to watch exclusively for Plus members, only on the High Performance app.We selected a powerful moment from our conversation with Paul, where he opens up on a traumatic event he experienced as a child which resulted in his childhood friend Keith dying in his arms.Paul shares the effects this had on him throughout his teenage years, and how this trauma stayed with him into adulthood.Our first High Performance Original is a profound exploration of resilience, redemption, and the enduring spirit of an English sporting great. Watch now: https://hppod.co/gazza-vs-paul Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jameela challenges the conventional measures of success, asking people to reconsider their priorities and question societal expectations.Jameela Jamil is an actress, TV host and podcaster, known for her role in The Good Place and her podcast ‘I Weigh’. She is widely respected as a vocal advocate for mental health and body positivity. In this episode, Jake, Damian and Jameela discuss the idea that celebrity and fame is glorified and overrated.Going through the timeline of her career, Jameela shares how during her most successful years, starting her own clothing line, featuring on billboards and appearing in magazines, she was chronically ill, lonely and suicidal. Jameela debates what a truly satisfactory life looks like and why everything she thought would make her feel complete and happy in fact did the opposite. She reveals the pivotal moment of illness that forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle and career choices. Feeling silenced as a South Asian woman, Jameela offers profound insights into the importance of speaking out and advocating for yourself. From her teenage years suffering in silence and grappling with oppressive family dynamics to her vocal battle with diet culture and societal norms, she discusses how she has fought to find her voice. She shares her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, focusing on the significance of setting boundaries when prioritising mental well-being.Jameela also shares advice on how to navigate rejection, shame and negative self-talk, encouraging people to embrace their imperfections and focus on happiness above all else. This episode is an exploration of empathy, openness and community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Jake and Damian sit down with High Performance listener, Phil Richards. On the 19th March 2017, Phil was diagnosed with Metastatic Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma), a terminal diagnosis. Throughout this episode, Phil shares the lessons he’s learnt since his diagnosis in 2017. He details the way his life is transformed in many positive ways, and the new perspective he has each day. This is an empowering and life affirming conversation.If you would like to hear more stories from our listeners, you can find them right now in the High Performance App: https://thehighperformanceapp.com/collections/518myWcafG3R2obTHVvLAX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Kerridge, is a renowned chef with an impressive array of accolades, including two Michelin Stars, the UK's Best Restaurant of the Year, and the title of Best Pub of the Year.In this episode, Tom shares his journey of growing a successful business whilst dealing with alcohol addiction. He details the intricacies of building his award winning pub, The Hand and Flowers, with his wife Beth Cullen-Kerridge. Tom shares how he has created a committed and positive culture in the kitchen, a place that is known for being a harsh and challenging environment. He also shares insights into his partnership with his wife, detailing the challenges and rewards of running a business together and the importance of maintaining a strong connection.During this conversation, Tom opens up to Jake and Damian about his struggles with alcoholism, revealing how the high-pressure environment of the kitchen led him to rely on drinking as a coping mechanism. He reflects on the pivotal moment when he decided to quit drinking, after realising the impact it had on both his health and his career trajectory. They discuss the importance of personal growth and why he encourages this within his employees too. Throughout the interview Tom offers valuable lessons on leadership, commitment, and the power of change. Tom’s love for his craft shines through as he discusses the broader impact of his work beyond the kitchen, specifically the importance of food and nutrition education within young people. Tom inspires listeners to embrace change, foster a supportive work environment, and strive for excellence in every endeavour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jake handpicks one of his favourite episodes with Whoop Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed. Jake and Damian reflect on the key lessons from Will’s episode, including how to manage having multiple big goals and the challenges of building a 3.6 billion dollar business. They also discuss how to overcome the challenge of doing the right thing during overwhelming moments and taking a moment for yourself to recharge, even when it’s difficult. Having built multiple businesses, Jake reflects on the advice given by Will and what aspects he applies to his business decisions moving forward. Listen to the full episode with Will here: https://pod.fo/e/f256a Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign Up To WHOOP, 30 days risk free - join.whoop.com/HPPReflecting on her career, Jessica Ennis-Hill offers a glimpse into the life of an Olympian, inspiring listeners to pursue their dreams by building mental strength and resilience whilst keeping a steadfast focus on what truly matters.Olympic legend Jessica Ennis-Hill delves into the highs and lows of her illustrious career. Jessica is a retired track and field athlete, specialising in the heptathlon and 100 metres hurdles. As a competitor in heptathlon, she is the 2012 Olympic champion, a three-time world champion, and the 2010 European champion.In this episode, Jess opens up about what it was like being the ‘face’ of the 2012 Olympic Games and how she dealt with the immense pressure that brought; highlighting the crucial role of sports psychology to help athletes block out distractions.With her degree in psychology, Jessica reflects on how her understanding of the human psyche has transformed her approach to training and communication. She acknowledges the invaluable support of her team and loved ones, emphasising the significance of their consistency in her path to success. They also discuss the importance of laughter and finding humour during tough moments. Jessica discusses how her career changed after the birth of her son in 2014, and going on to become World Champion soon after. She shares her advice for young athletes and why happiness will always be her top priority. From overcoming career-threatening injuries to embracing the joys of motherhood, Jessica's journey is one of resilience, determination, and continued passion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damian shares one of his favourite episodes, an honest conversation about life and death with Lindsey Burrow. Lindsey is the wife of former professional rugby player Rob Burrow. In 2019, Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Lindsey cares for Rob full time, whilst looking after their children and working as a physiotherapist for the NHS. This was a very powerful episode and many of the lessons Lindsey shared have stayed with Damian since. He goes through these lessons with Jake, detailing how her outlook has inspired and transformed how he takes on life challenges.Listen to the full episode with Lindsey here: https://pod.fo/e/149343 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign Up To WHOOP, 30 days risk free - join.whoop.com/HPPThis episode explores the foundational principles that have guided Sahil’s journey towards personal growth and meaningful relationships.Sahil Bloom is an investor, entrepreneur and writer, known for his newsletter The Curiosity Chronicle. In this episode, Sahil discusses with Jake why prioritising important relationships over career-driven success has been a crucial and formative decision. Sahil expresses his belief that the beauty of relationships can be found in the struggle, through overcoming hardships with a partner, you can find a new, more deepened strength.He shares his method to achieving personal goals, how to analyse whether you’re going in the right direction and the important of patience. They debate the concept of luck, and the difference between acts of God and luck that can be influenced by our actions and awareness. Sahil shares an innovative approach to goal-setting, by introducing the ABC method as a framework for managing expectations and driving progress. A represents the aspirational, B the baseline and C the critical must-do level.This episode is a reminder that true success lies not in financial, or career, gain but in the immeasurable value we bring to our relationships and communities.During the conversation, Sahil refers to an op-ed written by a man who'd lost his son to a rare form of epilepsy, you can find that here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/its-later-than-you-think-j-r-storment/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by the ITV show Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Damian reflects on the correct way to handle a crisis.Detailing a study by Kim and Lee on the Johnson & Johnson Tylenol crisis, Damian explores the lessons we can learn from their response to disaster and how we can utilise them in our everyday lives.These approaches include:* Swift and decisive action* Communicating transparently* Cooperating with others* Reapplying learnings* Emphasising the rebuilding of trust* Learning from the experienceThis episode offers a new insight into how we can respond to crisis in a more effective way.Download the High Performance app and join Plus to access the rest of the 'Thoughts from Damian' series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.