The High Performance Podcast High Performance

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.

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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.

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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.
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In this captivating episode, business icon Richard Branson joins Jake to share his fascinating stories about life, leadership, and luck.
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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.


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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.
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Sponsors:
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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.
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Sponsors:
Eight Sleep: Click here: https://hppod.co/eightsleep for £200 discount
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This episode digs into the twists and turns of human connections, striving for real success, and finding out who we are.

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