The Pathway to Peak Performance Podcast

Jock Putney
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Welcome to Pathway to Peak PerformanceHosted by Jock Putney, this channel is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence—mental, physical, emotional, and professional.Each episode dives deep into the real stories of high achievers from all walks of life: elite athletes, tactical operators, innovators, creators, and leaders who have pushed themselves to the edge and beyond. This isn’t about hype. It’s about mindset, discipline, failure, growth, and the relentless pursuit of getting better.If you’re driven to elevate your performance—whether that’s in the gym, in your work, or in your personal life—you’re in the right place.🎯 Real people.🔥 Real stories.💡 Real tools to help you perform at your highest level.Subscribe and start your own journey toward peak performance.

  1. 4D AGO

    Mastering the Art of Attention in a Distracted World | Tomas Sennett’s Pathway to Peak Performance

    This episode proudly supports Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières). Doctors Without Borders is an independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency care to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and lack of access to healthcare. Their teams provide life-saving treatment in places where help is hardest to reach, often working in dangerous conditions so patients are not left behind. Donate to Doctors Without Borders here! What does “peak performance” look like when your career is built on seeing what everyone else misses? Photographer Tomas Sennett has traveled to 134 countries, worked in environments most people only read about, and built a life around curiosity, courage, and relentless observation. In this conversation, Tomas shares how his upbringing shaped a global mindset, why a great photographer “sees out of his ears,” and what it really takes to capture images that feel timeless and true. Tomas  also opens up about risk, resilience, and the moments that rewire your perspective forever, including a near-death paragliding accident and what it taught him about humility, gratitude, and the thin line between control and chaos. From National Geographic-level opportunity to the behind-the-scenes reality of getting the shot, this episode is a masterclass in attention, authenticity, and living awake. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast to notice what’s right in front of you, this one is a reset. For more follow Jock on Instagram!

    1h 17m

  2. JAN 27

    From NCAA Champion to Medical Breakthroughs | Dr. Michael Longaker's Pathway to Peak Performance

    This episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance proudly supports Grace Science, a biotech-focused organization advancing gene therapy research for rare congenital diseases. Founded by a father whose daughter was born with an extremely rare condition, Grace Science is working to develop treatments that can change and extend lives. All profits generated by views of this episode will be donated, and a link to learn more is included below. https://www.gracescience.org/donate  What does it really mean to perform at the highest level over an entire lifetime? In this powerful episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Jock Putney sits down with Dr. Michael Longaker, world-renowned surgeon-scientist, Stanford professor, and pioneer in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. From winning a national championship against Larry Bird’s undefeated team to reshaping modern medicine through discoveries like the skeletal stem cell, Dr. Longaker shares a remarkable journey defined by discipline, mentorship, and relentless effort. This conversation explores the connection between elite athletics, academic excellence, and scientific discovery, while unpacking how true impact is built over decades, not moments. Dr. Longaker reflects on imposter syndrome, mentorship, scarless healing, fibrosis research, leadership, and what it means to shift from individual achievement to leading through others. In this episode, you’ll learn: How elite athletic discipline translates into lifelong performance What it was like winning the 1979 NCAA Championship with Magic Johnson Lessons from Harvard Medical School, UCSF, and Stanford The discovery of skeletal stem cells and scarless healing Why mentorship works best when you look through a window, not a mirror How to decide the kind of impact you want to make in the world Why hard work compounds into “luck” over time How regenerative medicine may transform future patient care This episode is a masterclass in humility, resilience, leadership, and long-term thinking. Whether you’re a clinician, scientist, entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone striving to perform at a higher level, there is something here that will resonate. If this conversation adds value, please like, subscribe, and share, and consider supporting Grace Science through the link below. https://www.gracescience.org/donate

    1h 59m

  3. JAN 20

    Risk, Grit, and 1% Gains That Compound | Rod Hall's Pathway To Peak Performance

    Proceeds from today’s episode support Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization that delivers essential medicine and medical supplies to people affected by poverty and emergencies, in the U.S. and around the world. Direct Relief works across all 50 states and in more than 80 countries to expand access to healthcare by equipping clinicians with lifesaving medical resources. Donate Here! In this episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Jock Putney sits down with Rod Hall for a wide-ranging conversation about risk, discipline, and the compounding power of small daily gains. Rod shares his unlikely journey from a Kansas farm to electrical engineering, building early telecom systems, chasing opportunity overseas, earning an MBA at INSEAD, and eventually becoming a top-ranked equity analyst covering major technology shifts, from broadband to the smartphone revolution and today’s AI infrastructure boom. You’ll hear practical lessons on: Why “do it until it becomes second nature” beats “fake it till you make it” How 1% improvements compound into career-defining outcomes Why discipline can lead to flow, and flow can unlock freedom What it really takes to perform under pressure, stay humble, and reset after mistakes How mentorship, perspective, and faith can steady you through the hard days Career advice for young professionals navigating AI, rapid change, and uncertainty If this conversation helps you, please like, comment, and subscribe. And if you want to multiply the impact, share this episode with someone who would also support Direct Relief.

    1h 14m

  4. JAN 13

    Performing Under Pressure in Medicine | Dr. Pasquale Eckert's Pathway To Peak Performance

    This episode supports: Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that creates life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, its mission is to bring hope, strength, and joy to children and their families during extremely challenging times. Wishes are personalized to each child and can include dream trips, meeting heroes, or becoming something they aspire to be. These experiences often provide emotional strength and a renewed sense of possibility when it’s needed most. Donate here: https://wish.org/?form=100-000 This episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance proudly supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. These moments of hope, strength, and joy have a lasting impact, not just for the child, but for their entire family. If this conversation resonates with you, we encourage you to support this incredible mission. Whether it’s a donation, sharing the link, or simply spreading awareness, every action helps bring more wishes to life. Peak performance isn’t luck, it’s reps, routines, and doing the hard things consistently. In this episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Jock Putney sits down with Dr. Pasquali Eert, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon operating at the highest level of his field. From building discipline through simple daily wins to thriving in the intensity of residency and trauma care, Dr. Eert breaks down the mindset, structure, and work ethic required to deliver elite patient outcomes day after day. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why “reps” matter when choosing a specialist and how volume builds true mastery - What oral and maxillofacial surgery training is really like behind the scenes - How to compartmentalize difficult cases while staying deeply committed to patient care - Common wisdom teeth myths and why sedation and experience matter - How full-arch dental implants can be functionally and emotionally life-changing - Orthognathic (jaw) surgery explained in plain English - The future of stem cell banking from extracted teeth and why timing matters - Why mentorship is critical—and how finding the right one can change your trajectory If you’re striving to perform at a higher level, professionally or personally, this episode delivers practical insights on discipline, structure, resilience, and sustained excellence. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. Your support helps us grow the show and continue spotlighting meaningful causes. Dr. Pasquale Eckert's Pathway to Peak Performance Follow Jock on Instagram →   / jfp_cubed

    51 min

  5. JAN 6

    Control Your Thoughts and Turn Rejection Into Momentum | Stephen Steele's Pathway To Peak Performance

    🎗️ This episode supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Rejection isn’t failure, it’s fuel. Navy veteran and inventor Stephen Steele was told “no” four times… then patented the Steel Mixer anyway. What does it take to stay calm under pressure, lead elite teams, and keep going when the answer is “no”? In this episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Stephen Steele shares how military discipline shaped his mindset—from growing up in an Army family to serving on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier—and how that resilience helped him build high-performing construction teams and invent the Steel Mixer. Stephen breaks down how to control your thoughts when things get hard, why clarity of mind determines success, and how to turn rejection into momentum. He also shares a deeply personal story about his sister’s childhood illness and the impact the Make-A-Wish Foundation had on his family—shaping his lifelong commitment to service. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use rejection as feedback (not a stop sign) The mindset skills that build mental toughness under pressure Leadership principles for building high-performing teams What it really takes to invent, patent, and persist Why the skilled trades offer long-term opportunity and pride How gratitude and service create a meaningful life 👉 Watch until the end for Stephen’s framework on leadership, invention, and why helping others may be the ultimate form of peak performance. If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that resilience changes everything.

    1h 6m

  6. 12/30/2025

    The Psychology of Connection In A Disconnected World Tania LaCorte's Pathway to Peak Performance

    This episode donates to the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, a world-class training program helping clinicians provide deep, root-level care that creates lasting ripple effects through families, communities, and culture. Donate here  >> https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/25654/donations/new  In this episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Dr. Tania Lacorte joins the show for a powerful conversation on the thing we’re missing most in modern life: real human connection. We explore why “vibe” and presence matter as much as words, how the unconscious shapes everything from relationships to leadership, and why so many people feel exhausted, anxious, and disconnected in a phone-driven culture. Dr. Lort shares how insight actually forms (and why the best breakthroughs come when people arrive at their own conclusions), plus practical ways to handle triggers, communicate across differences, and lead with more clarity—especially in high-stakes organizational environments. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why connection is a performance advantage in life and leadershipHow uncertainty fuels anxiety, and how to regulate itThe difference between advice and lasting insightWhat’s really happening in difficult group dynamics and teamsHow executive coaching and therapy support better decisions and healthier culturesWhy meaning, curiosity, and empathy matter in 2025 and beyond If this episode resonates, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a little more connection and clarity right now. Tania Lacorte's Pathway to Peak Performance Follow Jock on Instagram →   / jfp_cubed

    1h 16m

  7. 12/23/2025

    The Future Of Longevity Medicine, Leonard Pastrana's PharmD Pathway To Peak Performance

    Longevity medicine is advancing fast—but is it advancing wisely? In this episode of Pathways to Peak Performance, Leonard Pastrana, PharmD, exposes one of the most overlooked risks in modern health and longevity: the growing reliance on direct-to-consumer diagnostics, AI-generated protocols, and generic health solutions that operate without experienced clinical judgment. As longevity, genomics, and personalized medicine scale rapidly, many systems prioritize speed, data, and automation over context, expertise, and accountability. Leonard explains why this shift is not just inefficient—but potentially dangerous. You’ll learn: - Why traditional “sick care” fails prevention—and what actually works - How early risk detection is reshaping medicine (when done correctly) - Where AI adds value in healthcare—and where it breaks down - Why personalization requires interpretation, not just information - How misaligned incentives are quietly shaping the future of longevity - The conversation then moves beyond health into peak performance and leadership, exploring mentorship, visualization, decision-making under pressure, and how building a strong personal foundation enables sustained success, impact, and resilience. If you’re serious about health span, performance, and making clear decisions in a crowded and noisy longevity landscape, this episode offers rare clarity, nuance, and real-world perspective. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on health, performance, leadership, and human optimization 👍 Like, comment, and share with someone thinking critically about personalized medicine Leonard Pastrana’s Pathway to Peak Performance Follow Jock on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jfp_cubed/ 📌 New episodes every week featuring elite performers, clinicians, and thinkers redefining what’s possible in health and human performance.

    1h 10m

  8. 12/16/2025

    Searching For The Cure To Cancer, Vaccines, & Pandemics: Phillip Norris' Pathway to Peak Performance

    What can four decades of fighting infectious diseases teach us about leadership, pandemics, human performance, and the future of medicine? In this episode of The Pathway to Peak Performance, Jock Putney sits down with Dr. Phillip Norris—infectious disease physician, immunologist, and senior leader at one of the largest nonprofit blood banks in the U.S.—for a rare inside look at the intersection of science, medicine, courage, and humility. Dr. Norris shares his unconventional path from engineering at UC Berkeley to medical training at Columbia and Duke, followed by groundbreaking research at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. His career spans some of the most defining moments in modern infectious disease:  • The early AIDS epidemic  • Game-changing protease inhibitor therapies  • SARS-1  • COVID-19  • The evolution of vaccines, immunity, and public health This episode cuts through headlines and misinformation, tackling the questions people really want answers to:  • Is another global pandemic inevitable?  • What does the science actually say about blood transfusions from vaccinated donors?  • How do vaccines, infections, and immunity shape long-term health?  • Why do humility and mentorship matter more than raw intelligence in elite medical careers? Dr. Norris also reveals his latest work in cancer immunotherapy, including an emerging antibody designed to activate the immune system against tumors—along with the real challenges of securing funding for transformative research. Beyond medicine, this conversation explores burnout, coaching, resilience, parenting, flow states, and what it takes to rediscover purpose after setbacks. Dr. Norris shares candid stories about leadership, mistakes, and the mentors who shaped him—reminding listeners that peak performance isn’t linear; it’s earned. This episode supports the Vitalant Foundation, advancing critical work in transfusion medicine, immunology, and cancer research. Donate here → https://www.vitalant.org/support-us/vitalant-foundation Follow Jock on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jfp_cubed/ SEO-Optimized Episode Highlights • The truth about future pandemics • How blood banks evaluate vaccine safety • What immunity really means (and what people get wrong) • Inside the early days of HIV/AIDS—and how medicine changed forever • The promise of cancer immunotherapy • Leadership lessons from Harvard, Duke, and global health systems • Why humility is the real superpower in high-performance careers • How elite clinicians manage time, burnout, and purpose

    1h 48m
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About

Welcome to Pathway to Peak PerformanceHosted by Jock Putney, this channel is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence—mental, physical, emotional, and professional.Each episode dives deep into the real stories of high achievers from all walks of life: elite athletes, tactical operators, innovators, creators, and leaders who have pushed themselves to the edge and beyond. This isn’t about hype. It’s about mindset, discipline, failure, growth, and the relentless pursuit of getting better.If you’re driven to elevate your performance—whether that’s in the gym, in your work, or in your personal life—you’re in the right place.🎯 Real people.🔥 Real stories.💡 Real tools to help you perform at your highest level.Subscribe and start your own journey toward peak performance.

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