The High Performance Podcast

High Performance
The High Performance Podcast

Welcome to High Performance. Through fascinating conversations with remarkable guests, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes uncover the secrets behind High Performance and explore how we can all become the best version of ourselves. We focus on uncovering the learnings from top performers in every field, from sport to entertainment, business, health and wellness.​ No matter where our guests have excelled, they all have first-hand experiences and lessons to share. On High Performance we find out what non-negotiable behaviours they employed to get them to the top and keep them there. ** Want to get the most from High Performance? Download the new High Performance app for FREE to access every episode, enjoy exclusive documentary and masterclass content.  You’ll get instant access to insights from the world’s best, will receive daily motivational boosts and can create your own personalised High Performance playlists. Simply click here or search High Performance in the App store to get started.

  1. Mark Clattenburg: From Death Threats to Champions League Final “Referees Aren’t Seen as Human"

    JUL 13 • SUBSCRIBER EARLY ACCESS

    Mark Clattenburg: From Death Threats to Champions League Final “Referees Aren’t Seen as Human"

    Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has seen it all, from Champions League finals to handling the world’s biggest football stars under immense pressure. But behind the badge is a story shaped by survival, scrutiny, and sacrifice. In this episode, Mark opens up about the mental toll of refereeing, the loneliness that comes with the job, and the weight of every decision made under the glare of millions. He reflects on his journey from a tough childhood to managing the chaos of modern football, both on the pitch and online. He also shares the reality of dealing with abuse, the pressure from media and fans, and how he built trust with players to take control of the game without backing down. This is powerful insight into the pressure, psychology, and resilience needed to thrive in one of football’s toughest roles. Mark's new podcast 'Whistleblowers' is out now. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 Tide 👉Free £50? Just spend £100 on your Tide card to get it: https://highpfrmc.com/tidehp50 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners

    1h 26m
  2. How to Handle Difficult Conversations

    8H AGO

    How to Handle Difficult Conversations

    Avoiding tough conversations might feel easier, but it often holds us back. In this episode, Jake and Damian unpack why leaning into difficult conversations is essential for growth, connection, and real leadership. With insights from guests like James Vowles, Emily Maitlis, Charles Duhigg, and Joleon Lescott, they reveal how feedback, when delivered and received with clarity and care, can transform relationships. From reframing criticism to preparing with empathy, they explore practical ways to handle emotional discussions, without defensiveness or blame. Whether it’s shifting from accusation to curiosity or learning to speak with respectful candor, the episode is full of tools you can use right now. Listen in as Jake and Damian explore how mastering hard conversations can unlock trust, growth, and stronger human connection. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Charles Duhigg: https://pod.fo/e/22db6c Joleon Lescott: https://pod.fo/e/25003c Les Ferdinand: https://pod.fo/e/2c5bda Gary Lineker: https://pod.fo/e/12b34c Emily Maitlis: https://pod.fo/e/19028a James Vowles: https://pod.fo/e/21794f Rene Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6

    23 min
  3. The Identity Trick Elite Soldiers Use Under Pressure, with Jason Fox

    2D AGO

    The Identity Trick Elite Soldiers Use Under Pressure, with Jason Fox

    What if the thing that makes you extraordinary isn’t something you’re born with, but something you choose? In this episode, Jason Fox, former Special Forces operator, bestselling author, and host of SAS: Who Dares Wins, shares the habits that helped him move from feeling unremarkable to performing under extreme pressure. Not because he believed he was destined for greatness, but because he learned how to respond when it mattered most. We explore what it means to stay calm in chaos, how to build resilience when life doesn’t go to plan, and the mindset shift that can turn self-doubt into strength. Jason talks about identity, trauma, his daughter’s quiet courage, and the power of asking better questions in difficult moments. Questions like: What would the best version of me do right now?What if I’m more capable than I think?What would courage look like here? This is a conversation about finding your footing when the world tilts, and discovering that the superpower you’re searching for might already be in you. Listen to the full episode with Jason Fox: https://pod.fo/e/24412f Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The Batman Effect: Improving Perseverance in Young Children, Published In: Child Development, 2016 Rachel White et al (University of Michigan)

    29 min
  4. How Cadillac Are Secretly Building an F1 Superteam: Team Boss Graeme Lowdon (E359)

    4D AGO

    How Cadillac Are Secretly Building an F1 Superteam: Team Boss Graeme Lowdon (E359)

    Graeme Lowdon is a seasoned motorsport executive best known for co-founding the Marussia F1 Team.  In this episode, Graeme dives into the heartbeat of Formula One as the ultimate team game. He shares how success isn’t just about speed or strategy, but about having a diverse group of talented individuals united by a common purpose.  Graeme also opens up about the difficult moments that come with the sport, especially handling loss and uncertainty. He talks candidly about the emotional impact when a team member is hurt and the importance of resilience and trust during those times. This episode offers a rare, honest look at what it takes to build and lead in one of the toughest environments in sport. 🚨 Partners Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners

    1h 26m
  5. Who are you without your job, role, or title?

    JUL 4

    Who are you without your job, role, or title?

    Who are you when the job title drops away? This episode digs deep into the question we often avoid but desperately need to ask ourselves. Jake and Damian dive into the importance of knowing who you are beyond your role, sharing honest and powerful insights from guests like Simon Sinek, Phil Heath, Ali Abdaal, and John McAvoy. They unpack how easy it is to confuse identity with achievement, and why that can leave us lost when the spotlight fades. From writing your own obituary to asking a friend what truly makes you you, this episode offers simple yet profound ways to reconnect with your real self, beyond the job, the status, or the performance. It’s a grounding reminder to live with purpose, let go of regret, and define success on your own terms. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Simon Sinek: https://pod.fo/e/18ee0e Phill Heath: https://pod.fo/e/2313e6 Ali Abdaal: https://pod.fo/e/213471 John McAvoy: https://pod.fo/e/f0815

    25 min
  6. The Secret to Handling Tough Criticism, with Gordon Ramsay

    JUL 2

    The Secret to Handling Tough Criticism, with Gordon Ramsay

    When you think of Gordon Ramsay, you probably think of shouting, sarcasm, and one-liners hot enough to sear a steak. But behind the fire is a habit that’s far more important than the volume: He takes feedback professionally, not personally. In this episode, we go beyond the reputation and dig into the mindset that helped Gordon rise, not just to fame, but to genuine mastery. From his early football dreams to Michelin-starred kitchens, Ramsay shares how embracing criticism, and choosing to learn from it instead of defending against it, changed everything. We explore: Why your first reaction to feedback is rarely your bestWhat neuroscience tells us about why feedback feels so threateningThe “three-beat” rule that can shift how you respondA better way to give feedback: the feedforward methodHow humility, not ego, fuels real growth Whether you're leading a team, learning a craft, or just trying to handle tough conversations better, this episode is for you. Because growth isn’t about never being wrong. It’s about what you do when someone tells you you are. Listen to the full episode with Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614 Here is more information on the studies referenced:  The effects of feedback interventions on performance, published in Psychological Bulletin: Avraham N. Kluger & Angelo DeNisi (1996) Feedforward approach Avraham N. Kluger & Dina Nir (2010)

    28 min
  7. Mark Cuban: Shark Tank Entrepreneur on Why You Have No Choice But to Adopt AI (E358)

    JUN 30

    Mark Cuban: Shark Tank Entrepreneur on Why You Have No Choice But to Adopt AI (E358)

    Mark Cuban is a billionaire entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and the outspoken former owner of the Dallas Mavericks. In this episode, he shares how transforming the Mavericks wasn’t just about stats, it was about building a culture. From upgrading hotels to investing in skill development, Cuban shows how leadership and empathy can shape winning teams.  He also dives into the AI revolution, offering sharp advice for young people and entrepreneurs ready to take advantage of the biggest tech shift in generations. This episode is packed with practical insight, real talk, and a fresh look at success from someone who’s seen it all. 🚨 Partners AG1 👉 Join Jake and top performers using AG1. Click the link and get an offer worth £68: https://hppod.co/ag1 HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events Explore offers and discounts through our other partners: https://hppod.co/partners

    1h 13m
  8. The Harsh Reality of Life Outside the Tennis Elite

    JUN 27

    The Harsh Reality of Life Outside the Tennis Elite

    Think pro tennis is all glamour? Think again. In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with former Irish Tennis pro Conor Niland, who reached a high of No 129 in the world, to explore the untold reality of life on the tour for the 99% of players who never make the headlines. Conor got within one set of playing Federer at Wimbledon and faced Djokovic at the US Open. Learn why most pros can lose more than they win—yet still keep swinging. They unpack what success really means beyond trophies and TV appearances, the mental toll of chasing rankings, and why true high performance often lies in resilience, not recognition.  From redefining winning to managing pressure and failure, this honest conversation offers a powerful reminder that personal growth often matters more than public glory. Conor's award-winning book 'The Racket' is out now.

    35 min
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About

Welcome to High Performance. Through fascinating conversations with remarkable guests, Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes uncover the secrets behind High Performance and explore how we can all become the best version of ourselves. We focus on uncovering the learnings from top performers in every field, from sport to entertainment, business, health and wellness.​ No matter where our guests have excelled, they all have first-hand experiences and lessons to share. On High Performance we find out what non-negotiable behaviours they employed to get them to the top and keep them there. ** Want to get the most from High Performance? Download the new High Performance app for FREE to access every episode, enjoy exclusive documentary and masterclass content.  You’ll get instant access to insights from the world’s best, will receive daily motivational boosts and can create your own personalised High Performance playlists. Simply click here or search High Performance in the App store to get started.

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