Optimising Human Performance – Details, episodes & analysis

Join hosts Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin for Series 3, Episode 4 of the Peak Potential podcast by OpHP (Optimal Human Performance). This episode features renowned performance psychologist Dr Dave Collins, who shares expert strategies for maximising human performance through psychological skills. Discover how elite athletes, coaches, and high-stakes professionals can harness the power of the brain, mental imagery, and quality practice to achieve excellence under pressure.

• Psychological skills for peak performance
• The role of the brain in elite performance
• Talent identification and development
• The impact of quality practice
• Imagery techniques, including PETTLEP imagery
• Overcoming trauma and building resilience
• Adaptability, continuous learning, and critical reflection
• Coaching strategies for high-pressure environments

Dr Dave Collins is a leading expert in sport and performance psychology. With decades of experience, he has worked with over 70 World or Olympic medalists and professional teams. Dave is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and Director at Grey Matters Performance Ltd. He specialises in developing individuals and teams to perform under pressure and has coached at the national level in three sports.

• Grey Matters Performance Consultancy
• Dave Collins on LinkedIn
• Dave’s academic research
• Sport Skill Acquisition Book
• Sport Psychology Essentials (Book)

1. Dave’s Journey from Military to Psychology
2. The Importance of the Brain in Performance
3. Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs)
4. Defining Excellence in High-Stress Contexts
5. Quality Practice and Its Impact
6. Talent Identification and Development
7. Transitioning Skills Across Domains
8. The Power of Imagery in Sports
9. Understanding and Applying PETTLEP Imagery
10. The Rocky Road Hypothesis
11. Coaching Strategies and Flexibility
12. Maintaining Skills and Continuous Improvement
13. Final Thoughts and Reflections

• Email Dr Dave Collins: dave@greymattersuk.com
• Contact OpHP: info@ophp.co.uk
• Visit OpHP Website

Don’t miss expert interviews on optimizing human performance. Subscribe to Peak Potential on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover evidence-based strategies for high performance.

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

How can athletes train smarter for long-term success? Performance coach Chris Tombs joins host Martin Jones to discuss how to build physically and psychologically resilient athletes. With more than 30 years of experience in elite sport and military performance, Chris shares insights on sustainable training, recovery, and human connection in coaching.

The conversation covers velocity-based training, reducing orthopaedic stress, and maintaining peak performance without burnout. Chris explains how to create training systems that promote longevity, adaptability, and consistent improvement, helping athletes perform better for longer.

This episode is a practical guide for coaches, trainers, and anyone interested in the science of performance, recovery, and resilience.

Key Topics:

• Coaching philosophy and athlete development
• Lowering the orthopaedic cost of training
• Longevity and durability in high-impact sports
• Velocity-based training and data-informed performance
• Building trust and human connection in coaching
• Advice for new strength and conditioning professionals

Guest

Chris Tombs has over 30 years of experience in strength and conditioning across professional rugby, action sports, cricket, and the military. His current work focuses on preparing soldiers for the physical and mental demands of their roles.

Host

Martin Jones — ophp.co.uk

Producer

Bess Manley

Connect with Chris Tombs:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

If you found this episode useful, please rate, share, and review the show. To suggest guests or topics, email info@ophp.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

In this episode, Martin and JP discuss addiction with addiction specialist nurse, Pam Diamond, a seasoned mental health nurse with a privileged career dedicated to addiction and trauma, particularly within the military environment. Pam shares her unique insights from years working with the Royal Marines and other services, revealing the hidden struggles faced by high-performing individuals.

We explore:

The invisible battle: Why addiction, especially to alcohol, becomes a sneaky and often encouraged coping mechanism in demanding fields like the military.

Beyond alcohol: Pam sheds light on other prevalent but often hidden addictions she's encountered, including gambling, pornography, and even excessive gym use.

The changing landscape: How societal shifts, such as the rise of social media and increased health consciousness, are impacting traditional military drinking culture.

When health becomes harmful: Identifying the tipping point where a seemingly normal behaviour transforms into a destructive compulsion.

Breaking the silence: Practical advice for individuals recognising problematic patterns and for friends and family seeking to support those in denial.

The path to recovery: Understanding the challenges of overcoming addiction, the importance of seeking support, and remembering your "why."

Join us for a candid conversation that unpacks the complexities of addiction in high-stakes environments, offering hope and guidance for those grappling with these silent battles.

Guest, Cast & Crew

Pam Diamond is a mental health nurse, specialising in addiction. Her 30-year career has been split between the NHS and military settings, including the Royal Marines. Pam continues her work in addiction intervention as part of Pam Diamond Therapy.

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk

Produced & edited by Bess Manley

Resources

Email pamdiamondtherapy@gmail.com

Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review. If you have feedback, guest suggestions, or topics you'd love us to cover, please email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Chapters

00:21 Pam's Journey into Addiction and Mental Health

01:16 Transition to Military Work

02:07 Challenges in Military Addiction Work

04:33 Alcohol Culture in the Military

07:06 Changing Attitudes Towards Alcohol

17:42 Exploring Other Addictions

20:51 Understanding Compulsive Behaviours

22:14 The Role of Identity in Exercise

22:34 Strange Exercise Behaviours

24:27 The Impact of Social Media and Accessibility

26:51 Seeking Help and Support

34:21 Challenges in Overcoming Addictions

37:39 Final Thoughts and Reflection

Keywords: military addiction, alcohol abuse, high performance, hidden addiction, mental health, trauma, Royal Marines, gambling addiction, pornography addiction, gym addiction, recovery, support, Pam Diamond, Optimising Human Performance

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

In this episode, Martin and JP talk with Tim Boughton, whose own personal experiences with PTSD led him to become a trailblazer in the world of mental health, with a particular expertise in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and trauma. They explore the misconceptions around mindfulness, the stigma associated with mental health, and how understanding the mind-body connection challenges existing military practices. Tim also introduces a simple mindfulness practice for listeners and offers insights around integrating these practices into various domains.

Guest, Cast & Crew

Tim Boughton is a leading expert in the field of military mindfulness and trauma. He works with elite military and commercial entities around the world to help them gain that extra margin through cognitive and behavioural science and has recently been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Middlesex in recognition of his outstanding achievements. 

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Produced and edited by Bess Manley

Resources

• Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/timboughtonkcn/?originalSubdomain=uk  
• To contact Tim please email the podcast at info@ophp.co.uk 

Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    

Chapters

00:15 Introducing Tim Boughton

02:35 Tim's Personal Journey with PTSD and Mental Health

04:43 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions

08:31 Mindfulness Techniques and Their Impact on Trauma

13:47 Mindfulness in High-Performance Environments

17:17 The Mind-Body Connection and Modern Mindfulness

23:00 Practical Applications of Mindfulness

27:28 Mindfulness in High-Stress Environments

28:07 The Impact of Environment on Mindfulness

29:10 The Role of Mindfulness in Daily Life

30:03 Personal Experiences with Mindfulness

31:32 Addressing Mental Health in the Military

32:21 Challenges and Innovations in Mental Health

38:01 Integrating Mindfulness into Human Performance

42:09 A Guided Mindfulness Practice

47:51 Overcoming Misconceptions About Mindfulness

52:59 Final Thoughts and Advice

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

Episode 4 : Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy

In this episode, Martin and JP talk to Dr Chris Connaboy, an expert in movement, coordination and skill acquisition. They discuss motor control, perception-action coupling and Chris’ ground-breaking new research into gait analysis. The episode also includes practical advice on training for load carriage, the importance of individualised strength conditioning, and investigating rate limiters. 

Guest, Cast & Crew

Dr Chris Connaboy is an eminent academic based at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago who has carried out research for NASA amongst other esteemed organisations.  As a former infantry soldier in the Black Watch, Chris has a particular research interest in training practices employed by the military, including load carriage.

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Resources

• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/christopher-connaboy/  
• Linkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/connaboy/

Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    

Chapters

00:14 Introducing Dr. Chris Connaboy

01:16 Chris' Military Background and Early Questions

04:34 Discovering Biomechanics and Motor Control

05:31 Understanding Motor Control and Movement Variability

09:45 Applying Dynamic Systems Theory in Training

12:28 Real-World Examples and Practical Applications

16:30 Exploring Dynamical Systems and Self-Organization

20:28 Understanding Rate Limiters in Physical Performance

21:31 Dynamic Systems Theory in Military Load Carriage

22:12 Research Insights on Load Carriage and Injury Prevention

27:18 Strength and Conditioning for Load Carriage

31:07 Perception-Action Coupling Explained

34:19 Challenges in Perception-Action Coupling

39:57 Innovative Research in Human Performance

40:25 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

Episode 3

Unlocking Expertise: The Science Behind Skill Acquisition and Decision Making

In this episode, Martin talks to Professor Mark Williams, a leading authority on the acquisition and development of expertise. They discuss skill acquisition, the role of experience and purposeful practice. They also explore the use of simulators, the unique challenges of maintaining skills in high-stress environments and the importance of evidence-based practices in improving performance.

Guest, Cast & Crew

Mark Williams is one of the world’s leading authorities on expertise and its acquisition in sport. He also has experience in military settings, law enforcement, aviation and medicine. He has worked in a range of academic institutions in the UK and US, including Liverpool John Moores University, University of Sydney, University of Utah and Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition. 

Hosted by Martin Jones https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Resources

• Mark’s email mark.williams@health.utah.edu
• Mark’s bio https://psych.utah.edu/people/adjunct-faculty/mark-williams.php 
• Mark’s popular science book  ‘The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made’ by Mark Williams & Tim Wigmore. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-How-Champions-Are-Made/dp/1529304350 
• Anders Ericsson book ‘Peak’ https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/peak-book-anders-ericsson-9780099598473?sku=NGR9780099598473&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGH4MHwz8Nh2GQplRBPtVnN6yaRXD6UzINU6KWmIItYhW4YxiIgxVyxoCM8QQAvD_BwE 

Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    

Chapters

00:54 Mark's Research Interests and Career Journey

02:59 Diving into Decision Making in High-Stress Situations

06:21 The 10,000 Hours Rule and Expertise

12:13 The Role of Simulators and VR in Training

16:44 Transferability of Skills Across Domains

23:43 Maintaining and Developing Skills

28:36 The Neuroscience of Learning and Muscle Development

29:32 Skill Atrophy in Different Domains

30:46 Deliberate Practice and Skill Maintenance

31:41 Repetition vs. Specificity in Training

33:02 Stress and Performance in High-Stakes Environments

35:12 Talent Identification and Development

42:11 Task Generic vs. Task Specific Cognitive Skills

44:42 Optimizing Learning Environments with Technology

51:15 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

Episode 2 -  Concussion in High Performance Environments

Martin and Jonpaul talk to award-winning author and sports journalist Sam Peters about concussion. They discuss the role of emerging technologies in diagnosing concussion in both sport and military contexts and the potentially devastating impacts of asymptomatic sub-concussive blows.

Guest, Cast & Crew

Sam Peters’ work has transformed sport’s attitude towards head injuries. He was the driving force behind the Mail on Sunday’s concussion in rugby campaign and has recently published a critically-acclaimed book on the topic, called Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth.

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Resources

• Sam’s email Sam@concussed.media
• Sam’s award-winning book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Concussed-Sports-Uncomfortable-Sam-Peters/dp/1838955771
• Sam’s upcoming events https://www.concussed.media/events
• Planted Community https://planted-community.co.uk/

Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    

Chapters

01:19 Meet Sam Peters: Background and Career

03:08 The Rise of Professional Rugby and Injury Concerns

06:41 Concussion Culture in Rugby

13:34 Historical Perspectives on Head Trauma

15:15 Military and Sports: Parallels in Head Trauma

18:38 Technological Advances in Concussion Diagnosis

20:53 Cultural Change and Education in Concussion Management

25:02 Understanding CTE: Definition and Symptoms

26:07 CTE in Sports: Research and Recognition

28:29 Diagnosing CTE: Challenges and Advances

30:35 Secondary Impact Syndrome: A Closer Look

34:43 Concussion Management in Sports

37:18 Cultural and Institutional Challenges

40:21 Lessons from Rugby for Other High-Risk Occupations

44:20 Future Directions and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

EPISODE 1: Innovations in Performance Tech with Dr David Putrino

Martin and Jonpaul talk to neuroscientist Dr David Putrino, whose job it is to find innovative human performance technologies and roadtest them. From brain stimulation to mitochondrial supplements, David takes us through the tech that works and the stuff that doesn’t live up to the hype. He also shares insights from his work with high-performance athletes at Red Bull. 

Guest, Cast & Crew

Dr David Putrino is the Director of Rehabilitation Innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System, a network of hospitals in New York City. He is also a consultant for Red Bull High Performance division, using evidence-based technologies to improve athletic performance. 

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Resources

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-putrino-bb86aa11/ 
• Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/putrinolab.bsky.social 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putrino_lab/ 
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/abilities-research-center/about/directors 

Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.    

Chapters

01:46 David's Role and Research at Mount Sinai

07:38 The rise of neuroscience

10:05 The Hype and Reality of Brain Stimulation

16:53 Effective Technologies for Enhancing Performance

18:54 Mitochondrial Supplements and Probiotics

23:18 David's Journey to Red Bull

24:40 Meeting Andy Walsh and Red Bull Projects

25:28 Pushing Athletes Beyond Limits

26:06 Performance Under Pressure camps at Red Bull

27:48 Insights from Project Endurance

30:01 Understanding Stress and Flow

35:35 Neuroplasticity

38:59 Wearable Technology in Performance

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin, hosts of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast share their story, why they have produced this podcast and why it is important to the community of individuals and teams working in high-stress and high stakes environments.

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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

EPISODE 12:   The Chimp Paradox with Professor Steve Peters

In this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to renowned psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, who specialises in the functioning of the human mind. They discuss his famous ‘Chimp Model’ and its application in high-stress environments. They explore imposter syndrome and the antecedents of high performance.

Guest, Cast & Crew

Professor Steve Peters is a medical doctor specialising in mental health and the functioning of the human mind. His work spans education, the national health service, the corporate world, and elite sports. He helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own unique mind and situation, and develop the skills to optimise individual performance and quality of life.

Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Produced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ 

Resources

• Steve’s company: https://chimpmanagement.com 
• Steve’s official website https://profstevepeters.com 
• Steve’s Books, including The Chimp Paradox https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/

If you’re enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. 

Chapters

01:47 Steve Peters' Background and Career Journey

05:03 The Chimp Model Explained

09:29 Imposter Syndrome and Its Implications

17:46 The Neuroscience Behind the Chimp Model

23:28 Values and Team Cohesion in High-Performance Environments

30:32 The Reality of Elite Sports Life

31:45 Psychopaths in Boxing: A Unique Perspective

33:16 Adapting and Learning in High-Stress Jobs

34:42 The Importance of Individualized Training

38:56 Preparing for the Unexpected

40:36 Dealing with Trauma in Psychiatry

46:37 Addressing Moral Injury in Extreme Jobs

51:40 Looking to the Future: Legacy and Personal Projects

55:59 Steve Sets An Emotional Health Challenge

Up Next

This is the final episode of this first series, but all 12 episodes will remain available for you to listen to. We hope to be bringing you a second series very soon. Thanks for listening.

Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

www.ophp.co.uk

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

Instagram: @ophumanperformance

If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.

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