The High Performance Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Following the passing of former England Football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, Jake and Damian catch up to reflect on his life and the enduring legacy he left behind. In this episode, they explore Sven's journey as a football manager, his unique coaching style, and his influence on British sport.

Jake and Damian also highlight how Sven shaped the careers of football legends like David Beckham and Steven Gerrard. They chat with journalist Henry Winter, who had a long-standing relationship with Sven. Henry shares insights on what we can learn from Sven's approach to life and finding our version of High Performance, as well as how history might remember him.

Listen in as Jake and Damian discuss what Sven's legacy teaches us about authenticity, embracing our imperfections, and redefining success with a well-rounded perspective.

Thanks to Amazon Prime for allowing us to use Sven's parting message. Watch the full of documentary, 'Sven' on Amazon Prime now.

KSI is a multi-talented internet personality who has made a name for himself as a YouTuber, musician, and professional boxer. Known for his high-energy persona and relentless drive, KSI, whose real name is JJ Olatunji, continues to push boundaries across multiple fields, amassing a global fanbase.

In this episode, Jake sits down with KSI to dive into the complexities of balancing his various pursuits. KSI opens up about how he maintains his success across YouTube, music, and boxing, revealing the strategies that keep him at the top of his game.

He also discusses the difference between his public persona, "KSI," and his true self, JJ, shedding light on how he navigates the pressures that come with his multifaceted career.

This episode offers a raw and honest look at the complications of KSI’s life, exploring themes of self-discovery, the importance of communication, and the power of collaboration.

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We had the privilege of catching up with two remarkable athletes fresh from their medal success at the 2024 Olympic Games: Mountain Biker Tom Pidcock and Middle-Distance Runner Josh Kerr. 

In this episode, Jake takes a moment to reflect on Tom's candid insights into the importance of facing adversity head-on, the challenges he had to overcome to win the Olympic gold medal, and how embracing struggles, rather than avoiding them, was key to his success.

Jake also speaks with Josh Kerr to break down his intense rivalry and what really went down in the unforgettable 2024 Olympic race. Josh opens up about the mindset he adopted after securing the Olympic silver medal, the role of visualisation, and the importance of focusing on what he could control. He also touches on the sacrifices he made to reach this level, offering a candid look into the realities of elite competition. 

This episode offers a deep dive into the mental and emotional aspects of high performance, with Tom and Josh sharing valuable lessons on resilience, preparation, and the pursuit of excellence.

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Huel 👉 Claim your FREE t-shirt HERE: my.huel.com/hpblack

Discover all 154 health benefits at uk.huel.com/benefits

Heights 👉 https://hppod.co/heights

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

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Danny Drinkwater joins us on High Performance, taking this opportunity to announce his retirement from professional football. After an almost 20 year career, Danny takes some time to look back on his accomplishments, greatest lessons and biggest challenges.

After rising through the Youth Academy at Manchester United, Danny played for some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Leicester City. He takes Jake and Damian through his football career; from sitting on the bench at Manchester United aged 18, to being a key part of Leicester City’s Premier League winning squad. He shares the emotional rollercoaster of winning the Premier League, as well as the painful moment his Euro's opportunity was taken away. Having worked with legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri, Danny reflects on how they inspired and challenged him, both in his career and personal life.

Danny delves into what he believes makes a great football manager, emphasising the significance of personal management to bring out the best in players and build team momentum. They also discuss Danny’s difficult reality with mental health struggles, including dealing with rejection after new offers failed to materialise. Reflecting on his lowest point when he was arrested for drink-driving in 2019, Danny highlights the importance of mental health care and finding practical solutions to unhappiness.

This is a conversation about personal growth, overcoming the darkest moments and moving to a brighter future.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

In October, Jake and Damian spoke to a wide variety of guests, including a chef, philosopher, and physicist.

Jake and Damian take some time to reflect on they key lessons and biggest take-aways from each guest, including why we should embrace being wrong with Professor Brian Cox and why we should aim for averageness with Alain de Botton. With Alain they also discuss parenting, how to have a successful relationship and what high performance really means. Both Professor Brian Cox and Alain de Botton challenged Jake and Damian’s understanding of high performance.

Although both known for their work in the kitchen, Gordon Ramsay and Delia Smith offered very different learnings from their episodes. Gordon shares how he has pushed through life’s challenges to reach his best moments. Delia emphasises to Jake and Damian the importance of community building and how connection can improve our lives.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Professor Brian Cox: https://pod.fo/e/1f3c55

Alain de Botton: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0

Delia Smith: https://pod.fo/e/1f82be

Gordon Ramsay: https://pod.fo/e/1fa614

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

On this episode: a rare and poignant conversation on the life, aspirations, and motivations of chef and TV icon, Gordon Ramsay.

“I don’t want to stay in my lane, I want to own my lane”

Gordon Ramsay is a chef, restaurateur and television presenter, known for Kitchen Nightmares, Masterchef and Hell’s Kitchen. In this conversation, Gordon delves deep into what really drives him, how to cultivate a winning mindset and the most crucial lessons from his career so far. He shares with Jake and Damian how growing up in a challenging household, living in 15 different homes and a difficult relationship with his father, instilled in him a sense of purpose.

After suffering a career-ending football injury as a teenager, Gordon found his passion for the culinary arts. He discusses how he found the strength and resilience to pick himself back up from such a setback. Alongside his career developments, Gordon also shares the key to strong and successful family relationships. He highlights the importance of commitment and making time, even during the heights of his career. Gordon also speaks candidly about the experience of losing a child and how he and his partner have dealt with the trauma, focusing on the basis of their relationship: friendship.

Looking ahead, Gordon considers his future goals, including the pursuit of a third Michelin Star in France, which he regards as his final swan song in the culinary world. Despite his remarkable achievements across a forty-year career, Gordon and his team are far from finished.

Warning: There is swearing in this episode.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Jake and Damian re-wind the clock to when they spoke to FBI negotiator Chris Voss.

In this discussion Chris explains how techniques used in kidnapping negotiations can be used in our everyday lives. Jake shares how Chris’ teachings from this episode helped him to communicate with his wife, children, colleagues and even himself.

They reflect on some of the key missions in Chris’ career and how you can become an expert communicator.

Listen to the full episode with Chris here: https://pod.fo/e/d5dfb

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Pre-order our new book 'How To Change Your Life' https://linktr.ee/howtochangeyourlife

To listen to the full episode right now, download the High Performance App and use code HPAPP: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Gordon Ramsay, chef and TV presenter, joins the podcast this coming Monday to discuss how he developed a winning mindset, how to grow from adversity and the highs and lows of his career so far.

In this exclusive episode preview, Gordon shares his advice for up-and-coming chefs facing challenges in their careers, and why finding your weakness is crucial to developing your skills. He debates with Jake the difference between arrogance and confidence.

This episode will be released on all platforms this coming Monday 23rd October, but to listen to the full episode today, download the High Performance App and using the code HPAPP: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

Delia Smith CH CBE is a culinary icon having sold over 21 million cookery books, and is also joint majority shareholder of Norwich City FC. In this conversation, Delia opens up about her spiritual journey, the transformative power of community and her time at Norwich.

Her spirituality is a central theme of the episode - now at 82 years of age, she describes how her relationship to community, politics and silence has transformed over time. Delia shares with Jake and Damian how dedicating one hour (she started with just 10 minutes) a day to quiet time has reshaped her perspective on life's challenges.

Having been a key member of the Norwich football family for over 27 years, community is central to Delia’s life. Delia discusses how to create, support and maintain communities in a time when everyone feels so disconnected. Her time at Norwich has also brought many challenges, including joining the board when they were days from bankruptcy and dealing with rude fans and cruel chants. She shares what it feels like to find true freedom and how she has come to accept herself and the difficult realities of life.

Download The High Performance App by clicking the link below and using the code: HPAPP https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/app-link

This episode is a fascinating conversation about self-worth, perspective, and the power of saying no.

Dr. Julie Smith is a highly regarded clinical psychologist known for her compassionate approach to mental health care and expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

With over two decades of experience, she has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals by helping them navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being.

In this episode, Dr Julie discusses how our choices today can lead to a better tomorrow, finding merit in balance throughout life, and focusing on what matters to us individuals. She explores how self worth is not based on what others think, but what we truly value.

Having worked with some of the most successful people, Dr Julie explains how many of these individuals have had some of the deepest struggles. She unravels our ‘unmet needs’ with Jake and Damian: love, belonging, and safety - and how in adulthood we can reflect on these to give perspective on day-to-day life.

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