The High Performance Podcast

Barry Hearn joins Jake and Damian for a no-nonsense masterclass in ambition, resilience, and the mindset that turned a kid from a council estate into one of the most influential figures in global sport. The legendary Matchroom founder opens up about the work ethic shaped by his formidable mother, the chip on his shoulder that fuelled his rise, and the Christmas Eve moment in 1988 when he stood on the brink of bankruptcy, before one audacious deal changed everything. Across the conversation, Barry lays out his 10 Rules for Life: why “everything is a competition,” how sheer graft can make you look like a genius, why honesty is a superpower, and what it means to be “unbeatable” even when life dents you. He reflects on building empires in snooker, darts, and boxing, the importance of thinking poorly to stay sharp, and the role fire, fun, and relentless optimism have played in his seven decades of success. This is Barry Hearn in full force, funny, fierce, and fiercely honest, offering the timeless laws of success from a man who refuses to be beaten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp What if one word could unlock potential, or shut it down completely? When Rene Meulensteen coached Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, he didn't start with tactics. He started with language. The words he chose made the difference between a player who could score goals and one obsessed with scoring them. In this episode, Damian explores the essential habit that separates good coaching from greatness: mind your language. Discover why Rene never said "change", only "add." Learn how Sir Alex Ferguson's flip chart philosophy shaped United's dominance. And find out how a Roger Federer moment transformed their Champions League campaign. Featuring insights from psychology (the famous Loftus & Palmer study on how words reshape memory), plus behind-the-scenes stories from United's golden era, this episode reveals how elite performers use language to frame reality, lower threat, and spark possibility. Together we explore: Why "change" triggers defensiveness, and what word opens people up insteadHow Ronaldo transformed into a goal-scoring machineFerguson's "if that doesn't work, we gamble" mentalityThe myth of the hairdryer treatment, and what really happened at halftime René reminds us that high performance isn’t just built on drills and repetitions, it’s built on the words that shape how people feel, learn, and grow. If you’ve ever wanted to give better feedback, build trust faster, or help someone reach a level they didn’t know they had in them, this conversation with René is worth your time. Listen to the full episode with René Meulensteen: https://pod.fo/e/2bd0c6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome back Sir Gareth Southgate to High Performance for his most open and reflective conversation yet.  In this episode, Gareth breaks his silence on England’s “almost” era, revealing the fear of failure, pressure of history, and fine margins that have shaped his time as manager. He discusses the burden of expectation, the culture of small daily habits and respect he’s built, and the empathy and vulnerability that define his modern approach to leadership. From handling Wayne Rooney’s retirement to protecting players from public scrutiny, Southgate opens up about the realities of leading under relentless pressure, the evolution of England’s team culture, and what legacy truly means beyond trophies. This is a rare, honest conversation with one of football’s most thoughtful leaders, about resilience, accountability, and what it really takes to lead a nation. 🚨 Partners  Simba 👉 Jake believes better performance starts with better sleep. Discover Simba, start your 200-night trial today now: https://highpfrmc.com/hpp-simba-au Babbel 👉 Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at: https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Babbel-AU Visit Seattle 👉 Start planning your perfect summer of football by searching Visit Seattle on social media, or discover more at: https://highpfrmc.com/visitseattle-ut-au Gemini 👉 Get started and grow your portfolio 📈🚀 https://highpfrmc.com/HPP-Gemini-au Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Gemini Intergalactic UK, Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, under Firm Reference Number: 921817 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us care far too much about what other people think, and it’s holding us back. In this episode, Jake and Damian break down how to free yourself from the need for approval, drawing on powerful insights from Adam Grant, Fernando Alonso, Mat Fraser, Mark Manson, and Paul McKenna. They explore how to filter feedback, value the right opinions, and view criticism as a privilege rather than a burden. From finding joy without seeking validation to praising effort instead of identity, this conversation shows that confidence grows when you listen to the right voices, and stop giving attention to the wrong ones. A practical guide to living with more authenticity, courage, and clarity. Listen to the episodes mentioned: Adam Grant: https://pod.fo/e/1546d4 Fernando Alonso: https://pod.fo/e/1e5849 Mat Fraser: https://pod.fo/e/158ba0 Mark Manson: https://pod.fo/e/15bfe7   Paul McKenna: https://pod.fo/e/2112fb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win a behind-the-scenes experience at a High Performance record day! Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off to be in with a chance of winning: https://hppod.co/HPComp Tom Aspinall is one of the most feared heavyweights in the UFC. But behind the power and precision is something far more human: fear. Tom is one of the rare fighters willing to sit down and talk about feeling genuinely scared. He candidly admits that the higher you climb, the more is at stake, and the more the fear grows. He reveals the crucial mental habit he developed: moving past the inner battle, the ‘second fight’ against himself, to harness fear as a force for high performance. In this powerful episode, Tom shares the habits that turn high-pressure panic into laser-sharp focus: Reframe Fear as Fuel: Learn how to direct the adrenaline rush of fear toward opportunity, just like Tom, who tells himself, "This is the moment when I'm at my sharpest".The Golden Rule of Action: Discover the importance of simply showing up and why consistency always beats intensity when building success.The Power of Belief: Tom discusses the pivotal role his father played as his coach and cheerleader, relentlessly believing in him even when he struggled to believe in himself.The Ultimate Commitment: Hear Tom's chilling, yet honest, perspective on the ‘spiritual aspect’ of his sport and the level of commitment required to reach the very top. If you’ve ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment, or wished you knew how to stay steady when it matters most, this conversation with Tom is worth your time. Listen to the full episode with Tom Aspinall: https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.