The High Performance Podcast

Mo lost his son, Ali, in a tragic and avoidable surgery. It’s the kind of grief that could break anyone. But instead of shutting down, he turned toward the pain, with honesty, logic, and a question that changed everything: Can we train ourselves to be happy, even after heartbreak?

One insight stood out: the 90-second rule. According to Mo (and backed by neuroscience), our emotions only physically last 90 seconds. What happens af...

Sam Allardyce is one of English football’s most seasoned and straight-talking managers, known as much for his no-nonsense attitude as for his deep understanding of the game. With a career spanning decades, he’s led clubs like Bolton, West Ham, and Everton, and even had a brief but infamous spell as England manager.

In this episode, Big Sam opens up about what it really takes to build a football club from the ground up. From keep...

You don’t have to be who the world tells you to be, and sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is step outside the box others have put you in.

In this episode, Jake and Damian dive into the idea of breaking free from the labels others place on us, and the ones we place on ourselves. Through compelling reflections and lessons from guests like Rio Ferdinand, Fearne Cotton, Tom Kerridge, and Lee Child, they unpack how we can...

Undefeated boxing champion and entrepreneur Laila Ali takes us ringside, then into the heart of what it means to belong. 

In this episode of Essential Habits, we uncover the deceptively simple practice her father, Muhammad Ali, modeled again and again: looking after the person no one else notices.

Through Laila’s stories, from waiting in queues of adoring fans to earning her father’s reluctant blessing to box, we learn h...

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a Premier League striker known for his athleticism, drive, and key role at Everton FC. But beyond the goals and headlines, he’s also faced a tough road of injuries, personal setbacks, and intense pressure. 

In this episode, Dominic opens up about some of his lowest moments, times when injury left him feeling broken and lost. He talks candidly about the pressure to bounce back quickly, the mental tol...

In this episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Chris Voss, former FBI lead hostage negotiator and bestselling author of Never Split the Difference.

In this insightful discussion with Jake and Damian, Chris shares his unique approach to communication, showing how the skills he used in life-or-death negotiations can transform the way we handle everyday conversations. From business meetings to family dynamics, Chris expla...

This new Essential Habits series breaks down the key habits behind high performance, one episode at a time. This week’s habit is deceptively simple: asking better questions.

Philosopher Alain de Botton joins us to explore how a single, uncomfortable question, “How have I annoyed you?” can deepen trust, defuse tension, and create stronger connections in every part of life.

Whether it’s at home, at work, or with close friends, ...

John Legend is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice, emotional depth, and ability to cross genres with ease. With multiple Grammy Awards, an EGOT to his name, and a career that’s spanned decades, John has also become a voice for compassion, activism, and vulnerability in the public eye.

In this episode, John opens up about some of the most intimate moments of his life, his complicated relationship with ...

The voice in your head can either push you forward or hold you back.

In this episode, Jake and Damian delve into the powerful impact of self-talk on performance, mindset, and emotional well-being. They explore how the inner dialogue we carry can shape our identity, build resilience, or quietly sabotage our efforts, depending on how we manage it.

Revisiting insightful conversations with guests like Denise Lewis, Dr. Steve Pete...

Sometimes, the most radical thing a leader can do is trust. That’s what struck me in my conversation with James Timpson, not just the results he’s achieved, but the mindset behind them. James runs a business where people matter more than policies, and where the golden rules aren’t about performance metrics, they’re about showing up, looking the part, and doing the right thing.

In this episode, I dig into the psychology behind wh...

Callum Wilson is a Premier League striker known for his sharp finishing and explosive pace on the pitch; but off it, he has an equally powerful story. 

Warning: this episode contains themes of suicide and trauma.

In this episode, Callum opens up about the darker side of his upbringing, including dealing with suicidal thoughts as a teen and the emotional scars that came with growing up in chaos. He reflects on how footbal...

Today Jake and Damian break down why your habits matter more than you think. Did you know 43% of what you do each day is habit, not conscious choice?

That means nearly half your day is lived on autopilot. So where is your autopilot taking you?

This episode breaks down:

• Why tiny daily actions shape your entire identity
• How Sam Tomkins, James Clear, and Jo Malone use micro habits to stay sharp
• How to journal proof of your progress
• ...

There’s a certain kind of strength that comes from knowing who you are, even when the world tries to tell you otherwise. That’s what stood out in my conversation with Rio Ferdinand. Not just the success, but the mindset behind it: the habit of refusing to be reduced to a single story.

Rio’s journey is a lesson in identity, drive, and turning fear into fuel. With all the labels the world tries to throw at us, it’s not just about ...

Damon Hill is a former Formula 1 World Champion and one of the most thoughtful voices in motorsport. The son of legendary racer Graham Hill, Damon carved out his own legacy in a sport shaped by speed, risk, and legacy. In this episode, he opens up with a rare mix of honesty and introspection, sharing stories that go far beyond the racetrack.

The conversation dives into Damon’s memories of Ayrton Senna, not just as a rival, but a...

This episode of High Performance is in partnership with The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and The UK Export Academy.

In the special episode, Jake Humphrey leads a powerful roundtable conversation exploring the real challenges and rewards of expanding your business internationally. 

Featuring voices from the UK Export Academy and a range of inspiring UK entrepreneurs, the episode dives into practic...

Essential Habits is a new weekly series from High Performance. Hosted by Damian Hughes, each episode breaks down powerful habits from world-class performers and thinkers - so you can apply them in your own life.

Here’s Damian’s take on the first episode, featuring Jo Malone:

"Sometimes life moves so fast we forget we even can stop. That’s something Jo reminded me of in this episode, the quiet power of pausing and taking stoc...

Tom Aspinall is a top UFC heavyweight known for his speed, skill, and sharp mindset. Hailing from the UK with a strong martial arts background, he’s climbed the ranks quickly while staying grounded and brutally honest about the fight game.

In this episode, Tom talks about the real fear that comes with stepping into the cage. He opens up about the nerves, the pressure, and what it means to face legends like Jon Jones, and still s...

In this episode, we go inside Liverpool FC’s data revolution with Dr. Ian Graham, the mastermind behind the club’s groundbreaking use of analytics. Ian reveals how his data-driven insights helped reshape recruitment strategy, most notably identifying Mohamed Salah as a top-tier winger long before he became a global star.

He also shares how analytics backed Jurgen Klopp’s appointment, supported pivotal transfer decisions like sig...

Humphrey Ker is a writer, actor, comedian, and now an unexpected figure in the world of football. Best known for his work on shows like The Penny Dreadfuls and Mythic Quest, Humphrey brings a unique mix of humor, heart, and genuine passion to everything he does.

In this episode, Humphrey discusses his experiences growing up, including the influence of his traditional family life and how it shaped his emotional outlook. Despite a...