As High Performance wraps up its sixth year, Jake Humphrey, Damian Hughes and producer Will sit down to reflect on the moments, conversations, and lessons that defined 2025. In this special end-of-year episode, they revisit the guests and ideas that resonated most, not just in downloads and views, but in lasting impact.

From the strategic thinking of Ian Graham to the raw honesty of Tom Aspinall and Boris Becker, the year was shaped by stories that went far beyond success. Jake and Damian also reflect on why episodes with Carlos Sainz, Triple H, and Steve Peters struck such a chord, and the moments that stayed with them long after the microphones were switched off.

This episode also looks ahead to what’s next. Drawing on insights from conversations with guests like Alistair Brownlee, Roman Kemp, Heston Blumenthal, Stephanie Romiszewski, Sara Pascoe, and Jonathan Haidt, Jake and Damian reflect on the lessons that mattered most, from mental health and sleep to parenting, performance, and perspective, and what they’re taking forward into the year ahead.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Gareth Southgate https://pod.fo/e/358861

Callum Wilson https://pod.fo/e/2da5b0

Tom Aspinall https://pod.fo/e/2d3d2e

Ian Graham https://pod.fo/e/2d2c5b

Callum Nicholas https://pod.fo/e/2ac276

Boris Becker https://pod.fo/e/32edab

Triple H https://pod.fo/e/2c762a

Heston Blumenthal https://pod.fo/e/2aa828

Sara Pascoe https://pod.fo/e/2b7c84

Daniel Dubois https://pod.fo/e/2a90bd

Jonathan Haidt https://pod.fo/e/2a4563

Stephanie Romiszewski https://pod.fo/e/2b5370

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

World’s leading neuroscientists Dr Tara Swart explains why so many high-functioning people feel exhausted, stressed, and out of balance, even when they’re doing everything “right.” She breaks down the hidden cost of being constantly switched on, how chronic stress rewires the brain, and why late-night scrolling is quietly sabotaging your energy, focus, and health.

Dr Tara also reveals how stress can drive weight gain, particularly around the belly, and why modern lifestyles keep the brain stuck in survival mode.

From simple micro-habits that move you from fear to joy, to the science behind nature, attention, and human connection, this episode offers practical, science-backed ways to feel calmer, healthier, and more present, starting with just a few minutes a day.

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

Most communication fails for a simple reason: we talk to people the way we want to be talked to.

In this episode, Damian sits down with behavioural expert and Surrounded by Idiots author Thomas Erikson to explore why adaptability, not eloquence, is the habit that defines effective communication. Thomas explains how even highly capable people create unnecessary friction when they rely on their own preferences instead of tuning into the person in front of them.

At the centre of the conversation is self-awareness. Thomas shows how understanding your own behavioural style makes it easier to recognise what others need, whether that’s clarity, reassurance, inspiration, or detail. When that awareness is missing, conversations stall. When it’s present, trust and momentum follow.

In this episode, they discuss:

Why people misinterpret good intentions so often

How different behavioural styles process information and feedback

The cost of assuming others think like you do

Simple ways to adjust your message without losing authenticity

Why asking “How would you like me to go about this?” changes everything

If you work with people, and especially if you lead them, this episode will sharpen how you listen, how you speak, and how you create alignment without unnecessary tension.

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