Performance People

Inside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Gamble | Wrexham Director Shaun Harvey

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Wrexham’s rise has been framed as a Hollywood story. The reality is rather more structured.

In this episode, Wrexham director Shaun Harvey breaks down what’s actually driven the transformation, from the earliest conversations during lockdown, through to building a club now pushing towards the Premier League.

At the centre of it is the ownership model. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney didn’t just bring capital, they brought attention, storytelling and global reach. But critically, the football operation was never compromised. The club comes first. The documentary follows.

What emerges is a clear set of principles:

* Stay authentic

* Avoid gimmicks

* Trust football expertise

* Build for the community first

The result is a model that blends performance, narrative and commercial growth, without losing credibility.

This is not just a football story. It’s a case study in how modern sports organisations can scale: by combining elite performance with disciplined storytelling and long-term thinking.

00:00 Introduction

00:03 Ryan Reynolds and Rob as Wrexham co-chairmen

00:29 How the Wrexham takeover began

05:18 Why Wrexham meant so much to the community

08:33 The Supporters Trust meeting that decided everything

11:25 The original plan for Wrexham

13:04 Why Ryan and Rob did it differently

15:10 Football first, documentary second

21:03 The breakthrough that changed everything

25:59 Why Ryan and Rob don’t interfere

37:43 Community, ownership and the Premier League dream

________________________________

The Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Recovery, Stress and the Science of Longevity | Dr Tamsin Lewis

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

What does real longevity look like when you’ve lived at the sharp end of performance?

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie is joined by Dr Tamsin Lewis, longevity physician, psychiatrist, former GB triathlete and founder of Wellgevity, for a wide-ranging conversation about health, performance and what it really takes to sustain both over time.

Tamsin reflects on her journey from elite sport into medicine, and how triathlon became both a focus and a turning point during a period of stress, overwork and unhealthy coping mechanisms. She speaks candidly about anxiety, eating disorders, perfectionism, validation, and the darker side of high achievement, as well as the role competition, challenge and community can play in transforming behaviour.

The conversation also explores the bigger picture of modern wellbeing: burnout, relationships, diet, environment, nervous system regulation and the daily habits that can either protect or deplete us. This is an episode about much more than living longer, it is about living better, with greater awareness, resilience and intention.

In this episode:

* Dr Tamsin Lewis’s journey from elite triathlon to longevity medicine

* The relationship between high performance, stress and self-sabotage

* How exercise can become a healthier outlet for pressure and anxiety

* Why burnout protection goes beyond sleep and nutrition

* The role of relationships, environment and nervous system health

* Perfectionism, validation and the psychology of achievement

* What sustainable health actually looks like in real life

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Meet Dr Tamsin Lewis

01:18 How triathlon changed everything

04:12 Competition, stress and overtraining

07:11 What good coaching really does

08:57 Female performance, fuelling and training differences

13:06 Burnout, elite sport and building a business

17:00 The hidden cost of pushing too hard

20:02 Mold, Covid and immune system overload

23:45 Burnout, cortisol and recovery

25:00 What longevity should actually mean

32:16 How to future-proof your health

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Inside Max Verstappen’s Training Regime with F1 Performance Coach Bradley Scanes

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:00:00 GMT

What does it take to prepare a Formula 1 world champion to perform at the very highest level?

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie Ainslie sits down with elite performance coach and physio Bradley Scanes, whose work in Formula 1 included training and supporting Max Verstappen through the relentless physical, mental and logistical demands of the sport. Bradley explains what an F1 driver’s off-season really looks like, from structured downtime after Abu Dhabi to the intense six-to-seven-week pre-season block where every detail counts. He breaks down the extraordinary fitness demands of driving at the top level, from neck strength and reaction speed to cardio conditioning, heat tolerance, recovery, hydration and jet lag management. He also shares what his role on race weekends actually involved: not just physical preparation, but creating the calm, focused environment that allows a driver to perform when the pressure is greatest.

The conversation then shifts from the world of Formula 1 to a challenge many listeners will relate to far more directly: marathon running. Bradley explains why running can be such an effective and accessible form of exercise, why many fears around damage to the knees are overstated, and what really causes most running injuries. He talks through what it takes to break the four-hour marathon barrier, why consistency matters more than anything clever or complicated, and why amateurs should think in terms of months of sensible build-up rather than quick-fix plans. The discussion also explores the mental side of endurance training, the reality of hitting the wall, and the importance of trust between coach and athlete, whether you’re preparing for a Grand Prix or your first marathon.

From world-class basics to world championship standards, this is a fascinating conversation about performance, recovery, preparation and doing the work that most people never see.

00:00 Intro

00:16 Inside Max Verstappen’s world with performance coach Bradley Scanes

00:35 What Formula 1 can teach us about elite preparation

01:04 The off-season: how Max Verstappen resets after a campaign

03:47 The brutal physical training demands of Formula 1

07:01 How drivers train reaction speed, focus and decision-making

09:39 Why championships are built in pre-season

12:02 Bradley Scanes on supporting Max Verstappen on race weekends

14:09 The sleep, jet lag and recovery battle in Formula 1

17:40 Why marathon running is more achievable than most people think

20:23 The truth about breaking the 4-hour marathon barrier

26:36 Why trust is the secret ingredient in elite coaching

28:11 Outro

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu | How a Herbal Blend Saved his Football Career and Inspired a Booming Business

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:02:00 GMT

Former Premier League footballer Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu joins Performance People to talk about the injury crisis that nearly ended his career at 17, the natural recovery blend his father created to help him heal, and how that personal turning point became the foundation for his wellness business, The Turmeric Co.

In this episode, Thomas reflects on chronic pain, elite sport, recovery, entrepreneurship, preventative health, and why he believes the future of healthcare should focus far more on education and prevention than treatment alone.

In this episode:

* The career-threatening knee injuries that changed everything

* Why conventional anti-inflammatories caused more problems

* How his father developed the original turmeric blend at home

* The six-week turning point that helped him return to football

* Building The Turmeric Co from a kitchen recipe into a serious business

* The challenges of manufacturing, shelf life and retail growth

* Why Thomas believes recovery is the foundation of performance

* His bigger vision for preventative health in the UK

00:00 The vision behind The Turmeric Co

00:39 Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu’s defining moment

01:16 Two ACL ruptures by 17

03:46 Living with chronic pain

04:47 Searching for a natural solution

06:27 The library research behind the blend

08:02 Creating the first homemade shot

10:41 Pain-free in six weeks

12:23 From home remedy to business

14:15 Rejected by manufacturers

16:20 Building production from scratch

17:39 The first life-changing testimonial

20:52 Scaling The Turmeric Co

25:11 A vision for the NHS

28:56 What recovery means now

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Oisin Murphy | 5x Champion Jockey on Alcoholism, Sacrifice & the Price of Greatness

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Oisin Murphy is one of the most successful jockeys of his generation, a x5 Champion Jockey whose career has been defined by brilliance, pressure, relapse, recovery and an unrelenting pursuit of winning.

In this episode of Performance People, Oisin speaks with rare honesty about the reality behind elite success. He reflects on the horse that changed everything for him, Roaring Lion, and explains why winning major titles has never brought the sense of fulfilment people assume it should. He opens up about the mental strain of race riding, his obsession with strike rate, the exhausting demands of making weight, and the psychological cost of constantly trying to stay at the top.

Most strikingly, Oisin talks candidly about alcohol, blackout drinking, sobriety and the damage addiction caused in both his personal and professional life. He explains why his 2025 comeback title mattered so much, how he felt people had had enough of him, and why proving people wrong became part of the fuel behind that season.

Oisin's book: Sacrifice: A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey - available now

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Why 2018 Changed Everything

01:23 Roaring Lion and the Horse That Made Him

08:24 Why the Book Is Called Sacrifice

10:51 The Reality of Riding 1,000 Horses a Year

13:45 Why Being a Jockey Is So Unforgiving

15:49 The Obsession With Strike Rate

18:21 Alcohol, Blackouts and Hitting Rock Bottom

23:52 How He’s Approaching Sobriety Differently

27:16 Why Sobriety Made Him a Better Rider

30:03 Why He’s Already Thinking About Retirement

39:36 Why Winning the Champion Jockey Title Brings No Joy

42:10 The 2025 Comeback Title and Proving People Wrong

53:54 The One Race He Still Dreams of Winning

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Is AI Making You Less Intelligent? | Neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Your brain is the most trainable organ in your body. So why aren't you training it?

This week on Performance People, we sit down with Dr Tommy Wood, neuroscientist, researcher, and performance scientist who has worked at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula 1 through HINSTA Performance. If you want to understand how the world's elite athletes keep their edge, this is the episode.

Dr Tommy has just released his lates book, The Stimulated Mind, and the conversation does not disappoint. We're talking cognitive performance, dementia prevention, the neuroscience of elite sport, and why up to 70% of dementias could be preventable.

We get into:

* Why 45–70% of dementias are preventable, and what you can do about it right now

* The truth about multitasking (spoiler: your brain literally cannot do it)

* How F1 legends like Hamilton and Alonso use crystallised intelligence to outperform teammates half their age

* What elite athletes understand about brain recovery that most people never will

* Why AI could be quietly shrinking your cognitive capacity and how to push back

* The Norwegian 4x4 protocol and why six months of HIIT can protect your hippocampus for five years

* Social media, dopamine, and how to curate your feed like a high performer

* The 3S Model, Stimulus, Supply, Support, your blueprint for a sharper brain at any age

Dr Tommy Wood works with Formula 1 teams through HINSTA Performance, one of the world's leading high-performance health organisations. His insights bridge elite sport science and everyday brain health in a way that will change how you think about performance, literally.

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Is Dementia Really Preventable?

05:50 Genetics vs Lifestyle — The APOE4 Reality

10:23 Can the Brain Improve With Age?

13:20 The Exercise Formula for Brain Performance

18:21 Recovery, Sleep & Cognitive Overload

20:32 Why the Brain Cannot Multitask

23:41 Social Media, Dopamine & Attention Collapse

27:47 AI, Creativity & The “Google Effect”

45:34 GPS, Taxi Drivers & Spatial Intelligence

48:29 What Elite Athletes Understand About the Brain

55:58 The Owl Experiment & The 3S Model

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Harvard Trained Researcher Dr. Elie Abirached: 'I Spent Years Testing Bio-Hacks. 90% Were Useless.'

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Dr. Elie Abirached: Nature Over Bio-Hacking Tech

Longevity expert Dr. Elie Abirached shares his journey from war-torn 1980s Lebanon to pioneering bio-hacker and Harvard researcher. Despite having access to every cutting-edge device; hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas, PEMF therapy, he reveals why nature, community, and purpose remain the most powerful longevity tools.

In this conversation, Dr. Abirached challenges the "one thing" mentality in health optimisation, shares the Harvard study findings on happiness, and explains his non-negotiable daily practices that keep his biological age well below his chronological age.

________________________________

00:00 Cold Open – “Nature Is the Most Powerful Biohack”

00:39 Introducing Dr Elie: Biohacking & Longevity

02:15 Growing Up in Lebanon – Trauma & Self-Preservation

05:10 Losing Both Parents to Cancer – The Power of Purpose

07:10 The Harvard Happiness Study Explained

08:53 Blue Zones, Purpose & Why We Overcomplicate Longevity

11:12 Why Biohacking Must Be Geographically Relevant

14:30 Social Media, AI & The Future of Health Optimisation

18:00 Becoming a “Limitless Human” – Where to Start

21:40 The Recovery Crisis – Why Most People Are Under-Recovered

26:46 The “Three Body Problem” – Physical, Mental & Recovery Balance

30:45 Sleep Is the Ultimate Performance Tool

33:50 Wearables, CGMs & Avoiding Data Obsession

36:30 Circadian Rhythm – The Simplest Longevity Lever

39:00 Building the Ultimate Longevity Toolkit

43:06 The Future of Biohacking & Living With Purpose

44:52 Final Reflections & Practical Takeaways

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

James Haskell Unfiltered | Relationships, Relentless Reinvention & The Truth About Fame

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Former England international James Haskell joins Performance People for an unfiltered, honest conversation about elite sport, identity, leadership and life after rugby.

Haskell reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career, from an unlikely England call-up that changed everything, to the brutal honesty of international environments where high performance is non-negotiable. He speaks candidly about learning to block out external noise, why Googling yourself can be a form of self-harm, and how early experiences with criticism and therapy reshaped his mindset long before conversations around mental health were mainstream.

The episode explores what team culture really looks like at the highest level: why different personalities matter, how leaders earn respect, and the balance between discipline, individuality and accountability. Haskell also opens up about retirement, reinvention, and the challenge many athletes face when the structure of professional sport disappears.

Now juggling podcasting, music, business ventures and fatherhood, he explains why growth doesn’t stop when sport ends, and why success, in any field, depends on self-awareness, honest feedback and taking responsibility for your own standards.

Reloaded – The Good, The Bad and The Rugby by Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall is available now (HarperNonFiction).

Link here: Reloaded – The Good, The Bad & The Rugby

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Why Silver Isn't Enough | Matt Weston

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

World number one skeleton slider Matt Weston joins Performance People, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, to share the mindset, resilience and ambition behind his rise to the top of one of sport’s most extreme disciplines.

In this episode, Matt reflects on the disappointment of the Beijing Winter Games and how that experience became the driving force behind a remarkable period of success. A multiple Crystal Globe winner, World Champion and European Champion, he opens up about rebuilding confidence, managing pressure, and why adaptability, both physical and mental, has been crucial to his performances.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of elite skeleton racing: competing at speeds over 140km/h, racing through serious injury, and operating in a sport where hundredths of a second can define a career. Matt also explains how he prepares for high-pressure moments, works with sports psychologists, and balances perfectionism with performance.

Above all, this is a conversation about standards. Matt is candid about his refusal to settle for second place, the mindset that separates good from great, and why gold this winter remains the ultimate goal. An unmissable insight into elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to compete at the very top.

Subscribe for more conversations with world-class performers and leaders.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

From Outsiders to Contenders | Pat Sharples

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Performance People, Georgie Ainslie sits down with Pat Sharples, an elite head coach in winter sports, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how teams are built.

Pat reveals what really happens inside a Winter campaign. He explains how he manages 12 very different snow sport disciplines, balancing creativity in freestyle athletes with the intensity of alpine racing, all while keeping athletes confident, healthy and competition-ready.

The conversation dives into mindset, risk and preparation in extreme sports, where athletes rehearse dangerous tricks hundreds of times before executing them under pressure. Pat also discusses how confidence, fear management and decision-making can be the difference between medals and missed opportunities.

Away from the slopes, Pat shares how recovery, sleep, nutrition and smart performance planning have become critical, especially when competing against nations with far larger budgets. Despite those challenges, he explains why British snowsport is entering the winter cycle with optimism, and highlights the athletes to watch.

Subscribe for more conversations with world-class performers and leaders

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Dylan Fletcher | Dropped from SailGP: The Moment That Changed Everything

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, we’re joined by Emirates GBR champion driver and newly appointed America’s Cup GB1 helm, Dylan Fletcher, to explore the defining moment behind one of British sailing’s most remarkable career arcs.

Dylan reflects on the tough reality of being dropped from the SailGP circuit early in his career, describing the moment the “rug was pulled” and how losing control of his future forced a complete reset. What followed was an uncompromising focus on what he could control, a mindset shift that reshaped his approach to performance and decision-making.

The conversation dives deep into pressure, resilience and life inside elite sport. Dylan shares what it’s really like to operate under extreme expectation, how he manages nerves, recovery and self-doubt before racing, and why failure, rather than success, has often been his greatest motivation.

We also explore the inner workings of sailing’s biggest environments, from SailGP to the America’s Cup. Dylan opens up on helming alongside Sir Ben Ainslie, adapting to the demands of a 150 person team, and learning how to win both on and off the water.

Further into the conversation, Dylan reflects on the Olympic campaign that culminated in gold medal success, and why committing fully to winning gold, rather than simply chasing a medal, changed everything.

The episode comes at a landmark moment. Emirates GBR were crowned SailGP champions in 2025, and Dylan has just been appointed helm of GB1, the British challenger for the next America’s Cup; placing him at the centre of British sailing’s next chapter.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

David Howden | The Underdog Mindset Behind a Global British Powerhouse

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:00:00 GMT

How do you turn three people and a dog into a 23,000-strong global business? For David Howden, Founder and Group CEO of Howden, the answer begins not in a boardroom but in childhood adversity. David lost his father aged seven and watched his family lose their home overnight - a moment that forged lifelong resilience and a hunger to build something of his own.

That experience would power a career in insurance defined by imagination, not paperwork. David explains how he came to see insurance not as a grudge purchase, but as the oil in the engine - or, in his words, the Tesla battery - that enables societies, businesses and individuals to take risks, innovate and grow. Today Howden operates in 56 countries, fuelled by a culture that has employee ownership at the heart of it, puts people first, and which welcomes mistakes as lessons rather than failures.

From empowering teams to build their own businesses to shaping grassroots change through ambitious partnerships across rugby, equine sports and Emirates GBR in SailGP. David talks culture, leadership, risk, global growth and why being the underdog matters. This is the story of an entrepreneur building a business to be proud of, and inviting others to build it with him.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

Show notes

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

________________________________

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

Aimee Fuller | Pressure, Injury and Walking Away from the Olympics

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Former Winter Olympian turned broadcaster, Aimee Fuller joins Performance People to reflect on a career defined by courage, creativity and confronting fear.

Aimee competed for Team GB at the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018, specialising in slopestyle and big air, and becoming the first woman to land a double backflip in competition. In this conversation, she opens up about the defining moment that shaped her journey; the extraordinary pressure of qualifying for her first Olympic Games, having to deliver career-best results in the final two events after sitting 72nd in the world rankings.

She speaks candidly about injury, recovery and the psychological toll of elite sport, including how fear of injury began to outweigh performance ahead of her second Winter Olympics, a realisation that ultimately led to her retirement. Aimee also reflects on identity beyond competition, the challenge of letting go, and how running and broadcasting have helped her rediscover purpose and joy in performance.

Insightful, honest and full of energy, this episode explores resilience, pressure and what it really takes to step away from the thing that once defined you, and move forward stronger.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

________________________________

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

Iain ‘Goobs’ Jensen | Resilience, Recovery and Returning Home

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Iain ‘Goobs’ Jensen reflects on elite performance, pressure and resilience in SailGP. This episode of Performance People, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, was recorded in Abu Dhabi, just ahead of the SailGP Grand Final, at a moment of real intensity, both for the championship and for Goobs personally. From Olympic gold, via a 2025 Emirates GBR treble to a new chapter with Australian Flying Roos, this is a remarkable story of high-performance sailing.

A double Olympic gold medallist and one of the most respected figures in high-performance sailing, Goobs reflects on a career that has spanned the Olympic pathway, the America’s Cup and SailGP, all during a period of extraordinary technological change in the sport. From foiling breakthroughs to life inside prototype racing machines, he offers rare insight into what it takes to perform when the margins are vanishingly small.

The conversation also goes far beyond racing. Iain speaks with honesty about setbacks, pressure and perspective, including the health challenges that interrupted his career and reshaped his outlook on performance, ambition and team culture. Throughout, he returns to the importance of trust, shared purpose and doing the basics well under extreme pressure.

The timing of this episode marks a significant transition. After years with Emirates GBR SailGP Team, Goobs discusses his decision to return home to Australia and join the Bonds Flying Roos, ahead of the start of the 2026 SailGP Championship in Perth.

This is a thoughtful, deeply human conversation about resilience, elite performance and knowing when it’s time for the next chapter.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Performance People 2025 Wrapped | Insights, Lessons & Funnies from Elite Sport

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:00:00 GMT

From defining moments to peak performance, recovery, leadership and everything in between, this special end-of-year episode brings together the very best of Performance People.

Across the past year, we’ve sat down with world-class athletes, coaches and thinkers to understand what really drives performance, not just on the biggest stages, but in the moments that shape careers and lives. This highlights episode captures the essence of those conversations.

You’ll hear candid reflections on defining moments from the likes of Mike Tindall, Ed Chamberlin, Matthew Syed, Jimmy Anderson, George North and Geraint Thomas. There are deep dives into peak performance and strategy with Ben Ainslie, Alistair Brownlee, James Vowles, Tammy Beaumont and Ben Ryan, alongside powerful insights into recovery, resilience and mindset from athletes including Katie Boulter, Sarah Storey, Fin Smith and Abi Burton.

And because performance isn’t always serious, we’ve also included some of our favourite off-script moments, interruptions and giggles from guests such as Gabby Logan, Natalie Pinkham, Mike Tindall and Ted Kravitz.

Whether you’re an athlete, leader or simply curious about what it takes to perform under pressure, this episode is a celebration of the conversations that defined our year.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

________________________________

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

Ben Ryan | Inside Brentford FC’s Data-Centric Performance Approach

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Ben Ryan is one of the most distinctive performance leaders in elite sport.

Now Performance Director at Brentford Football Club, Ben is helping shape one of the Premier League’s most progressive, data-driven environments, where alignment, culture and marginal gains matter as much as talent.

In this conversation with Georgie Ainslie, Ben explains how Brentford’s performance model works in practice: from decision-making rooted in data, to creating psychological safety in a ruthless industry, to managing player availability, recovery and long-term development in a congested football calendar. He shares how Brentford balance innovation with consistency, and why being “boringly sensible” can be a competitive advantage.

Ben’s thinking, however, is forged well beyond football. He reflects on his extraordinary journey in rugby, including his time as head coach of Fiji Sevens, where he led the team to their first ever Olympic gold medal. That experience, built on cultural understanding, autonomy and belief, continues to shape his approach to leadership today.

This is a wide-ranging discussion about performance under pressure, learning from failure, and building environments where people can do the best work of their careers, whatever the sport.

This episode of Performance People is brought to you by J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

________________________________

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

AI and the Future of Human Performance with Pete McKnight

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Georgie sits down again with human performance coach Pete McKnight, a man with nearly 25 years’ experience shaping Olympians, F1 drivers and world-class performers. Pete breaks down what “human performance” really is: a multi-dimensional blend of physiology, psychology, cognition and nutrition, and why the days of thinking fitness alone defines performance are long gone.

He explains how the rise of specialist performance teams has transformed elite sport, moving from a lone strength coach to integrated units of physios, psychologists, nutritionists and data experts all pulling in the same direction. But the real magic, Pete says, isn’t in assembling the biggest team; it’s in getting them to collaborate, individualise and adapt around the athlete.

Georgie and Pete dig into what the rest of us can learn from elite environments: clarity of goals, proper planning and, above all, relentless consistency. No shortcuts. No silver bullets. Just smart, sustained work.

They also explore how technology and AI are reshaping training, from affordable diagnostics to data-driven programmes, and how the future hinges on understanding the athlete as much as the algorithm. Plus: fascinating insights from Pete’s work across Formula One, defence and space on how humans and machines can truly perform together.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Ben Ainslie | The Future of the America’s Cup & A Treble for Emirates GBR

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Fresh from a history-making weekend in Abu Dhabi, Ben Ainslie joins Georgie at home to reflect on Emirates GBR’s extraordinary treble; the season title, the Grand Final and the Impact League win and why this victory mattered more than most after a turbulent year for the team.

Ben breaks down the decisive moments of the Grand Final race, highlighting Dylan Fletcher’s leadership and charting the journey that took him from being dropped earlier in SailGP to returning as a champion.

The conversation then turns to the biggest shift in modern sailing: the new America’s Cup partnership agreement. Ben explains why the Cup had to evolve, the challenges of uniting rival teams, and how this unprecedented structure aims to secure the event’s long-term future. He lifts the lid on difficult negotiations, commercial pressures, and what this transformation means for athletes, teams, and fans.

Finally, Georgie asks the question everyone wants answered: will Ben sail in the next America’s Cup? He reflects on legacy, leadership, and whether stepping back, or stepping on, is the right call. A candid, insightful episode offering a rare inside look at elite sport, big decisions, and the future of high-performance sailing.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Sir Jimmy Anderson | Bazball, Ben Stokes’ Leadership and the Secret to Staying Elite at 43

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:19:24 GMT

Recorded in Abu Dhabi as Emirates GBR were crowned SailGP 2025 Champions, England’s fast bowling G.O.A.T. Jimmy Anderson joins Performance People, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, for a wide-ranging conversation on cricket, leadership and longevity. Fresh from experiencing an F50 race boat up close, Jimmy reflects on England’s two-day defeat in the opening Ashes Test, a result that stunned both players and fans. He explains why the collapse felt so sudden, what positives England can still take from the match and why Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will stay true to ‘Bazball’ ahead of the 2nd test.

Jimmy weighs in on the big tactical question: adapt or double down? He believes this England side is more likely to reinforce its attacking principles, but stresses the importance of reading conditions more intelligently rather than playing on autopilot.

He offers rare insight into Ben Stokes’ captaincy, describing him as the best leader he has played under; tactically sharp, empathetic and able to get the best from every individual, and highlights the powerful partnership Stokes has formed with McCullum.

Jimmy’s defining career moment takes us back to the 2010–11 Ashes, where England’s dominant win in Australia transformed his confidence and consistency. He also discusses the discipline behind his remarkable longevity and why, at 43, he still loves the game as much as ever.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Matthew Syed | Beckham, McIlroy & the Mindset of Elite Performers

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:00:00 GMT

This week on Performance People, Georgie is joined by writer, broadcaster and former Olympian Matthew Syed; one of the most influential thinkers on high performance today. In a conversation that moves from table-tennis halls in suburban Reading to global sporting icons, Matthew unpacks the moments and mentors that shaped his life, and the ideas that continue to guide his work.

He reflects on the remarkable influence of his childhood coach, Peter Charters, and how the culture of curiosity, individuality and care that Charters created became the foundation for Matthew’s career in sport, and beyond. Matthew also opens up about the pressure of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, describing in powerful detail the moment he “choked”, why it happened, and how it sparked a lifelong fascination with performance psychology.

From David Beckham’s resilience and Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph to the importance of losing with grace, the conversation explores why elite sport is a microcosm of character, humility and growth. Matthew shows how these lessons translate into everyday life, for parents, leaders, young people and anyone striving to improve.

In classic Syed style, this is a masterclass in mindset: honest, generous and packed with ideas you’ll want to take straight into your own world.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan, or Gameface Limited.

Performance People is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be regarded as professional advice.

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

From Prince Harry’s Invictus Games to the Winter Olympics | Vicky Gosling OBE, CEO of GB Snowsport

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:00:00 GMT

On this episode of Performance People, in partnership with JP Morgan Private Bank, Georgie speaks with Vicky Gosling OBE, CEO of GB Snowsport, whose career has been shaped by one extraordinary defining moment.

In 2013, Vicky was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, leaving behind her young family for what she thought would be a demanding posting. Instead, a phone call redirected her life: she was being reassigned to lead on what would become the first-ever Invictus Games. Working alongside Prince Harry, Vicky helped build a global movement showcasing the power of adaptive sport and the resilience of wounded servicemen and women. That experience transformed her sense of purpose and has guided every leadership role since.

Vicky reflects on how her 20-year military career instilled mission-first clarity, resilience and an unshakeable commitment to the people she serves. Those principles now underpin her work at GB Snowsport, where she and her team have transformed a relatively underfunded programme into one capable of producing world champions and genuine medal contenders heading into the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina in February. From Mia Brookes and Zoe Atkin to Charlotte Bankes and Dave Ryding, she outlines where the British hopes lie.

Candid, gripping and often hilarious, including the night she had to sleep in a budget hire car, Vicky’s story is ultimately about belief, courage and what’s possible when a team refuses to quit.

Content warning: This episode includes mention of suicide and the loss of military colleagues. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the Samaritans for free, 24/7, on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

________________________________

The Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, J.P. Morgan, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Joan & Michelle MacDonald | The Viral Fitness Story Redefining What 79 Looks Like

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 GMT

When Joan MacDonald hit her seventies, she was on medication for high blood pressure, struggling with mobility, and feeling “blue.” Her daughter, fitness coach Michelle MacDonald, knew something had to change. Together, they transformed Joan’s life and in the process, inspired millions worldwide.

In this deeply moving episode, Georgie talks to Joan and Michelle about the journey that turned a retired grandmother into a global fitness icon with more than two million Instagram followers. They discuss the health scare that started it all, the emotional realities of change, and how mindset, muscle, and measurable progress can completely rewrite what ageing looks like.

Joan shares how learning to lift weights, track nutrition, and rebuild confidence gave her a new sense of purpose, and why “age is irrelevant” when you start believing in yourself. Michelle explains the science behind sustainable transformation, from macro nutrient centred meals to recovery routines tailored for later life.

An inspiring story about resilience, accountability, and the power of family, proof that it’s never too late to change your body, your health, and your outlook on life.

________________________________

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

The views and opinions expressed on Performance People are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the views of ainslie + ainslie, or any affiliated organisations.

This podcast is produced by Gameface Limited and is intended for general information and entertainment purposes only.

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

Inside Team Brady | Emma Kimiläinen and Sam Coleman on E1 Racing and the Team Built to Win

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Emma Kimiläinen and Sam Coleman race for Team Brady in the E1 World Championship, a new era of electric hydrofoil racing where men and women compete on equal terms. Heading into the Championship Finale in Miami at the top of the standings, they join Georgie Ainslie to reflect on the mindset and trust that keep them there.

Emma explains how motherhood made her a calmer, more empathetic and ultimately sharper racer, helping her navigate the extreme pressures of high-speed racing and the psychological test of the series’ underwater “dunk test.” Sam offers a fascinating look into what it takes to fly a RaceBird at 100 km/h with no autopilot, comparing it to piloting a fighter jet just above the waves, where decisions are made in split seconds and teamwork is everything.

They also talk about the influence of Tom Brady, whose belief in them and quiet competitiveness have inspired the team’s pursuit of perfection. From Venice to Jeddah to Miami, this is a story of courage, composure and performance at the very edge of possibility.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

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

Alistair Brownlee | What Elite Performance Really Takes - the Grind, the Graft and the Gains

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Two-time Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee joins Performance People to reflect on the moment that defined him; carrying his brother Jonny across the 2016 World Triathlon Series Grand Final finish line in an instant which exemplified what sportsmanship should look like.

Fresh from running the Empire State Building’s 80-plus floors, Brownlee shares why he’s embracing a new chapter of bucket-list adventures, from gravel racing in South Africa to Ironman-distance events in Patagonia. He opens up about the grind behind his golden years, high intensity training for 40+ hours a week across three sports, and the mental discipline it takes to perform under pressure.

Alistair discusses the fine line between confidence and self-belief, why recovery is “everything,” and how consistency trumps perfection in both elite and everyday training. Reflecting on life beyond the start line, he admits he misses the simplicity of full-time sport but relishes the freedom to say yes to life again.

This is an episode about purpose, preparation, and perspective, from one of Britain’s greatest endurance athletes, still learning what performance means when medals are no longer the measure.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

_____________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Abi Burton | I Woke Up From a Coma… and Won the World Cup

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie sits down with Red Roses Rugby World Cup winner Abi Burton, whose story of survival, recovery, and triumph is as heart wrenching as it is inspiring. At just 22, Abi was struck down by a rare autoimmune brain illness that left her fighting for her life. But somehow, after more than 3 weeks in a coma, she recovered, rebuilt her body and mind, and made her way back into the England squad, lifting the Rugby World Cup just three years after her brush with death.

Abi opens up about the emotional and physical battles that shaped her comeback, the lessons learned from redefining success, and how she’s found strength in vulnerability. She also shares what it means to be part of a new generation of women’s rugby players inspiring change; from Ellie Kildunne’s Barbie moment to the unapologetic individuality of rivals like Ilona Maher.

It’s a conversation about resilience, self-belief and the growing power of women’s sport. Honest, funny and deeply human, Abi Burton proves that performance isn’t just about winning medals, it’s about becoming stronger than you ever thought possible.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

The New Science of Gut Health and Peak Performance with Dr Megan Rossi

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Sleep, travel, and the gut are performance variables, not just wellness trends. In this episode, gut-health scientist and clinician Dr Megan Rossi, (The Gut Health Doctor), joins Georgie to connect the gut–brain axis to training quality, recovery, and race-day consistency. We dig into why even two or three nights of poor sleep can shift the microbiome and how supporting your gut can, in turn, improve sleep, cognition, and decision-making under pressure.

For athletes and high performers on the move, Megan, who leads research at King’s College London investigating nutrition-based therapies, breaks down the “Mile-High IBS Club”: why cabin pressure amplifies gas and bloating, how to adjust fibre/FODMAP load 24–48 hours pre-flight, what to choose in-flight, and the post-landing reset (movement, breathwork, sleep hygiene). She flags red-flags you mustn’t ignore (Bristol stool changes, blood, persistent new bloating), the rise of bowel cancer in younger adults, and why early checks protect long careers.

We separate signal from noise on trending hacks: “internal shower” drinks vs evidence-backed psyllium, freezing bread for resistant starch, dark chocolate polyphenols for brain blood flow, and smart “fibre-maxing” that won’t derail training. Plus: IBS vs coeliac (why to keep gluten in before testing), the estrobolome and midlife body-composition shifts (with a nod to strength training and protein distribution), and antibiotics—when they’re essential, how they disrupt the gut, and guideline-based ways to protect and then rebuild with diverse whole foods (Megan’s Super Six).

Actionable science for better training, travel, and recovery.

Resources:

The FODMAP Diet

https://theguthealthdoctor.com/the-lowdown-on-the-low-fodmap-diet

The Bristol Stool Form Scale

https://theguthealthdoctor.com/dont-be-fooled-by-your-stool-how-to-check-in-with-your-poop

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Turner Twins' Wild Expedition | Can George Mallory’s Kit Still Work Today?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:00:00 GMT

What does it take to climb a Himalayan peak, one identical twin in modern mountaineering kit and the other in the wool and leather of George Mallory’s 1920s wardrobe? That’s exactly the question adventurers Hugo and Ross Turner, better known as the Turner Twins, are about to answer.

In this episode, recorded just before they set off for Mera Peak in Nepal, the brothers share the thinking behind their latest expedition: a side-by-side experiment pitting modern gear against vintage Mallory equipment at over 21,000 feet. With identical DNA and mirror-image physiology, the twins are uniquely placed to test how technology, or the lack of it, really impacts human performance.

They talk candidly about what drew them into a life of extreme challenges, how a devastating neck injury sparked their first Atlantic crossing, and why the lure of risk and survival keeps pulling them back to the wild. There are stories of priceless hiking boots, mindset battles in the cold, and even a glimpse of the science they’ll be running on the mountain, from sleep tracking to stress tests.

Adventure, history, data, and brotherly rivalry, this one has a bit of all of it.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

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

Ted Kravitz | The F1 Insider on Verstappen, Hamilton and the McLaren Pace Race

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie sits down with her old colleague, Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports F1 pit-lane reporter and author of his new book, F1: An Insider’s Guide. Ted shares the defining moments that shaped his career, from discovering the intimacy of late-night radio to standing trackside at Silverstone and realising Formula 1 would become more than just a passion.

Ted reflects on why radio’s authenticity still drives how he approaches television, and how his celebrated, Notebook, segment grew out of that same desire to tell unfiltered stories. He explains the craft of being in the pit lane: seeing what commentators can’t, spotting the details no monitor shows, and translating that into something fans can feel part of.

The conversation takes in the evolution of Formula 1, from the rise of Drive to Survive to the sport’s explosive growth in the United States. Ted gives his perspective on Max Verstappen’s dominance, Lando Norris vs. Oscar Piastri at McLaren, and why Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move could define the twilight of his career.

An honest, detailed and passionate insight from one of Formula 1’s most recognisable voices, this episode reveals what really goes on behind the team garages and why storytelling still matters in motorsport.

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

George North | Mindset, Longevity and a Concussion Crisis

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie sits down with George North, one of Wales’s greatest rugby players, to explore the defining moment that shaped his extraordinary career as he launches his autobiography. From growing up on the island of Anglesey, dreaming of the iconic red jersey, to scoring two tries on his Wales debut against South Africa at just 18, to his latest incarnation in the south of France, George recalls the sacrifices, the setbacks and the sheer drive that carried him to more than a century of international caps.

George reflects on the grounding influence of his parents; a mother who kept him realistic, a father who drove him relentlessly and how that balance prepared him for the intensity of the Test arena. He shares candid memories of stepping into a senior Wales changing room as a teenager, the heroes who welcomed him in, and the unique pride of running out at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The conversation also tackles the toughest chapters of his journey: a run of concussions that forced him to reassess his health and priorities. With honesty and humour, George explains how he learned to manage recovery, find perspective, and build longevity in the game. Now playing in Provence with his young family, he reflects on lessons in resilience, mindset and joy that continue to fuel his performance.

No Other Place: My Autobiography by George North, is available now in hardback (HarperNonFiction, £22)

________________________________

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

From Federer to LeBron: Longevity Lessons for Midlife Fitness | Dr Peter Tierney

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 01:00:00 GMT

This week, Georgie welcomes back Dr Peter Tierney, senior research scientist with a PhD in sports science, whose career spans work with Leinster Rugby, Chelsea FC, the English FA and Lululemon. Together they explore what elite sport can teach us about exercising effectively in midlife.

Peter explains how athletes like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and LeBron James have extended their careers through smarter training, recovery, and the support of human performance teams. He highlights that while professionals benefit from world-class physios, nutritionists and coaches, the core lessons of consistency, recovery, and balance are transferable to everyone.

From maintaining lean muscle mass and strength into older age to adopting “exercise snacking”, short bursts of activity spread across the day, he offers practical strategies for slowing physical decline and extending not just lifespan but “healthspan.” He stresses the importance of training power as well as endurance, finding activities you enjoy, and resisting the temptation to do too much, too fast.

Above all, the message is clear: build routines you can stick to, take rest seriously, and surround yourself with a supportive “human performance team,” however that looks in everyday life.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

________________________________

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

How to Win | Inside Northampton Saints’ Premiership Rugby Triumph with Head Coach Sam Vesty

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:00:00 GMT

This week we’re joined by Sam Vesty, head coach of the reigning Premiership Rugby champions, Northampton Saints, for a candid look at creative leadership in a data-driven era. Sam explains why numbers matter, but only in service of what players see and feel on the pitch. In “open” sports like rugby, he argues, intuition, context and decision-making under pressure beat dashboards alone.

We dig into nurturing talent across Saints’ pathway; names like George Furbank, Henry Pollock and Fin Smith, and how to build an environment where players are encouraged to try, err and learn. Skill mistakes are inevitable; effort mistakes are not. The job is to create psychological safety, clarity of roles and constant feedback, while keeping the game expressive, ambitious and fun.

Sam opens up his training-week blueprint: Monday’s low-load skills and meetings; heavier work midweek; sharp, short sessions to protect freshness; plus hand-eye “play” (foot-tennis, wall passing, tennis-ball catches) that hones hand-eye without taxing legs. We cover recovery and availability as competitive advantages, sleep habits, smarter scheduling, and the club’s approach to nutrition - breakfasts, snacks, lunches and individual plans.

Finally, we talk where the sport is heading, perhaps towards forwards who can move and handle, more akin to backs, more ambition with ball-in-hand, and a simple team motto that underpins it all: get better and better and better.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

How to Age-Proof Your Brain | 3 Keys from a Leading Neuroscientist

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:30:00 GMT

On this episode of Performance People, we welcome Dr Tommy Wood; neuroscientist, performance coach and, in his own words, “elite professional nerd.” An Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, Tommy also co-hosts the Better Brain Fitness podcast and serves as Hintsa Performance’s head scientist in motorsport.

In this conversation, Tommy unpacks how we can “age-proof” our brains using his simple Three S Model: stimulus, supply and support. He explains how learning complex skills, social interaction and challenging our minds provide the right stimulus; why cardiovascular health and nutrition are essential to supply the brain with oxygen and fuel; and how support; through sleep, recovery and stress management is critical for adaptation.

Tommy shares practical ways to build brain fitness without adding pressure or guilt, suggesting that small, realistic changes like 10 extra minutes of sleep can make a real difference. He challenges the myth that cognitive decline is inevitable with age, highlighting research that shows physical activity and even brisk walking can improve memory and increase brain volume.

Engagement, movement and connection, Tommy argues, are the true keys to long-term brain health.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Max Verstappen’s Performance Coach on the Three Traits That Win Titles

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Elite performance coach Bradley Scanes joins the podcast to share insights from working at the highest levels of elite sport, most notably as Max Verstappen’s performance coach through four Formula One World Championship titles. With a background spanning gymnastics, basketball, football, boxing and UFC, Bradley explains how performance principles can be applied across sports, even as specialist as F1, which he entered without having ever watched a race.

He reveals the three traits that separate world champions from the rest: the ability to perform in chaos, stay present in the moment, and demonstrate adaptability under pressure. Using examples from Max Verstappen, Max Whitlock and Lucy Charles-Barclay, Bradley explains how champions can block out noise, park mistakes, and execute regardless of conditions.

He also discusses how adversity in early life often shapes elite performers, why meticulous preparation and automatic skill allow for higher-level decision-making under stress, and how managing off-track “load” like media, sponsors, travel and jet lag, is as critical as physical training.

Finally, Bradley offers a fascinating window into the inner workings of dominant teams like Red Bull, where clear processes, defined roles, camaraderie and relentless standards create the environment for history-making success.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Tammy Beaumont | Handling Pressure, Doubt, and the Aussies

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 01:00:00 GMT

England cricket star Tammy Beaumont joins Georgie to revisit one of the defining moments of her career - her player of the series performance at the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Tammy opens up about the build-up to that tournament, the emotions in the dressing room, and the personal torment which defined her first few innings. She shares how the experience has shaped her perspective on pressure, preparation, and what it takes to deliver when it matters most. And, with the T20 World Cup coming to England next year, she reveals that she’s fired up for another tilt at glory on home soil.

We also rewind to her early years in Kent, exploring the influences, setbacks, and breakthroughs that turned a cricket-mad youngster into one of the most consistent performers in the women’s game. Tammy talks candidly about navigating multiple formats and the mindset shifts needed to excel in each.

With The Hundred in full swing and Tammy leading Welsh Fire, she reflects on how she adapts to changing conditions, opposition strategies and the evolving landscape of women’s cricket. Her insights reveal the balance of mental toughness, adaptability, and self-belief needed to thrive at the very top.

Away from cricket, she shares her admiration for the England women’s football and rugby teams, crediting them for raising the profile of women’s sport and inspiring the next generation. She talks about the pride of seeing them succeed on the world stage, and how she plans to use their success as research material for her Masters dissertation.

As she prepares for the 50 over World Cup in September, Tammy takes time to talk to Georgie about a life well spent at the pinnacle of her sport.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

________________________________

Connect with Performance People

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

The Midlife Sleep Test: 7 Clues You’re Not Getting the Rest You Need

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, world-renowned sleep expert Professor Russell Foster returns to talk midlife, stress, hormones and why your sleep might not be as “fine” as you think.

Russell explains that most people in midlife don’t have a sleep disorder, they have a stress or anxiety problem, often brought on by the pressures of kids, careers, ageing parents, and lost support systems. He reassures us that changing sleep in midlife isn’t broken sleep, just different, and totally manageable.

One of the highlights of the episode is Russell’s 7-point checklist to assess whether you’re getting the sleep you actually need:

/ You don’t feel sharp or functional during the day

/ You oversleep on weekends or holidays

/ You rely on an alarm to wake

/ You feel irritable, unfocused or foggy

/ You crave naps

/ You’re caffeine dependent

/ Your loved ones say you’re more impatient or reactive

Russell also unpacks the science of hormonal changes, how to manage anxiety around sleep, and why tracking apps often cause more harm than help.

Sleep changes with age, and that’s okay. Here’s how to stay on top of it.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Dame Sarah Storey | From Bullied Schoolgirl to Paralympic Legend

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie speaks with Dame Sarah Storey, winner of a mind-blowing 19 Paralympic gold medals, about the moment that changed everything: her debut, aged just 14, at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games. Sarah reflects on what it meant to represent Great Britain so young, and how that early experience shaped her extraordinary multi-decade career in elite sport.

Sarah shares how her mindset evolved over the years—from a swimmer learning to train and recover with precision, to a world-beating cyclist adapting her routines and expectations with each new challenge. She offers candid insight into handling pressure, dealing with setbacks, and the discipline it takes to perform at the highest level across multiple Paralympic cycles.

Together, Georgie and Sarah explore the power of early ambition, the importance of role models, and the drive to keep pushing boundaries—personally and professionally. This conversation isn't just about medals; it’s about resilience, transformation, and unlocking performance in every stage of life.

Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or someone chasing a dream, this episode offers a masterclass in determination, reinvention, and high performance under pressure.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Jacquie Beltrao | Grief, Grit and the Olympic Dream

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Sky News Sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao joins Georgie for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, identity, and what sport has taught her about life. From a humble upbringing to the Olympic stage, Jacquie shares how her dream of competing in rhythmic gymnastics at the 1984 Los Angeles Games became a reality — despite the heartbreak of losing her mum just weeks before.

She reflects on the emotional chaos of that time, the support of her sisters and coach, and the determination that pushed her through. That same mindset would carry her into the male-dominated world of sports broadcasting, where she became one of the few women on screen at Sky Sports, juggling career, motherhood, and relentless early starts.

Jacquie also opens up about her long battle with breast cancer, including a stage-four diagnosis during lockdown. Her approach to treatment — combining medical care with fierce positivity and mental visualisation — is both unique and inspiring.

From emotional Olympic memories to crying in the press box at Wimbledon, Jacquie’s story is one of grit, humour, and humanity. This is a deeply moving episode that explores what it really means to overcome — and how sport can shape the way we face life’s toughest challenges.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

What You Can Learn From How Sports Teams Approach Jet Lag And Travel Fatigue

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 01:00:00 GMT

If any sport knows how to navigate the negative effects of international travel it’s Formula 1, whose teams are frequently flying their staff across time zones and need them to be firing on all cylinders as soon as they arrive.

With over 25 years of experience working with elite athletes from Olympians to Formula 1 drivers, performance coach Pete McKnight reveals what we can learn from their approach.

He explains how travel affects our reaction times and decision-making, why your chronotype is key to your travel plan, how being a good traveller can be learned, how sunglasses help in more ways than one and why travel starts long before you leave.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Inside Sport’s Greatest Comeback | How The 2013 America’s Cup Was Won With Ben Ainslie, Jimmy Spithill and Russell Coutts

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:16:49 GMT

Sporting history may be full of great comeback stories, but the 2013 America’s Cup will forever take some beating.

Oracle Team USA were 8-1 down against a dominant Emirates Team New Zealand team who needed only one more win to lift the Auld Mug and put the Americans out of their misery. In a last-gasp move to change things up, Ben Ainslie was brought in by CEO Russell Coutts to join skipper Jimmy Spithill on board. Incredibly, the momentum turned and the team reeled off eight straight wins to pull off the most remarkable turnaround.

In a special live episode of Performance People filmed in Portsmouth on board HMS Warrior during the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix weekend, all three key protagonists from Team USA - Ben, Jimmy and Russell - join host Georgie Ainslie to take us back to that time when the world was glued to events in San Francisco Bay.

The panel recall how the team found themselves so far behind, describe the tensions inside the camp, explain why Ben was asked to join the crew, reveal the details that helped shift the momentum, articulate what it felt like to be part of this astonishing sporting drama and why that Cup sparked the inspiration for the performance sailing circuit founded by Russell Coutts, SailGP.

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

The Science Behind Peak Performance | A User’s Guide to Better Sleep

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode, sleep evangelist and scientist Dr Sophie Bostock shares her mission to help people unlock the life-changing benefits of better sleep. Founder of TheSleepScientist.com, Sophie works with high performers in sport, business and leadership to improve recovery, reduce burnout, and enhance productivity by optimising their sleep routines. This conversation centres around her research-backed approach to “sleeping yourself to the top”—and why the modern understanding of recovery is shifting in workplaces and boardrooms alike.

We explore how elite performers are rethinking their relationship with rest, and why the age of bragging about ‘surviving on four hours’ is giving way to smarter, data-led habits. Sophie explains how wearables are helping leaders see the real-time impact of alcohol, poor sleep, and device usage on their recovery. Cultural norms are changing, and high performers are increasingly making conscious decisions to cut down on behaviours that harm their energy, focus and long-term health.

The discussion highlights the growing issue of ‘renorming’—when people get used to operating below their best without realising it. Sophie points to research from the US military showing how small amounts of missed sleep lead to significant performance declines, even when people feel they’re functioning fine. She also breaks down the neuroscience of tech addiction, and the cognitive toll of living in an always-on world, where switching off has become a skill in itself.

Sophie also opens up about her own experience with burnout—despite being a sleep expert. She candidly recounts the moment she literally ‘fell off a cliff’ after pushing too hard for too long, and how that became the catalyst to start her own business and truly live by the principles she teaches. Her story is a powerful reminder that even the most knowledgeable among us are vulnerable to the effects of overwork.

The episode closes with practical tips for listeners who want to make meaningful change. Sophie encourages busy professionals to start small, experiment with one habit at a time, and measure their results—whether through a sleep diary or wearable tech. The key, she says, is consistency and intentionality: put rest in your calendar like any other commitment. Because if it’s not scheduled, it’s unlikely to happen.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Alfie Hewett | The Secrets Behind a Career Defining Wimbledon Win

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Alfie Hewett joins the podcast a year after the defining moment of his career: winning his first Wimbledon singles title in 2024. After years of coming heartbreakingly close—including back-to-back final losses in 2022 and 2023—Alfie reveals how that elusive victory became an obsession. He explains the intense personal and professional journey to overcome self-doubt, external expectations, and the emotional pressure of chasing the career Grand Slam.

In an exclusive conversation, Alfie shares how his losses at Wimbledon shaped him more than any win. Those setbacks became pivotal learning moments that built resilience and reinforced belief in his ability to triumph. He opens up about the mental toll of falling just short—twice—and how he battled through frustration, exhaustion, and overwhelming pressure to finally lift the trophy in front of his family and home crowd.

The emotional cost of the win wasn’t just physical—it pushed Alfie to breaking point. He describes experiencing mental fatigue in the days leading up to Wimbledon and the careful, restorative strategy he and his team devised to manage the pressure. From sports psychology to post-6pm tennis bans in the team Airbnb, Alfie gives an inside look into the work-life balance and recovery methods that finally helped him get over the line.

The episode also explores Alfie's broader impact on the sport. He talks about using his platform to raise visibility for wheelchair tennis and inspire the next generation of athletes. From his early struggles accepting life in a chair to becoming a role model and mentor for young players —Alfie shows why his legacy goes beyond the court.

Finally, Alfie reflects on the career-defining ITF eligibility ruling that once threatened to end his professional journey altogether. He shares the relief of winning his appeal and how that experience taught him to approach life with perspective and gratitude. With one final goal in sight—Paralympic singles gold—Alfie is determined to get there with drive, perspective, and a healthier mindset.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Inside Williams F1 | Boss James Vowles on Silverstone Folklore, Rejection and Winning Cultures

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Georgie welcomes James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing and a seasoned Formula One strategist with decades of experience at the highest level of motorsport. From his early days on the pit wall to leading one of the most iconic teams in F1 history, James shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career and leadership style.

James reflects the moments that shaped his early career, including receiving rejection letters from ALL 11 F1 teams and how those experiences changed the trajectory of his life and led him to the helm at Williams. He opens up about the lessons learned through failure, resilience in a cutthroat industry, and the inner workings of a Formula 1 team striving for resurgence.

The conversation dives into the culture shift underway at Williams, with James revealing how he's rebuilding belief from the inside out. He discusses the importance of transparency, psychological safety and human connection in elite performance—concepts rarely associated with F1 but crucial to long-term success.

Georgie and James also explore the strategic side of the sport: how split-second decisions are made on race day, the delicate balance between data and instinct, and why leadership in the paddock requires as much emotional intelligence as technical know-how.

This is a rare behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to steer a legendary team back to glory, told by one of the sport’s most forward-thinking leaders. Whether you're an F1 fan, a team builder, or just a lover of high-performance stories, James Vowles offers a masterclass in modern leadership under pressure.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Wimbledon Uncovered | Chair Debbie Jevans on Tradition, Innovation and honouring Andy Murray

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 01:00:00 GMT

In this exclusive episode recorded in the clubhouse at Wimbledon, Georgie sits down with Debbie Jevans, the first female chair of the All England Club, to explore what it really takes to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. Debbie reveals how far in advance the team plans for the Championships and the importance of testing every element before day one. From 50,000 flowers to rain-proof scheduling, it's a masterclass in precision and preparation.

Debbie talks candidly about the pressure and pride that come with the role, admitting she still pinches herself in the lead-up to Wimbledon. She shares the emotional moment when reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova returned to Centre Court and broke down in front of the honours board—her name now etched alongside her late mentor, Jana Novotná. These are the stories behind the spectacle that make Wimbledon more than just a tennis tournament.

From Rafa vs. Roger to Andy Murray’s unforgettable 2013 win, Debbie reflects on some of Wimbledon’s most iconic moments—and what they meant both personally and professionally. As she discusses Murray’s legacy, she confirms that plans are in motion for a statue to be unveiled in 2027, marking 150 years since the first Championships. She also opens up about the next generation of British talent and why the future looks bright for the home crowd.

But this is no nostalgia trip—Debbie is also driving Wimbledon forward. She talks about the delicate balance of “tradition and innovation”, from introducing electronic line-calling to the ongoing push for expansion and sustainability. That includes her vision for the club’s physical expansion plans and her belief that sport should benefit more than just its elite players.

As the countdown to this year’s Championships ramps up, Debbie shares how she personally prepares for the marathon fortnight ahead. With insights drawn from her experience at London 2012, in football and rugby union, she treats the build-up like an athlete, pacing herself to peak at the right time. There’s even time for a strawberries-and-cream confession. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Wimbledon stays both timeless and world-class.

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Ed Chamberlin | What I learned from Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and AP McCoy

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Ed Chamberlin is the face of horse racing on ITV, the man who shepherded Gary Neville into TV and also a cancer survivor. On this week's podcast, Georgie catches up with her old Sky Sports News co-presenter, Ed, to talk about:

* Why his first attempts at presenting all tanked

* The death threats he faced at Sky Sports

* Gary Neville's relentless work ethic and how it changed his own approach

* How he would never have walked away from the biggest job at Sky Sports if it wasn't for the cancer battle that nearly claimed his life and how his approach to risk was forever altered

* Jamie Carragher's encyclopaedic knowledge of football

* Why he insists that everyone gets the teas in at ITV, even AP McCoy

They also talk about their early days at Sky Sports, how Ed transitioned from bookie to TV anchor, and the bad news his Sky Sports boss just had to share.

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

Katie Boulter | How a Family Crisis Changed her Perspective on Wimbledon, Life and Tennis

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:00:00 GMT

British tennis star Katie Boulter is heading into Wimbledon with serious momentum — a chance for a 'three-peat' win in Nottingham and a showdown with Emma Raducanu for top Brit billing.

In this week’s episode, Katie lets Georgie in on the behind-the-scenes realities of preparing for the biggest tournament of the year, what she’s learned from her power-couple fiancé, Alex de Minaur, and how the tragic news of a double cancer diagnosis in her family forced her to reassess her priorities. She shares why playing at Wimbledon makes her feel sick — in a good way — and exactly how long she spends on the physio’s bench every day.

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Jamie Chadwick | When Will Formula One Get Its Next Female Driver?

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Jamie Chadwick is one of motor racing’s most decorated female drivers, having won races and titles everywhere she’s gone. Jamie discusses her incredible experiences over the last decade, the pros and cons of being a woman in modern-day motorsport, what she’s learned from her recent time in Indy NXT, when she thinks a female driver will break into Formula One, how she’s preparing for the legendary Le Mans 24 hours and why she’s more passionate about encouraging more girls to try motorsport than in finding the next champion.

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Hayley McQueen On Her Father Gordon’s Dementia Battle And What It Means For Football

Tue, 27 May 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Hayley McQueen is a sports broadcaster, a leading anchor on Sky Sports News, and the co-host of the Not Just Football podcast with Kelly Cates and Christine Lampard. She is also the daughter of the Manchester United and Scotland defender, Gordon McQueen, who died in 2023 from vascular dementia and pneumonia. Hayley explains her family’s battle to discover if Gordon’s death was linked to his profession, the decision to donate his brain for medical research, the struggle to find closure after his death and her wish to change football training practices in order to protect the next generation.

If today’s episode has touched something in you, and you’re finding it hard to cope, please don’t struggle alone. You can speak to someone 24/7 at Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. For grief-specific support, organisations like Cruse Bereavement Support are here to help at cruse.org.uk.

headforchange.org.uk is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting former football and rugby players affected by sports-related brain injuries, including conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia. The organisation offers care, advocacy, and education to athletes and their families. It also champions independent research to enhance brain health in sports and promotes safer practices for future generations.

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

How To Recover Quicker From Life’s Setbacks | Annalie Howling

Tue, 20 May 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life, so what tools are most effective in getting us back on our feet and, perhaps, even stronger than we were before?

Annalie Howling is a performance coach who works with leaders in business, elite sport and the Armed Forces, and who has personal experience in recovering from life’s challenges. She explains how a back to basics approach can help, the role of radical self-belief, why helping others can transform your own problems and the importance of finding a renewed purpose in life.

In this episode, we have an honest and important conversation about mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—support is available; you can contact the Samaritans at: https://www.samaritans.org/

Annalie Howling’s new book ‘Unapologetic: Shackle Your Shame, Reclaim Your Power’ is out now.

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

Simon Thomas | Coming Back From Anxiety and Grief to Take a Second Chance at Life

Tue, 13 May 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Georgie welcomes her former Sky Sports screen husband, and now Soccer Saturday host, Simon Thomas, into the Performance People studio. Simon opens up about his journey through sports broadcasting, revealing the truth behind his big break on Blue Peter, explaining the personal challenges of overcoming anxiety and the pressures of live television, how the sudden death of his wife, Gemma, left him utterly broken and he shares the shaping forces that helped him rebuild his life again. He discusses how he handles pressure through preparation, the inside stories on what really happens in live TV, describes what it’s like to follow Jeff Stelling into one of live football’s most demanding jobs and he gives Georgie a dressing down for misidentifying the Blue Peter ship.

In this episode, we have an honest and important conversation about mental health, including experiences with suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—support is available. If you are struggling with either, you can contact the Samaritans at:

https://www.samaritans.org/

Simon is President of Blood Cancer UK. Since losing his wife, Gemma, suddenly to acute myeloid leukaemia in November 2017 he has been raising awareness of blood cancer symptoms ever since.

For more information or to donate, go to:

https://bloodcancer.org.uk/

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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

Fin Smith | Life And Leadership As England’s Breakthrough Rugby Star

Tue, 06 May 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Northampton Saints, England and now Lions-elect fly-half, Fin Smith, is one of rugby’s hottest emerging stars. In this wide-ranging chat about his career and ethos, he explains why his biggest low at Worcester taught him to take nothing for granted, why winning gives you extra drive, why the Six Nations surprised him, how he’s learning about leadership and what it’s like having a certain Jonny Wilkinson as a coach and mentor. Fin also imagines what it would be like to put his own Lions jersey next to that of his Grandad.

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

The 10 Habits That Define How You Live, Feel and Perform | Chris Tombs

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

What are the daily and weekly habits that build a life of high performance? Top performance coach to elite sport, military and business professionals, Chris Tombs, breaks down the habits, routines and mindset shifts that drive high performance in any field.

From optimising sleep to integrating movement, Chris shares the daily principles that anyone can use to raise their game. Discover why consistency beats intensity, how to eat for energy and how to apply lessons from elite sport to everyday life.

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

David Jones | Behind the Scenes With the Host of Sky Sports Football

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Georgie reunites with her old Sky Sports News co-anchor David Jones, who now hosts Sky Sports' flagship football coverage on Super Sunday and Monday Night Football alongside pundits including Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp.

David discusses his big break at Sky, the pressure and buzz of live TV, why he prefers asking questions to answering them and how presenting live football with a panel of pundits can feel like hosting a dinner party.

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

Simple Ways To Optimise Your Sleep And Recovery For Better Performance | Peter Tierney

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

What can we learn from how athletes approach sleep to improve how we feel and perform every day? Dr Peter Tierney is a performance coach and sports scientist who has worked with Leinster rugby, Chelsea FC, Lulu Lemon and The FA.

Working with elite athletes, he has seen the power of optimising sleep to maximise performance. In this episode, he describes his SLEEP checklist for improving your sleep environment, why regularity matters, the role of nutrition, why sleep trackers are like Google Maps and what we can learn from how athletes approach recovery.

We love performance, which is why we’ve also launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

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

Mike Tindall | Performance Secrets From Inside England’s Greatest Rugby Moment

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Rugby world cup winner Mike Tindall takes us inside that famous 2003 final, when England beat Australia with a Jonny Wilkinson drop-goal in extra time.

Mike looks back at what made that team so special; the characters, camaraderie and leadership that made the difference and how he’s never been in an environment like it since.

Now a podcast host himself on ‘The Good, The Bad and The Rugby’, he also shares his views on the British and Irish Lions tour, the rise of superstar women’s rugby player Ilona Maher, the physical toll of playing at the top and what the future might hold for the professional game.

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

Chemmy Alcott | Inside The Extreme Life Of A Downhill Skier

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

One of Britain’s most successful downhill skiers, Chemmy Alcott, shares her journey to four Winter Olympics and five top-10 World Cup finishes, including becoming the first Brit to win a World Cup downhill run in 2008 in Solden. In this episode of Performance People, she takes us inside the mental battles and brutal injuries that make up the life of a downhill racer, where euphoric success and crushing failure are only a ski edge apart.

Learn what it takes to push through adversity, build mental resilience, confront perfectionism and understand imposter syndrome - all against the unforgiving backdrop of competitive skiing.

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

How to Use Your Circadian Rhythm to Live Longer, Healthier and Happier | Professor Russell Foster

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Russell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University, an ainslie + ainslie advisor, and a world-leading expert on the emerging science behind our bodyclock and the fundamental role it plays in everything we do. He explains how our circadian rhythm works, the role of light and how to change our relationship with sleep for the better. Taking action to get back into our natural rhythm is fundamental to our health, happiness and performance.

You can also watch episodes on YouTube.

We love performance, which is why we’ve also launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside an elite sports team. Now available for everyone. Find out more at http://www.ainslieainslie.com

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

What You Can Learn From F1 Drivers About Age-Proofing Your Brain | Dr Tommy Wood

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Dr Tommy Wood is a neuroscientist, a performance coach and – his words – an elite professional nerd. He’s also Hintsa’s head scientist for motorsport. Formula 1 drivers operate at the peak of physical and cognitive performance. Tommy describes the key lessons we can take from how F1 drivers train to push our own limits, and why it could hold the secret to holding off cognitive decline as we get older.

Tommy hosts his own podcast ‘Better Brain Fitness’ with Dr Josh Turknett.

You can also watch episodes on YouTube.

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

Natalie Pinkham | Life Lessons From Inside the Formula 1 Circus

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Broadcaster Natalie Pinkham has been on the Formula 1 rollercoaster for over 13 years as a presenter and reporter. She reflects on her experiences on the road, friendships made and the lessons she has taken from an innovation sport into life outside. She also reflects on her experiences working in a Romanian orphanage, her sleep issues and her take on what promises to be a box office season ahead. Given Nat also went to school with Georgie, there’s no hiding place.

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

Gabby Logan | On Living With Loss and Embracing Mid-Life

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:12:24 GMT

In the first episode in our relaunched ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast, trailblazing sports presenter and new Match Of The Day host, Gabby Logan, reflects on her life’s defining moment, the death of her younger brother Daniel, a hugely talented footballer who collapsed in the garden whilst playing football with his Dad and younger brother aged just 15.

Gabby talks about the impact on her family, how it shaped her outlook as a young adult, why grief never goes away and the importance of living life to the maximum.

* If you need help with issues relating to grief and bereavement, the charity MIND offers self-care advice and support suggestions.

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

Inside The Mindsets And Routines Of Two Olympic Champions | Live Episode With Ben Ainslie + Hannah Mills

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:00:00 GMT

In our first ever live episode, Ben Ainslie and Hannah Mills joined Georgie for a Performance People special in collaboration with Ned Talks, recorded in The Parlour room at The Ned in central London.

The panel looked back at the America's Cup in Barcelona last year, ahead to this year's Sail GP season and revealed a few of the performance secrets that have racked up six Olympic gold medals between them, including how they handle nerves, how they juggle the single-mindedness of sport with family life and what they prioritise most when they really need to perform.

Georgie also explained the story behind ainslie + ainslie, the performance supplement company she has co-founded with Ben, and for which Hannah is an ambassador; taking the thinking from the human performance experts in Ben’s sailing team to develop NIGHT POWDER, a product which makes an elite sport approach to recovery available for everyone.

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

The Small Changes Which Make The Biggest Difference To Your Sleep | Anna West

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 02:00:00 GMT

As we head towards our 100th episode, we've been revisiting some of our favourite performance insights from previous guests. This week, sleep and recovery specialist Anna West goes through some of the small changes we can make to optimise our sleep - from how to use our circadian rhythms, how to nap for better performance and why the factors affecting the quality of our night's sleep can start as soon as we wake up.

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

What You Can Do Right Now To Increase Your Healthspan | Matt Roberts

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:00:00 GMT

As we head towards our 100th episode, we've been revisiting some of our favourite performance insights from previous guests. This week, trainer Matt Roberts is on a mission to help us take ownership of our health and fitness as we get older. Whatever age you are now, his advice can help you increase your ‘healthspan’ - the period in which we are physically active and healthy. We cover the role of data, what nutrition essentials to focus on, the importance of changing our self-image where fitness and activity are concerned and why meditation should be part of your weekly routine.

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

A Quick Guide To Optimising Gut Health For Performance | Megan Rossi

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 02:00:00 GMT

As we head towards our 100th episode, we've been revisiting some of our favourite performance insights from previous guests. This week, it's Dr Megan Rossi on why gut health is so important to our daily performance. We cover the importance of the gut in our overall health, why stress and gut health are intrinsically linked, the growing research on food additives and the ways we can improve our daily habits in this important area.

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

Tim Henman | How To Better Handle Pressure In Sport And In Life

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:00:00 GMT

As we head towards our 100th episode, we've been revisiting some of our favourite performance insights from previous guests. In this one, it's Tim Henman's unique advice on handling pressure. In such a gladiatorial sport as tennis, and as a Brit playing at Wimbledon with the whole country expecting you to win, Tim definitely knows what pressure feels like. Yet if anything, it brought the best out in him and he always looked the calmest man in the arena. Tim shares how he handled these situations, the mental tricks he used and how the rest of us might carry this approach into our daily lives.

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

How Learning How To Lose Can Teach You How To Win | Steve Magness

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Steve Magness is a performance coach to athletes and CEOs, a running expert who has coached Olympians, and an author whose latest book, ‘Win The Inside Game: How to Move From Surviving to Thriving’, explores how high performers can transform their lives by learning to let go of the traditional outcome-based view of success.

Steve discusses how constant striving led to burnout in his own life, why doing hard things is the best way to build resilience and self-belief, that joy is proven to be a performance advantage and why letting go of our competitiveness can actually make us better. He also explains why he puts sleep and recovery as the number one priority for his clients, whether they are athletes or CEOs.

His three step framework is a model for being happier while still maintaining your edge.

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

Martin Keown | How Arsene Wenger’s Approach To Performance Changed My Life

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Martin Keown is one of the Premier League’s most formidable defenders, a leader in Arsene Wenger’s most successful Arsenal side that went on to go unbeaten in the famous ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003/4, in what would be his last season at Arsenal aged nearly 38.

Now an insightful pundit, and author of his recent memoir ‘On the Edge’, Martin talks candidly and entertainingly about what made him tick, the coaches that influenced him, the players that impressed him the most and the techniques and lifestyle habits that Arsene Wenger introduced him to which would transform him as a player and a person.

It’s an episode full of sporting anecdotes from one of the Premier League’s golden eras, plus there’s also a lot to absorb on what makes good leadership, the importance of personal values and making the absolute best of your talents.

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

Geraint Thomas | How I Went From Support Man To Tour de France Winner

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 02:00:10 GMT

Geraint Thomas is one of Britain’s most popular and successful cyclists, a Tour de France winner and double Olympic gold medalist who’s also known as a team man willing to give everything for the cause.

Speaking direct from the massage table and in reflective mood, the man everyone calls ‘G’ looks back on the career-defining moment when he realised he could make the switch from Tour de France support man to yellow jersey contender in his own right. He discusses what it took mentally, physically and tactically to make this massive step, and what it felt like to achieve his dream to actually win the world’s greatest and toughest bike race in 2018.

Now entering his 19th - and most likely final - season as a professional, Geraint talks about how cycling has changed, what he still wants to achieve and how he’s looking for a new challenge once he finally hangs up his lycra.

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

Performance Tips From Team GB’s Lead Psychologist | Jess Thom

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 02:00:02 GMT

Jess Thom is Team GB’s lead psychologist, a sports and performance specialist who helps elite athletes to fulfil their potential, on and off the field.

Jess shares some of the key mental strategies she uses to help her athletes excel, many of which can be applied to anyone looking to improve their everyday performance.

You’ll hear Jess explain how to handle your inner critic, when and how visualisation can be most useful, how to handle nerves and fear and why ‘what-if’ planning builds resilience and reduces anxiety. These are insights from someone making a difference at the very top of elite sport.

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

Reflections From Top Athletes featuring Lewis Hamilton, Ben Ainslie, George Russell, Gary Neville and more

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 02:00:11 GMT

It’s been a big 12 months on Performance People and we thought we’d close it out the year with a selection of clips from some of our favourite episodes, many of which were recorded out in in Barcelona, where Ben Ainslie and his INEOS Britannia team were attempting to fulfil their ‘moment in time’ and bring the oldest trophy in sport back to Britain for the first time.

We were joined by some stellar guests in our recording studio out there, including Lewis Hamilton, Ben Ainslie, Gary Neville, George Russell, Toto Wolff, Hannah Mills and Ellie Aldridge, who shared some of the insights they rely on for performance, and the career lessons they value the most.

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

How Data Helped Win The Premier League | Ian Graham

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:00:47 GMT

As Liverpool’s Director of Research for over a decade, Ian Graham was at the heart of the data revolution in football, and his approach helped Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, the team he also supports, to win the Premier League and Champions League in his time there.

Ian shares the stories and insights that helped them to win - why Brendan Rodgers left partly because he couldn’t get on board with the new approach, how the experience of Liverpool’s owners in American sport allowed data to thrive, the players, including Mohammad Salah and Joel Matip, that were identified by this approach and why even Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as manager was only green lit after some last-minute data analysis.

Ian also gives his thoughts on the state of the Premier League, why data’s most effective when combined with the human touch and how he can still watch football as a fan, not just as an analyst.

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

How Crushing Disappointment Helped Castore Disrupt The Sports World | Tom Beahon

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:00:17 GMT

Tom Beahon is the co-founder of sportswear label Castore, which in less than a decade has grown in to a major global challenger brand, and can be seen on athletes and teams including Andy Murray, Red Bull Racing, Newcastle United and the England cricket team.

Growing up, all Tom ever wanted to be was a pro footballer, but that particular dream ended when he was let go by Tranmere Rovers as a 19-year-old. It was this crushing disappointment that fuelled the fire for what came next. He made the decision that this failure wouldn’t define him and, with his brother Phil, took his passion for sport on a new path.

Tom shares the stories of starting out on his journey with no clue how to start a clothing label, the qualities he believes opened the doors which allowed the business to grow and shares the most important lessons for anyone looking to start out on their own.

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

The Rugby Player Who Turned Personal Disaster Into a New Life of Purpose | Ed Jackson

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 02:00:57 GMT

Ed Jackson says he has lived two lives. For ten years he was a professional rugby player, who was defined by his physicality and performance.

But in 2017, at a family friend’s barbecue, an accident ended this old life forever. He dived into a swimming pool, not realising it was three feet deep. On the way to the hospital he had to be resuscitated three times. Not long after, he was told he’d never walk again.

Incredibly, just three years from this moment, Ed was standing on the world’s highest trekking peak, Aconagua. He shares this rollercoaster story, from the initial devastation of his prognosis to the slow flicker of hope, from long rehabilitation to a level of recovery he didn’t think was possible.

It was a fundraising expedition to Snowdon that then sent his life in an entirely new direction, when he saw the opportunity to use his experience to help others in a similar boat. Now, as co-founder of the Millimetres 2 Mountains foundation, such is the purpose he has found, he says he no longer regrets the accident that led him here.

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

At The Heart Of a Media Storm For Doing The Job You Love | Jacqui Oatley

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:00:56 GMT

Jacqui Oatley is a hugely respected sports journalist, commentator and presenter who in 2007 became the first woman ever to commentate on Match Of The Day. In fact, her career is full of media firsts for women, although all she ever wanted to do was the job she loved.

A football obsessive from a young age, a serious knee injury in her twenties led to her reappraising her career. She retrained as a sports journalist, she worked her way up from non-league football, to the Premier League on Radio Five Live.

An opportunity to commentate on Britain’s flagship football highlights programme blew up into a huge national media story with her at the centre.

As the first woman to ever call a match on the show, she faced a torrent of publicity, criticism and, frequently, abuse.

Jacqui tells her story vividly and honestly from the inside, describing what it was like to be at the centre of a cultural moment, how she had to develop a thick skin to get through the aftermath, how things have progressed and why there’s still work to do across the board.

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

Leadership Lessons In Life And Sport From The 37th America’s Cup | Ben Ainslie

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:00:13 GMT

Now the dust has settled on the 37th America's Cup, it's the perfect time to look back on how things played out both on and off the water with the skipper and CEO of INEOS Britannia, Ben Ainslie.

As well as some stories from the inside, Ben considers the highs and lows of his team’s journey to face off against the Kiwis, the details that he thinks made the difference and the biggest lessons, both collectively and personally, he’ll take in to next time.

He tells us how the boat’s near sinking made him realise how much potential was in the team, explains the challenges of having leadership roles both on the boat and on the business side and looks ahead at what it’ll take to take the extra step and win the cup for Britain for the first time in history.

As always, the parallels between success in sport and life are on show here, with insights on everything from team-building to handling pressure.

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

George Gregan | It’s The Work No One Sees That Makes a Champion

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 02:00:44 GMT

A true rugby union hall-of-famer who ranks as one of the best scrum-halves who ever played the game, George Gregan is known for having the whole package - skill, creativity, tenacity, intelligence, sportsmanship and leadership. He is the seventh most capped player of all-time with 139 appearances for Australia, 59 of them as skipper.

George puts these remarkable performance standards down to the moment at 19 when he gained a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport. It’s what he learned there, from elite coaches, specialists and athletes in every sport and discipline, that paved the way for the personal and team success that followed.

He shares some of the lessons that can be applied to anyone looking for performance gains in their own life - how preparation can see you through even unexpected challenges, how regular reflection can iron out problems and the factors which make the difference between good and great.

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

How To Turn Sleep Into a Performance Advantage | Professor Russell Foster

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:00:22 GMT

Professor Russell Foster is one of the world’s leading experts on sleep and circadian health.

He explains how modern lifestyles have disrupted our natural body clocks and why many of us aren’t getting the quality sleep we need to perform at our best. More importantly he goes through ways to get back into the rhythm.

As Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University, Russell says it’s vital we understand the importance of sleep in how our minds and bodies function to unlock its benefits. Expect to learn why light plays such a crucial role, what to do if you wake up in the night, why it’s not all about getting eight hours, why bad sleepers have a negative world view, and why dreaming helps us solve complex problems.

You can take the anxiety out of sleep by taking back control. Get it right and it can become the most effective performance enhancer we have.

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

Why Failure Is Another Word For Opportunity | Brett Gosper

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:00:38 GMT

Brett Gosper is a leading figure on the business side of global sport, having been CEO of World Rugby during a pivotal era, and now, in a key role at the NFL as Head of Europe and Asia-Pacific.

It’s a career that has come full circle as Brett recalls the moment when, as a promising rugby union player, he was on the verge of breaking in to the Australian national squad with the rest of his 20s already mapped out in his head.

When he was told he hadn’t made the cut, what seemed at the time like a personal failure actually sent him on a new path - to France, where he played top tier club rugby whilst building a career in advertising, which ultimately led to his current role as a sports leader.

In this week’s episode, Brett shares his memories of rugby’s amateur era, the personal lessons he learned in sport and business, the greatest challenges during his time in World Rugby and what working in the NFL has taught him about the differences with American sport and the Premier League.

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

When Life Throws You A Curveball, Hit It Out The Park | Adam Jones

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:38 GMT

Adam Jones is a former Major League baseball player, a five-time all star and four-time Golden Glove who retired a fan favourite and local legend for the Baltimore Orioles having spent 11 happy and successful years there. He was even given a ceremonial send-off in front of fans and dignitaries when he retired to mark his time in the city.

Rewind to 2008 though and few would have predicted such an outcome. Adam was just a prospect in his early 20s when he was told he was being sold and had to leave the safety net of his native west coast for the other side of the country.

Initially shocked, he could have seen it as rejection and played the victim. But he’s not cut like that. Within minutes his brother told him it was a chance to ‘show out’. To prove how good he can be to a whole new set of people.

And Adam spent the next decade turning an unforeseen hurdle into a new adventure and a remarkable career on and off the field. Adam’s story is a lesson for all of us in the power of attitude when things don’t appear to go your way.

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

Eliud Kipchoge | How I Broke The Two-Hour Marathon Barrier

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:25 GMT

Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion who has run four of the fastest 10 marathon times in history.

In this latest episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Eliud looks back to his most memorable achievement - the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, when he became the first runner to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon, in Vienna in 2019.

He shares the story of how he and the support team achieved what was once inconceivable. From the training requirements to prepare his body, to the mental approach that allowed him to believe the impossible. In fact, he explains that it was being told that it couldn’t be done which gave him the motivation to show the world that it could.

He is now on a mission to inspire people in different fields that running is a force for good and that no human is limited.

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

How I Became Kitesurfing’s First Olympic Champion | Ellie Aldridge

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 01:00:59 GMT

Ellie Aldridge was on track to be a dinghy sailor when a chance to try kiteboarding ahead of its Olympic debut came up. Quickly, she had to choose which sport to focus on. It was a decision that would change her life. Just six years later she became the sport’s inaugural Olympic champion in Marseille.

In the latest episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Ellie looks back on that golden moment this summer - how she handled the tricky conditions, why she never allowed herself a second to imagine that gold medal and what it really feels like to fly across the ocean to win a flawless race and make history.

She also explains the challenge of having to maintain an unnaturally heavy weight in order to compete and what it means for her title defence in LA in 2028.

Now a sailor in the Women’s America’s Cup team, Ellie also discusses her role in the British Athena team as it tries to make history in Barcelona.

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

Turning Disappointment Into Gold | Hannah Mills

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:16 GMT

Hannah Mills is already one of British sailing’s all-time greats, a double gold medallist and double world champion, she’s currently on-board strategist for the Emirates GBR SailGP team and skipper of the British Athena Pathway team in the first ever Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona.

In this latest episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Hannah looks back to Rio in 2016 and her first gold medal triumph in the Women’s 470 with Saskia Clark. Having been gutted with silver in London four years earlier, she recalls what made the difference this time.

From dealing with adversity through meticulous planning and role play, handling nerves and pressure by sticking to routines, and using self-talk to counter often unbearable nerves, Hannah is someone we can all identify with - and learn from.

She also shares what it’s like to compete at the top of her sport as a mother, and what it means to be leading a new era of opportunity in women’s sailing.

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

How We Turned Around The 1999 Champions’ League Final | Gary Neville

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 01:00:41 GMT

If you’re one of Manchester United and England’s greatest full-backs, and a pivotal figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden years, you have a lot of good moments to reflect on, but for Gary Neville, one night in Barcelona stands out above all others.

In the latest episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Gary took us back to the Nou Camp in 1999 for the remarkable treble-winning moment his United side came back from a goal down to beat Bayern Munich 2-1, with both United’s goals coming in injury time.

He shares the lessons the team needed to learn to get over the line, the factors that gave them the belief to turn the game around and the tactical changes that made the difference.

It’s a revealing and colourful account of what it felt like to play in the most dramatic and memorable Champions’ League final - including the all-night (and all-morning) celebration that followed. Gary also puts the achievement in context with his whole career and explains why he’s happier now as a pundit and entrepreneur than he ever was as a professional known for his intensity and high standards.

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

The Inside Story Of The Race Of The Century | John Bertrand

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 01:00:07 GMT

John Bertrand is the America’s Cup skipper who led Australia to an historic against-the-odds victory over the USA in their own back yard in 1983. It’s been dubbed ‘The Race of the Century’ and is the subject of a Netflix film of the same name.

In the fifth episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, John takes us inside this incredible story to reveal the thinking, leadership and values which took the Australia II team from plucky underdogs to world champions, against the might of New York Yacht Club.

He also offers his insight into the 2024 America’s Cup and explains why it’s the team that finds a way to learn, develop and innovate the most during competition that will likely win.

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

My Journey From Obscurity To Formula 1 Team Boss | Toto Wolff

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 01:00:14 GMT

Entrepreneur, investor and Team Principal + CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, Toto Wolff started his career as a racing driver and instructor in his native Austria before turning his attention, with phenomenal success, to business.

He later combined his expertise as an entrepreneur with his passion for motorsport, as an investor in Williams F1 before leading the Mercedes F1 team into a period of incredible success which featured eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships and seven consecutive Drivers’ Championships.

In the fourth episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Toto recalls the moment, alone in a car after the Austrian Grand Prix, that he first took in the nature of his journey from a struggling kid to the pinnacle of his sport.

He shares the lessons and insights that he’s picked up along the way from his preference for action over words, the importance of sharing success with others and why he immediately resets to the next goal but makes sure not to look too far ahead.

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

The Importance Of Breaking Down Your Big Dream Into Smaller Steps | George Russell

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 01:00:09 GMT

The Importance Of Breaking Down Your Big Dream Into Smaller Steps | George Russell George Russell is one of Formula One’s hottest young talents, now in his third season at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton.

In the third episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, George reflects on the key stepping stones that took him from karting as a kid with his brother to his current seat at the top of his sport.

His phenomenal record in Formula Two put him in the shop window but it took an impromptu email to change his career path, confirming that even at this level, timing is everything.

He describes the emotion of his first F1 race win in Brazil and what surprised him most about that moment, and shares some of the key performance lessons he’s learned along the way including his personal antidote to pressure and nerves.

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

The Decision That Changed My Career | Sir Lewis Hamilton

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:07 GMT

With an astonishing seven Formula One Driver Championships, 201 podiums and 105 race wins, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s career record is unparalleled in the history of his sport. His prodigious natural talent combined with a relentless will to win saw him become the most successful rookie in history back in 2007 and he’s never looked back, except to check his rivals in the mirror.

In the second episode in our ‘A Moment in Time’ series of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Lewis looks back on the defining moments in his career, starting with the decision to join Mercedes that sent his career on to a new level. He remembers the thrills of his formative days in karting which shaped so many of the attributes that mark him out as such a special driver, he reflects on how he’s learned to handle the responsibility of carrying the hopes of his entire team on race weekend and looks back on some of the individual races and moments that have stayed with him.

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

Inside One Of Sport’s Greatest Ever Comebacks | Sir Ben Ainslie

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 01:00:36 GMT

As the summer of sport moves towards the 37th America’s Cup, we look back to the remarkable 2013 edition in a special episode of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast.

Oracle Team USA were 8-1 down and going nowhere against Emirates Team New Zealand who needed only one more win to lift the Auld Mug. Enter Ben Ainslie, who was brought in as tactician in a last-gasp move to try to change things up. And boy did it work, as he reeled off seven straight wins to set up a winner-takes-all decider.

Ben takes us back to that time when the sporting world was glued to events in San Francisco Bay, recalling the moment he was asked to join the crew, the nature of the challenge he faced, the details that helped shift the momentum and the impact it had on his own career, as he leads INEOS Britannia in their attempt to win the trophy for Britain this autumn.

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

Paris 2024 | The Key Performances From Week Two | Prof. Greg Whyte

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:00:32 GMT

Georgie Ainslie and guest Professor Greg Whyte debate the most memorable performances from the second week of the Paris Olympics, breaking down what made them stand out from the rest. Featuring the serene brilliance of Team GB’s Keely Hodgkinson, the emergence of a new European track and field superstar and the mechanics behind what made the men’s 100m so special.

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

Paris 2024 | The Key Performances From Week One | Prof. Greg Whyte

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 01:00:10 GMT

Georgie Ainslie and guest Professor Greg Whyte look back at the most memorable performances from the first week of the Paris Olympics, breaking down what made them stand out from the rest. From the otherworldly brilliance of Simone Biles to the longevity of Tom Daley, plus the Team GB all-time great who doesn’t get the recognition they deserve.

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

How to Live a Life Without Limits | Craig Wood

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 01:00:01 GMT

When Craig Wood was an 18-year-old soldier, a roadside bomb in Afghanistan left him a triple amputee.

After a gruelling rehabilitation full of operations and setbacks, he needed a new focus and felt the pull of the sea as soon as he left hospital.

A keen windsurfer before his injuries, he began to learn para sailing and it changed his life. He now lives on a catamaran with his wife and two young kids, travelling the world.

But that’s the just the start. In January 2025 he is planning to sail 6,000 nautical miles solo from Mexico to Japan to raise money for the charities which helped him recover and to show other amputees just what’s possible. He'd become the first para sailor to do so.

At the heart of Craig’s story is his lust for life and his resolute unwillingness to compromise on how he wants to live it. He discusses with Georgie why he’s taking on a challenge that to many of us consider terrifying, the specific hurdles he’ll need to face down and why he’s already excited about coming home. Craig’s attitude is contagious and his story speaks to the freedom that comes from finding your passion.

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

The Power Of Proving People Wrong | Helen Glover

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 01:00:19 GMT

At the Tokyo Olympics, two-time gold medallist Helen Glover showed to herself and the world that a working mother could also be an Olympian. And that, so we thought, was that. Except, well, some people are cut from a different cloth and Helen saw an opportunity to prove that women shouldn’t be written off at a certain age or life stage. What if she could medal in Paris at 38 with her kids at the finish line and at an age when they would remember seeing their mum doing her thing? Helen describes how she came to decide on such a big turnaround, how she juggles the different roles in her life and why she thinks being a parent has actually changed her career as an athlete for the better. Helen also compares how this Olympics compares to her first in 2012, the differences in moving from a pair to a team of four and she describes, beat by beat, what it’s like to actually race in an Olympic final when it’s all on the line.

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

Reflections From A Life Covering Extraordinary Sporting Moments | Matt Dickinson

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 01:00:19 GMT

As a writer for The Times, Matt Dickinson has been an original and trusted voice on the key sporting events and characters of the last 25 years. He came to prominence as the reporter behind the interview with then England manager Glenn Hoddle in which Hoddle’s remarks on reincarnation ultimately led to his sacking. Matt recalls how being involved in such a high-profile story affected him, what it’s like to watch sport for a living and picks out the most compelling sporting figure he ever came across. He remembers the drama in the Nou Camp in 1999 when he had to rewrite his story in a matter of minutes and explains how he’s come to realise that his obsession with sport is actually less about the action on the pitch and more about a fascination with what makes extraordinary people tick. Which might explain why he’s now moving into psychotherapy.

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

Locker Room Stories With A Wimbledon Legend | Tim Henman

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:30:25 GMT

When Tim Herman first went to Wimbledon as a 6-year-old and saw Bjorn Borg play, his fate was sealed. It was tennis all the way. Fifteen years later, he was playing his first match as a pro on Centre Court, the place he wishes he could have played his whole career on. Tim looks back on his life in a tennis and sports-obsessed family, how he handled the pressure of being the great British hope at Wimbledon, the matches he remembers most fondly and a few inside stories from behind the ropes at the All England Club. He also shares his views on the opponents who stood out including his pick in ‘the greatest of all-time’ debate. Tim recalls the moment he knew it was the right time for him to retire, and what he wishes for Andy Murray as he prepares to do the same. He remembers his tennis-obsessed father who had to pretend he was a picture of calm for every Wimbledon and tells us why his own daughters haven’t followed in his tennis shoes.

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

Why Wimbledon means so much to Andrew Castle

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 01:00:38 GMT

Think of Wimbledon and the name Andrew Castle won’t be far from your mind.

A former British number one as a player, he took a chance in broadcasting and never looked back - his voice is now one of the most recognisable soundtracks to the British summer.

Andrew talks frankly and entertainingly about his early life, how he got his break in tennis, his trials on tour and why making it as a pro from an unlikely background is something he’s still proud of.

He also shares how he got his break in TV and looks back on the many highs and lows of a life in TV and radio - like why the stresses of covering news made him quit LBC, and why calling the Wimbledon final is a privilege he'll never take for granted.

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

How Formula One Is Helping Win Back The America’s Cup | Sir Ben Ainslie and Toto Wolff

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:50:14 GMT

One of the big stories going into this year’s America’s Cup is the collaboration between two different sports which share more similarities than you might expect. In a special episode of Performance People with the Inside Tack podcast, Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team sat down with Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO and skipper of INEOS Britannia, to discuss how Formula One thinking has influenced this campaign, highlighting the areas which have seen the most benefits on both sides. Toto describes what it felt like to be a member of Ben’s crew for the day, and they look ahead at the ways Formula One’s commercial know-how might influence the cup’s future, including what sailing could learn from the ‘Netflix effect’ of Drive To Survive. They also discuss the different challenges involved in business and sport, and why winning after periods of adversity and criticism make the sweetest victories.

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

How To Stay Fitter, Younger And Stronger For Longer | Matt Roberts

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 01:00:46 GMT

How much can we slow down the ageing process and extend our healthspan? It’s a growing area of interest and a subject in which personal trainer Matt Roberts is a leading and hugely knowledgable voice.

Now in his fifties, Matt has the same body fat and measurements he had at 20. He believes - and is living proof - that we have more control over physiological ageing than we realise.

It takes work, of course, and requires a systematic approach to our fitness, recovery and nutrition. He takes us through the precise habits to focus on each week including why zone 2 training is important, how sleep tracking can help you take control of your recovery and why cold showers should be your new morning habit.

A major part of the process is assessing and understanding the state of our health right now, using as much data as possible to assess our current health to take full ownership of what we are up against and to tweak our approach as we age.

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

How To Turn Difficulties Into Opportunities | Lewis Moody

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 01:00:40 GMT

England rugby stalwart Lewis Moody was known for his all-action approach which left everything on the pitch. You don’t get the nickname 'mad dog’ for nothing.

Yet it was off the pitch that Lewis Moody had to overcome his biggest challenges, most notably having to deal with ulcerative colitis as a young player in an environment where sharing your vulnerabilities wasn't exactly encouraged.

Lewis credits these obstacles as opportunities to overcome difficult things and his incredible career is testament to that approach, as he went on to play in two world cup finals, coming off the bench in 2003 to win the line-out that set up Jonny Wilkinson’s winning drop-goal.

He also discusses how a ‘pay it forward’ approach helped him with the difficult transition into retirement and also led to his current role as a performance coach, where he now applies his own experiences and observations in sports culture into other areas of performance.

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

What It Feels Like To Be a Favourite At Your First Olympics | Emma Finucane | Paris 2024

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:00:18 GMT

Team GB’s Emma Finucane is on a whirlwind rise through women’s cycling and is heading to Paris with high hopes that she could become the next name in British Cycling royalty.

Just a year ago, this wasn’t even part of the plan. It all changed for the 21-year-old when she won the 2023 World Championships as a newcomer and she’s since had to manage the shift in expectations and attention that comes when you’re no longer an underdog but one of the favourites.

She discusses her rise to the top, how she uses nerves as a performance enhancer, why she doesn’t do mind games and why it’s statistically harder for women to become repeat winners.

With Paris 2024 approaching, she also looks ahead to the biggest summer of her life, sharing her thoughts on what it feels like to take on her first Olympics as one of the big guns, what she’ll do the day before the race to take her mind off things and what to expect where it matters - on the track.

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

Why Seeking Out Discomfort Could Make Us More Fulfilled | Michael Easter

Tue, 28 May 2024 01:00:35 GMT

Michael Easter is a journalist and author whose two books ‘The Comfort Crisis’ and ‘Scarcity Brain’ reveal the ways in which the modern world has become incompatible with the way our animal brains are wired.

In fact, we’re living pretty much the opposite lives to those of our ancestors. We have an excess of food which makes us crave other fixes, we sit down all day indoors and have had to invent the concept of exercise.

His own journey to quitting alcohol made him realise that the greatest benefits in life come after short-term discomfort, and a trip to the Arctic made him appreciate the power of spending time outdoors, from lowering stress to increasing empathy levels.

He also explains that boredom is good for us, why joining the 2% of people who take the stairs instead of the elevator can make the difference and puts forward a persuasive argument on why we should all plan an annual challenge with a 50% chance of failure.

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

The World Champion Runner That Doesn’t Like Running (But Loves Racing) | Jake Wightman | Paris 2024

Tue, 21 May 2024 01:00:01 GMT

As crazy as it sounds, middle-distance runner Jake Wightman doesn’t really enjoy the act of going for a run. Sounds like a bit of a problem when you’re an elite athlete with his sights set on an Olympic gold this summer. As a talented and sporty kid he was spotted for his potential and realised he needed to grab the opportunity - and the responsibility - that comes with it. Fortunately what he does love though is racing and the 2022 1500m World Champion offers a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be in the mix of a crowded final, where mind games, tactics and decision-making become the crucial difference between glory and despair. He also tells us what it’s like to have your Dad commentate on your big races, the importance of feeling his friends’ support and how the thrill of winning keeps him motivated as he prepares for the biggest summer of his life.

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

Understanding How Mental Illnesses Lie To You | Bryony Gordon

Tue, 14 May 2024 01:00:37 GMT

Journalist and author Bryony Gordon’s books, including her latest ‘Mad Woman’, are dark, funny, no holds barred accounts, of what it’s like to live with addiction and mental illness while, at the same time, putting on the mask of being a high-functioning and successful human being.

Now a mental health campaigner, she sees her honesty about her struggles as an essential part of staying well, and a way to connect with others. As she learned in therapy, ‘shame dies when you expose it to the light’ and she explains that understanding how all mental illnesses lie to you has been an important step in her journey.

From her experiences with OCD as a child to drinks and drugs addiction as an adult, she looks back at what she’s learnt and offers her take on what can help people live more positively again. She also offers her take on why our obsession with phones is making us sad, how being a parent has changed how she sees her own problems and the regular habits she’s introduced to help her feel better from day to day.

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

Why It Pays To Make Friends With Fear | Laura Crane

Tue, 07 May 2024 01:00:41 GMT

Big wave surfing is a sport like no other. Clearly you need incredible technique and athleticism just to be in the conversation. But beyond that it’s the mental side of taking on a monster wave, each one unique in how it forms and breaks, that puts it in a category all its own. British surfer Laura Crane takes us inside this otherworldly pursuit, from the moments of calm as she waits for her chance, to the instant game face required to enter the fray and take on a wave as big as an office block. What’s remarkable about such skill and bravery is how Laura has had to battle self-doubt and imposter syndrome along the way but she credits the challenges she’s faced - including bulimia and sepsis - with equipping her with the edge she needed to find her calling and become the first British woman to ride the 60 foot waves of Nazaré in Portugal. She also discusses how her earlier experiences as a young female surfer have made her passionate about the example she sets for the next generation and explains how all of us could benefit from getting to know and understand our fears instead of battling against them.

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

Is Fear Holding You Back From The Career Switch You Need? | Beth Potter

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 01:00:25 GMT

GB Triathlete Beth Potter didn’t even own a bike eight years ago. Now she is a gold medal favourite for the women’s triathlon in Paris this summer. The story of why she decided to trust her instincts and quit track athletics for a completely new sport is a lesson in trusting your instincts, staying patient and taking advice from people who really know. There was no immediate success to validate her decision either. She realised that learning to handle doubts and instead focus on the daily discipline of turning up each morning to do your work is the most reliable way for any of us to get results. She also explains how improving her self-talk has helped her turn good finishes into wins, how sleep banking has helped her handle pre-race insomnia, and she gives us a preview of the route she’ll be taking on in the Olympics this summer.

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

Is How You Breathe Helping You or Hurting You? | Stuart Sandeman

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 01:00:48 GMT

It’s the most basic function we all take for granted but learning to harness our breathing can help us manage stress, release tension and even allow us to switch our mindsets when we need to.

Stuart Sandeman was grieving the death of his girlfriend when he booked a breath class as a Mother’s Day gift. What happened in the next hour changed the course of his life and he now works as a breath coach to high-performers in different fields. The author of Breathe In, Breathe Out tells Georgie of the different benefits that come from regular practice, how he works with clients to improve performance and why, despite breathing all our lives, most of us just aren’t doing it right. He also takes us through a simple breathing exercise that can reset our mind and body and prepare us for the day ahead. By prioritising our breathing, he says, we can boost our mood, output and resilience. Given how many of us are living lives in which stress is the norm, he also explains why breathing might be the most simple antidote.

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

What Athletes Do To Smash Their Goals | Zharnel Hughes

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 01:00:52 GMT

How do you approach a goal as big as becoming the fast man on planet Earth? Team GB sprinter Zharnel Hughes made incredible strides in 2023, blitzing a new British record of 9.83 seconds, and now has his sights on the Olympics in Paris this summer. He goes through some of the techniques and habits that have helped him on his journey - including why journalling has become a major part of his routine, how he handles the heart-pumping tension of a big race, plus when and how he uses visualisation to help his goals materialise - often in remarkable detail. What’s surprising is how many of these takeaways are relevant to any of us looking to hit the next level in our own field. He also shares what he learned from training with sprint king Usain Bolt, why NBA legend Kobe Bryant inspired him to be humble on the track and how ‘the spirit left his body’ when he was disqualified from the last Olympic 100m final in Tokyo.

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

What Do You Really Want From Life? | Alex Kergall

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 01:00:34 GMT

Asking yourself this simple question is something that coach Alex Kergall believes is central to performing at our best. And he should know. He spends his life helping CEOs and professional athletes to keep improving. In his chat with Georgie, he considers the common characteristics and challenges of building the life we truly want to live, why we often approach life ‘upside-down’ and if you focus on fear, then you can be sure it’ll come knocking. He shares how he works with clients to move their mindset away from the worst-case scenario and towards a lighter approach that focuses on self-nourishment and being present in your everyday tasks.

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

Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities | Philippa Langley

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:00:02 GMT

Philippa Langley has an extraordinary story. Flying high in her career she was struck down with chronic fatigue syndrome and, as she recovered, only had enough energy to read. But what she read led her to become a world-renowned expert in Richard III and ultimately find the location of his lost remains in a story that made headlines around the world. It’s a lesson in high performance against the odds, shaping your own opportunities when some might throw in the towel and how to keep going when the obstacles seem insurmountable.

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

How to Make Success a Habit

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 02:00:09 GMT

Rugby player and world cup winner Natasha "Mo" Hunt is proof positive that getting your mindset right can take you to the top of your field - and keep you there. Fearless on the pitch, she credits her competitive upbringing with building her will to win which only seems to be getting stronger in her thirties. One performance tip she prizes above all others is having the right people around you. Where your attention goes, so does your performance. It's why she also emphasises the importance of bringing more joy into how you train and prepare, whatever it is you do.

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

Are Children in the Nordics Really Happier Than in the Rest of the World?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:00:03 GMT

Studies show those living in the Nordic regions are happier than in the rest of the world. Why? Helen Russell is a best selling author and speaker and has raised her children in Denmark. She shares with Georgie what she's discovered about how the culture of a place can truly sway the happiness dial.

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

Women are Organisational Legends

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:00:53 GMT

Anya Hindmarch joins Georgie on this episode to explain why women are ‘organizational legends’ and how positive thinking is a necessary prerequisite for any entrepreneur. Anya describes her passion for order and how a lifelong obsession for labeling has shaped her business. As a mother of 5 and a business leader she shares with Georgie the deeper thinking behind her book’s title “If in doubt, wash your hair” and why she’ll continue to pass down the advice her dad gave her, ‘if you can see it, you can be it”.

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

Think you know how to sleep? Think again.

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 02:00:13 GMT

Sleep is the precondition to life. It is something we all do so, how come so many of us get it wrong? Anna West explains to Georgie why sleep should be part of everyones performance enhancement strategy and they discuss how we can all change small things in our day to day to help us get a good nights rest.

Anna West specialises in sleep, recovery, and wellbeing. Her company, Sleep2perform is a scientifically-grounded consultancy that aims to create projects to positively change behaviour and unlock peak performance.

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

How to: Get Time Back

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 02:00:13 GMT

Hanneke Smits shares with Georgie the best way to approach the balance of work and home life, plus her time saving tips to creating efficiency - and achieve results.

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

What Does It Take to Become a Leader in Business?

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:00:26 GMT

How do you get to the top in an industry historically dominated by men?

Hanneke Smits is the Global Head of Investment Management at BNY Mellon, a leading figure in finance and advocate for diversifying the workplace. In this episode she and Georgie unpick her journey to the top, and the pivotal decisions that determined her career.

Why are there still problems with equality in the workplace? We all know business is full of surprises, but the biggest shock is that there is still a lack of female leadership. Hanneke wants to help change this, and shares with Georgie the role of the 30% Club both now and in the future.

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

How to: Be Proactive

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 02:00:24 GMT

According to Dr Mark Plotkin 'western medicine is the most successful sytem of healing ever devised, but there's plenty of holes in it.'

In this 'how to' he explains to Georgie how the Amazon can fill those gaps and why proactivity around healthcare is the best way forward.

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

What Is Ethnobotany and How Can It Improve Your Performance?

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:00:24 GMT

Dr Mark Plotkin, ethnobotanist and advocate for tropical rainforest conservation, joins Georgie this week to discuss the power of plants and his connection to the Amazon.

He discusses with Georgie his journey to becoming a leading ethnobotanist, the impact ayahuasca can have in a time of psychedelic renaissance and how having 'the father of ethnobotany' as a mentor has influenced his work. Mark is an activist for the protection of the rainforest and communities who live there, but why is this ecosystom so important and what can we learn from it?

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

How to: Change

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 02:00:15 GMT

John McAvoy is no stranger to change having spent 10 years in prison and subsequently become a professional athlete. In this 'how to' he tells Georgie his thoughts on what you need most in life to drive change. From growth mindset, to making the best out of the opportunities that present themselves, find out how you can be more open to change.

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

Do you believe in second chances?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 07:10:26 GMT

John McAvoy’s history previously read like a who and how to of organised crime but in his own words, sport saved his life. So, how did he go from prison to professional athlete?

Georgie talks to John about his journey back to the outside world and the people who changed his life. He is the perfect example of why giving others a second chance could make a difference and why you should use your experience to help others. With the right circumstance, people and opportunity John believes everyone has the capacity to change and in turn make a difference. The power of sport did that for him.

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

How to: Problem Solve

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:23:38 GMT

Why do we need to be patient to problem solve? Not all of us are good at employing patience. Richard Joseph says it’s the one skill you need most when designing household products and that the best ideas always come from working through a common problem.

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

Why Didn’t I Think of This?

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 02:00:59 GMT

How do you re-invent a chopping board? From the garage at home to an award winning business, Richard Joseph, one half of the household brand that is Joseph Joseph, tell us how to work out what's a hit and what's a miss in business.

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

How To: Habit Stack to Change Your Life

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 02:00:14 GMT

Want to know how to eat yourself better?

Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, shares her top tips on how to eat well and get the best out of your day

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

How You Can Optimise Your Health, Mind and Performance With The Gut Health Doctor, Dr Megan Rossi

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 02:00:06 GMT

It's never too late to make significant and positive change where your gut is concerned.

In this week’s Performance People, Georgie Ainslie talks to scientist and gut expert Dr. Megan Rossi about the brain-gut connection, the myths around gut health, what we really know about food additives, and why we should beware of the commercialisation around gut health being ahead of the research.

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

Ella Mills - The Highs and Lows of Building Deliciously Ella, a Business That’s Connected Millions

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:00:20 GMT

Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella is a writer, businesswoman and advocate of our 'health being our wealth'. But how did her journey start and 10 years on what still motivates Ella to be a face for change? Georgie Ainslie talks about why we must embrace conversations on gut health, make better habits and look past the sceptics with Ella in this weeks Performance People Podcast.

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

How a Shocking Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Changed Sport Scientist Drew Harrisberg’s Life for the Better

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 02:00:41 GMT

On Performance People this week, Drew Harrisberg, a twenty something sport scientist and physiologist who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 22 years old. Harrisberg claims to be happier and healthier now than before he was diagnosed. He talks about the symptoms he was experiencing which led to his diagnosis while sat alongside his father, a diabetes eye health doctor. He explains the five pillars he lives by as a blueprint for daily health and wellness and how he’s finally able to sleep.

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

Paula Radcliffe on Why Running Has Given Her an Outlet From Trauma...

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 02:00:28 GMT

On Performance People this week is Paula Radcliffe MBE, former British long distance runner and multiple Marathon winner including three London titles. In this episode she talks about the trauma of losing her father and her teenage daughter being diagnosed with cancer during the Covid pandemic, why she runs as a form of therapy, how important it is to protect female sport and why young athletes need better protection from social media.

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

Why Sharing a Bed Is Good for Gut Health According to Zoe Founder Tim Spector

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 02:00:04 GMT

Tim Spector OBE is an award-winning scientist and author, with over 1,000 original articles published in some of the world’s top scientific journals placing him in the top 1% most cited scientists on the planet. His best selling book ‘The Diet Myth’ raised the importance of the gut microbiome for human health. He breaks down gut health, explains microbes, talks about how our food choices are fundamental to us living longer and healthier lives, how diet can change cancer outcomes and why we must eat the rainbow regularly.

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

The Muscle Expert Dr Gabrielle Lyon on Making Skeletal Muscle a Priority for Prosperity and Longevity.

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 02:00:15 GMT

On Performance People this week, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, a functional medicine practitioner and the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine®. Dr Lyon is a best selling author, a nationally recognized speaker and media contributor specializing in brain and thyroid health, lean body mass support, and longevity. She talks extensively about why looking after skeletal muscle is fundamental to the ageing process, why the most successful entrepreneurs don’t do highs and lows and provides a plan for getting started today.

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

Why Sleep Is Like a Bank Account and We Mustn’t Overspend by Professor Greg Whyte OBE

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 02:00:53 GMT

On Performance People this week, Greg Whyte, OBE is a former Olympian and a Sports Scientist. He won European bronze and World Championship silver medals, also competing in two Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in the Modern Pentathlon. Whyte is the mastermind behind so many of the Sport Relief and Comic Relief celebrity challenges working with the likes David Walliams, John Bishop, James Cracknell, Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow, and Eddie Izzard to raise huge sums of money for charity. He is also a Professor in Applied Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores University and a UK authority on Exercise Physiology, Sports Performance & Rehabilitation. He shares his knowledge of how to prepare for huge physical challenges, why sleep is dangerously undervalued and his philosophy on exercise as medicine.

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

A ‘catastrophic’ last day at school, 20 years in the SAS, a primetime tv show. Jason Fox’s journey laid bare.

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:00:19 GMT

On Performance People this week, Georgie is joined by Jason Fox, “Foxy” as he’s known by millions who love his television shows. He’s a tv personality, and adventurer and a former UK special forces and Royal marine commando. 'Foxy' joined the Marines as a 16 year old in 1992 and was medically discharged in 2012 having been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since leaving the military he has talked openly about his mental health.

This episode explores in detail the journey ‘Foxy’ has been on from a ‘catastrophic’ last day at school to 20 years of service in the SAS to fronting a high profile primetime tv show. He’s open and honest about his eventual acceptance of PTSD and inspirational about how to bounce back from the darkest of places.

Viewer discretion is advised: This episode contains sensitive content, including references to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you can seek help from The Samaritans by calling them free from any phone on 116 123.

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

Why Mercedes F1 Technical Director James Allison Is Enjoying Life Back in the Fast Lane

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:00:10 GMT

On Performance People this week, James Allison, a British motorsport designer and engineer, best known for his successes in Formula 1, where he is the technical director of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. He's played a key role in the teams he's been associated with and amassed 11 constructors championships along the way. In 2021 he also became the Chief Technical Officer at Ineos Britannia’s, Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team. He talks about how to bring a fragmented team together, why momentum can be galvanising, how getting sacked gave him perspective and why there are reasons for Mercedes F1 to be optimistic about 2024.

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

How Experimental Treatment Gave Alix Popham His Life Back After a Dementia Diagnosis at 40

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:00:30 GMT

Alix Popham is a retired international rugby player, with 33 caps for Wales. He’s played in World Cups in 2003 and 2007 and is a 2008 Grand Slam winner. Alix retired in 2011 and in April 2020 was diagnosed with probable CTE and early onset dementia as a result of traumatic brain injury suffered in his rugby career.

Joining Alix is his wife Mel who has been with him on every step of his journey to raise awareness of his condition. Together they speak openly about Alix's heartbreaking diagnosis and why speaking out has ultimately led them to what they believe is a medical miracle and given them hope for a future again.

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

The Performance Coach: How to Sleep Better/Recover Faster, Plus the Red Flag Around Tech Wearables

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 02:00:05 GMT

In this episode of Performance People, Georgie delves into the world of human performance with expert coach Rob Madden. From optimising elite athletes to tackling burnout, Rob shares valuable insights for success. Discover practical tips for enhanced focus and well-being. Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Performance People.

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

How Sky News presenter Sarah Jane Mee has learned to ration her news intake on a daily basis for self preservation

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 02:00:39 GMT

On Performance People this week, Georgie is joined by presenter and journalist, Sarah-Jane Mee, host of, The UK Tonight, on Sky News. From Sky Sports News junior to prime-time Sky News anchor, Sarah-Jane, known as SJ to friends and colleagues, has enjoyed a stellar career in broadcasting.

On this episode, SJ gives a searingly honest account of the light and shade which has informed her newsroom experience, reliving the story which moved her to tears on air, explaining why she now rations her exposure to harrowing news stories and revealing how she recovered from a career threatening medical condition.

She also tells us about the chaos behind the scenes when Sir Rod Stewart rang in to a live phone-in show, what Noel Gallagher said when he fan-bombed her and Georgie and SJ share some tales from their flat-share days.

This four way conversation was recorded on 2nd March 2023.

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

Acast CEO Ross Adams on What It Takes to Manage the Largest Global Podcast Company?

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 02:00:03 GMT

On Performance People this week, we’re joined by Ross Adams, the CEO of Acast, one of the leading podcasting platforms in the world. In a treat for audio addicts, we sit down with Ross to discuss the evolving landscape of podcasting and how Acast is playing a pivotal role in shaping its future.

With Ross's phenomenal experience in media and tech, including executive roles at Spotify, we delve into the current state of podcasting, exploring the industry's rapid growth, content trends, and the significance of monetisation for podcast creators. And Ross explains why it’s better to get a speeding ticket than a parking fine.

Whether you're a podcast enthusiast, a creator looking to expand your reach, or just curious about the future of the medium, this episode offers valuable insights and a behind-the-scenes look at Acast from the man who leads the organisation.

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

Astronaut Chris Hadfield: Snakes at 10,000ft , Simulating His Own Death & 50m YouTube views

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 02:00:22 GMT

Chris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut, fighter pilot and author who has consistently challenged conventional thinking while reinventing himself numerous times along the way.

With a new book out, The Defector, Chris has commanded numerous missions with the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Space Agency and NASA, before finally retiring from active duty in 2013.

In this episode he discusses how to assess risk effectively, his family’s role in a crisis scenario simulation, what he did when confronted with a snake in the cockpit at 10,000 feet and why you need to credit yourself with ten little wins, every day.

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

Why Letting the Camera in Worked for Richard Hammond | Performance People

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 01:00:00 GMT

Richard Hammond + Izzy Hammond. TV Presenter + Graduate. Father + Daughter.

Richard Hammond has been a partner in British TV’s most successful and at times controversial presentation team for more than 20 years. Alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May he’s shaped how we think about our cars and their place in our lives. Along with, The Grand Tour, he’s now got his own reality TV show, running a car restoration business.

Joining Richard is his daughter, Izzy. Recently graduated from university, Izzy is an ensemble cast member on the show and is busy working out whether to follow dad, full time, into the TV business.

Together, they work through the parenting compromises that Richard was forced to make as a young journalist, why good luck must be paid back to the cosmos with hard graft and whether the world is ready for a Clarkson/Hammond/May hybrid.

The new series of Richard Hammond's Workshop, is available to stream on discovery+.

This four way conversation was recorded on 11th September 2023.

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

Why Sky Sports Formula 1 Presenter Natalie Pinkham Can’t Sleep

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:40:50 GMT

Natalie Pinkham has been presenting F1 on Sky Sports for a decade.

In 2021 Natalie made history by becoming the first woman to commentate on a Formula 1 session on British television when she led Sky’s commentary of first practice at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix.

In 2022 Natalie dreamt up and put on a now annual festival Flackstock, in honour of her late friend Caroline Flack to celebrate Caroline’s life and raise awareness of those with mental health issues. In this pod Georgie and Natalie talk about their boarding school days together, why F1 needs Lewis Hamilton, misogyny in sport television, mum guilt and why we must keep talking about mental health.

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

The America's Cup Special - A Year Out | Performance People

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:47:50 GMT

Ben and Georgie chat about INEOS Team Britannia's chances of winning the America's Cup with a year to go till the start of the world's oldest sporting trophy in Barcelona.

There is talk of the history of the America's Cup, why it's still sailing's biggest prize and why it's so hard to win.

How to lead a team through the highs and lows of a Cup cycle crops up more than once...

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

Kristin Harila + Tenjen ‘Lama’ Sherpa: How a Teacher Smashed a 14 Peaks Record

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 01:00:54 GMT

Kristin Harila is a Norwegian mountaineer who in 2023 broke the True Summit World Record conquering the 14 highest mountains in the world in a staggering 92 days, smashing the previous record by three months.

Joining Kristin is the Sherpa who climbed every step with her, Tenjen ‘Lama’ Sherpa.

Together they discuss the decision they took to continue their ascent of K2 after encountering another climber in trouble, why a family tragedy didn’t stop Lama from getting the job done and how, even in 2023, women still struggle to find suitable high altitude clothing.

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

Georgie + Ben debrief on John Amaechi OBE + Peter Carroll | Performance People

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 01:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a new series from Performance People where Ben + Georgie breakdown the conversations they’ve had and work out how to integrate some of the insights into their lives, and yours.

This week, inspired by takeaways from John Amaechi and Peter Carroll, they dissect what it means to be an ‘Everyday Jedi’ and weigh up winning in the long term versus right now.

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

John Amaechi OBE + Peter Carroll: Why Sleep Hygiene Matters, How to Win in the Workplace and Overcoming Adversity. Best-selling Author and NBA Star Turned Psychologist John Amaechi Reveals All.

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 01:00:39 GMT

John Amaechi is an organisational psychologist, best-selling author and founder of APS Intelligence, which helps businesses create high performance ethical workplace cultures. He was also the first Brit to play basketball in the NBA. One of the UK’s most influential intellectuals, John went from the school gym to the NBA in just nine years before shifting focus to psychology and business, while passionately advocating for some of society's underrepresented minorities.

Alongside John is his best friend, long time collaborator and CEO of APS Intelligence, Peter Carroll. Peter is a qualified medical clinician turned business leader and now boss of the business which John founded.

Together, they discuss the racism that John is regularly confronted with, why he can only lose if he chooses to fight back, tactics for how to subvert emotions to win in the long run, the need for a full time commitment to your principles and why it’s important to know the difference between feathers and bricks.

This four way conversation was recorded on 9th August 2023.

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

Georgie + Ben debrief on George Bamford + Leo Bamford | Performance People

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:00:55 GMT

Welcome to a new series from Performance People where Ben + Georgie breakdown the conversations they’ve had and work out how to integrate some of the insights into their lives, and yours.

This week they debate the five year plan versus a longer term business view, a debate kick-started by George Bamford, founder of Bamford Watch Department and his wife and My Baba founder Leo Bamford.

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

George Bamford + Leo Bamford: How George Bamford Turned a Rebellious Side Hustle into a Watchmaking Empire

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 01:00:33 GMT

George Bamford is the owner of Bamford Watch Department, Bamford London and one of the heirs to the JCB fortune. Encouraged to go it alone by his father, George had a backstage pass as parents, Anthony and Carole Bamford developed flourishing global businesses, while his watch customisation firm has been disrupting its own sector for 20 years.

Alongside George is Leo Bamford, co-founder of, My Baba, a pregnancy and parenting website.

Together, they discuss George’s quest to discover his own business path after being, ‘born into the lottery’, how they have both harnessed their neurodiversity as a superpower, why George has had to renounce ‘punk’ entrepreneurship and the one change he’d like to see at JCB.

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

Georgie + Ben debrief on Chris Robshaw + Camilla Kerslake | Performance People

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 01:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a new series from Performance People where Ben + Georgie breakdown the conversations they’ve had and work out how to integrate some of the insights into their lives, and yours.

This week we’ve got Ex-England Captain Chris Robshaw and his wife, Camilla Kerslake, England's best selling soprano.

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

Chris Robshaw + Camilla Kerslake: Enduring Rugby World Cup heartache, being broken by the music industry and building resilience.

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 01:00:00 GMT

Former Harlequins and England flanker Chris Robshaw has enjoyed the highs of a Six Nations grand slam and endured the lows of captaining England to their worst World Cup performance, winning 66 caps along the way, 43 as captain.

Alongside Chris is classical singer, Camilla Kerslake. Nominated in 2010 for Classic Brit Awards Album of the Year, Camilla is England’s best selling soprano.

Together, they talk about Chris’ comeback from the destructive impact of England’s early exit from the 2015 Rugby World Cup, how her early days in the music industry left Camilla broken and why she had to put a cap on Chris’ sulking time.

This four way conversation was recorded on 24th August 2023.

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

Georgie + Ben debrief on Stanley Tucci + Monique Eastwood | Performance People

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 01:00:39 GMT

Welcome to a new series from Performance People where Ben + Georgie breakdown the conversations they’ve had and work out how to integrate some of the insights into their lives, and yours.

This week we’ve got Hollywood superstar Stanley Tucci and his friend and personal trainer, Monique Eastwood.

For the avoidance of doubt, this conversation was recorded before the writers and actors strikes began in America.

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

Stanley Tucci + Monique Eastwood: The Hollywood Workout | Performance People

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 01:00:13 GMT

First up for Season 3 of Performance People is a Hollywood movie star and his personal trainer. For the avoidance of doubt, this conversation was recorded before the writers and actors strikes began in America.

Stanley Tucci is an actor, filmmaker, author and presenter. He has starred in blockbuster films such as The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games. More recently, he’s gathered a huge following as a cocktail-making Instagram sensation and as a foodie through his TV series, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

Joining Stanley is Monique Eastwood, a U.K. based personal trainer. As well as Stanley, she has trained some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Anne Hathaway, Sam Rockwell and Emily Blunt.

They talk about how they used exercise to help Stanley recover from illness, Stanley shares his solution to the ‘worst’ catered food on movie sets and we discover why we've all been getting Spaghetti Bolognese wrong.

This four way conversation was recorded on 12th May 2023.

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

Performance Hacks | Helen Glover + Steve Backshall

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 01:00:14 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, double Olympic gold medallist, Helen Glover shares a strategy to hack time itself and her wildlife TV presenter husband, Steve Backshall, explains how he fuels up for his epic expeditions.

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

Performance Hacks | Alastair Campbell + Fiona Millar

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:00:46 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics? Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests. In this episode, Tony Blair’s former strategic advisor, Alastair Campbell, explains why it’s advantageous to ‘think in ink’ and journalist Fiona Millar highlights the psychological benefits of cold water swimming.

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

Performance Hacks | Michael Johnson + Coach Hart

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 01:00:56 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this Episode, Olympic champion Michael Johnson explains how understanding yourself and your reasons for doing stuff help you through life and Clyde Hart, MJ's coach tells us how adjusting your focus a small amount can make a big difference.

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

Performance Hacks | Chris Kamara + Ben Shephard

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:00:00 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, football all rounder, Chris Kamara, explains why getting your hands dirty is crucial in a new role and TV presenter, Ben Shephard, on how to avoid getting caught without a plan b.

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

Performance Hacks | Lewis Pugh + David Becker

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 01:00:30 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, endurance swimmer, Lewis Pugh, has a tip for working on your courage and performance mind coach, David Becker, explains the benefits of visualisation.

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

Performance Hacks | Jeremy Clarkson + Kaleb Cooper

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 01:00:55 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, Jeremy Clarkson explains why ambition is overrated and Kaleb Cooper reveals his secret to turning dreams into reality.

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

Performance Hacks | Fran Millar + David Millar

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 01:00:55 GMT

In this episode, former pro cyclist David Millar shares a nuanced approach to the mantra ‘never give up’ and his Belstaff CEO sister, Fran Millar, explains why finding joy in work is fundamental to success.

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

Performance Hacks | Eddie Hearn + Barry Hearn

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 01:00:59 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn reveals why short term goals are critical to success and Matchroom President, Barry Hearn explains the benefits of staying on the merry-go-round.

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

Performance Hacks | Toto Wolff + Susie Wolff

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 01:00:00 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, Mercedes F1 chief, Toto Wolff explains why you need to identify your superpower and Susie Wolff has a tip for avoiding unnecessary pressure.

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

Performance Hacks | Tommy Fleetwood + Clare Fleetwood

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 01:00:33 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood explains why the fundamentals should never be overlooked and his manager and wife, Clare Fleetwood, reveals how to get comfortable with failure.

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

Performance Hacks | Dame Sarah Storey + Barney Storey

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 01:00:56 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, a Paralympic power couple reveal how to break any goal down into manageable chunks and explain why it’s crucial to keep it fun.

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

Performance Hacks | Sir James Dyson + Jake Dyson

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 01:00:04 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, inventor and business titan James Dyson explains why curiosity is a key performance ingredient and son and heir to the Dyson business, Jake, details why it’s crucial to keep your eyes open.

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

Performance Hacks | Lesley Paterson + Dr Simon Marshall

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 01:00:13 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, world champion triathlete turned film producer, Lesley Paterson, explains why creating an alter ego can boost performance and psychologist, Dr. Simon Marshall, has a breathing exercise to manage the pre-match anxiety.

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

Performance Hacks | Sam Warburton + Chris Tombs

Tue, 30 May 2023 01:00:04 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, former Wales and Lions captain, Sam Warburton explains how overnight success is always 15 years in the making and strength and conditioning coach, Chris Tombs has a tip for staying hydrated.

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

Performance Hacks | Kenton Cool + Jazz Cool

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:43:16 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, mountaineer Kenton Cool focuses on a clear vision of daily progress and performance coach, Jazz Cool explains why striving for perfection can get in the way of growth.

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

Performance Hacks | Mo Farah + Tania Farah

Tue, 16 May 2023 01:00:10 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, Sir Mo Farah, Britain’s greatest male long distance athlete, explains why you should do it for yourself and his wife, Tania, has a tip for taking the pressure off.

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

Performance Hacks | Hannah Mills + Nick Dempsey

Tue, 09 May 2023 01:00:46 GMT

What can you learn about performance in about 10 minutes from the best in sport, entertainment, business and politics?

Performance Hacks gives you two great performance tips you can apply to everyday life from each of our Performance People podcast guests.

In this episode, the most decorated female sailor in Olympic history explains why a routine is everything and her husband Nick champions communication.

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

Tommy Fleetwood + Clare Fleetwood: Why golf is mental | Performance People

Tue, 02 May 2023 01:00:59 GMT

Tommy Fleetwood + Clare Fleetwood. Golfer + Manager. Husband + Wife.

Tommy Fleetwood is one of the most recognisable and loved golfers in the world. With 6 DP World Tour wins, a Race to Dubai title and a winning Ryder Cup record, he’s established himself at the game’s top table.

Joining Tommy is his wife and manager, Clare Fleetwood.

In this episode, they discuss the reasons why Tommy’s head hasn’t been turned by the LIV Golf Tour, why Tiger could still win with a buggy and their age-gap.

This four way conversation was recorded on 24th April 2023.

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

Kenton Cool + Jazz Cool: Could you climb Everest? | Performance People

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 01:00:45 GMT

Kenton Cool + Jazz Cool. Mountaineer + Performance Coach. Husband + Wife

Kenton Cool is one of the world's leading mountaineers, with the highest success rate of any guide on Everest, summiting 16 times. He has also conquered the ‘seven summits’ – the highest mountains on each of the world’s continents. And he is the only Brit to ski down two 8,000m peaks.

Joining Kenton is performance coach, Jazz Black. A proponent of a purpose focused approach to optimising performance, Jazz specialises in leadership coaching, with mindset at the heart of her work. Kenton and Jazz have two children and when not hacking up mountains, can be found at home in the Cotwolds, in England.

In this episode, they discuss how they deal with the permanent threat of death which stalks Kenton’s work, why there is no substitute for experience and the lengths they go to feed Kenton’s ‘rat’.

This four way conversation was recorded on 19th April 2023.

You can find out more about Kenton and Jazz at www.kentoncool.com

www.incoolcompany.com.

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

Dame Sarah Storey + Barney Storey: In Tandem | Performance People

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 01:00:03 GMT

Dame Sarah Storey + Barney Storey. Athlete + Coach. Wife + Husband.

Sarah Storey’s numbers are phenomenal; 28 Paralympic medals, 17 of them gold across 2 different sports. With two kids in tow and still motivated to achieve more, she’s having a tilt at her 9th Paralympics in Paris next year, by which time she’ll be 46 years-old.

Joining Sarah is her husband, Barney, who has 3 Paralympic cycling golds of his own. Barney is Sarah’s coach and confidante, manages the all female Storey Racing team and is responsible for keeping the show on the road.

Together they discuss the mindset that enabled Sarah to see beyond the school bullies, her ambition to double up next year at the Olympics + Paralympics and how they have made parent/training multi-tasking work.

This four way conversation was recorded on 2nd March 2023.

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

Sir James Dyson + Jake Dyson: A Life of Failure/Success | Performance People

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 01:00:44 GMT

James Dyson + Jake Dyson. Inventor + Inventor. Father and Son.

Performance People are on the road again, this time at Dyson’s UK base near Swindon to sit down with Sir James Dyson and his son and business partner, Jake. Sir James is one of the UK’s most successful businessmen, reimagining household products like the vacuum cleaner and hairdryer. Along the way, he’s turned his passion for engineering into a business which reported revenues of £5.7 billion in 2021.

Alongside James is his chief engineer, Jake who has followed Dad into the family business and is set to ultimately assume responsibility for this great British success story.

Together, they discuss the succession plan at one of the UK’s most treasured family owned businesses, how AI will revolutionise their organisation and why the British education system is broken.

This four way conversation was recorded on 23rd January 2023.

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

Sam Warburton + Chris Tombs: Dragons + Lions | Performance People

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 01:00:19 GMT

Sam Warburton + Chris Tombs. Leader + Performance coach. Friend + Business partner.

Sam Warburton captained Wales 49 times, guiding them to a Six Nations grand slam in 2012. He’s probably best known though for leading the British & Irish Lions on two undefeated tours, before being forced to retire at 28. As well as rugby punditry, Sam now has a podcast series of his own, ‘Captains’.

Alongside Sam is his longtime strength and conditioning coach and now business partner, Chris Tombs. Chris worked with Sam at Cardiff Blues from the age of 15 and together they now run the SW7 Academy, which provides elite training programmes to its clients.

Together, they talk about the brutal reality of life as an elite rugby player, the steps Sam takes to mitigate the risk of suffering with dementia, his obsessive approach to nutrition and how overnight success actually takes 15 years to actualise.

This four way conversation was recorded on 9th January 2023.

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

Lesley Paterson + Simon Marshall: Highlands to Hollywood via the Western Front | Performance People

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 02:00:54 GMT

Lesley Paterson + Dr Simon Marshall. Screenwriter + Psychologist. Husband + Wife.

Lesley Paterson is a 5 time triathlon World Champion, author, screenwriter and film producer. In 2006, Lesley bought the film rights to the World War 1 novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, wrote a screenplay and used her triathlon winnings to fund her dream of getting the film made. Four Oscars and seven BAFTAs later, this polymath from Stirling has Hollywood at her feet.

Joining Lesley is her husband, the performance psychologist and author, Dr Simon Marshall, who has worked with Formula One, Tour de France and special forces teams while excelling in academia.

As a professional partnership, Lesley and Simon co-wrote the best selling book, The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down, and they also run Braveheart Coaching, where Lesley looks after clients’ bodies and Simon their minds. Simon also assisted in adapting the screenplay for, All Quiet on the Western Front.

Together, they talk about sharing work-out programmes with Tom Cruise, their incredible journeys from athlete and psychologist to screenwriters and how creating a cage fighting alter ego was fundamental to Lesley’s success.

This four way conversation was recorded on 15th February 2023.

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

Hannah Mills + Nick Dempsey: Changing nappies, perceptions + sustainability | Performance People

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 02:00:30 GMT

Hannah Mills + Nick Dempsey.

Sailor + Coach.

Mum + Dad.

Hannah Mills is the most decorated female sailor in Olympic history, with two gold medals and a silver. A fierce campaigner on environmental issues in her role as IOC Sustainability Ambassador, she is also an advocate for women in sport and leads the female representation for INEOS Britannia in the Americas Cup and for the Emirates GB Sail GP team.

Alongside Hannah is her husband, Nick Dempsey who, until recently was coaching Team GB’s Olympic windsurfers. Nick has now taken a different path, looking after baby daughter, Sienna, while Hannah is back on the water.

Together, they talk about Nick’s decision to stop chasing his career and instead, travel the sailing circuit with Hannah and Sienna and why as a coach he can’t resist the urge to analyse the performance of Hannah’s racing team.

This four way conversation was recorded on 3rd February 2023.

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

Mo Farah + Tania Farah: Mo Fear: What’s next when Mo stops running.

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:00:59 GMT

Sir Mo Farah + Lady Tania Farah. Husband + Wife.

Mo Farah is Britain’s greatest male long distance athlete. He upset the global order from 2011 to 2017, bagging 10 world titles, including the Olympic ‘double double’ over the 5,000 and 10,000m. But in a heartbreaking admission last year, Mo revealed he had been illegally trafficked to the UK as a child and he had hidden the secret from all but those closest to him.

Alongside Mo is his wife, Tania. Friends since school, Tania has been at Mo’s side for every step of his remarkable personal and professional journey, while raising their four children. Tania is now studying for a degree in criminology and has become a keen long distance runner herself, competing in a number of half marathons.

Together, they talk about the burden of Mo’s long periods away from home, how the trauma of trafficking has shaped the athlete we know and whether 2023 might be the year he hangs up his running shoes for good.

This four way conversation was recorded on 10th January 2023.

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

performance 10: Chris Kamara + Ben Shephard: Authenticity + Compassion

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:00:58 GMT

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, Chris Kamara on maintaining performance despite a debilitating neurological condition and Ben Shephard on how he weaponises imposter syndrome to guard against complacency.

Takeaway thinking… stay positive.

Georgie + Ben spoke with Chris + Ben on 13th December 2022.

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

performance 10: Jeremy Clarkson + Kaleb Cooper - Wit + Straight Talking

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 02:00:08 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10 recorded at Diddly Squat Farm, Jeremy Clarkson talks boats, cars, tractors and farming and Kaleb shares his dreams of owning his own farm and why Jeremy is worth listening to now and again.

Takeaway thinking…what does ambition look like to you?

Georgie + Ben spoke with Jeremy + Kaleb on 25th October 2022.

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

performance 10: Helen Glover + Steve Backshall: Opportunity + Grind

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:17:19 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, Helen and Ben discuss the brutal nature of the Olympic rowing programme and Steve lifts the curtain on a typical night in.

Takeaway thinking…don’t waste time.

Georgie + Ben spoke with Helen and Steve on 5th September 2022.

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

performance 10: Alastair Campbell + Fiona Millar - Strategy + Rigour

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:10:40 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, Alastair Campbell’s advice to King Charles and Fiona Millar on how Alastair functioned in a high performance role in Downing Street despite suffering with depression.

Takeaway thinking…Show, don’t tell.

Georgie + Ben spoke with Alastair + Fiona on 20th September 2022.

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

performance 10: Michael Johnson + ‘Coach’ Hart - Commitment + Focus

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 07:47:49 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, Michael Johnson reveals how his Olympic mindset helped him to recover from a devastating stroke and his coach, Clyde Hart, has a top strategy for achieving goals.

Takeaway thinking…attitude is everything.

Georgie + Ben spoke with MJ + Coach on 4th November 2022.

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

performance 10: Fran Millar + David Millar: Grit + Heart

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:00:08 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, cycling siblings Fran Millar + David Millar describe how true grit got them through the toughest period of their lives and why love can be the ultimate motivation for change.

Takeaway thinking…there is more than one chapter in life.

Georgie + Ben spoke with Fran + David on 16th August 2022.

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

performance 10: Lewis Pugh + David Becker: Courage + Endurance

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 02:00:59 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh discusses how he exercises his courage muscle and his mind coach, David Becker explains how he can alter Lewis’s thinking to help his body adapt to high consequence environments.

Takeaway thinking…be brave.

Georgie + Ben spoke with Lewis + David on 6th September 2022 .

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

performance 10: Toto Wolff + Susie Wolff: Leadership + Discipline

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 02:00:59 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, motorsport’s first couple, Susie + Toto Wolff discuss the leadership principles they live by and the rigorous discipline that anchors them.

Takeaway thinking…find your inner donkey.

Georgie + Ben spoke with Toto + Susie on 6th September 2022.

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

performance 10: Eddie Hearn + Barry Hearn - passion + sacrifice

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:14 GMT

What can you learn about performance in 10 minutes?

Performance 10 gives you the best performance led bits from our original podcasts in edited 10 minute cutdowns. Each episode follows two key themes that emerged during the recordings.

In this performance 10, father and son sports promoters, Eddie + Barry Hearn talk about the passion that has fuelled their rise to the top and the sacrifices they have made to stay there.

Takeaway thinking… are you on or off the merry-go-round?

Georgie + Ben spoke with Eddie + Barry on October 3rd 2022.

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

The good bits and not so good but quite funny bits from S1

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:00:28 GMT

As Toto Wolff told us in S1, Ep 2. of Performance People, there is much more to write about this year when we didn’t win compared to the last 7 years when we did. Following that theme, there are many more times we’ve ballsed up intros, outros and links during recording than we care to mention or share, until now…

Enjoy our cock ups as well as our favourite moments in our season 1 bloopers + best bits.

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

Chris Kamara + Ben Shephard: An unbelievable diagnosis and an undeniable bond.

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:00:19 GMT

Chris Kamara + Ben ShephardFootball pundit + TV presenterColleagues + FriendsChris Kamara has brought an infectious personality to our television screens for over 25 years. “Kammy” as he’s known to TV audiences, started out as a pro footballer before becoming a manager and then joining Sky Sports as a reporter and pundit, most famously working with Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday. In 2021, Kammy received a crushing diagnosis of apraxia of speech, a rare neurological condition which affects the ability to speak fluently. His condition meant he was no longer able to continue in his much loved role at Sky Sports. He is now focused on his recovery, podcasting and campaigning for others in a similar situation to himself.Alongside Chris is his friend and colleague of 12 years plus, Ben Shephard. Ben and Kammy have worked together at Sky Sports as Goals on Sunday co-hosts and in the same capacity for ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK series. Ben has been a familiar face on breakfast television for over 20 years and regularly co-hosts Good Morning Britain on ITV with his good friends Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid. His production company Triple Brew Media has made, “Lost for Words”, a documentary which tells Kammy’s story and helps to explain the issues around apraxia of speech.Together, they talk about Kammy’s struggles in coming to terms with his condition, how he wakes every day not knowing if he’ll be able to speak and of course, there’s some football banter about Ronaldo. Kane and Southgate.This four way conversation was recorded on 13th December 2022.

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

Helen Glover + Steve Backshall: The Incredibles

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:00:42 GMT

Helen Glover is a two-time Olympic rowing gold medallist, triple World champion, quintuple World Cup champion and quadruple European champion. Helen only took up rowing in 2008, aged 21. She won Olympic gold just four years later at London 2012. After Rio 2016 she stepped away from rowing to get married and have children. A delayed Tokyo Olympics saw Helen get back in the boat in 2021 and become the first mum to compete for GB Rowing, finishing fourth in the pairs.

Alongside Helen is her wildlife TV presenter husband, Steve Backshall. Best known for BBC's Deadly 60 series, Steve is also an adventurer, environmental campaigner and author. Steve and Helen co-wrote, Wildlings: How to Raise Your Family in Nature, in 2022, a book encouraging children to spend time in the great outdoors.

Together they talk about Helen’s lockdown decision to return to elite sport with three kids in tow, the brutal reality of training for the Olympics, re-assessing the risks of a life in the wild and why a King Cobra is a safer bet than a night out on the town.

This four way conversation was recorded on 5th September 2022.

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

Alastair Campbell + Fiona Millar. Surviving politics, depression and family.

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 02:00:14 GMT

Alastair Campbell + Fiona Millar

Spin doctor/journalist/mental health campaigner + Journalist/educational campaigner

Life partner + Life partnerAlastair Campbell is a journalist and author but is best known as Tony Blair’s formidable former press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Since leaving No.10, Alastair has been a vocal advocate for mental health charities following his own 2005 diagnosis of depression. Along the way he has written seventeen books on politics, mental health and sport, all while traversing the country in pursuit of his beloved Burnley F.C.

Alongside Alastair is his life partner, Fiona Millar. Fiona is a journalist and campaigner on education and parenting issues. While Alastair was advising Tony Blair, Fiona was also in Downing Street, as advisor to Cherie Blair. Fiona currently contributes to The Guardian and the Local Schools Network website.

Together they lift the lid on working with the Blairs, living as a family with mental illness and how they would advise the Royals.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact the charity, Mind, at https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/ or call them on 0300 123 3393.

This four way conversation was recorded on 20th September 2022.

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

Michael Johnson + Coach Hart: The inside track on a gold medal winning partnership

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 02:00:46 GMT

Michael Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. In the 1990s, he dominated both the 200m and 400m, winning 12 Olympic and World Championship gold medals and breaking world records in the 200m, 400m and the 4 X 400m relay. Since retiring from the track he has forged a successful broadcasting career while running his own sports performance business.

Alongside Michael is the coach who guided him throughout his amateur and professional career. He was never coached by anyone else, ever. ‘Coach’ Clyde Hart was the Head Coach of Track and Field at Baylor University from 1963-2005, then Director of Track and Field until he retired in 2019. Coach Hart has coached nine Olympians who have won a total of 13 Olympic gold medals.

Together they talk about why the historic Olympic double almost didn’t happen, how they worked together to win multiple gold medals and what happened when Michael suffered a stroke and had to learn how to walk again.

This four way conversation was recorded on 4th November 2022.

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

Fran Millar + David Millar - Life before and after a doping scandal

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 02:00:11 GMT

Fran Millar built her reputation as a highly accomplished sports executive alongside Sir Dave Brailsford with Team Sky, rising through the executive peloton from Director of Business Operations to Head of Winning Behaviours and ultimately Chief Executive of the Ineos Grenadiers. In 2020 she traded cycling tours for catwalks, with her appointment as CEO of British fashion brand, Belstaff.

Alongside Fran is her former pro-cyclist brother, David Millar; a rising star of the sport until he confessed to doping and was banned in 2004. David came back to cycling as a competitor but also as a committed and vocal campaigner for clean sport. He now splits his time between broadcasting duties and his cycling apparel company, CHPT3.

Together in an interview for the first time, they talk candidly about living in the maelstrom of a doping scandal, how their sometimes conflicting approaches to clean cycling led to fractures in their relationship and about the crucial life lessons they learned from their shared experience.

This four way conversation was recorded on 16th August 2022.

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

Jeremy Clarkson + Kaleb Cooper: Behind the Scenes on Diddly Squat Farm

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 02:00:45 GMT

One of the UK’s most charismatic TV presenters, Jeremy Clarkson has been entertaining the nation for some 40 years with his uncompromising take on the car industry and life in general. At 62 and with no fewer than 10 jobs at the last count, Clarkson is now trying his hand at farming.

Joining Clarkson is Kaleb Cooper, Jeremy’s sidekick from the smash-hit reality TV show, Clarkson’s Farm. On the show, Kaleb is the young man tasked with teaching Clarkson how to farm, earning his ‘break-out star’ status by telling Clarkson what he really thinks about his farming prowess. Alongside his day job on the Diddly Squat Farm, Kaleb has built up his own agricultural business in the Cotswolds, while gathering 1.1 million followers on Instagram.

Together, in a podcast first, they talk about their sometimes confusing master/apprentice dynamic, how David Cameron broke Jeremy’s vintage tractor and why sheep are afflicted with an existential death wish.

This four way conversation was recorded on 25th October 2022 at Diddly Squat Farm.

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

Lewis Pugh + David Becker - The Speedo diplomat

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 02:00:00 GMT

Lewis Pugh was the first person to complete long-distance swims in every ocean of the world, leveraging publicity to, as he puts it, ‘shake the lapels of world leaders’. An ocean advocate and campaigner, Lewis pioneers swims in the most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth to call for their protection. He has been instrumental in protecting over 2 million km2 of vulnerable ocean – an area larger than Western Europe. His life’s ambition is to help protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. He is known as, ‘the Speedo diplomat.’

David Becker is a performance mind coach, sports lawyer, author and award winning screenwriter. David is a long-time friend of Lewis and also serves as his adviser and mental performance coach. He has supported Lewis on expeditions including those to Svalbard, the North Pole and Mt. Everest and been a consistent source of support throughout Lewis’ career.

Together, they talk about winning over Putin’s inner circle, the day Lewis surprised the Queen, meeting Tony Blair in a pair of Speedos and how to significantly raise your body temperature through sheer force of will.

This four way conversation was recorded on 6th September 2022.

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

The thoroughbred and the donkey with Toto + Susie Wolff

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 02:00:00 GMT

Toto Wolff + Susie Wolff.

Team Principal/CEO - Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 + Former Williams F1 test driver/CEO Venturi Racing Formula E

Husband + wife.

Toto Wolff is one of the most influential team principals in the history of Formula 1. Under his leadership, Mercedes disrupted the established order in the paddock, winning seven consecutive Drivers’ Championships and eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships.

Susie Wolff is a former professional racing driver, entrepreneur and campaigner for gender equality in sport. She is also one of a handful of women to have driven for an F1 team.

Together, they talk about not taking success for granted and learning from failure, what Lewis Hamilton will do next and why donkeys should never be underestimated.

This four way conversation was recorded on 6th September 2022.

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

Riding the merry-go-round with Eddie + Barry Hearn

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 01:00:00 GMT

Eddie Hearn + Barry Hearn.
Chairman of Matchroom + President of Matchroom.
Son + Father.

Eddie Hearn is one of the leading boxing promoters in the fight game. Representing world class athletes Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor he has staged some of the biggest events in recent boxing history.

Barry Hearn spent four decades transforming sports like snooker, boxing, fishing and darts. He is still very active in the family business he founded despite being recently ‘retired’. Together they talk about why being competitive with each other works for them, why Sunday lunch matters and sleeping with one eye open.

This four-way conversation was recorded on October 3rd 2022.

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