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

In this episode, Dominic opens up about some of his lowest moments, times when injury left him feeling broken and lost. He talks candidly about the pressure to bounce back quickly, the mental toll of feeling stuck, and what it really took to dig deep and keep going.

He also reflects on the importance of having a strong support system, especially the role his wife and family play in keeping him grounded. Dominic shares how communicating openly about his feelings, even when it meant shedding tears, was a crucial step toward healing and growth.

This episode is a raw and real look at growth, mental toughness, and finding strength through struggle.

🚨 Partners

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://highpfrmc.com/heights1

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

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

In this insightful discussion with Jake and Damian, Chris shares his unique approach to communication, showing how the skills he used in life-or-death negotiations can transform the way we handle everyday conversations. From business meetings to family dynamics, Chris explains why listening more and speaking less can lead to better outcomes in every area of life.

Listen in as Chris delivers practical, transformative strategies to help you navigate pressure, connect with others, and negotiate like your life depends on it.

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

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

Whether it’s at home, at work, or with close friends, we often avoid the conversations that would help us grow. Alain shows us a different way, one built on emotional generosity, honest listening, and the courage to be vulnerable.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why awkward questions build trust
• How to listen without getting defensive
• The science behind emotional connection
• What high-performing teams can learn from philosophy
• The hidden power of backstories and being 'truly heard'

Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode:

1. The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness. Arthur Aron, Elaine Aron (1997)
2. Understanding the conversation gap: Why employees aren’t talking, and what we can do about it (Braverly), referenced in How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Employees. Harvard Negotiation Project
3. Rejection Really Hurts, published in Science (Oct 2003). University Of California - Los Angeles
4. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Listen to the full episode with Alain De Botton here: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0

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

In this episode, John opens up about some of the most intimate moments of his life, his complicated relationship with his mother, who faced deep struggles after family tragedies, and how that shaped him growing up. He also talks about the heartbreaking experience he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, went through with the loss of their baby, and how sharing that pain publicly became a way to heal and help others facing similar grief.

John also reflects on his once close bond with Kanye West, a friendship that deeply influenced his early music career but has since grown distant.

This episode offers a raw and honest exploration of vulnerability, healing, and the strength it takes to navigate life’s toughest moments while staying true to yourself.

🚨 Partners

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/20heights

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

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

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

Revisiting insightful conversations with guests like Denise Lewis, Dr. Steve Peters, Pippa Grange, Aldo Kane, and Tom Daley, Jake and Damian highlight how elite performers consciously train their inner voice just as much as their bodies and they share practical tools for turning your inner critic into a trusted coach.

Listen in as they unpack the science and stories behind mastering self-talk, revealing how understanding the voice in your head can be the difference between breaking down or breaking through.

Listen to the episodes mentioned:

Denise Lewis: https://pod.fo/e/2c05ac

Steve Peters: https://pod.fo/e/298713

Pippa Grange: https://pod.fo/e/10bc10

Aldo Kane: https://pod.fo/e/2885c1

Tom Daley: https://pod.fo/e/1760c

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

In this episode, I dig into the psychology behind what makes James’s approach so powerful, from the science of capitalisation to how active, constructive responses can build trust, loyalty, and even generosity. When you lead with belief in people, you don’t just change behaviour, you transform lives. If you’ve ever wondered whether kindness can scale, or if culture really can be your competitive edge, this one might just shift your thinking.

Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode:

1. What Do You Do When Things Go Right? The Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Benefits of Sharing Positive Events - Authors: Shelly Gable, Harry Reis, Emily Impett, Evan Asher
2. Will You Be There for Me When Things Go Right? Supportive Responses to Positive Event Disclosures - Authors: Shelly Gable, Gian Gonzaga, Ashley Strachman
3. Are You Happy for Me? How Sharing Positive Events With OthersProvides Personal and Interpersonal Benefits - Authors: Harry Reis, Shannon Smith, Cheryl Carmichael, Peter Caprariello

Listen to the full episode with James Timpson here: https://pod.fo/e/c4dbd

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

Warning: this episode contains themes of suicide and trauma.

In this episode, Callum opens up about the darker side of his upbringing, including dealing with suicidal thoughts as a teen and the emotional scars that came with growing up in chaos. He reflects on how football gave him a sense of direction and purpose when everything else felt unstable.

He also shares the impact of Eddie Howe, who became a father figure, and how therapy helped him face long-buried trauma. From two ACL injuries to mentoring younger players, Callum reflects on resilience, growth, and staying grounded.

This episode dives into mental health, fatherhood, football, and the power of second chances.

If you, or someone you know who's struggling - please call Samaritans on 116123 or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.

🚨 Partners

Heights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/20heights

HP Foundation 👉Do you want to kick-start an evolution that will change the lives of millions of children? Find out more about the High Performance Foundation: https://hppod.co/foundation

HP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-events

Explore offers and discounts through our other partners:

https://hppod.co/partners

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

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

This episode breaks down:

• Why tiny daily actions shape your entire identity
• How Sam Tomkins, James Clear, and Jo Malone use micro habits to stay sharp
• How to journal proof of your progress
• The 3 questions to ask yourself before any task
• And why folding your clothes well might just change your life

Damian and Jake dig into practical, science-backed tools you can use today to start living more intentionally—and performing at your best without burning out.

Plus: The start of Damian’s new series on Essential Habits drops Wednesdays in the feed. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out.

Listen to the full length episodes referenced in this podcast:

Sam Tomkins: https://pod.fo/e/14cdef

Jo Malone: https://pod.fo/e/bbdc9

James Clear: https://pod.fo/e/16868c