E167 - Nick Littlehales, elite sleep coach: Rethink what you know on sleep

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 trustHow to listen without getting defensiveThe science behind emotional connectionWhat high-performing teams can learn from philosophyThe hidden power of backstories and being 'truly heard'Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode:The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness. Arthur Aron, Elaine Aron (1997)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 Rejection Really Hurts, published in Science (Oct 2003). University Of California - Los AngelesDaring Greatly by Brené BrownListen to the full episode with Alain De Botton here: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Jun 34min

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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/20heightsHP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Jun 1h 6min

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/2c05acSteve Peters: https://pod.fo/e/298713Pippa Grange: https://pod.fo/e/10bc10Aldo Kane: https://pod.fo/e/2885c1Tom Daley: https://pod.fo/e/1760c Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Mai 29min

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: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 AsherWill You Be There for Me When Things Go Right? Supportive Responses to Positive Event Disclosures - Authors: Shelly Gable, Gian Gonzaga, Ashley StrachmanAre You Happy for Me? How Sharing Positive Events With OthersProvides Personal and Interpersonal Benefits - Authors: Harry Reis, Shannon Smith, Cheryl Carmichael, Peter CaprarielloListen to the full episode with James Timpson here: https://pod.fo/e/c4dbd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Mai 35min

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.🚨 PartnersHeights 👉 Get 20% off your subscription by using Code: HP20 here: https://hppod.co/20heightsHP 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/foundationHP Corporate Events 👉Click here to book High Performance Events: https://hppod.co/corporate-eventsExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Mai 1h 9min

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 identityHow Sam Tomkins, James Clear, and Jo Malone use micro habits to stay sharpHow to journal proof of your progressThe 3 questions to ask yourself before any taskAnd why folding your clothes well might just change your lifeDamian 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/14cdefJo Malone: https://pod.fo/e/bbdc9James Clear: https://pod.fo/e/16868c Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 Mai 16min

There’s a certain kind of strength that comes from knowing who you are, even when the world tries to tell you otherwise. That’s what stood out in my conversation with Rio Ferdinand. Not just the success, but the mindset behind it: the habit of refusing to be reduced to a single story.Rio’s journey is a lesson in identity, drive, and turning fear into fuel. With all the labels the world tries to throw at us, it’s not just about ignoring them, it’s about choosing your own. From the football pitch to the ballet studio, Rio shows us what it means to challenge assumptions and walk your own path, even when it’s uncomfortable.In this episode, I also dig into a powerful psychological study that reveals how quickly our judgments are shaped by context, how one label can change everything we think we see. It’s a sobering insight into how easily we box others in… and how often we do it to ourselves.If you’ve ever questioned the limits placed on you, or wanted to rewrite the script entirely, there’s something in this one for you.Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode:Stereotype and Social Class Study. Researchers: John Darley and Paget Gross (1983)The Pygmalion Effect Study. Researchers: Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson (1968)Name Bias in Psychiatric Diagnosis. Researcher: Dr. Luke Birmingham (referenced in "Pigeonholed" by Laura L. Osterhout)Listen to the full episode with Rio Ferdinand here: https://pod.fo/e/15914 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Mai 37min

Damon Hill is a former Formula 1 World Champion and one of the most thoughtful voices in motorsport. The son of legendary racer Graham Hill, Damon carved out his own legacy in a sport shaped by speed, risk, and legacy. In this episode, he opens up with a rare mix of honesty and introspection, sharing stories that go far beyond the racetrack.The conversation dives into Damon’s memories of Ayrton Senna, not just as a rival, but as a human being. He reflects on Senna’s deep sense of duty to Brazil, his kindness off the track, and the emotional shockwave that followed his tragic accident. It’s a raw, moving look at what it meant to lose someone who carried so much weight for an entire nation.Damon also gets personal about the influence of his father, Graham Hill. He talks about growing up in the shadow of greatness, navigating grief, and eventually finding his own path in the same high-stakes world. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the human side of racing, with Damon sharing honest lessons on family, legacy, and overcoming adversity that will resonate with fans and newcomers alike.Damon Hill's documentary, "Hill" is coming to Sky Documentaries in July. 🚨 PartnersFORA 👉 Claim a free day pass at any Fora workspace and find the perfect home for your business here: https://hppod.co/FORAHPExplore offers and discounts through our other partners:https://hppod.co/partners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 Mai 1h 29min