Optimising Human Performance

In this insightful episode, join Martin and JP as they delve into the intricate world of brain injury with leading clinical neuropsychologist Professor Huw Williams. Discover the profound impacts of brain trauma on cognition, emotions, and behaviour, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in neuro-rehabilitation. The discussion also tackles the critical challenges o...

World-record-setting adventurer and extreme location safety expert Aldo Kane talks to Martin and Jonpaul about the challenges of working in hostile environments, from active volcanoes to big wall climbs. They explore strategies for dealing with stress, the impacts of isolation on mental health, the importance of character and the role of physical fitness. They also discuss how Aldo prepares for hi...

In this episode, Martin and JP discuss addiction with addiction specialist nurse, Pam Diamond, a seasoned mental health nurse with a privileged career dedicated to addiction and trauma, particularly within the military environment. Pam shares her unique insights from years working with the Royal Marines and other services, revealing the hidden struggles faced by high-performing individuals. We exp...

In this episode, Martin and JP talk with Tim Boughton, whose own personal experiences with PTSD led him to become a trailblazer in the world of mental health, with a particular expertise in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and trauma. They explore the misconceptions around mindfulness, the stigma associated with mental health, and how understanding the mind-body connection challenges exi...

Episode 4 : Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy In this episode, Martin and JP talk to Dr Chris Connaboy, an expert in movement, coordination and skill acquisition. They discuss motor control, perception-action coupling and Chris’ ground-breaking new research into gait analysis. The episode also includes practical advice on training for load carriage, the importance of individual...

Episode 3 Unlocking Expertise: The Science Behind Skill Acquisition and Decision Making In this episode, Martin talks to Professor Mark Williams, a leading authority on the acquisition and development of expertise. They discuss skill acquisition, the role of experience and purposeful practice. They also explore the use of simulators, the unique challenges of maintaining skills in high-stress envir...

Episode 2 -  Concussion in High Performance Environments Martin and Jonpaul talk to award-winning author and sports journalist Sam Peters about concussion. They discuss the role of emerging technologies in diagnosing concussion in both sport and military contexts and the potentially devastating impacts of asymptomatic sub-concussive blows. Guest, Cast & Crew Sam Peters’ work has transform...

EPISODE 1: Innovations in Performance Tech with Dr David Putrino Martin and Jonpaul talk to neuroscientist Dr David Putrino, whose job it is to find innovative human performance technologies and roadtest them. From brain stimulation to mitochondrial supplements, David takes us through the tech that works and the stuff that doesn’t live up to the hype. He also shares insights from his work with hig...

Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin, hosts of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast share their story, why they have produced this podcast and why it is important to the community of individuals and teams working in high-stress and high stakes environments. Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance . This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, ev...

EPISODE 12:   The Chimp Paradox with Professor Steve Peters In this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to renowned psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters , who specialises in the functioning of the human mind. They discuss his famous ‘ Chimp Model’ and its application in high-stress environments. They explore imposter syndrome and the antecedents of high performance. Guest, Cast & Crew Profess...

EPISODE 11:  Sleep, Circadian Neuroscience & Human Performance In this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to Professor Russell Foster , a world-renowned expert on sleep and circadian rhythms. They discuss the importance of sleep and circadian rhythms for human performance, how the circadian system provides the time structure for life, optimising physiology and behavior, and highlight some e...

EPISODE 10: Mastering Sleep for High-Stakes Environments In this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to Professor Colin Espie , a world-leading expert on sleep and treating sleep disorders, particularly using cognitive behavioural therapeutics (CBTI) to treat insomnia disorder. They discuss how sleep contributes to physical and mental health, the five principles of sleep health and the treatment...

EPISODE 9 :  Maximizing Mental Fitness with Outdoor Wellbeing Coaching Martin and Jonpaul are joined by Emma Higginson-Smith and Martin Brennan from The Green Room, which provides outdoor well-being coaching, leadership, and organisational development to maximise mental fitness and prevent burnout. They discuss the importance of mental fitness and the role of wellbeing coaching and introduce...

EPISODE 8:  Feeding the Force: A Tactical Dietitian’s Guide to Optimal Health & Performance In this episode, Martin and Jonpaul talk to tactical dietician Dr. Will Conkright about the role of a dietitian in the military and the challenges he faces. We dive into the basics of optimal nutrition and examine how people working in high-stress, high-stakes environments can leverage good nutriti...

EPISODE 7:   Navigating Uncertainty - Insights from Mission Critical Teams Martin and Jonpaul speak with Dr. Preston Cline , co-founder and principal of the Mission Critical Team Institute.  They discuss the characteristics of effective mission-critical teams, how to improve cohesion and facilitate within-career transitions, both into and out of these high-stress roles. Guest, Cast...

EPISODE 6:  Resilience and Mental Toughness Martin Jones and Jonpaul are joined by human performance expert Professor Daniel Gucciardi to explore resilience as an emergent outcome in high-performance settings.  Guest, Cast & Crew Daniel Gucciardi is a professor at Curtin University. He is a distinguished expert on stress, resilience and mental toughness and has published more than 15...

EPISODE 5: Optimising Tactical Physical Training for Peak Performance In this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Professor Rob Orr , director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University. They discuss optimising training for physically demanding tasks as well as sedentary working, the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance, and the value of an individuali...

EPISODE 4:  The Perfection Trap This week, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Dr Thomas Curran , a world-leading expert on perfectionism. They break down perfectionism to understand what it really is and  challenge some of the myths that link perfectionism with high performance.  How we can prevent perfectionism from hindering our health, wellbeing, productivity and performance? Gue...

EPISODE 3 Leadership and Wellbeing: Lessons and Insights from a Policing Career In this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by Tim Jacques - former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the UK’s Counterterrorism Policing HQ. They discuss health and wellbeing in high-stress positions and the role of senior leaders in optimising wellbeing and performance. Guest, Cast & Crew Tim Jacques retired i...

EPISODE 2: Next Generation Mindfulness: the New Frontier for Peak Performance In this episode, Martin & Jonpaul are joined by social psychologist Dr Jutta Tobias-Mortlock to discuss the role that mindfulness training can play in high-performance settings.  Guest, Cast & Crew Jutta Tobias-Mortlock is a reader in organisational psychology at City University and is the co-director of its...

EPISODE 1: The Role of Psychology in Human Performance Optimization This week, Martin & Jonpaul talk to eminent psychologist  Professor Michael Matthews . Mike shares insights from his extensive career across a wide-range of topics including the importance of non-cognitive factors such as grit, developing character traits and the role of organisational culture.  Guest, Cast & Cre...

1 week before the launch of the optimising human performance podcast, Martin introduces the first episode due in May 2024. To find out more about the podcast and the hosts, go.wavellroom.com/ophpwr Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance . This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world. For mo...

Hear from Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin in this trailer for the Optimising Human Performance Podcast. Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance . This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world. For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit: www.ophp.co.uk Connect with us:...