Habits of High Performers Podcast with James Laughlin

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with bestselling author and health journalist Bill Gifford to explore the science of heat therapy and why sauna has been a cornerstone of health and longevity for thousands of years. Bill shares insights from his new book Hot Wired , explaining what happens inside the body during heat exposure, the surprising research behind saun...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with performance scientist and health strategist Andrew Herr to explore what air travel really does to your body and how to minimise the impact of frequent flying. Andrew explains the hidden effects of altitude, inflammation, jet lag, gut health and fatigue, while sharing practical strategies to improve recovery before, during an...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with leadership strategist and author Travis Hahler to explore the neuroscience of change and why resistance isn't something to fight, it's something to understand. Travis shares practical insights from his new book Rethink Resistance , explaining why all change involves loss, how our brains respond to uncertainty, and...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with bestselling author, psychotherapist, and mental strength expert Amy Morin to explore what it really means to build resilience, overcome anxiety, and develop lasting mental strength. Amy shares practical strategies for handling stress, managing worry, building confidence under pressure, and taking ownership of your thoughts,...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Kieran Read to explore leadership, pressure, performance, and the habits that helped him become one of the greatest All Blacks captains of all time. Kieran shares lessons from legendary coaches Steve Hansen and Scott Robertson, the routines and reflection practices that fuelled his success, and how great leaders inspire beli...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Mohammed Faris to explore a different approach to productivity, one rooted in purpose, faith, and long term thinking rather than hustle culture. Mohammed shares the story behind the Productive Muslim movement, the meaning of Barakah, and how habits, gratitude, prayer, generosity, and community can help us live and perform at...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Graeme Cowan to explore what it truly means to lead with care, resilience, and emotional intelligence in high pressure environments. Graeme shares his personal journey through severe depression and burnout, and how that experience shaped his mission to help leaders build healthier, more sustainable ways of working and living...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Dmitri, founder of the One Device, to explore the connection between frequency, stress, nervous system regulation, and human performance. We dive into how sound and light therapy may help bring the body back into balance, improve recovery, support focus, and create a greater sense of calm and wellbeing.  Dmitri shares the ph...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ellie, longevity expert and wellness strategist, to explore what truly moves the needle when it comes to living longer, healthier, and stronger. We cut through the noise of biohacking trends, supplements, and wellness hype to focus on the fundamentals that matter most: movement, nutrition, recovery, sleep, and muscle.  Dr...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast , I sit down with Christine Li, procrastination coach and psychologist, to explore why procrastination is far more than just putting things off. We unpack the real cost of delay, how it disconnects us from the present moment, and why it often pulls us away from the path that matters most.  We dive into the emotional roots of procrastination,...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Monique Andrews, an expert in embodied neuroscience, to explore how the body and brain work together to shape our thoughts, emotions, and performance. We dive into why you are not a slave to your stress, anxiety, or physiology, and how simple practices like breathwork and somatic tracking can rapidly shift your state and...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Caroline to unpack something simple but powerful… your morning routine. We dive into why your morning sets the tone for your entire day, how habits become hardwired over time, and why most people overcomplicate routines and then struggle to stick to them. We explore what actually works, from building a routine that fits your...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Mike Michalowicz, one of the world’s leading thinkers on behavioural finance and the bestselling author of Profit First. We dive into the ideas behind his latest book, The Money Habit, and why financial success is far less about knowledge and far more about habits and systems. Mike explains why most people struggle with mone...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast , you’ll learn what it really takes to perform at the highest level when the pressure is relentless, the stakes are high, and there is no room to hide. Olympian Annie Kunz shares the mindset, habits, and systems that helped her go from talented athlete to Olympic heptathlete, and why mastering your inner world is often the true difference-ma...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn how to release the hidden “parking brakes” holding you back by upgrading the beliefs driving your habits, emotions, and performance. Tim Shurr, MA shares his “mind architect” approach and why one simple shift can create fast, lasting change. We break down how the subconscious influences most decisions, how to uncover blind spot...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, you’ll learn how to improve your sleep, recovery, and daily energy without adding more to your routine by tapping into passive infrared textile technology that works in the background. Seth explains how this infrared technology enhances circulation, oxygenation, and thermal regulation just through the clothes and bedding you already use. We...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Tom, the number one best selling author of My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns and High Heels , to unpack what it really looks like to live fully when life gets uncertain. Tom shares the private chapters behind his public success, including building a senior corporate career while quietly living with metastatic cancer....

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast, I sit down with Nic from Binge Free Bestie to unpack why binge eating is so common in high performers, and why it so often stays hidden behind success.  Nic shares her own recovery story, the binge restrict cycle, and how shame and perfectionism keep people stuck. We also explore why binge eating has no “look”, why quick fix tools do not wo...

In this episode of the Habits of High Performers Podcast , I sit down with Hal Elrod , the creator of The Miracle Morning , to unpack the habits, mindset, and personal responsibility that shape extraordinary lives. Hal shares the life defining moments that forged his philosophy, from being declared dead after a high speed car crash, to rebuilding his body, career, and identity from the ground up....

In this first episode of Habits of High Performers Podcast , I sit down with Caroline to explain why the podcast has evolved from Lead On Purpose and what this new chapter is really about. We talk habits over hustle, consistency over intensity, and why real performance is built quietly over time. What we cover: Why the podcast was rebranded and what listeners can expect from this new season The ha...

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Robbie Paul from Icehouse Ventures to demystify venture capital and what it really takes to back world class founders. We unpack risk and reward, bootstrapping versus raising capital, the traits behind standout leadership, and why trust and honesty are non negotiable in a long game industry. What we cover: What venture capital actually is, and wh...

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Sam Stubbs, founder of Simplicity, to unpack why simplicity is the ultimate performance advantage. In life. In leadership. And especially with money. We talk about dignity, choices, long game thinking, and how KiwiSaver could help build a fairer future for everyday Kiwis. What we cover: Why Sam founded Simplicity and the idea of being a “dignity...

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Thomas McClary, founding member and lead guitarist of The Commodores, to unpack how purpose, love, and intention can carry you through adversity, shape world class success, and keep you grounded when life gets loud. What we cover: His childhood integrating a white school in Florida, and why he chose love over bitterness How music became a bridge...

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Mary Holm, author of Rich Enough , to unpack how everyday Kiwis can build wealth simply, avoid common money traps, and focus on what actually leads to a rich life. What we cover: Why “rich enough” beats chasing more, and what money can and cannot do for happiness The two KiwiSaver choices that matter most: risk level first, low fees second Why lo...

In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Elise Balsillie from Thryv to unpack what small and medium businesses can do to keep up with the pace of AI, automation, and digital change, without losing their culture, their margins, or their sanity. What we cover: How Thryv runs a fully remote team of around 400 people across Australia and New Zealand, and the culture systems that make it wor...