Optimising Human Performance

In this episode of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast, Martin sits down with Air Commodore Robin Caine, Head of UK Military Flying Training, to explore the psychology of decision-making under pressure. Robin explains how RAF pilots are trained to remain calm in extreme situations, trust their training over emotion, and make effective decisions when time is short. The conversation explores ho...

Why do the best coaches and instructors often find it so difficult to explain exactly what makes them effective? And why do some people keep getting better while others  In this episode of Optimising Human Performance, Martin sits down with coach developer and researcher Jamie Taylor to explore the science and practice of learning, coaching, skill acquisition and high performance.  Wheth...

Are You Taking the Wrong Supplements? Theo Wiley on Genetics, Creatine and Personalised Nutrition Most people choose supplements by guesswork. They walk into a shop, pick something off the shelf, follow the same dosage as everyone else, and hope it works. But if two people have different bodies, diets, training demands, genetics, and recovery needs, why would the same supplement plan work equally...

You’re drinking more coffee. Taking more supplements. Sleeping longer when you can. Yet your energy still crashes. Your focus disappears. Your recovery feels slower. And your nervous system feels permanently switched on. In this episode of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast, human performance scientist Phil Learney unpacks why so many ambitious people feel exhausted despite investing he...

Most people think burnout is obvious. That you’ll feel it coming. The reality is, you don’t. In this episode of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast , former police officer-turned burnout-prevention coach Zane McCormack shares the story of collapsing on the way to work after years of chronic stress, emotional overload, and running on fumes without realising it. Zane explains why high performer...

Most performance problems aren’t obvious. They’re not in your training plan; they’re not in your effort. They’re in the things you consistently ignore. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Nick Barringer, performance dietitian, former Army Ranger, and expert in human performance, to break down what actually drives performance, recovery, and longevity. From nutrition fundamentals to injury preventi...

Fear is easy to talk about in theory. It is harder when the stakes are high, and you still have to think clearly, lead others, and perform. In this episode of Optimising Human Performance (OpHP), Martin I Jones speaks with Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE about building resilience, courage in the face of fear, and empowering leadership in high-stakes environments. You will learn how to stay functional und...

In This Episode Sleep is probably affecting your performance more than you think. In this episode, Martin I. Jones, performance psychologist and sleep specialist, explains how to spot sleep debt with a quick yes-or-no checklist and why most people underestimate the damage poor sleep does to focus, mood, and recovery. He breaks down the science of REM, non-REM, sleep pressure, and circadian rhythm...

What if the biggest obstacle to performing under pressure isn't the situation itself, but the way we think about it? In this episode, Martin talks to fellow psychologist and world-leading expert on pressure and adversity,  Dr. Andrew Wood , about the strategies and philosophies that can help you take control of the irrational beliefs that often hold us back. We discuss rational emotive behavi...

Former GB cyclist-turned-adventurer and solo ocean rower Annasley Park has built her life on the value of fortitude. In this episode of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast, she shares her journey, including her experiences with injury and burnout. She introduces the ‘fortitude mindset’, built on feral intelligence, visualisation, and emotion, and shares practical routines that anchored her th...

In this episode, Dr Julie Greeves, principal physiologist for the British Army and expert in applied human physiology, shares groundbreaking research on female soldier health, injury prevention, and performance optimisation. Dr. Greeves unpacks the Women in Ground Close Combat research program, and explains what it tells us about physical performance, load carriage and reproductive health. Listene...

In this episode, Martin & JP talk to Dr Allison Brager, an active-duty Army officer and neuroscientist specialising in sleep and fatigue research. Dr. Brager shares her pioneering research on how both acute and chronic sleep deprivation affect physiological, cognitive, and emotional performance, especially in high-stakes environments. She breaks down the genetic factors that make some individu...

Are you ready to unlock your full potential in high-demand situations? Join hosts Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin on the Optimising Human Performance podcast as they dive deep into the fascinating truth about  mental fatigue  with one of the world's most cited sport scientists,  Professor Samuele Marcora . Discover groundbreaking and often surprising research findings that redefine t...

In this episode, we’re talking to Harry Moffitt - SAS veteran, psychologist & human performance consultant. The physical, psychological and social pillars of human performance are well known, but Harry believes that, as a society, we have forgotten the crucial fourth pillar, our philosophical self. We discuss the importance of philosophy as a tool for navigating our uncertain world. We explore...

Episode Overview This special Christmas re-release revisits one of our most powerful conversations: Afghanistan veteran Luke Sinnott shares his extraordinary journey after losing both legs in an IED explosion. Luke opens up about the physical and psychological challenges of his rehabilitation, and the crucial role that sport and humour have played in rebuilding his life and mindset. Guest, Cast &a...

Fuel Like a Pro: Inside the Science of Endurance Nutrition with the former lead performance nutritionist for Team INEOS’s pro cycling. In This Episode Martin & JP talk to Professor Javier Gonzalez about food and how we can use it to get the most out of our bodies. They discuss dietary strategies that make a real difference to performance, the science behind popular diets, and the importance of...

In this episode of Optimising Human Performance , Martin I. Jones and Jonpaul Nevin sit down with Dr Duncan French , Senior Vice President of the UFC Performance Institute, to explore what it really takes to prepare fighters, and other high‑stakes performers, to operate in chaos. Dr French leads the global high‑performance operation for over 700 UFC athletes, with Performance Institute facilities...

Join hosts Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin for Series 3, Episode 4 of the Peak Potential podcast by OpHP (Optimal Human Performance). This episode features renowned performance psychologist Dr Dave Collins, who shares expert strategies for maximising human performance through psychological skills. Discover how elite athletes, coaches, and high-stakes professionals can harness the power of the brain...

How can athletes train smarter for long-term success? Performance coach  Chris Tombs  joins host  Martin Jones  to discuss how to build physically and psychologically resilient athletes. With more than 30 years of experience in elite sport and military performance, Chris shares insights on sustainable training, recovery, and human connection in coaching. The conversation covers...

In this episode, Martin & JP talk to Dr Meaghan Beckner about her work in biomarker research. They explore the concept of resilience and the use of biomarkers to measure physiological and psychological readiness. They discuss the potential of wearable technology, the importance of omics, and the validity of using pre-workout supplements.  Guest, Cast & Crew Dr Meaghan Beckner is a Pos...

In this episode, Martin & JP talk to Nathalie Pattyn about human performance in operational environments. They discuss the importance of rest and recovery in training, the role of robustness and the challenges of leadership in high-performance settings. Nathalie has extensive experience working in Antarctica, and the conversation explores the adaptability required to excel in that environment....

In this captivating episode of OpHP, hosts Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin sit down with the eminent physiologist Professor Andy Jones, a leading figure in endurance sports science. Discover the cutting-edge research that propelled the world's first sub-2-hour marathon, a feat where Professor Jones played a pivotal role in Nike's Breaking2 project. Professor Jones, renowned for his expertise in aer...

This episode is a deep dive into the field of periodisation with world-leading expert Professor Gregory Haff. We explore what periodisation is, why it’s important and how it can be used to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. Guest, Cast & Crew Gregory Haff is a highly respected strength scientist, researcher, strength and conditioning coach, weightlifting coach and author. His e...

World-renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Gradisar explains the truth behind some of the most commonly misunderstood topics regarding sleep, including the impact of blue light, technology and magnesium.  He also discusses the unique sleep challenges faced by high-stress professionals, and offers practical advice for helping children and adolescents to sleep better.  Guest, Cast & Crew...

Afghanistan veteran Luke Sinnot talks candidly about the experience of losing both his legs in an IED explosion and his journey through rehabilitation. He describes the physical and psychological challenges that he faced, and the pivotal role that sport and humour have played in his recovery.  Guest, Cast & Crew Luke Sinnott lost both his legs while serving as a Royal Engineers Search Adv...