Our Episodes

Episode: 39

Sleep for Performance

Martin I. Jones, host of the Optimiing Performance Podcast, a performance psychologist and sleep specialist, explains why sleep is essential for performance and how to...

Episode: 38

Perspective, Pressure, and Performing Through Adversity

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...

Episode: 37

Embracing the Unknown with Solo Ocean Rower with Annasley Park

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...

Episode: 36

The Future of Female Soldiers: Training, Nutrition, and Menstrual Health in Military Optimisation

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,...

Episode: 35

Are You Born to Run on Less Sleep? A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Genes, Fatigue, and Practical Strategies for High-Stress Environments: With Dr Allison Brager

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...

Episode: 34

The Science of Mental Fatigue: Strategies for High Performance & Endurance with Prof Sam Marcora

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...

Episode: 33

From SAS Operator to Psychologist: Harry Moffitt o

In this episode, we’re talking to Harry Moffitt – SAS veteran, psychologist & human performance consultant. The physical, psychological and social pillars of human performance...

Episode: 32

Rebuilding After Catastrophe: The Power of Mindset, Sport, and Humour with Luke Sinnott

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...

Episode: 31

Fuel Like a Pro: Inside the Science of Performance Nutrition with Professor Javi Gonzalez 

The Truth About Fueling for Performance from the former lead performance nutritionist with the INEOS Grenadiers pro cycling team.

Martin & JP talk to Professor...

Episode: 30

Inside the UFC Performance Institute: Strength, Conditioning, and MMA with Dr Duncan French

What the UFC Performance Institute can teach coaches, fighters, and high‑stakes operators about training, recovery, and longevity.

In this episode of Optimising Human Performance, Martin...

Episode: 29

The Psychology of Peak Performance: How to Deliver When It Really Counts with Dave Collins. Elite insights on psychological skills, adaptability, and the power of the brain in achieving excellence under pressure

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...

Episode: 28

Building Resilient Athletes and Lasting Performance with Expert Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Tombs. How to Build Resilient, High-Performing Athletes Through Smarter Training and Coaching

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...

Episode: 27

Decoding Resilience: Biomarkers and Beyond with Dr. Meaghan Beckner. Optimising Performance and Well-being Through Biomarker Research and Cognitive Resilience

In this episode, Martin & JP talk to Dr Meaghan Beckner about her work in biomarker research. They explore the concept of resilience and the...

Episode: 36

From Antarctica to Space: Lessons in Human Optimisation with Prof Nathalie Pattyn. Essential Lessons in Performance, Resilience & Leadership

In this episode, Martin & JP talk to Nathalie Pattyn about human performance in operational environments. They discuss the importance of rest and recovery in...

Episode: 24

Professor Greg Haff: Training for Excellence. A deep dive with Professor Greg Haff on how periodisation enhances athletic potential and safeguards against injury, featuring insights for athletes, coaches, and tactical personnel.

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...

Episode: 22

Luke Sinnott: Facing Adversity, An Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Determination. A Veteran’s Story of Loss, Recovery, and Triumphs in Sport and Life

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...

Episode: 21

Brain Injury & Human Performance: Understanding Trauma, Rehabilitation & Future Technology with Professor Huw Williams. Unraveling the Complexities of Brain Trauma, Rehabilitation, and the Future of Treatment

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....

Episode: 20

Navigating Hostile Environments: Extreme Adventure, Mental Fortitude & Survival with Aldo Kane. Unlock the secrets to surviving the world’s most extreme locations with world-record setting adventurer and former Royal Marine sniper, Aldo Kane

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...

Episode: 19

Addressing Addiction in High-Performance Environments with Pam Diamond. A Deep Dive into Addiction in High Stress Professions

n this episode, Martin and JP discuss addiction with addiction specialist nurse, Pam Diamond, a seasoned mental health nurse with a privileged career dedicated to...

Episode: 18

Mindfulness and Mental Health with Tim Boughton. Exploring stress, trauma, stigma, and the mind-body connection

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...

Episode: 17

Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy. Exploring Motor Control, Perception-Action Coupling, and Gait Analysis

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...

Episode: 16

Unlocking Expertise with Prof Mark Williams. 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...

Episode: 15

Optimising Human Performance With Sam Peters. Concussion in High Performance Environments

Martin and Jonpaul talk to award-winning author and sports journalist Sam Peters about concussions. They discuss the role of emerging technologies in diagnosing concussion in...

Episode: 14

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...

Episode: 13

Meet Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin – Meet the Hosts of the Human Performance Podcast

Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin, hosts of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast, share their story, explain why they produced the podcast, and why it is...

Episode: 12

Professor Steve Peters; The Chimp Paradox, Imposter Syndrome and Antecedents of Human Performance. Functioning of the human mind

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...

Episode: 11

Professor Russell Foster; Sleep, Circadian Neuroscience & Human Performance. Sleep for Optimal 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...

Episode: 10

Professor Colin Espie; Mastering Sleep for High-Stakes Environments. 5 principles of sleep health & managing insomnia

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...

Episode: 9

Martin Brennan & Emma Higginson-Smith; The Green Room – Maximising 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...

Episode: 8

Dr Will Conkright; Feeding the Force – Tactical Nutrition

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...

Episode: 7

Dr Preston Cline; 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...

Episode: 6

Professor Daniel Gucciardi; Mental Toughness & Resilience

Martin Jones and Jonpaul are joined by human performance expert Professor Daniel Gucciardi to explore resilience as an emergent outcome in high-performance settings.

Episode: 5

Dr Rob Orr; 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...

Episode: 4

Dr Thomas Curran; 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...

Episode: 3

Tim Jacques; Leadership & Wellbeing 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...

Episode: 2

Dr Jutta Tobias-Mortlock; Next Generation Mindfulness

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...

Episode: 1

Professor Michael Matthews; The Role of Psychology in Human Performance Optimisation

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...

Fuel Like a Pro: Inside the Science of Performance Nutrition with Professor Javi Gonzalez

In this episode, we’re talking to Harry Moffitt – SAS veteran, psychologist & human performance consultant. The physical, psychological and social pillars of human performance...

Rebuilding After Catastrophe: The Power of Mindset, Sport, and Humour with Luke Sinnott

In this episode, we’re talking to Harry Moffitt – SAS veteran, psychologist & human performance consultant. The physical, psychological and social pillars of human performance...