Boy George is the iconic frontman of Culture Club, celebrated for much more than his flashy style and soulful voice. Known for breaking boundaries in music and fashion, he became a symbol of self-expression in the '80s and is still going strong. Behind his unique look and bold personality is George O’Dowd, a man with stories of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery.

In this episode, George sits down with Jake and Damian to reveal the real person behind the fame. He shares memories of his early days and how challenging family dynamics, especially with his father, shaped who he is today. George also talks openly about his battles, from traumatic childhood experiences to struggles with addiction, and how each has led to valuable lessons in his life.

He dives deep into his philosophy of mind, thought, and consciousness, the core principles he credits with keeping him grounded and thriving. He also explains how he’s learned to handle public criticism, stay true to himself, and navigate life’s chaos. From joining his first band to forming Culture Club, George reflects on the magic of his musical journey and what made Culture Club so successful in a time of fast-changing culture.

With an honest look at the ups and downs, George offers insights on resilience, the importance of personal growth, and learning from both triumphs and mistakes. This episode is a powerful exploration of finding courage and embracing authenticity in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Don't miss this unmissable opportunity to see Boy George and Culture Club relive these defining albums live. Tickets are on sale now via www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk / www.ticketmaster.ie

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James Smith is a personal trainer and fitness influencer best known for posting fitness advice videos across various platforms. Known for his no-nonsense approach, James has gained a massive following for cutting through fitness myths and giving honest advice on self-improvement, both in and out of the gym.

In this episode, James joins Jake and Damian to dive deep into the most defining moments of his life, from growing up as an overweight kid to becoming a well-known figure in the fitness industry. He opens up about the challenges he faced growing up, including being bullied and dealing with fat-shaming, and how those experiences shaped his mindset today.

James also reflects on the highs and lows of his fitness journey, from his early days as a personal trainer to handling the pressures of being a fitness influencer. He offers his perspective on PEDs, fitness trends, and the hidden challenges in the industry that rarely get talked about.

James also discusses the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset and how perseverance has played a huge role in his success.

This episode offers valuable insights on building mental resilience, embracing self-improvement, and creating your own path, no matter where you start.

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If you’ve been weighed down by regrets and stuck thinking about the past, you might be wondering how to turn those feelings into something positive. In this episode, Jake and Damian tackle this very challenge, sharing insights on how to make regret a tool for growth rather than a barrier, and on how to turn negative emotions into a source of inner strength.

Through conversations with guests like Johnny Sexton, Fernando Alonso, Sir Keir Starmer, and Gabor Maté, they highlight the role of self-awareness, recognising when regret is weighing you down and understanding how it affects your life. Listen in as Jake and Damian explore the value of embracing emotions without being overwhelmed by them, offering practical ways to find peace with past mistakes.

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We welcome the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to High Performance. In this episode, Sadiq sits down with Jake and Damian for an honest and open conversation about his life, his journey, and what it means to lead a city as vibrant and complex as London. From his family’s roots in Pakistan to his path to becoming mayor, he shares insights that go far beyond politics.

Sadiq opens up about his personal background, reflecting on his parents' migration story and his own experience growing up in London. He discusses how his upbringing has shaped his values and how he’s tried to instill those same values in his own children. Sadiq also dives into the balance he maintains between his political responsibilities and personal beliefs, explaining his unique approach to decision-making.

He discusses the challenges he faces in his role, from handling the intensity of London’s mayoral responsibilities to navigating complex issues like racism and public scrutiny. He also touches on his well-known feud with Donald Trump, offering insights into how he deals with public criticism and personal attacks while staying focused on his goals.

This episode offers a fascinating look into Sadiq's background, his approach to leadership, and his ability to maintain optimism despite the challenges he faces in his political career.

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We welcome back Toto Wolff, CEO and Team Principal of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, to High Performance. Filmed at the team’s headquarters, Jake sits down with Toto to uncover the story behind his journey, the challenges of leadership at the top of F1, and the personal experiences that have shaped him into the leader he is today.

In this episode, Toto opens up about his close bond with Lewis Hamilton, from the early days of their partnership to pivotal moments that have tested their relationship, including Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes and the challenges that followed. He also reflects on the intense 2021 season, discussing how Hamilton coped with the pressures and how it shaped Mercedes’ strategy moving forward.

Beyond F1, Toto dives into his own journey, revealing how a challenging upbringing and his father’s illness fostered his resilience and emotional intelligence. He speaks openly about the role of therapy and the importance of empathy in his leadership style, which he’s continually refined to create a culture that values every individual’s best at Mercedes.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1, highlighting the human side of a high-stakes sport and the relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the face of adversity.

Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane is available now: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/458757/inside-mercedes-f1-by-whyman-matt/9781529916799

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Joe Marler is a professional rugby player known for his larger-than-life personality and candid discussions about the sport's challenges. In this episode, he joins Jake and Damian to shed light on the often-unspoken aspects of life as a rugby player, touching on his experiences, struggles, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Joe reflects on the pivotal moments in his life that shaped his understanding of purpose, especially in relation to his family. He opens up about his mental health journey during his rugby days, reflecting on a specific incident from 2016 that brought about significant self-discovery.

He also dives into his experiences with therapy, recounting his initial feelings of apprehension before meeting his therapist and how therapy has since helped him in processing his emotions and navigating the complexities of his career and personal life. Through these insights, Joe shares practical techniques that have helped him maintain his mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed.

This episode provides an honest and genuine look into the highs and lows of an athlete’s life beyond the field, exploring the personal growth that can come through vulnerability and self-acceptance.

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Anthony Scaramucci is a businessman, former White House Communications Director, and a lively personality known for his outspoken nature. In this episode, he joins Jake and Damian to chat about his brief but intense time in the White House, his career in finance, and the personal lessons he's picked up along the way.

Anthony reflects on the highs and lows of his public life, including his brief 11-day tenure in the Trump administration and the aftermath of his firing. He discusses the challenges of high-stakes politics, his reasons for publicly opposing the former president, and how these events shaped his views on resilience and integrity.

He also shares life lessons on respect, family grounding, and the value of steady effort. Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, he offers practical advice on handling criticism with humour and perspective, both in business and the public eye.

This episode dives into themes of resilience, integrity, and self-reliance, offering a unique window into the mind of someone who’s experienced the ups and downs of public life.

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John Bishop is a well-loved comedian known for his down-to-earth humour and unique storytelling style. Starting his career in the corporate world as a UK sales professional, John eventually found his way to comedy, bringing a relatable, everyman approach to his performances that resonate with audiences. Over the years, he’s won over fans across the globe with his honest, funny takes on life, relationships, and everything in between.

In this episode, John joins Jake and Damian for an open conversation about his journey from the corporate world to the comedy stage. He dives into how his early career and personal experiences shaped his comedy style, sharing funny and insightful stories from his transition into stand-up. He offers an insightful look into his mindset shift, emphasising the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to pursue passions that can lead to genuine happiness.

John also touches on how comedy saved and even transformed his personal life. He opens up about his relationship with his partner and how the challenges they faced were impacted by his career shift. With vulnerability and humour, he reflects on how comedy has deepened his relationship and changed his approach to parenting, revealing a more personal side than his fans are used to.

This episode explores the transformative power of comedy, not just as a career but as a means of personal redemption and connection.

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This episode wraps up our 'Startup to Standout' mini-series, presented in partnership with Lloyds Bank. In this final episode, Jake joins Thomas and Gemma, the passionate duo behind ‘L'Hexagone Bistro Français’, a charming restaurant that celebrates the rich flavours of French cuisine right in the heart of Norwich. The couple chat about the journey that led them to open their doors in Norwich, from their love of French cuisine to the excitement and nerves of launching their own restaurant. They open up about the inspiration behind their brand and the courage it took to break into the restaurant scene together. They also discuss balancing the demands of parenting with running a bustling restaurant, along with the tough times they faced, especially when COVID-19 hit just as they were getting started. Thomas and Gemma share the valuable lessons they’ve learned, from weathering setbacks to finding the resilience to keep going, encouraging anyone with a business idea to take the leap if their vision is clear. Lloyds Bank is here to help businesses like L'Hexagone thrive. With guidance, funding, and personalised support, they empower entrepreneurs to take that leap, whether it's opening a new location or just starting out.

Jake is also joined by Elyn Corfield, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Lloyds, to reflect on the conversations he has had during this series and discuss the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in today’s business landscape. Elyn also talks about some of the initiatives Lloyds Bank offers to support founders through those challenging early years of business

We welcome Manchester’s very own Aitch, a BRIT award-winning rapper known for his sharp lyrics, infectious beats, and down-to-earth attitude. From his early days freestyling with friends to topping the charts, Aitch has quickly become one of the most exciting voices in British music.

In this episode, Aitch opens up to Jake and Damian about his music journey, sharing how growing up in Manchester shaped his career and gave him the drive to succeed in the music industry. He discusses his creative process, turning real-life experiences into relatable tracks, and opens up about handling criticism, staying true to himself, and overcoming negativity.

Aitch also highlights the importance of having a strong support system, including his manager and sister Gracie, and his dedication to giving back to the community, especially supporting those with disabilities, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities in life. Having worked with notable artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Stormzy, and AJ Tracey, Aitch shares the valuable lessons he's gained from these collaborations and the lasting impact these experiences have had on his music career.

This episode provides a glimpse into Aitch's inspiring journey and how he remains authentic while making his mark in the music industry.

Aitch is set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Down’s Syndrome, a cause close to his heart due to his sister Gracie. If you’d like to support his charity effort, you can donate here: https://downssyndrome.enthuse.com/pf/aitch

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This week, Jake and Damian sat down with none other than the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt. As part of a very special live recording at IFS Unleashed 2024, Usain shares candid insights about his remarkable journey from early setbacks to world-record-breaking victories.

In this episode, Usain dives deep into his goal-setting process, revealing the mindset that led him to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals. Drawing inspiration from legends like Michael Johnson and Muhammad Ali, he discusses how he maintained his motivation and transformed early challenges into opportunities for success.

Reflecting on his early career, Usain talks about the immense pressure of representing Jamaica and how he handled the weight of national expectations. He also opens up about his struggles after retirement and the intense pull he felt to return to the track, highlighting the challenges of letting go. Usain recounts his journey from setbacks in 2004 to achieving a world record in 2008, highlighting how those early losses ignited his determination to succeed.

Filled with stories of triumph and lessons learned, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion, exploring the themes of perseverance and the dedication it takes to achieve greatness.

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