If any sport knows how to navigate the negative effects of international travel it’s Formula 1, whose teams are frequently flying their staff across time zones and need them to be firing on all cylinders as soon as they arrive.

With over 25 years of experience working with elite athletes from Olympians to Formula 1 drivers, performance coach Pete McKnight reveals what we can learn from their approach.

He explains how travel affects our reaction times and decision-making, why your chronotype is key to your travel plan, how being a good traveller can be learned, how sunglasses help in more ways than one and why travel starts long before you leave.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

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Sporting history may be full of great comeback stories, but the 2013 America’s Cup will forever take some beating.

Oracle Team USA were 8-1 down against a dominant Emirates Team New Zealand team who needed only one more win to lift the Auld Mug and put the Americans out of their misery. In a last-gasp move to change things up, Ben Ainslie was brought in by CEO Russell Coutts to join skipper Jimmy Spithill on board. Incredibly, the momentum turned and the team reeled off eight straight wins to pull off the most remarkable turnaround.

In a special live episode of Performance People filmed in Portsmouth on board HMS Warrior during the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix weekend, all three key protagonists from Team USA - Ben, Jimmy and Russell - join host Georgie Ainslie to take us back to that time when the world was glued to events in San Francisco Bay. 

The panel recall how the team found themselves so far behind, describe the tensions inside the camp, explain why Ben was asked to join the crew, reveal the details that helped shift the momentum, articulate what it felt like to be part of this astonishing sporting drama and why that Cup sparked the inspiration for the performance sailing circuit founded by Russell Coutts, SailGP.

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In this episode, sleep evangelist and scientist Dr Sophie Bostock shares her mission to help people unlock the life-changing benefits of better sleep. Founder of TheSleepScientist.com, Sophie works with high performers in sport, business and leadership to improve recovery, reduce burnout, and enhance productivity by optimising their sleep routines. This conversation centres around her research-backed approach to “sleeping yourself to the top”—and why the modern understanding of recovery is shifting in workplaces and boardrooms alike.

We explore how elite performers are rethinking their relationship with rest, and why the age of bragging about ‘surviving on four hours’ is giving way to smarter, data-led habits. Sophie explains how wearables are helping leaders see the real-time impact of alcohol, poor sleep, and device usage on their recovery. Cultural norms are changing, and high performers are increasingly making conscious decisions to cut down on behaviours that harm their energy, focus and long-term health.

The discussion highlights the growing issue of ‘renorming’—when people get used to operating below their best without realising it. Sophie points to research from the US military showing how small amounts of missed sleep lead to significant performance declines, even when people feel they’re functioning fine. She also breaks down the neuroscience of tech addiction, and the cognitive toll of living in an always-on world, where switching off has become a skill in itself.

Sophie also opens up about her own experience with burnout—despite being a sleep expert. She candidly recounts the moment she literally ‘fell off a cliff’ after pushing too hard for too long, and how that became the catalyst to start her own business and truly live by the principles she teaches. Her story is a powerful reminder that even the most knowledgeable among us are vulnerable to the effects of overwork.

The episode closes with practical tips for listeners who want to make meaningful change. Sophie encourages busy professionals to start small, experiment with one habit at a time, and measure their results—whether through a sleep diary or wearable tech. The key, she says, is consistency and intentionality: put rest in your calendar like any other commitment. Because if it’s not scheduled, it’s unlikely to happen.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alfie Hewett joins the podcast a year after the defining moment of his career: winning his first Wimbledon singles title in 2024. After years of coming heartbreakingly close—including back-to-back final losses in 2022 and 2023—Alfie reveals how that elusive victory became an obsession. He explains the intense personal and professional journey to overcome self-doubt, external expectations, and the emotional pressure of chasing the career Grand Slam.

In an exclusive conversation, Alfie shares how his losses at Wimbledon shaped him more than any win. Those setbacks became pivotal learning moments that built resilience and reinforced belief in his ability to triumph. He opens up about the mental toll of falling just short—twice—and how he battled through frustration, exhaustion, and overwhelming pressure to finally lift the trophy in front of his family and home crowd.

The emotional cost of the win wasn’t just physical—it pushed Alfie to breaking point. He describes experiencing mental fatigue in the days leading up to Wimbledon and the careful, restorative strategy he and his team devised to manage the pressure. From sports psychology to post-6pm tennis bans in the team Airbnb, Alfie gives an inside look into the work-life balance and recovery methods that finally helped him get over the line.

The episode also explores Alfie's broader impact on the sport. He talks about using his platform to raise visibility for wheelchair tennis and inspire the next generation of athletes. From his early struggles accepting life in a chair to becoming a role model and mentor for young players —Alfie shows why his legacy goes beyond the court.

Finally, Alfie reflects on the career-defining ITF eligibility ruling that once threatened to end his professional journey altogether. He shares the relief of winning his appeal and how that experience taught him to approach life with perspective and gratitude. With one final goal in sight—Paralympic singles gold—Alfie is determined to get there with drive, perspective, and a healthier mindset.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

Hit subscribe today for the latest. 

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Georgie welcomes James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing and a seasoned Formula One strategist with decades of experience at the highest level of motorsport. From his early days on the pit wall to leading one of the most iconic teams in F1 history, James shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career and leadership style.

James reflects the moments that shaped his early career, including receiving rejection letters from ALL 11 F1 teams and how those experiences changed the trajectory of his life and led him to the helm at Williams. He opens up about the lessons learned through failure, resilience in a cutthroat industry, and the inner workings of a Formula 1 team striving for resurgence.

The conversation dives into the culture shift underway at Williams, with James revealing how he's rebuilding belief from the inside out. He discusses the importance of transparency, psychological safety and human connection in elite performance—concepts rarely associated with F1 but crucial to long-term success.

Georgie and James also explore the strategic side of the sport: how split-second decisions are made on race day, the delicate balance between data and instinct, and why leadership in the paddock requires as much emotional intelligence as technical know-how.

This is a rare behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to steer a legendary team back to glory, told by one of the sport’s most forward-thinking leaders. Whether you're an F1 fan, a team builder, or just a lover of high-performance stories, James Vowles offers a masterclass in modern leadership under pressure.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive episode recorded in the clubhouse at Wimbledon, Georgie sits down with Debbie Jevans, the first female chair of the All England Club, to explore what it really takes to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. Debbie reveals how far in advance the team plans for the Championships and the importance of testing every element before day one. From 50,000 flowers to rain-proof scheduling, it's a masterclass in precision and preparation.

Debbie talks candidly about the pressure and pride that come with the role, admitting she still pinches herself in the lead-up to Wimbledon. She shares the emotional moment when reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova returned to Centre Court and broke down in front of the honours board—her name now etched alongside her late mentor, Jana Novotná. These are the stories behind the spectacle that make Wimbledon more than just a tennis tournament.

From Rafa vs. Roger to Andy Murray’s unforgettable 2013 win, Debbie reflects on some of Wimbledon’s most iconic moments—and what they meant both personally and professionally. As she discusses Murray’s legacy, she confirms that plans are in motion for a statue to be unveiled in 2027, marking 150 years since the first Championships. She also opens up about the next generation of British talent and why the future looks bright for the home crowd.

But this is no nostalgia trip—Debbie is also driving Wimbledon forward. She talks about the delicate balance of “tradition and innovation”, from introducing electronic line-calling to the ongoing push for expansion and sustainability. That includes her vision for the club’s physical expansion plans and her belief that sport should benefit more than just its elite players.

As the countdown to this year’s Championships ramps up, Debbie shares how she personally prepares for the marathon fortnight ahead. With insights drawn from her experience at London 2012, in football and rugby union, she treats the build-up like an athlete, pacing herself to peak at the right time. There’s even time for a strawberries-and-cream confession. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Wimbledon stays both timeless and world-class.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

Hit subscribe today for the latest.

🎧 Spotify/Apple Music

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Chamberlin is the face of horse racing on ITV, the man who shepherded Gary Neville into TV and also a cancer survivor. On this week's podcast, Georgie catches up with her old Sky Sports News co-presenter, Ed, to talk about:

* Why his first attempts at presenting all tanked

* The death threats he faced at Sky Sports

* Gary Neville's relentless work ethic and how it changed his own approach

* How he would never have walked away from the biggest job at Sky Sports if it wasn't for the cancer battle that nearly claimed his life and how his approach to risk was forever altered

* Jamie Carragher's encyclopaedic knowledge of football

* Why he insists that everyone gets the teas in at ITV, even AP McCoy

They also talk about their early days at Sky Sports, how Ed transitioned from bookie to TV anchor, and the bad news his Sky Sports boss just had to share.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British tennis star Katie Boulter is heading into Wimbledon with serious momentum — a chance for a 'three-peat' win in Nottingham and a showdown with Emma Raducanu for top Brit billing.

In this week’s episode, Katie lets Georgie in on the behind-the-scenes realities of preparing for the biggest tournament of the year, what she’s learned from her power-couple fiancé, Alex de Minaur, and how the tragic news of a double cancer diagnosis in her family forced her to reassess her priorities. She shares why playing at Wimbledon makes her feel sick — in a good way — and exactly how long she spends on the physio’s bench every day.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Chadwick is one of motor racing’s most decorated female drivers, having won races and titles everywhere she’s gone. Jamie discusses her incredible experiences over the last decade, the pros and cons of being a woman in modern-day motorsport, what she’s learned from her recent time in Indy NXT, when she thinks a female driver will break into Formula One, how she’s preparing for the legendary Le Mans 24 hours and why she’s more passionate about encouraging more girls to try motorsport than in finding the next champion.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hayley McQueen is a sports broadcaster, a leading anchor on Sky Sports News, and the co-host of the Not Just Football podcast with Kelly Cates and Christine Lampard. She is also the daughter of the Manchester United and Scotland defender, Gordon McQueen, who died in 2023 from vascular dementia and pneumonia. Hayley explains her family’s battle to discover if Gordon’s death was linked to his profession, the decision to donate his brain for medical research, the struggle to find closure after his death and her wish to change football training practices in order to protect the next generation.

If today’s episode has touched something in you, and you’re finding it hard to cope, please don’t struggle alone. You can speak to someone 24/7 at Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. For grief-specific support, organisations like Cruse Bereavement Support are here to help at cruse.org.uk.

headforchange.org.uk is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting former football and rugby players affected by sports-related brain injuries, including conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and early-onset dementia. The organisation offers care, advocacy, and education to athletes and their families. It also champions independent research to enhance brain health in sports and promotes safer practices for future generations.

The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.

We love performance, which is why we’ve launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com

http://www.performancepeoplepodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/performance.people/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.