Optimising Human Performance

Optimising Human Performance

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Optimising Human Performance episodes

  • Navigating Hostile Environments: Extreme Adventure, Mental Fortitude & Survival with 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 to big wall climbs. They explore strategies for dealing with stress, the impacts of isolation on mental health, the importance of character and the role of physical fitness. They also discuss how Aldo prepares for his expeditions and how he decompresses afterwards. 


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Aldo Kane is a world record-setting adventurer, an extreme environment specialist, and a former Royal Marine Commando sniper. With over a decade of military service that included active operations across the globe, Aldo developed a rare mix of resilience, technical skill and psychological endurance.


    Since leaving the military, Aldo has become a trusted figure behind and in front of the camera. His work spans more than 45 television and film productions, often shot in some of the planet’s most remote and hostile regions. He has operated in war zones, descended into active volcanoes, escaped Ebola outbreaks, rowed across the Atlantic and even dived on the wreck of Captain Kidd’s pirate ship. He has been held at gunpoint and charged by a black rhino, all in the line of duty for major broadcasters such as National Geographic, BBC, Discovery, Channel 4, Disney+ and more.


    A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Aldo is also an author, producer, climber, professional diver, skydiver, bodyguard and qualified medic. His first book, Lessons From the Edge, published by Yellow Kite in 2021, shares lessons drawn from a life lived at the limits.


    Aldo Kane continues to operate at the edge, where few are equipped to follow.


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Produced & edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Aldo’s book ‘Lessons from the Edge’  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lessons-Edge-Inspirational-Surviving-Adventure/dp/1529350727 
    • https://www.instagram.com/aldokane/?hl=en
    • https://x.com/AldoKane 


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.     


    Chapters

    00:17 Aldo's Background and Career Journey

    03:40 Challenges and Team Dynamics in Extreme Environments

    09:07 Physical and Mental Preparation for Expeditions

    16:08 Work-Life Balance and Technology's Impact

    22:39 Isolation Experiment in a Nuclear Bunker

    31:02 The Impact of Isolation on Wellbeing

    32:26 Dangerous Encounters with Cartels

    32:56 Managing Risk in Extreme Environments

    35:16 Inspiration from Ancient Cave Art

    37:30 Commonalities Across Different Societies

    38:32 Techniques for Handling Stressful Situations

    44:04 The Challenge of Endurance Events

    49:33 Post-Expedition Recovery Strategies

    53:56 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts




    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    59 min
  • Addressing Addiction in High-Performance Environments with Pam Diamond


    In this episode, Martin and JP discuss addiction with addiction specialist nurse, Pam Diamond, a seasoned mental health nurse with a privileged career dedicated to addiction and trauma, particularly within the military environment. Pam shares her unique insights from years working with the Royal Marines and other services, revealing the hidden struggles faced by high-performing individuals.


    We explore:

    The invisible battle: Why addiction, especially to alcohol, becomes a sneaky and often encouraged coping mechanism in demanding fields like the military.

    Beyond alcohol: Pam sheds light on other prevalent but often hidden addictions she's encountered, including gambling, pornography, and even excessive gym use.

    The changing landscape: How societal shifts, such as the rise of social media and increased health consciousness, are impacting traditional military drinking culture.

    When health becomes harmful: Identifying the tipping point where a seemingly normal behaviour transforms into a destructive compulsion.

    Breaking the silence: Practical advice for individuals recognising problematic patterns and for friends and family seeking to support those in denial.

    The path to recovery: Understanding the challenges of overcoming addiction, the importance of seeking support, and remembering your "why."


    Join us for a candid conversation that unpacks the complexities of addiction in high-stakes environments, offering hope and guidance for those grappling with these silent battles.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Pam Diamond is a mental health nurse, specialising in addiction. Her 30-year career has been split between the NHS and military settings, including the Royal Marines. Pam continues her work in addiction intervention as part of Pam Diamond Therapy.

    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk

    Produced & edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    Email [email protected]


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review. If you have feedback, guest suggestions, or topics you'd love us to cover, please email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.


    Chapters


    00:21 Pam's Journey into Addiction and Mental Health

    01:16 Transition to Military Work

    02:07 Challenges in Military Addiction Work

    04:33 Alcohol Culture in the Military

    07:06 Changing Attitudes Towards Alcohol

    17:42 Exploring Other Addictions

    20:51 Understanding Compulsive Behaviours

    22:14 The Role of Identity in Exercise

    22:34 Strange Exercise Behaviours

    24:27 The Impact of Social Media and Accessibility

    26:51 Seeking Help and Support

    34:21 Challenges in Overcoming Addictions

    37:39 Final Thoughts and Reflection


    Keywords: military addiction, alcohol abuse, high performance, hidden addiction, mental health, trauma, Royal Marines, gambling addiction, pornography addiction, gym addiction, recovery, support, Pam Diamond, Optimising Human Performance

    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    43 min
  • Mindfulness and Mental Health with Tim Boughton

    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 of mental health, with a particular expertise in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and trauma. They explore the misconceptions around mindfulness, the stigma associated with mental health, and how understanding the mind-body connection challenges existing military practices. Tim also introduces a simple mindfulness practice for listeners and offers insights around integrating these practices into various domains.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Tim Boughton is a leading expert in the field of military mindfulness and trauma. He works with elite military and commercial entities around the world to help them gain that extra margin through cognitive and behavioural science and has recently been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Middlesex in recognition of his outstanding achievements. 


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Produced and edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/timboughtonkcn/?originalSubdomain=uk  
    • To contact Tim please email the podcast at [email protected] 


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.    


    Chapters


    00:15 Introducing Tim Boughton

    02:35 Tim's Personal Journey with PTSD and Mental Health

    04:43 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions

    08:31 Mindfulness Techniques and Their Impact on Trauma

    13:47 Mindfulness in High-Performance Environments

    17:17 The Mind-Body Connection and Modern Mindfulness

    23:00 Practical Applications of Mindfulness

    27:28 Mindfulness in High-Stress Environments

    28:07 The Impact of Environment on Mindfulness

    29:10 The Role of Mindfulness in Daily Life

    30:03 Personal Experiences with Mindfulness

    31:32 Addressing Mental Health in the Military

    32:21 Challenges and Innovations in Mental Health

    38:01 Integrating Mindfulness into Human Performance

    42:09 A Guided Mindfulness Practice

    47:51 Overcoming Misconceptions About Mindfulness

    52:59 Final Thoughts and Advice



    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    57 min
  • Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy

    Episode 4 : Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy


    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 and Chris’ ground-breaking new research into gait analysis. The episode also includes practical advice on training for load carriage, the importance of individualised strength conditioning, and investigating rate limiters. 


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Dr Chris Connaboy is an eminent academic based at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago who has carried out research for NASA amongst other esteemed organisations.  As a former infantry soldier in the Black Watch, Chris has a particular research interest in training practices employed by the military, including load carriage.


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/christopher-connaboy/  
    • Linkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/connaboy/


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.    


    Chapters

    00:14 Introducing Dr. Chris Connaboy

    01:16 Chris' Military Background and Early Questions

    04:34 Discovering Biomechanics and Motor Control

    05:31 Understanding Motor Control and Movement Variability

    09:45 Applying Dynamic Systems Theory in Training

    12:28 Real-World Examples and Practical Applications

    16:30 Exploring Dynamical Systems and Self-Organization

    20:28 Understanding Rate Limiters in Physical Performance

    21:31 Dynamic Systems Theory in Military Load Carriage

    22:12 Research Insights on Load Carriage and Injury Prevention

    27:18 Strength and Conditioning for Load Carriage

    31:07 Perception-Action Coupling Explained

    34:19 Challenges in Perception-Action Coupling

    39:57 Innovative Research in Human Performance

    40:25 Final Thoughts and Future Directions


    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    46 min
  • Unlocking Expertise with Prof Mark Williams

    Episode 3

    Unlocking Expertise: 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 of experience and purposeful practice. They also explore the use of simulators, the unique challenges of maintaining skills in high-stress environments and the importance of evidence-based practices in improving performance.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Mark Williams is one of the world’s leading authorities on expertise and its acquisition in sport. He also has experience in military settings, law enforcement, aviation and medicine. He has worked in a range of academic institutions in the UK and US, including Liverpool John Moores University, University of Sydney, University of Utah and Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition. 


    Hosted by Martin Jones https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Mark’s email [email protected]
    • Mark’s bio https://psych.utah.edu/people/adjunct-faculty/mark-williams.php 
    • Mark’s popular science book  ‘The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made’ by Mark Williams & Tim Wigmore. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-How-Champions-Are-Made/dp/1529304350 
    • Anders Ericsson book ‘Peak’ https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/peak-book-anders-ericsson-9780099598473?sku=NGR9780099598473&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGH4MHwz8Nh2GQplRBPtVnN6yaRXD6UzINU6KWmIItYhW4YxiIgxVyxoCM8QQAvD_BwE 


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.    


    Chapters

    00:54 Mark's Research Interests and Career Journey

    02:59 Diving into Decision Making in High-Stress Situations

    06:21 The 10,000 Hours Rule and Expertise

    12:13 The Role of Simulators and VR in Training

    16:44 Transferability of Skills Across Domains

    23:43 Maintaining and Developing Skills

    28:36 The Neuroscience of Learning and Muscle Development

    29:32 Skill Atrophy in Different Domains

    30:46 Deliberate Practice and Skill Maintenance

    31:41 Repetition vs. Specificity in Training

    33:02 Stress and Performance in High-Stakes Environments

    35:12 Talent Identification and Development

    42:11 Task Generic vs. Task Specific Cognitive Skills

    44:42 Optimizing Learning Environments with Technology

    51:15 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice



    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    54 min
  • Optimising Human Performance With Sam Peters

    Episode 2 -  Concussion in High Performance Environments


    Martin and Jonpaul talk to award-winning author and sports journalist Sam Peters about concussion. They discuss the role of emerging technologies in diagnosing concussion in both sport and military contexts and the potentially devastating impacts of asymptomatic sub-concussive blows.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Sam Peters’ work has transformed sport’s attitude towards head injuries. He was the driving force behind the Mail on Sunday’s concussion in rugby campaign and has recently published a critically-acclaimed book on the topic, called Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth.


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Sam’s email [email protected]
    • Sam’s award-winning book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Concussed-Sports-Uncomfortable-Sam-Peters/dp/1838955771
    • Sam’s upcoming events https://www.concussed.media/events
    • Planted Community https://planted-community.co.uk/


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.    


    Chapters


    01:19 Meet Sam Peters: Background and Career

    03:08 The Rise of Professional Rugby and Injury Concerns

    06:41 Concussion Culture in Rugby

    13:34 Historical Perspectives on Head Trauma

    15:15 Military and Sports: Parallels in Head Trauma

    18:38 Technological Advances in Concussion Diagnosis

    20:53 Cultural Change and Education in Concussion Management

    25:02 Understanding CTE: Definition and Symptoms

    26:07 CTE in Sports: Research and Recognition

    28:29 Diagnosing CTE: Challenges and Advances

    30:35 Secondary Impact Syndrome: A Closer Look

    34:43 Concussion Management in Sports

    37:18 Cultural and Institutional Challenges

    40:21 Lessons from Rugby for Other High-Risk Occupations

    44:20 Future Directions and Final Thoughts



    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    48 min
  • Innovations in Performance Tech with Dr David Putrino

    EPISODE 1: 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 to mitochondrial supplements, David takes us through the tech that works and the stuff that doesn’t live up to the hype. He also shares insights from his work with high-performance athletes at Red Bull. 


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Dr David Putrino is the Director of Rehabilitation Innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System, a network of hospitals in New York City. He is also a consultant for Red Bull High Performance division, using evidence-based technologies to improve athletic performance. 


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Edited by Bess Manley


    Resources

    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-putrino-bb86aa11/ 
    • Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/putrinolab.bsky.social 
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putrino_lab/ 
    • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/abilities-research-center/about/directors 


    Thanks for tuning in. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share and review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at [email protected] or connect with us on LinkedIn.    


    Chapters

    01:46 David's Role and Research at Mount Sinai

    07:38 The rise of neuroscience

    10:05 The Hype and Reality of Brain Stimulation

    16:53 Effective Technologies for Enhancing Performance

    18:54 Mitochondrial Supplements and Probiotics

    23:18 David's Journey to Red Bull

    24:40 Meeting Andy Walsh and Red Bull Projects

    25:28 Pushing Athletes Beyond Limits

    26:06 Performance Under Pressure camps at Red Bull

    27:48 Insights from Project Endurance

    30:01 Understanding Stress and Flow

    35:35 Neuroplasticity

    38:59 Wearable Technology in Performance



    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    52 min
  • 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, why they have produced this podcast and why it is important to the community of individuals and teams working in high-stress and high stakes environments.

    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    8 min
  • Professor Steve Peters; The Chimp Paradox, Imposter Syndrome and Antecedents of Human Performance

    EPISODE 12:   The Chimp Paradox with Professor Steve Peters


    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 famous ‘Chimp Model’ and its application in high-stress environments. They explore imposter syndrome and the antecedents of high performance.


    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Professor Steve Peters is a medical doctor specialising in mental health and the functioning of the human mind. His work spans education, the national health service, the corporate world, and elite sports. He helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own unique mind and situation, and develop the skills to optimise individual performance and quality of life.


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Edited by Bess Manley

    Produced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ 


    Resources

    • Steve’s company: https://chimpmanagement.com 
    • Steve’s official website https://profstevepeters.com 
    • Steve’s Books, including The Chimp Paradox https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/


    If you’re enjoying this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit Wavell Room for their latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. 


    Chapters

    01:47 Steve Peters' Background and Career Journey

    05:03 The Chimp Model Explained

    09:29 Imposter Syndrome and Its Implications

    17:46 The Neuroscience Behind the Chimp Model

    23:28 Values and Team Cohesion in High-Performance Environments

    30:32 The Reality of Elite Sports Life

    31:45 Psychopaths in Boxing: A Unique Perspective

    33:16 Adapting and Learning in High-Stress Jobs

    34:42 The Importance of Individualized Training

    38:56 Preparing for the Unexpected

    40:36 Dealing with Trauma in Psychiatry

    46:37 Addressing Moral Injury in Extreme Jobs

    51:40 Looking to the Future: Legacy and Personal Projects

    55:59 Steve Sets An Emotional Health Challenge


    Up Next

    This is the final episode of this first series, but all 12 episodes will remain available for you to listen to. We hope to be bringing you a second series very soon. Thanks for listening.


    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    58 min
  • Professor Russell Foster; Sleep, Circadian Neuroscience & Human Performance

    EPISODE 11:  Sleep, Circadian Neuroscience & Human 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 and circadian rhythms for human performance, how the circadian system provides the time structure for life, optimising physiology and behavior, and highlight some evidence-based strategies for enhancing sleep quality and quantity.  



    Guest, Cast & Crew

    Russell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience, director of the Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute and the head of The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford. Russell’s research interests span visual and circadian neurobiology, focusing on the mechanisms by which light regulates circadian rhythms. 


    Russell has published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and books, including his recent book, ‘Life Time: the New Science of the Body Clock and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health’.  


    Hosted by Martin Jones & Jonpaul Nevin https://www.ophp.co.uk 

    Edited by Bess Manley

    Produced by Wavell Room https://wavellroom.com/ 


    Resources

    • Sir Jules Thorn Sleep & Circadian Neuroscience Institute https://www.scni.ox.ac.uk
    • Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/russell-foster 
    • ‘Life Time: the New Science of the Body Clock and How It Can Revolutionize Your Sleep and Health’ by Russell Foster https://www.pemberleybooks.com/product/the-ecology-of-vision/34916/ 
    • ‘The Ecology of Vision’ by John Lythgoe
    • ‘Blitzed’ by Norman Ohler 


    If you enjoy this content, please like and subscribe so we can keep improving. Remember to visit wavellroom.com for the latest articles, podcasts, and newsletters. 


    Chapters

    00:28 Journey into Circadian Rhythm Research

    01:56 Understanding Circadian Rhythms

    03:43 Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

    09:25 Mental Health and Sleep

    15:16 Shift Work and Health Impacts

    25:45 The Role of Light in Circadian Rhythms

    36:38 Understanding HPO and Sleep

    37:22 Strategies for Better Sleep

    37:46 The Role of Light and Relaxation

    39:06 Avoiding Sleep Disruptors

    40:48 The Importance of Routine and Naps

    43:42 Challenges of Night Shift Work

    47:17 Impact of Light on Sleep

    58:55 Food and Circadian Rhythms


    Up Next

    Next week, we’re delighted to welcome consultant psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters to discuss his work in optimising human performance. From the NHS to elite sport, Steve helps people understand how the mind works, gain insight into their own minds, and develop the skills to optimize individual performance and quality of life. We discuss his famous chimp model, imposter syndrome, and the antecedents of high performance. 



    Thanks for listening to Optimising Human Performance.

    This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

    For more about the podcast, speaking, coaching, and mentoring, visit:

    www.ophp.co.uk

    Connect with us:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/

    Instagram: @ophumanperformance

    If you found this episode useful, please share it with one colleague, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps us reach more people who operate in high‑stakes environments.


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

    1 hr 10 min

About Optimising Human Performance

From the publisher's feed

Optimising Human Performance is the podcast for people who can’t afford to fail. If you work in the military, defence and security, emergency services, first response, elite sport, or any other…

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