Optimising Human Performance

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 high‑pressure environment, this show gives you practical, evidence‑based tools to perform at your best when it matters most. Hosted by Dr Martin I. Jones and Jonpaul Nevin, the podcast brings together world‑leading experts, cutting‑edge science, and hard‑won field experience. Martin is a sport psychologist with over 20 years of research and applied experience. He holds advanced degrees from Loughborough University and the University of Oxford, has authored more than 50 peer‑reviewed publications, and previously served as Principal Advisor for Human Performance and Human Augmentation at the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). He has also represented the UK on NATO’s Human Factors and Medicine panel. Jonpaul is a former British Army soldier with 15 ye

Optimising Human Performance is a health podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 50 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Optimising Human Performance, a health show with 50 episodes published.

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  Episode #48

  What the Breathwork Gurus Dont Want You to Know

  Aug 4, 202655 minS4

  In this episode Join us as Dylan McKay shares insights from his unique background in military bomb disposal to challenge myths around breathing techniques. This episode explores how individualised breathing behaviours influence performance, safety, and recovery in high-stakes environments. Key topics The influence of breathing behaviour under pressure and in high-stakes decision-making The importance of understanding individual differences in breathing responses to stress The myth versus reality of common breathing techniques like box breathing, physiological sighs, and nasal breathing The physiological complexity behind breath-hold skills like in freediving, and their relevance to performance The critical role of psychological beliefs and behavioural lenses in breathing interventions Risks and limitations of popular tools like capnography, Bolt score, and wearable sleep devices in performance contexts The need for self-awareness and personalised training over generic techniques How to approach breathing as a self-exploration process for better resilience and performance Guest Dylan McKay is a human performance specialist and faculty member of the Professional School of Behavioural Health Sciences. He is the founder of the Performance Breathing System®, an evidence-based approach to optimising health and operational performance through applied breathing science.  Dylan previously served as an EOD Commander in the New Zealand Special Forces and led the unit’s Human Performance Programme, with a focus on helping people operate effectively under pressure and recover from the operational demands. Today, he specialises in breathing science (not trend-led “breathwork”), using assessment-led education and breathing behavioural analysis to support practical, individualised change, particularly for people working in high-stress, high-reliability roles. Useful Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mckay1/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/rendersafe/about/   https://www.rendersafe.co.uk/   Chapters 01:14 Stress Breathing Is Individual 03:15 Dylan’s EOD Background 05:49 Why Box Breathing Took Off 08:58 Looking at Breathing Through Behavioral Lens  10:38 Defining Dysfunctional Breathing 12:47 Physiological Sigh Mythbusting 15:07 Capnography and CO2 Reality 19:49 Nasal Breathing and Mouth Taping 21:53 Airway Structure vs Behavior 25:57 Mouth Taping Risks at Night 27:29 Belief Versus Hype 28:38 Tummo Breathing 32:35 States Versus Traits 34:21 Capnography Vs Bolt Scores 37:44 Free Diving And Evidence 40:01 Breathing Bumper Stickers 41:14 Self Awareness Practice 45:33 Wearables And HRV 49:59 Box Breathing Reality 52:22 Closing Thanks And Wrap Final thoughts This episode emphasises the complexity, individuality, and psychological dimensions of breathing in high-performance settings. Dylan McKay advocates for a scientific, personalised approach grounded in self-awareness rather than relying on popular myths or quick fixes. Tune in to rethink how breathing fits into your performance puzzle. For more expert-led conversations delivering evidence-based strategies to help you perform, recover, and adapt in high-pressure environments, check out our website https://www.ophp.co.uk/ If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share & review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn .  Production Edited and produced by Bess Manley 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.

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  Episode #47

  Check Engine Lights for High Performers: How to Stay in the Game For Longer with Rob Wilson

  Jul 21, 202648 minS4

  What if the very qualities that make you exceptional are also putting your long-term health and career at risk? In this episode of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast , Martin Jones sits down with strength and conditioning coach Rob Wilson , whose clients include elite athletes, firefighters and the US Special Operations community. They explore why high performers are so good at pushing through fatigue, pain and stress—and why that's often exactly what leads to burnout, injury and declining performance later on. Rob shares his powerful "Check Engine Light" framework for recognising early warning signs before they become career-ending problems, discusses the hidden costs of constantly ignoring your body's signals, and offers practical ways to build performance longevity without sacrificing excellence. For people working in defence, emergency services, elite sport, healthcare, leadership or any high-performance profession, this conversation will change how you think about resilience, recovery and sustainable performance.  What You’ll Learn Why high performers often become experts at ignoring the very signals that matter most.  The difference between performing well today and performing well for decades.  Why burnout, injury and breakdown rarely happen overnight.  How Rob's "Check Engine Light" analogy helps identify early warning signs.  Why "self-care" often fails with high-performing professionals and the language that works instead.  How to think about recovery as performance longevity rather than weakness.  The hidden costs of relying on caffeine, nicotine and other performance aids.  Where wearable technology can genuinely help and where it can mislead.  About Rob Wilson Rob Wilson is a Human Performance Specialist with over twenty years of experience in manual therapy, coaching, and education. His work spans multiple avenues within health and human performance, including the creation of global seminars and curricula, the development of best practices, and the registration of several trademarks. Over the last decade, Rob has been a pioneer in researching and applying breath control practices for both health and high-level performance. He has shared his work with organisations such as the UFC Performance Institute, ALTIS, and U.S. and Allied Special Forces. For the past two years, Rob has worked closely with the Navy SEAL Foundation as a regular consultant, with his Check Engine Light classes serving as a component of the Continue Mission/Warrior Fitness Program. Beyond his professional work, Rob is a lifelong martial artist and surfer, as well as a devoted husband and father. When he’s not buried in research, you can usually find him on the mats, in the water, or at home with his wife and their many animals. Useful Links https://www.instagram.com/thecheckenginelight/?hl=en https://www.thecheckenginelightbook.com/ https://www.wilsonhealthandperformance.com/   Chapters 02:08 Effort Vs Rest 03:50 Debt Collector Moment 05:05 Managing Performance Costs 06:48 Nicotine as Compensation 09:14 Rituals and Reset Systems 11:17 Rob Wilson Background 13:36 Self Care Reframed 16:14 Sleep and Longevity Costs 19:34 Cost Less to Be You 20:39 Check Engine Light Concept 22:59 Dashboard Signals and Maintenance 26:43 Toughness and Dissociation 30:08 Finding Better Indicators 31:41 M3 Mind Movement Matter 33:53 Building Awareness Habits 35:24 Wearables and Calibration 41:15 HRV Scores and Context 44:56 Wrap Up and Next Steps 45:52 Love the Long Game About the Podcast For more expert-led conversations delivering evidence-based strategies to help you perform, recover, and adapt in high-pressure environments, check out our website https://www.ophp.co.uk/ If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share & review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn .  Production Edited and produced by Bess Manley 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.

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  Episode #46

  How Fast Jet Pilots Perform and Make Decisions Under Pressure with Air Commodore Robin Caine

  Jul 7, 20261 hourS4

  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 how these same principles can help leaders, athletes, business professionals, and anyone working in high-pressure environments make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and improve performance. You'll also hear about Combat Edge, the RAF's pioneering human performance programme that combines psychology, coaching, data, and leadership development to build more capable and resilient aviators. Rob Caine is an Air Commodore and 1* Head of UK Military Flying Training and a former fast-jet pilot and Qualified Weapons Instructor with over thirty years’ experience operating and leading in complex, high-risk environments. He has commanded at squadron and group level and is responsible for the performance, training, and operational readiness of future Royal Air Force aircrew. He is passionate about making UK flying training an exemplar of holistic high performance through the Combat Edge Programme. Throughout his 30 year career, Rob has operated at the sharp end of decision-making under pressure — from tactical flying at low level to leading large-scale transformation programmes within UK defence. His work focuses on improving judgement, resilience, and execution in environments where uncertainty, time compression, and consequence are constant. Rob completed the UK Higher Command and Staff Course (HCSC) in 2024, an advanced programme attended by a select cohort of senior cross-government and NATO leaders preparing for strategic-level command. He holds a Master’s degree and applies contemporary research in decision science, performance psychology, and systems thinking to his leadership and advisory work. In developing his upcoming book,  Decision Advantage , Rob has drawn not only on his operational experience but also on extended interviews with senior military leaders and high-performance practitioners. These contributors provide operational insight at the highest levels of command and performance, strengthening the book’s perspective on leadership and judgement in complex systems. Alongside his military role, Rob is the founder of Decision Systems Group, an executive advisory practice focused on Decision Quality in Complexity (DQX). Through keynote speaking, executive programmes, podcasts, and advisory partnerships, he works with senior leaders to strengthen clarity, cohesion, and strategic execution under pressure. His long-term aim is to establish Decision Quality as a practical operating system for leaders and coaches navigating modern complexity. This combination of operational command and cognitive performance expertise enables Rob to translate military-grade clarity into practical tools for corporate and public-sector leaders. Useful Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-caine-mbe/   https://www.rafnews.co.uk/   Email: Rob.Caine@DecisionSystemsGroup.Com Chapters 00:38 Meet Robin Caine 01:38 Night Goggles Scare 03:53 Trust Instruments 07:49 Action Info Control 10:18 Sit On Hands 13:42 Pressure Beyond Cockpit 15:37 Team Sport Aviation 18:11 Training Without Time 21:54 Simple Tools Win 24:27 Talent Trust Training 27:56 Potential Minus Interference 30:05 Weapons Course Struggle 30:41 Failing the Course 32:02 Perfection Myth 33:01 Risk and Learning Culture 36:15 Decision Points 37:30 Good Enough Training 38:35 Live vs Sim Debate 42:24 Combat Edge Explained 45:20 Building the Program 49:41 Future Vision and Innovation 53:57 Coaching Culture Shift 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.

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  Episode #45

  What Experts Know That They Can't Explain with Dr Jamie Taylor

  Jun 23, 202642 minS4

  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.  Whether you're leading a team, coaching others, building expertise in your profession, or simply trying to avoid becoming someone who repeats the same year of experience over and over again, this conversation will give you practical ways to think differently about learning and performance. What You’ll Learn The difference between experience and expertise Why adaptability sits at the heart of expert performance What cognitive task analysis can teach us  The role of mistakes and error-based learning Coaching and instruction under pressure Reflection, critical friends and professional development How to develop better coaches, instructors and leaders Key Takeaways Experience is not expertise Learning requires challenge Feedback drives improvement Expert knowledge is often hidden About Jamie Taylor Jamie Taylor is an Associate Professor at Dublin City University, where he co-leads CoEx|Lab. His research and applied practice is focused on improving expertise and performance in sport. As a practitioner, he works with coaches and organisations across Olympic/Paralympic, professional, academy, and international sport, translating research into tools for understanding and developing coaching practice and skill acquisition.  Useful Links Jamie’s email: Jamie.taylor@dcu.ie Jamie on LinkedIn Cognitive Task Analysis   Critical Decision Making   Link to Naturalistic Decision Making Association Chapters 01:17 Experience vs Expertise 02:53 Helping Experienced People Adapt 06:17 Making Tacit Skills Explicit 07:07 Cognitive Task Analysis 09:10 When Coaching Practice Doesn’t Reflect Reality 10:36 Error Based Learning 12:51 Desirable Difficulty 14:06 Coaching Groups at Scale 15:45 Standards and Superhumans 19:53 Pressure Transfer and Feedback 24:59 Critical Friends and Refraction 27:48 Burnout and Micro Innovations 31:00 Ethics of Experimentation 32:29 DIY Cognitive Task Analysis 35:27 Redesigning Training Big Rocks 37:59 Are Great Coaches Born 39:47 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up About the Podcast For more expert-led conversations delivering evidence-based strategies to help you perform, recover, and adapt in high-pressure environments, check out our website https://www.ophp.co.uk/ Hosted by Human Performance specialist, researcher and educator Dr Martin I. Jones. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share & review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions, or topics you'd love us to cover, email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn .  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.

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  Episode #44

  Why Your Supplements Might Not Be Working

  Jun 9, 202648 minS4

  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 well for both? In this episode, Dr Martin Jones speaks with  Theo Wiley , founder of  Myoform , about the science of personalised supplementation and why the future of performance, recovery and health may be far more individualised than the current supplement industry suggests. Theo explains how genetics, biomarkers, wearables, lifestyle data and testing could change the way we approach nutrition. He also breaks down which supplements have the strongest evidence, where people waste money, and why quality control in the supplement industry matters more than most consumers realise. This conversation is for athletes, coaches, leaders and anyone who wants to make better decisions about supplements, recovery, energy, health and long-term performance. In this episode, you’ll learn Why the same supplement can produce different results in different people How genetics may influence nutrient needs, recovery and performance Why one-size-fits-all supplement advice is often flawed Which supplements have the strongest evidence behind them How biomarkers, wearables and genetic testing could personalise health decisions Why placebo effects can still influence performance The risks of contamination and poor quality control in supplements What personalised health could look like over the next five years Why creatine, vitamin D, omega-3 and protein remain key evidence-based options About Theo Wiley Theo Wiley is a scientist, entrepreneur, and founder building at the intersection of genomics and human performance. With a background in human biosciences, he's spent a decade in biotech and gene therapies, working across neurodegenerative disorders and rare diseases. Now, as the co-founder and CEO of Myoform, he applies the principles of precision medicine to health and performance. Myoform is an AI-driven platform that combines whole-genome sequencing, blood biomarkers, wearable data, and lifestyle inputs to generate personalised supplement formulations that update over time based on an individual's biology. Based in London and operating across the UK and the US, he leads a team that turns cutting-edge science into everyday health decisions. Today, Theo is focused on proving that nutrition built around a person's own biology can optimise how they train, recover, and live. Connect with Theo: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-wiley-877457103/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theo.wiley_/ Myoform:  https://myoform.io/ Research resource mentioned:  https://examine.com/ Chapters 00:11 Do Supplements Work? 02:18 Creatine And Genetics 04:15 Four Keys To Results 05:45 Founding Myoform  07:35 Why Personalization Matters 10:04 The Microbiome  12:45 How Myoform Works 15:24 Genomics And Risk Scores 19:15 Magnesium And Placebo 21:31 Using Wearables 26:23 Traits And Injury Risk 29:34 Nootropics And Brain Boosts 35:58 Quality Control And Safety 38:34 Budget Personalisation Basics 42:15 Future Of Health Data 45:32 Closing Thoughts And Links About the Podcast For more expert-led conversations delivering evidence-based strategies to help you perform, recover, and adapt in high-pressure environments, check out our website https://www.ophp.co.uk/ Hosted by Human Performance specialist, researcher, and educator Dr Martin I. Jones. If you found this podcast valuable, please take a moment to rate, share & review.  If you have feedback, guest suggestions or topics that you'd love us to cover, then do email us at info@ophp.co.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/   Production Edited and produced by Bess Manley 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.

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