Optimising Human Performance

• 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 & CrewAldo 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 ManleyResourcesAldo’s book ‘Lessons from the Edge’ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lessons-Edge-Inspirational-Surviving-Adventure/dp/1529350727 https://www.instagram.com/aldokane/?hl=enhttps://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. Chapters00:17 Aldo's Background and Career Journey03:40 Challenges and Team Dynamics in Extreme Environments09:07 Physical and Mental Preparation for Expeditions16:08 Work-Life Balance and Technology's Impact22:39 Isolation Experiment in a Nuclear Bunker31:02 The Impact of Isolation on Wellbeing32:26 Dangerous Encounters with Cartels32:56 Managing Risk in Extreme Environments35:16 Inspiration from Ancient Cave Art37:30 Commonalities Across Different Societies38:32 Techniques for Handling Stressful Situations44:04 The Challenge of Endurance Events49:33 Post-Expedition Recovery Strategies53:56 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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 & CrewPam 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 ManleyResourcesEmail [email protected] 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. Chapters00:21 Pam's Journey into Addiction and Mental Health01:16 Transition to Military Work02:07 Challenges in Military Addiction Work04:33 Alcohol Culture in the Military07:06 Changing Attitudes Towards Alcohol17:42 Exploring Other Addictions20:51 Understanding Compulsive Behaviours22:14 The Role of Identity in Exercise22:34 Strange Exercise Behaviours24:27 The Impact of Social Media and Accessibility26:51 Seeking Help and Support34:21 Challenges in Overcoming Addictions37:39 Final Thoughts and ReflectionKeywords: 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 PerformanceThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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 & CrewTim 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 ManleyResourcesLinkedin 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. Chapters00:15 Introducing Tim Boughton02:35 Tim's Personal Journey with PTSD and Mental Health04:43 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions08:31 Mindfulness Techniques and Their Impact on Trauma13:47 Mindfulness in High-Performance Environments17:17 The Mind-Body Connection and Modern Mindfulness23:00 Practical Applications of Mindfulness27:28 Mindfulness in High-Stress Environments28:07 The Impact of Environment on Mindfulness29:10 The Role of Mindfulness in Daily Life30:03 Personal Experiences with Mindfulness31:32 Addressing Mental Health in the Military32:21 Challenges and Innovations in Mental Health38:01 Integrating Mindfulness into Human Performance42:09 A Guided Mindfulness Practice47:51 Overcoming Misconceptions About Mindfulness52:59 Final Thoughts and AdviceThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris Connaboy

  Episode 4 : Movement and Skill Acquisition with Dr Chris ConnaboyIn 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 & CrewDr 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 ManleyResourcesRosalind 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. Chapters00:14 Introducing Dr. Chris Connaboy01:16 Chris' Military Background and Early Questions04:34 Discovering Biomechanics and Motor Control05:31 Understanding Motor Control and Movement Variability09:45 Applying Dynamic Systems Theory in Training12:28 Real-World Examples and Practical Applications16:30 Exploring Dynamical Systems and Self-Organization20:28 Understanding Rate Limiters in Physical Performance21:31 Dynamic Systems Theory in Military Load Carriage22:12 Research Insights on Load Carriage and Injury Prevention27:18 Strength and Conditioning for Load Carriage31:07 Perception-Action Coupling Explained34:19 Challenges in Perception-Action Coupling39:57 Innovative Research in Human Performance40:25 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Unlocking Expertise with Prof Mark Williams

  Episode 3Unlocking Expertise: The Science Behind Skill Acquisition and Decision MakingIn 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 & CrewMark 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 ManleyResourcesMark’s email [email protected]’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. Chapters00:54 Mark's Research Interests and Career Journey02:59 Diving into Decision Making in High-Stress Situations06:21 The 10,000 Hours Rule and Expertise12:13 The Role of Simulators and VR in Training16:44 Transferability of Skills Across Domains23:43 Maintaining and Developing Skills28:36 The Neuroscience of Learning and Muscle Development29:32 Skill Atrophy in Different Domains30:46 Deliberate Practice and Skill Maintenance31:41 Repetition vs. Specificity in Training33:02 Stress and Performance in High-Stakes Environments35:12 Talent Identification and Development42:11 Task Generic vs. Task Specific Cognitive Skills44:42 Optimizing Learning Environments with Technology51:15 The Importance of Evidence-Based PracticeThanks for reading this week's show notesFor more information about the podcast please visit our website: www.ophp.co.uk Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ophp/and on Instagram: @ophumanperformanceFinally, please subscribe, share, and leave a review!Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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